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Shen T, Tian B, Liu W, Yang X, Sheng Q, Li M, Wang H, Wang X, Zhou H, Han Y, Ding C, Sai S. Transdermal administration of farnesol-ethosomes enhances the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis induced by Candida albicans in mice. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0424723. [PMID: 38415658 PMCID: PMC10986551 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04247-23] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous candidiasis, caused by Candida albicans, is a severe and frustrating condition, and finding effective treatments can be challenging. Therefore, the development of farnesol-loaded nanoparticles is an exciting breakthrough. Ethosomes are a novel transdermal drug delivery carrier that incorporates a certain concentration (10-45%) of alcohols into lipid vesicles, resulting in improved permeability and encapsulation rates compared to conventional liposomes. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule involved in morphogenesis regulation in C. albicans, and these ethosomes offer a promising new approach to treating this common fungal infection. This study develops the formulation of farnesol-loaded ethosomes (farnesol-ethosomes) and assesses applications in treating cutaneous candidiasis induced by C. albicans in vitro and in vivo. Farnesol-ethosomes were successfully developed by ethanol injection method. Therapeutic properties of farnesol-ethosomes, such as particle size, zeta potential, and morphology, were well characterized. According to the results, farnesol-ethosomes demonstrated an increased inhibition effect on cells' growth and biofilm formation in C. albicans. In Animal infection models, treating farnesol-ethosomes by transdermal administration effectively relieved symptoms caused by cutaneous candidiasis and reduced fungal burdens in quantity. We also observed that ethosomes significantly enhanced drug delivery efficacy in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that farnesol-ethosomes can provide future promising roles in curing cutaneous candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Cutaneous candidiasis attributed to Candida infection is a prevalent condition that impacts individuals of all age groups. As a type of microbial community, biofilms confer benefits to host infections and mitigate the clinical effects of antifungal treatments. In C. albicans, the yeast-to-hypha transition and biofilm formation are effectively suppressed by farnesol through its modulation of multiple signaling pathway. However, the characteristics of farnesol such as hydrophobicity, volatility, degradability, and instability in various conditions can impose limitations on its effectiveness. Nanotechnology holds the potential to enhance the efficiency and utilization of this molecule. Treatment of farnesol-ethosomes by transdermal administration demonstrated a very remarkable therapeutic effect against C. albicans in infection model of cutaneous candidiasis in mice. Many patients suffering fungal skin infection will benefit from this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Baocheng Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuesong Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qi Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Mengxin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xiuwen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Huihui Zhou
- Department of pathology, Affiliated Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yanchun Han
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Sixiang Sai
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Thorn HI, Guruceaga X, Martin-Vicente A, Nywening AV, Xie J, Ge W, Fortwendel JR. MOB-mediated regulation of septation initiation network (SIN) signaling is required for echinocandin-induced hyperseptation in Aspergillus fumigatus. mSphere 2024; 9:e0069523. [PMID: 38349166 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00695-23] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a major invasive mold pathogen and the most frequent etiologic agent of invasive aspergillosis. The currently available treatments for invasive aspergillosis are limited in both number and efficacy. Our recent work has uncovered that the β-glucan synthase inhibitors, the echinocandins, are fungicidal against strains of A. fumigatus with defects in septation initiation network (SIN) kinase activity. These drugs are known to be fungistatic against strains with normal septation. Surprisingly, SIN kinase mutant strains also failed to invade lung tissue and were significantly less virulent in immunosuppressed mouse models. Inhibiting septation in filamentous fungi is therefore an exciting therapeutic prospect to both reduce virulence and improve current antifungal therapy. However, the SIN remains understudied in pathogenic fungi. To address this knowledge gap, we characterized the putative regulatory components of the A. fumigatus SIN. These included the GTPase, SpgA, it's two-component GTPase-activating protein, ByrA/BubA, and the kinase activators, SepM and MobA. Deletion of spgA, byrA, or bubA resulted in no overt septation or echinocandin susceptibility phenotypes. In contrast, our data show that deletion of sepM or mobA largely phenocopies disruption of their SIN kinase binding partners, sepL and sidB, respectively. Reduced septum formation, echinocandin hypersusceptibility, and reduced virulence were generated by loss of either gene. These findings provide strong supporting evidence that septa are essential not only for withstanding the cell wall disrupting effects of echinocandins but are also critical for the establishment of invasive disease. Therefore, pharmacological SIN inhibition may be an exciting strategy for future antifungal drug development.IMPORTANCESepta are important structural determinants of echinocandin susceptibility and tissue invasive growth for the ubiquitous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Components of the septation machinery therefore represent promising novel antifungal targets to improve echinocandin activity and reduce virulence. However, little is known about septation regulation in A. fumigatus. Here, we characterize the predicted regulatory components of the A. fumigatus septation initiation network. We show that the kinase activators SepM and MobA are vital for proper septation and echinocandin resistance, with MobA playing an essential role. Null mutants of mobA displayed significantly reduced virulence in a mouse model, underscoring the importance of this pathway for A. fumigatus pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison I Thorn
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Xabier Guruceaga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ashley V Nywening
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jinhong Xie
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Wenbo Ge
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jarrod R Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Klugherz I, Basch M, Ng N, Zhu Z, Wagener N, Wagener J. Only One of Three Bcs1 Homologs in Aspergillus fumigatus Confers Respiratory Growth. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1074. [PMID: 37998879 PMCID: PMC10672213 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial translocase Bcs1 is required for the correct assembly of complex III of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Because of its importance, Bcs1 was recently proposed as a target for antifungal agents. The function of this AAA (ATPase Associated with diverse cellular Activities) protein has been extensively characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This yeast as well as previously studied mammals each encode only one homolog. In contrast, the pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus encodes three putative Bcs1 homologs, none of which have been characterized to date. To study the role of these three homologs in A. fumigatus, conditional and deletion mutants of the respective genes AFUA_3G13000 (bcs1A), AFUA_4G01260 (bcs1B), and AFUA_2G14760 (bcs1C) were generated. A deletion or downregulation of bcs1A resulted in drastically reduced growth and sporulation rates and in a significantly altered susceptibility to azole antifungals. In contrast, mutants lacking Bcs1B or Bcs1C did not show any phenotypes differing from the wild type. Salicylhydroxamic acid-an inhibitor of the alternative oxidase that allows the respiratory chain to bypass complex III in some species-caused a complete growth arrest of the bcs1A deletion mutant. In a Galleria mellonella infection model, the deletion of bcs1A resulted in significantly decreased virulence. Only Bcs1A was able to partially complement a deletion of BCS1 in S. cerevisiae. The subcellular localization of Bcs1B and Bcs1C outside of mitochondria suggests that these Bcs1 homologs exert cellular functions different from that of Bcs1. Our data demonstrate that Bcs1A is the sole Bcs1 ortholog in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Klugherz
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (I.K.)
