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Puccia R, Taborda CP. The story of Paracoccidiodes gp43. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:2543-2550. [PMID: 37052751 PMCID: PMC10689671 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00962-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This review is about Dr. Luiz Rodolpho Raja Gabaglia Travassos' scientific contributions to paracoccidioidomycosis as told by myself, Rosana Puccia, but co-written with Dr. Carlos P. Taborda, my younger scientific brother, collaborator, and dear friend. Dr. Travassos' pioneer papers and scientific insights covering biochemistry, immunology, cell biology, and molecular biology in the paracoccidiodomycosis area are key contributions that we acknowledge here, with focus on the Paracoccidioides antigen gp43. Importantly, we tell some personal stories behind the scene. Dr. Travassos' contribution to science is available in a number of quality publications, while his influence to hundreds of people who gravitated around him will be kept alive inside each one of us forever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Puccia
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Imunologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina-Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Peleschi Taborda
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (ICB-USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
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Silva LOS, Moreira TR, Gonçales RA, Tomazett MV, Parente-Rocha JA, Mattos K, Paccez JD, Ruiz OH, Pereira M, Soares CMDA, Weber SS, Cruz-Leite VRM, Borges CL. Paracoccidioides lutzii Formamidase Contributes to Fungal Survival in Macrophages. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10102011. [PMID: 36296287 PMCID: PMC9608497 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10102011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for microorganisms that compose essential biomolecules. However, hosts limit this nutrient as a strategy to counter infections, therefore, pathogens use adaptive mechanisms to uptake nitrogen from alternative sources. In fungi, nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) activates transcription factors to acquire nitrogen from alternative sources when preferential sources are absent. Formamidase has been related to nitrogen depletion in Aspergillus nidulans through formamide degradation to use the released ammonia as a nitrogen source. In Paracoccidioides spp., formamidase is highly expressed in transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Here, we aim to investigate the importance of formamidase to Paracoccidioides lutzii. Thereby, we developed a P. lutzii silenced strain of fmd gene (AsFmd) by antisense RNA technology using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT). The AsFmd strain led to increased urease expression, an enzyme related to nitrogen assimilation in other fungi, suggesting that P. lutzii might explore urease as an alternative route for ammonia metabolism as a nitrogen source. Moreover, formamidase was important for fungal survival inside macrophages, as fungal recovery after macrophage infection was lower in AsFmd compared to wild-type (WT) strain. Our findings suggest potential alternatives of nitrogen acquisition regulation in P. lutzii, evidencing formamidase influence in fungal virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana O’Hara Souza Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Thalison Rodrigues Moreira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Relber Aguiar Gonçales
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4700-000 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4800-000 Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Vieira Tomazett
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alves Parente-Rocha
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Karine Mattos
- Bioscience Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Juliano Domiraci Paccez
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Orville Hernandez Ruiz
- MICROBA Research Group—Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit—CIB, School of Microbiology, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Maristela Pereira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Simone Schneider Weber
- Bioscience Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Rafaela Milhomem Cruz-Leite
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: (V.R.M.C.-L.); (C.L.B.); Tel.: +55-62-3521-1110 (C.L.B.)
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: (V.R.M.C.-L.); (C.L.B.); Tel.: +55-62-3521-1110 (C.L.B.)
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Virulence factors of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis as therapeutic targets: a review. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2020; 113:593-604. [PMID: 31902009 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-019-01382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidiodomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii. The disease requires long and complicated treatment. The aim of this review is to address the fungal virulence factors that could be the target of the development of new drugs for PCM treatment. Virulence factors favoring the process of fungal infection and pathogenicity are considered as a microbial attribute associated with host susceptibility. P. brasiliensis has some known virulence factors which are 43 kDa glycoprotein (gp 43) which is an important fungal antigen, 70 kDa glycoprotein (gp 70), the carbohydrates constituting the fungal cell wall α-1,3, glucan and β-1,3-glucan, cell adhesion molecules and the presence of melanin pigments. The discovery and development of drugs that interact with these factors, such as inhibitors of β-1,3-glucan, reduced synthesis of gp 43, inhibitors of melanin production, is of great importance for the treatment of PCM. The study of virulence factors favors the understanding of pathogen-host relationships, aiming to evaluate the possibility of developing new therapeutic targets and mechanisms that these molecules play in the infectious process, favoring the design of a more specific treatment for this disease.
