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Hargarten JC, Vaughan MJ, Lampe AT, Jones RM, Ssebambulidde K, Nickerson KW, Williamson PR, Atkin AL, Brown DM. Farnesol remodels the peritoneal cavity immune environment influencing Candida albicans pathogenesis during intra-abdominal infection. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0038423. [PMID: 37975682 PMCID: PMC10715096 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00384-23] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a lifelong member of the mycobiome causing mucosal candidiasis and life-threatening, systemic, and intra-abdominal disease in immunocompromised and transplant patients. Despite the clinical importance of intra-abdominal candidiasis with mortality rates between 40% and 70%, the contribution of fungal virulence factors and host immune responses to disease has not been extensively studied. Secretion of the quorum-sensing molecule, farnesol, acts as a virulence factor for C. albicans during systemic infection, while inducing local, protective innate immune responses in oral models of infection. Previously, we reported that farnesol recruits macrophages to the peritoneal cavity in mice, suggesting a role for farnesol in innate immune responses. Here, we expand on our initial findings, showing that farnesol profoundly alters the peritoneal cavity microenvironment promoting innate inflammation. Intra-peritoneal injection of farnesol stimulates rapid local death of resident peritoneal cells followed by recruitment of neutrophils and inflammatory macrophages into the peritoneal cavity and peritoneal mesothelium associated with an early increase in chemokines followed by proinflammatory cytokines. These rapid inflammatory responses to farnesol significantly increase morbidity and mortality of mice with intra-abdominal candidiasis associated with increased formation of peritoneal adhesions, despite similar rates of fungal clearance from the peritoneal cavity and retro-peritoneal organs. C. albicans ddp3Δ/ddp3Δ knockout and reconstituted strains recapitulate these findings. This indicates that farnesol may be detrimental to the host during intra-abdominal infections. Importantly, our results highlight a need to understand how C. albicans virulence factors modulate the host immune response within the peritoneum, an exceedingly common site of Candida infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. Hargarten
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), Division of Intramural Research (DIR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Malcolm J. Vaughan
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), Division of Intramural Research (DIR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna T. Lampe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Riley M. Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- College of Arts and Sciences, Doane University, Crete, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kenneth Ssebambulidde
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), Division of Intramural Research (DIR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenneth W. Nickerson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Peter R. Williamson
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), Division of Intramural Research (DIR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Audrey L. Atkin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Deborah M. Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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2
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Effect of Farnesol in Trichoderma Physiology and in Fungal-Plant Interaction. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121266. [PMID: 36547599 PMCID: PMC9783820 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesol is an isoprenoid intermediate in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway and is produced by the dephosphorylation of farnesyl diphosphate. Farnesol plays a central role in cell growth and differentiation, controls production of ubiquinone and ergosterol, and participates in the regulation of filamentation and biofilm formation. Despite these important functions, studies of farnesol in filamentous fungi are limited, and information on its effects on antifungal and/or biocontrol activity is scarce. In the present article, we identified the Trichoderma harzianum gene dpp1, encoding a diacylglycerol pyrophosphatase that catalyzes production of farnesol from farnesol diphosphate. We analyzed the function of dpp1 to address the importance of farnesol in Trichoderma physiology and ecology. Overexpression of dpp1 in T. harzianum caused an expected increase in farnesol production as well as a marked change in squalene and ergosterol levels, but overexpression did not affect antifungal activity. In interaction with plants, a dpp1-overexpressing transformant acted as a sensitizing agent in that it up-regulated expression of plant defense salicylate-related genes in the presence of a fungal plant pathogen. In addition, toxicity of farnesol on Trichoderma and plants was examined. Finally, a phylogenetic study of dpp1 was performed to understand its evolutionary history as a primary metabolite gene. This article represents a step forward in the acquisition of knowledge on the role of farnesol in fungal physiology and in fungus-environment interactions.
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3
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Boone CHT, Gutzmann DJ, Kramer JJ, Atkin AL, Nickerson KW. Quantitative assay for farnesol and the aromatic fusel alcohols from the fungus Candida albicans. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:6759-6773. [PMID: 36107213 PMCID: PMC9529689 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12165-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The dimorphic fungus Candida albicans is a commensal and opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans. It secretes at least four small lipophilic molecules, farnesol and three aromatic fusel alcohols. Farnesol has been identified as both a quorum sensing molecule (QSM) and a virulence factor. Our gas chromatography (GC)-based assay for these molecules exhibits high throughput, prevention of analyte loss by avoiding filtration and rotary evaporation, simultaneous cell lysis and analyte extraction by ethyl acetate, and the ability to compare whole cultures with their cell pellets and supernatants. Farnesol synthesis and secretion were separable phenomena and pellet:supernatant ratios for farnesol were high, up to 12:1. The assay was validated in terms of precision, specificity, ruggedness, accuracy, solution stability, detection limits (DL), quantitation limits (QL), and dynamic range. The DL for farnesol was 0.02 ng/µl (0.09 µM). Measurement quality was assessed by the relative error of the whole culture versus the sum of pellet and supernatant fractions (WPS). C. albicans strain SC5314 grown at 30 °C in complex and defined media (YPD and mRPMI) was assayed in biological triplicate 17 times over 3 days. Farnesol and the three aromatic fusel alcohols can be measured in the same assay. The levels of all four are greatly altered by the growth medium chosen. Significantly, the three fusel alcohols are synthesized during stationary phase, not during growth. They are secreted quickly without being retained in the cell pellet and may accumulate up to mM concentrations.
Key points
• Quantitative analysis of both intra- and extracellular farnesol, and aromatic fusel oils.
• High throughput, whole culture assay with simultaneous lysis and extraction.
• Farnesol secretion and synthesis are distinct and separate events.
