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Zhang Y, Zhang N, Gao C, Cheng Y, Guan Y, Wei C, Guan J. The Fungal Diversity and Potential Pathogens Associated with Postharvest Fruit Rot of 'Huangguan' Pear ( Pyrus bretschneideri) in Hebei Province, China. PLANT DISEASE 2024; 108:1382-1390. [PMID: 38115565 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-08-23-1528-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Postharvest fruit rot caused by pathogens is a serious problem in the pear industry. This study investigated the fungal diversity and main pathogens and identified a new pathogen in the stored 'Huangguan' pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.), the dominant pear variety in northern China. We sampled 20 refrigeration houses from five main producing regions in Hebei Province and used Illumina sequencing technology to detect the fungal composition. Alternaria (56.3%) was the most abundant fungus, followed by Penicillium (9.2%) and Monilinia (6.2%). We also isolated and identified nine strains of Alternaria and four strains of Penicillium. Moreover, we observed a new postharvest fruit disease in 'Huangguan' pear caused by Stemphylium eturmiunum, which was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis by combining the sequences of three conserved genes, including internal transcribed spacer, gapdh, and calmodulin. This study marks the first documentation of S. eturmiunum causing fruit rot in 'Huangguan' pears, offering valuable insights for identifying and controlling this newly identified postharvest disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering Center of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Congcong Gao
- Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Yudou Cheng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Yeqing Guan
- Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Chuangqi Wei
- Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Junfeng Guan
- Institute of Biotechnology and Food Science, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
- Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering Center of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
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2
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Lyagin I, Aslanli A, Domnin M, Stepanov N, Senko O, Maslova O, Efremenko E. Metal Nanomaterials and Hydrolytic Enzyme-Based Formulations for Improved Antifungal Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11359. [PMID: 37511117 PMCID: PMC10379199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Active research of metal-containing compounds and enzymes as effective antifungal agents is currently being conducted due to the growing antifungal resistance problem. Metals are attracting special attention due to the wide variety of ligands that can be used for them, including chemically synthesized and naturally obtained variants as a result of the so-called "green synthesis". The main mechanism of the antifungal action of metals is the triggering of the generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further action of ROS on various biomolecules is nonspecific. Various hydrolytic enzymes (glucanases and proteases), in turn, exhibit antifungal properties by affecting the structural elements of fungal cells (cell walls, membranes), fungal quorum sensing molecules, fungal own protective agents (mycotoxins and antibiotics), and proteins responsible for the adhesion and formation of stable, highly concentrated populations in the form of biofilms. A wide substrate range of enzymes allows the use of various mechanisms of their antifungal actions. In this review, we discuss the prospects of combining two different types of antifungal agents (metals and enzymes) against mycelial fungi and yeast cells. Special attention is paid to the possible influence of metals on the activity of the enzymes and the possible effects of proteins on the antifungal activity of metal-containing compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Lyagin
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aysel Aslanli
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maksim Domnin
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay Stepanov
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Senko
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Maslova
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Efremenko
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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3
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Hammoudi Halat D, Younes S, Mourad N, Rahal M. Allylamines, Benzylamines, and Fungal Cell Permeability: A Review of Mechanistic Effects and Usefulness against Fungal Pathogens. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12121171. [PMID: 36557078 PMCID: PMC9781035 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12121171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Allylamines, naftifine and terbinafine, and the benzylamine, butenafine, are antifungal agents with activity on the fungal cell membrane. These synthetic compounds specifically inhibit squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in fungal sterol biosynthesis. This results in a deficiency in ergosterol, a major fungal membrane sterol that regulates membrane fluidity, biogenesis, and functions, and whose damage results in increased membrane permeability and leakage of cellular components, ultimately leading to fungal cell death. With the fungal cell membrane being predominantly made up of lipids including sterols, these lipids have a vital role in the pathogenesis of fungal infections and the identification of improved therapies. This review will focus on the fungal cell membrane structure, activity of allylamines and benzylamines, and the mechanistic damage they cause to the membrane. Furthermore, pharmaceutical preparations and clinical uses of these drugs, mainly in dermatophyte infections, will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
| | - Samar Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
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4
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Yakobov N, Mahmoudi N, Grob G, Yokokawa D, Saga Y, Kushiro T, Worrell D, Roy H, Schaller H, Senger B, Huck L, Riera Gascon G, Becker HD, Fischer F. RNA-dependent synthesis of ergosteryl-3β-O-glycine in Ascomycota expands the diversity of steryl-amino acids. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101657. [PMID: 35131263 PMCID: PMC8913301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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5
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Tsoupras A, Kouvelis VN, Pappas KM, Demopoulos CA, Typas MA. Anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties of lipid bioactives from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2021; 158:106606. [PMID: 34923152 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2021.106606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the present work the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana lipids were studied against the potent pro-inflammatory and thrombotic mediators implicated in several disorders, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and thrombin. Bioactivities of lipid extracts from B. bassiana cells and culture supernatants and of their lipid fractions separated by a one-step HPLC-analysis ere assessed against the PAF/Thrombin-induced aggregation of washed rabbit platelets. Lipid extracts from both cell-biomass and supernatant inhibited strongly PAF/Thrombin-activities and platelet-aggregation, exhibiting higher specificity against PAF. Similarly, HPLC-derived lipid-fractions of phenolics/glycolipids, Sphingomyelins and Phosphatidylcholines (PC) showed strong anti-PAF potency. PC PAF-like molecules exhibited the strongest antagonistic anti-PAF effects, while in higher amounts they agonistically inhibited PAF-activities. Some bioactive lipids with strong anti-PAF effects are exo-cellularly secreted in the culture media during fungal growth, while others are not. The presence of such lipid bioactives in B. bassiana with strong anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties, provide new perspectives and putative future applications for this entomopathogenic fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Tsoupras
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland; Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland. https://www.twitter.com/bioflips
| | - Vassili N Kouvelis
- Section of Biotechnology and Genetics, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Katherine M Pappas
- Section of Biotechnology and Genetics, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | | | - Milton A Typas
- Section of Biotechnology and Genetics, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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6
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Wang J, Chen YL, Li YK, Chen DK, He JF, Yao N. Functions of Sphingolipids in Pathogenesis During Host-Pathogen Interactions. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:701041. [PMID: 34408731 PMCID: PMC8366399 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.701041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are a class of membrane lipids that serve as vital structural and signaling bioactive molecules in organisms ranging from yeast to animals. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of sphingolipids as signaling molecules in the development and pathogenicity of microbial pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In particular, sphingolipids play key roles in regulating the delicate balance between microbes and hosts during microbial pathogenesis. Some pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, harness host sphingolipids to promote development and infection, whereas sphingolipids from both the host and pathogen are involved in fungus-host interactions. Moreover, a regulatory role for sphingolipids has been described, but their effects on host physiology and metabolism remain to be elucidated. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the roles of sphingolipids in pathogenesis and interactions with host factors, including how sphingolipids modify pathogen and host metabolism with a focus on pathogenesis regulators and relevant metabolic enzymes. In addition, we discuss emerging perspectives on targeting sphingolipids that function in host-microbe interactions as new therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Kang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ding-Kang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Fan He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Peláez-Jaramillo CA, Jiménez-Alzate MDP, Araque-Marin P, Hung CY, Castro-Lopez N, Cole GT. Lipid Secretion by Parasitic Cells of Coccidioides Contributes to Disseminated Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:592826. [PMID: 34055661 PMCID: PMC8155295 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.592826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioides is a soil-borne fungal pathogen and causative agent of a human respiratory disease (coccidioidomycosis) endemic to semi-desert regions of southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America. Aerosolized arthroconidia inhaled by the mammalian host first undergo conversion to large parasitic cells (spherules, 80-100 μm diameter) followed by endosporulation, a process by which the contents of spherules give rise to multiple endospores. The latter are released upon rupture of the maternal spherules and establish new foci of lung infection. A novel feature of spherule maturation prior to endosporulation is the secretion of a lipid-rich, membranous cell surface layer shed in vivo during growth of the parasitic cells and secretion into liquid culture medium during in vitro growth. Chemical analysis of the culture derived spherule outer wall (SOW) fraction showed that it is composed largely of phospholipids and is enriched with saturated fatty acids, including myristic, palmitic, elaidic, oleic, and stearic acid. NMR revealed the presence of monosaccharide- and disaccharide-linked acylglycerols and sphingolipids. The major sphingolipid components are sphingosine and ceramide. Primary neutrophils derived from healthy C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice incubated with SOW lipids revealed a significant reduction in fungicidal activity against viable Coccidioides arthroconidia compared to incubation of neutrophils with arthroconidia alone. Host cell exposure to SOW lipids had no effect on neutrophil viability. Furthermore, C57BL/6 mice that were challenged subcutaneously with Coccidioides arthroconidia in the presence of the isolated SOW fraction developed disseminated disease, while control mice challenged with arthroconidia alone by the same route showed no dissemination of infection. We hypothesize that SOW lipids contribute to suppression of inflammatory response to Coccidioides infection. Studies are underway to characterize the immunosuppressive mechanism(s) of SOW lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Peláez-Jaramillo
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.,Grupo Interdisciplinario de Estudios Moleculares, Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciencess, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia.,Grupo Micología Médica, Microbiology and Parasitology Department, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Maria Del Pilar Jiménez-Alzate
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.,Grupo Interdisciplinario de Estudios Moleculares, Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciencess, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Pedronel Araque-Marin
- School of Life Sciences, EIA University (Universidad Escuela de Ingenieros de Antioquia), Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Chiung-Yu Hung
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Natalia Castro-Lopez
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Garry T Cole
- The Biology Department and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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8
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Ziegler AC, Müller T, Gräler MH. Sphingosine 1-phosphate in sepsis and beyond: Its role in disease tolerance and host defense and the impact of carrier molecules. Cell Signal 2020; 78:109849. [PMID: 33249088 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is an important immune modulator responsible for physiological cellular responses like lymphocyte development and function, positioning and emigration of T and B cells and cytokine secretion. Recent reports indicate that S1P does not only regulate immunity, but can also protect the function of organs by inducing disease tolerance. S1P also influences the replication of certain pathogens, and sphingolipids are also involved in pathogen recognition and killing. Certain carrier molecules for S1P like serum albumin and high density lipoproteins contribute to the regulation of S1P effects. They are able to associate with S1P and modulate its signaling properties. Similar to S1P, both carrier molecules are also decreased in sepsis patients and likely contribute to sepsis pathology and severity. In this review, we will introduce the concept of disease tolerance and the involvement of S1P. We will also discuss the contribution of S1P and its precursor sphingosine to host defense mechanisms against pathogens. Finally, we will summarize current data demonstrating the influence of carrier molecules for differential S1P signaling. The presented data may lead to new strategies for the prevention and containment of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke C Ziegler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07740 Jena, Germany; Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Tina Müller
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07740 Jena, Germany; Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Markus H Gräler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, 07740 Jena, Germany; Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, 07745 Jena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, 07740 Jena, Germany.
