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Dubin CA, Voorhies M, Sil A, Teixeira MM, Barker BM, Brem RB. Genome Organization and Copy-Number Variation Reveal Clues to Virulence Evolution in Coccidioides posadasii. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121235. [PMID: 36547568 PMCID: PMC9782707 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen Coccidioides spp. causes valley fever, a treatment-refractory and sometimes deadly disease prevalent in arid regions of the western hemisphere. Fungal virulence in the mammalian host hinges on a switch between growth as hyphae and as large spherules containing infectious spores. How these virulence programs are encoded in the genome remains poorly understood. Drawing on Coccidioides genomic resources, we first discovered a new facet of genome organization in this system: spherule-gene islands, clusters of genes physically linked in the genome that exhibited specific mRNA induction in the spherule phase. Next, we surveyed copy-number variation genome-wide among strains of C. posadasii. Emerging from this catalog were spherule-gene islands with striking presence-absence differentiation between C. posadasii populations, a pattern expected from virulence factors subjected to different selective pressures across habitats. Finally, analyzing single-nucleotide differences across C. posadasii strains, we identified signatures of natural selection in spherule-expressed genes. Together, our data establish spherule-gene islands as candidate determinants of virulence and targets of selection in Coccidioides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A. Dubin
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3102, USA
| | - Mark Voorhies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Anita Sil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Marcus M. Teixeira
- The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen)-Affiliate of City of Hope, Flagstaff, AZ 85004, USA
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Bridget M. Barker
- The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen)-Affiliate of City of Hope, Flagstaff, AZ 85004, USA
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Rachel B. Brem
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3102, USA
- Correspondence:
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Zajc J, Gostinčar C, Černoša A, Gunde-Cimerman N. Stress-Tolerant Yeasts: Opportunistic Pathogenicity Versus Biocontrol Potential. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10010042. [PMID: 30646593 PMCID: PMC6357073 DOI: 10.3390/genes10010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-tolerant fungi that can thrive under various environmental extremes are highly desirable for their application to biological control, as an alternative to chemicals for pest management. However, in fungi, the mechanisms of stress tolerance might also have roles in mammal opportunism. We tested five species with high biocontrol potential in agriculture (Aureobasidium pullulans, Debayomyces hansenii, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Metschnikowia fructicola, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) and two species recognized as emerging opportunistic human pathogens (Exophiala dermatitidis, Aureobasidium melanogenum) for growth under oligotrophic conditions and at 37 °C, and for tolerance to oxidative stress, formation of biofilms, production of hydrolytic enzymes and siderophores, and use of hydrocarbons as sole carbon source. The results show large overlap between traits desirable for biocontrol and traits linked to opportunism (growth under oligotrophic conditions, production of siderophores, high oxidative stress tolerance, and specific enzyme activities). Based on existing knowledge and these data, we suggest that oligotrophism and thermotolerance together with siderophore production at 37 °C, urease activity, melanization, and biofilm production are the main traits that increase the potential for fungi to cause opportunistic infections in mammals. These traits should be carefully considered when assessing safety of potential biocontrol agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Zajc
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Institut 'Jožef Stefan', Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Anja Černoša
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Shankar J, Cerqueira GC, Wortman JR, Clemons KV, Stevens DA. RNA-Seq Profile Reveals Th-1 and Th-17-Type of Immune Responses in Mice Infected Systemically with Aspergillus fumigatus. Mycopathologia 2018; 183:645-658. [PMID: 29500637 PMCID: PMC6067991 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-018-0254-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing numbers of immunocompromised hosts, Aspergillus fumigatus emerges as a lethal opportunistic fungal pathogen. Understanding innate and acquired immunity responses of the host is important for a better therapeutic strategy to deal with aspergillosis patients. To determine the transcriptome in the kidneys in aspergillosis, we employed RNA-Seq to obtain single 76-base reads of whole-genome transcripts of murine kidneys on a temporal basis (days 0; uninfected, 1, 2, 3 and 8) during invasive aspergillosis. A total of 6284 transcripts were downregulated, and 5602 were upregulated compared to baseline expression. Gene ontology enrichment analysis identified genes involved in innate and adaptive immune response, as well as iron binding and homeostasis, among others. Our results showed activation of pathogen recognition receptors, e.g., β-defensins, C-type lectins (e.g., dectin-1), Toll-like receptors (TLR-2, TLR-3, TLR-8, TLR-9 and TLR-13), as well as Ptx-3 and C-reactive protein among the soluble receptors. Upregulated transcripts encoding various differentiating cytokines and effector proinflammatory cytokines, as well as those encoding for chemokines and chemokine receptors, revealed Th-1 and Th-17-type immune responses. These studies form a basic dataset for experimental prioritization, including other target organs, to determine the global response of the host against Aspergillus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jata Shankar
- Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, HP, India
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Karl V Clemons
