Antioxidant system within yeast peroxisome. Biochemical and physiological characterization of CbPmp20 in the methylotrophic yeast Candida boidinii

Enhancing cowpea wilt resistance: insights from gene coexpression network analysis with exogenous melatonin treatment

BACKGROUND

Cowpea wilt is a harmful disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum, leading to substantial losses in cowpea production. Melatonin reportedly regulates plant immunity to pathogens; however the specific regulatory mechanism underlying the protective effect of melatonin pretreated of cowpea against Fusarium oxysporum remains known. Accordingly, the study sought to evaluate changes in the physiological and biochemical indices of cowpea following melatonin treated to facilitate Fusarium oxysporum resistance and elucidate the associated molecular mechanism using a weighted gene coexpression network.

RESULTS

Treatment with 100 µM melatonin was effective in increasing cowpea resistance to Fusarium oxysporum. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT), and salicylic acid (SA) levels were significantly upregulated, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were significantly downregulated in melatonin treated samples in roots. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis of melatonin- and Fusarium oxysporum-treated samples identified six expression modules comprising 2266 genes; the number of genes per module ranged from 9 to 895. In particular, 17 redox genes and 32 transcription factors within the blue module formed a complex interconnected expression network. KEGG analysis revealed that the associated pathways were enriched in secondary metabolism, peroxisomes, phenylalanine metabolism, flavonoids, and flavonol biosynthesis. More specifically, genes involved in lignin synthesis, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were upregulated. Additionally, exogenous melatonin induced activation of transcription factors, such as WRKY and MYB.

CONCLUSIONS

The study elucidated changes in the expression of genes associated with the response of cowpea to Fusarium oxysporum under melatonin treated. Specifically, multiple defence mechanisms were initiated to improve cowpea resistance to Fusarium oxysporum.

Glutathione and peroxisome redox homeostasis

Despite intensive research on peroxisome biochemistry, the role of glutathione in peroxisomal redox homeostasis has remained a matter of speculation for many years, and only recently has this issue started to be experimentally addressed. Here, we summarize and compare data from several organisms on the peroxisome-glutathione topic. It is clear from this comparison that the repertoire of glutathione-utilizing enzymes in peroxisomes of different organisms varies widely. In addition, the available data suggest that the kinetic connectivity between the cytosolic and peroxisomal pools of glutathione may also be different in different organisms, with some possessing a peroxisomal membrane that is promptly permeable to glutathione whereas in others this may not be the case. However, regardless of the differences, the picture that emerges from all these data is that glutathione is a crucial component of the antioxidative system that operates inside peroxisomes in all organisms.

Probiotic potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae GILA with alleviating intestinal inflammation in a dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis mouse model

Recently, several probiotic products have been developed; however, most probiotic applications focused on prokaryotic bacteria whereas eukaryotic probiotics have received little attention. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains are eukaryotes notable for their fermentation and functional food applications. The present study investigated the novel yeast strains isolated from Korean fermented beverages and examined their potential probiotic characteristics. We investigated seven strains among 100 isolates with probiotic characteristics further. The strains have capabilities such as auto-aggregation tendency, co-aggregation with a pathogen, hydrophobicity with n-hexadecane,1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging effect, survival in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions and the adhesion ability of the strains to the Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, all the strains contained high cell wall glucan content, a polysaccharide with immunological effects. Internal transcribed spacer sequencing identified the Saccharomyces strains selected in the present study as probiotics. To examine the effects of alleviating inflammation in cells, nitric oxide generation in raw 264.7 cells with S. cerevisiae showed that S. cerevisiae GILA could be a potential probiotic strain able to alleviate inflammation. Three probiotics of S. cerevisiae GILA strains were chosen by in vivo screening with a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis murine model. In particular, GILA 118 down-regulates neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and myeloperoxidase in mice treated with DSS. The expression levels of genes encoding tight junction proteins in the colon were upregulated, cytokine interleukin-10 was significantly increased, and tumor necrosis factor-α was reduced in the serum.

Synthetic methylotrophic yeasts for the sustainable fuel and chemical production

Global energy-related emissions, in particular carbon dioxide, are rapidly increasing. Without immediate and strong reductions across all sectors, limiting global warming to 1.5 °C and thus mitigating climate change is beyond reach. In addition to the expansion of renewable energies and the increase in energy efficiency, the so-called Carbon Capture and Utilization technologies represent an innovative approach for closing the carbon cycle and establishing a circular economy. One option is to combine CO₂ capture with microbial C₁ fermentation. C₁-molecules, such as methanol or formate are considered as attractive alternative feedstock for biotechnological processes due to their sustainable production using only CO₂, water and renewable energy. Native methylotrophic microorganisms can utilize these feedstock for the production of value-added compounds. Currently, constraints exist regarding the understanding of methylotrophic metabolism and the available genetic engineering tools are limited. For this reason, the development of synthetic methylotrophic cell factories based on the integration of natural or artificial methanol assimilation pathways in biotechnologically relevant microorganisms is receiving special attention. Yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica are capable of producing important products from sugar-based feedstock and the switch to produce these in the future from methanol is important in order to realize a CO₂-based economy that is independent from land use. Here, we review historical biotechnological applications, the metabolism and the characteristics of methylotrophic yeasts. Various studies demonstrated the production of a broad set of promising products from fine chemicals to bulk chemicals by applying methylotrophic yeasts. Regarding synthetic methylotrophy, the deep understanding of the methylotrophic metabolism serves as the basis for microbial strain engineering and paves the way towards a CO₂-based circular bioeconomy. We highlight design aspects of synthetic methylotrophy and discuss the resulting chances and challenges using non-conventional yeasts as host organisms. We conclude that the road towards synthetic methylotrophic yeasts can only be achieved through a combination of methods (e.g., metabolic engineering and adaptive laboratory evolution). Furthermore, we presume that the installation of metabolic regeneration cycles such as supporting carbon re-entry towards the pentose phosphate pathway from C₁-metabolism is a pivotal target for synthetic methylotrophy.