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4
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Mastorakos P, Russo MV, Zhou T, Johnson K, McGavern DB. Antimicrobial immunity impedes CNS vascular repair following brain injury. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:1280-1293. [PMID: 34556874 PMCID: PMC8488012 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-01012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebrovascular injury are leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Systemic infections often accompany these disorders and can worsen outcomes. Recovery after brain injury depends on innate immunity, but the effect of infections on this process is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that systemically introduced microorganisms and microbial products interfered with meningeal vascular repair after TBI in a type I interferon (IFN-I)-dependent manner, with sequential infections promoting chronic disrepair. Mechanistically, we discovered that MDA5-dependent detection of an arenavirus encountered after TBI disrupted pro-angiogenic myeloid cell programming via induction of IFN-I signaling. Systemic viral infection similarly blocked restorative angiogenesis in the brain parenchyma after intracranial hemorrhage, leading to chronic IFN-I signaling, blood-brain barrier leakage and a failure to restore cognitive-motor function. Our findings reveal a common immunological mechanism by which systemic infections deviate reparative programming after central nervous system injury and offer a new therapeutic target to improve recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Mastorakos
- Viral Immunology & Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Surgical Neurology, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Matthew V Russo
- Viral Immunology & Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tianzan Zhou
- Viral Immunology & Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kory Johnson
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dorian B McGavern
- Viral Immunology & Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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5
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Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is one of the most studied cell-cell communication mechanisms in fungi. Research in the last 20 years has explored various fungal QS systems that are involved in a wide range of biological processes, especially eukaryote- or fungus-specific behaviors, mirroring the significant contribution of QS regulation to fungal biology and evolution. Based on recent progress, we summarize in this review fungal QS regulation, with an emphasis on its functional role in behaviors unique to fungi or eukaryotes. We suggest that using fungi as genetically amenable eukaryotic model systems to address why and how QS regulation is integrated into eukaryotic reproductive strategies and molecular or cellular processes could be an important direction for QS research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Hao Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Weixin Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Linqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
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6
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Morais Vasconcelos Oliveira J, Conceição Oliver J, Latércia Tranches Dias A, Barbosa Padovan AC, Siqueira Caixeta E, Caixeta Franco Ariosa M. Detection of ERG11 Overexpression in Candida albicans isolates from environmental sources and clinical isolates treated with inhibitory and subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole. Mycoses 2020; 64:220-227. [PMID: 33176021 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida species can cause serious infection in patients with changes in defence mechanisms and/or when anatomical barriers are compromised. Mutations and overexpression in the ERG11 gene are described as molecular mechanisms of azole resistance. Information is limited on these mechanisms in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the expression of ERG11 gene from Candida albicans isolates, from clinical and hospital environments, in the absence and presence of inhibitory and subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole. METHODS The American Type Culture Collection 10231 strain, five clinical isolates and three isolates from hospital environment colonisation were exposed to inhibitory and subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole. Susceptibility tests were performed according to EUCAST 7.1 guidelines, and the relative expression analysis of ERG11 was performed by qPCR. RESULTS Differences in response to fluconazole concentrations were observed, with the exception only one clinical isolate when treated with 1/4 of the FLU-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). All the other isolates, regardless of the isolation source, had an increase in expression. The overexpression occurred in a very broad range, from 1.086 to 126.105 times. In general, treatment with the highest dose of fluconazole (MIC) was the one that most influenced the ERG11 expression, followed by treatments with 1/2 and 1/4 MIC. CONCLUSIONS The increased expression of ERG11 by C albicans in the presence of different concentrations of fluconazole is relevant, raising concerns in the care and cleaning of the hospital environment and the prophylactic use of fluconazole that could lead to the selection of potential azole-resistant isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josidel Conceição Oliver
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Carolina Barbosa Padovan
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ester Siqueira Caixeta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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7
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Arslan F, Caskurlu H, Sarı S, Dal HC, Turan S, Sengel BE, Gul F, Yesilbag Z, Eren G, Temel S, Alp E, Gol Serin B, Kose S, Calık S, Tuncel ZT, Senbayrak S, Sarı A, Karagoz G, Tomruk SG, Sen B, Hizarci B, Vahaboglu H. Risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections in intensive care units: A multicenter case-control study. Med Mycol 2020; 57:668-674. [PMID: 30496520 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida bloodstream infections are associated with high mortality among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Studies that explore the risk factors for candidemia may support better patient care in intensive care units. We conducted a retrospective, multicenter case-control study to investigate the risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections (CBSI) in adult ICUs. Participants selected controls randomly on a 1:1 basis among all noncase patients stayed during the same period in ICUs. Data on 139 cases and 140 controls were deemed eligible. Among the controls, 69 patients died. The stratified Fine-Gray model was used to estimate the subdistribution Hazard ratios. The subdistribution hazards and 95% confidence intervals for final covariates were as follows: prior exposure to antimycotic agents, 2.21 (1.56-3.14); prior exposure to N-acetylcysteine, 0.11 (0.03-0.34) and prior surgical intervention, 1.26 (0.76-2.11). Of the patients, those exposed to antimycotic drugs, 87.1% (54/62) had breakthrough candidemia. Serious renal, hepatic, or hematologic side effects were comparable between patients those exposed and not-exposed to systemic antimycotic drugs. Untargeted administration of antimycotic drugs did not improve survival among candidemic patients (not-exposed, 63.6% [49/77]; exposed % 66.1 [41/62]; P = .899). This study documented that exposure to an antifungal agent is associated with increased the risk of subsequent development of CBSIs among nonneutropenic adult patients admitted to the ICU. Only two centers regularly prescribed N-acetylcysteine. Due to the limited number of subjects, we interpreted the positive effect of N-acetylcysteine on the absolute risk of CBSIs with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferhat Arslan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hulya Caskurlu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Sarı
- Department of Intensive Care, Health Sciences University, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hayriye Cankar Dal
- Department of Intensive Care, Health Sciences University, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sema Turan
- Department of Intensive Care, Health Sciences University, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Buket Erturk Sengel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Fethi Gul
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Yesilbag
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences University, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulay Eren
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Health Sciences University, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul
| | - Sahin Temel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Emine Alp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Basak Gol Serin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences University, İzmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sukran Kose
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences University, İzmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sebnem Calık
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences University, İzmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Zeki Tekgul Tuncel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Health Sciences University, İzmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Seniha Senbayrak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences University, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Sarı
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Health Sciences University, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gul Karagoz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Senay Goksu Tomruk
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Sen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burcu Hizarci
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Haluk Vahaboglu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
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8
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Nagy F, Vitális E, Jakab Á, Borman AM, Forgács L, Tóth Z, Majoros L, Kovács R. In vitro and in vivo Effect of Exogenous Farnesol Exposure Against Candida auris. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:957. [PMID: 32508780 PMCID: PMC7251031 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The spreading of multidrug-resistant Candida auris is considered as an emerging global health threat. The number of effective therapeutic regimens is strongly limited; therefore, development of novel strategies is needed. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule with a potential antifungal and/or adjuvant effect; it may be a promising candidate in alternative treatment against Candida species including C. auris. To examine the effect of farnesol on C. auris, we performed experiments focusing on growth, biofilm production ability, production of enzymes related to oxidative stress, triazole susceptibility and virulence. Concentrations ranging from 100 to 300 μM farnesol caused a significant growth inhibition against C. auris planktonic cells for 24 h (p < 0.01-0.05). Farnesol treatment showed a concentration dependent inhibition in terms of biofilm forming ability of C. auris; however, it did not inhibit significantly the biofilm development at 24 h. Nevertheless, the metabolic activity of adhered farnesol pre-exposed cells (75 μM) was significantly diminished at 24 h depending on farnesol treatment during biofilm formation (p < 0.001-0.05). Moreover, 300 μM farnesol exerted a marked decrease in metabolic activity against one-day-old biofilms between 2 and 24 h (p < 0.001). Farnesol increased the production of reactive species remarkably, as revealed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay {3.96 ± 0.89 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] and 23.54 ± 4.51 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] for untreated cells and farnesol exposed cells, respectively; p < 0.001}. This was in line with increased superoxide dismutase level {85.69 ± 5.42 [munit (mg protein)-1] and 170.11 ± 17.37 [munit (mg protein)-1] for untreated cells and farnesol exposed cells, respectively; p < 0.001}, but the catalase level remained statistically comparable between treated and untreated cells (p > 0.05). Concerning virulence-related enzymes, exposure to 75 μM farnesol did not influence phospholipase or aspartic proteinase activity (p > 0.05). The interaction between fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole and farnesol showed clear synergism (FICI ranges from 0.038 to 0.375) against one-day-old biofilms. Regarding in vivo experiments, daily 75 μM farnesol treatment decreased the fungal burden in an immunocompromised murine model of disseminated candidiasis, especially in case of inocula pre-exposed to farnesol (p < 0.01). In summary, farnesol shows a promising therapeutic or adjuvant potential in traditional or alternative therapies such as catheter lock therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fruzsina Nagy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Eszter Vitális