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - David A Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Guruceaga X, Ezpeleta G, Mayayo E, Sueiro-Olivares M, Abad-Diaz-De-Cerio A, Aguirre Urízar JM, Liu HG, Wiemann P, Bok JW, Filler SG, Keller NP, Hernando FL, Ramirez-Garcia A, Rementeria A. A possible role for fumagillin in cellular damage during host infection by Aspergillus fumigatus. Virulence 2018; 9:1548-1561. [PMID: 30251593 PMCID: PMC6177242 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1526528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Virulence mechanisms of the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus are multifactorial and depend on the immune state of the host, but little is known about the fungal mechanism that develops during the process of lung invasion. In this study, microarray technology was combined with a histopathology evaluation of infected lungs so that the invasion strategy followed by the fungus could be described. To achieve this, an intranasal mice infection was performed to extract daily fungal samples from the infected lungs over four days post-infection. The pathological study revealed a heavy fungal progression throughout the lung, reaching the blood vessels on the third day after exposure and causing tissue necrosis. One percent of the fungal genome followed a differential expression pattern during this process. Strikingly, most of the genes of the intertwined fumagillin/pseurotin biosynthetic gene cluster were upregulated as were genes encoding lytic enzymes such as lipases, proteases (DppIV, DppV, Asp f 1 or Asp f 5) and chitinase (chiB1) as well as three genes related with pyomelanin biosynthesis process. Furthermore, we demonstrate that fumagillin is produced in an in vitro pneumocyte cell line infection model and that loss of fumagillin synthesis reduces epithelial cell damage. These results suggest that fumagillin contributes to tissue damage during invasive aspergillosis. Therefore, it is probable that A. fumigatus progresses through the lungs via the production of the mycotoxin fumagillin combined with the secretion of lytic enzymes that allow fungal growth, angioinvasion and the disruption of the lung parenchymal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Guruceaga
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Guillermo Ezpeleta
- Preventive Medicine and Hospital Hygiene Service, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Emilio Mayayo
- Pathology Unit, Medicine and Health Science Faculty, University of Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Monica Sueiro-Olivares
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana Abad-Diaz-De-Cerio
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - José Manuel Aguirre Urízar
- Department of Stomatology II, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Hong G. Liu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Philipp Wiemann
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jin Woo Bok
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Scott G. Filler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nancy P. Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Fernando L. Hernando
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Aitor Rementeria
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Cairns T, Meyer V. In silico prediction and characterization of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:631. [PMID: 28818040 PMCID: PMC5561558 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3969-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal pathogens of plants produce diverse repertoires of secondary metabolites, which have functions ranging from iron acquisition, defense against immune perturbation, to toxic assaults on the host. The wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici causes Septoria tritici blotch, a foliar disease which is a significant threat to global food security. Currently, there is limited knowledge of the secondary metabolite arsenal produced by Z. tritici, which significantly restricts mechanistic understanding of infection. In this study, we analyzed the genome of Z. tritici isolate IP0323 to identify putative secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, and used comparative genomics to predict their encoded products. RESULTS We identified 32 putative secondary metabolite clusters. These were physically enriched at subtelomeric regions, which may facilitate diversification of cognate products by rapid gene rearrangement or mutations. Comparative genomics revealed a four gene cluster with significant similarity to the ferrichrome-A biosynthetic locus of the maize pathogen Ustilago maydis, suggesting this siderophore is deployed by Z. tritici to acquire iron. The Z. tritici genome also contains several isoprenoid biosynthetic gene clusters, including one with high similarity to a carotenoid/opsin producing locus in several fungi. Furthermore, we identify putative phytotoxin biosynthetic clusters, suggesting Z. tritici can produce an epipolythiodioxopiperazine, and a polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide with predicted structural similarities to fumonisin and the Alternaria alternata AM-toxin, respectively. Interrogation of an existing transcriptional dataset suggests stage specific deployment of numerous predicted loci during infection, indicating an important role of these secondary metabolites in Z. tritici disease. CONCLUSIONS We were able to assign putative biosynthetic products to numerous clusters based on conservation amongst other fungi. However, analysis of the majority of secondary metabolite loci did not enable prediction of a cluster product, and consequently the capacity of these loci to play as yet undetermined roles in disease or other stages of the Z. tritici lifecycle is significant. These data will drive future experimentation for determining the role of these clusters and cognate secondary metabolite products in Z. tritici virulence, and may lead to discovery of novel bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Cairns
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Berlin University of Technology, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Vera Meyer
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Berlin University of Technology, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany
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RNA-Seq reveals the molecular mechanism of trapping and killing of root-knot nematodes by nematode-trapping fungi. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 33:65. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-017-2232-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Carvalho A, Goldman GH. Editorial: An Omics Perspective on Fungal Infection: Toward Next-Generation Diagnosis and Therapy. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:85. [PMID: 28184220 PMCID: PMC5266709 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of MinhoBraga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
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In Vivo Transcriptional Profiling of Human Pathogenic Fungi during Infection: Reflecting the Real Life? PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005471. [PMID: 27078150 PMCID: PMC4831747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Reininger V, Schlegel M. Analysis of the Phialocephala subalpina Transcriptome during Colonization of Its Host Plant Picea abies. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150591. [PMID: 26954682 PMCID: PMC4783019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phialocephala subalpina belongs to the Phialocephala fortinii s.l.-Acepphala applanata species complex (PAC) forming one of the major groups belonging to the dark septate endophytes (DSE). Depending on the strain, PAC was shown to form neutral to pathogenic associations with its host plant Picea abies. To understand PACs lifestyle we investigated the effect of presence/absence of Picea abies on the transcriptome of strain 6_70_1. MATERIALS AND METHODS PAC strain 6_70_1 was grown in liquid Pachlewski media either induced by its host plant Picea abies or without host plant as a control. Mycelia were harvested in a time course (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 18 days) with and without induction by the host plant and the fungal transcriptome revealed by Illumina sequencing. Differential gene expression analysis over the time course comparing control and treatment at each time point using the 'edgeR glm approach' and a gene enrichment analysis using GO categories were performed. RESULTS The three main functional groups within differentially expressed genes were 'metabolism', 'transport' and 'cell rescue, defense and virulence'. Additionally, genes especially involved in iron metabolism could be detected by gene set enrichment analysis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we found PAC strain 6_70_1 to be metabolically very active during colonization of its host plant Picea abies. A major shift in functional groups over the time course of this experiment could not be observed but GO categories which were found to be enriched showed different emphasis depending in the day post induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Reininger
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Integrative Biology, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092, Zurich
| | - Markus Schlegel
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Integrative Biology, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092, Zurich
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Amorim-Vaz S, Sanglard D. Novel Approaches for Fungal Transcriptomics from Host Samples. Front Microbiol 2016; 6:1571. [PMID: 26834721 PMCID: PMC4717316 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans adaptation to the host requires a profound reprogramming of the fungal transcriptome as compared to in vitro laboratory conditions. A detailed knowledge of the C. albicans transcriptome during the infection process is necessary in order to understand which of the fungal genes are important for host adaptation. Such genes could be thought of as potential targets for antifungal therapy. The acquisition of the C. albicans transcriptome is, however, technically challenging due to the low proportion of fungal RNA in host tissues. Two emerging technologies were used recently to circumvent this problem. One consists of the detection of low abundance fungal RNA using capture and reporter gene probes which is followed by emission and quantification of resulting fluorescent signals (nanoString). The other is based first on the capture of fungal RNA by short biotinylated oligonucleotide baits covering the C. albicans ORFome permitting fungal RNA purification. Next, the enriched fungal RNA is amplified and subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Here we detail these two transcriptome approaches and discuss their advantages and limitations and future perspectives in microbial transcriptomics from host material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Amorim-Vaz
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Sanglard
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
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Enguita FJ, Costa MC, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJ, Leitão AL. Transcriptomic Crosstalk between Fungal Invasive Pathogens and Their Host Cells: Opportunities and Challenges for Next-Generation Sequencing Methods. J Fungi (Basel) 2016; 2:jof2010007. [PMID: 29376924 PMCID: PMC5753088 DOI: 10.3390/jof2010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal invasive infections are an increasing health problem. The intrinsic complexity of pathogenic fungi and the unmet clinical need for new and more effective treatments requires a detailed knowledge of the infection process. During infection, fungal pathogens are able to trigger a specific transcriptional program in their host cells. The detailed knowledge of this transcriptional program will allow for a better understanding of the infection process and consequently will help in the future design of more efficient therapeutic strategies. Simultaneous transcriptomic studies of pathogen and host by high-throughput sequencing (dual RNA-seq) is an unbiased protocol to understand the intricate regulatory networks underlying the infectious process. This protocol is starting to be applied to the study of the interactions between fungal pathogens and their hosts. To date, our knowledge of the molecular basis of infection for fungal pathogens is still very limited, and the putative role of regulatory players such as non-coding RNAs or epigenetic factors remains elusive. The wider application of high-throughput transcriptomics in the near future will help to understand the fungal mechanisms for colonization and survival, as well as to characterize the molecular responses of the host cell against a fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Enguita
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal.
| | - Marina C Costa
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal.