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9
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Fernandes CM, Poeta MD. Fungal sphingolipids: role in the regulation of virulence and potential as targets for future antifungal therapies. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:1083-1092. [PMID: 32673125 PMCID: PMC7657966 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1792288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The antifungal therapy currently available includes three major classes of drugs: polyenes, azoles and echinocandins. However, the clinical use of these compounds faces several challenges: while polyenes are toxic to the host, antifungal resistance to azoles and echinocandins has been reported. AREAS COVERED Fungal sphingolipids (SL) play a pivotal role in growth, morphogenesis and virulence. In addition, fungi possess unique enzymes involved in SL synthesis, leading to the production of lipids which are absent or differ structurally from the mammalian counterparts. In this review, we address the enzymatic reactions involved in the SL synthesis and their relevance to the fungal pathogenesis, highlighting their potential as targets for novel drugs and the inhibitors described so far. EXPERT OPINION The pharmacological inhibition of fungal serine palmitoyltransferase depends on the development of specific drugs, as myriocin also targets the mammalian enzyme. Inhibitors of ceramide synthase might constitute potent antifungals, by depleting the pool of complex SL and leading to the accumulation of the toxic intermediates. Acylhydrazones and aureobasidin A, which inhibit GlcCer and IPC synthesis, are not toxic to the host and effectively treat invasive mycoses, emerging as promising new classes of antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, NY, USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY, USA
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10
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Song J, Liu X, Li R. Sphingolipids: Regulators of azole drug resistance and fungal pathogenicity. Mol Microbiol 2020; 114:891-905. [PMID: 32767804 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the role of sphingolipids in pathogenic fungi, in terms of pathogenicity and resistance to azole drugs, has been a rapidly growing field. This review describes evidence about the roles of sphingolipids in azole resistance and fungal virulence. Sphingolipids can serve as signaling molecules that contribute to azole resistance through modulation of the expression of drug efflux pumps. They also contribute to azole resistance by participating in various microbial pathways such as the unfolded protein response (UPR), pH-responsive Rim pathway, and pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) pathway. In addition, sphingolipid signaling and eisosomes also coordinately regulate sphingolipid biosynthesis in response to azole-induced membrane stress. Sphingolipids are important for fungal virulence, playing roles during growth in hosts under stressful conditions, maintenance of cell wall integrity, biofilm formation, and production of various virulence factors. Finally, we discuss the possibility of exploiting fungal sphingolipids for the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat infections caused by pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Song
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Xiao Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Rongpeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, PR China
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11
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Yashiroda Y, Yoshida M. Intraspecies cell-cell communication in yeast. FEMS Yeast Res 2020; 19:5613366. [PMID: 31688924 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foz071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although yeasts are unicellular microorganisms that can live independently, they can also communicate with other cells, in order to adapt to the environment. Two yeast species, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, engage in various kinds of intraspecies cell-cell communication using peptides and chemical molecules that they produce, constituting a sort of 'language'. Cell-cell communication is a fundamental biological process, and its ultimate purpose is to promote survival by sexual reproduction and acquisition of nutrients from the environment. This review summarizes what is known about intraspecies cell-cell communication mediated by molecules including mating pheromones, volatile gases, aromatic alcohols and oxylipins in laboratory strains of S. cerevisiae and S. pombe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Yashiroda
- Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.,Molecular Ligand Target Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.,Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.,Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology (CRIIM), The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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12
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Abstract
Bacteria are known to add amino acids (aa) to membrane lipids to resist antimicrobials and escape immune responses. This surface lipid aminoacylation process requires diverting aminoacyl-tRNAs from protein synthesis. While widespread in bacteria, no analogous lipid remodeling system had thus far been evidenced in eukaryotes. We uncovered that most fungi tRNA-dependently add aspartate onto ergosterol (ergosteryl-3β-O-l-aspartate [Erg-Asp]), the major sterol found in fungal membranes. Asp addition is catalyzed by an ergosteryl-3β-O-l-aspartate synthase (ErdS) and its removal by a dedicated hydrolase (ErdH). This pathway is conserved across “higher” fungi, including pathogens. Given the central roles of sterols and derivatives in fungi, we propose that the Erg-Asp homeostasis system might impact membrane remodeling, trafficking, antimicrobial resistance, or pathogenicity. Diverting aminoacyl-transfer RNAs (tRNAs) from protein synthesis is a well-known process used by a wide range of bacteria to aminoacylate membrane constituents. By tRNA-dependently adding amino acids to glycerolipids, bacteria change their cell surface properties, which intensifies antimicrobial drug resistance, pathogenicity, and virulence. No equivalent aminoacylated lipids have been uncovered in any eukaryotic species thus far, suggesting that tRNA-dependent lipid remodeling is a process restricted to prokaryotes. We report here the discovery of ergosteryl-3β-O-l-aspartate (Erg-Asp), a conjugated sterol that is produced by the tRNA-dependent addition of aspartate to the 3β-OH group of ergosterol, the major sterol found in fungal membranes. In fact, Erg-Asp exists in the majority of “higher” fungi, including species of biotechnological interest, and, more importantly, in human pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus. We show that a bifunctional enzyme, ergosteryl-3β-O-l-aspartate synthase (ErdS), is responsible for Erg-Asp synthesis. ErdS corresponds to a unique fusion of an aspartyl-tRNA synthetase—that produces aspartyl-tRNAAsp (Asp-tRNAAsp)—and of a Domain of Unknown Function 2156, which actually transfers aspartate from Asp-tRNAAsp onto ergosterol. We also uncovered that removal of the Asp modifier from Erg-Asp is catalyzed by a second enzyme, ErdH, that is a genuine Erg-Asp hydrolase participating in the turnover of the conjugated sterol in vivo. Phylogenomics highlights that the entire Erg-Asp synthesis/degradation pathway is conserved across “higher” fungi. Given the central roles of sterols and conjugated sterols in fungi, we propose that this tRNA-dependent ergosterol modification and homeostasis system might have broader implications in membrane remodeling, trafficking, antimicrobial resistance, or pathogenicity.