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Hospital Hygiene Ward, Clinical Centre, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Jakab
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew M Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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9
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Del Rio M, de la Canal L, Regente M. Plant Antifungal Lectins: Mechanism of Action and Targets on Human Pathogenic Fungi. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 21:284-294. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190906164448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lectins are proteins characterized by their ability to specifically bind different carbohydrate motifs. This feature is associated with their endogenous biological function as well as with multiple applications. Plants are important natural sources of these proteins; however, only a reduced group was shown to display antifungal activity. Although it is hypothesized that the target of lectins is the fungal cell wall, the mechanism through which they exert the antifungal action is poorly understood. This topic is relevant to improve treatment against pathogens of importance for human health. In this context, mechanisms pointing to essential attributes for virulence instead of the viability of the pathogen emerge as a promising approach. This review provides the current knowledge on the action mechanism of plant antifungal lectins and their putative use for the development of novel active principles against fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Del Rio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET, Funes 3250, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Laura de la Canal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET, Funes 3250, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Mariana Regente
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET, Funes 3250, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
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10
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Abstract
Candida albicans has remained the main etiological agent of candidiasis, challenges clinicians with high mortality and morbidity. The emergence of resistance to antifungal drugs, toxicity and lower efficacy have all contributed to an urgent need to develop alternative drugs aiming at novel targets in C. albicans. Targeting the production of virulence factors, which are essential processes for infectious agents, represents an attractive substitute for the development of newer anti-infectives. The present review highlights the recent developments made in the understanding of the pathogenicity of C. albicans. Production of hydrolytic enzymes, morphogenesis and biofilm formation, along with their molecular and metabolic regulation in Candida are discussed with regard to the development of novel antipathogenic drugs against candidiasis. Over the last decade, candidiasis has remained a major problematic disease worldwide. In spite of the existence of many antifungal drugs, the treatment of such diseases has still remained unsuccessful due to drug inefficacy. Therefore, there is a need to discover antifungals with different modes of action, such as antipathogenic drugs against Candida albicans. Here, we describe how various types of virulence factors such as proteinase, phospholipase, hemolysin, adhesion, morphogenesis and biofilm formation, could be targeted to develop novel therapeutics. We can inhibit production of these virulence factors by controlling their molecular/metabolic regulation.
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11
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Vivas W, Leonhardt I, Hünniger K, Häder A, Marolda A, Kurzai O. Multiple Signaling Pathways Involved in Human Dendritic Cell Maturation Are Affected by the Fungal Quorum-Sensing Molecule Farnesol. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:2959-2969. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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12
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Upregulation of secreted aspartyl proteinase genes of fluconazole-sensitive Candida albicans isolates. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:6147-6154. [PMID: 31602591 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans infection development depends on several factors associated with this etiological agent, including secreted aspartyl protease (Sap) production. Sap expression commonly occurs under selective pressure caused by the presence of antifungals. Fluconazole is the main antifungal drug used for treatment or prophylaxis. This study investigated the influence of inhibitory and sub-inhibitory fluconazole concentrations on Sap activity and their gene transcription for three clinical C. albicans isolates. Two isolates presented significant increases in Sap activity and transcription of SAP 1-8 genes in the presence of 1 MIC80 of fluconazole compared to the absence of the antifungal agent. The results suggest that the increase in Sap activity occurs due to an upregulation of the SAP gene transcription influenced by fluconazole. This suggests the importance of all SAP genes in the progression of bloodstream infections compared to primary tissue infection. However, this phenomenon does not occur everywhere, and it is multifactorial. This may be related to the selective pressure effect on transcription modulators. Although preliminary, these results open a new perspective for the study of virulence factors.
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13
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Navarathna DH, Lionakis MS, Roberts DD. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase limits host immunity to control disseminated Candida albicans infections in mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223919. [PMID: 31671151 PMCID: PMC6822743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) occur in mammals. High levels of NO produced by NOS2/iNOS can protect against bacterial and parasitic infections, but the role of NOS in fungal innate immunity is less clear. Compared to wild type mice, Nos3-/- mice showed significantly higher survival of candidemia caused by Candida albicans SC5314. NOS3/eNOS is expressed by endothelial cells in the kidney, and colonization of this organ was decreased during the sub-acute stage of disseminated candidiasis. Nos3-/- mice more rapidly eliminated Candida from the renal cortex and exhibited more balanced local inflammatory reactions, with similar macrophage but less neutrophil infiltration than in infected wild type. Levels of the serum cytokines IL-9, IL-12, IL-17 and chemokines GM-CSF, MIP1α, and MIP1β were significantly elevated, and IL-15 was significantly lower in infected Nos3-/- mice. Spleens of infected Nos3-/- mice had significantly more Th2 and Th9 but not other CD4+ T cells compared with wild type. Inflammatory genes associated with leukocyte chemotaxis, IL-1 signaling, TLR signaling and Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation pathways were significantly overexpressed in infected Nos3-/- kidneys, with Nos2 being the most strongly induced. Conversely, the general NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester increased virulence in the mouse candidemia model, suggesting that iNOS contributes to the protective mechanism in infected Nos3-/- mice. By moderating neutrophil infiltration, the absence of eNOS may reduce the collateral damage to kidney cortex, and Th-9 CD4+ cells may enhance clearance of the infection. These data suggest that selective eNOS inhibition could mitigate candidemia by a combination of systemic and local responses that promote a more effective host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhammika H. Navarathna
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DDR); (DHN)
| | - Michail S. Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David D. Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DDR); (DHN)
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Dong G, Liu Y, Wu Y, Tu J, Chen S, Liu N, Sheng C. Novel non-peptidic small molecule inhibitors of secreted aspartic protease 2 (SAP2) for the treatment of resistant fungal infections. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:13535-13538. [PMID: 30431632 DOI: 10.1039/c8cc07810f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Targeting secreted aspartic protease 2 (SAP2), a kind of virulence factor, represents a new strategy for antifungal drug discovery. In this report, the first-generation of small molecule SAP2 inhibitors was rationally designed and optimized using a structure-based approach. In particular, inhibitor 23h was highly potent and selective and showed good antifungal potency for the treatment of resistant Candida albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, No. 401 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jie Tu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
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Padder SA, Prasad R, Shah AH. Quorum sensing: A less known mode of communication among fungi. Microbiol Res 2018; 210:51-58. [PMID: 29625658 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a density-dependent signaling mechanism of microbial cells, involves an exchange and sense of low molecular weight signaling compounds called autoinducers. With the increase in population density, the autoinducers accumulate in the extracellular environment and once their concentration reaches a threshold, many genes are either expressed or repressed. This cell density-dependent signaling mechanism enables single cells to behave as multicellular organisms and regulates different microbial behaviors like morphogenesis, pathogenesis, competence, biofilm formation, bioluminescence, etc guided by environmental cues. Initially, QS was regarded to be a specialized system of certain bacteria. The discovery of filamentation control in pathogenic polymorphic fungus Candida albicans by farnesol revealed the phenomenon of QS in fungi as well. Pathogenic microorganisms primarily regulate the expression of virulence genes using QS systems. The indirect role of QS in the emergence of multiple drug resistance (MDR) in microbial pathogens necessitates the finding of alternative antimicrobial therapies that target QS and inhibit the same. A related phenomenon of quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) performed by small inhibitor molecules called quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) has an ability for efficient reduction of gene expression regulated by quorum sensing. In the present review, recent advancements in the study of different fungal quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) and quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) of fungal origin along with their mechanism of action and/or role/s are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Ahmad Padder
- Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, J&K, India
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health and Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Amity Education Valley, Gurgaon 122413, HR, India
| | - Abdul Haseeb Shah
- Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, J&K, India.