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Cezar-Dos-Santos F, Lenhard-Vidal A, Assolini JP, de Souza Marquez A, Ono MA, Itano EN. Paracoccidioides restrepiensis B339 (PS3) and P. lutzii LDR2 yeast cells and soluble components display in vitro hemolytic and hemagglutinating activities on human erythrocytes. Microbiol Immunol 2018; 62:436-443. [PMID: 29733463 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by thermodimorfic fungi of Paracoccidioides species complex. Several pathogenic fungi produce hemagglutinins and hemolysins, which are virulence factors involved in adhesion of pathogens to host tissues or cells and in destruction of erythrocytes. The present research investigated hemolytic and hemagglutinating activities of yeast cells and soluble components from P. restrepiensis (PS3; former P. brasiliensis B339) and P. lutzii (LDR2). Different concentrations of live and heat-killed yeast cells and soluble components from cell free antigen preparation (CFA) (native or heated - 56 and 100 °C, 30 min) were mixed with 1% human erythrocyte suspension. Yeast cells from both species caused hemolysis, but P. lutzii LDR2 was more hemolytic than P. restrepiensis B339, while the opposite phenomena occurred with soluble components in most conditions. Live or heat-killed yeast cells of both fungi agglutinated erythrocytes, but only heated soluble components from P. restrepiensis B339 showed hemagglutinating activity. In conclusion, yeast cells of P. restrepiensis B339 and P. lutzii LDR2 produce hemolysins and hemagglutinins, which most likely are more restricted to yeast cells in P. lutzii LDR2 and are more released in soluble form byP. restrepiensis B339, requiring further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Cezar-Dos-Santos
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
| | - Adriane Lenhard-Vidal
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
| | - João Paulo Assolini
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
| | - Audrey de Souza Marquez
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Northern Paraná, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Av. Paris, 675 - Parque Res. João Piza. Zip Code 86.041-120
| | - Mário Augusto Ono
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
| | - Eiko Nakagawa Itano
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
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González A. Depicting the metabolism of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis during infection by transcriptional and proteomic approaches. Virulence 2017; 8:1108-1110. [PMID: 28679067 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1349591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Angel González
- a Basic and Applied Microbiology Research Group (MICROBRA) , School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia , Medellín , Colombia
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6
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Camacho E, Niño-Vega GA. Paracoccidioides Spp.: Virulence Factors and Immune-Evasion Strategies. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:5313691. [PMID: 28553014 PMCID: PMC5434249 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5313691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides spp. are dimorphic fungal pathogens responsible for one of the most relevant systemic mycoses in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Their exact ecological niche remains unknown; however, they have been isolated from soil samples and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), which have been proposed as animal reservoir for these fungi. Human infection occurs by inhalation of conidia or mycelia fragments and is mostly associated with immunocompetent hosts inhabiting and/or working in endemic rural areas. In this review focusing on the pathogen perspective, we will discuss some of the microbial attributes and molecular mechanisms that enable Paracoccidioides spp. to tolerate, adapt, and ultimately avoid the host immune response, establishing infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Camacho
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunobiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gustavo A. Niño-Vega
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico
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Paracoccidioides brasiliensis induces cytokine secretion in epithelial cells in a protease-activated receptor-dependent (PAR) manner. Med Microbiol Immunol 2016; 206:149-156. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-016-0490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Tamayo D, Hernández O, Muñoz-Cadavid C, Cano LE, González A. Interaction between Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia and the coagulation system: involvement of fibrinogen. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 108:488-93. [PMID: 23827999 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-0276108042013015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The infectious process starts with an initial contact between pathogen and host. We have previously demonstrated that Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia interact with plasma proteins including fibrinogen, which is considered the major component of the coagulation system. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro capacity of P. brasiliensis conidia to aggregate with plasma proteins and compounds involved in the coagulation system. We assessed the aggregation of P. brasiliensis conidia after incubation with human serum or plasma in the presence or absence of anticoagulants, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, metabolic and protein inhibitors, monosaccharides and other compounds. Additionally, prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times were determined after the interaction of P. brasiliensis conidia with human plasma. ECM proteins, monosaccharides and human plasma significantly induced P. brasiliensis conidial aggregation; however, anticoagulants and metabolic and protein inhibitors diminished the aggregation process. The extrinsic coagulation pathway was not affected by the interaction between P. brasiliensis conidia and plasma proteins, while the intrinsic pathway was markedly altered. These results indicate that P. brasiliensis conidia interact with proteins involved in the coagulation system. This interaction may play an important role in the initial inflammatory response, as well as fungal disease progression caused by P. brasiliensis dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tamayo
- Molecular and Cell Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
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Inhibition of PbGP43 expression may suggest that gp43 is a virulence factor in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68434. [PMID: 23874627 PMCID: PMC3708949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycoprotein gp43 is an immunodominant diagnostic antigen for paracoccidioidomycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. It is abundantly secreted in isolates such as Pb339. It is structurally related to beta-1,3-exoglucanases, however inactive. Its function in fungal biology is unknown, but it elicits humoral, innate and protective cellular immune responses; it binds to extracellular matrix-associated proteins. In this study we applied an antisense RNA (aRNA) technology and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation to generate mitotically stable PbGP43 mutants (PbGP43 aRNA) derived from wild type Pb339 to study its role in P. brasiliensis biology and during infection. Control PbEV was transformed with empty vector. Growth curve, cell vitality and morphology of PbGP43 aRNA mutants were indistinguishable from those of controls. PbGP43 expression was reduced 80–85% in mutants 1 and 2, as determined by real time PCR, correlating with a massive decrease in gp43 expression. This was shown by immunoblotting of culture supernatants revealed with anti-gp43 mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies, and also by affinity-ligand assays of extracellular molecules with laminin and fibronectin. In vitro, there was significantly increased TNF-α production and reduced yeast recovery when PbGP43 aRNA1 was exposed to IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages, suggesting reduced binding/uptake and/or increased killing. In vivo, fungal burden in lungs of BALB/c mice infected with silenced mutant was negligible and associated with decreased lung ΙΛ−10 and IL-6. Therefore, our results correlated low gp43 expression with lower pathogenicity in mice, but that will be definitely proven when PbGP43 knockouts become available. This is the first study of gp43 using genetically modified P. brasiliensis.