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13
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Nouwen LV, Everts B. Pathogens MenTORing Macrophages and Dendritic Cells: Manipulation of mTOR and Cellular Metabolism to Promote Immune Escape. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010161. [PMID: 31936570 PMCID: PMC7017145 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells, represent an important first line of defense against infections. Upon recognition of pathogens, these cells undergo a metabolic reprogramming that supports their activation and ability to respond to the invading pathogens. An important metabolic regulator of these cells is mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). During infection, pathogens use host metabolic pathways to scavenge host nutrients, as well as target metabolic pathways for subversion of the host immune response that together facilitate pathogen survival. Given the pivotal role of mTOR in controlling metabolism and DC and macrophage function, pathogens have evolved strategies to target this pathway to manipulate these cells. This review seeks to discuss the most recent insights into how pathogens target DC and macrophage metabolism to subvert potential deleterious immune responses against them, by focusing on the metabolic pathways that are known to regulate and to be regulated by mTOR signaling including amino acid, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and autophagy.
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Deboever E, Deleu M, Mongrand S, Lins L, Fauconnier ML. Plant-Pathogen Interactions: Underestimated Roles of Phyto-oxylipins. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 25:22-34. [PMID: 31668451 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Plant (or phyto-) oxylipins (POs) are produced under a wide range of stress conditions and although they are well known to activate stress-related signalling pathways, the nonsignalling roles of POs are poorly understood. We describe oxylipins as direct biocidal agents and propose that structure-function relationships play here a pivotal role. Based on their chemical configuration, POs, such as reactive oxygen and electrophile species, activate defence-related gene expression. We also propose that their ability to interact with pathogen membranes is important, but still misunderstood, and that they are involved in cross-kingdom communication. Taken as a whole, the current literature suggests that POs have a high potential as biocontrol agents. However, the mechanisms underlying these multifaceted compounds remain largely unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Deboever
- Molecular Biophysics at Interface Laboratory (LBMI), Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 2, Passage des Déportés, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium; Laboratory of Natural Molecules Chemistry (LCMN), Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 2, Passage des Déportés, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Magali Deleu
- Molecular Biophysics at Interface Laboratory (LBMI), Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 2, Passage des Déportés, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Mongrand
- Laboratory of Membrane Biogenesis (LBM), Research Mix Unity (UMR) 5200, National Scientific Research Center (CNRS), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Laurence Lins
- Molecular Biophysics at Interface Laboratory (LBMI), Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 2, Passage des Déportés, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Marie-Laure Fauconnier
- Laboratory of Natural Molecules Chemistry (LCMN), Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 2, Passage des Déportés, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
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15
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Fabri JHTM, Rocha MC, Malavazi I. Overview of the Interplay Between Cell Wall Integrity Signaling Pathways and Membrane Lipid Biosynthesis in Fungi: Perspectives for Aspergillus fumigatus. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 21:265-283. [PMID: 31284857 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190705164203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The cell wall (CW) and plasma membrane are fundamental structures that define cell shape and support different cellular functions. In pathogenic fungi, such as Aspegillus fumigatus, they not only play structural roles but are also important for virulence and immune recognition. Both the CW and the plasma membrane remain as attractive drug targets to treat fungal infections, such as the Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA), a disease associated with high morbimortality in immunocompromised individuals. The low efficiency of echinocandins that target the fungal CW biosynthesis, the occurrence of environmental isolates resistant to azoles such as voriconazole and the known drawbacks associated with amphotericin toxicity foster the urgent need for fungal-specific drugable targets and/or more efficient combinatorial therapeutic strategies. Reverse genetic approaches in fungi unveil that perturbations of the CW also render cells with increased susceptibility to membrane disrupting agents and vice-versa. However, how the fungal cells simultaneously cope with perturbation in CW polysaccharides and cell membrane proteins to allow morphogenesis is scarcely known. Here, we focus on current information on how the main signaling pathways that maintain fungal cell wall integrity, such as the Cell Wall Integrity and the High Osmolarity Glycerol pathways, in different species often cross-talk to regulate the synthesis of molecules that comprise the plasma membrane, especially sphingolipids, ergosterol and phospholipids to promote functioning of both structures concomitantly and thus, cell viability. We propose that the conclusions drawn from other organisms are the foundations to point out experimental lines that can be endeavored in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina C Rocha
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Iran Malavazi
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
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16
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Dutta S, Woo EE, Yu SM, Nagendran R, Yun BS, Lee YH. Control of Anthracnose and Gray Mold in Pepper Plants Using Culture Extract of White-Rot Fungus and Active Compound Schizostatin. MYCOBIOLOGY 2019; 47:87-96. [PMID: 30988992 PMCID: PMC6450573 DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2018.1551833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fungi produce various secondary metabolites that have beneficial and harmful effects on other organisms. Those bioactive metabolites have been explored as potential medicinal and antimicrobial resources. However, the activities of the culture filtrate (CF) and metabolites of white-rot fungus (Schizophyllum commune) have been underexplored. In this study, we assayed the antimicrobial activities of CF obtained from white-rot fungus against various plant pathogens and evaluated its efficacy for controlling anthracnose and gray mold in pepper plants. The CF inhibited the mycelial growth of various fungal plant pathogens, but not of bacterial pathogens. Diluted concentrations of CF significantly suppressed the severity of anthracnose and gray mold in pepper fruits. Furthermore, the incidence of anthracnose in field conditions was reduced by treatment with a 12.5% dilution of CF. The active compound responsible for the antifungal and disease control activity was identified and verified as schizostatin. Our results indicate that the CF of white-rot fungus can be used as an eco-friendly natural product against fungal plant pathogens. Moreover, the compound, schizostatin could be used as a biochemical resource or precursor for development as a pesticide. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the control of plant diseases using CF and active compound from white-rot fungus. We discussed the controversial antagonistic activity of schizostatin and believe that the CF of white-rot fungus or its active compound, schizostatin, could be used as a biochemical pesticide against fungal diseases such as anthracnose and gray mold in many vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarnalee Dutta
- Division of Biotechnology, Chonbuk National University, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - E-Eum Woo
- Division of Biotechnology, Chonbuk National University, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Yu
- Freshwater Bioresources Utilization Division, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Rajalingam Nagendran
- Division of Biotechnology, Chonbuk National University, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Sik Yun
- Division of Biotechnology, Chonbuk National University, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hoon Lee
- Division of Biotechnology, Chonbuk National University, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
- Advanced Institute of Environment and Bioscience, Plant Medical Research Center, and Institute of Bio-industry, Chonbuk National University, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
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17
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The Significance of Lipids to Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans: An Emerging Perspective. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4040140. [PMID: 30567300 PMCID: PMC6308932 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, the dimorphic opportunistic human fungal pathogen, is capable of forming highly drug-resistant biofilms in the human host. Formation of biofilm is a multistep and multiregulatory process involving various adaptive mechanisms. The ability of cells in a biofilm to alter membrane lipid composition is one such adaptation crucial for biofilm development in C. albicans. Lipids modulate mixed species biofilm formation in vivo and inherent antifungal resistance associated with these organized communities. Cells in C. albicans biofilms display phase-dependent changes in phospholipid classes and in levels of lipid raft formation. Systematic studies with genetically modified strains in which the membrane phospholipid composition can be manipulated are limited in C. albicans. In this review, we summarize the knowledge accumulated on the impact that alterations in phospholipids may have on the biofilm forming ability of C. albicans in the human host. This review may provide the requisite impetus to analyze lipids from a therapeutic standpoint in managing C. albicans biofilms.