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16
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Polke M, Leonhardt I, Kurzai O, Jacobsen ID. Farnesol signalling in Candida albicans – more than just communication. Crit Rev Microbiol 2017; 44:230-243. [DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2017.1337711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ines Leonhardt
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D. Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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17
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Quorum sensing by farnesol revisited. Curr Genet 2017; 63:791-797. [DOI: 10.1007/s00294-017-0683-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Nickerson KW, Atkin AL. Deciphering fungal dimorphism: Farnesol's unanswered questions. Mol Microbiol 2017; 103:567-575. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W. Nickerson
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Nebraska; Lincoln NE 68588 0666 USA
| | - Audrey L. Atkin
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Nebraska; Lincoln NE 68588 0666 USA
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19
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Hirota K, Yumoto H, Sapaar B, Matsuo T, Ichikawa T, Miyake Y. Pathogenic factors in Candida biofilm-related infectious diseases. J Appl Microbiol 2016; 122:321-330. [PMID: 27770500 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commonly found member of the human microflora and is a major human opportunistic fungal pathogen. A perturbation of the microbiome can lead to infectious diseases caused by various micro-organisms, including C. albicans. Moreover, the interactions between C. albicans and bacteria are considered to play critical roles in human health. The major biological feature of C. albicans, which impacts human health, resides in its ability to form biofilms. In particular, the extracellular matrix (ECM) of Candida biofilm plays a multifaceted role and therefore may be considered as a highly attractive target to combat biofilm-related infectious diseases. In addition, extracellular DNA (eDNA) also plays a crucial role in Candida biofilm formation and its structural integrity and induces the morphological transition from yeast to the hyphal growth form during C. albicans biofilm development. This review focuses on pathogenic factors such as eDNA in Candida biofilm formation and its ECM production and provides meaningful information for future studies to develop a novel strategy to battle infectious diseases elicited by Candida-formed biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hirota
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - H Yumoto
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - B Sapaar
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - T Matsuo
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - T Ichikawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Y Miyake
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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20
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Polke M, Sprenger M, Scherlach K, Albán-Proaño MC, Martin R, Hertweck C, Hube B, Jacobsen ID. A functional link between hyphal maintenance and quorum sensing in Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2016; 103:595-617. [PMID: 27623739 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Morphogenesis in Candida albicans requires hyphal initiation and maintenance, and both processes are regulated by the fungal quorum sensing molecule (QSM) farnesol. We show that deletion of C. albicans EED1, which is crucial for hyphal extension and maintenance, led to a dramatically increased sensitivity to farnesol, and thus identified the first mutant hypersensitive to farnesol. Furthermore, farnesol decreased the transient filamentation of an eed1Δ strain without inducing cell death, indicating that two separate mechanisms mediate quorum sensing and cell lysis by farnesol. To analyze the cause of farnesol hypersensitivity we constructed either hyperactive or deletion mutants of factors involved in farnesol signaling, by introducing the hyperactive RAS1G13V or pADH1-CYR1CAT allele, or deleting CZF1 or NRG1 respectively. Neither of the constructs nor the exogenous addition of dB-cAMP was able to rescue the farnesol hypersensitivity, highlighting that farnesol mediates its effects not only via the cAMP pathway. Interestingly, the eed1Δ strain also displayed increased farnesol production. When eed1Δ was grown under continuous medium flow conditions, to remove accumulating QSMs from the supernatant, maintenance of eed1Δ filamentation, although not restored, was significantly prolonged, indicating a link between farnesol sensitivity, production, and the hyphal maintenance-defect in the eed1Δ mutant strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marcel Sprenger
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Kirstin Scherlach
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - María Cristina Albán-Proaño
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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21
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Navarathna DHMLP, Pathirana RU, Lionakis MS, Nickerson KW, Roberts DD. Candida albicans ISW2 Regulates Chlamydospore Suspensor Cell Formation and Virulence In Vivo in a Mouse Model of Disseminated Candidiasis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164449. [PMID: 27727302 PMCID: PMC5058487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Formation of chlamydospores by Candida albicans was an established medical diagnostic test to confirm candidiasis before the molecular era. However, the functional role and pathological relevance of this in vitro morphological transition to pathogenesis in vivo remain unclear. We compared the physical properties of in vitro-induced chlamydospores with those of large C. albicans cells purified by density gradient centrifugation from Candida-infected mouse kidneys. The morphological and physical properties of these cells in kidneys of mice infected intravenously with wild type C. albicans confirmed that chlamydospores can form in infected kidneys. A previously reported chlamydospore-null Δisw2/Δisw2 mutant was used to investigate its role in virulence and chlamydospore induction. Virulence of the Δisw2/Δisw2 mutant strain was reduced 3.4-fold compared to wild type C. albicans or the ISW2 reconstituted strain. Altered host inflammatory reactions to the null mutant further indicate that ISW2 is a virulence factor in C. albicans. ISW2 deletion abolished chlamydospore formation within infected mouse kidneys, whereas the reconstituted strain restored chlamydospore formation in kidneys. Under chlamydospore inducing conditions in vitro, deletion of ISW2 significantly delayed chlamydospore formation, and those late induced chlamydospores lacked associated suspensor cells while attaching laterally to hyphae via novel spore-hypha septa. Our findings establish the induction of chlamydospores by C. albicans during mouse kidney colonization. Our results indicate that ISW2 is not strictly required for chlamydospores formation but is necessary for suspensor cell formation. The importance of ISW2 in chlamydospore morphogenesis and virulence may lead to additional insights into morphological differentiation and pathogenesis of C. albicans in the host microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhammika H. M. L. P. Navarathna
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ruvini U. Pathirana
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Michail S. Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kenneth W. Nickerson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - David D. Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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22
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Biotin Auxotrophy and Biotin Enhanced Germ Tube Formation in Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2016; 4:microorganisms4030037. [PMID: 27681931 PMCID: PMC5039597 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms4030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the increased number of immunocompromised patients, infections with the pathogen Candida albicans have significantly increased in recent years. C. albicans transition from yeast to germ tubes is one of the essential factors for virulence. In this study we noted that Lee's medium, commonly used to induce filamentation, contained 500-fold more biotin than needed for growth and 40-fold more biotin than is typically added to growth media. Thus, we investigated the effects of excess biotin on growth rate and filamentation by C. albicans in different media. At 37 °C, excess biotin (4 µM) enhanced germ tube formation (GTF) ca. 10-fold in both Lee's medium and a defined glucose-proline medium, and ca. 4-fold in 1% serum. Two biotin precursors, desthiobiotin and 7-keto-8-aminopelargonic acid (KAPA), also stimulated GTF. During these studies we also noted an inverse correlation between the number of times the inoculum had been washed and the concentration of serum needed to stimulate GTF. C. albicans cells that had been washed eight times achieved 80% GTF with only 0.1% sheep serum. The mechanism by which 1-4 µM biotin enhances GTF is still unknown except to note that equivalent levels of biotin are needed to create an internal supply of stored biotin and biotinylated histones. Biotin did not restore filamentation for any of the four known filamentation defective mutants tested. C. albicans is auxotrophic for biotin and this biotin auxotrophy was fulfilled by biotin, desthiobiotin, or KAPA. However, biotin auxotrophy is not temperature dependent or influenced by the presence of 5% CO₂. Biotin starvation upregulated the biotin biosynthetic genes BIO2, BIO3, and BIO4 by 11-, 1500-, and 150-fold, respectively, and BIO2p is predicted to be mitochondrion-localized. Based on our findings, we suggest that biotin has two roles in the physiology of C. albicans, one as an enzymatic cofactor and another as a morphological regulator. Finally, we found no evidence supporting prior claims that C. albicans only forms hyphae at very low biotin (0.1 nM) growth conditions.
