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Tian S, Wu Y, Li H, Rong C, Wu N, Chu Y, Jiang N, Zhang J, Shang H. Evolutionary accumulation of FKS1 mutations from clinical echinocandin-resistant Candida auris. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2377584. [PMID: 38989545 PMCID: PMC11265302 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2377584] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug resistance to echinocandins, first-line drugs used to treat Candida auris infection, is rapidly emerging. However, the accumulation of mutations in genes other than FKS1 (before an isolate develops to resistance via FKS1 mutations), remains poorly understood. Methods: Four clinical cases and 29 isolates associated with the incremental process of echinocandin resistance were collected and analyzed using antifungal drug susceptibility testing and genome sequencing to assess the evolution of echinocandin resistance. FINDINGS Six echinocandin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)-elevated C. auris strains and seven resistant strains were isolated from the urinary system of patients receiving echinocandin treatment. Meanwhile, phylogenetic analyses illustrated that the echinocandin-resistant strains were closely related to other strains in the same patient. Genomic data revealed that the echinocandin-resistant strains had FKS1 mutations. Furthermore, three categories (ECN-S/E/R) of non-synonymous mutant SNP genes (such as RBR3, IFF6, MKC1, MPH1, RAD2, and MYO1) in C. auris appeared to be associated with the three-stage-evolutionary model of echinocandin resistance in C. glabrata: cell wall stress, drug adaptation, and genetic escape (FKS mutation). INTERPRETATION Echinocandin-resistant C. auris undergoes spatial and temporal phase changes closely related to echinocandin exposure, particularly in the urinary system. These findings suggest that FKS1 mutations mediate an evolutionary accumulation of echinocandin resistance followed by modulation of chromosome remodelling and DNA repair processes that ultimately lead to FKS1 hot spot mutations and the development of drug resistance. This study provides an in-depth exploration of the molecular pathways involved in the evolution of Candida auris echinocandin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufei Tian
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yusheng Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hailong Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Rong
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunzhuo Chu
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning Jiang
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingping Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Shang
- National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
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Dakalbab S, Hamdy R, Holigová P, Abuzaid EJ, Abu-Qiyas A, Lashine Y, Mohammad MG, Soliman SSM. Uniqueness of Candida auris cell wall in morphogenesis, virulence, resistance, and immune evasion. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127797. [PMID: 38851008 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127797] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris has drawn global attention due to its alarming multidrug resistance and the emergence of pan resistant strains. C. auris poses a significant risk in nosocomial candidemia especially among immunocompromised patients. C. auris showed unique virulence characteristics associated with cell wall including cell polymorphism, adaptation, endurance on inanimate surfaces, tolerance to external conditions, and immune evasion. Notably, it possesses a distinctive cell wall composition, with an outer mannan layer shielding the inner 1,3-β glucan from immune recognition, thereby enabling immune evasion and drug resistance. This review aimed to comprehend the association between unique characteristics of C. auris's cell wall and virulence, resistance mechanisms, and immune evasion. This is particularly relevant since the fungal cell wall has no human homology, providing a potential therapeutic target. Understanding the complex interactions between the cell wall and the host immune system is essential for devising effective treatment strategies, such as the use of repurposed medications, novel therapeutic agents, and immunotherapy like monoclonal antibodies. This therapeutic targeting strategy of C. auris holds promise for effective eradication of this resilient pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salam Dakalbab
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Science and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | | | - Eman J Abuzaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ameera Abu-Qiyas
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasmina Lashine
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohammad G Mohammad
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Yang B, Vaisvil B, Schmitt D, Collins J, Young E, Kapatral V, Rao R. A correlative study of the genomic underpinning of virulence traits and drug tolerance of Candida auris. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0010324. [PMID: 38722168 PMCID: PMC11326119 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00103-24] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with high mortality rates which presents a clear threat to public health. The risk of C. auris infection is high because it can colonize the body, resist antifungal treatment, and evade the immune system. The genetic mechanisms for these traits are not well known. Identifying them could lead to new targets for new treatments. To this end, we present an analysis of the genetics and gene expression patterns of C. auris carbon metabolism, drug resistance, and macrophage interaction. We chose to study two C. auris isolates simultaneously, one drug sensitive (B11220 from Clade II) and one drug resistant (B11221 from Clade III). Comparing the genomes, we confirm the previously reported finding that B11220 was missing a 12.8 kb region on chromosome VI. This region contains a gene cluster encoding proteins related to alternative sugar utilization. We show that B11221, which has the gene cluster, readily assimilates and utilizes D-galactose and L-rhamnose as compared to B11220, which harbors the deletion. B11221 exhibits increased adherence and drug resistance compared to B11220 when grown in these sugars. Transcriptomic analysis of both isolates grown on glucose or galactose showed that the gene cluster was upregulated when grown on D-galactose. These findings reinforce growing evidence of a link between metabolism and drug tolerance. B11221 resists phagocytosis by macrophages and exhibits decreased β-1,3-glucan exposure, a key determinant that allows Candida to evade the host immune system, as compared to B11220. In a transcriptomic analysis of both isolates co-cultured with macrophages, we find upregulation of genes associated with transport and transcription factors in B11221. Our studies show a positive correlation between membrane composition and immune evasion, alternate sugar utilization, and drug tolerance in C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph Collins
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Young
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Reeta Rao
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Aguiar TKB, Costa ACM, Neto NAS, Brito DMS, Freitas CDT, Neto JMM, Mesquita FP, Souza PFN. Rise and fall of Caspofungin: the current status of Caspofungin as a treatment for Cryptococcus neoformans infection. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:621-630. [PMID: 38497911 PMCID: PMC11229582 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Antifungal infections are becoming a major concern to human health due to antimicrobial resistance. Echinocandins have been promising agents against resistant fungal infections, primarily caspofungin, which has a more effective mechanism of action than azoles and polyenes. However, fungi such as Cryptococcus neoformans appear to be inheritably resistant to these drugs, which is concerning due to the high clinical importance of C. neoformans. In this review, we review the history of C. neoformans and the treatments used to treat antifungals over the years, focusing on caspofungin, while highlighting the C. neoformans problem and possible explanations for its inherent resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawanny KB Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Ana CM Costa
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Nilton AS Neto
- University of Brasília, Post-Graduation in Molecular Pathology, Darcy Ribeiro Campus, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Daiane MS Brito
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60451-970, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Cleverson DT Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60451-970, Brazil
| | - João MM Neto
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Felipe P Mesquita
- Drug Research & Development Center, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Pedro FN Souza
- Drug Research & Development Center, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
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Stepanov AA, Vasilchenko AV, Vasilchenko AS. Subinhibitory effects of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol on filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad294. [PMID: 38086610 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Aspergillus fungi are common members of the soil microbiota. Some physiological and structural characteristics of Aspergillus species make them important participants in soil ecological processes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), a common metabolite of soil and rhizosphere bacteria, on the physiology of Aspergillus fumigatus. METHODS AND RESULTS Integrated analysis using microscopy, spectrophotometry, and liquid chromatography showed the following effects of 2,4-DAPG on Aspergillus physiology. It was found that A. fumigatus in the biofilm state is resistant to high concentrations of 2,4-DAPG. However, experimental exposure led to a depletion of the extracellular polymeric substance, changes in the structure of the cell wall of the mycelium (increase in the content of α- and β-glucans, chitin, and ergosterol), and conidia (decrease in the content of DHN-melanin). 2,4-DAPG significantly reduced the production of mycotoxins (gliotoxin and fumagillin) but increased the secretion of proteases and galactosaminogalactan. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the data obtained suggest that 2,4-DAPG-producing Pseudomonas bacteria are unlikely to directly eliminate A. fumigatus fungi, as they exhibit a high level of resistance when in the biofilm state. However, at low concentrations, 2,4-DAPG significantly alters the physiology of aspergilli, potentially reducing the adaptive and competitive capabilities of these fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artyom A Stepanov
- Laboratory of antimicrobial resistance, Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Tyumen 625003, Russia
| | - Anastasia V Vasilchenko
- Laboratory of antimicrobial resistance, Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Tyumen 625003, Russia
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Ecology of Microorganisms, All-Russian Institute of Plant Protection, Pushkin 196608, Russia
| | - Alexey S Vasilchenko
- Laboratory of antimicrobial resistance, Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Tyumen 625003, Russia
