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Xiong J, Wang L, Feng Y, Zhen C, Hang S, Yu J, Lu H, Jiang Y. Geldanamycin confers fungicidal properties to azole by triggering the activation of succinate dehydrogenase. Life Sci 2024; 348:122699. [PMID: 38718854 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122699] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Azoles have been widely employed for the treatment of invasive fungal diseases; however, their efficacy is diminished as pathogenic fungi tolerate them due to their fungistatic properties. Geldanamycin (GdA) can render azoles fungicidal by inhibiting the ATPase and molecular chaperone activities of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). Nonetheless, the clinical applicability of GdA is restricted due to its cytotoxic ansamycin scaffold structure, its induction of cytoprotective heat shock responses, and the conservative nature of Hsp90. Hence, it is imperative to elucidate the mechanism of action of GdA to confer fungicidal properties to azoles and mitigate the toxic adverse effects associated with GdA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Through various experimental methods, including the construction of gene-deleted Candida albicans mutants, in vitro drug sensitivity experiments, Western blot analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, and succinate dehydrogenase activity assays, we identified Hsp90 client proteins associated with the tolerance of C. albicans to azoles. KEY FINDINGS It was observed that GdA effectively hindered the entry of Hsp90 into mitochondria, resulting in the alleviation of inhibitory effect of Hsp90 on succinate dehydrogenase. Consequently, the activation of succinate dehydrogenase led to an increased production of ROS. within the mitochondria, thereby facilitating the antifungal effects of azoles against C. albicans. SIGNIFICANCE This research presents a novel approach for conferring fungicidal properties to azoles, which involves specifically disrupting the interaction of between Hsp90 and succinate dehydrogenase rather than employing a non-specific inhibition of ATPase activity of Hsp90.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xiong
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanru Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Cheng Zhen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Sijin Hang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jinhua Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Martins NDRC, Rodrigues da Silva A, Ratcliffe N, Evangelho VGO, Castro HC, Quinn GA. Streptomyces: a natural source of anti- Candida agents. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37991419 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001777] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. There is an urgent need to source new compounds that can combat the current threat of serious infection caused by Candida spp. and contend with the problem of antimicrobial resistance.
Gap. A synthesis of the evidence available from the current literature is needed to identify promising antifungal chemotherapeutics.
Aim. To highlight anti-Candida compounds derived from
Streptomyces
spp. (a well-known source of antimicrobial compounds) that could translate to potential candidates for future clinical practice.
Methodology. A comprehensive review was conducted across three scientific literature databases spanning a 13-year period.
Results. We identified 151 compounds with anti-Candida activity. Amongst these, 40 were reported with very strong inhibitory activity, having minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Candida spp. of <3.5 µg ml−1, 66 compounds were considered strong inhibitors and 45 compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory potential. From an analysis of the MICs, we deduced that the actinomycin-like compounds RSP01 and RSP02 were probably the most promising anti-Candida compounds. Other antifungals of note included filipin-like compounds, which demonstrated superior inhibition to amphotericin B and activity against Candida glabrata and Candida krusei, and bafilomycin derivatives, which had substantial inhibition against Candida parapsilosis.