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Abstract
The polymorphic commensal fungus Candida albicans causes life-threatening disease via bloodstream and intra-abdominal infections in immunocompromised and transplant patients. Although host immune evasion is a common strategy used by successful human fungal pathogens, C. albicans provokes recognition by host immune cells less capable of destroying it. To accomplish this, C. albicans white cells secrete a low-molecular-weight chemoattractive stimulant(s) of macrophages, a phagocyte that they are able to survive within and eventually escape from. C. albicans opaque cells do not secrete this chemoattractive stimulant(s). We report here a physiological mechanism that contributes to the differences in the interaction of C. albicans white and opaque cells with macrophages. E,E-Farnesol, which is secreted by white cells only, is a potent stimulator of macrophage chemokinesis, whose activity is enhanced by yeast cell wall components and aromatic alcohols. E,E-farnesol results in up to an 8.5-fold increase in macrophage migration in vitro and promotes a 3-fold increase in the peritoneal infiltration of macrophages in vivo. Therefore, modulation of farnesol secretion to stimulate host immune recognition by macrophages may help explain why this commensal is such a successful pathogen.
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24
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Cannon R, Holmes A. Learning the ABC of oral fungal drug resistance. Mol Oral Microbiol 2015; 30:425-37. [DOI: 10.1111/omi.12109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R.D. Cannon
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute; University of Otago; Dunedin New Zealand
| | - A.R. Holmes
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute; University of Otago; Dunedin New Zealand
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25
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Navarathna DHMLP, Stein EV, Lessey-Morillon EC, Nayak D, Martin-Manso G, Roberts DD. CD47 Promotes Protective Innate and Adaptive Immunity in a Mouse Model of Disseminated Candidiasis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128220. [PMID: 26010544 PMCID: PMC4444371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CD47 is a widely expressed receptor that regulates immunity by engaging its counter-receptor SIRPα on phagocytes and its secreted ligand thrombospondin-1. Mice lacking CD47 can exhibit enhanced or impaired host responses to bacterial pathogens, but its role in fungal immunity has not been examined. cd47-/- mice on a C57BL/6 background showed significantly increased morbidity and mortality following Candida albicans infection when compared with wild-type mice. Despite normal fungal colonization at earlier times, cd47-/- mice at four days post-infection had increased colonization of brain and kidneys accompanied by stronger inflammatory reactions. Neutrophil and macrophage numbers were significantly elevated in kidneys and neutrophils in the brains of infected cd47-/- mice. However, no defect in phagocytic activity towards C. albicans was observed in cd47-/- bone-marrow-derived macrophages, and neutrophil and macrophage killing of C. albicans was not impaired. CD47-deficiency did not alter the early humoral immune response to C. albicans. Th1, Th2, and Th17 population of CD4+ T cells were expanded in the spleen, and gene expression profiles of spleen and kidney showed stronger pro-inflammatory signaling in infected cd47-/- mice. The chemoattractant chemokines MIP-2α and MIP-2β were highly expressed in infected spleens of cd47-/- mice. G-CSF, GM-CSF, and the inflammasome component NLRP3 were more highly expressed in infected cd47-/- kidneys than in infected wild-type controls. Circulating pro- (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were significantly elevated, but IL-17 was decreased. These data indicate that CD47 plays protective roles against disseminated candidiasis and alters pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive pathways known to regulate innate and T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhammika H. M. L. P. Navarathna
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - Erica V. Stein
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
- Microbiology and Immunology Program of the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20037, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth C. Lessey-Morillon
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - Debasis Nayak
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - Gema Martin-Manso
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - David D. Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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26
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The fungal quorum-sensing molecule farnesol activates innate immune cells but suppresses cellular adaptive immunity. mBio 2015; 6:e00143. [PMID: 25784697 PMCID: PMC4453522 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00143-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesol, produced by the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans, is the first quorum-sensing molecule discovered in eukaryotes. Its main function is control of C. albicans filamentation, a process closely linked to pathogenesis. In this study, we analyzed the effects of farnesol on innate immune cells known to be important for fungal clearance and protective immunity. Farnesol enhanced the expression of activation markers on monocytes (CD86 and HLA-DR) and neutrophils (CD66b and CD11b) and promoted oxidative burst and the release of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha [MIP-1α]). However, this activation did not result in enhanced fungal uptake or killing. Furthermore, the differentiation of monocytes to immature dendritic cells (iDC) was significantly affected by farnesol. Several markers important for maturation and antigen presentation like CD1a, CD83, CD86, and CD80 were significantly reduced in the presence of farnesol. Furthermore, farnesol modulated migrational behavior and cytokine release and impaired the ability of DC to induce T cell proliferation. Of major importance was the absence of interleukin 12 (IL-12) induction in iDC generated in the presence of farnesol. Transcriptome analyses revealed a farnesol-induced shift in effector molecule expression and a down-regulation of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor during monocytes to iDC differentiation. Taken together, our data unveil the ability of farnesol to act as a virulence factor of C. albicans by influencing innate immune cells to promote inflammation and mitigating the Th1 response, which is essential for fungal clearance. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule which controls morphological plasticity of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. As such, it is a major mediator of intraspecies communication. Here, we investigated the impact of farnesol on human innate immune cells known to be important for fungal clearance and protective immunity. We show that farnesol is able to enhance inflammation by inducing activation of neutrophils and monocytes. At the same time, farnesol impairs differentiation of monocytes into immature dendritic cells (iDC) by modulating surface phenotype, cytokine release and migrational behavior. Consequently, iDC generated in the presence of farnesol are unable to induce proper T cell responses and fail to secrete Th1 promoting interleukin 12 (IL-12). As farnesol induced down-regulation of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor, desensitization to GM-CSF could potentially explain transcriptional reprofiling of iDC effector molecules. Taken together, our data show that farnesol can also mediate Candida-host communication and is able to act as a virulence factor.