Pex7 selectively imports PTS2 target proteins to peroxisomes and is required for anthracnose disease development in Colletotrichum scovillei

Pex7 is a shuttling receptor that imports matrix proteins with a type 2 peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS2) to peroxisomes. The Pex7-mediated PTS2 protein import contributes to crucial metabolic processes such as the fatty acid β-oxidation and glucose metabolism in a number of fungi, but cellular roles of Pex7 between the import of PTS2 target proteins and metabolic processes have not been fully understood. In this study, we investigated the functional roles of CsPex7, a homolog of the yeast Pex7, by targeted gene deletion in the pepper anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum scovillei. CsPex7 was required for carbon source utilization, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, conidial production, and disease development in C. scovillei. The expression of fluorescently tagged PTS2 signal of hexokinases and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolases showed that peroxisomal localization of the hexokinase CsGlk1 PTS2 is dependent on CsPex7, but those of the 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolases are independent on CsPex7. In addition, GFP-tagged CsPex7 proteins were intensely localized to the peroxisomes on glucose-containing media, indicating a role of CsPex7 in glucose utilization. Collectively, these findings indicate that CsPex7 selectively recognizes specific PTS2 signal for import of PTS2-containing proteins to peroxisomes, thereby mediating peroxisomal targeting efficiency of PTS2-containing proteins in C. scovillei. On pepper fruits, the ΔCspex7 mutant exhibited significantly reduced virulence, in which excessive accumulation of hydrogen peroxide was observed in the pepper cells. We think the reduced virulence results from the abnormality in hydrogen peroxide metabolism of the ΔCspex7 mutant. Our findings provide insight into the cellular roles of CsPex7 in PTS2 protein import system.

Metabolic regulation adapting to high methanol environment in the methylotrophic yeast Ogataea methanolica

Since methylotrophic yeasts such as Ogataea methanolica can use methanol as a sole carbon feedstock, they could be applied to produce valuable products from methanol, a next-generation energy source synthesized from natural gases, using genetic engineering tools. In this study, metabolite profiling of O. methanolica was conducted under glucose (Glc) and low and high methanol (L- and H-MeOH) conditions to show the adaptation mechanism to a H-MeOH environment. The yeast strain responded not only to the presence of methanol but also to its concentration based on the growth condition. Under H-MeOH conditions, O. methanolica downregulated the methanol utilization, glycolytic pathway and alcohol oxidase (AOD) isozymes and dihydroxyacetone synthase (DAS) expression compared with L-MeOH-grown cells. However, levels of energy carriers, such as ATP, were maintained to support cell survival. In H-MeOH-grown cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly elevated. Along with increasing ROS levels, ROS scavenging system expression was significantly increased in H-MeOH-grown cells. Thus, we concluded that formaldehyde and H2 O2 , which are products of methanol oxidation by AOD isozymes in the peroxisome, are overproduced in H-MeOH-grown cells, and excessive ROS derived from these cells is generated in the cytosol, resulting in upregulation of the antioxidant system and downregulation of the methanol-utilizing pathway to suppress overproduction of toxic intermediates.

Glutathione in the Nervous System as a Potential Therapeutic Target to Control the Development and Progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the motor neurons responsible for regulating muscle movement. However, the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of ALS remain poorly understood. A deficiency in the antioxidant tripeptide glutathione (GSH) in the nervous system appears to be involved in several neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the loss of neuronal cells. Impaired antioxidant defense systems, and the accumulation of oxidative damage due to increased dysfunction in GSH homeostasis are known to be involved in the development and progression of ALS. Aberrant GSH metabolism and redox status following oxidative damage are also associated with various cellular organelles, including the mitochondria and nucleus, and are crucial factors in neuronal toxicity induced by ALS. In this review, we provide an overview of the implications of imbalanced GSH homeostasis and its molecular characteristics in various experimental models of ALS.

Fatty acid composition of the methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii grown under low- and high-methanol conditions

In this study, we analysed the intracellular fatty acid profiles of Komagataella phaffii during methylotrophic growth. K. phaffii grown on methanol had significantly lower total fatty acid contents in the cells compared with glucose-grown cells. C18 and C16 fatty acids were the predominant fatty acids in K. phaffii, although the contents of odd-chain fatty acids such as C17 fatty acids were also relatively high. Moreover, the intracellular fatty acid composition of K. phaffii changed in response to not only carbon sources but also methanol concentrations: C17 fatty acids and C18:2 content increased significantly as methanol concentration increased, whereas C18:1 and C18:3 contents were significantly lower in methanol-grown cells. The intracellular content of unidentified compounds (C_n H_2n O₄ ), on the other hand, was significantly greater in cells grown on methanol. As the intracellular contents of these C_n H_2n O₄ compounds were significantly higher in a gene-disrupted strain for glutathione peroxidase (gpx1Δ) than in the wild-type strain, we presume that the C_n H_2n O₄ compounds are fatty acid peroxides. These results indicate that K. phaffii can coordinate intracellular fatty acid composition during methylotrophic growth in order to adapt to high-methanol conditions and that certain fatty acid species such as C17:0, C17:1, C17:2 and C18:2 may be related to the physiological functions by which K. phaffii adapts to high-methanol conditions.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) GS115 During Heterologous Protein Production Using a High-Cell-Density Fed-Batch Cultivation Strategy

Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) is a methylotrophic yeast that is widely used in industry as a host system for heterologous protein expression. Heterologous gene expression is typically facilitated by strongly inducible promoters derived from methanol utilization genes or constitutive glycolytic promoters. However, protein production is usually accomplished by a fed-batch induction process, which is known to negatively affect cell physiology, resulting in limited protein yields and quality. To assess how yields of exogenous proteins can be increased and to further understand the physiological response of P. pastoris to the carbon conversion of glycerol and methanol, as well as the continuous induction of methanol, we analyzed recombinant protein production in a 10,000-L fed-batch culture. Furthermore, we investigated gene expression during the yeast cell culture phase, glycerol feed phase, glycerol-methanol mixture feed (GM) phase, and at different time points following methanol induction using RNA-Seq. We report that the addition of the GM phase may help to alleviate the adverse effects of methanol addition (alone) on P. pastoris cells. Secondly, enhanced upregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was observed in P. pastoris following methanol induction. The MAPK signaling pathway may be related to P. pastoris cell growth and may regulate the alcohol oxidase1 (AOX1) promoter via regulatory factors activated by methanol-mediated stimulation. Thirdly, the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathways were not significantly upregulated during the methanol induction period. These results imply that the presence of unfolded or misfolded phytase protein did not represent a serious problem in our study. Finally, the upregulation of the autophagy pathway during the methanol induction phase may be related to the degradation of damaged peroxisomes but not to the production of phytase. This work describes the metabolic characteristics of P. pastoris during heterologous protein production under high-cell-density fed-batch cultivation. We believe that the results of this study will aid further in-depth studies of P. pastoris heterologous protein expression, regulation, and secretory mechanisms.

