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Wang X, Jin X, Zhao F, Xu Z, Tan W, Zhang J, Xu Y, Luan X, Fang M, Xie Z, Chang W, Lou H. Structure-Based Optimization of Novel Sterol 24-C-Methyltransferase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Candida albicans Infections. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9318-9341. [PMID: 38764175 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Interfering with sterol biosynthesis is an important strategy for developing safe and effective antifungal drugs. We previously identified compound H55 as an allosteric inhibitor of the fungal-specific C-24 sterol methyltransferase Erg6 for treating Candida albicans infections. Herein, 62 derivatives of H55 were designed and synthesized based on target-ligand interactions to identify more active candidates. Among them, d28 displayed the most potent antivirulence ability (MHIC50 = 0.25 μg/mL) by targeting Erg6, exhibiting an 8-fold increase in potency compared with H55. Moreover, d28 significantly outperformed H55 in inhibiting cell adhesion and biofilm formation, and exhibited minimal cytotoxicity and negligible potential to induce drug resistance. Of note, the coadministration of d28 and other sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, such as tridemorph or terbinafine, demonstrated a strong synergistic antifungal action in vitro and in vivo in a murine skin infection model. These results support the potential application of d28 in the treatment of C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xueyang Jin
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Fabao Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zejun Xu
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Wenzhuo Tan
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yuliang Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China
| | - Xiaoyi Luan
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Min Fang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhiyu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion of Henan Province, Institute of Surface Micro and Nano Materials, College of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461002, China
| | - Wenqiang Chang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Hongxiang Lou
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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Sumlu E, Aydin M, Korucu EN, Alyar S, Nsangou AM. Artemisinin May Disrupt Hyphae Formation by Suppressing Biofilm-Related Genes of Candida albicans: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:310. [PMID: 38666986 PMCID: PMC11047306 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the antifungal and antibiofilm efficacy of artemisinin against Candida (C.) species, analyze its impact on gene expression levels within C. albicans biofilms, and investigate the molecular interactions through molecular docking. The antifungal efficacy of artemisinin on a variety of Candida species, including fluconazole-resistant and -susceptible species, was evaluated by the microdilution method. The effect of artemisinin on C. albicans biofilm formation was investigated by MTT and FESEM. The mRNA expression of the genes related to biofilm was analyzed by qRT-PCR. In addition, molecular docking analysis was used to understand the interaction between artemisinin and C. albicans at the molecular level with RAS1-cAMP-EFG1 and EFG1-regulated genes. Artemisinin showed higher sensitivity against non-albicans Candida strains. Furthermore, artemisinin was strongly inhibitory against C. albicans biofilms at 640 µg/mL. Artemisinin downregulated adhesion-related genes ALS3, HWP1, and ECE1, hyphal development genes UME6 and HGC1, and hyphal CAMP-dependent protein kinase regulators CYR1, RAS1, and EFG1. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed that artemisinin and EFG1 had the highest affinity, followed by UME6. FESEM analysis showed that the fluconazole- and artemisinin-treated groups exhibited a reduced hyphal network, unusual surface bulges, and the formation of pores on the cell surfaces. Our study suggests that artemisinin may have antifungal potential and showed a remarkable antibiofilm activity by significantly suppressing adhesion and hyphal development through interaction with key proteins involved in biofilm formation, such as EFG1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Sumlu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, KTO Karatay University, 42020 Konya, Turkey;
| | - Merve Aydin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, KTO Karatay University, 42020 Konya, Turkey
| | - Emine Nedime Korucu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Necmettin Erbakan University, 42090 Konya, Turkey;
| | - Saliha Alyar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Karatekin University, 18100 Çankırı, Turkey;
| | - Ahmed Moustapha Nsangou
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, 42130 Konya, Turkey;
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Anand R, Kashif M, Pandit A, Babu R, Singh AP. Reprogramming in Candida albicans Gene Expression Network under Butanol Stress Abrogates Hyphal Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17227. [PMID: 38139056 PMCID: PMC10743114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the causative agent of invasive fungal infections. Its hyphae-forming ability is regarded as one of the important virulence factors. To unravel the impact of butanol on Candida albicans, it was placed in O+ve complete human serum with butanol (1% v/v). The Candida transcriptome under butanol stress was then identified by mRNA sequencing. Studies including electron microscopy demonstrated the inhibition of hyphae formation in Candida under the influence of butanol, without any significant alteration in growth rate. The numbers of genes upregulated in the butanol in comparison to the serum alone were 1061 (20 min), 804 (45 min), and 537 (120 min). Candida cells exhibited the downregulation of six hypha-specific transcription factors and the induction of four repressor/regulator genes. Many of the hypha-specific genes exhibited repression in the medium with butanol. The genes related to adhesion also exhibited repression, whereas, among the heat-shock genes, three showed inductions in the presence of butanol. The fungal-specific genes exhibited induction as well as repression in the butanol-treated Candida cells. Furthermore, ten upregulated genes formed the core stress gene set in the presence of butanol. In the gene ontology analysis, enrichment of the processes related to non-coding RNA, ribosome biosynthesis, and metabolism was observed in the induced gene set. On the other side, a few GO biological process terms, including biofilm formation and filamentous growth, were enriched in the repressed gene set. Taken together, under butanol stress, Candida albicans is unable to extend hyphae and shows growth by budding. Many of the genes with perturbed expression may have fitness or virulence attributes and may provide prospective sites of antifungal targets against C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Anand
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India; (R.A.)
| | - Mohammad Kashif
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India; (R.A.)
| | - Awadhesh Pandit
- Next Generation Sequencing Facility, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ram Babu
- Department of Botany, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Agam P. Singh
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India; (R.A.)
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Ke CL, Lew SQ, Hsieh Y, Chang SC, Lin CH. Convergent and divergent roles of the glucose-responsive kinase SNF4 in Candida tropicalis. Virulence 2023; 14:2175914. [PMID: 36745535 PMCID: PMC9928470 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2175914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1) complex is a heterotrimeric protein kinase complex that is an ortholog of the mammalian AMPK complex and is evolutionally conserved in most eukaryotes. This complex contains a catalytic subunit (Snf1), a regulatory subunit (Snf4) and a scaffolding subunit (Sip1/Sip2/Gal73) in budding yeast. Although the function of AMPK has been well studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, the role of AMPK in Candida tropicalis has never been investigated. In this study, we focused on SNF4 in C. tropicalis as this fungus cannot produce a snf1Δ mutant. We demonstrated that C. tropicalis SNF4 shares similar roles in glucose derepression and is necessary for cell wall integrity and virulence. The expression of both SNF1 and SNF4 was significantly induced when glucose was limited. Furthermore, snf4Δ strains exhibited high sensitivity to many surface-perturbing agents because the strains contained lower levels of glucan, chitin and mannan. Interestingly, in contrast to C. albicans sak1Δ and snf4Δ, C. tropicalis snf4Δ exhibited phenotypes for cell aggregation and pseudohypha production. These data indicate that SNF4 performs convergent and divergent roles in C. tropicalis and possibly other unknown roles in the C. tropicalis SNF1-SNF4 AMPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Ling Ke
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shi Qian Lew
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi Hsieh
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Cheng Chang
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,CONTACT Ching-Hsuan Lin
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Lohse MB, Ziv N, Johnson AD. Variation in transcription regulator expression underlies differences in white-opaque switching between the SC5314 reference strain and the majority of Candida albicans clinical isolates. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad162. [PMID: 37811798 PMCID: PMC10627253 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, a normal member of the human microbiome and an opportunistic fungal pathogen, undergoes several morphological transitions. One of these transitions is white-opaque switching, where C. albicans alternates between 2 stable cell types with distinct cellular and colony morphologies, metabolic preferences, mating abilities, and interactions with the innate immune system. White-to-opaque switching is regulated by mating type; it is repressed by the a1/α2 heterodimer in a/α cells, but this repression is lifted in a/a and α/α mating type cells (each of which are missing half of the repressor). The widely used C. albicans reference strain, SC5314, is unusual in that white-opaque switching is completely blocked when the cells are a/α; in contrast, most other C. albicans a/α strains can undergo white-opaque switching at an observable level. In this paper, we uncover the reason for this difference. We show that, in addition to repression by the a1/α2 heterodimer, SC5314 contains a second block to white-opaque switching: 4 transcription regulators of filamentous growth are upregulated in this strain and collectively suppress white-opaque switching. This second block is missing in the majority of clinical strains, and, although they still contain the a1/α2 heterodimer repressor, they exhibit a/α white-opaque switching at an observable level. When both blocks are absent, white-opaque switching occurs at very high levels. This work shows that white-opaque switching remains intact across a broad group of clinical strains, but the precise way it is regulated and therefore the frequency at which it occurs varies from strain to strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Lohse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Naomi Ziv
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Liang X, Chen D, Wang J, Liao B, Shen J, Ye X, Wang Z, Zhu C, Gou L, Zhou X, Cheng L, Ren B, Zhou X. Artemisinins inhibit oral candidiasis caused by Candida albicans through the repression on its hyphal development. Int J Oral Sci 2023; 15:40. [PMID: 37699886 PMCID: PMC10497628 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-023-00245-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most abundant fungal species in oral cavity. As a smart opportunistic pathogen, it increases the virulence by switching its forms from yeasts to hyphae and becomes the major pathogenic agent for oral candidiasis. However, the overuse of current clinical antifungals and lack of new types of drugs highlight the challenges in the antifungal treatments because of the drug resistance and side effects. Anti-virulence strategy is proved as a practical way to develop new types of anti-infective drugs. Here, seven artemisinins, including artemisinin, dihydroartemisinin, artemisinic acid, dihydroartemisinic acid, artesunate, artemether and arteether, were employed to target at the hyphal development, the most important virulence factor of C. albicans. Artemisinins failed to affect the growth, but significantly inhibited the hyphal development of C. albicans, including the clinical azole resistant isolates, and reduced their damage to oral epithelial cells, while arteether showed the strongest activities. The transcriptome suggested that arteether could affect the energy metabolism of C. albicans. Seven artemisinins were then proved to significantly inhibit the productions of ATP and cAMP, while reduced the hyphal inhibition on RAS1 overexpression strain indicating that artemisinins regulated the Ras1-cAMP-Efg1 pathway to inhibit the hyphal development. Importantly, arteether significantly inhibited the fungal burden and infections with no systemic toxicity in the murine oropharyngeal candidiasis models in vivo caused by both fluconazole sensitive and resistant strains. Our results for the first time indicated that artemisinins can be potential antifungal compounds against C. albicans infections by targeting at its hyphal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ding Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiannan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Binyou Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiawei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingchen Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengguang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lichen Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinxuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Biao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Evans B, Spell E, Bernstein D. Characterization of the role of Ume6 C-terminal tail in C. albicans morphological plasticity. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000827. [PMID: 37303960 PMCID: PMC10251201 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
C. albicans is an important human fungal pathogen and filamentation is essential for its virulence. Ume6 is a transcription factor critical for filamentation. Ume6 is composed of three domains, a long N terminal domain, Zn-finger domain, and a C-terminal domain. Previously, it was shown that the Zn-finger domain is essential for filamentation, as removal of this domain led to a lack of filamentation. However, the role for the C-terminal domain has not been defined. We find deletion of the C-terminal domain leads to a filamentation defect and the defect is not as severe as removal of the Zn-finger or ume6 deletion. We mutated a number of residues in the C-terminal domain to try to identify specific residues important for filamentation, but all of our mutants displayed wild type filamentation. Alpha fold predictions suggest the C-terminal domain forms a single alpha helix that is predicted to interact with the Zn-finger domain via hydrogen bond. Our data suggests the C-terminal domain binds the Zn-finger domain and through this interaction is important for filamentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Evans
- Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
| | - Evan Spell
- Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
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Jin X, Hou X, Wang X, Zhang M, Chen J, Song M, Zhang J, Zheng H, Chang W, Lou H. Characterization of an allosteric inhibitor of fungal-specific C-24 sterol methyltransferase to treat Candida albicans infections. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:553-568.e7. [PMID: 37160123 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Filamentation is an important virulence factor of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. The abolition of Candida albicans hyphal formation by disrupting sterol synthesis is an important concept for the development of antifungal drugs with high safety. Here, we conduct a high-throughput screen using a C. albicans strain expressing green fluorescent protein-labeled Dpp3 to identify anti-hypha agents by interfering with ergosterol synthesis. The antipyrine derivative H55 is characterized to have minimal cytotoxicity and potent inhibition of C. albicans hyphal formation in multiple cultural conditions. H55 monotherapy exhibits therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of azole-resistant candidiasis. H55 treatment increases the accumulation of zymosterol, the substrate of C-24 sterol methyltransferase (Erg6). The results of enzyme assays, photoaffinity labeling, molecular simulation, mutagenesis, and cellular thermal shift assays support H55 as an allosteric inhibitor of Erg6. Collectively, H55, an inhibitor of the fungal-specific enzyme Erg6, holds potential to treat C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Jin
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Institute of Medical Science, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinyao Chen
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Minghui Song
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongbo Zheng
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenqiang Chang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Hongxiang Lou
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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9
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Chauvel M, Bachellier-Bassi S, Guérout AM, Lee KK, Maufrais C, Permal E, Da Fonseca JP, Znaidi S, Mazel D, Munro CA, d'Enfert C, Legrand M. High-throughput functional profiling of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans genome. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104025. [PMID: 36587858 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2022.104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans. Although its genome has been sequenced more than two decades ago, there are still over 4300 uncharacterized C. albicans genes. We previously generated an ORFeome as well as a collection of destination vectors to facilitate overexpression of C. albicans ORFs. Here, we report the construction of ∼2500 overexpression mutants and their evaluation by in vitro spotting on rich medium and in a liquid pool experiment in rich medium, allowing the identification of genes whose overexpression has a fitness cost. The candidates were further validated at the individual strain level. This new resource allows large-scale screens in different growth conditions to be performed routinely. Altogether, based on the concept of identifying functionally related genes by cluster analysis, the availability of this overexpression mutant collection will facilitate the characterization of gene functions in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Chauvel
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Sophie Bachellier-Bassi
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Anne-Marie Guérout
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, UMR3525 CNRS, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Keunsook K Lee
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; NGeneBio, 307 Daerung Post-tower 1, 288 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08390, Republic of Korea.
| | - Corinne Maufrais
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, F-75015 Paris, France; Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Hub de Bioinformatique, F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Emmanuelle Permal
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, F-75015 Paris, France; Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, UMR3525 CNRS, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, F-75015 Paris, France; Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Hub de Bioinformatique, F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Juliana Pipoli Da Fonseca
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Plate-forme Technologique Biomics, Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT), F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, F-75015 Paris, France; Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia.
| | - Didier Mazel
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, UMR3525 CNRS, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Carol A Munro
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, F-75015 Paris, France.
| | - Melanie Legrand
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, F-75015 Paris, France.
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10
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Poon Y, Hui M. Inhibitory effect of lactobacilli supernatants on biofilm and filamentation of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1105949. [PMID: 36860488 PMCID: PMC9969145 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1105949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Probiotic Lactobacillus strains had been investigated for the potential to protect against infection caused by the major fungal pathogen of human, Candida albicans. Besides antifungal activity, lactobacilli demonstrated a promising inhibitory effect on biofilm formation and filamentation of C. albicans. On the other hand, two commonly isolated non-albicans Candida species, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis, have similar characteristics in filamentation and biofilm formation with C. albicans. However, there is scant information of the effect of lactobacilli on the two species. Methods In this study, biofilm inhibitory effects of L. rhamnosus ATCC 53103, L. plantarum ATCC 8014, and L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 were tested on the reference strain C. albicans SC5314 and six bloodstream isolated clinical strains, two each of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis. Results and Discussion Cell-free culture supernatants (CFSs) of L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum significantly inhibited in vitro biofilm growth of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. L. acidophilus, conversely, had little effect on C. albicans and C. tropicalis but was more effective on inhibiting C. parapsilosis biofilms. Neutralized L. rhamnosus CFS at pH 7 retained the inhibitory effect, suggesting that exometabolites other than lactic acid produced by the Lactobacillus strain might be accounted for the effect. Furthermore, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum CFSs on the filamentation of C. albicans and C. tropicalis strains. Significantly less Candida filaments were observed after co-incubating with CFSs under hyphae-inducing conditions. Expressions of six biofilm-related genes (ALS1, ALS3, BCR1, EFG1, TEC1, and UME6 in C. albicans and corresponding orthologs in C. tropicalis) in biofilms co-incubated with CFSs were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. When compared to untreated control, the expressions of ALS1, ALS3, EFG1, and TEC1 genes were downregulated in C. albicans biofilm. In C. tropicalis biofilms, ALS3 and UME6 were downregulated while TEC1 was upregulated. Taken together, the L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum strains demonstrated an inhibitory effect, which is likely mediated by the metabolites secreted into culture medium, on filamentation and biofilm formation of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Our finding suggested an alternative to antifungals for controlling Candida biofilm.
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11
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Liu Y, Shen S, Hao Z, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Tong Y, Zeng F, Dong J. Protein kinase A participates in hyphal and appressorial development by targeting Efg1-mediated transcription of a Rab GTPase in Setosphaeria turcica. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:1608-1619. [PMID: 35929228 PMCID: PMC9562828 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signalling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of the development and pathogenicity of filamentous fungi. cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is the conserved element downstream of cAMP, and its diverse mechanisms in multiple filamentous fungi are not well known yet. In the present study, gene knockout mutants of two catalytic subunits of PKA (PKA-C) in Setosphaeria turcica were created to illustrate the regulatory mechanisms of PKA-Cs on the development and pathogenicity of S. turcica. As a result, StPkaC2 was proved to be the main contributor of PKA activity in S. turcica. In addition, it was found that both StPkaC1 and StPkaC2 were necessary for conidiation and invasive growth, while only StPkaC2 played a negative role in the regulation of filamentous growth. We reveal that only StPkaC2 could interact with the transcription factor StEfg1, and it inhibited the transcription of StRAB1, a Rab GTPase homologue coding gene in S. turcica, whereas StPkaC1 could specifically interact with a transcriptional regulator StFlo8, which could rescue the transcriptional inhibition of StEfg1 on StRAB1. We also demonstrated that StRAB1 could positively influence the biosynthesis of chitin in hyphae, thus changing the filamentous growth. Our findings clarify that StPkaC2 participates in chitin biosynthesis to modulate mycelium development by targeting the Efg1-mediated transcription of StRAB1, while StFlo8, interacting with StPkaC1, acts as a negative regulator during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and RegulationBaodingChina
- College of Life SciencesHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular PathologyBaodingChina
| | - Shen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and RegulationBaodingChina
- College of Life SciencesHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular PathologyBaodingChina
| | - Zhimin Hao
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and RegulationBaodingChina
- College of Life SciencesHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular PathologyBaodingChina
| | - Qing Wang
- College of Life SciencesHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular PathologyBaodingChina
| | - Yumei Zhang
- College of Life SciencesHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular PathologyBaodingChina
| | - Yulan Zhao
- College of Life SciencesHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular PathologyBaodingChina
| | - Yameng Tong
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and RegulationBaodingChina
- College of Life SciencesHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular PathologyBaodingChina
| | - Fanli Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and RegulationBaodingChina
- College of Life SciencesHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular PathologyBaodingChina
| | - Jingao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and RegulationBaodingChina
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular PathologyBaodingChina
- College of Plant ProtectionHebei Agricultural UniversityBaodingChina
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12
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Bettauer V, Costa ACBP, Omran RP, Massahi S, Kirbizakis E, Simpson S, Dumeaux V, Law C, Whiteway M, Hallett MT. A Deep Learning Approach to Capture the Essence of Candida albicans Morphologies. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0147222. [PMID: 35972285 PMCID: PMC9604015 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01472-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We present deep learning-based approaches for exploring the complex array of morphologies exhibited by the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans. Our system, entitled Candescence, automatically detects C. albicans cells from differential image contrast microscopy and labels each detected cell with one of nine morphologies. This ranges from yeast white and opaque forms to hyphal and pseudohyphal filamentous morphologies. The software is based upon a fully convolutional one-stage (FCOS) object detector, a deep learning technique that uses an extensive set of images that we manually annotated with the location and morphology of each cell. We developed a novel cumulative curriculum-based learning strategy that stratifies our images by difficulty from simple yeast forms to complex filamentous architectures. Candescence achieves very good performance (~85% recall; 81% precision) on this difficult learning set, where some images contain hundreds of cells with substantial intermixing between the predicted classes. To capture the essence of each C. albicans morphology and how they intermix, we used a second technique from deep learning entitled generative adversarial networks. The resultant models allow us to identify and explore technical variables, developmental trajectories, and morphological switches. Importantly, the model allows us to quantitatively capture morphological plasticity observed with genetically modified strains or strains grown in different media and environments. We envision Candescence as a community meeting point for quantitative explorations of C. albicans morphology. IMPORTANCE The fungus Candida albicans can "shape shift" between 12 morphologies in response to environmental variables. The cytoprotective capacity provided by this polymorphism makes C. albicans a formidable pathogen to treat clinically. Microscopy images of C. albicans colonies can contain hundreds of cells in different morphological states. Manual annotation of images can be difficult, especially as a result of densely packed and filamentous colonies and of technical artifacts from the microscopy itself. Manual annotation is inherently subjective, depending on the experience and opinion of annotators. Here, we built a deep learning approach entitled Candescence to parse images in an automated, quantitative, and objective fashion: each cell in an image is located and labeled with its morphology. Candescence effectively replaces simple rules based on visual phenotypes (size, shape, and shading) with neural circuitry capable of capturing subtle but salient features in images that may be too complex for human annotators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Bettauer