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Navarathna DHMLP, Munasinghe J, Lizak MJ, Nayak D, McGavern DB, Roberts DD. MRI confirms loss of blood-brain barrier integrity in a mouse model of disseminated candidiasis. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2013; 26:1125-1134. [PMID: 23606437 PMCID: PMC3744627 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.2926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Disseminated candidiasis primarily targets the kidneys and brain in mice and humans. Damage to these critical organs leads to the high mortality associated with such infections, and invasion across the blood-brain barrier can result in fungal meningoencephalitis. Candida albicans can penetrate a brain endothelial cell barrier in vitro through transcellular migration, but this mechanism has not been confirmed in vivo. MRI using the extracellular vascular contrast agent gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid demonstrated that integrity of the blood-brain barrier is lost during C. albicans invasion. Intravital two-photon laser scanning microscopy was used to provide the first real-time demonstration of C. albicans colonizing the living brain, where both yeast and filamentous forms of the pathogen were found. Furthermore, we adapted a previously described method utilizing MRI to monitor inflammatory cell recruitment into infected tissues in mice. Macrophages and other phagocytes were visualized in kidney and brain by the administration of ultrasmall iron oxide particles. In addition to obtaining new insights into the passage of C. albicans across the brain microvasculature, these imaging methods provide useful tools to study further the pathogenesis of C. albicans infections, to define the roles of Candida virulence genes in kidney versus brain infection and to assess new therapeutic measures for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhammika H. M. L. P. Navarathna
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Jeeva Munasinghe
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Martin J. Lizak
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Debasis Nayak
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Dorian B. McGavern
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - David D. Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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Silva NC, Nery JM, Dias ALT. Aspartic proteinases of Candida spp.: role in pathogenicity and antifungal resistance. Mycoses 2013; 57:1-11. [PMID: 23735296 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a serious health risk as they are particularly prevalent in immunocompromised individuals. Candida spp. pathogenicity depends on several factors and secreted aspartic proteinases (Sap) are considered one of the most critical factors as they are associated with adhesion, invasion and tissue damage. The production of proteinases is encoded by a family of 10 genes known as SAP, which are distributed differently among the species. The expression of these genes may be influenced by environmental conditions, which generally result in a higher fungal invasive potential. Non-pathogenic Candida spp. usually have fewer SAP genes, which are not necessarily expressed in the genome. Exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of antifungal agents promotes the development of resistant strains with an increased expression of SAP genes. In general, Candida spp. isolates that are resistant to antifungals show a higher secretion of Sap than the susceptible isolates. The relationship between Sap secretion and the susceptibility profile of the isolates is of great interest, although the role of SAPs in the development of resistance to antifungal agents remains still unclear. This review is the first one to address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara C Silva
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Cordeiro RA, Teixeira CEC, Brilhante RSN, Castelo-Branco DSCM, Paiva MAN, Giffoni Leite JJ, Lima DT, Monteiro AJ, Sidrim JJC, Rocha MFG. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of amphotericin B, azoles and caspofungin againstCandidaspecies are reduced by farnesol. Med Mycol 2013; 51:53-9. [DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2012.692489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bicyclic peptidomimetics targeting secreted aspartic protease 2 (SAP2) from Candida albicans reveal a constrained inhibitory chemotype. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:7206-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Navarathna DHMLP, Lionakis MS, Lizak MJ, Munasinghe J, Nickerson KW, Roberts DD. Urea amidolyase (DUR1,2) contributes to virulence and kidney pathogenesis of Candida albicans. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48475. [PMID: 23144764 PMCID: PMC3483220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular enzyme urea amidolyase (Dur1,2p) enables C. albicans to utilize urea as a sole nitrogen source. Because deletion of the DUR1,2 gene reduces survival of C. albicans co-cultured with a murine macrophage cell line, we investigated the role of Dur1,2p in pathogenesis using a mouse model of disseminated candidiasis. A dur1,2Δ/dur1,2Δ strain was significantly less virulent than the wild-type strain, showing significantly higher survival rate, better renal function, and decreased and less sustained fungal colonization in kidney and brain. Complementation of the mutant restored virulence. DUR1,2 deletion resulted in a milder host inflammatory reaction. Immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and magnetic resonance imaging showed decreased phagocytic infiltration into infected kidneys. Systemic cytokine levels of wild-type mice infected with the dur1,2 mutant showed a more balanced systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine response. Host gene expression and protein analysis in infected kidneys revealed parallel changes in the local immune response. Significant differences were observed in the kidney IL-1 inflammatory pathway, IL-15 signaling, MAP kinase signaling, and the alternative complement pathway. We conclude that Dur1,2p is important for kidney colonization during disseminated candidiasis and contributes to an unbalanced host inflammatory response and subsequent renal failure. Therefore, this Candida-specific enzyme may represent a useful drug target to protect the host from kidney damage associated with disseminated candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhammika H. M. L. P. Navarathna
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michail S. Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Martin J. Lizak
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeeva Munasinghe
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kenneth W. Nickerson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - David D. Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Cordeiro RDA, Nogueira GC, Brilhante RSN, Teixeira CEC, Mourão CI, Castelo-Branco DDSCM, Paiva MDAN, Ribeiro JF, Monteiro AJ, Sidrim JJC, Rocha MFG. Farnesol inhibits in vitro growth of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex with no significant changes in virulence-related exoenzymes. Vet Microbiol 2012; 159:375-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Revised: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Han TL, Cannon RD, Villas-Bôas SG. The metabolic response ofCandida albicansto farnesol under hyphae-inducing conditions. FEMS Yeast Res 2012; 12:879-89. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2012.00837.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 07/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Li Han
- Centre for Microbial Innovation; School of Biological Sciences; The University of Auckland; Auckland; New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Cannon
- Department of Oral Sciences; The University of Otago; Dunedin; New Zealand
| | - Silas G. Villas-Bôas
- Centre for Microbial Innovation; School of Biological Sciences; The University of Auckland; Auckland; New Zealand
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Tashiro M, Kimura S, Tateda K, Saga T, Ohno A, Ishii Y, Izumikawa K, Tashiro T, Kohno S, Yamaguchi K. Pravastatin inhibits farnesol production inCandida albicansand improves survival in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. Med Mycol 2012; 50:353-60. [DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2011.610037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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35
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Dornelas-Ribeiro M, Pinheiro EO, Guerra C, Braga-Silva LA, Carvalho SMFD, Santos ALSD, Rozental S, Fracalanzza SEL. Cellular characterisation of Candida tropicalis presenting fluconazole-related trailing growth. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2012; 107:31-8. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Dornelas-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Biologia do Exército, Brasil; Instituto Estadual de Hematologia, Brasil; Hospital Adventista Silvestre, Brasil; Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes
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Candida biofilms and the host: models and new concepts for eradication. Int J Microbiol 2011; 2012:845352. [PMID: 22164167 PMCID: PMC3227478 DOI: 10.1155/2012/845352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms define mono- or multispecies communities embedded in a self-produced protective matrix, which is strongly attached to surfaces. They often are considered a general threat not only in industry but also in medicine. They constitute a permanent source of contamination, and they can disturb the proper usage of the material onto which they develop. This paper relates to some of the most recent approaches that have been elaborated to eradicate Candida biofilms, based on the vast effort put in ever-improving models of biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo, including novel flow systems, high-throughput techniques and mucosal models. Mixed biofilms, sustaining antagonist or beneficial cooperation between species, and their interplay with the host immune system are also prevalent topics. Alternative strategies against biofilms include the lock therapy and immunotherapy approaches, and material coating and improvements. The host-biofilm interactions are also discussed, together with their potential applications in Candida biofilm elimination.