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marion Basch
- Zell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Department Biologie II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152 Munich, Germany
| | - Natanya Ng
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, St James’s Hospital Campus, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zhaojun Zhu
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (I.K.)
| | - Nikola Wagener
- Zell- und Entwicklungsbiologie, Department Biologie II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152 Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Wagener
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany; (I.K.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, St James’s Hospital Campus, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland
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Nosenko T, Zimmer I, Ghirardo A, Köllner TG, Weber B, Polle A, Rosenkranz M, Schnitzler JP. Predicting functions of putative fungal sesquiterpene synthase genes based on multiomics data analysis. Fungal Genet Biol 2023; 165:103779. [PMID: 36706978 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Sesquiterpenes (STs) are secondary metabolites, which mediate biotic interactions between different organisms. Predicting the species-specific ST repertoires can contribute to deciphering the language of communication between organisms of the same or different species. High biochemical plasticity and catalytic promiscuity of sesquiterpene synthases (STSs), however, challenge the homology-based prediction of the STS functions. Using integrated analyses of genomic, transcriptomic, volatilomic, and metabolomic data, we predict product profiles for 116 out of 146 putative STS genes identified in the genomes of 30 fungal species from different trophic groups. Our prediction method is based on the observation that STSs encoded by genes closely related phylogenetically are likely to share the initial enzymatic reactions of the ST biosynthesis pathways and, therefore, produce STs via the same reaction route. The classification by reaction routes allows to assign STs known to be emitted by a particular species to the putative STS genes from this species. Gene expression information helps to further specify these ST-to-STS assignments. Validation of the computational predictions of the STS functions using both in silico and experimental approaches shows that integrated multiomic analyses are able to correctly link cyclic STs of non-cadalane type to genes. In the process of the experimental validation, we characterized catalytic properties of several putative STS genes from the mycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor. We show that the STSs encoded by the L.bicolor mycorrhiza-induced genes emit either nerolidol or α-cuprenene and α-cuparene, and discuss the possible roles of these STs in the mycorrhiza formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Nosenko
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Ina Zimmer
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Ghirardo
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tobias G Köllner
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Baris Weber
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Polle
- Forest Botany and Tree Physiology, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maaria Rosenkranz
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jörg-Peter Schnitzler
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Environmental Simulation, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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Yoshimi A, Miyazawa K, Kawauchi M, Abe K. Cell Wall Integrity and Its Industrial Applications in Filamentous Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:435. [PMID: 35628691 PMCID: PMC9148135 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways regulating cell wall integrity (CWI) in filamentous fungi have been studied taking into account findings in budding yeast, and much knowledge has been accumulated in recent years. Given that the cell wall is essential for viability in fungi, its architecture has been analyzed in relation to virulence, especially in filamentous fungal pathogens of plants and humans. Although research on CWI signaling in individual fungal species has progressed, an integrated understanding of CWI signaling in diverse fungi has not yet been achieved. For example, the variety of sensor proteins and their functional differences among different fungal species have been described, but the understanding of their general and species-specific biological functions is limited. Our long-term research interest is CWI signaling in filamentous fungi. Here, we outline CWI signaling in these fungi, from sensor proteins required for the recognition of environmental changes to the regulation of cell wall polysaccharide synthesis genes. We discuss the similarities and differences between the functions of CWI signaling factors in filamentous fungi and in budding yeast. We also describe the latest findings on industrial applications, including those derived from studies on CWI signaling: the development of antifungal agents and the development of highly productive strains of filamentous fungi with modified cell surface characteristics by controlling cell wall biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yoshimi
- Laboratory of Environmental Interface Technology of Filamentous Fungi, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; (A.Y.); (M.K.)
- ABE-Project, New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Ken Miyazawa
- ABE-Project, New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
- Laboratory of Filamentous Mycoses, Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan;
| | - Moriyuki Kawauchi
- Laboratory of Environmental Interface Technology of Filamentous Fungi, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; (A.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Keietsu Abe
- ABE-Project, New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
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6
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Subroto E, van Neer J, Valdes I, de Cock H. Growth of Aspergillus fumigatus in Biofilms in Comparison to Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:48. [PMID: 35049988 PMCID: PMC8779434 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation during infections with the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus can be very problematic in clinical settings, since it provides the fungal cells with a protective environment. Resistance against drug treatments, immune recognition as well as adaptation to the host environment allows fungal survival in the host. The exact molecular mechanisms behind most processes in the formation of biofilms are unclear. In general, the formation of biofilms can be categorized roughly in a few stages; adhesion, conidial germination and development of hyphae, biofilm maturation and cell dispersion. Fungi in biofilms can adapt to the in-host environment. These adaptations can occur on a level of phenotypic plasticity via gene regulation. However, also more substantial genetic changes of the genome can result in increased resistance and adaptation in the host, enhancing the survival chances of fungi in biofilms. Most research has focused on the development of biofilms. However, to tackle developing microbial resistance and adaptation in biofilms, more insight in mechanisms behind genetic adaptations is required to predict which defense mechanisms can be expected. This can be helpful in the development of novel and more targeted antifungal treatments to combat fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hans de Cock
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.S.); (J.v.N.); (I.V.)
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Antifungal activity of volatile compounds generated by endophytic fungi Sarocladium brachiariae HND5 against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260747. [PMID: 34855862 PMCID: PMC8639089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The soil-born filamentous fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC), which causes vascular wilt disease in banana plants, is one of the most economically important Fusarium species. Biocontrol using endophytic microorganisms is among the most effective methods for controlling banana Fusarium wilt. In this study, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) showed strong antifungal activity against FOC. Seventeen compounds were identified from the VOCs produced by endophytic fungi Sarocladium brachiariae HND5, and three (2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 3,4-dimethoxystyrol and caryophyllene) showed antifungal activity against FOC with 50% effective concentrations of 36, 60 and 2900 μL/L headspace, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and double fluorescence staining revealed that 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol and 3,4-dimethoxystyrol damaged the plasma membranes, resulting in cell death. 3,4-dimethoxystyrol also could induce expression of chitin synthases genes and altered the cell walls of FOC hyphae. Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate staining indicated the caryophyllene induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in FOC hyphae. FOC secondary metabolism also responded to active VOC challenge by producing less fusaric acid and expressions of genes related to fusaric acid production were interrupted at sublethal concentrations. These findings indicate the potential of S. brachiariae HND5 as a biocontrol agent against FOC and the antifungal VOCs as fumigants.
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Long Terminal Repeat Retrotransposon Afut4 Promotes Azole Resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus by Enhancing the Expression of sac1 Gene. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0029121. [PMID: 34516252 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00291-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus causes a series of invasive diseases, including the high-mortality invasive aspergillosis, and has been a serious global health threat because of its increased resistance to the first-line clinical triazoles. We analyzed the whole-genome sequence of 15 A. fumigatus strains from China and found that long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs), including Afut1, Afut2, Afut3, and Afut4, are most common and have the largest total nucleotide length among all transposable elements in A. fumigatus. Deleting one of the most enriched Afut4977-sac1 in azole-resistant strains decreased azole resistance and downregulated its nearby gene, sac1, but it did not significantly affect the expression of genes of the ergosterol synthesis pathway. We then discovered that 5'LTR of Afut4977-sac1 had promoter activity and enhanced the adjacent sac1 gene expression. We found that sac1 is important to A. fumigatus, and the upregulated sac1 caused elevated resistance of A. fumigatus to azoles. Finally, we showed that Afut4977-sac1 has an evolution pattern similar to that of the whole genome of azole-resistant strains due to azoles; phylogenetic analysis of both the whole genome and Afut4977-sac1 suggests that the insertion of Afut4977-sac1 might have preceded the emergence of azole-resistant strains. Taking these data together, we found that the Afut4977-sac1 LTR-RT might be involved in the regulation of azole resistance of A. fumigatus by upregulating its nearby sac1 gene.