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Samira Massahi
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Shawn Simpson
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vanessa Dumeaux
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris Law
- Centre for Microscopy and Cellular Imaging, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael T. Hallett
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Priya A, Pandian SK. Biofilm and hyphal inhibitory synergistic effects of phytoactives piperine and cinnamaldehyde against Candida albicans. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6602366. [PMID: 35661216 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral candidiasis, the most common mycotic infection of the human oral cavity is non-life-threatening yet if untreated may advance as systemic infections. Ability of Candida albicans to adapt sessile lifestyle imparts resistance to drugs and host immunity. Consequently, due to limited effectiveness of conventional antifungal treatment, novel therapeutic strategies are required. In the present study, synergistic interaction of phytochemicals, piperine and cinnamaldehyde against the biofilm and hyphal of C. albicans was evaluated. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC) of piperine and cinnamaldehyde against C. albicans were analysed through microbroth dilution assay and crystal violet staining method, respectively. Combinatorial biofilm and hyphal inhibitory effect were investigated through checkerboard assay. In vitro results were validated through gene expression analysis. BIC of piperine and cinnamaldehyde was determined to be 32 µg/mL and 64 µg/mL, respectively. Interaction between these two phytocomponents was found to be synergistic and six different synergistic antibiofilm combinations were identified. Microscopic analysis of biofilm architecture also evidenced the biofilm and surface adherence inhibitory potential of piperine and cinnamaldehyde combinations. Phenotypic switching between yeast and hyphal morphological forms was influenced by synergistic combinations. qPCR analysis corroborated the results of in vitro activities. nrg1 and trp1, the negative transcriptional regulators of filamentous growth were upregulated whereas other genes that are involved in biofilm formation, filamentous growth, adhesion etc were found to be downregulated. These proficient phytochemical combinations provide a new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of biofilm associated oral candidiasis and to combat the recurrent infections due to antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Priya
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Science Campus, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
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14
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Rashid S, Correia-Mesquita TO, Godoy P, Omran RP, Whiteway M. SAGA Complex Subunits in Candida albicans Differentially Regulate Filamentation, Invasiveness, and Biofilm Formation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:764711. [PMID: 35350439 PMCID: PMC8957876 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.764711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
SAGA (Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase) is a highly conserved, multiprotein co-activator complex that consists of five distinct modules. It has two enzymatic functions, a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and a deubiquitinase (DUB) and plays a central role in processes such as transcription initiation, elongation, protein stability, and telomere maintenance. We analyzed conditional and null mutants of the SAGA complex module components in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans; Ngg1, (the HAT module); Ubp8, (the DUB module); Tra1, (the recruitment module), Spt7, (the architecture module) and Spt8, (the TBP interaction unit), and assessed their roles in a variety of cellular processes. We observed that spt7Δ/Δ and spt8Δ/Δ strains have a filamentous phenotype, and both are highly invasive in yeast growing conditions as compared to the wild type, while ngg1Δ/Δ and ubp8Δ/Δ are in yeast-locked state and non-invasive in both YPD media and filamentous induced conditions compared to wild type. RNA-sequencing-based transcriptional profiling of SAGA mutants reveals upregulation of hyphal specific genes in spt7Δ/Δ and spt8Δ/Δ strains and downregulation of ergosterol metabolism pathway. As well, spt7Δ/Δ and spt8Δ/Δ confer susceptibility to antifungal drugs, to acidic and alkaline pH, to high temperature, and to osmotic, oxidative, cell wall, and DNA damage stresses, indicating that these proteins are important for genotoxic and cellular stress responses. Despite having similar morphological phenotypes (constitutively filamentous and invasive) spt7 and spt8 mutants displayed variation in nuclear distribution where spt7Δ/Δ cells were frequently binucleate and spt8Δ/Δ cells were consistently mononucleate. We also observed that spt7Δ/Δ and spt8Δ/Δ mutants were quickly engulfed by macrophages compared to ngg1Δ/Δ and ubp8Δ/Δ strains. All these findings suggest that the SAGA complex modules can have contrasting functions where loss of Spt7 or Spt8 enhances filamentation and invasiveness while loss of Ngg1 or Ubp8 blocks these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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15
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Parvizi Omran R, Ramírez-Zavala B, Aji Tebung W, Yao S, Feng J, Law C, Dumeaux V, Morschhäuser J, Whiteway M. The zinc cluster transcription factor Rha1 is a positive filamentation regulator in Candida albicans. Genetics 2022; 220:iyab155. [PMID: 34849863 PMCID: PMC8733637 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc cluster transcription factors (TFs) are essential fungal regulators of gene expression. In the pathogen Candida albicans, the gene orf19.1604 encodes a zinc cluster TF regulating filament development. Hyperactivation of orf19.1604, which we have named RHA1 for Regulator of Hyphal Activity, generates wrinkled colony morphology under nonhyphal growth conditions, triggers filament formation, invasiveness, and enhanced biofilm formation and causes reduced virulence in the mouse model of systemic infection. The strain expressing activated Rha1 shows up-regulation of genes required for filamentation and cell-wall-adhesion-related proteins. Increased expression is also seen for the hyphal-inducing TFs Brg1 and Ume6, while the hyphal repressor Nrg1 is downregulated. Inactivation of RHA1 reduces filamentation under a variety of filament-inducing conditions. In contrast to the partial effect of either single mutant, the double rha1 ume6 mutant strain is highly defective in both serum- and Spider-medium-stimulated hyphal development. While the loss of Brg1 function blocks serum-stimulated hyphal development, this block can be significantly bypassed by Rha1 hyperactivity, and the combination of Rha1 hyperactivity and serum addition can generate significant polarization even in brg1 ume6 double mutants. Thus, in response to external signals, Rha1 functions with other morphogenesis regulators including Brg1 and Ume6, to mediate filamentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raha Parvizi Omran
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | | | - Walters Aji Tebung
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Shuangyan Yao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jinrong Feng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Chris Law
- Centre for Microscopy and Cellular Imaging, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Vanessa Dumeaux
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
- PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Joachim Morschhäuser
- Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
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16
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Khan F, Bamunuarachchi NI, Tabassum N, Jo DM, Khan MM, Kim YM. Suppression of hyphal formation and virulence of Candida albicans by natural and synthetic compounds. BIOFOULING 2021; 37:626-655. [PMID: 34284656 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1948538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans undergoes a morphological yeast-to-hyphal transition during infection, which plays a significant role in its pathogenesis. The filamentous morphology of the hyphal form has been identified as a virulence factor as it facilitates surface adherence, intertwining with biofilm, invasion, and damage to host tissues and organs. Hence, inhibition of filamentation in addition to biofilm formation is considered a viable strategy against C. albicans infections. Furthermore, a good understanding of the signaling pathways involved in response to environmental cues driving hyphal growth is also critical to an understanding of C. albicans pathogenicity and to develop novel therapies. In this review, first the clinical significance and transcriptional control of C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis are addressed. Then, various strategies employed to suppress filamentation, prevent biofilm formation, and reduce virulence are discussed. These strategies include the inhibition of C. albicans filament formation using natural or synthetic compounds, and their combination with other agents or nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazlurrahman Khan
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Nilushi Indika Bamunuarachchi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Ocean University of Sri Lanka, Tangalle, Sri Lanka
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Industrial Convergence Bionix Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Du-Min Jo
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Mohammad Mansoob Khan
- Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
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17
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Villa S, Hamideh M, Weinstock A, Qasim MN, Hazbun TR, Sellam A, Hernday AD, Thangamani S. Transcriptional control of hyphal morphogenesis in Candida albicans. FEMS Yeast Res 2021; 20:5715912. [PMID: 31981355 PMCID: PMC7000152 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a multimorphic commensal organism and opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans. A morphological switch between unicellular budding yeast and multicellular filamentous hyphal growth forms plays a vital role in the virulence of C. albicans, and this transition is regulated in response to a range of environmental cues that are encountered in distinct host niches. Many unique transcription factors contribute to the transcriptional regulatory network that integrates these distinct environmental cues and determines which phenotypic state will be expressed. These hyphal morphogenesis regulators have been extensively investigated, and represent an increasingly important focus of study, due to their central role in controlling a key C. albicans virulence attribute. This review provides a succinct summary of the transcriptional regulatory factors and environmental signals that control hyphal morphogenesis in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Villa
- Masters in Biomedical Science Program, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Mohammad Hamideh
- Masters in Biomedical Science Program, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Anthony Weinstock
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Mohammad N Qasim
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Tony R Hazbun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Adnane Sellam
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Aaron D Hernday
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Shankar Thangamani
- Department of Pathology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
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18
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Abstract
In the last decades, Candida albicans has served as the leading causal agent of life-threatening invasive infections with mortality rates approaching 40% despite treatment. Candida albicans (C. albicans) exists in three biological phases: yeast, pseudohyphae, and hyphae. Hyphae, which represent an important phase in the disease process, can cause tissue damage by invading mucosal epithelial cells then leading to blood infection. In this review, we summarized recent results from different fields of fungal cell biology that are instrumental in understanding hyphal growth. This includes research on the differences among C. albicans phases; the regulatory mechanism of hyphal growth, extension, and maintaining cutting-edge polarity; cross regulations of hyphal development and the virulence factors that cause serious infection. With a better understanding of the mechanism on mycelium formation, this review provides a theoretical basis for the identification of targets in candidiasis treatment. It also gives some reference to the study of antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Biao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Qasim MN, Valle Arevalo A, Nobile CJ, Hernday AD. The Roles of Chromatin Accessibility in Regulating the Candida albicans White-Opaque Phenotypic Switch. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:37. [PMID: 33435404 PMCID: PMC7826875 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, a diploid polymorphic fungus, has evolved a unique heritable epigenetic program that enables reversible phenotypic switching between two cell types, referred to as "white" and "opaque". These cell types are established and maintained by distinct transcriptional programs that lead to differences in metabolic preferences, mating competencies, cellular morphologies, responses to environmental signals, interactions with the host innate immune system, and expression of approximately 20% of genes in the genome. Transcription factors (defined as sequence specific DNA-binding proteins) that regulate the establishment and heritable maintenance of the white and opaque cell types have been a primary focus of investigation in the field; however, other factors that impact chromatin accessibility, such as histone modifying enzymes, chromatin remodelers, and histone chaperone complexes, also modulate the dynamics of the white-opaque switch and have been much less studied to date. Overall, the white-opaque switch represents an attractive and relatively "simple" model system for understanding the logic and regulatory mechanisms by which heritable cell fate decisions are determined in higher eukaryotes. Here we review recent discoveries on the roles of chromatin accessibility in regulating the C. albicans white-opaque phenotypic switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad N. Qasim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (M.N.Q.); (A.V.A.); (C.J.N.)