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Albuquerque PC, Cordero RJB, Fonseca FL, Peres da Silva R, Ramos CL, Miranda KR, Casadevall A, Puccia R, Nosanchuk JD, Nimrichter L, Guimaraes AJ, Rodrigues ML. A Paracoccidioides brasiliensis glycan shares serologic and functional properties with cryptococcal glucuronoxylomannan. Fungal Genet Biol 2012; 49:943-54. [PMID: 23010152 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Revised: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The cell wall of the yeast form of the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is enriched with α1,3-glucans. In Cryptococcus neoformans, α1,3-glucans interact with glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), a heteropolysaccharide that is essential for fungal virulence. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of P. brasiliensis glycans sharing properties with cryptococcal GXM. Protein database searches in P. brasiliensis revealed the presence of sequences homologous to those coding for enzymes involved in the synthesis of GXM and capsular architecture in C. neoformans. In addition, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised to cryptococcal GXM bound to P. brasiliensis cells. Using protocols that were previously established for extraction and analysis of C. neoformans GXM, we recovered a P. brasiliensis glycan fraction composed of mannose and galactose, in addition to small amounts of glucose, xylose and rhamnose. In comparison with the C. neoformans GXM, the P. brasiliensis glycan fraction components had smaller molecular dimensions. The P. brasiliensis components, nevertheless, reacted with different GXM-binding mAbs. Extracellular vesicle fractions of P. brasiliensis also reacted with a GXM-binding mAb, suggesting that the polysaccharide-like molecule is exported to the extracellular space in secretory vesicles. An acapsular mutant of C. neoformans incorporated molecules from the P. brasiliensis extract onto the cell wall, resulting in the formation of surface networks that resembled the cryptococcal capsule. Coating the C. neoformans acapsular mutant with the P. brasiliensis glycan fraction resulted in protection against phagocytosis by murine macrophages. These results suggest that P. brasiliensis and C. neoformans share metabolic pathways required for the synthesis of similar polysaccharides and that P. brasiliensis yeast cell walls have molecules that mimic certain aspects of C. neoformans GXM. These findings are important because they provide additional evidence for the sharing of antigenically similar components across phylogenetically distant fungal species. Since GXM has been shown to be important for the pathogenesis of C. neoformans and to elicit protective antibodies, the finding of similar molecules in P. brasiliensis raises the possibility that these glycans play similar functions in paracoccidiomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila C Albuquerque
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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Singh B, Fleury C, Jalalvand F, Riesbeck K. Human pathogens utilize host extracellular matrix proteins laminin and collagen for adhesion and invasion of the host. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2012; 36:1122-80. [PMID: 22537156 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2012.00340.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Laminin (Ln) and collagen are multifunctional glycoproteins that play an important role in cellular morphogenesis, cell signalling, tissue repair and cell migration. These proteins are ubiquitously present in tissues as a part of the basement membrane (BM), constitute a protective layer around blood capillaries and are included in the extracellular matrix (ECM). As a component of BMs, both Lns and collagen(s), thus function as major mechanical containment molecules that protect tissues from pathogens. Invasive pathogens breach the basal lamina and degrade ECM proteins of interstitial spaces and connective tissues using various ECM-degrading proteases or surface-bound plasminogen and matrix metalloproteinases recruited from the host. Most pathogens associated with the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urogenital tracts, as well as with the central nervous system or the skin, have the capacity to bind and degrade Lns and collagen(s) in order to adhere to and invade host tissues. In this review, we focus on the adaptability of various pathogens to utilize these ECM proteins as enhancers for adhesion to host tissues or as a targets for degradation in order to breach the cellular barriers. The major pathogens discussed are Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Yersinia, Treponema, Mycobacterium, Clostridium, Listeria, Porphyromonas and Haemophilus; Candida, Aspergillus, Pneumocystis, Cryptococcus and Coccidioides; Acanthamoeba, Trypanosoma and Trichomonas; retrovirus and papilloma virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birendra Singh
- Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine Malmö, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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12
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Vallejo MC, Nakayasu ES, Matsuo AL, Sobreira TJP, Longo LVG, Ganiko L, Almeida IC, Puccia R. Vesicle and vesicle-free extracellular proteome of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: comparative analysis with other pathogenic fungi. J Proteome Res 2012; 11:1676-85. [PMID: 22288420 DOI: 10.1021/pr200872s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Microorganisms release effector molecules that modulate the host machinery enabling survival, replication, and dissemination of a pathogen. Here we characterized the extracellular proteome of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis at its pathogenic yeast phase. Cell-free culture supernatants from the Pb18 isolate, cultivated in defined medium, were separated into vesicle and vesicle-free fractions, digested with trypsin, and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In vesicle and vesicle-free preparations we identified, respectively, 205 and 260 proteins with two or more peptides, including 120 overlapping identifications. Almost 70% of the sequences were predicted as secretory, mostly using nonconventional secretory pathways, and many have previously been localized to fungal cell walls. A total of 72 proteins were considered as commonly transported by extracellular vesicles, considering that orthologues have been reported in at least two other fungal species. These sequences were mostly related to translation, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, oxidation/reduction, transport, response to stress, and signaling. This unique proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles and vesicle-free released proteins in a pathogenic fungus provides full comparison with other fungal extracellular vesicle proteomes and broadens the current view on fungal secretomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milene C Vallejo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo , UNIFESP, 04023-062 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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13
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Steukers L, Glorieux S, Vandekerckhove AP, Favoreel HW, Nauwynck HJ. Diverse microbial interactions with the basement membrane barrier. Trends Microbiol 2012; 20:147-55. [PMID: 22300759 PMCID: PMC7127156 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2012.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
During primary contact with susceptible hosts, microorganisms face an array of barriers that thwart their invasion process. Passage through the basement membrane (BM), a 50-100-nm-thick crucial barrier underlying epithelia and endothelia, is a prerequisite for successful host invasion. Such passage allows pathogens to reach nerve endings or blood vessels in the stroma and to facilitate spread to internal organs. During evolution, several pathogens have developed different mechanisms to cross this dense matrix of sheet-like proteins. To breach the BM, some microorganisms have developed independent mechanisms, others hijack host cells that are able to transverse the BM (e.g. leukocytes and dendritic cells) and oncogenic microorganisms might even trigger metastatic processes in epithelial cells to penetrate the underlying BM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennert Steukers
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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14
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Konno FTC, Maricato J, Konno AYC, Guereschi MG, Vivanco BC, Feitosa LDS, Mariano M, Lopes JD. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis GP43-derived peptides are potent modulators of local and systemic inflammatory response. Microbes Infect 2012; 14:517-27. [PMID: 22281666 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic granulomatous disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Its major antigen is a 43 kDa glycoprotein whose peptides embody different functions: P10 peptide, a T-cell epitope, induces protective response while P4 and P23 peptides inhibit both, macrophage functions and inflammatory reaction, thus facilitating infection. Here we investigated the modulating mechanisms of the immune response exerted by P4 and P23 involved in the latter inhibitory effect on macrophages. Moreover we analyzed the peptides effects in different models in vivo. While evaluating whether P4 and P23 present systemic anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, we showed that their intraperitonial administration decreased footpad swelling in mice infected with either P. brasiliensis or Mycobacterium bovis. Both, qPCR and ELISA assays suggested that this anti-inflammatory effect depended on alterations in the kinetics of production of innate immunity modulators such as TNF-α, IL6, IL10 and TLR2. IL10 seems to be early produced than TNF-α and IL6, produced later in presence of peptides. Higher doses or intravenously given P4 and P23 resulted in earlier and more prolonged anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, continuous treatment with P4 and P23 sustained the anti-inflammatory activity throughout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana T C Konno
