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Papp LA, Ács-Szabó L, Póliska S, Miklós I. A modified culture medium and hyphae isolation method can increase quality of the RNA extracted from mycelia of a dimorphic fungal species. Curr Genet 2021; 67:823-830. [PMID: 33837814 PMCID: PMC8405466 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-021-01181-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The capability of RNA isolation with good efficiency and high quality is essential for a downstream application such as RNA sequencing. It requires successful cell culturing and an effective RNA isolation method. Although effective methods are available, production of the homogenous mycelia and extraction of good-quality mycelial RNA from true invasive hyphae, which penetrated into the agar plates, are difficult. To overcome these problems, the aim of this study was to develop technical modifications which allow production of homogenous mycelial biomass without extra stimuli agents and improve quality of the RNA extracted from the fungal hyphae. Our alternative culture medium was suitable for production both yeast-phase cells and hyphae of the Schizosaccharomyces japonicus and other dimorphic species, such as the Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Jaminaea angkorensis. To improve quality of the mycelial RNA, we developed an isolation procedure of the hyphal tip, which eliminated the unnecessary vacuoles-containing parts of the hyphae. To increase RNA quantity, we used glass beads in the RNA extraction protocol to achieve stronger breaking of the mycelial walls. All these modifications can also be useful for researchers working with other dimorphic fungi and can contribute to the higher comparability of the transcriptional data coming from yeast-phase cells and hyphae or even from different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Attila Papp
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lajos Ács-Szabó
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Póliska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ida Miklós
- Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
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Differential Expression of Extracellular Lipase and Protease Activities of Mycelial and Yeast Forms in Malassezia furfur. Mycopathologia 2015; 180:143-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-015-9900-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Vermelho AB, Mazotto AM, de Melo ACN, Vieira FHC, Duarte TR, Macrae A, Nishikawa MM, da Silva Bon EP. Identification of a Candida parapsilosis strain producing extracellular serine peptidase with keratinolytic activity. Mycopathologia 2010; 169:57-65. [PMID: 19672690 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-009-9231-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A yeast strain isolated from feather waste from a chicken processing plant was identified as Candida parapsilosis by biochemical tests and morphological studies. The yeast was able to grow in phosphate-buffered saline supplemented with 1% native feather as the sole carbon and nitrogen source. A keratin substrate was obtained from the feathers by dimethylsulphoxide extraction. A 20-fold concentrated culture supernatant from Candida parapsilosis grown on feathers was analysed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis containing either 1% gelatin or 1% keratin as copolymerised substrates. The presence of a single band with an approximate molecular mass of 60 kDa with gelatinolytic and keratinolytic activities was observed. This proteolytic activity was fully inhibited by phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride. These results suggest that the extracellular enzyme belongs to the serine peptidase class. This is the first report of an extracellular serine peptidase produced by C. parapsilosis with keratinolytic activity. The role of this enzyme in yeast-host interactions is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alane Beatriz Vermelho
- Laboratório Protease de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Prof Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Nishikaku AS, Ribeiro LC, Molina RFS, Albe BP, Cunha CDS, Burger E. Matrix metalloproteinases with gelatinolytic activity induced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. Int J Exp Pathol 2009; 90:527-37. [PMID: 19765107 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00663.