Redox Regulation of Homeostasis and Proteostasis in Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes are highly dynamic intracellular organelles involved in a variety of metabolic functions essential for the metabolism of long-chain fatty acids, d-amino acids, and many polyamines. A byproduct of peroxisomal metabolism is the generation, and subsequent detoxification, of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Because of its relatively low reactivity (as a mild oxidant), H2O2 has a comparatively long intracellular half-life and a high diffusion rate, all of which makes H2O2 an efficient signaling molecule. Peroxisomes also have intricate connections to mitochondria, and both organelles appear to play important roles in regulating redox signaling pathways. Peroxisomal proteins are also subject to oxidative modification and inactivation by the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species they generate, but the peroxisomal LonP2 protease can selectively remove such oxidatively damaged proteins, thus prolonging the useful lifespan of the organelle. Peroxisomal homeostasis must adapt to the metabolic state of the cell, by a combination of peroxisome proliferation, the removal of excess or badly damaged organelles by autophagy (pexophagy), as well as by processes of peroxisome inheritance and motility. More recently the tumor suppressors ataxia telangiectasia mutate (ATM) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), which regulate mTORC1 signaling, have been found to regulate pexophagy in response to variable levels of certain reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. It is now clear that any significant loss of peroxisome homeostasis can have devastating physiological consequences. Peroxisome dysregulation has been implicated in several metabolic diseases, and increasing evidence highlights the important role of diminished peroxisomal functions in aging processes.

Effect of selenium on growth and antioxidant enzyme activities of wine related yeasts

The use of supplements in the diet is a common practice to address nutritional deficiencies. Selenium is an essential micronutrient with an antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic role in human and animal health. There is increasing interest in developing nutritional supplements such as yeast cells enriched with selenium. The possibility of producing beverages, namely wine, with selenium-enriched yeasts, led us to investigate the selenium tolerance of six wine related yeasts. The production of such cells may hamper selenium toxicity problems. Above certain concentrations selenium can be toxic inducing oxidative stress and yeast species can show different tolerance. This work aimed at studying selenium tolerance of a diversity of wine related yeasts, thus antioxidant response mechanisms with different concentrations of sodium selenite were evaluated. Viability assays demonstrated that the yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii showed the highest tolerance for the tested levels of 100 µg mL(-1) of sodium selenite. The evaluation of antioxidative enzyme activities showed the best performance for concentrations of 250 and 100 µg mL(-1), respectively for the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hanseniaspora guilliermondii. These results encourage future studies on the possibility to use pre-enriched yeast cells as selenium supplement in wine production.

ROS Generation in Peroxisomes and its Role in Cell Signaling

In plant cells, as in most eukaryotic organisms, peroxisomes are probably the major sites of intracellular H₂O₂ production, as a result of their essentially oxidative type of metabolism. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that peroxisomes carry out essential functions in eukaryotic cells. The generation of the important messenger molecule hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by animal and plant peroxisomes and the presence of catalase in these organelles has been known for many years, but the generation of superoxide radicals (O₂^·- ) and the occurrence of the metalloenzyme superoxide dismutase was reported for the first time in peroxisomes from plant origin. Further research showed the presence in plant peroxisomes of a complex battery of antioxidant systems apart from catalase. The evidence available of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in peroxisomes is presented, and the different antioxidant systems characterized in these organelles and their possible functions are described. Peroxisomes appear to have a ROS-mediated role in abiotic stress situations induced by the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) and the xenobiotic 2,4-D, and also in the oxidative reactions of leaf senescence. The toxicity of Cd and 2,4-D has an effect on the ROS metabolism and speed of movement (dynamics) of peroxisomes. The regulation of ROS production in peroxisomes can take place by post-translational modifications of those proteins involved in their production and/or scavenging. In recent years, different studies have been carried out on the proteome of ROS metabolism in peroxisomes. Diverse evidence obtained indicates that peroxisomes are an important cellular source of different signaling molecules, including ROS, involved in distinct processes of high physiological importance, and might play an important role in the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis.

Molecular and biochemical characterisation of a novel type II peroxiredoxin (XvPrx2) from the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscosa

A type II peroxiredoxin gene (XvPrx2) was isolated from a Xerophyta viscosa (Baker) cDNA cold-stress library. The polypeptide displayed significant similarity to other plant type II peroxiredoxins, with the conserved amino acid motif (PGAFTPTCS) proposed to constitute the active site of the enzyme. Northern blot analyses showed that XvPrx2 gene was stress-inducible in response to abiotic stresses while gel analyses revealed that XvPrx2 homologues exist within the X. viscosa proteome. Using a yellow fluorescent reporter protein, the XvPrx2 protein localised to the cytosol. A mutated protein (XvV7) was generated by converting the valine at position 76 to a cysteine and an in vitro DNA protection assay showed that, in the presence of either XvPrx2 or XvV7, DNA protection occurred. In addition, an in vivo assay showed that increased protection was conferred to Escherichia coli cells overexpressing either XvPrx2 or XvV7. The XvPrx2 activity was maximal with DTT as electron donor and H2O2 as substrate. Using E. coli thioredoxin, a 2-15-fold lower enzyme activity was observed. The XvPrx2 activity with glutathione was significantly lower and glutaredoxin had no measurable effect on this reaction. The XvV7 protein displayed significantly lower activity compared with XvPrx2 for all substrates assessed.

Antioxidant cytoprotection by peroxisomal peroxiredoxin-5

Peroxiredoxin-5 (PRDX5) is a thioredoxin peroxidase that reduces hydrogen peroxide, alkyl hydroperoxides, and peroxynitrite. This enzyme is present in the cytosol, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and nucleus in human cells. Antioxidant cytoprotective functions have been previously documented for cytosolic, mitochondrial, and nuclear mammalian PRDX5. However, the exact function of PRDX5 in peroxisomes is still not clear. The aim of this work was to determine the function of peroxisomal PRDX5 in mammalian cells and, more specifically, in glial cells. To study the role of PRDX5 in peroxisomes, the endogenous expression of PRDX5 in murine oligodendrocyte 158N cells was silenced by RNA interference. In addition, human PRDX5 was also overexpressed in peroxisomes using a vector coding for human PRDX5, whose unconventional peroxisomal targeting sequence 1 (PTS1; SQL) was replaced by the prototypical PTS1 SKL. Stable 158N clones were obtained. The antioxidant cytoprotective function of peroxisomal PRDX5 against peroxisomal and mitochondrial KillerRed-mediated reactive oxygen species production as well as H2O2 was examined using MTT viability assays, roGFP2, and C11-BOBIPY probes. Altogether our results show that peroxisomal PRDX5 protects 158N oligodendrocytes against peroxisomal and mitochondrial KillerRed- and H2O2-induced oxidative stress.