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Kobmoo N, Wichadakul D, Arnamnart N, Rodríguez De La Vega RC, Luangsa-ard JJ, Giraud T. A genome scan of diversifying selection inOphiocordycepszombie-ant fungi suggests a role for enterotoxins in co-evolution and host specificity. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:3582-3598. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noppol Kobmoo
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution; Université Paris-Sud; CNRS; AgroParisTech; Université Paris-Saclay; Orsay France
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC); National Science and Development Agency (NSTDA); Klhong Luang Thailand
| | - Duangdao Wichadakul
- Chulalongkorn University Big Data Analytics and IoT Center (CUBIC); Department of Computer Engineering; Faculty of Engineering; Chulalongkorn University; Bangkok Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology; Faculty of Medicine; Chulalongkorn University; Bangkok Thailand
| | - Nuntanat Arnamnart
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC); National Science and Development Agency (NSTDA); Klhong Luang Thailand
| | | | - Janet J. Luangsa-ard
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC); National Science and Development Agency (NSTDA); Klhong Luang Thailand
| | - Tatiana Giraud
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution; Université Paris-Sud; CNRS; AgroParisTech; Université Paris-Saclay; Orsay France
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Araújo ARD, Melo T, Maciel EA, Pereira C, Morais CM, Santinha DR, Tavares JF, Oliveira H, Jurado AS, Costa V, Domingues P, Domingues MRM, Santos MAS. Errors in protein synthesis increase the level of saturated fatty acids and affect the overall lipid profiles of yeast. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202402. [PMID: 30148852 PMCID: PMC6110467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of protein synthesis errors (mistranslation) above the typical mean mistranslation level of 10−4 is mostly deleterious to yeast, zebrafish and mammal cells. Previous yeast studies have shown that mistranslation affects fitness and deregulates genes related to lipid metabolism, but there is no experimental proof that such errors alter yeast lipid profiles. We engineered yeast strains to misincorporate serine at alanine and glycine sites on a global scale and evaluated the putative effects on the lipidome. Lipids from whole cells were extracted and analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) and gas chromatography (GC). Oxidative damage, fatty acid desaturation and membrane fluidity changes were screened to identify putative alterations in lipid profiles in both logarithmic (fermentative) and post-diauxic shift (respiratory) phases. There were alterations in several lipid classes, namely lyso-phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, and triglyceride, and in the fatty acid profiles, namely C16:1, C16:0, C18:1 and C18:0. Overall, the relative content of lipid species with saturated FA increased in detriment of those with unsaturated fatty acids. The expression of the OLE1 mRNA was deregulated, but phospholipid fluidity changes were not observed. These data expand current knowledge of mistranslation biology and highlight its putative roles in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita D. Araújo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine–iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Mass Spectrometry Center, Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tânia Melo
- Mass Spectrometry Center, Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Elisabete A. Maciel
- Mass Spectrometry Center, Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Biology, CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Clara Pereira
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina M. Morais
- CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Deolinda R. Santinha
- Mass Spectrometry Center, Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana F. Tavares
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine–iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Helena Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Cytomics, Department of Biology, CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amália S. Jurado
- CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vítor Costa
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Domingues
- Mass Spectrometry Center, Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria Rosário M. Domingues
- Mass Spectrometry Center, Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- * E-mail: (MASS); (MRMD)
| | - Manuel A. S. Santos
- Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine–iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- * E-mail: (MASS); (MRMD)
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20
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Benevenuto J, Teixeira-Silva NS, Kuramae EE, Croll D, Monteiro-Vitorello CB. Comparative Genomics of Smut Pathogens: Insights From Orphans and Positively Selected Genes Into Host Specialization. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:660. [PMID: 29681893 PMCID: PMC5897528 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Host specialization is a key evolutionary process for the diversification and emergence of new pathogens. However, the molecular determinants of host range are poorly understood. Smut fungi are biotrophic pathogens that have distinct and narrow host ranges based on largely unknown genetic determinants. Hence, we aimed to expand comparative genomics analyses of smut fungi by including more species infecting different hosts and to define orphans and positively selected genes to gain further insights into the genetics basis of host specialization. We analyzed nine lineages of smut fungi isolated from eight crop and non-crop hosts: maize, barley, sugarcane, wheat, oats, Zizania latifolia (Manchurian rice), Echinochloa colona (a wild grass), and Persicaria sp. (a wild dicot plant). We assembled two new genomes: Ustilago hordei (strain Uhor01) isolated from oats and U. tritici (strain CBS 119.19) isolated from wheat. The smut genomes were of small sizes, ranging from 18.38 to 24.63 Mb. U. hordei species experienced genome expansions due to the proliferation of transposable elements and the amount of these elements varied among the two strains. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that Ustilago is not a monophyletic genus and, furthermore, detected misclassification of the U. tritici specimen. The comparison between smut pathogens of crop and non-crop hosts did not reveal distinct signatures, suggesting that host domestication did not play a dominant role in shaping the evolution of smuts. We found that host specialization in smut fungi likely has a complex genetic basis: different functional categories were enriched in orphans and lineage-specific selected genes. The diversification and gain/loss of effector genes are probably the most important determinants of host specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Benevenuto
- Microbial Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of São Paulo/Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Natalia S. Teixeira-Silva
- Microbial Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of São Paulo/Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Eiko E. Kuramae
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Daniel Croll
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel (UNINE), Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia B. Monteiro-Vitorello
- Microbial Genetics Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of São Paulo/Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (USP/ESALQ), Piracicaba, Brazil
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21
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Munshi MA, Gardin JM, Singh A, Luberto C, Rieger R, Bouklas T, Fries BC, Del Poeta M. The Role of Ceramide Synthases in the Pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans. Cell Rep 2018; 22:1392-1400. [PMID: 29425496 PMCID: PMC5839121 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) is estimated to cause about 220,000 new cases every year in patients with AIDS, despite advances in antifungal treatments. C. neoformans possesses a remarkable ability to disseminate through an immunocompromised host, making treatment difficult. Here, we examine the mechanism of survival of C. neoformans under varying host conditions and find a role for ceramide synthase in C. neoformans virulence. This study also provides a detailed lipidomics resource for the fungal lipid research community in addition to discovering a potential target for antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansa A Munshi
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - Ashutosh Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226007, India
| | - Chiara Luberto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Robert Rieger
- Proteomics Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Tejas Bouklas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Professions and Nursing, Long Island University, Brookville, NY 11548, USA
| | - Bettina C Fries
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY 11768, USA.
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22
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Functional analysis of diacylglycerol O-acyl transferase 2 gene to decipher its role in virulence of Botrytis cinerea. Curr Genet 2017; 64:443-457. [PMID: 28940057 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-017-0752-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Gray mold disease inflicted by Botrytis cinerea is a serious menace responsible for significant economic loss worldwide. Due to its polyphagous nature, the pathogen has enthused inquisitiveness in researchers to unravel its complexity. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation was used to generate insertional mutants of Botrytis cinerea. A mutant (BCM-55) with disruption in a gene (BcDGAT2) that encodes for diacylglycerol O-acyl transferase 2 (DGAT2), showed enervated virulence on various hosts' tissues. Enzyme DGAT2 is crucial in the final step of synthesis of triacylglycerol (TAG) that plays an important role in homeostasis of membrane and cellular processes. However, the role of DGAT2 has never been reported in a phytopathogenic fungus. In this study, BCM-55 was characterized to ascertain the role of DGAT2 in virulence of B. cinerea. The insertional mutant was defective in spore production and lacked sclerotia formation as a consequence of lower accumulation of TAG. A significant delay in spore germination in BCM-55 was accompanied with a low penetration potential. Hyphae of the mutant formed swollen endings with considerable impairment in penetration. Deletion of BcDGAT2 also led to increased sensitivity towards cell wall and membrane-disturbing agents. Furthermore, BCM-55 was deficient in the production of oxalic acid and showed lower activity of a cell wall-degrading enzyme, polygalacturonase. The role of BcDGAT2 in virulence was further confirmed by targeted deletion and complementation of the gene. The results insinuate a crucial role of BcDGAT2 in penetration and consequently virulence of B. cinerea. The study provides novel insights into plant-pathogen interactions that can be exploited to develop suitable disease management strategies.