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Ashley Valle Arevalo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (M.N.Q.); (A.V.A.); (C.J.N.)
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Clarissa J. Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (M.N.Q.); (A.V.A.); (C.J.N.)
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Aaron D. Hernday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (M.N.Q.); (A.V.A.); (C.J.N.)
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
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20
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Loss of Arp1, a putative actin-related protein, triggers filamentous and invasive growth and impairs pathogenicity in Candida albicans. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:4002-4015. [PMID: 33363697 PMCID: PMC7744652 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The polymorphous cellular shape of Candida albicans, in particular the transition from a yeast to a filamentous form, is crucial for either commensalism or life-threatening infections of the host. Various external or internal stimuli, including serum and nutrition starvation, have been shown to regulate filamentous growth primarily through two classical signaling pathways, the cAMP-PKA and the MAPK pathways. Genotoxic stress also induces filamentous growth, but through independent pathways, and little is known about negative regulation during this reversible morphological transition. In this study, we established that ARP1 in C. albicans, similar to its homolog in S. cerevisiae, has a role in nuclei separation and spindle orientation. Deletion of ARP1 generated filamentous and invasive growth as well as increased biofilm formation, accompanied by up-regulation of hyphae specific genes, such as HWP1, UME6 and ALS3. The filamentous and invasive growth of the ARP1 deletion strain was independent of transcription factors Efg1, Cph1 and Ume6, but was suppressed by deleting checkpoint BUB2 or overexpressing NRG1. Deletion of ARP1 impaired the colonization of Candida cells in mice and also attenuated virulence in a mouse model. All the data suggest that loss of ARP1 activates filamentous and invasive growth in vitro, and that it positively regulates virulence in vivo, which provides insight into actin-related morphology and pathogenicity in C. albicans.
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Fang JY, Tang KW, Yang SH, Alalaiwe A, Yang YC, Tseng CH, Yang SC. Synthetic Naphthofuranquinone Derivatives Are Effective in Eliminating Drug-Resistant Candida albicans in Hyphal, Biofilm, and Intracellular Forms: An Application for Skin-Infection Treatment. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2053. [PMID: 32983038 PMCID: PMC7479094 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common cause of fungal infection. The emergence of drug resistance leads to the need for novel antifungal agents. We aimed to design naphthofuranquinone analogs to treat drug-resistant C. albicans for topical application on cutaneous candidiasis. The time-killing response, agar diffusion, and live/dead assay of the antifungal activity were estimated against 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC)- or fluconazole-resistant strains. A total of 14 naphthofuranquinones were compared for their antifungal potency. The lead compounds with hydroxyimino (TCH-1140) or O-acetyl oxime (TCH-1142) moieties were the most active agents identified, showing a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.5 and 1.2 μM, respectively. Both compounds were superior to 5-FC and fluconazole for killing planktonic fungi. Naphthofuranquinones efficiently diminished the microbes inside and outside the biofilm. TCH-1140 and TCH-1142 were delivered into C. albicans-infected keratinocytes to eradicate intracellular fungi. The compounds did not reduce the C. albicans burden inside the macrophages, but the naphthofuranquinones promoted the transition of fungi from the virulent hypha form to the yeast form. In the in vivo skin mycosis mouse model, topically applied 5-FC and TCH-1140 reduced the C. albicans load from 1.5 × 106 to 5.4 × 105 and 1.4 × 105 CFU, respectively. The infected abscess diameter was significantly decreased by TCH-1140 (3-4 mm) as compared to the control (8 mm). The disintegrated skin-barrier function induced by the fungi was recovered to the baseline by the compound. The data support the potential of TCH-1140 as a topical agent for treating drug-resistant C. albicans infection without causing skin irritation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-You Fang
- Pharmaceutics Laboratory, Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Wei Tang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sien-Hung Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Ahmed Alalaiwe
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yu-Ching Yang
- Pharmaceutics Laboratory, Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hua Tseng
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Fragrance and Cosmetic Science, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chun Yang
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
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22
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Mba IE, Nweze EI. Mechanism of Candida pathogenesis: revisiting the vital drivers. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:1797-1819. [PMID: 32372128 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-03912-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Candida is the most implicated fungal pathogen in the clinical setting. Several factors play important roles in the pathogenesis of Candida spp. Multiple transcriptional circuits, morphological and phenotypic switching, biofilm formation, tissue damaging extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, metabolic flexibility, genome plasticity, adaptation to environmental pH fluctuation, robust nutrient acquisition system, adherence and invasions (mediated by adhesins and invasins), heat shock proteins (HSPs), cytolytic proteins, escape from phagocytosis, evasion from host immune system, synergistic coaggregation with resident microbiota, resistance to antifungal agents, and the ability to efficiently respond to multiple stresses are some of the major pathogenic determinants of Candida species. The existence of multiple connections, in addition to the interactions and associations among all of these factors, are distinctive features that play important roles in the establishment of Candida infections. This review describes all the underlying factors and mechanisms involved in Candida pathogenesis by evaluating pathogenic determinants of Candida species. It reinforces the already available pool of data on the pathogenesis of Candida species by providing a clear and simplified understanding of the most important factors implicated in the pathogenesis of Candida species. The Candida pathogenesis network, an illustration linking all the major determinants of Candida pathogenesis, is also presented. Taken together, they will further improve our current understanding of how these factors modulate virulence and consequent infection(s). Development of new antifungal drugs and better therapeutic approaches to candidiasis can be achieved in the near future with continuing progress in the understanding of the mechanisms of Candida pathogenesis.