Redox regulated peroxisome homeostasis

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous organelles present in nearly all eukaryotic cells. Conserved functions of peroxisomes encompass beta-oxidation of fatty acids and scavenging of reactive oxygen species generated from diverse peroxisomal metabolic pathways. Peroxisome content, number, and size can change quickly in response to environmental and/or developmental cues. To achieve efficient peroxisome homeostasis, peroxisome biogenesis and degradation must be orchestrated. We review the current knowledge on redox regulated peroxisome biogenesis and degradation with an emphasis on yeasts and plants.

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Conserved functions of peroxisomes include β-oxidation of fatty acids and scavenging of ROS.

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Peroxisome homeostasis is achieved by coordinating biogenesis and degradation.

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Repression of peroxisome biogenesis under oxidative stress.

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Superfluous and oxidative damaged peroxisomes are degraded by pexophagy.

Peroxisomal quality control mechanisms

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous organelles that harbor diverse metabolic pathways, which are essential for normal cell performance. Conserved functions of these organelles are hydrogen peroxide metabolism and β-oxidation. Cells employ multiple quality control mechanisms to ensure proper peroxisome function and to protect peroxisomes from damage. These involve the function of molecular chaperones, a peroxisomal Lon protease and autophagic removal of dysfunctional organelles. In addition, multiple mechanisms exist to combat peroxisomal oxidative stress. Here, we outline recent advances in our understanding of peroxisomal quality control, focussing on yeast and filamentous fungi.

Redox-regulated cargo binding and release by the peroxisomal targeting signal receptor, Pex5

In its role as a mobile receptor for peroxisomal matrix cargo containing a peroxisomal targeting signal called PTS1, the protein Pex5 shuttles between the cytosol and the peroxisome lumen. Pex5 binds PTS1 proteins in the cytosol via its C-terminal tetratricopeptide domains and delivers them to the peroxisome lumen, where the receptor·cargo complex dissociates. The cargo-free receptor is exported to the cytosol for another round of import. How cargo release and receptor recycling are regulated is poorly understood. We found that Pex5 functions as a dimer/oligomer and that its protein interactions with itself (homo-oligomeric) and with Pex8 (hetero-oligomeric) control the binding and release of cargo proteins. These interactions are controlled by a redox-sensitive amino acid, cysteine 10 of Pex5, which is essential for the formation of disulfide bond-linked Pex5 forms, for high affinity cargo binding, and for receptor recycling. Disulfide bond-linked Pex5 showed the highest affinity for PTS1 cargo. Upon reduction of the disulfide bond by dithiothreitol, Pex5 transitioned to a noncovalent dimer, concomitant with the partial release of PTS1 cargo. Additionally, dissipation of the redox balance between the cytosol and the peroxisome lumen caused an import defect. A hetero-oligomeric interaction between the N-terminal domain (amino acids 1-110) of Pex5 and a conserved motif at the C terminus of Pex8 further facilitates cargo release, but only under reducing conditions. This interaction is also important for the release of PTS1 proteins. We suggest a redox-regulated model for Pex5 function during the peroxisomal matrix protein import cycle.

Genotypic and phenotypic versatility of Aspergillus flavus during maize exploitation

Aspergillus flavus is a cosmopolitan fungus able to respond to external stimuli and to shift both its trophic behaviour and the production of secondary metabolites, including that of the carcinogen aflatoxin (AF). To better understand the adaptability of this fungus, we examined genetic and phenotypic responses within the fungus when grown under four conditions that mimic different ecological niches ranging from saprophytic growth to parasitism. Global transcription changes were observed in both primary and secondary metabolism in response to these conditions, particularly in secondary metabolism where transcription of nearly half of the predicted secondary metabolite clusters changed in response to the trophic states of the fungus. The greatest transcriptional change was found between saprophytic and parasitic growth, which resulted in expression changes in over 800 genes in A. flavus. The fungus also responded to growth conditions, putatively by adaptive changes in conidia, resulting in differences in their ability to utilize carbon sources. We also examined tolerance of A. flavus to oxidative stress and found that growth and secondary metabolism were altered in a superoxide dismutase (sod) mutant and an alkyl-hydroperoxide reductase (ahp) mutant of A. flavus. Data presented in this study show a multifaceted response of A. flavus to its environment and suggest that oxidative stress and secondary metabolism are important in the ecology of this fungus, notably in its interaction with host plant and in relation to changes in its lifestyle (i.e. saprobic to pathogenic).

Role of peroxisomes as a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling molecules

Peroxisomes are very dynamic and metabolically active organelles and are a very important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), H2O2, O2 (.-) and · OH, which are mainly produced in different metabolic pathways, including fatty acid β-oxidation, photorespiration, nucleic acid and polyamine catabolism, ureide metabolism, etc. ROS were originally associated to oxygen toxicity; however, these reactive species also play a central role in the signaling network regulating essential processes in the cell. Peroxisomes have the capacity to rapidly produce and scavenge H2O2 and O2 (.-) which allows to regulate dynamic changes in ROS levels. This fact and the plasticity of these organelles, which allows adjusting their metabolism depending on different developmental and environmental cues, makes these organelles play a central role in cellular signal transduction. The use of catalase and glycolate oxidase loss-of-function mutants has allowed to study the consequences of changes in the levels of endogenous H2O2 in peroxisomes and has improved our knowledge of the transcriptomic profile of genes regulated by peroxisomal ROS. It is now known that peroxisomal ROS participate in more complex signaling networks involving calcium, hormones, and redox homeostasis which finally determine the response of plants to their environment.

Physiological response of Pichia pastoris GS115 to methanol-induced high level production of the Hepatitis B surface antigen: catabolic adaptation, stress responses, and autophagic processes

Background

Pichia pastoris is an established eukaryotic host for the production of recombinant proteins. Most often, protein production is under the control of the strong methanol-inducible aox1 promoter. However, detailed information about the physiological alterations in P. pastoris accompanying the shift from growth on glycerol to methanol-induced protein production under industrial relevant conditions is missing. Here, we provide an analysis of the physiological response of P. pastoris GS115 to methanol-induced high-level production of the Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). High product titers and the retention of the protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are supposedly of major impact on the host physiology. For a more detailed understanding of the cellular response to methanol-induced HBsAg production, the time-dependent changes in the yeast proteome and ultrastructural cell morphology were analyzed during the production process.