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23
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Li C, Song Y, Xiong L, Huang K, Liang Z. Initial Spore Density Has an Influence on Ochratoxin A Content in Aspergillus ochraceus CGMCC 3.4412 in PDB and Its Interaction with Seeds. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E146. [PMID: 28430142 PMCID: PMC5408220 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9040146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphology and secondary metabolism of Aspergillus spp. are associated with initial spore density (ISD). Fatty acids (FA) are involved in the biosynthesis of aflatoxins (AF) through Aspergillus quorum sensing (QS). Here, we studied how ochratoxin A (OTA) was regulated by spore density in Aspergillus ochraceus CGMCC 3.4412. The results contribute to understanding the role of spore density in morphogenesis, OTA biosynthesis, and host-pathogen interactions. When A. ochraceus was grown in Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) media at different spore densities (from 10¹ to 10⁶ spores/mL), more OTA was produced when ISD were increased, but a higher level of ISD inhibited OTA biosynthesis. Seed infection studies showed that peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and soybeans (Glycine max) with high FA content were more susceptible to OTA production when infected by A. ochraceus and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced OTA biosynthesis. These results suggested that FA was vital for OTA biosynthesis, and that oxidative stress was closely related to OTA biosynthesis in A. ochraceus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyan Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yanmin Song
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Lu Xiong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Kunlun Huang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
- The Supervision, Inspection and Testing Center of Genetically Modified Organisms, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Zhihong Liang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
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24
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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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25
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Metabolic responses of Beauveria bassiana to hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress using an LC-MS-based metabolomics approach. J Invertebr Pathol 2016; 137:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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26
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Lopez-Moya F, Kowbel D, Nueda MJ, Palma-Guerrero J, Glass NL, Lopez-Llorca LV. Neurospora crassa transcriptomics reveals oxidative stress and plasma membrane homeostasis biology genes as key targets in response to chitosan. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 12:391-403. [PMID: 26694141 PMCID: PMC4729629 DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00649j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chitosan is a natural polymer with antimicrobial activity. Chitosan causes plasma membrane permeabilization and induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Neurospora crassa. We have determined the transcriptional profile of N. crassa to chitosan and identified the main gene targets involved in the cellular response to this compound. Global network analyses showed membrane, transport and oxidoreductase activity as key nodes affected by chitosan. Activation of oxidative metabolism indicates the importance of ROS and cell energy together with plasma membrane homeostasis in N. crassa response to chitosan. Deletion strain analysis of chitosan susceptibility pointed NCU03639 encoding a class 3 lipase, involved in plasma membrane repair by lipid replacement, and NCU04537 a MFS monosaccharide transporter related to assimilation of simple sugars, as main gene targets of chitosan. NCU10521, a glutathione S-transferase-4 involved in the generation of reducing power for scavenging intracellular ROS is also a determinant chitosan gene target. Ca(2+) increased tolerance to chitosan in N. crassa. Growth of NCU10610 (fig 1 domain) and SYT1 (a synaptotagmin) deletion strains was significantly increased by Ca(2+) in the presence of chitosan. Both genes play a determinant role in N. crassa membrane homeostasis. Our results are of paramount importance for developing chitosan as an antifungal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Lopez-Moya
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies (MIES) Ramon Margalef, Department of Marine Sciences and Applied Biology, University of Alicante, E-03080 Alicante, Spain.
| | - David Kowbel
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA, 94720-3120 USA.
| | - Maria José Nueda
- Statistics and Operation Research Department, University of Alicante, E-03080 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Javier Palma-Guerrero
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA, 94720-3120 USA.
| | - N Louise Glass
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley CA, 94720-3120 USA.
| | - Luis Vicente Lopez-Llorca
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies (MIES) Ramon Margalef, Department of Marine Sciences and Applied Biology, University of Alicante, E-03080 Alicante, Spain.
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Rella A, Farnoud AM, Del Poeta M. Plasma membrane lipids and their role in fungal virulence. Prog Lipid Res 2015; 61:63-72. [PMID: 26703191 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There has been considerable evidence in recent years suggesting that plasma membrane lipids are important regulators of fungal pathogenicity. Various glycolipids have been shown to impart virulent properties in several fungal species, while others have been shown to play a role in host defense. In addition to their role as virulence factors, lipids also contribute to other virulence mechanisms such as drug resistance, biofilm formation, and release of extracellular vesicles. In addition, lipids also affect the mechanical properties of the plasma membrane through the formation of packed microdomains composed mainly of sphingolipids and sterols. Changes in the composition of lipid microdomains have been shown to disrupt the localization of virulence factors and affect fungal pathogenicity. This review gathers evidence on the various roles of plasma membrane lipids in fungal virulence and how lipids might contribute to the different processes that occur during infection and treatment. Insight into the role of lipids in fungal virulence can lead to an improved understanding of the process of fungal pathogenesis and the development of new lipid-mediated therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rella
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - Amir M Farnoud
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA
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Borghi E, Morace G, Borgo F, Rajendran R, Sherry L, Nile C, Ramage G. New strategic insights into managing fungal biofilms. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1077. [PMID: 26500623 PMCID: PMC4594024 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections have dramatically increased in the last decades in parallel with an increase of populations with impaired immunity, resulting from medical conditions such as cancer, transplantation, or other chronic diseases. Such opportunistic infections result from a complex relationship between fungi and host, and can range from self-limiting to chronic or life-threatening infections. Modern medicine, characterized by a wide use of biomedical devices, offers new niches for fungi to colonize and form biofilm communities. The capability of fungi to form biofilms is well documented and associated with increased drug tolerance and resistance. In addition, biofilm formation facilitates persistence in the host promoting a persistent inflammatory condition. With a limited availability of antifungals within our arsenal, new therapeutic approaches able to address both host and pathogenic factors that promote fungal disease progression, i.e., chronic inflammation and biofilm formation, could represent an advantage in the clinical setting. In this paper we discuss the antifungal properties of myriocin, fulvic acid, and acetylcholine in light of their already known anti-inflammatory activity and as candidate dual action therapeutics to treat opportunistic fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Borghi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Morace
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Borgo
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan, Italy
| | - Ranjith Rajendran
- Infection and Immunity Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow , Glasgow, UK
| | - Leighann Sherry
- Infection and Immunity Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow , Glasgow, UK
| | - Christopher Nile
- Infection and Immunity Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow , Glasgow, UK
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Infection and Immunity Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow , Glasgow, UK
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Tian Y, Zhao GY, Fang W, Xu Q, Tan RX. Δ10(E)-Sphingolipid Desaturase Involved in Fusaruside Mycosynthesis and Stress Adaptation in Fusarium graminearum. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10486. [PMID: 25994332 PMCID: PMC4440215 DOI: 10.1038/srep10486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are biologically important and structurally distinct cell membrane components. Fusaruside (1) is a 10,11-unsaturated immunosuppressive fungal sphingolipid with medical potentials for treating liver injury and colitis, but its poor natural abundance bottlenecks its druggability. Here, fusaruside is clarified biosynthetically, and its efficacy-related 10,11-double bond can be generated under the regioselective catalysis of an unprecedented Δ10(E)-sphingolipid desaturase (Δ10(E)-SD). Δ10(E)-SD shares 17.7% amino acid sequence similarity with a C9-unmethylated Δ10-sphingolipid desaturase derived from a marine diatom, and 55.7% with Δ8(E)-SD from Fusarium graminearum. Heterologous expression of Δ10(E)-SD in Pichia pastoris has been established to facilitate a reliable generation of 1 through the Δ10(E)-SD catalyzed desaturation of cerebroside B (2), an abundant fungal sphingolipid. Site directed mutageneses show that the conserved histidines of Δ10(E)-SD are essential for the 10,11-desaturation catalysis, which is also preconditioned by the C9-methylation of the substrate. Moreover, Δ10(E)-SD confers improved survival and faster growth to fungal strains at low temperature and high salinity, in parallel with to higher contents of 1 in the mycelia. Collectively, the investigation describes a new Δ10(E)-sphingolipid desaturase with its heterologous expression fundamentalizing a biotechnological supply of 1, and eases the follow-up clarification of the immunosuppression and stress-tolerance mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Institute of Functional Biomolecules, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
| | - Guo Y. Zhao
- Institute of Functional Biomolecules, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
| | - Wei Fang
- Institute of Functional Biomolecules, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Institute of Functional Biomolecules, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
| | - Ren X. Tan
- Institute of Functional Biomolecules, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China
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Role of phosphatidylinositol phosphate signaling in the regulation of the filamentous-growth mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2015; 14:427-40. [PMID: 25724886 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00013-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Reversible phosphorylation of the phospholipid phosphatidylinositol (PI) is a key event in the determination of organelle identity and an underlying regulatory feature in many biological processes. Here, we investigated the role of PI signaling in the regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway that controls filamentous growth in yeast. Lipid kinases that generate phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] at the Golgi (Pik1p) or PI(4,5)P2 at the plasma membrane (PM) (Mss4p and Stt4p) were required for filamentous-growth MAPK pathway signaling. Introduction of a conditional allele of PIK1 (pik1-83) into the filamentous (Σ1278b) background reduced MAPK activity and caused defects in invasive growth and biofilm/mat formation. MAPK regulatory proteins that function at the PM, including Msb2p, Sho1p, and Cdc42p, were mislocalized in the pik1-83 mutant, which may account for the signaling defects of the PI(4)P kinase mutants. Other PI kinases (Fab1p and Vps34p), and combinations of PIP (synaptojanin-type) phosphatases, also influenced the filamentous-growth MAPK pathway. Loss of these proteins caused defects in cell polarity, which may underlie the MAPK signaling defect seen in these mutants. In line with this possibility, disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by latrunculin A (LatA) dampened the filamentous-growth pathway. Various PIP signaling mutants were also defective for axial budding in haploid cells, cell wall construction, or proper regulation of the high-osmolarity glycerol response (HOG) pathway. Altogether, the study extends the roles of PI signaling to a differentiation MAPK pathway and other cellular processes.