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Immunology, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Desjardins CA, Champion MD, Holder JW, Muszewska A, Goldberg J, Bailão AM, Brigido MM, Ferreira MEDS, Garcia AM, Grynberg M, Gujja S, Heiman DI, Henn MR, Kodira CD, León-Narváez H, Longo LVG, Ma LJ, Malavazi I, Matsuo AL, Morais FV, Pereira M, Rodríguez-Brito S, Sakthikumar S, Salem-Izacc SM, Sykes SM, Teixeira MM, Vallejo MC, Walter MEMT, Yandava C, Young S, Zeng Q, Zucker J, Felipe MS, Goldman GH, Haas BJ, McEwen JG, Nino-Vega G, Puccia R, San-Blas G, Soares CMDA, Birren BW, Cuomo CA. Comparative genomic analysis of human fungal pathogens causing paracoccidioidomycosis. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002345. [PMID: 22046142 PMCID: PMC3203195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides is a fungal pathogen and the cause of paracoccidioidomycosis, a health-threatening human systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America. Infection by Paracoccidioides, a dimorphic fungus in the order Onygenales, is coupled with a thermally regulated transition from a soil-dwelling filamentous form to a yeast-like pathogenic form. To better understand the genetic basis of growth and pathogenicity in Paracoccidioides, we sequenced the genomes of two strains of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb03 and Pb18) and one strain of Paracoccidioides lutzii (Pb01). These genomes range in size from 29.1 Mb to 32.9 Mb and encode 7,610 to 8,130 genes. To enable genetic studies, we mapped 94% of the P. brasiliensis Pb18 assembly onto five chromosomes. We characterized gene family content across Onygenales and related fungi, and within Paracoccidioides we found expansions of the fungal-specific kinase family FunK1. Additionally, the Onygenales have lost many genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and fewer genes involved in protein metabolism, resulting in a higher ratio of proteases to carbohydrate active enzymes in the Onygenales than their relatives. To determine if gene content correlated with growth on different substrates, we screened the non-pathogenic onygenale Uncinocarpus reesii, which has orthologs for 91% of Paracoccidioides metabolic genes, for growth on 190 carbon sources. U. reesii showed growth on a limited range of carbohydrates, primarily basic plant sugars and cell wall components; this suggests that Onygenales, including dimorphic fungi, can degrade cellulosic plant material in the soil. In addition, U. reesii grew on gelatin and a wide range of dipeptides and amino acids, indicating a preference for proteinaceous growth substrates over carbohydrates, which may enable these fungi to also degrade animal biomass. These capabilities for degrading plant and animal substrates suggest a duality in lifestyle that could enable pathogenic species of Onygenales to transfer from soil to animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mia D. Champion
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jason W. Holder
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anna Muszewska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Jonathan Goldberg
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alexandre M. Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Maria Garcia
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Marcin Grynberg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Sharvari Gujja
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David I. Heiman
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Henn
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chinnappa D. Kodira
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Henry León-Narváez
- Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Larissa V. G. Longo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia, e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Li-Jun Ma
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Iran Malavazi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alisson L. Matsuo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia, e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flavia V. Morais
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia, e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa y Desenvolvimento, Universidade do Vale do Paraíba, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Maristela Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Rodríguez-Brito
- Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Sharadha Sakthikumar
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Silvia M. Salem-Izacc
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Sean M. Sykes
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Milene C. Vallejo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia, e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Chandri Yandava
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sarah Young
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Qiandong Zeng
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeremy Zucker
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Maria Sueli Felipe
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Laboratório Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia do Bioetanol – CTBE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brian J. Haas
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Juan G. McEwen
- Unidad de Biología Celular y Molecular, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gustavo Nino-Vega
- Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Rosana Puccia
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia, e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gioconda San-Blas
- Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Bruce W. Birren
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christina A. Cuomo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Parente JA, Salem-Izacc SM, Santana JM, Pereira M, Borges CL, Bailão AM, Soares CMA. A secreted serine protease of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and its interactions with fungal proteins. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:292. [PMID: 21080956 PMCID: PMC3000847 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermodimorphic fungus, the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Serine proteases are widely distributed and this class of peptidase has been related to pathogenesis and nitrogen starvation in pathogenic fungi. RESULTS A cDNA (Pbsp) encoding a secreted serine protease (PbSP), was isolated from a cDNA library constructed with RNAs of fungal yeast cells recovered from liver of infected mice. Recombinant PbSP was produced in Escherichia coli, and used to develop polyclonal antibodies that were able to detect a 66 kDa protein in the P. brasiliensis proteome. In vitro deglycosylation assays with endoglycosidase H demonstrated that PbSP is a N-glycosylated molecule. The Pbsp transcript and the protein were induced during nitrogen starvation. The Pbsp transcript was also induced in yeast cells infecting murine macrophages. Interactions of PbSP with P. brasiliensis proteins were evaluated by two-hybrid assay in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. PbSP interacts with a peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase, calnexin, HSP70 and a cell wall protein PWP2. CONCLUSIONS A secreted subtilisin induced during nitrogen starvation was characterized indicating the possible role of this protein in the nitrogen acquisition. PbSP interactions with other P. brasiliensis proteins were reported. Proteins interacting with PbSP are related to folding process, protein trafficking and cytoskeleton reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana A Parente
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Sílvia M Salem-Izacc
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Jaime M Santana
- Laboratório de Interação Parasito-Hospedeiro, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF
| | - Maristela Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Clayton L Borges
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Alexandre M Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Célia MA Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Portela MB, Souza IP, Abreu CM, Bertolini M, Holandino C, Alviano CS, Santos AL, Soares RM. Effect of serine-type protease of Candida spp. isolated from linear gingival erythema of HIV-positive children: critical factors in the colonization. J Oral Pathol Med 2010; 39:753-60. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2010.00906.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Tacco BACDA, Parente JA, Barbosa MS, Báo SN, Gsóes TDS, Pereira M, Soares CMDA. Characterization of a secreted aspartyl protease of the fungal pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Med Mycol 2010; 47:845-54. [PMID: 20028235 DOI: 10.3109/13693780802695512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermally dimorphic fungus that causes paracoccidioidomycosis, a human systemic disease prevalent in Latin America. Proteases have been described as playing an important role in the host invasion process in many pathogenic microorganisms. Here we describe the identification and characterization of a secreted aspartyl protease (PbSAP), isolated from a cDNA library constructed with RNAs of mycelia transitioning to yeast cells. Recombinant PbSAP was produced in Escherichia coli, and the purified protein was used to develop a polyclonal antibody that was able to detect a 66 kDa protein in the P. brasiliensis proteome. PbSAP was detected in culture supernatants of P. brasiliensis and this data strongly suggest that it is a secreted molecule. The protein was located in the yeast cell wall, as determined by immunoelectron microscopy. In vitro deglycosylation assays with endoglycosidase H, and in vivo inhibition of the glycosylation by tunicamycin demonstrated N-glycosylation of the PbSAP molecule. Zymogram assays indicated the presence of aspartyl protease gelatinolytic activity in yeast cells and culture supernatant.