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Roudbary M, Vahedi-Shahandashti R, Santos ALSD, Roudbar Mohammadi S, Aslani P, Lass-Flörl C, Rodrigues CF. Biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi: a therapeutic challenge. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 48:197-221. [PMID: 34358430 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1950121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are highly-organized microbial communities attached to a biotic or an abiotic surface, surrounded by an extracellular matrix secreted by the biofilm-forming cells. The majority of fungal pathogens contribute to biofilm formation within tissues or biomedical devices, leading to serious and persistent infections. The clinical significance of biofilms relies on the increased resistance to conventional antifungal therapies and suppression of the host immune system, which leads to invasive and recurrent fungal infections. While different features of yeast biofilms are well-described in the literature, the structural and molecular basis of biofilm formation of clinically related filamentous fungi has not been fully addressed. This review aimed to address biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Department of General Microbiology, Microbiology Institute Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | | | - Peyman Aslani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Célia F Rodrigues
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Onder S, Oz Y. In Vitro Effects of Farnesol Alone and in Combination with Antifungal Drugs Against Aspergillus Clinical Isolates. Med Mycol J 2021; 62:5-10. [PMID: 33642525 DOI: 10.3314/mmj.20-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Farnesol is an extracellular quorum-sensing molecule produced by Candida albicans. Farnesol is also a sesquiterpene alcohol existing in many herbal products and has various activity against fungal cells. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of farnesol alone and the contribution of farnesol on the activity of voriconazole and amphotericin B against Aspergillus clinical isolates in vitro. A total of 45 Aspergillus clinical isolates were used in this study. The MIC values of voriconazole, amphotericin B, and farnesol were determined using reference broth microdilution method. The interactions of farnesol with voriconazole and amphotericin B were investigated by the checkerboard method and evaluated based on the fractional inhibitor concentration index (FICI). The MIC ranges of farnesol, voriconazole, and amphotericin B were 1,500-6,000 μM, 0.125-1 μg/mL, and 0.125-0.5 μg/mL against Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, 3,000-12,000 μM, 0.125-0.5 μg/mL, and 0.25-2 μg/mL against Aspergillus flavus isolates, respectively. The most common interaction in combination tests was "no interaction," and synergistic interaction was not detected. The combinations of farnesol with voriconazole and amphotericin B had antagonistic activity against 38% and 27% of all isolates, respectively.We concluded that the responses of different fungal species against farnesol are variable, and different interactions may be observed when it is combined with different antifungals. Therefore, it should be noted that farnesol may have an adverse effect on some fungi or interact negatively with antifungals used in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukran Onder
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University Medical Faculty, Department of Microbiology, Division of Mycology
| | - Yasemin Oz
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University Medical Faculty, Department of Microbiology, Division of Mycology
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An appraisal of natural products active against parasitic nematodes of animals. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:306. [PMID: 31208455 PMCID: PMC6580475 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3537-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, the scientific and patent literature on the activities of purified natural compounds has been reviewed, with the aim of assessing their suitability as anthelmintic drug discovery starting points. Only compounds described as active against parasitic nematodes of animals or against the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have been analysed. Scientific articles published since 2010 and patents granted from 2000, both inclusive, have been included in this analysis. The results show a scarcity of novel chemical structures, a limited follow-up of compounds disclosed before 2010 and a bias towards the screening of plant products, almost to the exclusion of other sources, when microbial extracts have, historically, provided most starting points for anti-infective drugs. All plant products published in this period were previously known, alerting to the high re-discovery rates of a limited number of chemical classes from this source. The most promising compounds described in the literature reviewed here, namely the linear nemadectin-derivatives, are novel and of bacterial origin. Patented but otherwise unpublished spiroketal structures also appear as interesting scaffolds for future development. The patent literature confirmed that it is possible to patent derivatives of previously known products, making them valid starting points for translational research.
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Mehmood A, Liu G, Wang X, Meng G, Wang C, Liu Y. Fungal Quorum-Sensing Molecules and Inhibitors with Potential Antifungal Activity: A Review. Molecules 2019; 24:E1950. [PMID: 31117232 PMCID: PMC6571750 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of persisting independent and isolated regarding microorganisms is no longer accepted. To survive and reproduce they have developed several communication platforms within the cells which facilitates them to adapt the surrounding environmental changes. This cell-to-cell communication is termed as quorum sensing; it relies upon the cell density and can stimulate several traits of microbes including biofilm formation, competence, and virulence factors secretion. Initially, this sophisticated mode of communication was discovered in bacteria; later, it was also confirmed in eukaryotes (fungi). As a consequence, many quorum-sensing molecules and inhibitors have been identified and characterized in various fungal species. In this review article, we will primarily focus on fungal quorum-sensing molecules and the production of inhibitors from fungal species with potential applications for combating fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad Mehmood
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Guorong Liu
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Guannan Meng
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Chengtao Wang
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Ya Liu
- R&D Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., Kunming 650202, China.
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13
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Wang KF, Guo C, Ju F, Samak NA, Zhuang GQ, Liu CZ. Farnesol-induced hyperbranched morphology with short hyphae and bulbous tips of Coriolus versicolor. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15213. [PMID: 30315269 PMCID: PMC6185903 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
As the first fungal quorum sensing molecule, farnesol-induced morphological transition is usually studied in dimorphic fungi, but in basidiomycetes the morphological changes regulated by farnesol are rarely investigated. In this study, we found that farnesol made the basidiomycete Coriolus versicolor develop into a hyperbranched morphology with short hyphae and bulbous tips. Farnesol treatment resulted in a significant increase of intracellular oxidative stress level, which influenced the expression of several morphogenesis-related genes, and thereby led to the morphological changes. High oxidative stress level significantly stimulated the expression of laccase genes for improving intracellular laccase biosynthesis. The resulted hyperbranched morphology further accelerated the secretion of intracellular laccase into culture medium. As a result, extracellular laccase production reached a maximum of 2189.2 ± 54.7 U/L in farnesol-induced cultures, which was 6.8-fold greater than that of control cultures. SDS-PAGE and native-PAGE showed that farnesol increased laccase production by promoting the biosynthesis of three laccase isoforms. Together these results provide new opportunities in not only understanding the farnesol-regulated mycelial morphology in basidiomycetes, but also developing novel strategies for enhancing the production of secreted enzymes of biotechnological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Fang Ju
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, 266042, P.R. China.
| | - Nadia A Samak
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Qiang Zhuang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Zhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China. .,Institute of Biochemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Marine Biomass Fibers, Materials and Textiles of Shandong Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P.R. China.