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Núcleo de Proteômica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Rodovia Araraquara-Jaú Km 1, Araraquara 14801-902, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maria José Mendes-Giannini
- Núcleo de Proteômica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Rodovia Araraquara-Jaú Km 1, Araraquara 14801-902, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ana Lúcia Leitão
- MEtRICs, Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia da Biomassa, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal.
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Xu W, Solis NV, Filler SG, Mitchell AP. Gene Expression Profiling of Infecting Microbes Using a Digital Bar-coding Platform. J Vis Exp 2016:e53460. [PMID: 26863547 PMCID: PMC4781349 DOI: 10.3791/53460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
For most mammalian pathogens, gene expression profiling studies have been limited by technical difficulties to accurately quantify pathogen gene transcripts from infected tissues. Pathogen RNA constitutes a tiny portion of the total RNA isolated from infected tissue samples. Both microarray and RNAseq technologies have difficulties in generating reliable reads for weakly expressed pathogen genes. Mutant pathogen strains with reduced in vivo proliferation pose an even bigger challenge. Here we describe an in vivo gene expression profiling protocol that is very fast, extremely sensitive and highly reproducible. We developed this protocol during our investigation of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans in a murine model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis. Using this protocol, we have documented time courses of dynamically regulated C. albicans gene expression during kidney infection, and discovered unexpected features of gene expression responses to antifungal drug treatment in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University;
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Challenges and Strategies for Proteome Analysis of the Interaction of Human Pathogenic Fungi with Host Immune Cells. Proteomes 2015; 3:467-495. [PMID: 28248281 PMCID: PMC5217390 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes3040467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic human pathogenic fungi including the saprotrophic mold Aspergillus fumigatus and the human commensal Candida albicans can cause severe fungal infections in immunocompromised or critically ill patients. The first line of defense against opportunistic fungal pathogens is the innate immune system. Phagocytes such as macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells are an important pillar of the innate immune response and have evolved versatile defense strategies against microbial pathogens. On the other hand, human-pathogenic fungi have sophisticated virulence strategies to counteract the innate immune defense. In this context, proteomic approaches can provide deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms of the interaction of host immune cells with fungal pathogens. This is crucial for the identification of both diagnostic biomarkers for fungal infections and therapeutic targets. Studying host-fungal interactions at the protein level is a challenging endeavor, yet there are few studies that have been undertaken. This review draws attention to proteomic techniques and their application to fungal pathogens and to challenges, difficulties, and limitations that may arise in the course of simultaneous dual proteome analysis of host immune cells interacting with diverse morphotypes of fungal pathogens. On this basis, we discuss strategies to overcome these multifaceted experimental and analytical challenges including the viability of immune cells during co-cultivation, the increased and heterogeneous protein complexity of the host proteome dynamically interacting with the fungal proteome, and the demands on normalization strategies in terms of relative quantitative proteome analysis.
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Cairns TC, Studholme DJ, Talbot NJ, Haynes K. New and Improved Techniques for the Study of Pathogenic Fungi. Trends Microbiol 2015; 24:35-50. [PMID: 26549580 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens pose serious threats to human, plant, and ecosystem health. Improved diagnostics and antifungal strategies are therefore urgently required. Here, we review recent developments in online bioinformatic tools and associated interactive data archives, which enable sophisticated comparative genomics and functional analysis of fungal pathogens in silico. Additionally, we highlight cutting-edge experimental techniques, including conditional expression systems, recyclable markers, RNA interference, genome editing, compound screens, infection models, and robotic automation, which are promising to revolutionize the study of both human and plant pathogenic fungi. These novel techniques will allow vital knowledge gaps to be addressed with regard to the evolution of virulence, host-pathogen interactions and antifungal drug therapies in both the clinic and agriculture. This, in turn, will enable delivery of improved diagnosis and durable disease-control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Cairns
- Institut für Biotechnologie, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer Allee 22, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | - Ken Haynes
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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Abstract
Candida species are the most prevalent human fungal pathogens, with Candida albicans being the most clinically relevant species. Candida albicans resides as a commensal of the human gastrointestinal tract but is a frequent cause of opportunistic mucosal and systemic infections. Investigation of C. albicans virulence has traditionally relied on candidate gene approaches, but recent advances in functional genomics have now facilitated global, unbiased studies of gene function. Such studies include comparative genomics (both between and within Candida species), analysis of total RNA expression, and regulation and delineation of protein-DNA interactions. Additionally, large collections of mutant strains have begun to aid systematic screening of clinically relevant phenotypes. Here, we will highlight the development of functional genomics in C. albicans and discuss the use of these approaches to addressing both commensalism and pathogenesis in this species.