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) modulate extracellular matrix turnover, inflammation and immunity. We studied MMP-9 and MMP-2 in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. At 15 and 120 days after infection (DAI) with virulent Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, MMP-9 was positive by immunohistochemistry in multinucleated giant cells, in mononuclear cells with macrophage and lymphocyte morphologies and also in fungal cells in the lesions of susceptible and resistant mice. Using gelatin zymography, pro- and active MMP-9 and active MMP-2 were detected in all infected mice, but not in controls. Gelatinolytic activity was not observed in P. brasiliensis extracts. Semiquantitative analysis of gelatinolytic activities revealed weak or absent MMP-2 and strong MMP-9 activity in both mouse strains at 15 DAI, declining at 120 DAI. Avirulent P. brasiliensis-infected mice had residual lesions with MMP-9-positive pseudoxantomatous macrophages, but no gelatinase activity at 120 DAI. Our findings demonstrate the induction of MMPs, particularly MMP-9, in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis, suggesting a possible influence in the pattern of granulomas and in fungal dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Satie Nishikaku
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Dos Santos ALS, Soares RMDA. Candida guilliermondii isolated from HIV-infected human secretes a 50 kDa serine proteinase that cleaves a broad spectrum of proteinaceous substrates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 43:13-20. [PMID: 15607631 DOI: 10.1016/j.femsim.2004.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2004] [Revised: 06/21/2004] [Accepted: 06/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-albicans Candida species cause 35-65% of all candidemias in the general population, especially in immunosuppressed individuals. Here, we describe a case of a 19-year-old HIV-infected man with pneumonia due to a yeast-like organism. This clinical yeast isolate was identified as Candida guilliermondii through mycological tests. C. guilliermondii was cultivated in brain heart infusion medium for 48 h at 37 degrees C. After sequential centrifugation and concentration steps, the free-cell culture supernatant was obtained and extracellular proteolytic activity was assayed firstly using gelatin-SDS-PAGE. A 50 kDa proteolytic enzyme was detected with activity at physiological pH. This activity was completely blocked by 10 mM phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF), a serine proteinase inhibitor, suggesting that this extracellular proteinase belongs to the serine proteinase class. E-64, a strong cysteine proteinase inhibitor, and pepstatin A, a specific aspartic proteolytic inhibitor, did not interfere with the 50 kDa proteinase. Conversely, a zinc-metalloproteinase inhibitor (1,10-phenanthroline) restrained the proteinase activity released by C. guilliermondii by approximately 50%. Proteinases are a well-known class of enzymes that participate in a vast context of yeast-host interactions. In an effort to establish a functional implication for this extracellular serine-type enzyme, we investigated its capacity to hydrolyze some serum proteins and extracellular matrix components. We demonstrated that the 50 kDa exocellular serine proteinase cleaved human serum albumin, non-immune human immunoglobulin G, human fibronectin and human placental laminin, generating low molecular mass polypeptides. Collectively, these results showed for the first time the ability of an extracellular proteolytic enzyme other than aspartic-type proteinases in destroying a broad spectrum of relevant host proteins by a clinical species of non-albicans Candida.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Biologia de Protistas, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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de Brito Costa EMM, dos Santos ALS, Cardoso AS, Portela MB, Abreu CM, Alviano CS, Hagler AN, de Araújo Soares RM. Heterogeneity of metallo and serine extracellular proteinases in oral clinical isolates of Candida albicans in HIV-positive and healthy children from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. FEMS IMMUNOLOGY AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2003; 38:173-80. [PMID: 13129652 DOI: 10.1016/s0928-8244(03)00145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Candida yeasts frequently cause life-threatening systemic infections in immunocompromised hosts. In the present study, gelatin-SDS-PAGE analysis was used to characterize extracellular proteinases in 44 oral clinical isolates of Candida albicans from HIV-positive (29/50) and healthy children (15/50). Our survey indicates that these oral clinical isolates of C. albicans have complex extracellular proteolytic activity profiles, which illustrates the heterogeneity of this species. We showed four distinct proteolytic patterns composed of distinct serine (30-58 kDa) and metalloproteinase (64-95 kDa) activities, based on the inhibition profile with phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and 1,10-phenanthroline, respectively. This is the first report on secreted serine and metalloproteinases present in the culture supernatant fluids of C. albicans; however, we did not observe a significant correlation between proteolytic profile expressed by the C. albicans isolates from HIV-positive children and CD4(+) T cell count and plasma viral load.