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14
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Ruf D, Brantl V, Wagener J. Mitochondrial Fragmentation in Aspergillus fumigatus as Early Marker of Granulocyte Killing Activity. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:128. [PMID: 29868488 PMCID: PMC5960683 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The host's defense against invasive mold infections relies on diverse antimicrobial activities of innate immune cells. However, studying these mechanisms in vitro is complicated by the filamentous nature of such pathogens that typically form long, branched, multinucleated and compartmentalized hyphae. Here we describe a novel method that allows for the visualization and quantification of the antifungal killing activity exerted by human granulocytes against hyphae of the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. The approach relies on the distinct impact of fungal cell death on the morphology of mitochondria that were visualized with green fluorescent protein (GFP). We show that oxidative stress induces complete fragmentation of the tubular mitochondrial network which correlates with cell death of affected hyphae. Live cell microscopy revealed a similar and non-reversible disruption of the mitochondrial morphology followed by fading of fluorescence in Aspergillus hyphae that were killed by human granulocytes. Quantitative microscopic analysis of fixed samples was subsequently used to estimate the antifungal activity. By utilizing this assay, we demonstrate that lipopolysaccharides as well as human serum significantly increase the killing efficacy of the granulocytes. Our results demonstrate that evaluation of the mitochondrial morphology can be utilized to assess the fungicidal activity of granulocytes against A. fumigatus hyphae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Ruf
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Victor Brantl
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Wagener
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU München, Munich, Germany.,Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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15
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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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Dos Santos Ramos MA, Da Silva PB, Spósito L, De Toledo LG, Bonifácio BV, Rodero CF, Dos Santos KC, Chorilli M, Bauab TM. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for control of microbial biofilms: a review. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:1179-1213. [PMID: 29520143 PMCID: PMC5834171 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s146195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the dawn of civilization, it has been understood that pathogenic microorganisms cause infectious conditions in humans, which at times, may prove fatal. Among the different virulent properties of microorganisms is their ability to form biofilms, which has been directly related to the development of chronic infections with increased disease severity. A problem in the elimination of such complex structures (biofilms) is resistance to the drugs that are currently used in clinical practice, and therefore, it becomes imperative to search for new compounds that have anti-biofilm activity. In this context, nanotechnology provides secure platforms for targeted delivery of drugs to treat numerous microbial infections that are caused by biofilms. Among the many applications of such nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems is their ability to enhance the bioactive potential of therapeutic agents. The present study reports the use of important nanoparticles, such as liposomes, microemulsions, cyclodextrins, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles, in controlling microbial biofilms by targeted drug delivery. Such utilization of these nanosystems has led to a better understanding of their applications and their role in combating biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Aparecido Dos Santos Ramos
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Bento Da Silva
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Drugs and Medicines. Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Larissa Spósito
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciani Gaspar De Toledo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna Vidal Bonifácio
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Fernanda Rodero
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Drugs and Medicines. Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Karen Cristina Dos Santos
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Drugs and Medicines. Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Drugs and Medicines. Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Taís Maria Bauab
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus Araraquara, Department of Biological Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
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17
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Jia X, Zhang X, Hu Y, Hu M, Tian S, Han X, Sun Y, Han L. Role of actin depolymerizing factor cofilin in Aspergillus fumigatus oxidative stress response and pathogenesis. Curr Genet 2017; 64:619-634. [PMID: 29170805 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-017-0777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a major fungal pathogen that is responsible for approximately 90% of human aspergillosis. Cofilin is an actin depolymerizing factor that plays crucial roles in multiple cellular functions in many organisms. However, the functions of cofilin in A. fumigatus are still unknown. In this study, we constructed an A. fumigatus strain overexpressing cofilin (cofilin OE). The cofilin OE strain displayed a slightly different growth phenotype, significantly increased resistance against H2O2 and diamide, and increased activation of the high osmolarity glycerol pathway compared to the wild-type strain (WT). The cofilin OE strain internalized more efficiently into lung epithelial A549 cells, and induced increased transcription of inflammatory factors (MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-8) compared to WT. Cofilin overexpression also resulted in increased polysaccharides including β-1, 3-glucan and chitin, and increased transcription of genes related to oxidative stress responses and polysaccharide synthesis in A. fumigatus. However, the cofilin OE strain exhibited similar virulence to the wild-type strain in murine and Galleria mellonella infection models. These results demonstrated for the first time that cofilin, a regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics, might play a critical role in the regulation of oxidative stress responses and cell wall polysaccharide synthesis in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Jia
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Yingsong Hu
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Mandong Hu
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Shuguang Tian
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Xuelin Han
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Yansong Sun
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China.
| | - Li Han
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China.
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18
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Tanaka Y, Sasaki M, Ito F, Aoyama T, Sato-Okamoto M, Takahashi-Nakaguchi A, Chibana H, Shibata N. Cooperation between ER stress and calcineurin signaling contributes to the maintenance of cell wall integrity in Candida glabrata. Fungal Biol 2017; 122:19-33. [PMID: 29248112 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Candida glabrata is the second most common source of Candida infections in humans. In this pathogen, the maintenance of cell wall integrity (CWI) frequently precludes effective pharmacological treatment by antifungal agents. In numerous fungi, cell wall modulation is reported to be controlled by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, but how the latter affects CWI maintenance in C. glabrata is not clearly understood. Here, we characterized a C. glabrata strain harboring a mutation in the CNE1 gene, which encodes a molecular chaperone associated with nascent glycoprotein maturation in the ER. Disruption of cne1 induced ER stress and caused changes in the normal cell wall structure, specifically a reduction in the β-1,6-glucan content and accumulation of chitin. Conversely, a treatment with the typical ER stress inducer tunicamycin up-regulated the production of cell wall chitin but did not affect β-1,6-glucan content. Our results also indicated that C. glabrata features a uniquely evolved ER stress-mediated CWI pathway, which differs from that in the closely related species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ER stress-mediated CWI pathway in C. glabrata is also induced by the disruption of other genes encoding proteins that function in a correlated manner in the quality control of N-linked glycoproteins in the ER. These results suggest that calcineurin and ER quality control system act as a platform for maintaining CWI in C. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Tanaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8558, Japan
| | - Masato Sasaki
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8558, Japan
| | - Fumie Ito
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8558, Japan
| | - Toshio Aoyama
- Department of Electronic and Information Engineering, Suzuka National College of Technology, Shirako-tyo, Suzuka, Mie 510-0294, Japan
| | - Michiyo Sato-Okamoto
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8673, Japan
| | | | - Hiroji Chibana
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8673, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shibata
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8558, Japan.
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19
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Caspofungin-Mediated Growth Inhibition and Paradoxical Growth in Aspergillus fumigatus Involve Fungicidal Hyphal Tip Lysis Coupled with Regenerative Intrahyphal Growth and Dynamic Changes in β-1,3-Glucan Synthase Localization. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.00710-17. [PMID: 28760907 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00710-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Caspofungin targets cell wall β-1,3-glucan synthesis and is the international consensus guideline-recommended salvage therapy for invasive aspergillosis. Although caspofungin is inhibitory at low concentrations, it exhibits a paradoxical effect (reversal of growth inhibition) at high concentrations by an undetermined mechanism. Treatment with caspofungin at either the growth-inhibitory concentration (0.5 μg/ml) or paradoxical growth-inducing concentration (4 μg/ml) for 24 h caused similar abnormalities, including wider, hyperbranched hyphae, increased septation, and repeated hyphal tip lysis, followed by regenerative intrahyphal growth. By 48 h, only hyphae at the colony periphery treated with the high caspofungin concentration displayed paradoxical growth. A similar high concentration of caspofungin also induced the paradoxical growth of Aspergillus fumigatus during human A549 alveolar cell invasion. Localization of the β-1,3-glucan synthase complex (Fks1 and Rho1) revealed significant differences between cells exposed to the growth-inhibitory and paradoxical growth-inducing concentrations of caspofungin. At both concentrations, Fks1 initially mislocalized from the hyphal tips to vacuoles. However, only continuous exposure to 4 μg/ml of caspofungin for 48 h led to recovery of the normal hyphal morphology with renewed localization of Fks1 to hyphal tips. Rho1 remained at the hyphal tip after treatment with both caspofungin concentrations but was required for paradoxical growth. Farnesol blocked paradoxical growth and relocalized Fks1 and Rho1 to vacuoles. Our results highlight the importance of regenerative intrahyphal growth as a rapid adaptation to the fungicidal lytic effects of caspofungin on hyphal tips and the dynamic localization of Fks1 as part of the mechanism for the caspofungin-mediated paradoxical response in A. fumigatus.