Results

The shift from growth on glycerol to growth and HBsAg production on methanol was accompanied by a drastic change in the yeast proteome. In particular, enzymes from the methanol dissimilation pathway started to dominate the proteome while enzymes from the methanol assimilation pathway, e.g. the transketolase DAS1, increased only moderately. The majority of methanol was metabolized via the energy generating dissimilatory pathway leading to a corresponding increase in mitochondrial size and numbers. The methanol-metabolism related generation of reactive oxygen species induced a pronounced oxidative stress response (e.g. strong increase of the peroxiredoxin PMP20). Moreover, the accumulation of HBsAg in the ER resulted in the induction of the unfolded protein response (e.g. strong increase of the ER-resident disulfide isomerase, PDI) and the ER associated degradation (ERAD) pathway (e.g. increase of two cytosolic chaperones and members of the AAA ATPase superfamily) indicating that potential degradation of HBsAg could proceed via the ERAD pathway and through the proteasome. However, the amount of HBsAg did not show any significant decline during the cultivation revealing its general protection from proteolytic degradation. During the methanol fed-batch phase, induction of vacuolar proteases (e.g. strong increase of APR1) and constitutive autophagic processes were observed. Vacuolar enclosures were mainly found around peroxisomes and not close to HBsAg deposits and, thus, were most likely provoked by peroxisomal components damaged by reactive oxygen species generated by methanol oxidation.

Conclusions

In the methanol fed-batch phase P. pastoris is exposed to dual stress; stress resulting from methanol degradation and stress resulting from the production of the recombinant protein leading to the induction of oxidative stress and unfolded protein response pathways, respectively. Finally, the modest increase of methanol assimilatory enzymes compared to the strong increase of methanol dissimilatory enzymes suggests here a potential to increase methanol incorporation into biomass/product through metabolic enhancement of the methanol assimilatory pathway.

The impact of peroxisomes on cellular aging and death

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous eukaryotic organelles, which perform a plethora of functions including hydrogen peroxide metabolism and β-oxidation of fatty acids. Reactive oxygen species produced by peroxisomes are a major contributing factor to cellular oxidative stress, which is supposed to significantly accelerate aging and cell death according to the free radical theory of aging. However, relative to mitochondria, the role of the other oxidative organelles, the peroxisomes, in these degenerative pathways has not been extensively investigated. In this contribution we discuss our current knowledge on the role of peroxisomes in aging and cell death, with focus on studies performed in yeast.

Yeast methylotrophy and autophagy in a methanol-oscillating environment on growing Arabidopsis thaliana leaves

The yeast Candida boidinii capable of growth on methanol proliferates and survives on the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. The local methanol concentration at the phyllosphere of growing A. thaliana exhibited daily periodicity, and yeast cells responded by altering both the expression of methanol-inducible genes and peroxisome proliferation. Even under these dynamically changing environmental conditions, yeast cells proliferated 3 to 4 times in 11 days. Among the C1-metabolic enzymes, enzymes in the methanol assimilation pathway, but not formaldehyde dissimilation or anti-oxidizing enzymes, were necessary for yeast proliferation at the phyllosphere. Furthermore, both peroxisome assembly and pexophagy, a selective autophagy pathway that degrades peroxisomes, were necessary for phyllospheric proliferation. Thus, the present study sheds light on the life cycle and physiology of yeast in the natural environment at both the molecular and cellular levels.

Peroxiredoxin 5: structure, mechanism, and function of the mammalian atypical 2-Cys peroxiredoxin

Peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5) was the last member to be identified among the six mammalian peroxiredoxins. It is also the unique atypical 2-Cys peroxiredoxin in mammals. Like the other five members, PRDX5 is widely expressed in tissues but differs by its surprisingly large subcellular distribution. In human cells, it has been shown that PRDX5 can be addressed to mitochondria, peroxisomes, the cytosol, and the nucleus. PRDX5 is a peroxidase that can use cytosolic or mitochondrial thioredoxins to reduce alkyl hydroperoxides or peroxynitrite with high rate constants in the 10(6) to 10(7) M(-1)s(-1) range, whereas its reaction with hydrogen peroxide is more modest, in the 10(5) M(-1)s(-1) range. PRDX5 crystal structures confirmed the proposed enzymatic mechanisms based on biochemical data but revealed also some specific unexpected structural features. So far, PRDX5 has been viewed mainly as a cytoprotective antioxidant enzyme acting against endogenous or exogenous peroxide attacks rather than as a redox sensor. Accordingly, overexpression of the enzyme in different subcellular compartments protects cells against death caused by nitro-oxidative stresses, whereas gene silencing makes them more vulnerable. Thus, more than 10 years after its molecular cloning, mammalian PRDX5 appears to be a unique peroxiredoxin exhibiting specific functional and structural features.

Yeast methylotrophy: metabolism, gene regulation and peroxisome homeostasis

Eukaryotic methylotrophs, which are able to obtain all the carbon and energy needed for growth from methanol, are restricted to a limited number of yeast species. When these yeasts are grown on methanol as the sole carbon and energy source, the enzymes involved in methanol metabolism are strongly induced, and the membrane-bound organelles, peroxisomes, which contain key enzymes of methanol metabolism, proliferate massively. These features have made methylotrophic yeasts attractive hosts for the production of heterologous proteins and useful model organisms for the study of peroxisome biogenesis and degradation. In this paper, we describe recent insights into the molecular basis of yeast methylotrophy.

Optimization of glutathione production in batch and fed-batch cultures by the wild-type and recombinant strains of the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha DL-1

Background

Tripeptide glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) is the most abundant non-protein thiol that protects cells from metabolic and oxidative stresses and is widely used as medicine, food additives and in cosmetic industry. The methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha is regarded as a rich source of glutathione due to the role of this thiol in detoxifications of key intermediates of methanol metabolism. Cellular and extracellular glutathione production of H. polymorpha DL-1 in the wild type and recombinant strains which overexpress genes of glutathione biosynthesis (GSH2) and its precursor cysteine (MET4) was studied.

Results

Glutathione producing capacity of H. polymorpha DL-1 depending on parameters of cultivation (dissolved oxygen tension, pH, stirrer speed), carbon substrate (glucose, methanol) and type of overexpressed genes of glutathione and its precursor biosynthesis during batch and fed-batch fermentations were studied. Under optimized conditions of glucose fed-batch cultivation, the glutathione productivity of the engineered strains was increased from ~900 up to ~ 2300 mg of Total Intracellular Glutathione (TIG) or GSH+GSSG_in, per liter of culture medium. Meantime, methanol fed-batch cultivation of one of the recombinant strains allowed achieving the extracellular glutathione productivity up to 250 mg of Total Extracellular Glutathione (TEG) or GSH+GSSG_ex, per liter of the culture medium.

Conclusions

H. polymorpha is an competitive glutathione producer as compared to other known yeast and bacteria strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida utilis, Escherichia coli, Lactococcus lactis etc.) with good perspectives for further improvement especially for production of extracellular form of glutathione.