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Luo F, Wang Q, Yin C, Ge Y, Hu F, Huang B, Zhou H, Bao G, Wang B, Lu R, Li Z. Differential metabolic responses of Beauveria bassiana cultured in pupae extracts, root exudates and its interactions with insect and plant. J Invertebr Pathol 2015; 130:154-64. [PMID: 25584432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana is a kind of world-wide entomopathogenic fungus and can also colonize plant rhizosphere. Previous researches showed differential expression of genes when entomopathogenic fungi are cultured in insect or plant materials. However, so far there is no report on metabolic alterations of B. bassiana in the environments of insect or plant. The purpose of this paper is to address this problem. Herein, we first provide the metabolomic analysis of B. bassiana cultured in insect pupae extracts (derived from Euproctis pseudoconspersa and Bombyx mori, EPP and BMP), plant root exudates (derived from asparagus and carrot, ARE and CRE), distilled water and minimal media (MM), respectively. Principal components analysis (PCA) shows that mycelia cultured in pupae extracts and root exudates are evidently separated and individually separated from MM, which indicates that fungus accommodates to insect and plant environments by different metabolic regulation mechanisms. Subsequently, orthogonal projection on latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identifies differential metabolites in fungus under three environments relative to MM. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) is performed to cluster compounds based on biochemical relationships, showing that sphingolipids are increased in BMP but are decreased in EPP. This observation further implies that sphingolipid metabolism may be involved in the adaptation of fungus to different hosts. In the meantime, sphingolipids are significantly decreased in root exudates but they are not decreased in distilled water, suggesting that some components of the root exudates can suppress sphingolipid to down-regulate sphingolipid metabolism. Pathway analysis finds that fatty acid metabolism is maintained at high level but non-ribosomal peptides (NRP) synthesis is unaffected in mycelia cultured in pupae extracts. In contrast, fatty acid metabolism is not changed but NRP synthesis is high in mycelia cultured in root exudates and distilled water. This indicates that fungal fatty acid metabolism is enhanced when contacting insect, but when in the absence of insect hosts NRP synthesis is increased. Ornithine, arginine and GABA are decreased in mycelia cultured in pupae extracts and root exudates but remain unchanged in distilled water, which suggests that they may be associated with fungal cross-talk with insects and plants. Trehalose and mannitol are decreased while adenine is increased in three conditions, signifying carbon shortage in cells. Together, these results unveil that B. bassiana has differential metabolic responses in pupae extracts and root exudates, and metabolic similarity in root exudates and distilled water is possibly due to the lack of insect components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Luo
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Shanghai Institute of Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Chunlin Yin
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yinglu Ge
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Fenglin Hu
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Bo Huang
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA 93943, USA
| | - Guanhu Bao
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Ruili Lu
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Zengzhi Li
- Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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Gabriel F, Accoceberry I, Bessoule JJ, Salin B, Lucas-Guérin M, Manon S, Dementhon K, Noël T. A Fox2-dependent fatty acid ß-oxidation pathway coexists both in peroxisomes and mitochondria of the ascomycete yeast Candida lusitaniae. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114531. [PMID: 25486052 PMCID: PMC4259357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
It is generally admitted that the ascomycete yeasts of the subphylum Saccharomycotina possess a single fatty acid ß-oxidation pathway located exclusively in peroxisomes, and that they lost mitochondrial ß-oxidation early during evolution. In this work, we showed that mutants of the opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida lusitaniae which lack the multifunctional enzyme Fox2p, a key enzyme of the ß-oxidation pathway, were still able to grow on fatty acids as the sole carbon source, suggesting that C. lusitaniae harbored an alternative pathway for fatty acid catabolism. By assaying 14Cα-palmitoyl-CoA consumption, we demonstrated that fatty acid catabolism takes place in both peroxisomal and mitochondrial subcellular fractions. We then observed that a fox2Δ null mutant was unable to catabolize fatty acids in the mitochondrial fraction, thus indicating that the mitochondrial pathway was Fox2p-dependent. This finding was confirmed by the immunodetection of Fox2p in protein extracts obtained from purified peroxisomal and mitochondrial fractions. Finally, immunoelectron microscopy provided evidence that Fox2p was localized in both peroxisomes and mitochondria. This work constitutes the first demonstration of the existence of a Fox2p-dependent mitochondrial β-oxidation pathway in an ascomycetous yeast, C. lusitaniae. It also points to the existence of an alternative fatty acid catabolism pathway, probably located in peroxisomes, and functioning in a Fox2p-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Gabriel
- Univ. Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Isabelle Accoceberry
- Univ. Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Bessoule
- Univ. Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire, UMR 5200, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire, UMR 5200, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Bénédicte Salin
- Univ. Bordeaux, Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR 5095, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR 5095, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marine Lucas-Guérin
- Univ. Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Stephen Manon
- Univ. Bordeaux, Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR 5095, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR 5095, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Karine Dementhon
- Univ. Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Thierry Noël
- Univ. Bordeaux, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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Highlights in pathogenic fungal biofilms. Rev Iberoam Micol 2014; 31:22-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Kwon MJ, Nitsche BM, Arentshorst M, Jørgensen TR, Ram AFJ, Meyer V. The transcriptomic signature of RacA activation and inactivation provides new insights into the morphogenetic network of Aspergillus niger. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68946. [PMID: 23894378 PMCID: PMC3722221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RacA is the main Rho GTPase in Aspergillus niger regulating polarity maintenance via controlling actin dynamics. Both deletion and dominant activation of RacA (Rac(G18V)) provoke an actin localization defect and thereby loss of polarized tip extension, resulting in frequent dichotomous branching in the ΔracA strain and an apolar growing phenotype for Rac(G18V). In the current study the transcriptomics and physiological consequences of these morphological changes were investigated and compared with the data of the morphogenetic network model for the dichotomous branching mutant ramosa-1. This integrated approach revealed that polar tip growth is most likely orchestrated by the concerted activities of phospholipid signaling, sphingolipid signaling, TORC2 signaling, calcium signaling and CWI signaling pathways. The transcriptomic signatures and the reconstructed network model for all three morphology mutants (ΔracA, Rac(G18V), ramosa-1) imply that these pathways become integrated to bring about different physiological adaptations including changes in sterol, zinc and amino acid metabolism and changes in ion transport and protein trafficking. Finally, the fate of exocytotic (SncA) and endocytotic (AbpA, SlaB) markers in the dichotomous branching mutant ΔracA was followed, demonstrating that hyperbranching does not per se result in increased protein secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jin Kwon
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology Leiden, Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin M. Nitsche
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology Leiden, Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Berlin University of Technology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Arentshorst
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology Leiden, Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas R. Jørgensen
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology Leiden, Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur F. J. Ram
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology Leiden, Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation, Delft, The Netherlands
- * E-mail: (AR); (VM)
| | - Vera Meyer
- Leiden University, Institute of Biology Leiden, Department Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation, Delft, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Berlin University of Technology, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail: (AR); (VM)
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Luo F, Lu R, Zhou H, Hu F, Bao G, Huang B, Li Z. Metabolic effect of an exogenous gene on transgenic Beauveria bassiana using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2013; 61:7008-7017. [PMID: 23822565 DOI: 10.1021/jf401703b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modification of Beauveria bassiana with the scorpion neurotoxin aaIT gene can distinctly increase its insecticidal activity, whereas the effect of this exogenous gene on the metabolism of B. bassiana is unknown until now. Thus, we investigate the global metabolic profiling of mycelia and conidia of transgenic and wild-type B. bassiana by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structure discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) reveal clear discrimination of wild-type mycelia and conidia from transgenic mycelia and conidia. The decrease of glycerophospholipids, carnitine, and fatty acids and the increase of oxylipins, glyoxylate, pyruvic acid, acetylcarnitine, fumarate, ergothioneine, and trehalose in transgenic mycelia indicate the enhanced oxidative reactions. In contrast, most metabolites related to oxidative stress are not altered significantly in conidia, which implies that there will be no significant oxidative stress reaction when the aaIT gene is quiescent in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Luo
- Research Center on Entomogenous Fungi, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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36