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20
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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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21
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Costa-Orlandi CB, Sardi JCO, Pitangui NS, de Oliveira HC, Scorzoni L, Galeane MC, Medina-Alarcón KP, Melo WCMA, Marcelino MY, Braz JD, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Fungal Biofilms and Polymicrobial Diseases. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3020022. [PMID: 29371540 PMCID: PMC5715925 DOI: 10.3390/jof3020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for pathogenic fungi. Both yeasts and filamentous fungi can adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces, developing into highly organized communities that are resistant to antimicrobials and environmental conditions. In recent years, new genera of fungi have been correlated with biofilm formation. However, Candida biofilms remain the most widely studied from the morphological and molecular perspectives. Biofilms formed by yeast and filamentous fungi present differences, and studies of polymicrobial communities have become increasingly important. A key feature of resistance is the extracellular matrix, which covers and protects biofilm cells from the surrounding environment. Furthermore, to achieve cell–cell communication, microorganisms secrete quorum-sensing molecules that control their biological activities and behaviors and play a role in fungal resistance and pathogenicity. Several in vitro techniques have been developed to study fungal biofilms, from colorimetric methods to omics approaches that aim to identify new therapeutic strategies by developing new compounds to combat these microbial communities as well as new diagnostic tools to identify these complex formations in vivo. In this review, recent advances related to pathogenic fungal biofilms are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Costa-Orlandi
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Janaina C O Sardi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba SP 13414-018, Brazil.
| | - Nayla S Pitangui
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Haroldo C de Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Mariana C Galeane
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Kaila P Medina-Alarcón
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Wanessa C M A Melo
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Mônica Y Marcelino
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Jaqueline D Braz
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
| | - Maria José S Mendes-Giannini
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP 14800-903, Brazil.
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22
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Ząbek A, Junka A, Szymczyk P, Wojtowicz W, Klimek-Ochab M, Młynarz P. Metabolomics analysis of fungal biofilm development and of arachidonic acid-based quorum sensing mechanism. J Basic Microbiol 2017; 57:428-439. [DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201600636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Ząbek
- Department of Chemistry; Wroclaw University of Technology; 50-370 Wrocław Poland
| | - Adam Junka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology; Wroclaw Medical University; 50-556 Wrocław Poland
| | - Patrycja Szymczyk
- Centre of Advance Manufacturing Technologies; Wroclaw University of Technology; 50-370 Wrocław Poland
| | - Wojciech Wojtowicz
- Department of Chemistry; Wroclaw University of Technology; 50-370 Wrocław Poland
| | | | - Piotr Młynarz
- Department of Chemistry; Wroclaw University of Technology; 50-370 Wrocław Poland
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23
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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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24
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The Paradoxical Effect of Echinocandins in Aspergillus fumigatus Relies on Recovery of the β-1,3-Glucan Synthase Fks1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.01690-16. [PMID: 27872079 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01690-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinocandins target the fungal cell wall by inhibiting biosynthesis of the cell wall carbohydrate β-1,3-glucan. This antifungal drug class exhibits a paradoxical effect that is characterized by the resumption of growth of otherwise susceptible strains at higher drug concentrations (approximately 4 to 32 μg/ml). The nature of this phenomenon is still unknown. In this study, we analyzed the paradoxical effect of the echinocandin caspofungin on the pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus Using a conditional fks1 mutant, we show that very high caspofungin concentrations exert an additional antifungal activity besides inhibition of the β-1,3-glucan synthase. This activity could explain the suppression of paradoxical growth at very high caspofungin concentrations. Additionally, we found that exposure to inhibitory caspofungin concentrations always causes initial growth deprivation independently of the capability of the drug concentration to induce the paradoxical effect. Paradoxically growing hyphae emerge from microcolonies essentially devoid of β-1,3-glucan. However, these hyphae expose β-1,3-glucan again, suggesting that β-1,3-glucan synthesis is restored. In agreement with this hypothesis, we found that expression of the β-1,3-glucan synthase Fks1 is an essential requirement for the paradoxical effect. Surprisingly, overexpression of fks1 renders A. fumigatus more susceptible, whereas reduced expression leads to hyphae that are more resistant to the growth-inhibitory and limited fungicidal activity of caspofungin. Upregulation of chitin synthesis appears to be of minor importance for the paradoxical effect, since paradoxically growing hyphae exhibit significantly less chitin than the growth-deprived parental microcolonies. Our results argue for a model where the paradoxical effect primarily relies on recovery of β-1,3-glucan synthase activity.