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Yang T, Li W, Li Y, Liu X, Yang D. The ESCRT System Plays an Important Role in the Germination in Candida albicans by Regulating the Expression of Hyphal-Specific Genes and the Localization of Polarity-Related Proteins. Mycopathologia 2020; 185:439-454. [PMID: 32279163 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00442-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an important opportunistic fungal pathogen, and its pathogenicity is closely related to its ability to form hyphae. ESCRT system was initially discovered as a membrane-budding machinery involved in the formation of multivesicular bodies. More recently, the role of ESCRT is vastly expanded. Early reports showed that the ESCRT system is involved in inducing hyphae under neutral-alkaline environment via the Rim101 pathway. We previously found that in the environment that contains serum, one ESCRT protein, Vps4, is essential for polarity maintenance during hyphal formation, as its deletion causes the formation of multiple hyphae. In this study, we found that Vps4 is also essential for the proper localization of Cdc42 and Cdc3, which may be related to its role in polarity maintenance. We also discovered that deletions of the ESCRT proteins significantly delay germination and cause downregulation of hyphal-specific genes, most prominent of which is HGC1. Since Hgc1 is essential for many aspects of hyphal growth, its downregulation could explain our observed phenotypes. Our further studies show that ESCRT proteins are involved in the dynamics of Ras1. Deletions of VPS4 or SNF7 significantly decrease the recovery rate of GFP-Ras1 in the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiment. The decreased Ras1 dynamics may disrupt the signaling pathway and lead to downregulation of hyphal-specific genes. Therefore, in this study we discovered a novel and Rim101 independent mechanism used by the ESCRT system to regulate hyphal induction and polarity maintenance, which could provide insights on the pathogenicity mechanism of Candia albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianran Yang
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Wanjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yi Li
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China. .,Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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24
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Witchley JN, Penumetcha P, Abon NV, Woolford CA, Mitchell AP, Noble SM. Candida albicans Morphogenesis Programs Control the Balance between Gut Commensalism and Invasive Infection. Cell Host Microbe 2019; 25:432-443.e6. [PMID: 30870623 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a gut commensal and opportunistic pathogen. The transition between yeast and invasive hyphae is central to virulence but has unknown functions during commensal growth. In a mouse model of colonization, yeast and hyphae co-occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract. However, competitive infections of C. albicans homozygous gene disruption mutants revealed an unanticipated, inhibitory role for the yeast-to-hypha morphogenesis program on commensalism. We show that the transcription factor Ume6, a master regulator of filamentation, inhibits gut colonization, not by effects on cell shape, but by activating the expression of a hypha-specific pro-inflammatory secreted protease, Sap6, and a hyphal cell surface adhesin, Hyr1. Like a ume6 mutant, strains lacking SAP6 exhibit enhanced colonization fitness, whereas SAP6-overexpression strains are attenuated in the gut. These results reveal a tradeoff between fungal programs supporting commensalism and virulence in which selection against hypha-specific markers limits the disease-causing potential of this ubiquitous commensal-pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Witchley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Pallavi Penumetcha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nina V Abon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Carol A Woolford
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Aaron P Mitchell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Suzanne M Noble
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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25
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LIN MY, YUAN ZL, HU DD, HU GH, ZHANG RL, ZHONG H, YAN L, JIANG YY, SU J, WANG Y. Effect of loureirin A against Candida albicans biofilms. Chin J Nat Med 2019; 17:616-623. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(19)30064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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26
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Das S, Bhuyan R, Bagchi A, Saha T. Network analysis of hyphae forming proteins in Candida albicans identifies important proteins responsible for pathovirulence in the organism. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01916. [PMID: 31338453 PMCID: PMC6580234 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans causes two types of major infections in humans: superficial infections, such as skin and mucosal infection, and life-threatening systemic infections, like airway and catheter-related blood stream infections. It is a polymorphic fungus with two distinct forms (yeast and hyphal) and the morphological plasticity is strongly associated with many disease causing proteins. In this study, 137 hyphae associated proteins from Candida albicans (C. albicans) were collected from different sources to create a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network. Out of these, we identified 18 hub proteins (Hog1, Hsp90, Cyr1, Cdc28, Pkc1, Cla4, Cdc42, Tpk1, Act1, Pbs2, Bem1, Tpk2, Ras1, Cdc24, Rim101, Cdc11, Cdc10 and Cln3) that were the most important ones in hyphae development. Ontology and functional enrichment analysis of these proteins could categorize these hyphae associated proteins into groups like signal transduction, kinase activity, biofilm formation, filamentous growth, MAPK signaling etc. Functional annotation analysis of these proteins showed that the protein kinase activity to be essential for hyphae formation in Candida. Additionally, most of the proteins from the network were predicted to be localized on cell surface or periphery, suggesting them as the main protagonists in inducing infections within the host. The complex hyphae formation phenomenon of C. albicans is an attractive target for exploitation to develop new antifungals and anti-virulence strategies to combat C. albicans infections. We further tried to characterize few of the most crucial proteins, especially the kinases by their sequence and structural prospects. Therefore, through this article an attempt to understand the hyphae forming protein network analysis has been made to unravel and elucidate the complex pathogenesis processes with the principal aim of systems biological research involving novel Bioinformatics strategies to combat fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib Das
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, West Bengal, 741235, India
| | - Rajabrata Bhuyan
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, West Bengal, 741235, India
| | - Angshuman Bagchi
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, West Bengal, 741235, India
| | - Tanima Saha
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, West Bengal, 741235, India
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27
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Regulatory mechanisms controlling morphology and pathogenesis in Candida albicans. Curr Opin Microbiol 2019; 52:27-34. [PMID: 31129557 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans, a major human fungal pathogen, can cause a wide variety of both mucosal and systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Multiple lines of evidence suggest a strong association between virulence and the ability of C. albicans to undergo a reversible morphological transition from yeast to filamentous cells in response to host environmental cues. Most previous studies on mechanisms important for controlling the C. albicans morphological transition have focused on signaling pathways and sequence-specific transcription factors. However, in recent years a variety of novel mechanisms have been reported, including those involving global transcriptional regulation and translational control. A large-scale functional genomics screen has also revealed new roles in filamentation for certain key biosynthesis pathways. This review article will highlight several of these exciting recent discoveries and discuss how they are relevant to the development of novel antifungal strategies. Ultimately, components of mechanisms that control C. albicans morphogenesis and pathogenicity could potentially serve as viable antifungal targets.
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28
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Galocha M, Pais P, Cavalheiro M, Pereira D, Viana R, Teixeira MC. Divergent Approaches to Virulence in C. albicans and C. glabrata: Two Sides of the Same Coin. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2345. [PMID: 31083555 PMCID: PMC6539081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans and Candida glabrata are the two most prevalent etiologic agents of candidiasis worldwide. Although both are recognized as pathogenic, their choice of virulence traits is highly divergent. Indeed, it appears that these different approaches to fungal virulence may be equally successful in causing human candidiasis. In this review, the virulence mechanisms employed by C. albicans and C. glabrata are analyzed, with emphasis on the differences between the two systems. Pathogenesis features considered in this paper include dimorphic growth, secreted enzymes and signaling molecules, and stress resistance mechanisms. The consequences of these traits in tissue invasion, biofilm formation, immune system evasion, and macrophage escape, in a species dependent manner, are discussed. This review highlights the observation that C. albicans and C. glabrata follow different paths leading to a similar outcome. It also highlights the lack of knowledge on some of the specific mechanisms underlying C. glabrata pathogenesis, which deserve future scrutiny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Galocha
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Pais
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Mafalda Cavalheiro
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Diana Pereira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Romeu Viana
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Miguel C Teixeira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
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29
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Regulation of Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis by Endogenous Signals. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5010021. [PMID: 30823468 PMCID: PMC6463138 DOI: 10.3390/jof5010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a human commensal fungus that is able to assume several morphologies, including yeast, hyphal, and pseudohyphal. Under a range of conditions, C. albicans performs a regulated switch to the filamentous morphology, characterized by the emergence of a germ tube from the yeast cell, followed by a mold-like growth of branching hyphae. This transition from yeast to hyphal growth has attracted particular attention, as it has been linked to the virulence of C. albicans as an opportunistic human pathogen. Signal transduction pathways that mediate the induction of the hyphal transcription program upon the imposition of external stimuli have been extensively investigated. However, the hyphal morphogenesis transcription program can also be induced by internal cellular signals, such as inhibition of cell cycle progression, and conversely, the inhibition of hyphal extension can repress hyphal-specific gene expression, suggesting that endogenous cellular signals are able to modulate hyphal gene expression as well. Here we review recent developments in the regulation of the hyphal morphogenesis of C. albicans, with emphasis on endogenous morphogenetic signals.
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30
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Sharma J, Rosiana S, Razzaq I, Shapiro RS. Linking Cellular Morphogenesis with Antifungal Treatment and Susceptibility in Candida Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:E17. [PMID: 30795580 PMCID: PMC6463059 DOI: 10.3390/jof5010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are a growing public health concern, and an increasingly important cause of human mortality, with Candida species being amongst the most frequently encountered of these opportunistic fungal pathogens. Several Candida species are polymorphic, and able to transition between distinct morphological states, including yeast, hyphal, and pseudohyphal forms. While not all Candida pathogens are polymorphic, the ability to undergo morphogenesis is linked with the virulence of many of these pathogens. There are also many connections between Candida morphogenesis and antifungal drug treatment and susceptibility. Here, we review how Candida morphogenesis-a key virulence trait-is linked with antifungal drugs and antifungal drug resistance. We highlight how antifungal therapeutics are able to modulate morphogenesis in both sensitive and drug-resistant Candida strains, the shared signaling pathways that mediate both morphogenesis and the cellular response to antifungal drugs and drug resistance, and the connection between Candida morphology, drug resistance, and biofilm growth. We further review the development of anti-virulence drugs, and targeting Candida morphogenesis as a novel therapeutic strategy to target fungal pathogens. Together, this review highlights important connections between fungal morphogenesis, virulence, and susceptibility to antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehoshua Sharma
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Sierra Rosiana
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Iqra Razzaq
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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31
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CO 2 Signaling through the Ptc2-Ssn3 Axis Governs Sustained Hyphal Development of Candida albicans by Reducing Ume6 Phosphorylation and Degradation. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02320-18. [PMID: 30647154 PMCID: PMC6336421 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02320-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common cause of invasive fungal infections in humans. Its ability to sense and adapt to changing carbon dioxide levels is crucial for its pathogenesis. Carbon dioxide promotes hyphal development. The hypha-specific transcription factor Ume6 is rapidly degraded in air, but is stable under physiological CO2 and hypoxia to sustain hyphal elongation. Here, we show that Ume6 stability is regulated by two parallel E3 ubiquitin ligases, SCFGrr1 and Ubr1, in response to CO2 and O2, respectively. To uncover the CO2 signaling pathway that regulates Ume6 stability, we performed genetic screens for mutants unable to respond to CO2 for sustained filamentation. We find that the type 2C protein phosphatase Ptc2 is specifically required for CO2-induced stabilization of Ume6 and hyphal elongation. In contrast, the cyclin-dependent kinase Ssn3 is found to be required for Ume6 phosphorylation and degradation in atmospheric CO2 Furthermore, we find that Ssn3 is dephosphorylated in 5% CO2 in a Ptc2-dependent manner, whereas deletion of PTC2 has no effect on Ssn3 phosphorylation in air. Our study uncovers the Ptc2-Ssn3 axis as a new CO2 signaling pathway that controls hyphal elongation by regulating Ume6 stability in C. albicans IMPORTANCE The capacity to sense and adapt to changing carbon dioxide levels is crucial for all organisms. In fungi, CO2 is a key determinant involved in fundamental biological processes, including growth, morphology, and virulence. In the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, high CO2 is directly sensed by adenylyl cyclase to promote hyphal growth. However, little is known about the mechanism by which hyphal development is maintained in response to physiological levels of CO2 Here we report that a signal transduction system mediated by a phosphatase-kinase pair controls CO2-responsive Ume6 phosphorylation and stability that in turn dictate hyphal elongation. Our results unravel a new regulatory mechanism of CO2 signaling in fungi.