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Durand R, Jalbert-Ross J, Fijarczyk A, Dubé AK, Landry CR. Cross-feeding affects the target of resistance evolution to an antifungal drug. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011002. [PMID: 37856537 PMCID: PMC10617708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi are a cause of growing concern. Developing an efficient and safe antifungal is challenging because of the similar biological properties of fungal and host cells. Consequently, there is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance to prolong the efficacy of current molecules. A major step in this direction would be to be able to predict or even prevent the acquisition of resistance. We leverage the power of experimental evolution to quantify the diversity of paths to resistance to the antifungal 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), commercially known as flucytosine. We generated hundreds of independent 5-FC resistant mutants derived from two genetic backgrounds from wild isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Through automated pin-spotting, whole-genome and amplicon sequencing, we identified the most likely causes of resistance for most strains. Approximately a third of all resistant mutants evolved resistance through a pleiotropic drug response, a potentially novel mechanism in response to 5-FC, marked by cross-resistance to fluconazole. These cross-resistant mutants are characterized by a loss of respiration and a strong tradeoff in drug-free media. For the majority of the remaining two thirds, resistance was acquired through loss-of-function mutations in FUR1, which encodes an important enzyme in the metabolism of 5-FC. We describe conditions in which mutations affecting this particular step of the metabolic pathway are favored over known resistance mutations affecting a step upstream, such as the well-known target cytosine deaminase encoded by FCY1. This observation suggests that ecological interactions may dictate the identity of resistance hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Durand
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Canada
- PROTEO, Le regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, l’ingénierie et les applications des protéines, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur les Données Massives (CRDM), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Jordan Jalbert-Ross
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Canada
- PROTEO, Le regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, l’ingénierie et les applications des protéines, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur les Données Massives (CRDM), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Anna Fijarczyk
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Canada
- PROTEO, Le regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, l’ingénierie et les applications des protéines, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur les Données Massives (CRDM), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre K. Dubé
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Canada
- PROTEO, Le regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, l’ingénierie et les applications des protéines, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur les Données Massives (CRDM), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian R. Landry
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Canada
- PROTEO, Le regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, l’ingénierie et les applications des protéines, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche sur les Données Massives (CRDM), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Víglaš J, Olejníková P. Antifungal azoles trigger a xenobiotic detoxification pathway and chitin synthesis in Neurospora crassa. Res Microbiol 2023:104055. [PMID: 36963554 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
The presence of antifungal drugs is prompting the fungal microorganisms to react by mechanisms broader than the resistance. The fungi evolved mechanisms, by which they respond to various stress conditions, including the presence of antifungal compounds. In this work, we studied the response of model filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa to azole antifungals in the broader context of the adaptation mechanisms. We demonstrated the increase in expression of filamentous fungi-specific genes encoding cytochrome enzymes of CYP65 clan and plasma membrane-localized ABCC transporters. Azoles appear not to conjugate with glutathione. Surprisingly, the azoles caused changes in the hyphae organization and the amount of chitin in cell wall by the same manner that was thought to be echinocandin-specific. The response to individual azoles appeared to be influenced by the structure of azole compound (prochloraz - main outlier). Taken together, these findings demonstrate the importance of study of stress response mechanisms, specifically in filamentous fungi. Many aspects of the reaction within azoles seem to be similar, though specificities are occurring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ján Víglaš
- Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Chemical Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, 81237 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Petra Olejníková
- Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Chemical Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, 81237 Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Shahi G, Kumar M, Skwarecki AS, Edmondson M, Banerjee A, Usher J, Gow NA, Milewski S, Prasad R. Fluconazole resistant Candida auris clinical isolates have increased levels of cell wall chitin and increased susceptibility to a glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase inhibitor. Cell Surf 2022; 8:100076. [PMID: 35252632 PMCID: PMC8891998 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2009 Candida auris was first isolated as fungal pathogen of human disease from ear canal of a patient in Japan. In less than a decade, this pathogen has rapidly spread around the world and has now become a major health challenge that is of particular concern because many strains are resistant to multiple class of antifungal drugs. The lack of available antifungals and rapid increase of this fungal pathogen provides an incentive for the development of new and more potent anticandidal drugs and drug combinatorial treatments. Here we have explored the growth inhibitory activity against C. auris of a synthetic dipeptide glutamine analogue, L-norvalyl-N 3-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-L-2,3- diaminopropanoic acid (Nva-FMDP), that acts as an inhibitor of glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN-6-P) synthase - a key enzyme in the synthesis of cell wall chitin. We observed that in contrast to FLC susceptible isolates of C. auris, FLC resistant isolates had elevated cell wall chitin and were susceptible to inhibition by Nva-FMDP. The growth kinetics of C. auris in RPMI-1640 medium revealed that the growth of FLC resistant isolates were 50-60% more inhibited by Nva-FMDP (8 μ g/ml) compared to a FLC susceptible isolate. Fluconazole resistant strains displayed increased transcription of CHS1, CHS2 and CHS3, and the chitin content of the fluconazole resistant strains was reduced following the Nva-FMDP treatment. Therefore, the higher chitin content in FLC resistant C. auris isolates may make the strain more susceptible to inhibition of the antifungal activity of the Nva-FMDP peptide conjugate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Shahi
- Amity Institute of Integrative Science and Health and Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Gurgaon, Haryana 122413, India
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Amity Institute of Integrative Science and Health and Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Gurgaon, Haryana 122413, India
| | - Andrzej S. Skwarecki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Street, 80-952 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Matt Edmondson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Atanu Banerjee
- Amity Institute of Integrative Science and Health and Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Gurgaon, Haryana 122413, India
| | - Jane Usher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Neil A.R. Gow
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Sławomir Milewski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Street, 80-952 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Amity Institute of Integrative Science and Health and Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Gurgaon, Haryana 122413, India
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Similarities and Differences among Species Closely Related to Candida albicans: C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris. Cell Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2599136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Although Candida species are widespread commensals of the microflora of healthy individuals, they are also among the most important human fungal pathogens that under certain conditions can cause diseases (candidiases) of varying severity ranging from mild superficial infections of the mucous membranes to life-threatening systemic infections. So far, the vast majority of research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of pathogenesis has been focused on the most common species—Candida albicans. Meanwhile, other closely related species belonging to the CTG clade, namely, Candida tropicalis and Candida dubliniensis, are becoming more important in clinical practice, as well as a relatively newly identified species, Candida auris. Despite the close relationship of these microorganisms, it seems that in the course of evolution, they have developed distinct biochemical, metabolic, and physiological adaptations, which they use to fit to commensal niches and achieve full virulence. Therefore, in this review, we describe the current knowledge on C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris virulence factors, the formation of a mixed species biofilm and mutual communication, the environmental stress response and related changes in fungal cell metabolism, and the effect of pathogens on host defense response and susceptibility to antifungal agents used, highlighting differences with respect to C. albicans. Special attention is paid to common diagnostic problems resulting from similarities between these species and the emergence of drug resistance mechanisms. Understanding the different strategies to achieve virulence, used by important opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Macias-Paz IU, Pérez-Hernández S, Tavera-Tapia A, Luna-Arias JP, Guerra-Cárdenas JE, Reyna-Beltrán E. Candida albicans the main opportunistic pathogenic fungus in humans. Rev Argent Microbiol 2022:S0325-7541(22)00084-0. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Rossato L, Simionatto S, Serafini MR, Alves IA. New Technologies to Diagnose and Treat a Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris: A Patent Review. Mycopathologia 2022; 187:535-546. [PMID: 36194378 PMCID: PMC9529600 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-022-00669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Candida auris is responsible for hospital outbreaks worldwide. Some C. auris isolates may show concomitant resistance to azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes, thereby possibly leaving clinicians with few therapeutic options. In addition, this multi-drug-resistant yeast is difficult to identify with conventional methods and has the ability to persist on environmental surfaces causing hospital-acquired infections. The development of new treatment options and tools for identification is critical to control, prevent, and establish an early diagnosis of this emerging pathogen. The aim of this study was to perform a critical patent review to explore and identify the latest advances in therapeutic strategies as well as diagnostic methods for C. auris. A total of 19 patents were identified for a preliminary assessment from the Espacenet database. Three patents were excluded as they were out of focus for this review according to their abstract and/or description. The final selection covered 16 patents, which were surveyed by country, year and classified as treatment or diagnostic methods for C. auris. As noted in the patent reading, in recent years, the interest of academic, government and industry sectors have shown an increasing tendency focused on research and development of new therapeutic molecules and diagnostic methods to combat this emerging pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Rossato
- Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados-UFGD, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Simone Simionatto
- Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados-UFGD, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mairim Russo Serafini
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Izabel Almeida Alves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.,Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
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12
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Perrine-Walker F. Caspofungin resistance in Candida albicans: genetic factors and synergistic compounds for combination therapies. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1101-1113. [PMID: 35352319 PMCID: PMC9433586 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00739-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caspofungin and other echinocandins have been used for the treatment of human infections by the opportunistic yeast pathogen, Candida albicans. There has been an increase in infections by non-albicans Candida species such as Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Candida auris in clinical or hospital settings. This is problematic to public health due to the increasing prevalence of echinocandin resistant species/strains. This review will present a summary on various studies that investigated the inhibitory action of caspofungin on 1,3-β-D-glucan synthesis, on cell wall structure, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. It will highlight some of the issues linked to caspofungin resistance or reduced caspofungin sensitivity in various Candida species and the potential benefits of antimicrobial peptides and other compounds in synergy with caspofungin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Perrine-Walker
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute For Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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13
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Sanz AB, García R, Pavón-Vergés M, Rodríguez-Peña JM, Arroyo J. Control of Gene Expression via the Yeast CWI Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031791. [PMID: 35163713 PMCID: PMC8836261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Living cells exposed to stressful environmental situations can elicit cellular responses that guarantee maximal cell survival. Most of these responses are mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, which are highly conserved from yeast to humans. Cell wall damage conditions in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae elicit rescue mechanisms mainly associated with reprogramming specific transcriptional responses via the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway. Regulation of gene expression by this pathway is coordinated by the MAPK Slt2/Mpk1, mainly via Rlm1 and, to a lesser extent, through SBF (Swi4/Swi6) transcription factors. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression upon cell wall stress and the role of chromatin structure in these processes. Some of these mechanisms are also discussed in the context of other stresses governed by different yeast MAPK pathways. Slt2 regulates both transcriptional initiation and elongation by interacting with chromatin at the promoter and coding regions of CWI-responsive genes but using different mechanisms for Rlm1- and SBF-dependent genes. Since MAPK pathways are very well conserved in eukaryotic cells and are essential for controlling cellular physiology, improving our knowledge regarding how they regulate gene expression could impact the future identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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14
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Pezzotti G, Kobara M, Asai T, Nakaya T, Miyamoto N, Adachi T, Yamamoto T, Kanamura N, Ohgitani E, Marin E, Zhu W, Nishimura I, Mazda O, Nakata T, Makimura K. Raman Imaging of Pathogenic Candida auris: Visualization of Structural Characteristics and Machine-Learning Identification. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:769597. [PMID: 34867902 PMCID: PMC8633489 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.769597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections caused by yeasts of the genus Candida carry high morbidity and cause systemic infections with high mortality rate in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Resistance rates against antifungal drugs vary among Candida species, the most concerning specie being Candida auris, which exhibits resistance to all major classes of available antifungal drugs. The presently available identification methods for Candida species face a severe trade-off between testing speed and accuracy. Here, we propose and validate a machine-learning approach adapted to Raman spectroscopy as a rapid, precise, and labor-efficient method of clinical microbiology for C. auris identification and drug efficacy assessments. This paper demonstrates that the combination of Raman spectroscopy and machine learning analyses can provide an insightful and flexible mycology diagnostic tool, easily applicable on-site in the clinical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pezzotti
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- The Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kobara