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Affeldt KJ, Brodhagen M, Keller NP. Aspergillus oxylipin signaling and quorum sensing pathways depend on g protein-coupled receptors. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:695-717. [PMID: 23105976 PMCID: PMC3475224 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4090695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxylipins regulate Aspergillus development and mycotoxin production and are also involved in Aspergillus quorum sensing mechanisms. Despite extensive knowledge of how these oxylipins are synthesized and what processes they regulate, nothing is known about how these signals are detected and transmitted by the fungus. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) have been speculated to be involved as they are known oxylipin receptors in mammals, and many putative GPCRs have been identified in the Aspergilli. Here, we present evidence that oxylipins stimulate a burst in cAMP in A. nidulans, and that loss of an A. nidulans GPCR, gprD, prevents this cAMP accumulation. A. flavus undergoes an oxylipin-mediated developmental shift when grown at different densities, and this regulates spore, sclerotial and aflatoxin production. A. flavus encodes two putative GprD homologs, GprC and GprD, and we demonstrate here that they are required to transition to a high-density development state, as well as to respond to spent medium of a high-density culture. The finding of GPCRs that regulate production of survival structures (sclerotia), inoculum (spores) and aflatoxin holds promise for future development of anti-fungal therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharyn J. Affeldt
- Department of Bacteriology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Marion Brodhagen
- Department of Biology, Western Washington University, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA;
| | - Nancy P. Keller
- Department of Bacteriology and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +1-608-262-9795; Fax: +1-608-262-8418
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37
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Pannkuk E, Gilmore D, Savary B, Risch T. Triacylglyceride (TAG) profiles of integumentary lipids isolated from three bat species determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS). CAN J ZOOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1139/z2012-078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lipids secreted from sebaceous glands in bat integument may play a role in determining host pathogenicity by the fungus Geomyces destructans in white-nose syndrome (WNS). To investigate this, we have determined the triacylglycerol (TAG) profiles for three bat species: eastern red bats ( Lasiurus borealis (Müller, 1776)), evening bats ( Nycticeius humeralis (Rafinesque, 1818)), and big brown bats ( Eptesicus fuscus (Beauvois, 1796)). Neutral lipids extracted from the hair and wing tissue were fractionated by preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC) into four major lipid bands corresponding to cholesterol, free fatty acids (FFAs), TAGs, and sterol–wax esters. Densitometry showed higher proportions of TAGs in hair than from wing tissue. TAG bands were recovered and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS). Mass spectra showed sodiated TAG species with variable fatty acyl (FA) moieties range from m/z 715.6–911.8. High intensity ion peaks were consistent with 16:0 and 18:1 as dominant FA moieties, and these were identified as palmitic and oleic acids, respectively, by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We determined significant differences in TAG profiles between three bat species by MALDI–TOF MS, providing the first description of integumentary lipids in bats. In this study, we performed the first TAG profiling of bats, which suggest such profiles may be species-specific in bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- E.L. Pannkuk
- Graduate Program of Environmental Science, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 847, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - D.F. Gilmore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 599, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - B.J. Savary
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 639, State University, AR 72467, USA
| | - T.S. Risch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 599, State University, AR 72467, USA
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Fernández-Piñar R, Espinosa-Urgel M, Dubern JF, Heeb S, Ramos JL, Cámara M. Fatty acid-mediated signalling between two Pseudomonas species. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2012; 4:417-423. [PMID: 23760827 DOI: 10.1111/j.1758-2229.2012.00349.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We report the identification of fatty acids as mediators of intercellular signalling in Pseudomonas putida, and between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. putida. Tetradecanoic acid and fatty acids of similar chain length are present in supernatants of these strains and activate population density-dependent expression of ddcA, a gene involved in corn seed and root colonization by P. putida KT2440. Consistently, significant amounts of these compounds were also found in corn root exudates. The signalling pathway involves the two-component regulatory system formed by RoxS and RoxR, which had been previously shown to control expression of ddcA and of a set of genes related to the redox balance of P. putida cells. Production of the fatty acid signal in P. aeruginosa is under the control of the LasI/LasR and RhlI/RhlR quorum sensing systems. Our data indicate that in terms of cell-cell communication, P. putida KT2440 employs mechanisms closer to those of plant pathogens such as Xanthomonas spp. and fungi like Candida, which also rely on fatty acid derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Fernández-Piñar
- Department of Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC, Profesor Albareda, 1. Granada, Spain. School of Molecular Medical Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Gow NAR, Hube B. Importance of the Candida albicans cell wall during commensalism and infection. Curr Opin Microbiol 2012; 15:406-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Peroxisomal and mitochondrial β-oxidation pathways influence the virulence of the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2012; 11:1042-54. [PMID: 22707485 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00128-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
An understanding of the connections between metabolism and elaboration of virulence factors during host colonization by the human-pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is important for developing antifungal therapies. Lipids are abundant in host tissues, and fungal pathogens in the phylum basidiomycota possess both peroxisomal and mitochondrial β-oxidation pathways to utilize this potential carbon source. In addition, lipids are important signaling molecules in both fungi and mammals. In this report, we demonstrate that defects in the peroxisomal and mitochondrial β-oxidation pathways influence the growth of C. neoformans on fatty acids as well as the virulence of the fungus in a mouse inhalation model of cryptococcosis. Disease attenuation may be due to the cumulative influence of altered carbon source acquisition or processing, interference with secretion, changes in cell wall integrity, and an observed defect in capsule production for the peroxisomal mutant. Altered capsule elaboration in the context of a β-oxidation defect was unexpected but is particularly important because this trait is a major virulence factor for C. neoformans. Additionally, analysis of mutants in the peroxisomal pathway revealed a growth-promoting activity for C. neoformans, and subsequent work identified oleic acid and biotin as candidates for such factors. Overall, this study reveals that β-oxidation influences virulence in C. neoformans by multiple mechanisms that likely include contributions to carbon source acquisition and virulence factor elaboration.
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Qureshi A, Wray D, Rhome R, Barry W, Del Poeta M. Detection of antibody against fungal glucosylceramide in immunocompromised patients: a potential new diagnostic approach for cryptococcosis. Mycopathologia 2012; 173:419-25. [PMID: 21971701 PMCID: PMC5125071 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-011-9485-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We have developed an ELISA to determine the value of anti-glucosylceramide antibody for the prediction of disseminated cryptococcosis in immunocompromised subjects and performed a clinical prospective study at the Medical University of South Carolina. The study enrolled a total of 53 patients who were free of active fungal diseases at the time of enrollment but at risk of developing one because they were all immunocompromised, e.g., (1) patients positive for HIV and (2) patients post- or awaiting solid organ transplantation. Among 53 patients enrolled, two patients developed invasive cryptococcosis, and in both patients, IgM anti-GlcCer was detected in sera using the ELISA at least 6 weeks prior to the clinical presentation of the brain disease. These results were corroborated by a cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay, which was also positive in serum prior to the development of meningoencephalitis. However, a high number of positive results were also detected in patients with no evidence of cryptococcosis. This study highlights the potential utility of this new assay in early diagnostic testing algorithms for patients at risk for cryptococcosis, but further investigations are needed to validate the sensitivity and specificity of the glucosylceramide ELISA as a predictor of cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asfia Qureshi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, BSB 512A, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Dannah Wray
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ryan Rhome
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, BSB 512A, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - William Barry
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, BSB 512A, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Tripathi K, Mor V, Bairwa NK, Del Poeta M, Mohanty BK. Hydroxyurea treatment inhibits proliferation of Cryptococcus neoformans in mice. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:187. [PMID: 22783238 PMCID: PMC3390589 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is a serious threat to immunocompromised individuals, especially for HIV patients who develop meningoencephalitis. For effective cryptococcal treatment, novel antifungal drugs or innovative combination therapies are needed. Recently, sphingolipids have emerged as important bioactive molecules in the regulation of microbial pathogenesis. Previously we reported that the sphingolipid pathway gene, ISC1, which is responsible for ceramide production, is a major virulence factor in Cn infection. Here we report our studies of the role of ISC1 during genotoxic stress induced by the antineoplastic hydroxyurea (HU) and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), which affect DNA replication and genome integrity. We observed that Cn cells lacking ISC1 are highly sensitive to HU and MMS in a rich culture medium. HU affected cell division of Cn cells lacking the ISC1 gene, resulting in cell clusters. Cn ISC1, when expressed in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) strain lacking its own ISC1 gene, restored HU resistance. In macrophage-like cells, although HU affected the proliferation of wild type (WT) Cn cells by 50% at the concentration tested, HU completely inhibited Cn isc1Δ cell proliferation. Interestingly, our preliminary data show that mice infected with WT or Cn isc1Δ cells and subsequently treated with HU had longer lifespans than untreated, infected control mice. Our work suggests that the sphingolipid pathway gene, ISC1, is a likely target for combination therapy with traditional drugs such as HU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushlendra Tripathi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Jiménez Amador H, Casan Clarà P. Bacterial communication and human communication: what can we learn from quorum sensing? Arch Bronconeumol 2012; 48:305-7. [PMID: 22520726 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2012.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Cohen NR, Tatituri RVV, Rivera A, Watts GFM, Kim EY, Chiba A, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Besra GS, Levitz SM, Brigl M, Brenner MB. Innate recognition of cell wall β-glucans drives invariant natural killer T cell responses against fungi. Cell Host Microbe 2012; 10:437-50. [PMID: 22100160 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2011.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