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Tavares AH, Fernandes L, Bocca AL, Silva-Pereira I, Felipe MS. Transcriptomic reprogramming of genus Paracoccidioides in dimorphism and host niches. Fungal Genet Biol 2015; 81:98-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Poulsen M. Towards an integrated understanding of the consequences of fungus domestication on the fungus-growing termite gut microbiota. Environ Microbiol 2015; 17:2562-72. [PMID: 25581852 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Revised: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 30 million years ago (MYA), the subfamily of higher termites Macrotermitinae domesticated a fungus, Termitomyces, as the main plant decomposer and food source for the termite host. The origin of fungiculture shifted the composition of the termite gut microbiota, and some of the functional implications of this shift have recently been established. I review reports on the composition of the Macrotermitinae gut microbiota, evidence for a subfamily core gut microbiota, and the first insight into functional complementarity between fungal and gut symbionts. In addition, I argue that we need to explore the capacities of all members of the symbiotic communities, including better solidifying Termitomyces role(s) in order to understand putative complementary gut bacterial contributions. Approaches that integrate natural history and sequencing data to elucidate symbiont functions will be powerful, particularly if executed in comparative analyses across the well-established congruent termite-fungus phylogenies. This will allow for testing if gut communities have evolved in parallel with their hosts, with implications for our general understanding of the evolution of gut symbiont communities with hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Poulsen
- Centre for Social Evolution, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen Ø, DK-2100, Denmark
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Scazzocchio C. Fungal biology in the post-genomic era. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2014; 1:7. [PMID: 28955449 PMCID: PMC5611559 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-014-0007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review I give a personal perspective of how fungal biology has changed since I started my Ph. D. in 1963. At that time we were working in the shadow of the birth of molecular biology as an autonomous and reductionistic discipline, embodied in Crick’s central dogma. This first period was methodologically characterised by the fact that we knew what genes were, but we could not access them directly. This radically changed in the 70s-80s when gene cloning, reverse genetics and DNA sequencing become possible. The “next generation” sequencing techniques have produced a further qualitative revolutionary change. The ready access to genomes and transcriptomes of any microbial organism allows old questions to be asked in a radically different way and new questions to be approached. I provide examples chosen somewhat arbitrarily to illustrate some of these changes, from applied aspects to fundamental problems such as the origin of fungal specific genes, the evolutionary history of genes clusters and the realisation of the pervasiveness of horizontal transmission. Finally, I address how the ready availability of genomes and transcriptomes could change the status of model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Scazzocchio
- Department of Microbiology, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ UK.,Institut de Génétique et Microbiologie, CNRS UMR 8621, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, 91405 France
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Meijueiro ML, Santoyo F, Ramirez L, Pisabarro AG. Transcriptome characteristics of filamentous fungi deduced using high-throughput analytical technologies. Brief Funct Genomics 2014; 13:440-50. [DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elu033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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21
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Abstract
Fungal pathogens must assimilate local nutrients to establish an infection in their mammalian host. We focus on carbon, nitrogen, and micronutrient assimilation mechanisms, discussing how these influence host-fungus interactions during infection. We highlight several emerging trends based on the available data. First, the perturbation of carbon, nitrogen, or micronutrient assimilation attenuates fungal pathogenicity. Second, the contrasting evolutionary pressures exerted on facultative versus obligatory pathogens have led to contemporary pathogenic fungal species that display differing degrees of metabolic flexibility. The evolutionarily ancient metabolic pathways are conserved in most fungal pathogen, but interesting gaps exist in some species (e.g., Candida glabrata). Third, metabolic flexibility is generally essential for fungal pathogenicity, and in particular, for the adaptation to contrasting host microenvironments such as the gastrointestinal tract, mucosal surfaces, bloodstream, and internal organs. Fourth, this metabolic flexibility relies on complex regulatory networks, some of which are conserved across lineages, whereas others have undergone significant evolutionary rewiring. Fifth, metabolic adaptation affects fungal susceptibility to antifungal drugs and also presents exciting opportunities for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana V Ene
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Universitätsklinikum Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
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Thornton CR. Breaking the mould - novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the immune deficient patient. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 10:771-80. [PMID: 24689528 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2014.904747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) caused by the ubiquitous environmental fungus Aspergillus is a frequently fatal lung disease of immunocompromised humans accounting for more than 200,000 infections each year, with an associated mortality rate of 30-90%. This review addresses the current status of IPA diagnosis and treatment and the urgent need to develop accurate, non-invasive strategies for identifying pulmonary infections in the ever-expanding population of immune deficient patients at risk of acquiring opportunistic fungal infections including hematological malignancy and hematopoetic stem cell transplant patients. Recent advances in the use of an Aspergillus-specific monoclonal antibody, JF5, for point-of-care diagnosis of IPA using lateral-flow technology is examined, as is its use in PET/MRI bioimaging and radio-immunotherapy using radionuclide-labeled single chain antibody fragments, Fab fragments, and a fully humanized JF5 derivative.