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Wang X, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Wei X. Farnesol induces apoptosis-like cell death in the pathogenic fungusAspergillus flavus. Mycologia 2017; 106:881-8. [PMID: 24895430 DOI: 10.3852/13-292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuguang Zhou
- China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No 3 1st West Beichen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xinli Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No 3 1st West Beichen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
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Cotoras M, Castro P, Vivanco H, Melo R, Mendoza L. Farnesol induces apoptosis-like phenotype in the phytopathogenic fungusBotrytis cinerea. Mycologia 2017; 105:28-33. [DOI: 10.3852/12-012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Milena Cotoras
- Facultad de Química y Biología, Universídad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulo Castro
- Facultad de Química y Biología, Universídad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Herman Vivanco
- Facultad de Química y Biología, Universídad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Melo
- Facultad de Química y Biología, Universídad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonora Mendoza
- Facultad de Química y Biología, Universídad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
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Xu X, Wang Y, Tian C, Liang Y. The Colletotrichum gloeosporioides RhoB regulates cAMP and stress response pathways and is required for pathogenesis. Fungal Genet Biol 2016; 96:12-24. [PMID: 27670809 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rho GTPases regulate morphology and multiple cellular functions such as asexual development, polarity establishment, and differentiation in fungi. To determine the roles of CgRhoB, a Rho GTPase protein, here we characterized CgRhoB in the poplar anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. First of all, we determined that conidial germination was inhibited and intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) level was increased in the CgRhoB deletion mutants. Loss of CgRhoB resulted in shorter germ tubes and enhanced appressoria formation after germination on the hydrophobic surface. Exogenous addition of cAMP to the wild type generated the similar phenotypes of ΔCgRhoB inoculated in CM liquid. Furthermore, deletion of CgRhoB had discernible effect upon the sensitivity of C. gloeosporioides to cell wall perturbing agents and altered the distribution of chitin on the cell wall. H2O2 sensitivity assay showed the hypersensitive effect on the oxidative stress, and transcriptional analysis revealed that transcription of genes involved in peroxidase activities was altered in the mutants. Finally, virulence assay revealed that CgRhoB was required for pathogenicity. Taken together, our results showed that CgRhoB was associated with appressoria formation and pathogenicity, and affected cAMP level and stress pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglin Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengming Tian
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingmei Liang
- Museum of Beijing Forestry University, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
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Dichtl K, Samantaray S, Wagener J. Cell wall integrity signalling in human pathogenic fungi. Cell Microbiol 2016; 18:1228-38. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Dichtl
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; 80336 Munich Germany
| | - Sweta Samantaray
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; 80336 Munich Germany
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences; University of Birmingham; Birmingham UK
| | - Johannes Wagener
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; 80336 Munich Germany
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Hu J, Wang F, Ma A, Zhuang G, Liu Y, Lu J, Guo C, Liu C. Farnesol stimulates laccase production in
Trametes versicolor. Eng Life Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201500082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Anzhou Ma
- Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Zhuang
- Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Ying Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
- Jiangsu Jiangu Chemical Co. Ltd Suqian Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Jingsong Lu
- Jiangsu Jiangu Chemical Co. Ltd Suqian Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Chunzhao Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
- Jiangsu Jiangu Chemical Co. Ltd Suqian Jiangsu Province P. R. China
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Wongsuk T, Pumeesat P, Luplertlop N. Fungal quorum sensing molecules: Role in fungal morphogenesis and pathogenicity. J Basic Microbiol 2016; 56:440-7. [PMID: 26972663 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201500759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
When microorganisms live together in high numbers, they need to communicate with each other. To achieve cell-cell communication, microorganisms secrete molecules called quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs) that control their biological activities and behaviors. Fungi secrete QSMs such as farnesol, tyrosol, phenylethanol, and tryptophol. The role of QSMs in fungi has been widely studied in both yeasts and filamentous fungi, for example in Candida albicans, C. dubliniensis, Aspergillus niger, A. nidulans, and Fusarium graminearum. QSMs impact fungal morphogenesis (yeast-to-hypha formation) and also play a role in the germination of macroconidia. QSMs cause fungal cells to initiate programmed cell death, or apoptosis, and play a role in fungal pathogenicity. Several types of QSMs are produced during stages of biofilm development to control cell population or morphology in biofilm communities. This review article emphasizes the role of fungal QSMs, especially in fungal morphogenesis, biofilm formation, and pathogenicity. Information about QSMs may lead to improved measures for controlling fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanwa Wongsuk
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Potjaman Pumeesat
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natthanej Luplertlop
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Emerging and Neglected Infectious Diseases, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
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Thioridazine inhibits gene expression control of the cell wall signaling pathway (CWI) in the human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides
brasiliensis. Mol Genet Genomics 2016; 291:1347-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00438-016-1184-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Recent advances in the understanding of the Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall. J Microbiol 2016; 54:232-42. [PMID: 26920883 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-016-6045-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the past several decades, research on the synthesis and organization of the cell wall polysaccharides of Aspergillus fumigatus has expanded our knowledge of this important fungal structure. Besides protecting the fungus from environmental stresses and maintaining structural integrity of the organism, the cell wall is also the primary site for interaction with host tissues during infection. Cell wall polysaccharides are important ligands for the recognition of fungi by the innate immune system and they can mediate potent immunomodulatory effects. The synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides is a complicated process that requires coordinated regulation of many biosynthetic and metabolic pathways. Continuous synthesis and remodeling of the polysaccharides of the cell wall is essential for the survival of the fungus during development, reproduction, colonization and invasion. As these polysaccharides are absent from the human host, these biosynthetic pathways are attractive targets for antifungal development. In this review, we present recent advances in our understanding of Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall polysaccharides, including the emerging role of cell wall polysaccharides in the host-pathogen interaction.
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33
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Functions, mechanisms and regulation of endophytic and epiphytic microbial communities of plants. Symbiosis 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-015-0350-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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34
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Xu ZF, Wang BL, Sun HK, Yan N, Zeng ZJ, Zhang KQ, Niu XM. High Trap Formation and Low Metabolite Production by Disruption of the Polyketide Synthase Gene Involved in the Biosynthesis of Arthrosporols from Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:9076-9082. [PMID: 26422178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b04244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A group of morphology regulatory arthrosporol metabolites have been recently characterized from carnivorous fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora that can develop trapping networks to capture their prey. A combination of genetic manipulation and chemical analyses was applied to characterize the function of one polyketide synthase (PKS) gene AOL_s00215g283 in A. oligospora, which was putatively involved in the production of 6-methylsalicylic acid. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that the disruption of the PKS gene not only led to the total loss of the arthrosporol A but also resulted in significant reduction in the production of secondary metabolites in the cultural broth of the mutant ΔAOL_s00215g283 strain. Interestingly, the mutant strain displayed significant increases in the trap formation and the nematicidal activity by 10 and 2 times, respectively, higher than the wild-type strain. These findings revealed a pathogenicity-related biosynthetic gene of this agriculturally important biological agent and have implications for establishment of efficient fungal biocontrol agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Fei Xu
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University , Kunming, Yunnan 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Bai-Le Wang
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University , Kunming, Yunnan 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Kai Sun
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University , Kunming, Yunnan 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Ni Yan
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University , Kunming, Yunnan 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zeng
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University , Kunming, Yunnan 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University , Kunming, Yunnan 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Mei Niu
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University , Kunming, Yunnan 650091, People's Republic of China
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35