iNKT cells are innate T lymphocytes recognizing endogenous and foreign lipid antigens presented in the MHC-like molecule CD1d. The semi-invariant iNKT cell TCR can detect certain bacterial and parasitic lipids and drive iNKT cell responses. How iNKT cells respond to fungi, however, is unknown. We found that CD1d-deficient mice, which lack iNKT cells, poorly control infection with the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Furthermore, A. fumigatus rapidly activates iNKT cells in vivo and in vitro in the presence of APCs. Surprisingly, despite a requirement for CD1d recognition, the antifungal iNKT cell response does not require fungal lipids. Instead, Dectin-1- and MyD88-mediated responses to β-1,3 glucans, major fungal cell-wall polysaccharides, trigger IL-12 production by APCs that drives self-reactive iNKT cells to secrete IFN-γ. Innate recognition of β-1,3 glucans also drives iNKT cell responses against Candida, Histoplasma, and Alternaria, suggesting that this mechanism may broadly define the basis for antifungal iNKT cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia R Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Wu PL, Chiu CR, Huang WN, Wu WG. The role of sulfatide lipid domains in the membrane pore-forming activity of cobra cardiotoxin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1818:1378-85. [PMID: 22387431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Cobra CTX A3, the major cardiotoxin (CTX) from Naja atra, is a cytotoxic, basic β-sheet polypeptide that is known to induce a transient membrane leakage of cardiomyocytes through a sulfatide-dependent CTX membrane pore formation and internalization mechanism. The molecular specificity of CTX A3-sulfatide interaction at atomic levels has also been shown by both nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray diffraction techniques to reveal a role of CTX-induced sulfatide conformational changes for CTX A3 binding and dimer formation. In this study, we investigate the role of sulfatide lipid domains in CTX pore formation by various biophysical methods, including fluorescence imaging and atomic force microscopy, and suggest an important role of liquid-disordered (ld) and solid-ordered (so) phase boundary in lipid domains to facilitate the process. Fluorescence spectroscopic studies on the kinetics of membrane leakage and CTX oligomerization further reveal that, although most CTXs can oligomerize on membranes, only a small fraction of CTXs oligomerizations form leakage pores. We therefore suggest that CTX binding at the boundary between the so and so/ld phase coexistence sulfatide lipid domains could form effective pores to significantly enhance the CTX-induced membrane leakage of sulfatide-containing phosphatidylcholine vesicles. The model is consistent with our earlier observations that CTX may penetrate and lyse the bilayers into small aggregates at a lipid/protein molar ratio of about 20 in the ripple P(β)' phase of phosphatidylcholine bilayers and suggest a novel mechanism for the synergistic action of cobra secretary phospholipase A2 and CTXs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Long Wu
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Phelan VV, Liu WT, Pogliano K, Dorrestein PC. Microbial metabolic exchange--the chemotype-to-phenotype link. Nat Chem Biol 2011; 8:26-35. [PMID: 22173357 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The function of microbial interactions is to enable microorganisms to survive by establishing a homeostasis between microbial neighbors and local environments. A microorganism can respond to environmental stimuli using metabolic exchange-the transfer of molecular factors, including small molecules and proteins. Microbial interactions not only influence the survival of the microbes but also have roles in morphological and developmental processes of the organisms themselves and their neighbors. This, in turn, shapes the entire habitat of these organisms. Here we highlight our current understanding of metabolic exchange as well as the emergence of new technologies that are allowing us to eavesdrop on microbial conversations comprising dozens to hundreds of secreted metabolites that control the behavior, survival and differentiation of members of the community. The goal of the rapidly advancing field studying multifactorial metabolic exchange is to devise a microbial 'Rosetta stone' in order to understand the language by which microbial interactions are negotiated and, ultimately, to control the outcome of these conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa V Phelan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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Sebolai OM, Pohl CH, Kock LJF, Chaturvedi V, del Poeta M. The presence of 3-hydroxy oxylipins in pathogenic microbes. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2011; 97:17-21. [PMID: 22108026 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
There is a sufficient body of work documenting the distribution of 3-hydroxy oxylipins in microbes. However, there is limited information on the role of these compounds in microbial pathogenesis. When derived from mammalian cells, these compounds regulate patho-biological processes, thus an understanding of 3-hydroxy oxylipin function and metabolism could prove important in shedding light on how these compounds mediate cellular pathology and physiology. This could present 3-hydroxy oxylipin biosynthetic pathways as targets for drug development. In this minireview, we interrogate the relevant yeast and bacterial 3-hydroxy oxylipin literature in order to appreciate how these compounds may influence the inflammatory response leading to disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olihile M Sebolai
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibits the growth of Cryptococcus species. Mycopathologia 2011; 173:451-61. [PMID: 22076410 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-011-9494-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous and opportunistic bacterium that inhibits the growth of different microorganisms, including Gram-positive bacteria and fungi such as Candida spp. and Aspergillus fumigatus. In this study, we investigated the interaction between P. aeruginosa and Cryptococcus spp. We found that P. aeruginosa PA14 and, to a lesser extent, PAO1 significantly inhibited the growth of Cryptococcus spp. The inhibition of growth was observed on solid medium by the visualization of a zone of inhibition of yeast growth and in liquid culture by viable cell counting. Interestingly, such inhibition was only observed when P. aeruginosa and Cryptococcus were co-cultured. Minimal inhibition was observed when cell-cell contact was prevented using a separation membrane, suggesting that cell contact is required for inhibition. Using mutant strains of Pseudomonas quinoline signaling, we showed that P. aeruginosa inhibited the growth of Cryptococcus spp. by producing antifungal molecules pyocyanin, a redox-active phenazine, and 2-heptyl-3,4-dihydroxyquinoline (PQS), an extracellular quorum-sensing signal. Because both P. aeruginosa and Cryptococcus neoformans are commonly found in lung infections of immunocompromised patients, this study may have important implication for the interaction of these microbes in both an ecological and a clinical point of view.
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Midkiff J, Borochoff-Porte N, White D, Johnson DI. Small molecule inhibitors of the Candida albicans budded-to-hyphal transition act through multiple signaling pathways. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25395. [PMID: 21966518 PMCID: PMC3180447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans to interconvert between budded and hyphal growth states, herein termed the budded-to-hyphal transition (BHT), is important for C. albicans development and virulence. The BHT is under the control of multiple cell signaling pathways that respond to external stimuli, including nutrient availability, high temperature, and pH. Previous studies identified 21 small molecules that could inhibit the C. albicans BHT in response to carbon limitation in Spider media. However, the studies herein show that the BHT inhibitors had varying efficacies in other hyphal-inducing media, reflecting their varying abilities to block signaling pathways associated with the different media. Chemical epistasis analyses suggest that most, but not all, of the BHT inhibitors were acting through either the Efg1 or Cph1 signaling pathways. Notably, the BHT inhibitor clozapine, a FDA-approved drug used to treat atypical schizophrenia by inhibiting G-protein-coupled dopamine receptors in the brain, and several of its functional analogs were shown to act at the level of the Gpr1 G-protein-coupled receptor. These studies are the first step in determining the target and mechanism of action of these BHT inhibitors, which may have therapeutic anti-fungal utility in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Midkiff
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Nathan Borochoff-Porte
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Dylan White
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Douglas I. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
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Holcombe LJ, O’Gara F, Morrissey JP. Implications of interspecies signaling for virulence of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Future Microbiol 2011; 6:799-817. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.11.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the broad armory of vaccines, antibiotics and other weapons at our disposal, pathogenic bacteria and fungi continue to present a serious threat to human health. These pathogens have proved very versatile and many are associated with infections of vulnerable individuals, often in hospital settings. Evidence is accumulating that certain infections, for example, of medical devices, the cystic fibrosis lung, the oral cavity, the GI tract and wounds, are in fact polymicrobial, with more than one microbe involved. To understand diseases and formulate intervention strategies, it is necessary to know the extent of contact and communication between microbes in these mixed infections. It is now emerging that the signals that microbes use to coordinate expression of viruence factors within a species may also be perceived by other microbes in the community. This article addresses such interspecies signaling and examines the consequences of such signaling between bacterial and fungal pathogens for expression of virulence traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Holcombe
- Microbiology Department, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fergal O’Gara
- BIOMERIT Research Centre, Microbiology Department, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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