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Aliouat-Denis CM, Chabé M, Delhaes L, Dei-Cas E. Aerially transmitted human fungal pathogens: what can we learn from metagenomics and comparative genomics? Rev Iberoam Micol 2013; 31:54-61. [PMID: 24286763 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, aerially transmitted human fungal pathogens have been increasingly recognized to impact the clinical course of chronic pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thanks to recent development of culture-free high-throughput sequencing methods, the metagenomic approaches are now appropriate to detect, identify and even quantify prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganism communities inhabiting human respiratory tract and to access the complexity of even low-burden microbe communities that are likely to play a role in chronic pulmonary diseases. In this review, we explore how metagenomics and comparative genomics studies can alleviate fungal culture bottlenecks, improve our knowledge about fungal biology, lift the veil on cross-talks between host lung and fungal microbiota, and gain insights into the pathogenic impact of these aerially transmitted fungi that affect human beings. We reviewed metagenomic studies and comparative genomic analyses of carefully chosen microorganisms, and confirmed the usefulness of such approaches to better delineate biology and pathogenesis of aerially transmitted human fungal pathogens. Efforts to generate and efficiently analyze the enormous amount of data produced by such novel approaches have to be pursued, and will potentially provide the patients suffering from chronic pulmonary diseases with a better management. This manuscript is part of the series of works presented at the "V International Workshop: Molecular genetic approaches to the study of human pathogenic fungi" (Oaxaca, Mexico, 2012).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile-Marie Aliouat-Denis
- Biology & Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens (BDEEP), Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019, CNRS UMR8204, IFR142, Lille Pasteur Institute, Lille Nord de France University (EA4547), Lille, France; Parasitology-Medical Mycology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lille, France
| | - Magali Chabé
- Biology & Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens (BDEEP), Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019, CNRS UMR8204, IFR142, Lille Pasteur Institute, Lille Nord de France University (EA4547), Lille, France; Parasitology-Medical Mycology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Delhaes
- Biology & Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens (BDEEP), Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019, CNRS UMR8204, IFR142, Lille Pasteur Institute, Lille Nord de France University (EA4547), Lille, France; Parasitology-Medical Mycology Department, Regional Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lille, France.
| | - Eduardo Dei-Cas
- Biology & Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens (BDEEP), Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019, CNRS UMR8204, IFR142, Lille Pasteur Institute, Lille Nord de France University (EA4547), Lille, France; Parasitology-Medical Mycology Department, Regional Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lille, France
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Kroll K, Pähtz V, Kniemeyer O. Elucidating the fungal stress response by proteomics. J Proteomics 2013; 97:151-63. [PMID: 23756228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Fungal species need to cope with stress, both in the natural environment and during interaction of human- or plant pathogenic fungi with their host. Many regulatory circuits governing the fungal stress response have already been discovered. However, there are still large gaps in the knowledge concerning the changes of the proteome during adaptation to environmental stress conditions. With the application of proteomic methods, particularly 2D-gel and gel-free, LC/MS-based methods, first insights into the composition and dynamic changes of the fungal stress proteome could be obtained. Here, we review the recent proteome data generated for filamentous fungi and yeasts. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Trends in Microbial Proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Kroll
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Microbiology, Philosophenweg 12, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Vera Pähtz
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Microbiology, Philosophenweg 12, 07743 Jena, Germany; Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care Jena, University Hospital (CSCC), 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Microbiology, Philosophenweg 12, 07743 Jena, Germany; Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care Jena, University Hospital (CSCC), 07747 Jena, Germany.