Conclusion. It is essential to recognize the limitations inherent in the quest for new antifungals, which encompass toxicity, in vivo effectiveness and constraints associated with limited data access. However, further investigation through in-depth study and emerging technologies is of paramount importance, given that there are still many more compounds to discover. This review highlights the importance of antifungal compounds derived from
Streptomyces
, which demonstrate robust inhibition, and, in many cases, low toxicity, making them promising candidates for the development of novel antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aldo Rodrigues da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Norman Ratcliffe
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, LABiEMol, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
- Swansea University, Wales, UK
| | | | - Helena Carla Castro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Niterói, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, LABiEMol, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Gerry A Quinn
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Ireland
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Sardana K, Sharath S, Khurana A, Ghosh S. An update on the myriad antifungal resistance mechanisms in dermatophytes and the place of experimental and existential therapeutic agents for Trichophyton complex implicated in tinea corporis and cruris. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:977-991. [PMID: 37606343 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2250555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an epidemic emergence of increased resistance in dermatophytes with to antifungal drugs with ergosterol1 (Erg1) and Erg11 mutations to terbinafine and azoles. Apart from mutations, mechanisms that predict clinical failure include efflux pumps, cellular kinases, heat shock proteins (Hsp), and biofilms. Apart from itraconazole and SUBATM (Super-Bioavailable) itraconazole, measures that can be used in terbinafine failure include efflux-pump inhibitors, Hsp inhibitors and judicious use of antifungal drugs (topical + systemic) combinations. AREAS COVERED A PubMed search was done for the relevant studies and reviews published in the last 22 years using keywords dermatophytes OR Trichophyton, anti-fungal, resistance, mechanism and fungal AND resistance mechanisms. Our aim was to look for literature on prevalent species and we specifically researched studies on Trichophyton genus. We have analyzed varied antifungal drug mechanisms and detailed varied experimental and approved drugs to treat recalcitrant dermatophytosis. EXPERT OPINION Apart from administering drugs with low minimum inhibitory concentration, combinations of oral and topical antifungals (based on synergy data) and new formulations of existing drugs are useful in recalcitrant cases. There is a need for research into resistance mechanism of the existent Trichophyton strains in therapeutic failures in tinea corporis & cruris instead of data derived from laboratory strains which may not mirror clinical failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Institute and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Savitha Sharath
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Institute and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ananta Khurana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Institute and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Shamik Ghosh
- Rejuvenation Technologies Inc, Harvard Medical School, New York City, NY, USA
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Kane A, Carter DA. Augmenting Azoles with Drug Synergy to Expand the Antifungal Toolbox. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:482. [PMID: 35455479 PMCID: PMC9027798 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections impact the lives of at least 12 million people every year, killing over 1.5 million. Wide-spread use of fungicides and prophylactic antifungal therapy have driven resistance in many serious fungal pathogens, and there is an urgent need to expand the current antifungal arsenal. Recent research has focused on improving azoles, our most successful class of antifungals, by looking for synergistic interactions with secondary compounds. Synergists can co-operate with azoles by targeting steps in related pathways, or they may act on mechanisms related to resistance such as active efflux or on totally disparate pathways or processes. A variety of sources of potential synergists have been explored, including pre-existing antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals approved for other uses, bioactive natural compounds and phytochemicals, and novel synthetic compounds. Synergy can successfully widen the antifungal spectrum, decrease inhibitory dosages, reduce toxicity, and prevent the development of resistance. This review highlights the diversity of mechanisms that have been exploited for the purposes of azole synergy and demonstrates that synergy remains a promising approach for meeting the urgent need for novel antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dee A. Carter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney ID, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
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Schmidt S, Kildgaard S, Guo H, Beemelmanns C, Poulsen M. The chemical ecology of the fungus-farming termite symbiosis. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:231-248. [PMID: 34879123 PMCID: PMC8865390 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00022e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Covering: September 1972 to December 2020Explorations of complex symbioses have often elucidated a plethora of previously undescribed chemical compounds that may serve ecological functions in signalling, communication or defence. A case in point is the subfamily of termites that cultivate a fungus as their primary food source and maintain complex bacterial communities, from which a series of novel compound discoveries have been made. Here, we summarise the origins and types of 375 compounds that have been discovered from the symbiosis over the past four decades and discuss the potential for synergistic actions between compounds within the complex chemical mixtures in which they exist. We go on to highlight how vastly underexplored the diversity and geographic distribution of the symbiosis is, which leaves ample potential for natural product discovery of compounds of both ecological and medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Schmidt
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Sara Kildgaard
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Huijuan Guo
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology e.V., Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Beemelmanns
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology e.V., Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Azole-triphenylphosphonium conjugates combat antifungal resistance and alleviate the development of drug-resistance. Bioorg Chem 2021; 110:104771. [PMID: 33714761 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Azole antifungals are commonly used to treat fungal infections but have resulted in the occurrence of drug resistance. Therefore, developing azole derivatives (AZDs) that can both combat established drug-resistant fungal strains and evade drug resistance is of great importance. In this study, we synthesized a series of AZDs with a fluconazole (FLC) skeleton conjugated with a mitochondria-targeting triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+). These AZDs displayed potent activity against both azole-sensitive and azole-resistant Candida strains without eliciting obvious resistance. Moreover, two representative AZDs, 20 and 25, exerted synergistic antifungal activity with Hsp90 inhibitors against C. albicans strains resistant to the combination treatment of FLC and Hsp90 inhibitors. AZD 25, which had minimal cytotoxicity, was effective in preventing C. albicans biofilm formation. Mechanistic investigation revealed that AZD 25 inhibited the biosynthesis of the fungal membrane component ergosterol and interfered with mitochondrial function. Our findings provide an alternative approach to address fungal resistance problems.