A novel fluorescent sensor protein for visualization of redox states in the cytoplasm and in peroxisomes

Reactive oxygen species are generated within peroxisomes during peroxisomal metabolism. However, due to technological difficulties, the intraperoxisomal redox state remain elusive, and the effect of peroxisome deficiency on the intracellular redox state is controversial. A newly developed, genetically encoded fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probe, Redoxfluor, senses the physiological redox state via its internal disulfide bonds, resulting in a change in the conformation of the protein leading to a FRET response. We made use of Redoxfluor to measure the redox states at the subcellular level in yeast and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. In wild-type peroxisomes harboring an intact fatty acid beta-oxidation system, the redox state within the peroxisomes was more reductive than that in the cytosol, despite the fact that reactive oxygen species were generated within the peroxisomes. Interestingly, we observed that the redox state of the cytosol of cell mutants for peroxisome assembly, regarded as models for a neurological metabolic disorder, was more reductive than that of the wild-type cells in yeast and CHO cells. Furthermore, Redoxfluor was utilized to develop an efficient system for the screening of drugs that moderate the abnormal cytosolic redox state in the mutant CHO cell lines for peroxisome assembly without affecting the redox state of normal cells.

Activation of the oxidative stress regulator PpYap1 through conserved cysteine residues during methanol metabolism in the yeast Pichia pastoris

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris can grow on methanol as sole source of carbon and energy. The first reaction in yeast methanol metabolism, catalyzed by an abundant peroxisomal enzyme, alcohol oxidase, generates high levels of H(2)O(2), but the oxidative stress response during methanol metabolism has not been elucidated. In this study, we isolated the Yap1 homolog of P. pastoris (PpYap1) and analyzed the properties of a PpYAP1-disruption strain. The PpYap1 transcription factor is activated after exposure to various reactive agents, and therefore functions as a regulator of the redox system in P. pastoris. We have also identified PpGPX1, the unique glutathione peroxidase-encoding gene in P. pastoris whose expression is induced by PpYap1. PpGpx1, but not the ScTsa1 or SpTpx1 homolog PpTsa1, functions as a H(2)O(2) sensor and activates PpYap1. This study is the first demonstration of a yeast Yap1 family protein activated during conventional metabolism.

Preserving organelle vitality: peroxisomal quality control mechanisms in yeast

Cellular proteins and organelles such as peroxisomes are under continuous quality control. Upon synthesis in the cytosol, peroxisomal proteins are kept in an import-competent state by chaperones or specific proteins with an analogous function to prevent degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. During protein translocation into the organelle, the peroxisomal targeting signal receptors (Pex5, Pex20) are also continuously undergoing quality control to enable efficient functioning of the translocon (RADAR pathway). Even upon maturation of peroxisomes, matrix enzymes and peroxisomal membranes remain subjected to quality control. As a result of their oxidative metabolism, peroxisomes are producers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may damage proteins and lipids. To counteract ROS-induced damage, yeast peroxisomes contain two important antioxidant enzymes: catalase and an organelle-specific peroxiredoxin. Additionally, a Lon-type protease has recently been identified in the peroxisomal matrix, which is capable of degrading nonfunctional proteins. Finally, cellular housekeeping processes keep track of the functioning of peroxisomes so that dysfunctional organelles can be quickly removed via selective autophagy (pexophagy). This review provides an overview of the major processes involved in quality control of yeast peroxisomes.

Yap1-regulated glutathione redox system curtails accumulation of formaldehyde and reactive oxygen species in methanol metabolism of Pichia pastoris

The glutathione redox system, including the glutathione biosynthesis and glutathione regeneration reaction, has been found to play a critical role in the yeast Pichia pastoris during growth on methanol, and this regulation was at least partly executed by the transcription factor PpYap1. During adaptation to methanol medium, PpYap1 transiently localized to the nucleus and activated the expression of the glutathione redox system and upregulated glutathione reductase 1 (Glr1). Glr1 activates the regeneration of the reduced form of glutathione (GSH). Depletion of Glr1 caused a severe growth defect on methanol and hypersensitivity to formaldehyde (HCHO), which could be complemented by addition of GSH to the medium. Disruption of the genes for the HCHO-oxidizing enzymes PpFld1 and PpFgh1 caused a comparable phenotype, but disruption of the downstream gene PpFDH1 did not, demonstrating the importance of maintaining intracellular GSH levels. Absence of the peroxisomal glutathione peroxidase Pmp20 also triggered nuclear localization of PpYap1, and although cells were not sensitive to HCHO, growth on methanol was again severely impaired due to oxidative stress. Thus, the PpYap1-regulated glutathione redox system has two important roles, i.e., HCHO metabolism and detoxification of reactive oxygen species.

Absence of the peroxiredoxin Pmp20 causes peroxisomal protein leakage and necrotic cell death

We analyzed the role of the peroxisomal peroxiredoxin Pmp20 of the yeast Hansenula polymorpha. Cells of a PMP20 disruption strain (pmp20) grew normally on substrates that are not metabolized by peroxisomal enzymes, but showed a severe growth defect on methanol, the metabolism of which involves a hydrogen peroxide producing peroxisomal oxidase. This growth defect was paralleled by leakage of peroxisomal matrix proteins into the cytosol. Methanol-induced pmp20 cells accumulated enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation products. Moreover, the fatty acid composition of methanol-induced pmp20 cells differed relative to WT controls, suggesting an effect on fatty acid homeostasis. Plating assays and FACS-based analysis of cell death markers revealed that pmp20 cells show loss of clonogenic efficiency and membrane integrity, when cultured on methanol. We conclude that the absence of the peroxisomal peroxiredoxin leads to loss of peroxisome membrane integrity and necrotic cell death.

Comparison of the thiol-dependent antioxidant systems in the ectomycorrhizal Laccaria bicolor and the saprotrophic Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Sequencing of the Laccaria bicolor and Phanerochaete chrysosporium genomes, together with the availability of many fungal genomes, allow careful comparison to be made of these two basidiomycetes, which possess a different way of life (either symbiotic or saprophytic), with other fungi. Central to the antioxidant systems are superoxide dismutases, catalases and thiol-dependent peroxidases (Tpx). The two reducing systems (thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione/glutaredoxin (Grx)) are of particular importance against oxidative insults, both for detoxification, through the regeneration of thiol-peroxidases, and for developmental, physiological and signalling processes. Among those thiol-dependent antioxidant systems, special emphasis is given to the redoxin and methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) multigenic families. The genes coding for these enzymes were identified in the L. bicolor and P. chrysosporium genomes, were correctly annotated, and the gene content, organization and distribution were compared with other fungi. Expression of the Laccaria genes was also compiled from microarray data. A complete classification, based essentially on gene structure, on phylogenetic and sequence analysis, and on existing experimental data, was proposed. Comparison of the gene content of fungi from all phyla did not show huge differences for multigenic families in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification network, although some protein subgroups were absent in some fungi.