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de Assis CM, Gandra RF, Gambale W, Shimizu MT, Paula CR. Biosynthesis of chondroitinase and hyaluronidase by different strains of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. J Med Microbiol 2003; 52:479-481. [PMID: 12748266 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.04933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The biosynthesis of chondroitinase and hyaluronidase by different isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was investigated in 20 strains isolated from patients (17 strains), a penguin (Pygocelis adeliae, one strain), an armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus, one strain) and the environment (dog food, one strain). All the P. brasiliensis isolates studied had the ability to produce chondroitinase and hyaluronidase, although differences in colony morphology and enzyme production were detected among them. These results suggest that further investigations should be carried out in the clinical field in order to clarify the potential role of P. brasiliensis enzyme production in the pathogenesis of paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M de Assis
- Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 2Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil 3Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil#dReceived 3 April 2002 Accepted 5 February 2003
| | - R F Gandra
- Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 2Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil 3Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil#dReceived 3 April 2002 Accepted 5 February 2003
| | - W Gambale
- Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 2Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil 3Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil#dReceived 3 April 2002 Accepted 5 February 2003
| | - M T Shimizu
- Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 2Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil 3Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil#dReceived 3 April 2002 Accepted 5 February 2003
| | - C R Paula
- Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 2Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil 3Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil#dReceived 3 April 2002 Accepted 5 February 2003
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Abstract
Fungal infections, especially those caused by opportunistic species, have become substantially more common in recent decades. Numerous species cause human infections, and several new human pathogens are discovered yearly. This situation has created an increasing interest in fungal taxonomy and has led to the development of new methods and approaches to fungal biosystematics which have promoted important practical advances in identification procedures. However, the significance of some data provided by the new approaches is still unclear, and results drawn from such studies may even increase nomenclatural confusion. Analyses of rRNA and rDNA sequences constitute an important complement of the morphological criteria needed to allow clinical fungi to be more easily identified and placed on a single phylogenetic tree. Most of the pathogenic fungi so far described belong to the kingdom Fungi; two belong to the kingdom Chromista. Within the Fungi, they are distributed in three phyla and in 15 orders (Pneumocystidales, Saccharomycetales, Dothideales, Sordariales, Onygenales, Eurotiales, Hypocreales, Ophiostomatales, Microascales, Tremellales, Poriales, Stereales, Agaricales, Schizophyllales, and Ustilaginales).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guarro
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain.
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Kurokawa CS, Sugizaki MF, Peraçoli MT. Virulence factors in fungi of systemic mycoses. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 1998; 40:125-35. [PMID: 9830725 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46651998000300001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi that cause systemic mycoses retain several factors which allow their growth in adverse conditions provided by the host, leading to the establishment of the parasitic relationship and contributing to disease development. These factors are known as virulence factors which favor the infection process and the pathogenesis of the mycoses. The present study evaluates the virulence factors of pathogenic fungi such as Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in terms of thermotolerance, dimorphism, capsule or cell wall components as well as enzyme production. Virulence factors favor fungal adhesion, colonization, dissemination and the ability to survive in hostile environments and elude the immune response mechanisms of the host. Both the virulence factors presented by different fungi and the defense mechanisms provided by the host require action and interaction of complex processes whose knowledge allows a better understanding of the pathogenesis of systemic mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Kurokawa
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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Sano A, Tanaka R, Nishimura K, Kurokawa CS, Coelho KLR, Franco M, Montenegro MR, Miyaji M. Characteristics of 17 Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates. MYCOSCIENCE 1997. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02460845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Muotoe-Okafor FA, Gugnani HC, Obidoa OO. Extracellular proteolytic enzyme activity of Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii. Mycopathologia 1996; 133:129-33. [PMID: 8817930 DOI: 10.1007/bf02373018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii is the etiological agent of African histoplasmosis, an important deep mycosis in West Africa. Not much is known about the physiological properties of this fungus. This communication reports on the extracellular proteolytic enzyme activity of this fungus. Five isolates of this fungus tested hydrolyzed azocasein and bovine serum albumin at pH 6.8 and 8.0. Assay of the crude enzyme showed that proteolytic activity increased with age and peaked on the 10th day and then again on the 13th day for the yeast form, and on the 11th day of growth for the mycelial form. The optimum temperature and pH for maximum enzyme activity were 35 degrees C and 6.8 respectively. The proteinase activity was more pronounced with the yeast form than with the mycelial form. The action of enzyme inhibitors suggested the presence of an aspartyl proteinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Muotoe-Okafor
- Department of Applied Microbiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Nigeria
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