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32
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Mms21: A Putative SUMO E3 Ligase in Candida albicans That Negatively Regulates Invasiveness and Filamentation, and Is Required for the Genotoxic and Cellular Stress Response. Genetics 2018; 211:579-595. [PMID: 30530734 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the life cycle of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, the formation of filamentous cells is a differentiation process that is critically involved in host tissue invasion, and in adaptation to host cell and environmental stresses. Here, we have used the Gene Replacement And Conditional Expression library to identify genes controlling invasiveness and filamentation; conditional repression of the library revealed 69 mutants that triggered these processes. Intriguingly, the genes encoding the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase Mms21, and all other tested members of the sumoylation pathway, were both nonessential and capable of triggering filamentation upon repression, suggesting an important role for sumoylation in controlling filamentation in C. albicans We have investigated Mms21 in detail. Both Mms21 nulls (mms21Δ/Δ) and SP [Siz/Pias (protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription)] domain (SUMO E3 ligase domain)-deleted mutants displayed invasiveness, filamentation, and abnormal nuclear segregation; filament formation occurred even in the absence of the hyphal transcription factor Efg1. Transcriptional analysis of mms21Δ/Δ showed an increase in expression from two- to eightfold above that of the wild-type for hyphal-specific genes, including ECE1, PGA13, PGA26, HWP1, ALS1, ALS3, SOD4, SOD5, UME6, and HGC1 The Mms21-deleted mutants were unable to recover from DNA-damaging agents like methyl methane sulfonate, hydroxyurea, hydrogen peroxide, and UV radiation, suggesting that the protein is important for genotoxic stress responses. In addition, the mms21Δ/Δ mutant displayed sensitivity to cell wall and thermal stresses, and to different antifungal drugs. All these findings suggest that Mms21 plays important roles in cellular differentiation, DNA damage and cellular stress responses, and in response to antifungal drugs.
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33
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Chen C, Zeng G, Wang Y. G1 and S phase arrest in Candida albicans induces filamentous growth via distinct mechanisms. Mol Microbiol 2018; 110:191-203. [PMID: 30084240 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen. In immunocompromised individuals, it can cause bloodstream infections with high mortality rates. The ability to switch between yeast and hyphal morphologies is a critical virulence factor of C. albicans. In response to diverse environmental cues, several signaling pathways are activated resulting in filamentous growth. Interestingly, cell cycle arrest can also trigger filamentous growth although the pathways involved are not well-understood. Here, we demonstrate that the cAMP-PKA pathway is involved in the filamentous growth caused by G1 arrest due to the depletion of the G1 cyclin Cln3 and S phase arrest due to hydroxyurea treatment. The downstream mechanisms involved in filamentation are different between the two cell cycle arrest phenomena. Cln3-depleted cells require HGC1 and UME6 for filamentous growth, but hydroxyurea-induced filamentation does not. Also, the hyphal repressor Nrg1 is not involved in the suppression of Cln3-depletion and hydroxyurea-induced filamentous growth. The findings highlight the complexity of the signaling networks that control filamentous growth in which different mechanisms downstream of the cAMP-PKA pathway are activated based on the nature of the inducing signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuilan Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore
| | - Guisheng Zeng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Legrand M, Bachellier-Bassi S, Lee KK, Chaudhari Y, Tournu H, Arbogast L, Boyer H, Chauvel M, Cabral V, Maufrais C, Nesseir A, Maslanka I, Permal E, Rossignol T, Walker LA, Zeidler U, Znaidi S, Schoeters F, Majgier C, Julien RA, Ma L, Tichit M, Bouchier C, Van Dijck P, Munro CA, d’Enfert C. Generating genomic platforms to study Candida albicans pathogenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:6935-6949. [PMID: 29982705 PMCID: PMC6101633 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of the genomic era has made elucidating gene function on a large scale a pressing challenge. ORFeome collections, whereby almost all ORFs of a given species are cloned and can be subsequently leveraged in multiple functional genomic approaches, represent valuable resources toward this endeavor. Here we provide novel, genome-scale tools for the study of Candida albicans, a commensal yeast that is also responsible for frequent superficial and disseminated infections in humans. We have generated an ORFeome collection composed of 5099 ORFs cloned in a Gateway™ donor vector, representing 83% of the currently annotated coding sequences of C. albicans. Sequencing data of the cloned ORFs are available in the CandidaOrfDB database at http://candidaorfeome.eu. We also engineered 49 expression vectors with a choice of promoters, tags and selection markers and demonstrated their applicability to the study of target ORFs transferred from the C. albicans ORFeome. In addition, the use of the ORFeome in the detection of protein-protein interaction was demonstrated. Mating-compatible strains as well as Gateway™-compatible two-hybrid vectors were engineered, validated and used in a proof of concept experiment. These unique and valuable resources should greatly facilitate future functional studies in C. albicans and the elucidation of mechanisms that underlie its pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Legrand
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
| | - Sophie Bachellier-Bassi
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
| | - Keunsook K Lee
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Yogesh Chaudhari
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Hélène Tournu
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven 3001, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Laurence Arbogast
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
| | - Hélène Boyer
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
| | - Murielle Chauvel
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
| | - Vitor Cabral
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Corinne Maufrais
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
- Institut Pasteur-Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub-C3BI, USR 3756 IP CNRS-Paris 75015, France
| | - Audrey Nesseir
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Irena Maslanka
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Emmanuelle Permal
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
| | - Tristan Rossignol
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
| | - Louise A Walker
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Ute Zeidler
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
| | - Floris Schoeters
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven 3001, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Majgier
- Modul-Bio, Parc Scientifique Luminy Biotech II, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Renaud A Julien
- Modul-Bio, Parc Scientifique Luminy Biotech II, Marseille 13009, France
| | - Laurence Ma
- Institut Pasteur-Biomics Pole-CITECH-Paris 75015, France
| | - Magali Tichit
- Institut Pasteur-Biomics Pole-CITECH-Paris 75015, France
| | | | - Patrick Van Dijck
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven 3001, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Carol A Munro
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Christophe d’Enfert
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris 75015, France
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Chang P, Wang W, Igarashi Y, Luo F, Chen J. Efficient vector systems for economical and rapid epitope-tagging and overexpression in Candida albicans. J Microbiol Methods 2018; 149:14-19. [PMID: 29698691 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus which causes superficial and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. It is important to characterize the roles of genes involved in its pathogenesis, virulence, and drug resistance. Several genetic manipulation toolkits have been developed for gene function research in C. albicans. Here, we describe efficient vector systems that allow economical and rapid C-terminal and N-terminal epitope-tagging, inducible and constitutive promoter replacements, and ectopic gene overexpression in C. albicans. These systems use modularized genetic elements (conventional and non-conventional selection markers, epitope tags and promoters) and universal primers. These advantages should greatly reduce laboratory work and costs of strain construction for C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chang
- Research Center of Bioenergy & Bioremediation, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yasuo Igarashi
- Research Center of Bioenergy & Bioremediation, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Feng Luo
- Research Center of Bioenergy & Bioremediation, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiangye Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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36
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Su C, Yu J, Sun Q, Liu Q, Lu Y. Hyphal induction under the condition without inoculation in Candida albicans is triggered by Brg1-mediated removal of NRG1 inhibition. Mol Microbiol 2018; 108:410-423. [PMID: 29485686 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans can switch between yeast and hyphae growth forms, which is critical for its pathogenesis. Diluting from saturated cells into fresh medium at 37°C is routinely used to induce hyphae, which depends on the cAMP-PKA pathway-activated transcriptional down-regulation of NRG1 and degradation of Nrg1 protein triggered by inoculation. It is reported that N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), serum or neutral pH could stimulate filamentation in log phase cells, whereas how C. albicans develops hyphae without inoculation remains unknown. Here, we show that NRG1 down-regulation is necessary for hyphal growth under this condition. Instead of cAMP-PKA pathway, GlcNAc sensor Ngs1 is responsible for the down-regulation of NRG1 upon GlcNAc induction in log phase cells through its N-acetyltransferase activity. From a genetic screen, Brg1 is found to be essential for hyphal development without inoculation. Ngs1 binds to BRG1 promoter to induce its expression in GlcNAc. Importantly, constitutively expressed BRG1 induces NRG1 down-regulation even in the absence of GlcNAc or Ngs1. Serum or neutral pH-induced filamentation in log phase cells is also through Brg1-mediated NRG1 down-regulation. Our study provides a molecular mechanism for how C. albicans forms hyphae in different cell states. This flexibility may facilitate C. albicans to adapt varied host environment during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Su
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiangqiang Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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de Barros PP, Rossoni RD, Freire F, Ribeiro FDC, Lopes LADC, Junqueira JC, Jorge AOC. Candida tropicalis affects the virulence profile of Candida albicans: an in vitro and in vivo study. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:4898016. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Freire
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe de Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Lucas Alexandre das Chagas Lopes
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
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de Barros PP, Scorzoni L, Ribeiro FDC, Fugisaki LRDO, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Jorge AOC, Junqueira JC, Rossoni RD. Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 reduces in vitro hyphae formation of Candida albicans and prevents the filamentation in an experimental model of Caenorhabditis elegans. Microb Pathog 2018; 117:80-87. [PMID: 29432910 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of microbe-microbe interactions to identify a strain of Lactobacillus that could reduce the filamentation of Candida albicans ATCC 18804 using in vitro and in vivo models. Thus presenting a probiotic effect against the fungal pathogen. First, we analyzed the ability of 25 clinical isolates of Lactobacillus to reduce filamentation in C. albicans in vitro. We found that L. paracasei isolate 28.4 exhibited the greatest reduction of C. albicans hyphae (p = 0.0109). This reduction was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The influence of C. albicans filamentation was found to be contributed through reduced gene expression of filament associated genes (TEC1 and UME6). In an in vivo study, prophylactic provisions with L. paracasei increased the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans worms infected with C. albicans (p = 0.0001) by 29%. Prolonged survival was accompanied by the prevention of cuticle rupture of 27% of the worms by filamentation of C. albicans, a phenotype that is characteristic of C. albicans killing of nematodes, compared to the control group. Lactobacillus paracasei isolate 28.4 reduced the filamentation of C. albicans in vitro by negatively regulating the TEC1 and UME6 genes that are essential for the production of hyphae. Prophylactic provision of Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 protected C. elegans against candidiasis in vivo. L. paracasei 28.4 has the potential to be employed as an alternative method to control candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Felipe de Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Ruano de Oliveira Fugisaki
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
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Bar-Yosef H, Gildor T, Ramírez-Zavala B, Schmauch C, Weissman Z, Pinsky M, Naddaf R, Morschhäuser J, Arkowitz RA, Kornitzer D. A Global Analysis of Kinase Function in Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis Reveals a Role for the Endocytosis Regulator Akl1. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:17. [PMID: 29473018 PMCID: PMC5809406 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human pathogenic fungus Candida albicans can switch between yeast and hyphal morphologies as a function of environmental conditions and cellular physiology. The yeast-to-hyphae morphogenetic switch is activated by well-established, kinase-based signal transduction pathways that are induced by extracellular stimuli. In order to identify possible inhibitory pathways of the yeast-to-hyphae transition, we interrogated a collection of C. albicans protein kinases and phosphatases ectopically expressed under the regulation of the TETon promoter. Proportionately more phosphatases than kinases were identified that inhibited hyphal morphogenesis, consistent with the known role of protein phosphorylation in hyphal induction. Among the kinases, we identified AKL1 as a gene that significantly suppressed hyphal morphogenesis in serum. Akl1 specifically affected hyphal elongation rather than initiation: overexpression of AKL1 repressed hyphal growth, and deletion of AKL1 resulted in acceleration of the rate of hyphal elongation. Akl1 suppressed fluid-phase endocytosis, probably via Pan1, a putative clathrin-mediated endocytosis scaffolding protein. In the absence of Akl1, the Pan1 patches were delocalized from the sub-apical region, and fluid-phase endocytosis was intensified. These results underscore the requirement of an active endocytic pathway for hyphal morphogenesis. Furthermore, these results suggest that under standard conditions, endocytosis is rate-limiting for hyphal elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Bar-Yosef