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26
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Pérez JC, Kumamoto CA, Johnson AD. Candida albicans commensalism and pathogenicity are intertwined traits directed by a tightly knit transcriptional regulatory circuit. PLoS Biol 2013; 11:e1001510. [PMID: 23526879 PMCID: PMC3601966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of regulators, circuits, and target genes employed by the fungus Candida albicans to thrive in disparate niches in a mammalian host reveals interconnection between commensal and pathogenic lifestyles. Systemic, life-threatening infections in humans are often caused by bacterial or fungal species that normally inhabit a different locale in our body, particularly mucosal surfaces. A hallmark of these opportunistic pathogens, therefore, is their ability to thrive in disparate niches within the host. In this work, we investigate the transcriptional circuitry and gene repertoire that enable the human opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans to proliferate in two different niches. By screening a library of transcription regulator deletion strains in mouse models of intestinal colonization and systemic infection, we identified eight transcription regulators that play roles in at least one of these models. Using genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation, we uncovered a network comprising ∼800 target genes and a tightly knit transcriptional regulatory circuit at its core. The network is enriched with genes upregulated in C. albicans cells growing in the host. Our findings indicate that many aspects of commensalism and pathogenicity are intertwined and that the ability of this microorganism to colonize multiple niches relies on a large, integrated circuit. Our skin and mouth, as well as our genital and gastrointestinal tracts, are laden with microorganisms belonging to all three domains of life (bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes). Much of the time these commensal microorganisms are not only harmless but provide advantages to us. However, when the host's defenses are compromised, some members of the normal flora, such as the fungus C. albicans, can cross the host's protective barriers and colonize virtually every internal organ causing life-threatening conditions. The environment found in the bloodstream and internal organs is presumably distinct from the mucosal surfaces where our flora typically resides. Whether opportunistic pathogens such as C. albicans rely on common or separate gene repertoires to thrive in each of these locales is largely unknown. To address this question we carried out genetic screens in mouse models that recapitulate niches where C. albicans thrives and used genome-wide experimental approaches to uncover the genes required to proliferate in each environment. In fact, the ability of C. albicans to colonize disparate niches within a mammalian host relies on a large, integrated circuit. Our observations suggest that at least some key gene circuits are not dedicated to one niche or another. Rather, thriving in various locales of the host seems to involve the complex regulation of multiple processes, which may allow C. albicans to adjust to different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Christian Pérez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America.
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28
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Dinamarco TM, Freitas FZ, Almeida RS, Brown NA, dos Reis TF, Ramalho LNZ, Savoldi M, Goldman MHS, Bertolini MC, Goldman GH. Functional characterization of an Aspergillus fumigatus calcium transporter (PmcA) that is essential for fungal infection. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37591. [PMID: 22649543 PMCID: PMC3359301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a primary and opportunistic pathogen, as well as a major allergen, of mammals. The Ca(+2)-calcineurin pathway affects virulence, morphogenesis and antifungal drug action in A. fumigatus. Here, we investigated three components of the A. fumigatus Ca(+2)-calcineurin pathway, pmcA,-B, and -C, which encode calcium transporters. We demonstrated that CrzA can directly control the mRNA accumulation of the pmcA-C genes by binding to their promoter regions. CrzA-binding experiments suggested that the 5'-CACAGCCAC-3' and 5'-CCCTGCCCC-3' sequences upstream of pmcA and pmcC genes, respectively, are possible calcineurin-dependent response elements (CDREs)-like consensus motifs. Null mutants were constructed for pmcA and -B and a conditional mutant for pmcC demonstrating pmcC is an essential gene. The ΔpmcA and ΔpmcB mutants were more sensitive to calcium and resistant to manganese and cyclosporin was able to modulate the sensitivity or resistance of these mutants to these salts, supporting the interaction between calcineurin and the function of these transporters. The pmcA-C genes have decreased mRNA abundance into the alveoli in the ΔcalA and ΔcrzA mutant strains. However, only the A. fumigatus ΔpmcA was avirulent in the murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taísa Magnani Dinamarco
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo S. Almeida
- Department of Microbiology, University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Neil Andrew Brown
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcela Savoldi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Helena S. Goldman
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Henrique Goldman