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Rocha AA, Morais FV, Puccia R. Polymorphism in the flanking regions of the PbGP43 gene from the human pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: search for protein binding sequences and poly(A) cleavage sites. BMC Microbiol 2009; 9:277. [PMID: 20042084 PMCID: PMC2809070 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-9-277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 12/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermo-dimorphic fungus that causes paracoccidiodomycosis (PCM). Glycoprotein gp43 is the fungal main diagnostic antigen, which can also protect against murine PCM and interact with extracellular matrix proteins. It is structurally related to glucanases, however not active, and whose expression varies considerably. We have presently studied polymorphisms in the PbGP43 flanking regions to help understand such variations. Results we tested the protein-binding capacity of oligonucleotides covering the PbGP43 proximal 5' flanking region, including overlap and mutated probes. We used electrophoretic mobility shift assays and found DNA binding regions between positions -134 to -103 and -255 to -215. Only mutation at -230, characteristic of P. brasiliensis phylogenetic species PS2, altered binding affinity. Next, we cloned and sequenced the 5' intergenic region up to position -2,047 from P. brasiliensis Pb339 and observed that it is composed of three tandem repetitive regions of about 500 bp preceded upstream by 442 bp. Correspondent PCR fragments of about 2,000 bp were found in eight out of fourteen isolates; in PS2 samples they were 1,500-bp long due to the absence of one repetitive region, as detected in Pb3. We also compared fifty-six PbGP43 3' UTR sequences from ten isolates and have not observed polymorphisms; however we detected two main poly(A) clusters (1,420 to 1,441 and 1,451 to 1,457) of multiple cleavage sites. In a single isolate we found one to seven sites. Conclusions We observed that the amount of PbGP43 transcripts accumulated in P. brasiliensis Pb339 grown in defined medium was about 1,000-fold higher than in Pb18 and 120-fold higher than in Pb3. We have described a series of features in the gene flanking regions and differences among isolates, including DNA-binding sequences, which might impact gene regulation. Little is known about regulatory sequences in thermo-dimorphic fungi. The peculiar structure of tandem repetitive fragments in the 5' intergenic region of PbGP43, their characteristic sequences, besides the presence of multiple poly(A) cleavage sites in the 3' UTR will certainly guide future studies.
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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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21
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Pulmonary immune responses induced in BALB/c mice by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia. Mycopathologia 2008; 165:313-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9072-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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González A, Lenzi HL, Motta EM, Caputo L, Restrepo A, Cano LE. Expression and arrangement of extracellular matrix proteins in the lungs of mice infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia. Int J Exp Pathol 2008; 89:106-16. [PMID: 18336528 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2008.00573.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are important modulators of migration, differentiation and proliferation for the various cell types present in the lungs; they influence the immune response as well as participate in the adherence of several fungi including Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The expression, deposition and arrangement of ECM proteins such as laminin, fibronectin, fibrinogen, collagen and proteoglycans in the lungs of mice infected with P. brasiliensis conidia has been evaluated in this study, together with the elastic fibre system. Lungs of BALB/c mice infected with P. brasiliensis conidia were analysed for the different ECM proteins by histological and immunohistochemical procedures at different times of infection. In addition, laser scanning confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used. During the early periods, the lungs of infected animals showed an inflammatory infiltrate composed mainly of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and macrophages, while during the later periods, mice presented a chronic inflammatory response with granuloma formation. Re-arrangement and increased expression of all ECM proteins tested were observed throughout all studied periods, especially during the occurrence of inflammatory infiltration and formation of the granuloma. The elastic fibre system showed an elastolysis process in all experiments. In conclusion, this study provides new details of pulmonary ECM distribution during the course of paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel González
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia.