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Updates in Paracoccidioides Biology and Genetic Advances in Fungus Manipulation. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020116. [PMID: 33557381 PMCID: PMC7915485 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The dimorphic fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus are the causative agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). This disease is endemic in Latin America and primarily affects workers in rural areas. PCM is considered a neglected disease, despite being a disabling disease that has a notable impact on the public health system. Paracoccidioides spp. are thermally dimorphic fungi that present infective mycelia at 25 °C and differentiate into pathogenic yeast forms at 37 °C. This transition involves a series of morphological, structural, and metabolic changes which are essential for their survival inside hosts. As a pathogen, the fungus is subjected to several varieties of stress conditions, including the host immune response, which involves the production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, thermal stress due to temperature changes during the transition, pH alterations within phagolysosomes, and hypoxia inside granulomas. Over the years, studies focusing on understanding the establishment and development of PCM have been conducted with several limitations due to the low effectiveness of strategies for the genetic manipulation of Paracoccidioides spp. This review describes the most relevant biological features of Paracoccidioides spp., including aspects of the phylogeny, ecology, stress response, infection, and evasion mechanisms of the fungus. We also discuss the genetic aspects and difficulties of fungal manipulation, and, finally, describe the advances in molecular biology that may be employed in molecular research on this fungus in the future.
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Niu C, Wang C, Yang Y, Chen R, Zhang J, Chen H, Zhuge Y, Li J, Cheng J, Xu K, Chu M, Ren C, Zhang C, Jia C. Carvacrol Induces Candida albicans Apoptosis Associated With Ca 2+/Calcineurin Pathway. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:192. [PMID: 32426298 PMCID: PMC7203418 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As the prevalence of systemic fungal infections caused by Candida albicans gradually increases, it is necessary to explore potential and effective antifungals. Carvacrol is reported to be lethally toxic to C. albicans, involving several potential mechanisms. However, the form and specific mechanism of cell death caused by this compound has not been delineated. In this study, we found that carvacrol could significantly decrease C. albicans survival rates, consistent with previous researches. Further examination proved that carvacrol treatment caused cell membrane permeability and depolarization. To elucidate the association between cell death and apoptosis, DNA fragmentation and metacaspase activation were determined; as expected, these two apoptosis-related markers were clearly observed. Moreover, total and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were elevated, and both mitochondrial transmembrane potential and morphology were disrupted. Additionally, cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium levels were also increased by carvacrol. Calcineurin inhibition experiments revealed cyclosporine A (CsA) addition notably rescued cell growth and inhibited metacaspase activation, indicating that carvacrol triggered C. albicans apoptosis through inducing calcineurin activation. Carvacrol was demonstrated to both have low toxicity and be effective in alleviating systemic infections with C. albicans, which might be via its antifungal and immunomodulation activities. This study suggests that carvacrol has excellent potential as a natural protective compound against C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Niu
- Pediatric Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chenglu Wang
- Pediatric Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Children's Heart Center, Institute of Cardiovascular Development and Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yijia Yang
- Pediatric Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Children's Heart Center, Institute of Cardiovascular Development and Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruiyao Chen
- Children's Heart Center, Institute of Cardiovascular Development and Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Children's Heart Center, Institute of Cardiovascular Development and Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Pediatric Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Children's Heart Center, Institute of Cardiovascular Development and Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yingzhi Zhuge
- Children's Heart Center, Institute of Cardiovascular Development and Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingqi Li
- Pediatric Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Children's Heart Center, Institute of Cardiovascular Development and Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ke Xu
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Maoping Chu
- Pediatric Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Children's Heart Center, Institute of Cardiovascular Development and Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunhua Ren
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunxiang Zhang
- Children's Heart Center, Institute of Cardiovascular Development and Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chang Jia
- Pediatric Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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