- Laboratório Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia do Bioetanol – CTBE, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Horn F, Heinekamp T, Kniemeyer O, Pollmächer J, Valiante V, Brakhage AA. Systems biology of fungal infection. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:108. [PMID: 22485108 PMCID: PMC3317178 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of pathogenicity mechanisms of the most important human-pathogenic fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans, has gained great interest in the light of the steadily increasing number of cases of invasive fungal infections. A key feature of these infections is the interaction of the different fungal morphotypes with epithelial and immune effector cells in the human host. Because of the high level of complexity, it is necessary to describe and understand invasive fungal infection by taking a systems biological approach, i.e., by a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the non-linear and selective interactions of a large number of functionally diverse, and frequently multifunctional, sets of elements, e.g., genes, proteins, metabolites, which produce coherent and emergent behaviors in time and space. The recent advances in systems biology will now make it possible to uncover the structure and dynamics of molecular and cellular cause-effect relationships within these pathogenic interactions. We review current efforts to integrate omics and image-based data of host-pathogen interactions into network and spatio-temporal models. The modeling will help to elucidate pathogenicity mechanisms and to identify diagnostic biomarkers and potential drug targets for therapy and could thus pave the way for novel intervention strategies based on novel antifungal drugs and cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Horn
- Systems Biology/Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll InstituteJena, Germany
| | - Thorsten Heinekamp
- Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll InstituteJena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll InstituteJena, Germany
| | - Johannes Pollmächer
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll InstituteJena, Germany
| | - Vito Valiante
- Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll InstituteJena, Germany
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll InstituteJena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller UniversityJena, Germany
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30
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Evolution of Fungal Pathogens in Domestic Environments? Fungal Biol 2011; 115:1008-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2011.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Abstract
The identification of the fungal genes essential for disease underpins the development of disease control strategies. Improved technologies for gene identification and functional analyses, as well as a plethora of sequenced fungal genomes, have led to the characterization of hundreds of genes, denoted as pathogenicity genes, which are required by fungi to cause disease. We describe recent technologies applied to characterize the fungal genes involved in disease and focus on some genes that are likely to attract continuing research activity.
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Bignell E. Therapeutic jackpots lie within the reach of multiscale and integrated mycological research. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2010; 8:1333-5. [PMID: 21133657 DOI: 10.1586/eri.10.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The 9th International Mycological Congress, hosted by the British Mycological Society and the International Mycological Association, attracted 1600 delegates from around the world. Among the many hundreds of submitted abstracts, plenary lectures and invited talks, the direct relevance of such an eclectic and diverse array of fungal biology to the future sourcing of novel antifungal agents at first glance seems questionable. On the contrary, however, common observations emergent from all of the five scientific themes were the value and timeliness of integrative biology in deciphering the origin and physiological basis of fungal virulence, and the application of basic fungal biology to rationalized fungal anti-infective development, and natural product mining for anti-infective and anti-proliferative product discovery. This article will focus on the extent to which current mycological research can be exploited for novel therapeutic advantage and examines the challenges involved in maximizing the translational potential of such research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Bignell
- Microbiology Section, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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Comparative genomics and the evolution of pathogenicity in human pathogenic fungi. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2010; 10:34-42. [PMID: 21076011 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00242-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Because most fungi have evolved to be free-living in the environment and because the infections they cause are usually opportunistic in nature, it is often difficult to identify specific traits that contribute to fungal pathogenesis. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of sequenced genomes of human fungal pathogens, and comparison of these sequences has proved to be an excellent resource for exploring commonalities and differences in how these species interact with their hosts. In order to survive in the human body, fungi must be able to adapt to new nutrient sources and environmental stresses. Therefore, genes involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and transport and genes encoding secondary metabolites tend to be overrepresented in pathogenic species (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus). However, it is clear that human commensal yeast species such as Candida albicans have also evolved a range of specific factors that facilitate direct interaction with host tissues. The evolution of virulence across the human pathogenic fungi has occurred largely through very similar mechanisms. One of the most important mechanisms is gene duplication and the expansion of gene families, particularly in subtelomeric regions. Unlike the case for prokaryotic pathogens, horizontal transfer of genes between species and other genera does not seem to have played a significant role in the evolution of fungal virulence. New sequencing technologies promise the prospect of even greater numbers of genome sequences, facilitating the sequencing of multiple genomes and transcriptomes within individual species, and will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper insight into fungal pathogenesis.
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