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Mendes-Giannini MJS, Monteiro da Silva JL, de Fátima da Silva J, Donofrio FC, Miranda ET, Andreotti PF, Soares CP. Interactions of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis with host cells: recent advances. Mycopathologia 2007; 165:237-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Zarnowski R, Connolly PA, Wheat LJ, Woods JP. Production of extracellular proteolytic activity by Histoplasma capsulatum grown in Histoplasma-macrophage medium is limited to restriction fragment length polymorphism class 1 isolates. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2007; 59:39-47. [PMID: 17509799 PMCID: PMC2093958 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2007.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2007] [Revised: 03/22/2007] [Accepted: 03/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular proteolytic activity was studied for 28 strains of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum and 2 strains of H. capsulatum var. duboisii. Secreted protease activity assessed by skim milk agarose clearance was limited solely to H. capsulatum var. capsulatum restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) class 1 strains. There was a difference in proteolytic activity levels among class 1 strains. Extracellular proteolytic activity was further determined during growth of those strains in liquid medium using azodye-impregnated protein substrates. In general, the highest activities were measured when azocollagen was used, whereas azocasein and azoalbumin were cleaved less efficiently. The activity was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride, antipain, and chymostatin, indicating, thereby, the presence of chymotrypsin-like serine proteases. Chromatographic analyses as well as variable substrate use at different culture times revealed production of at least 2 different enzyme pools of the same serine-like protease family. Our results demonstrate a distinctive ability of RFLP class 1 isolates to produce and secrete serine proteinase-type activity. This peculiarity may be relevant to the biology and pathogenesis of this particular clade of H. capsulatum isolates. Overall, the feature of extracellular proteolytic activity production enables a convenient and unequivocal identification of RFLP class 1 isolates and, thereby, can be used in H. capsulatum strain differentiation and typing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Matsuo AL, Carmona AK, Silva LS, Cunha CEL, Nakayasu ES, Almeida IC, Juliano MA, Puccia R. C-Npys (S-3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl) and peptide derivatives can inhibit a serine-thiol proteinase activity from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 355:1000-5. [PMID: 17328865 PMCID: PMC3606896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.02.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2007] [Accepted: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The inhibitory capacity of C-Npys (S-[3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl]) derivatives over thiol-containing serine proteases has never been tested. In the present work we used an extracellular serine-thiol proteinase activity from the fungal pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PbST) to describe a potent inhibitory capacity of Bzl-C(Npys)KRLTL-NH(2) and Bzl-MKRLTLC(Npys)-NH(2). The assays were performed with PbST enriched upon affinity chromatography in a p-aminobenzamidine (pABA)-Sepharose column. Although PbST can cleave the fluorescence resonance energy transfer peptide Abz-MKRLTL-EDDnp between L-T, the C(Npys) derivatives were not substrates nor were they toxic in a cell detachment assay, allowing therapeutic use. The best inhibitor was Bzl-C(Npys)KRLTL-NH(2) (K(i)=16nM), suggesting that the peptide sequence promoted a favorable interaction, especially when C(Npys) was placed at a further position from the L-T bond, at the N-terminus. Inhibition was completely reverted with dithioerythritol, indicating that it was due to the reactivity of the C(Npys) moiety with a free SH- group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisson L. Matsuo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Adriana K. Carmona
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Luiz S. Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Carlos E. L. Cunha
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Ernesto S. Nakayasu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Igor C. Almeida
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Maria A. Juliano
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Rosana Puccia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
- Corresponding author. Mailing address: Disciplina de Biologia Celular, UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu, 862, oitavo andar, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062 Brazil, Tel: 55-11-5084-2991. Fax #: 55-11-5571-5877.
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Matsuo AL, Tersariol IIL, Kobata SI, Travassos LR, Carmona AK, Puccia R. Modulation of the exocellular serine-thiol proteinase activity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis by neutral polysaccharides. Microbes Infect 2006; 8:84-91. [PMID: 16153872 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2005.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2005] [Accepted: 05/31/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Our group characterized an exocellular serine-thiol proteinase activity in the yeast phase of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PbST), a dimorphic human pathogen. The fungal proteinase is able to cleave in vitro, at pH 7.4, proteins associated with the basal membrane, such as human laminin and fibronectin, type IV collagen and proteoglycans. In the present study, we investigated the influence of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and neutral polysaccharides upon the serine-thiol proteinase activity by means of kinetic analysis monitored with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptides using the substrate Abz-MKALTLQ-EDDnp (Abz=ortho-aminobenzoic acid; EDDnp=ethylenediaminedinitrophenyl). Only neutral polysaccharides exhibited patterns of interaction with the proteinase, while sulfated GAGs had no effect. Incubation with neutral polysaccharides resulted in a powerful modulation of the enzyme activity, intensely changing the enzyme kinetic parameters of catalysis and affinity for the substrate. Commercial dextran at the highest concentration of 20 microM increased 6.8-fold the enzyme affinity for the substrate. In the presence of 8 microM of purified baker's yeast mannan, the apparent KM of the enzyme increased about 5.5-fold, reflecting a significant inhibition in binding to the peptide substrate. When an exocellular galactomannan (GalMan) complex isolated from P. brasiliensis was added to the reaction mixture at 400 nM, the apparent KM and VMAX decreased about threefold. Moreover, GalMan was able to protect the enzymatic activity at high temperatures, but it caused no effect on the optimum cleavage pH. Our results show a novel modulation mechanism in P. brasiliensis, where a fungal polysaccharide-rich component can stabilize a serine-thiol proteolytic activity, which is possibly involved in fungal dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisson L Matsuo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Disciplina de Biologia Celular, UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu, 862, oitavo andar, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
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Mendes-Giannini MJS, Soares CP, da Silva JLM, Andreotti PF. Interaction of pathogenic fungi with host cells: Molecular and cellular approaches. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 45:383-94. [PMID: 16087326 DOI: 10.1016/j.femsim.2005.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2005] [Accepted: 05/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This review provides an overview of several molecular and cellular approaches that are likely to supply insights into the host-fungus interaction. Fungi present intra- and/or extracellular host-parasite interfaces, the parasitism phenomenon being dependent on complementary surface molecules. The entry of the pathogen into the host cell is initiated by the fungus adhering to the cell surface, which generates an uptake signal that may induce its cytoplasmatic internalization. Furthermore, microbial pathogens use a variety of their surface molecules to bind to host extracellular matrix (ECM) components to establish an effective infection. On the other hand, integrins mediate the tight adhesion of cells to the ECM at sites referred to as focal adhesions and also play a role in cell signaling. The phosphorylation process is an important mechanism of cell signaling and regulation; it has been implicated recently in defense strategies against a variety of pathogens that alter host-signaling pathways in order to facilitate their invasion and survival within host cells. The study of signal transduction pathways in virulent fungi is especially important in view of their putative role in the regulation of pathogenicity. This review discusses fungal adherence, changes in cytoskeletal organization and signal transduction in relation to host-fungus interaction.