Regulation of methanol utilisation pathway genes in yeasts

Methylotrophic yeasts such as Candida boidinii, Hansenula polymorpha, Pichia methanolica and Pichia pastoris are an emerging group of eukaryotic hosts for recombinant protein production with an ever increasing number of applications during the last 30 years. Their applications are linked to the use of strong methanol-inducible promoters derived from genes of the methanol utilisation pathway. These promoters are tightly regulated, highly repressed in presence of non-limiting concentrations of glucose in the medium and strongly induced if methanol is used as carbon source. Several factors involved in this tight control and their regulatory effects have been described so far. This review summarises available data about the regulation of promoters from methanol utilisation pathway genes. Furthermore, the role of cis and trans acting factors (e.g. transcription factors, glucose processing enzymes) in the expression of methanol utilisation pathway genes is reviewed both in the context of the native cell environment as well as in heterologous hosts.

Thein vitroeffect of hydrogen peroxide on vaginal microbial communities

This study presents a series of experiments carried out in order to elucidate the role of H2O2 in antimicrobial activity of lactobacilli. Vaginal swabs were collected from 60 premenopausal women and checked for pH and Nugent score, and Lactobacillus species were cultured, phenotyped and genotyped. The main outcome measures involved: (1) species of vaginal lactobacilli most effective in liberating H2O2, (2) minimal microbicidal concentrations of added H2O2, (3) kinetics of H2O2 liberation in relation to oxygen tension, (4) antimicrobial activity of pure H2O2 versus one produced by selected vaginal lactobacilli and the total activity of their culture supernatants. Results showed that H2O2 was liberated especially by: Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus johnsonii and L. gasseri. Hydrogen peroxide reached concentrations from 0.05 to 1.0 mM, which under intensive aeration increased even up to 1.8 mM. Microorganisms related to vaginal pathologies show varied resistance to the action of pure H2O2. Most potent inhibitory activity against bacteria and yeasts was presented by Lactobacillus culture supernate producing H2O2, followed by the nonproducing strain and pure H2O2. To conclude - the antimicrobial activity of lactobacilli is a summation of various inhibitory mechanisms in which H2O2 plays some but not a crucial role, in addition to other substances.

The significance of peroxisomes in methanol metabolism in methylotrophic yeast

The capacity to use methanol as sole source of carbon and energy is restricted to relatively few yeast species. This may be related to the low efficiency of methanol metabolism in yeast, relative to that of prokaryotes. This contribution describes the details of methanol metabolism in yeast and focuses on the significance of compartmentalization of this metabolic pathway in peroxisomes.

Plant peroxisomes as a source of signalling molecules

Peroxisomes are pleiomorphic, metabolically plastic organelles. Their essentially oxidative function led to the adoption of the name 'peroxisome'. The dynamic and diverse nature of peroxisome metabolism has led to the realisation that peroxisomes are an important source of signalling molecules that can function to integrate cellular activity and multicellular development. In plants defence against predators and a hostile environment is of necessity a metabolic and developmental response--a plant has no place to hide. Mutant screens are implicating peroxisomes in disease resistance and signalling in response to light. Characterisation of mutants disrupted in peroxisomal beta-oxidation has led to a growing appreciation of the importance of this pathway in the production of jasmonic acid, conversion of indole butyric acid to indole acetic acid and possibly in the production of other signalling molecules. Likewise the role of peroxisomes in the production and detoxification of reactive oxygen, and possibly reactive nitrogen species and changes in redox status, suggests considerable scope for peroxisomes to contribute to perception and response to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. Whereas the peroxisome is the sole site of beta-oxidation in plants, the production and detoxification of ROS in many cell compartments makes the specific contribution of the peroxisome much more difficult to establish. However progress in identifying peroxisome specific isoforms of enzymes associated with ROS metabolism should allow a more definitive assessment of these contributions in the future.

A peroxisomal glutathione transferase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is functionally related to sulfur amino acid metabolism

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells contain three omega-class glutathione transferases with glutaredoxin activity (Gto1, Gto2, and Gto3), in addition to two glutathione transferases (Gtt1 and Gtt2) not classifiable into standard classes. Gto1 is located at the peroxisomes, where it is targeted through a PTS1-type sequence, whereas Gto2 and Gto3 are in the cytosol. Among the GTO genes, GTO2 shows the strongest induction of expression by agents such as diamide, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, tert-butyl hydroperoxide or cadmium, in a manner that is dependent on transcriptional factors Yap1 and/or Msn2/4. Diamide and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (causing depletion of reduced glutathione) also induce expression of GTO1 over basal levels. Phenotypic analyses with single and multiple mutants in the S. cerevisiae glutathione transferase genes show that, in the absence of Gto1 and the two Gtt proteins, cells display increased sensitivity to cadmium. A gto1-null mutant also shows growth defects on oleic acid-based medium, which is indicative of abnormal peroxisomal functions, and altered expression of genes related to sulfur amino acid metabolism. As a consequence, growth of the gto1 mutant is delayed in growth medium without lysine, serine, or threonine, and the mutant cells have low levels of reduced glutathione. The role of Gto1 at the S. cerevisiae peroxisomes could be related to the redox regulation of the Str3 cystathionine beta-lyase protein. This protein is also located at the peroxisomes in S. cerevisiae, where it is involved in transulfuration of cysteine into homocysteine, and requires a conserved cysteine residue for its biological activity.

Functional characterisation of the iron superoxide dismutase gene repertoire in Trypanosoma brucei

Superoxide dismutases (SOD) are a family of antioxidant enzymes that function by removing superoxide anions from the cellular environment. Here, we show that the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, expresses four SOD isoforms, three of which we have validated biochemically as iron dependent, a feature normally associated with prokaryotic SODs. Localisation studies reveal that two of the enzymes are found predominantly in a parasite-specific organelle, the glycosome (TbSODB1 and TbSODB2), while the other two are targeted to the mitochondrion (TbSODA and TbSODC). Functional analysis of the SOD repertoire in bloodstream form parasites was performed using an inducible RNA interference (RNAi) approach. Down-regulation of the glycosomal SOD transcripts corresponded with a significant reduction in the corresponding proteins and a dramatic level of cell death within the population. The importance of one of the mitochondrial enzymes (TbSODA) only became apparent when parasites were exposed to the superoxide-generating agent paraquat following induction of RNAi. These experiments therefore identify essential components of the superoxide metabolising arm of the T. brucei oxidative defence system and validate these enzymes as parasite-specific targets for drug design.