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Dixon EF, Hall RA. Noisy neighbourhoods: quorum sensing in fungal-polymicrobial infections. Cell Microbiol 2015; 17:1431-41. [PMID: 26243526 PMCID: PMC4973845 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing was once considered a way in which a species was able to sense its cell density and regulate gene expression accordingly. However, it is now becoming apparent that multiple microbes can sense particular quorum-sensing molecules, enabling them to sense and respond to other microbes in their neighbourhood. Such interactions are significant within the context of polymicrobial disease, in which the competition or cooperation of microbes can alter disease progression. Fungi comprise a small but important component of the human microbiome and are in constant contact with bacteria and viruses. The discovery of quorum-sensing pathways in fungi has led to the characterization of a number of interkingdom quorum-sensing interactions. Here, we review the recent developments in quorum sensing in medically important fungi, and the implications these interactions have on the host's innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Dixon
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rebecca A Hall
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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36
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Arkowitz RA, Bassilana M. Regulation of hyphal morphogenesis by Ras and Rho small GTPases. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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37
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Valiante V, Macheleidt J, Föge M, Brakhage AA. The Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall integrity signaling pathway: drug target, compensatory pathways, and virulence. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:325. [PMID: 25932027 PMCID: PMC4399325 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important airborne fungal pathogen, causing severe infections with invasive growth in immunocompromised patients. The fungal cell wall (CW) prevents the cell from lysing and protects the fungus against environmental stress conditions. Because it is absent in humans and because of its essentiality, the fungal CW is a promising target for antifungal drugs. Nowadays, compounds acting on the CW, i.e., echinocandin derivatives, are used to treat A. fumigatus infections. However, studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of echinocandins in comparison with antifungals currently recommended for first-line treatment of invasive aspergillosis are still lacking. Therefore, it is important to elucidate CW biosynthesis pathways and their signal transduction cascades, which potentially compensate the inhibition caused by CW- perturbing compounds. Like in other fungi, the central core of the cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling pathway in A. fumigatus is composed of three mitogen activated protein kinases. Deletion of these genes resulted in severely enhanced sensitivity of the mutants against CW-disturbing compounds and in drastic alterations of the fungal morphology. Additionally, several cross-talk interactions between the CWI pathways and other signaling pathways are emerging, raising the question about their role in the CW compensatory mechanisms. In this review we focused on recent advances in understanding the CWI signaling pathway in A. fumigatus and its role during drug stress response and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Valiante
- Molecular Biotechnology of Natural Products, Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute Jena, Germany
| | - Juliane Macheleidt
- Molecular Biotechnology of Natural Products, Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Föge
- Molecular Biotechnology of Natural Products, Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute Jena, Germany ; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Molecular Biotechnology of Natural Products, Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute Jena, Germany ; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
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The SrkA Kinase Is Part of the SakA Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Interactome and Regulates Stress Responses and Development in Aspergillus nidulans. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2015; 14:495-510. [PMID: 25820520 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00277-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Fungi and many other eukaryotes use specialized mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) of the Hog1/p38 family to transduce environmental stress signals. In Aspergillus nidulans, the MAPK SakA and the transcription factor AtfA are components of a central multiple stress-signaling pathway that also regulates development. Here we characterize SrkA, a putative MAPK-activated protein kinase, as a novel component of this pathway. ΔsrkA and ΔsakA mutants share a derepressed sexual development phenotype. However, ΔsrkA mutants are not sensitive to oxidative stress, and in fact, srkA inactivation partially suppresses the sensitivity of ΔsakA mutant conidia to H2O2, tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (t-BOOH), and menadione. In the absence of stress, SrkA shows physical interaction with nonphosphorylated SakA in the cytosol. We show that H2O2 induces a drastic change in mitochondrial morphology consistent with a fission process and the relocalization of SrkA to nuclei and mitochondria, depending on the presence of SakA. SakA-SrkA nuclear interaction is also observed during normal asexual development in dormant spores. Using SakA and SrkA S-tag pulldown and purification studies coupled to mass spectrometry, we found that SakA interacts with SrkA, the stress MAPK MpkC, the PPT1-type phosphatase AN6892, and other proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response, mRNA stability and protein synthesis, mitochondrial function, and other stress-related responses. We propose that oxidative stress induces DNA damage and mitochondrial fission and that SakA and SrkA mediate cell cycle arrest and regulate mitochondrial function during stress. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which SakA and SrkA regulate the remodelling of cell physiology during oxidative stress and development.
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Samar D, Kieler JB, Klutts JS. Identification and deletion of Tft1, a predicted glycosyltransferase necessary for cell wall β-1,3;1,4-glucan synthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117336. [PMID: 25723175 PMCID: PMC4344333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental mold that causes severe, often fatal invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. The search for new antifungal drug targets is critical, and the synthesis of the cell wall represents a potential area to find such a target. Embedded within the main β-1,3-glucan core of the A. fumigatus cell wall is a mixed linkage, β-D-(1,3;1,4)-glucan. The role of this molecule or how it is synthesized is unknown, though it comprises 10% of the glucans within the wall. While this is not a well-studied molecule in fungi, it has been studied in plants. Using the sequences of two plant mixed linkage glucan synthases, a single ortholog was identified in A. fumigatus (Tft1). A strain lacking this enzyme (tft1Δ) was generated along with revertant strains containing the native gene under the control of either the native or a strongly expressing promoter. Immunofluorescence staining with an antibody against β-(1,3;1,4)-glucan and biochemical quantification of this polysaccharide in the tft1Δ strain demonstrated complete loss of this molecule. Reintroduction of the gene into the knockout strain yielded reappearance in amounts that correlated with expected expression of the gene. The loss of Tft1 and mixed linkage glucan yielded no in vitro growth phenotype. However, there was a modest increase in virulence for the tft1Δ strain in a wax worm model. While the precise roles for β-(1,3;1,4)-glucan within A. fumigatus cell wall are still uncertain, it is clear that Tft1 plays a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of this cell wall polysaccharide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Samar
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr. Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - Joshua B. Kieler
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr. Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - J. Stacey Klutts
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr. Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Iowa City VA Health System, 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Dichtl K, Samantaray S, Aimanianda V, Zhu Z, Prévost MC, Latgé JP, Ebel F, Wagener J. Aspergillus fumigatus devoid of cell wall β-1,3-glucan is viable, massively sheds galactomannan and is killed by septum formation inhibitors. Mol Microbiol 2014; 95:458-71. [PMID: 25425041 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Echinocandins inhibit β-1,3-glucan synthesis and are one of the few antimycotic drug classes effective against Aspergillus spp. In this study, we characterized the β-1,3-glucan synthase Fks1 of Aspergillus fumigatus, the putative target of echinocandins. Data obtained with a conditional mutant suggest that fks1 is not essential. In agreement, we successfully constructed a viable Δfks1 deletion mutant. Lack of Fks1 results in characteristic growth phenotypes similar to wild type treated with echinocandins and an increased susceptibility to calcofluor white and sodium dodecyl sulfate. In agreement with Fks1 being the only β-1,3-glucan synthase in A. fumigatus, the cell wall is devoid of β-1,3-glucan. This is accompanied by a compensatory increase of chitin and galactosaminogalactan and a significant decrease in cell wall galactomannan due to a massively enhanced galactomannan shedding. Our data furthermore suggest that inhibition of hyphal septation can overcome the limitations of echinocandin therapy. Compounds inhibiting septum formation boosted the antifungal activity of caspofungin. Thus, development of clinically applicable inhibitors of septum formation is a promising strategy to improve existing antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Dichtl
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336, Munich, Germany
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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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42
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Role of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Rom2 in cell wall integrity maintenance of Aspergillus fumigatus. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2012; 12:288-98. [PMID: 23264643 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00246-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a mold and the causal agent of invasive aspergillosis, a systemic disease with high lethality. Recently, we identified and functionally characterized three stress sensors implicated in the cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling of this pathogen, namely, Wsc1, Wsc3, and MidA. Here, we functionally characterize Rom2, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor with essential function for the cell wall integrity of A. fumigatus. A conditional rom2 mutant has severe growth defects under repressive conditions and incorporates all phenotypes of the three cell wall integrity sensor mutants, e.g., the echinocandin sensitivity of the Δwsc1 mutant and the Congo red, calcofluor white, and heat sensitivity of the ΔmidA mutant. Rom2 interacts with Rho1 and shows a similar intracellular distribution focused at the hyphal tips. Our results place Rom2 between the cell surface stress sensors Wsc1, Wsc3, MidA, and Rho1 and their downstream effector mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase module Bck1-Mkk2-MpkA.