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Carvalho KC, Ganiko L, Batista WL, Morais FV, Marques ER, Goldman GH, Franco MF, Puccia R. Virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and gp43 expression in isolates bearing known PbGP43 genotype. Microbes Infect 2004; 7:55-65. [PMID: 15716071 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2004.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2004] [Revised: 09/10/2004] [Accepted: 09/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the dimorphic fungus responsible for human paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). We previously observed that P. brasiliensis isolates bearing highly polymorphic PbGP43 of genotype A (Pb2, Pb3 and Pb4) were phylogenetically distant from the others. The PbGP43 gene encodes an immune dominant diagnostic antigen (gp43), and its polymorphism reflects broader genetic diversity in the species. In the present study, we observed that isolates with PbGP43 of genotype A showed low virulence when inoculated in B10.A mice by the intraperitoneal, intratracheal and intravenous routes. In vitro studies detected sharp and prolonged down-regulation of PbGP43 in Pb3 (and not in Pb18 or Pb339) as a result of heat shock at 42 degrees C and temperature shift to prompt mycelium to yeast transition, which was, however, not disturbed. Differences in transcriptional regulation are possibly a consequence of mutations in the PbGP43 promoter region, which we here show to be more polymorphic in genotype A isolates. As opposed to Pb3's rapid adaptation to in vitro culture conditions after isolation from the lung, Pb12, the most aggressive isolate tested here, showed slow growth and phase transition in vitro. Interestingly, animals that were highly infected by Pb12 produced small amounts of anti-gp43 antibodies. That was apparently due to down-regulation in PbGP43 expression. We present the first evidence of transcriptional regulation of gp43 expression, but our results suggest that gene expression is also regulated at the protein and/or secretion levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kátia C Carvalho
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Disciplina de Biologia Celular, UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu, 862, oitavo andar, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
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Mendes-Giannini MJS, Hanna SA, da Silva JLM, Andreotti PF, Vincenzi LR, Benard G, Lenzi HL, Soares CP. Invasion of epithelial mammalian cells by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis leads to cytoskeletal rearrangement and apoptosis of the host cell. Microbes Infect 2004; 6:882-91. [PMID: 15310464 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2004.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2003] [Accepted: 05/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) yeast cells can enter mammalian cells and probably manipulate the host cell environment to favor their own growth and survival. We studied the uptake of strain Pb 18 into A549 lung and Vero epithelial cells, with an emphasis on the repercussions in the cytoskeleton and the apoptosis of host cells. Cytoskeleton components of the host cells, such as actin and tubulin, were involved in the P. brasiliensis invasion process. Cytochalasin D and colchicine treatment substantially reduced invasion, indicating the functional participation of microfilaments (MFs) and microtubules (MTs) in this mechanism. Cytokeratin could also play a role in the P. brasiliensis interaction with the host. Gp43 was recognized by anti-actin and anti-cytokeratin antibodies, but not by anti-tubulin. The apoptosis induced by this fungus in infected epithelial cells was demonstrated by various techniques: TUNEL, DNA fragmentation and Bak and Bcl-2 immunocytochemical expression. DNA fragmentation was observed in infected cells but not in uninfected ones, by both TUNEL and gel electrophoresis methods. Moreover, Bcl-2 and Bak did not show any differences until 24 h after infection of cells, suggesting a competitive mechanism that allows persistence of infection. Overexpression of Bak was observed after 48 h, indicating the loss of competition between death and survival signals. In conclusion, the mechanisms of invasion of host cells, persistence within them, and the subsequent induction of apoptosis of such cells may explain the efficient dissemination of P. brasiliensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas-UNESP, Rua Expedicionários do Brasil, 1621-CEP, 14801-902 Araraquara, SP, 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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Goldman GH, dos Reis Marques E, Duarte Ribeiro DC, de Souza Bernardes LA, Quiapin AC, Vitorelli PM, Savoldi M, Semighini CP, de Oliveira RC, Nunes LR, Travassos LR, Puccia R, Batista WL, Ferreira LE, Moreira JC, Bogossian AP, Tekaia F, Nobrega MP, Nobrega FG, Goldman MHS. Expressed sequence tag analysis of the human pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast phase: identification of putative homologues of Candida albicans virulence and pathogenicity genes. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2003; 2:34-48. [PMID: 12582121 PMCID: PMC141168 DOI: 10.1128/ec.2.1.34-48.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2002] [Accepted: 10/23/2002] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a thermodimorphic fungus, is the causative agent of the prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis. We present here a survey of expressed genes in the yeast pathogenic phase of P. brasiliensis. We obtained 13,490 expressed sequence tags from both 5' and 3' ends. Clustering analysis yielded the partial sequences of 4,692 expressed genes that were functionally classified by similarity to known genes. We have identified several Candida albicans virulence and pathogenicity homologues in P. brasiliensis. Furthermore, we have analyzed the expression of some of these genes during the dimorphic yeast-mycelium-yeast transition by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Clustering analysis of the mycelium-yeast transition revealed three groups: (i) RBT, hydrophobin, and isocitrate lyase; (ii) malate dehydrogenase, contigs Pb1067 and Pb1145, GPI, and alternative oxidase; and (iii) ubiquitin, delta-9-desaturase, HSP70, HSP82, and HSP104. The first two groups displayed high mRNA expression in the mycelial phase, whereas the third group showed higher mRNA expression in the yeast phase. Our results suggest the possible conservation of pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms among fungi, expand considerably gene identification in P. brasiliensis, and provide a broader basis for further progress in understanding its biological peculiarities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Rodrigues ML, dos Reis FCG, Puccia R, Travassos LR, Alviano CS. Cleavage of human fibronectin and other basement membrane-associated proteins by a Cryptococcus neoformans serine proteinase. Microb Pathog 2003; 34:65-71. [PMID: 12623274 DOI: 10.1016/s0882-4010(02)00195-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans and human fibronectin (HFN) was examined in this study. Polypeptides from cryptococcal whole homogenates and cell wall with molecular masses of 25 and 35 kDa, respectively reacted with HFN. The relevance of the occurrence of these proteins in intact cells was uncertain, since yeast cells from different strains and serotypes of C. neoformans did not significantly adhere to soluble or solid-phased HFN. In contrast, an exocellular proteolytic activity that cleaves HFN was suggested. Degradation of HFN by culture supernatant fluids was demonstrated by Western blotting using a monoclonal anti-HFN antibody. Several fragments of lower molecular weights were observed which reacted with the antibody. Proteolysis was mediated by a serine protease activity, since HFN cleavage was completely inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), aprotinin, and N-tosyl-L-phenylalanyl chloromethylketone (TPCK), but not by inhibitors of metalo, cysteine, or aspartyl proteases. Similar results were obtained when the fluorogenic peptide carbobenzoxy-phenylalanyl-arginyl-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (CBZ-Phe-Arg-NHmet-C) was used as substrate. The cryptococcal supernatant also cleaved laminin and type IV collagen, as demonstrated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with co-polymerized proteins. The hydrolysis of these proteins was mediated by a single cryptococcal protease with a molecular mass of 75 kDa. The cleavage of key host components of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix by C. neoformans may be a relevant factor in the process of fungal invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcio L Rodrigues
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, CCS, Bloco G-Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil.