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Han TL, Cannon RD, Villas-Bôas SG. The metabolic basis of Candida albicans morphogenesis and quorum sensing. Fungal Genet Biol 2011; 48:747-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2009] [Revised: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Candida and invasive candidiasis: back to basics. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 31:21-31. [PMID: 21544694 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-011-1273-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous Candida spp. is an opportunistic fungal pathogen which, despite treatment with antifungal drugs, can cause fatal bloodstream infections (BSIs) in immunocompromised and immunodeficient persons. Thus far, several major C. albicans virulence factors have been relatively well studied, including morphology switching and secreted degradative enzymes. However, the exact mechanism of Candida pathogenesis and the host response to invasion are still not well elucidated. The relatively recent discovery of the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol and the existence of quorum sensing as a basic regulatory phenomenon of the C. albicans population behavior has revolutionized Candida research. Through population density regulation, the quorum-sensing mechanism also controls the cellular morphology of a C. albicans population in response to environmental factors, thereby, effectively placing morphology switching downstream of quorum sensing. Thus, the quorum-sensing phenomenon has been hailed as the 'missing piece' of the pathogenicity puzzle. Here, we review what is known about Candida spp. as the etiological agents of invasive candidiasis and address our current understanding of the quorum-sensing phenomenon in relation to virulence in the host.
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Mores AU, Souza RD, Cavalca L, de Paula e Carvalho A, Gursky LC, Rosa RT, Samaranayake LP, Rosa EAR. Enhancement of Secretory Aspartyl Protease production in biofilms of Candida albicans exposed to sub-inhibitory concentrations of fluconazole. Mycoses 2011; 54:195-201. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2009.01793.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ghosh S, Howe N, Volk K, Tati S, Nickerson KW, Petro TM. Candida albicans cell wall components and farnesol stimulate the expression of both inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in the murine RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 60:63-73. [PMID: 20618847 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2010.00717.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans causes candidiasis, secretes farnesol, and switches from yeast to hyphae to escape from macrophages after phagocytosis. However, before escape, macrophages may respond to C. albicans' pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) through toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and dectin-1 receptors by expressing cytokines involved in adaptive immunity, inflammation, and immune regulation. Therefore, macrophages and the RAW264.7 macrophage line were challenged with C. albicans preparations of live wild-type cells, heat-killed cells, a live mutant defective in hyphae formation, a live mutant producing less farnesol, or an isolate producing farnesoic acid instead of farnesol. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression were evaluated by ELISA and/or qRT-PCR within 6 h after challenge. All viable strains producing farnesol, regardless of hyphae phenotype, induced IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α. To determine which components of C. albicans induced IL-6, RAW264.7 cells were incubated with farnesol, farnesoic acid, with or without zymosan, a yeast cell wall preparation that contains PAMPs recognized by TLR2 and dectin-1. The highest expression of IL-6, TLR2, and dectin-1 occurred when RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with zymosan and farnesol together. Our results suggest that the rapid expression of cytokines from macrophages challenged with C. albicans is due to cell-wall PAMPs combined with farnesol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Ghosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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41
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Calugi C, Trabocchi A, Guarna A. Novel small molecules for the treatment of infections caused byCandida albicans: a patent review (2002 – 2010). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2011; 21:381-97. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2011.551116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Navarathna DHMLP, Das A, Morschhäuser J, Nickerson KW, Roberts DD. Dur3 is the major urea transporter in Candida albicans and is co-regulated with the urea amidolyase Dur1,2. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2011; 157:270-279. [PMID: 20884691 PMCID: PMC3069533 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.045005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2010] [Revised: 09/23/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hemiascomycetes, including the pathogen Candida albicans, acquire nitrogen from urea using the urea amidolyase Dur1,2, whereas all other higher fungi use primarily the nickel-containing urease. Urea metabolism via Dur1,2 is important for resistance to innate host immunity in C. albicans infections. To further characterize urea metabolism in C. albicans we examined the function of seven putative urea transporters. Gene disruption established that Dur3, encoded by orf 19.781, is the predominant transporter. [(14)C]Urea uptake was energy-dependent and decreased approximately sevenfold in a dur3Δ mutant. DUR1,2 and DUR3 expression was strongly induced by urea, whereas the other putative transporter genes were induced less than twofold. Immediate induction of DUR3 by urea was independent of its metabolism via Dur1,2, but further slow induction of DUR3 required the Dur1,2 pathway. We investigated the role of the GATA transcription factors Gat1 and Gln3 in DUR1,2 and DUR3 expression. Urea induction of DUR1,2 was reduced in a gat1Δ mutant, strongly reduced in a gln3Δ mutant, and abolished in a gat1Δ gln3Δ double mutant. In contrast, DUR3 induction by urea was preserved in both single mutants but reduced in the double mutant, suggesting that additional signalling mechanisms regulate DUR3 expression. These results establish Dur3 as the major urea transporter in C. albicans and provide additional insights into the control of urea utilization by this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhammika H. M. L. P. Navarathna
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1500, USA
| | - Aditi Das
- Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Morschhäuser
- Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - David D. Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1500, USA
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Navarathna DH, Roberts DD. Candida albicans heme oxygenase and its product CO contribute to pathogenesis of candidemia and alter systemic chemokine and cytokine expression. Free Radic Biol Med 2010; 49:1561-73. [PMID: 20800092 PMCID: PMC2952735 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2010.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian heme oxygenases play important roles in immune regulation by producing immunosuppressive CO. The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans encodes a heme oxygenase, Hmx1, that is specifically induced by the host protein hemoglobin, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of disseminated bloodstream infections. We show that exposing mice to therapeutic levels of CO increases C. albicans virulence, whereas an HMX1 null strain has decreased virulence in murine disseminated candidiasis. Levels of several regulatory cytokines and chemokines are decreased in mice infected with the null strain, and initial lesions in the kidney are more rapidly cleared after polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration. Reconstitution of one or both alleles restores virulence to the level of wild type. Growth in vitro and initial organ burdens in infected mice are not decreased and host iron overload does not restore virulence for the null strain, suggesting that early growth in the host is not limited by Hmx1-mediated iron scavenging. In contrast, inhaled CO partially reverses the virulence defect of the null strain and restores several host cytokine responses to wild-type levels. Collectively, these results show that C. albicans Hmx1 expression and CO production limit the host immune response and contribute to the pathogenesis of candidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David D. Roberts