Assimilation, dissimilation, and detoxification of formaldehyde, a central metabolic intermediate of methylotrophic metabolism

Methanol is a valuable raw material used in the manufacture of useful chemicals as well as a potential source of energy to replace coal and petroleum. Biotechnological interest in the microbial utilization of methanol has increased because it is an ideal carbon source and can be produced from renewable biomass. Formaldehyde, a cytotoxic compound, is a central metabolic intermediate in methanol metabolism. Therefore, microorganisms utilizing methanol have adopted several metabolic strategies to cope with the toxicity of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is initially detoxified through trapping by some cofactors, such as glutathione, mycothiol, tetrahydrofolate, and tetrahydromethanopterin, before being oxidized to CO2. Alternatively, free formaldehyde can be trapped by sugar phosphates as the first reaction in the C1 assimilation pathways: the xylulose monophosphate pathway for yeasts and the ribulose monophosphate (RuMP) pathway for bacteria. In yeasts, although formaldehyde generation and consumption takes place in the peroxisome, the cytosolic formaldehyde oxidation pathway also plays a role in formaldehyde detoxification as well as energy formation. The key enzymes of the RuMP pathway are found in a variety of microorganisms including bacteria and archaea. Regulation of the genes encoding these enzymes and their catalytic mechanisms depend on the physiological traits of these organisms during evolution.

Glutathione, Altruistic Metabolite in Fungi

Glutathione (GSH; gamma-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine), a non-protein thiol with a very low redox potential (E'0 = 240 mV for thiol-disulfide exchange), is present in high concentration up to 10 mM in yeasts and filamentous fungi. GSH is concerned with basic cellular functions as well as the maintenance of mitochondrial structure, membrane integrity, and in cell differentiation and development. GSH plays key roles in the response to several stress situations in fungi. For example, GSH is an important antioxidant molecule, which reacts non-enzymatically with a series of reactive oxygen species. In addition, the response to oxidative stress also involves GSH biosynthesis enzymes, NADPH-dependent GSH-regenerating reductase, glutathione S-transferase along with peroxide-eliminating glutathione peroxidase and glutaredoxins. Some components of the GSH-dependent antioxidative defence system confer resistance against heat shock and osmotic stress. Formation of protein-SSG mixed disulfides results in protection against desiccation-induced oxidative injuries in lichens. Intracellular GSH and GSH-derived phytochelatins hinder the progression of heavy metal-initiated cell injuries by chelating and sequestering the metal ions themselves and/or by eliminating reactive oxygen species. In fungi, GSH is mobilized to ensure cellular maintenance under sulfur or nitrogen starvation. Moreover, adaptation to carbon deprivation stress results in an increased tolerance to oxidative stress, which involves the induction of GSH-dependent elements of the antioxidant defence system. GSH-dependent detoxification processes concern the elimination of toxic endogenous metabolites, such as excess formaldehyde produced during the growth of the methylotrophic yeasts, by formaldehyde dehydrogenase and methylglyoxal, a by-product of glycolysis, by the glyoxalase pathway. Detoxification of xenobiotics, such as halogenated aromatic and alkylating agents, relies on glutathione S-transferases. In yeast, these enzymes may participate in the elimination of toxic intermediates that accumulate in stationary phase and/or act in a similar fashion as heat shock proteins. GSH S-conjugates may also form in a glutathione S-transferases-independent way, e.g. through chemical reaction between GSH and the antifugal agent Thiram. GSH-dependent detoxification of penicillin side-chain precursors was shown in Penicillium sp. GSH controls aging and autolysis in several fungal species, and possesses an anti-apoptotic feature.

Physiological role of S-formylglutathione hydrolase in C(1) metabolism of the methylotrophic yeast Candida boidinii

The methylotrophic yeast Candida boidinii exhibits S-formylglutathione hydrolase activity (FGH, EC 3.1.2.12), which is involved in the glutathione-dependent formaldehyde oxidation pathway during growth on methanol as the sole carbon source. The structural gene, FGH1, was cloned from C. boidinii, and its predicted amino acid sequence showed more than 60 % similarity to those of FGHs from Paracoccus denitrificans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and human esterase D. FGH from C. boidinii contained a C-terminal tripeptide, SKL, which is a type I peroxisome-targeting signal, and a bimodal distribution of FGH between peroxisomes and the cytosol was demonstrated. The FGH1 gene was disrupted in the C. boidinii genome by one-step gene disruption. The fgh1Delta strain was still able to grow on methanol as a carbon source under methanol-limited chemostat conditions with low dilution rates (D<0.05 h(-1)), conditions under which a strain with disruption of the gene for formaldehyde dehydrogenase (another enzyme involved in the formaldehyde oxidation pathway) could not survive. These results suggested that FGH is not essential but necessary for optimal growth on methanol. This is believed to be the first report of detailed analyses of the FGH1 gene in a methylotrophic yeast strain.

Existence of catalase-less peroxisomes in Sf21 insect cells

Catalase activity, a peroxisomal marker enzyme, was not detectable in any of the subcellular fractions of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf) 21 insect cells, although marker enzymes in other organelles were distributed in the fractions in a manner similar to that seen in mammalian cells. When a green fluorescent protein fused with peroxisome targeting signal 1 at the C-terminal (GFP-SKL) was expressed in Sf21 cells, punctate fluorescent dots were observed in the cytoplasm. The fraction where GFP-SKL was concentrated exhibited long-chain and very-long-chain fatty acid beta-oxidation activities in the presence of KCN and the density of this fraction was slightly higher than that of mitochondria. Immunoelectron microscopy studies with anti-SKL antibody demonstrated that Sf21 cells have immunoreactive peroxisome-like organelles which are structurally distinct from mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes. In contrast to peroxisomal matrix proteins, adrenoleukodystrophy protein, a peroxisomal membrane protein, was not located to peroxisomes. This suggests that the targeting signal for PMP in insect cells is distinct from that in mammalian cells. These results demonstrate that Sf21 insect cells have unique catalase-less peroxisomes capable of beta-oxidation of fatty acids.

The role of glutathione peroxidases in trypanosomatids

Reactive oxygen species are the unwanted by-products of aerobic metabolism. To protect cells against their potentially lethal effects a series of pathways have evolved that are collectively called the oxidative defence system. In most eukaryotes, catalases and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidases form the front line of defence against hydroperoxide-mediated damage. However, these activities are lacking in members of the Trypanosomatidae family of protozoan parasites. Instead these organisms contain several enzyme-mediated pathways for removal of hydroperoxides that are centred upon the unusual thiol trypanothione. Here we discuss the biochemical properties of one group of these enzymes, the non-selenium glutathione-dependent peroxidases, and outline the roles that they play in protecting the parasite against hydroperoxides associated with biological membranes.