- Division of Pathological Science, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tenma Asai
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tamaki Nakaya
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nao Miyamoto
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Adachi
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiro Yamamoto
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Narisato Kanamura
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eriko Ohgitani
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Elia Marin
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Wenliang Zhu
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nishimura
- Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Osam Mazda
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Nakata
- Division of Pathological Science, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Makimura
- Medical Mycology, Graduate School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Zamith-Miranda D, Amatuzzi RF, Munhoz da Rocha IF, Martins ST, Lucena AC, Vieira AZ, Trentin G, Almeida F, Rodrigues ML, Nakayasu ES, Nosanchuk JD, Alves LR. Transcriptional and translational landscape of Candida auris in response to caspofungin. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5264-5277. [PMID: 34630944 PMCID: PMC8481930 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a serious worldwide threat by causing opportunistic infections that are frequently resistant to one or more conventional antifungal medications resulting in high mortality rates. Against this backdrop, health warnings around the world have focused efforts on understanding C. auris fungal biology and effective prevention and treatment approaches to combat this fungus. To date, there is little information about the differentially expressed genes when this fungus is treated with conventional antifungals, and caspofungin is a standard echinocandin deployed in the therapy against C. auris. In this work, we treated two distinct strains of C. auris for 24 h with caspofungin, and the cellular responses were evaluated at the morphological, translational and transcriptional levels. We first observed that the echinocandin caused morphological alterations, aggregation of yeast cells, and modifications in the cell wall composition of C. auris. Transcriptomic analysis revealed an upregulation of genes related to the synthesis of the cell wall, ribosome, and cell cycle after exposure to caspofungin. Supporting these findings, the integrated proteomic analysis showed that caspofungin-treated cells were enriched in ribosome-related proteins and cell wall, especially mannoproteins. Altogether, these results provide further insights into the biology of C. auris and expands our understanding regarding the antifungal activity of caspofungin and reveal cellular targets, as the mannose metabolism, that can be further explored for the development of novel antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Rafaela F. Amatuzzi
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Sharon T. Martins
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Aline C.R. Lucena
- Laboratory for Applied Sciences and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Z. Vieira
- Laboratory for Applied Sciences and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Trentin
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
- Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Lysangela R. Alves
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
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16
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Ibe C, Munro CA. Fungal Cell Wall Proteins and Signaling Pathways Form a Cytoprotective Network to Combat Stresses. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090739. [PMID: 34575777 PMCID: PMC8466366 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are part of the normal flora of humans, but once the immune system of the host is impaired and they escape from commensal niches, they shift from commensal to pathogen causing candidiasis. Candida albicans remains the primary cause of candidiasis, accounting for about 60% of the global candidiasis burden. The cell wall of C. albicans and related fungal pathogens forms the interface with the host, gives fungal cells their shape, and also provides protection against stresses. The cell wall is a dynamic organelle with great adaptive flexibility that allows remodeling, morphogenesis, and changes in its components in response to the environment. It is mainly composed of the inner polysaccharide rich layer (chitin, and β-glucan) and the outer protein coat (mannoproteins). The highly glycosylated protein coat mediates interactions between C. albicans cells and their environment, including reprograming of wall architecture in response to several conditions, such as carbon source, pH, high temperature, and morphogenesis. The mannoproteins are also associated with C. albicans adherence, drug resistance, and virulence. Vitally, the mannoproteins contribute to cell wall construction and especially cell wall remodeling when cells encounter physical and chemical stresses. This review describes the interconnected cell wall integrity (CWI) and stress-activated pathways (e.g., Hog1, Cek1, and Mkc1 mediated pathways) that regulates cell wall remodeling and the expression of some of the mannoproteins in C. albicans and other species. The mannoproteins of the surface coat is of great importance to pathogen survival, growth, and virulence, thus understanding their structure and function as well as regulatory mechanisms can pave the way for better management of candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuike Ibe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu 441107, Nigeria
- Correspondence:
| | - Carol A. Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK;
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