- B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tsvia Gildor
- B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Christian Schmauch
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institute Biology Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Ziva Weissman
- B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mariel Pinsky
- B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rawi Naddaf
- B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | - Joachim Morschhäuser
- Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robert A Arkowitz
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institute Biology Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Daniel Kornitzer
- B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
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Ali A, Jadhav A, Jangid P, Patil R, Shelar A, Karuppayil SM. The human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, Dicyclomine targets signal transduction genes and inhibits the virulence factors in the human pathogen, Candida albicans. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2018; 71:456-466. [PMID: 29348527 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-017-0013-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Dicyclomine is a human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist used for the treatment of abdominal cramps. We are reporting here that dicyclomine can inhibit the in vitro growth and virulence factors of the human pathogen Candida albicans very effectively. Dicyclomine inhibited adhesion, early biofilm, mature biofilm, and planktonic growth. Yeast to hyphal form transition of C. albicans in various inducer media such as serum, proline, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine was inhibited. Dicyclomine also could kill C. albicans cells within 15 min of exposure. Dicyclomine appears to inhibit the yeast to hyphal conversion by affecting signal transduction pathway. The expression of selected genes associated with yeast to hyphal form transition in serum in presence of dicyclomine was studied using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RtPCR). The RtPCR analysis showed that dicyclomine targets both cAMP pathway as well as MAPK cascade. Eight genes were upregulated. Out of these, three major upregulated genes were Bcy1, Tup1, and Mig1. Dicyclomine downregulated Ume6, Ece1, and Pde2 genes which are involved in cAMP signaling pathway and also downregulated the DNA binding protein gene, Rfg1. Dicyclomine significantly upregulated the master negative regulator of hyphal formation, Tup1. Based on this study we suggest that the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, dicyclomine could be repositioned as a potential anti-Candida albicans as well as anti-virulence agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awad Ali
- School of Life Sciences (DST-FIST&UGC-SAP Sponsored), SR TM University (NAAC Accredited with "A" grade), Nanded,, 431606, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashwini Jadhav
- School of Life Sciences (DST-FIST&UGC-SAP Sponsored), SR TM University (NAAC Accredited with "A" grade), Nanded,, 431606, Maharashtra, India
| | - Priyanka Jangid
- School of Life Sciences (DST-FIST&UGC-SAP Sponsored), SR TM University (NAAC Accredited with "A" grade), Nanded,, 431606, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rajendra Patil
- School of Life Sciences (DST-FIST&UGC-SAP Sponsored), SR TM University (NAAC Accredited with "A" grade), Nanded,, 431606, Maharashtra, India
| | - Amruta Shelar
- School of Life Sciences (DST-FIST&UGC-SAP Sponsored), SR TM University (NAAC Accredited with "A" grade), Nanded,, 431606, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sankunny Mohan Karuppayil
- School of Life Sciences (DST-FIST&UGC-SAP Sponsored), SR TM University (NAAC Accredited with "A" grade), Nanded,, 431606, Maharashtra, India.
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Basso V, d'Enfert C, Znaidi S, Bachellier-Bassi S. From Genes to Networks: The Regulatory Circuitry Controlling Candida albicans Morphogenesis. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2018; 422:61-99. [PMID: 30368597 DOI: 10.1007/82_2018_144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal yeast of most healthy individuals, but also one of the most prevalent human fungal pathogens. During adaptation to the mammalian host, C. albicans encounters different niches where it is exposed to several types of stress, including oxidative, nitrosative (e.g., immune system), osmotic (e.g., kidney and oral cavity) stresses and pH variation (e.g., gastrointestinal (GI) tract and vagina). C. albicans has developed the capacity to respond to the environmental changes by modifying its morphology, which comprises the yeast-to-hypha transition, white-opaque switching, and chlamydospore formation. The yeast-to-hypha transition has been very well characterized and was shown to be modulated by several external stimuli that mimic the host environment. For instance, temperature above 37 ℃, serum, alkaline pH, and CO2 concentration are all reported to enhance filamentation. The transition is characterized by the activation of an intricate regulatory network of signaling pathways, involving many transcription factors. The regulatory pathways that control either the stress response or morphogenesis are required for full virulence and promote survival of C. albicans in the host. Many of these transcriptional circuitries have been characterized, highlighting the complexity and the interconnections between the different pathways. Here, we present the major signaling pathways and the main transcription factors involved in the yeast-to-hypha transition. Furthermore, we describe the role of heat shock transcription factors in the morphogenetic transition, providing an edifying example of the complex cross talk between pathways involved in morphogenesis and stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Basso
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.,Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, Paris, France.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France. .,Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, 13 Place Pasteur, 1002, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia.
| | - Sophie Bachellier-Bassi
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
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42
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Jung SI, Rodriguez N, Irrizary J, Liboro K, Bogarin T, Macias M, Eivers E, Porter E, Filler SG, Park H. Yeast casein kinase 2 governs morphology, biofilm formation, cell wall integrity, and host cell damage of Candida albicans. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187721. [PMID: 29107946 PMCID: PMC5673188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulatory networks governing morphogenesis of a pleomorphic fungus, Candida albicans are extremely complex and remain to be completely elucidated. This study investigated the function of C. albicans yeast casein kinase 2 (CaYck2p). The yck2Δ/yck2Δ strain displayed constitutive pseudohyphae in both yeast and hyphal growth conditions, and formed enhanced biofilm under non-biofilm inducing condition. This finding was further supported by gene expression analysis of the yck2Δ/yck2Δ strain which showed significant upregulation of UME6, a key transcriptional regulator of hyphal transition and biofilm formation, and cell wall protein genes ALS3, HWP1, and SUN41, all of which are associated with morphogenesis and biofilm architecture. The yck2Δ/yck2Δ strain was hypersensitive to cell wall damaging agents and had increased compensatory chitin deposition in the cell wall accompanied by an upregulation of the expression of the chitin synthase genes, CHS2, CHS3, and CHS8. Absence of CaYck2p also affected fungal-host interaction; the yck2Δ/yck2Δ strain had significantly reduced ability to damage host cells. However, the yck2Δ/yck2Δ strain had wild-type susceptibility to cyclosporine and FK506, suggesting that CaYck2p functions independently from the Ca+/calcineurin pathway. Thus, in C. albicans, Yck2p is a multifunctional kinase that governs morphogenesis, biofilm formation, cell wall integrity, and host cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook-In Jung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Natalie Rodriguez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jihyun Irrizary
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Karl Liboro
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Thania Bogarin
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Marlene Macias
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Edward Eivers
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Edith Porter
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Scott G. Filler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, United States of America
| | - Hyunsook Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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43
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Glory A, van Oostende CT, Geitmann A, Bachewich C. Depletion of the mitotic kinase Cdc5p in Candida albicans results in the formation of elongated buds that switch to the hyphal fate over time in a Ume6p and Hgc1p-dependent manner. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 107:51-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Basso V, Znaidi S, Lagage V, Cabral V, Schoenherr F, LeibundGut-Landmann S, d'Enfert C, Bachellier-Bassi S. The two-component response regulator Skn7 belongs to a network of transcription factors regulating morphogenesis in Candida albicans and independently limits morphogenesis-induced ROS accumulation. Mol Microbiol 2017; 106:157-182. [PMID: 28752552 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Skn7 is a conserved fungal heat shock factor-type transcriptional regulator. It participates in maintaining cell wall integrity and regulates the osmotic/oxidative stress response (OSR) in S. cerevisiae, where it is part of a two-component signal transduction system. Here, we comprehensively address the function of Skn7 in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. We provide evidence reinforcing functional divergence, with loss of the cell wall/osmotic stress-protective roles and acquisition of the ability to regulate morphogenesis on solid medium. Mapping of the Skn7 transcriptional circuitry, through combination of genome-wide expression and location technologies, pointed to a dual regulatory role encompassing OSR and filamentous growth. Genetic interaction analyses revealed close functional interactions between Skn7 and master regulators of morphogenesis, including Efg1, Cph1 and Ume6. Intracellular biochemical assays revealed that Skn7 is crucial for limiting the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in filament-inducing conditions on solid medium. Interestingly, functional domain mapping using site-directed mutagenesis allowed decoupling of Skn7 function in morphogenesis from protection against intracellular ROS. Our work identifies Skn7 as an integral part of the transcriptional circuitry controlling C. albicans filamentous growth and illuminates how C. albicans relies on an evolutionarily-conserved regulator to protect itself from intracellular ROS during morphological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Basso
- Institut Pasteur, INRA, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, Paris, France.,Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, rue du Dr. Roux, Paris, France
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Institut Pasteur, INRA, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, Paris, France.,Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, 13 Place Pasteur, Tunis-Belvédère, B.P. 74, 1002, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1036, Tunisia
| | - Valentine Lagage
- Institut Pasteur, INRA, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, Paris, France
| | - Vitor Cabral
- Institut Pasteur, INRA, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, Paris, France.,Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, rue du Dr. Roux, Paris, France
| | - Franziska Schoenherr
- Institute of Virology, Winterthurerstr. 266a, Zürich, Switzerland.,SUPSI, Laboratorio Microbiologia Applicata, via Mirasole 22a, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, INRA, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Bachellier-Bassi
- Institut Pasteur, INRA, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, Paris, France
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45
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Jenull S, Tscherner M, Gulati M, Nobile CJ, Chauhan N, Kuchler K. The Candida albicans HIR histone chaperone regulates the yeast-to-hyphae transition by controlling the sensitivity to morphogenesis signals. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8308. [PMID: 28814742 PMCID: PMC5559454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphological plasticity such as the yeast-to-hyphae transition is a key virulence factor of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Hyphal formation is controlled by a multilayer regulatory network composed of environmental sensing, signaling, transcriptional modulators as well as chromatin modifications. Here, we demonstrate a novel role for the replication-independent HIR histone chaperone complex in fungal morphogenesis. HIR operates as a crucial modulator of hyphal development, since genetic ablation of the HIR complex subunit Hir1 decreases sensitivity to morphogenetic stimuli. Strikingly, HIR1-deficient cells display altered transcriptional amplitudes upon hyphal initiation, suggesting that Hir1 affects transcription by establishing transcriptional thresholds required for driving morphogenetic cell-fate decisions. Furthermore, ectopic expression of the transcription factor Ume6, which facilitates hyphal maintenance, rescues filamentation defects of hir1Δ/Δ cells, suggesting that Hir1 impacts the early phase of hyphal initiation. Hence, chromatin chaperone-mediated fine-tuning of transcription is crucial for driving morphogenetic conversions in the fungal pathogen C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Jenull
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr.-Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Tscherner
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr.-Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr.-Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030, Vienna, Austria.