- Correspondence: NIH, Building 10 Room 2A33, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1500, Tel: 301-496-6264, Fax: 301-402-0043,
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Arana DM, Nombela C, Pla J. Fluconazole at subinhibitory concentrations induces the oxidative- and nitrosative-responsive genes TRR1, GRE2 and YHB1, and enhances the resistance of Candida albicans to phagocytes. J Antimicrob Chemother 2010; 65:54-62. [PMID: 19897505 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkp407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyse the oxidative and nitrosative stress response in Candida albicans generated by fluconazole at subinhibitory concentrations, and the functional consequences of such a response for the interaction with phagocytic cells. METHODS The C. albicans CAI-4 strain carrying transcriptional fusions of the TRR1p, YHB1p and GRE2p genes to the Renilla reniformis luciferase LUC gene was pre-treated with subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole and incubated with oxidants (diamide and hydrogen peroxide) or with the myelomonocytic cell line HL-60. RESULTS Fluconazole induced oxidative and nitrosative stress in a time- and dose-dependent manner as determined using oxidative- and nitrosative-specific gene reporters. At subinhibitory concentrations, fluconazole was able to induce protection in vitro to subsequent challenges with oxidants in both liquid and solid media, and also induced partial protection against the oxidative-mediated killing mechanisms of the myelocytic HL-60 cells. CONCLUSIONS Subinhibitory concentrations of fluconazole protect against oxidants and killing mediated by phagocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Arana
- Departamento de Microbiología II, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
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45
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Langford ML, Atkin AL, Nickerson KW. Cellular interactions of farnesol, a quorum-sensing molecule produced by Candida albicans. Future Microbiol 2010; 4:1353-62. [PMID: 19995193 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.09.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule produced by Candida albicans that has many effects, including filament inhibition of this polymorphic fungus. In the past 9 years, the effect of farnesol on C. albicans has been reported in nearly 160 publications, with early work examining its influence on morphology. This article presents an update on the literature published since 2006, focusing on points that still need to be resolved as well as identifying possible artifacts that might interfere with this goal. In addition, the regulation of C. albicans farnesol production, C. albicans' resistance/sensitivity to farnesol and the influence of farnesol on other species as well as the host are discussed. It is intriguing that we still do not know precisely how farnesol works, but interference with the Ras1-cAMP pathway is part of the story.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie L Langford
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-0666, USA.
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46
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Activity and toxicity of farnesol towards Candida albicans are dependent on growth conditions. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009; 54:940-2. [PMID: 19933803 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01214-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Farnesol interacts with Candida albicans as both a quorum-sensing molecule and toxic agent, but confusion abounds regarding which conditions promote these distinct responses. Farnesol sensitivity was measured when inoculum cell history and size, temperature, and growth media were altered. Parameters for farnesol tolerance/sensitivity were defined, validating previous studies and identifying new variables, such as energy availability. This study clearly defines what farnesol concentrations are lethal to C. albicans, based on environmental conditions.
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47
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Abstract
Lipid signaling in pathogenic fungi has been studied to determine the role of these pathways in fungal biology and human infections. Owing to their unique nature, they may represent targets for future antifungal treatments. Farnesol signaling was characterized as a quorum-sensing molecule, with exposure inhibiting filamentation. Research has shown involvement in both the Ras1-adenylate cyclase and MAP kinase pathways. In species of Aspergillus, farnesol exposure induces apoptosis-like changes and alterations in ergosterol synthesis. Eicosanoid production has been characterized in several pathogenic fungi, utilizing host lipids in some cases. The role in virulence is not known yet, but it may involve modulation of host lipids. Sphingolipid signaling pathways seem to center around the production of diacylglycerol in the formation of inositol phosphorylceramide. Diacylglycerol activates both melanin production through laccase and transcription of antiphagocytic protein, both of which are involved in virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Rhome
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
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Abe S, Tsunashima R, Iijima R, Yamada T, Maruyama N, Hisajima T, Abe Y, Oshima H, Yamazaki M. Suppression of anti-Candida activity of macrophages by a quorum-sensing molecule, farnesol, through induction of oxidative stress. Microbiol Immunol 2009; 53:323-30. [PMID: 19493200 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2009.00128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Farnesol is well known as a quorum-sensing molecule of Candida albicans. To assess the pathological function of farnesol, its effects on macrophage viability and functions including growth inhibitory activities against C. albicans were examined in vitro. Murine macrophages, when cultured in the presence of 56-112 microM of farnesol for 1-2 hr, decreased their activity inhibiting the mycelial growth of C. albicans and lost their viability. This suppression of macrophage function by farnesol was neutralized by the coexistence of the anti-oxidants probucol and trolox. Macrophages cultured in the presence of farnesol for 2 hr displayed morphological change of nuclei and DNA fragmentation, which suggested apoptosis of the cells. Intracellular production of ROS in the farnesol-treated macrophages was shown by fluorescence of DCFH-DA and increase of peroxidized materials. These effects of farnesol were blocked by probucol or trolox. These results indicate that farnesol lowered viability of the murine macrophages and suppressed their anti-Candida activity, perhaps through induction of ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Abe
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, 359 Otsuka, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0395, Japan.
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Schertzer JW, Boulette ML, Whiteley M. More than a signal: non-signaling properties of quorum sensing molecules. Trends Microbiol 2009; 17:189-95. [PMID: 19375323 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2009.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2008] [Revised: 02/12/2009] [Accepted: 02/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing in bacteria serves as an example of the adaptation of single-celled organisms to engage in cooperative group behaviors. This phenomenon is much more widespread than originally thought, with many different species 'speaking' through various secreted small molecules. Despite some variation in signaling molecules, the principles of quorum sensing are conserved across a wide range of organisms. Small molecules, secreted into the environment, are detected by neighbors who respond by altering gene expression and, as a consequence, behavior. However, it is not known whether these systems evolved specifically for this purpose, or even if their role is exclusive to information trafficking. Rather, clues exist that many quorum sensing molecules function as more than just signals. Here, we discuss non-signaling roles for quorum sensing molecules in such important processes as nutrient scavenging, ultrastructure modification and competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Schertzer
- Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Targeting virulence: A new paradigm for antifungals. Drug Discov Today 2009; 14:214-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2008.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2008] [Revised: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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