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Monod M, Capoccia S, Léchenne B, Zaugg C, Holdom M, Jousson O. Secreted proteases from pathogenic fungi. Int J Med Microbiol 2002; 292:405-19. [PMID: 12452286 DOI: 10.1078/1438-4221-00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many species of human pathogenic fungi secrete proteases in vitro or during the infection process. Secreted endoproteases belong to the aspartic proteases of the pepsin family, serine proteases of the subtilisin family, and metalloproteases of two different families. To these proteases has to be added the non-pepsin-type aspartic protease from Aspergillus niger and a unique chymotrypsin-like protease from Coccidioides immitis. Pathogenic fungi also secrete aminopeptidases, carboxypeptidases and dipeptidyl-peptidases. The function of fungal secreted proteases and their importance in infections vary. It is evident that secreted proteases are important for the virulence of dermatophytes since these fungi grow exclusively in the stratum corneum, nails or hair, which constitutes their sole nitrogen and carbon sources. The aspartic proteases secreted by Candida albicans are involved in the adherence process and penetration of tissues, and in interactions with the immune system of the infected host. For Aspergillus fumigatus, the role of proteolytic activity has not yet been proved. Although the secreted proteases have been intensively investigated as potential virulence factors, knowledge on protease substrate specificities is rather poor and few studies have focused on the research of inhibitors. Knowledge of substrate specificities will increase our understanding about the action of each protease secreted by pathogenic fungi and will help to determine their contribution to virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Monod
- Service de Dermatologie (DHURDV), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes one of the most prevalent systemic mycoses in Latin America--paracoccidioidomycosis. It is a dimorphic fungus that undergoes a complex transformation in vivo, with mycelia in the environment producing conidia, which probably act as infectious propagules upon inhalation into the lungs, where they transform to the pathogenic yeast form. This transition is readily induced in vitro by temperature changes, resulting in modulation of the composition of the cell wall. Notably, the polymer linkages change from beta-glucan to alpha-glucan, possibly to avoid beta-glucan triggering the inflammatory response. Mammalian oestrogens inhibit this transition, giving rise to a higher incidence of disease in males. Furthermore, the susceptibility of individuals to paracoccidioidomycosis has a genetic basis, which results in a depressed cellular immune response in susceptible patients; resistance is conferred by cytokine-stimulated granuloma formation and nitric oxide production. The latency period and persistence of the disease and the apparent lack of efficacy of humoral immunity are consistent with P. brasiliensis existing as a facultative intracellular pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ines Borges-Walmsley
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Robertson Building, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G11 6NU., Glasgow, UK
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Barros TF, Puccia R. Cloning and characterization of a LON gene homologue from the human pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Yeast 2001; 18:981-8. [PMID: 11447604 DOI: 10.1002/yea.745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A LON gene homologue from the human pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PbLON) has been cloned, sequenced and characterized. It encodes a putative ATP-dependent proteinase Lon, which in Saccharomyces cerevisisae (PIM1) is a heat-inducible protein involved in the degradation of abnormal or short-lived proteins in the mitochondria. The PbLON ORF is within a 3369 bp fragment interrupted by two introns located in the 3'segment. The 5' and 3' regions flanking the ORF contain sequences which resemble known transcription elements. Several transcription binding factor motifs have also been found, including sites for heat shock/stress response and nitrogen control. The deduced protein consists of 1063 residues containing a mitochondrial import signal at the N-terminus and conserved ATP-binding (GPPGVGKT) and serine catalytic (KDGPSAG) sites. It shares high identity with Lon homologues from S. cerevisiae (73%), Homo sapiens (62%) and Escherichia coli (56%). In P. brasiliensis, an MDJ1 putative gene has also been partially sequenced adjacent to PbLON, possibly sharing divergently orientated promoter elements. This chromosomal organization is interesting, since Mdj1p is a heat shock chaperone essential for substrate degradation by PIM1 in yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Barros
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Puccia R, Juliano MA, Juliano L, Travassos LR, Carmona AK. Detection of the basement membrane-degrading proteolytic activity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis after SDS-PAGE using agarose overlays containing Abz-MKALTLQ-EDDnp. Braz J Med Biol Res 1999; 32:645-9. [PMID: 10412577 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x1999000500019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We have characterized, in the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast phase, an exocellular SH-dependent serine proteinase activity against Abz-MKRLTL-EDDnp and analogous fluorescent-quenched peptides, and showed that it is also active against constituents of the basement membrane in vitro. In the present study, we separated the components of P. brasiliensis culture filtrates by electrophoresis and demonstrated that the serine-thiol exocellular proteinase has a diffuse and heterogeneous migration by SDS-PAGE, localizing in a region between 69 and 43 kDa. The hydrolytic activity was demonstrable after SDS-PAGE using buffered agarose overlays of Abz-MKALTLQ-EDDnp, following incubation at 37 degrees C, and detection of fluorescent bands with a UV transilluminator. Hydrolysis was more intense when incubation was carried out at basic pH, and was completely inhibited with 2.5 mM PMSF and partially with sodium 7-hydroxymercuribenzoate (2.5 mM p-HMB), suggesting its serine-thiol nature. A proteolytic band with similar characteristics was observed in conventional gelatin zymograms, but could not be correlated with a silver-stained component. Detection of the serine-thiol proteinase in substrate gels after SDS-PAGE provides a useful way of monitoring purification of the basement membrane degrading enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Puccia
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brasil.
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