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46
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Mendelsohn S, Pinsky M, Weissman Z, Kornitzer D. Regulation of the Candida albicans Hypha-Inducing Transcription Factor Ume6 by the CDK1 Cyclins Cln3 and Hgc1. mSphere 2017; 2:e00248-16. [PMID: 28289726 PMCID: PMC5343172 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00248-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to switch between proliferation as yeast cells and development into hyphae is a hallmark of Candida albicans. The switch to hyphal morphogenesis depends on external inducing conditions, but its efficiency is augmented in stationary-phase cells. Ume6, a transcription factor that is itself transcriptionally induced under hypha-promoting conditions, is both necessary and sufficient for hyphal morphogenesis. We found that Ume6 is regulated posttranslationally by the cell cycle kinase Cdc28/Cdk1, which reduces Ume6 activity via different mechanisms using different cyclins. Together with the cyclin Hgc1, Cdk1 promotes degradation of Ume6 via the SCFCDC4 ubiquitin ligase. Since HGC1 is a key transcriptional target of Ume6, this results in a negative-feedback loop between Hgc1 and Ume6. In addition, we found that Cln3, a G1 cyclin that is essential for cell cycle progression and yeast proliferation, suppresses hyphal morphogenesis and that Cln3 suppresses Ume6 activity both in the heterologous Saccharomyces cerevisiae system and in C. albicans itself. This activity of Cln3 may provide the basis for the antagonistic relationship between yeast proliferation and hyphal development in C. albicans. IMPORTANCE The yeast to hypha (mold) morphogenetic switch of Candida albicans plays a role in its virulence and constitutes a diagnostic trait for this organism, the most prevalent systemic fungal pathogen in industrialized countries. It has long been known that hyphae are most efficiently induced from stationary cultures. Here, a molecular basis for this observation is provided. The G1 cyclin Cln3, an essential promoter of yeast proliferation, was found to suppress hyphal induction. Suppression of hyphal induction is achieved by inhibition of the activity of the central activator of hyphal morphogenesis, the transcription factor Ume6. Thus, levels of Cln3 control the switch between proliferation of C. albicans as individual yeast cells and development into extended hyphae, a switch that may preface the proliferation/differentiation switch in multicellular organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Mendelsohn
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-I.I.T. and the Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mariel Pinsky
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-I.I.T. and the Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ziva Weissman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-I.I.T. and the Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | - Daniel Kornitzer
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-I.I.T. and the Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa, Israel
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47
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Noble SM, Gianetti BA, Witchley JN. Candida albicans cell-type switching and functional plasticity in the mammalian host. Nat Rev Microbiol 2016; 15:96-108. [PMID: 27867199 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a ubiquitous commensal of the mammalian microbiome and the most prevalent fungal pathogen of humans. A cell-type transition between yeast and hyphal morphologies in C. albicans was thought to underlie much of the variation in virulence observed in different host tissues. However, novel yeast-like cell morphotypes, including opaque(a/α), grey and gastrointestinally induced transition (GUT) cell types, were recently reported that exhibit marked differences in vitro and in animal models of commensalism and disease. In this Review, we explore the characteristics of the classic cell types - yeast, hyphae, pseudohyphae and chlamydospores - as well as the newly identified yeast-like morphotypes. We highlight emerging knowledge about the associations of these different morphotypes with different host niches and virulence potential, as well as the environmental cues and signalling pathways that are involved in the morphological transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Noble
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine.,Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Brittany A Gianetti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine
| | - Jessica N Witchley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine
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48
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Kadosh D. Control of Candida albicans morphology and pathogenicity by post-transcriptional mechanisms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:4265-4278. [PMID: 27312239 PMCID: PMC5582595 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2294-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major human fungal pathogen responsible for both systemic and mucosal infections in a wide variety of immunocompromised individuals. Because the ability of C. albicans to undergo a reversible morphological transition from yeast to filaments is important for virulence, significant research efforts have focused on mechanisms that control this transition. While transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms have been well-studied, considerably less is known about the role of post-transcriptional mechanisms. However, in recent years several discoveries have begun to shed light on this important, but understudied, area. Here, I will review a variety of post-transcriptional mechanisms that have recently been shown to control C. albicans morphology, virulence and/or virulence-related processes, including those involving alternative transcript localization, mRNA stability and translation. I will also discuss the role that these mechanisms play in other pathogens as well as the potential they may hold to serve as targets for new antifungal strategies. Ultimately, gaining a better understanding of C. albicans post-transcriptional mechanisms will significantly improve our knowledge of how morphogenesis and virulence are controlled in fungal pathogens and open new avenues for the development of novel and more effective antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kadosh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science, Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC: 7758, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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49
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Böttcher B, Pöllath C, Staib P, Hube B, Brunke S. Candida species Rewired Hyphae Developmental Programs for Chlamydospore Formation. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1697. [PMID: 27833594 PMCID: PMC5081361 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydospore formation is a characteristic of many fungal species, among them the closely related human-pathogenic dimorphic yeasts Candida albicans and C. dubliniensis. Whereas function and regulation of filamentation are well-studied in these species, the basis of chlamydospore formation is mostly unknown. Here, we investigate the contribution of environmental and genetic factors and identified central proteins involved in species-specific regulation of chlamydosporulation. We show that specific nutrient levels strongly impact chlamydospore initiation, with starvation favoring sporulation and elevated levels of saccharides or peptone inhibiting it. Thresholds for these nutritional effects differ between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis, which explain species-specific chlamydospore formation on certain diagnostic media. A C. albicans nrg1Δ mutant phenocopied C. dubliniensis, putting Nrg1 regulation at the basis of species-specific chlamydospore formation under various conditions. By screening a series of potential chlamydospore regulators, we identified the TOR and cAMP pathways as crucial for sporulation. As rapamycin treatment blocked chlamydosporulation, a low basal Tor1 activity seems to be essential. In addition, TOR effector pathways play an important role, and loss of the NCR (nitrogen catabolite repression) gene regulators Gat1 and Gln3 reduced chlamydospore formation. A severe reduction was seen for a C. albicans gcn4Δ deletion strain, implicating a link between regulation of amino acid biosynthesis and chlamydospore development. On the other hand, deletion of the GTPase gene RAS1 and the adenylyl cyclase gene CYR1 caused a defect in chlamydospore formation that was mostly rescued by cAMP supplementation. Thus, cAMP-signaling is a second major pathway to control chlamydospore production. Finally, we confirmed light exposure to have a repressive effect on chlamydosporulation. However, permanent illumination only reduced, but not abolished chlamydospore production of C. albicans whereas C. dubliniensis sporulation was unaffected. In summary, we describe novel environmental factors which determine chlamydosporulation and propose a first model for the regulatory network of chlamydospore formation by different Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Böttcher
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Pöllath
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans-Knöll-InstituteJena, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology, Jena University HospitalJena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University HospitalJena, Germany
| | - Peter Staib
- Department of Research and Development, Kneipp GmbH Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans-Knöll-InstituteJena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University HospitalJena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University JenaJena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany
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50
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Polke M, Sprenger M, Scherlach K, Albán-Proaño MC, Martin R, Hertweck C, Hube B, Jacobsen ID. A functional link between hyphal maintenance and quorum sensing in Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2016; 103:595-617. [PMID: 27623739 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Morphogenesis in Candida albicans requires hyphal initiation and maintenance, and both processes are regulated by the fungal quorum sensing molecule (QSM) farnesol. We show that deletion of C. albicans EED1, which is crucial for hyphal extension and maintenance, led to a dramatically increased sensitivity to farnesol, and thus identified the first mutant hypersensitive to farnesol. Furthermore, farnesol decreased the transient filamentation of an eed1Δ strain without inducing cell death, indicating that two separate mechanisms mediate quorum sensing and cell lysis by farnesol. To analyze the cause of farnesol hypersensitivity we constructed either hyperactive or deletion mutants of factors involved in farnesol signaling, by introducing the hyperactive RAS1G13V or pADH1-CYR1CAT allele, or deleting CZF1 or NRG1 respectively. Neither of the constructs nor the exogenous addition of dB-cAMP was able to rescue the farnesol hypersensitivity, highlighting that farnesol mediates its effects not only via the cAMP pathway. Interestingly, the eed1Δ strain also displayed increased farnesol production. When eed1Δ was grown under continuous medium flow conditions, to remove accumulating QSMs from the supernatant, maintenance of eed1Δ filamentation, although not restored, was significantly prolonged, indicating a link between farnesol sensitivity, production, and the hyphal maintenance-defect in the eed1Δ mutant strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marcel Sprenger
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Kirstin Scherlach
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - María Cristina Albán-Proaño
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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