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Katayama T, Uchida H, Ohta A, Horiuchi H. Involvement of protein kinase C in the suppression of apoptosis and in polarity establishment in Aspergillus nidulans under conditions of heat stress. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50503. [PMID: 23209763 PMCID: PMC3509046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The pkcA gene, which encodes a protein kinase C (PKC) in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, is essential for its viability. However, little is known about its functions. To address this issue, we constructed and characterized temperature-sensitive mutants of pkcA. The conidia of these mutants swelled slightly and exhibited apoptotic phenotypes at 42°C. The apoptotic phenotypes were suppressed by an osmotic stabilizer. Under these conditions, the conidia swelled extensively and did not form germ tubes. Moreover, polarized distribution of F-actin was not observed. We then utilized deletion mutants of bckA, an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae bck1 that encodes a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase kinase and functions downstream of PKC in the cell wall integrity pathway. These mutants exhibited apoptotic phenotypes at 42°C, but they did not show defects in polarity establishment under osmotically stabilized conditions. These results suggest that PkcA plays multiple roles during germination under conditions of heat stress. The first of these roles is the suppression of apoptosis induction, while the other involves polarity establishment. The former depends on the MAP kinase cascade, whereas the latter does not. In addition, repolarization, which was observed after depolarization in the wild-type strain and the bckA deletion mutant under conditions of heat stress, was not observed in the pkcA-ts mutant. This suggests that PkcA also plays role in polarity establishment during hyphal growth independent of the MAP kinase cascade under these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Katayama
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Uchida
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akinori Ohta
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Richthammer C, Enseleit M, Sanchez-Leon E, März S, Heilig Y, Riquelme M, Seiler S. RHO1 and RHO2 share partially overlapping functions in the regulation of cell wall integrity and hyphal polarity in Neurospora crassa. Mol Microbiol 2012; 85:716-33. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2012.08133.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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McCormick A, Jacobsen ID, Broniszewska M, Beck J, Heesemann J, Ebel F. The two-component sensor kinase TcsC and its role in stress resistance of the human-pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38262. [PMID: 22675534 PMCID: PMC3366943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-component signaling systems are widespread in bacteria, but also found in fungi. In this study, we have characterized TcsC, the only Group III two-component sensor kinase of Aspergillus fumigatus. TcsC is required for growth under hyperosmotic stress, but dispensable for normal growth, sporulation and conidial viability. A characteristic feature of the ΔtcsC mutant is its resistance to certain fungicides, like fludioxonil. Both hyperosmotic stress and treatment with fludioxonil result in a TcsC-dependent phosphorylation of SakA, the final MAP kinase in the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway, confirming a role for TcsC in this signaling pathway. In wild type cells fludioxonil induces a TcsC-dependent swelling and a complete, but reversible block of growth and cytokinesis. Several types of stress, such as hypoxia, exposure to farnesol or elevated concentrations of certain divalent cations, trigger a differentiation in A. fumigatus toward a "fluffy" growth phenotype resulting in white, dome-shaped colonies. The ΔtcsC mutant is clearly more susceptible to these morphogenetic changes suggesting that TcsC normally antagonizes this process. Although TcsC plays a role in the adaptation of A. fumigatus to hypoxia, it seems to be dispensable for virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison McCormick
- Max-von-Pettenkofer-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ilse D. Jacobsen
- Department for Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Julia Beck
- Max-von-Pettenkofer-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Heesemann
- Max-von-Pettenkofer-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Center of Integrated Protein Science (Munich) at the Faculty of Medicine of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Ebel
- Max-von-Pettenkofer-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Proteome analysis of the farnesol-induced stress response in Aspergillus nidulans--The role of a putative dehydrin. J Proteomics 2012; 75:4038-49. [PMID: 22634043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2012.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The isoprenoid alcohol farnesol represents a quorum-sensing molecule in pathogenic yeasts, but was also shown to inhibit the growth of many filamentous fungi. In order to gain a deeper insight into the antifungal activity of farnesol, we performed 2D-differential gel electrophoretic analysis (2D-DIGE) of Aspergillus nidulans exposed to farnesol. We observed an increased abundance of antioxidative enzymes and proteins involved in protein folding and the ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. A striking finding was the strong up-regulation of a dehydrin-like protein (DlpA). Expression analyses suggested the involvement of DlpA in the cellular response to oxidative, osmotic and cold stress. In line with these data, we demonstrated that dlpA expression was regulated by the MAP kinase SakA/HogA. The generation of both a dlpA Tet(on) antisense RNA-producing A. nidulans strain (dlpA-inv) and a ΔdlpA deletion mutant indicated a role of DlpA in conidiation and stress resistance of dormant conidia against heat and ROS. Furthermore, the production of the secondary metabolite sterigmatocystin was absent in both strains dlpA-inv and ΔdlpA. Our results demonstrate the complexity of the farnesol-mediated stress response in A. nidulans and describe a farnesol-inducible dehydrin-like protein that contributes to the high tolerance of resting conidia against oxidative and heat stress.
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Bandara HMHN, Lam OLT, Jin LJ, Samaranayake L. Microbial chemical signaling: a current perspective. Crit Rev Microbiol 2012; 38:217-49. [PMID: 22300377 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2011.652065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Communication among microorganisms is mediated through quorum sensing. The latter is defined as cell-density linked, coordinated gene expression in microbial populations as a response to threshold signal concentrations followed by induction of a synchronized population response. This phenomenon is used by a variety of microbes to optimize their survival in a constantly challenging, dynamic milieu, by correlating individual cellular functions to community-based requirements. The synthesis, secretion, and perception of quorum-sensing molecules and their target response play a pivotal role in quorum sensing and are tightly controlled by complex, multilayered and interconnected signal transduction pathways that regulate diverse cellular functions. Quorum sensing exemplifies interactive social behavior innate to the microbial world that controls features such as, virulence, biofilm maturation, antibiotic resistance, swarming motility, and conjugal plasmid transfer. Over the past two decades, studies have been performed to rationalize bacterial cell-to-cell communication mediated by structurally and functionally diverse small molecules. This review describes the theoretical aspects of cellular and quorum-sensing mechanisms that affect microbial physiology and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M H N Bandara
- Oral Biosciences, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, 34, Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
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Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism of microbial communication dependent on cell density that can regulate several behaviors in bacteria such as secretion of virulence factors, biofilm formation, competence and bioluminescence. The existence of fungal QS systems was revealed ten years ago after the discovery that farnesol controls filamentation in the pathogenic polymorphic fungus Candida albicans. In the past decade, farnesol has been shown to play multiple roles in C. albicans physiology as a signaling molecule and inducing detrimental effects on host cells and other microbes. In addition to farnesol, the aromatic alcohol tyrosol was also found to be a C. albicans QS molecule (QSM) controlling growth, morphogenesis and biofilm formation. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two other aromatic alcohols, phenylethanol and tryptophol were found to be QSMs regulating morphogenesis during nitrogen starvation conditions. Additionally, population density-dependent behaviors that resemble QS have been described in several other fungal species. Although fungal QS research is still in its infancy, its discovery has changed our views about the fungal kingdom and could eventually lead to the development of new antifungal therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Albuquerque
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
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Dichtl K, Helmschrott C, Dirr F, Wagener J. Deciphering cell wall integrity signalling in Aspergillus fumigatus: identification and functional characterization of cell wall stress sensors and relevant Rho GTPases. Mol Microbiol 2012; 83:506-19. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2011.07946.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Abstract
We
will discuss fungal communication in the context
of fundamental biological functions including
mating, growth, morphogenesis, and the regulation
of fungal virulence determinants. We will
address intraspecies but also interkingdom
signaling by systematically discussing the
sender of the message, the molecular message, and
receiver. Analyzing communication shows the
close coevolution of fungi with organisms
present in their environment giving insights
into multispecies communication. A better
understanding of the molecular mechanisms
underlying microbial communication will promote
our understanding of the “fungal
communicome.”
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