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Soll DR. White-opaque switching in Candida albicans: cell biology, regulation, and function. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0004322. [PMID: 38546228 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00043-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYCandida albicans remains a major fungal pathogen colonizing humans and opportunistically invading tissue when conditions are predisposing. Part of the success of C. albicans was attributed to its capacity to form hyphae that facilitate tissue invasion. However, in 1987, a second developmental program was discovered, the "white-opaque transition," a high-frequency reversible switching system that impacted most aspects of the physiology, cell architecture, virulence, and gene expression of C. albicans. For the 15 years following the discovery of white-opaque switching, its role in the biology of C. albicans remained elusive. Then in 2002, it was discovered that in order to mate, C. albicans had to switch from white to opaque, a unique step in a yeast mating program. In 2006, three laboratories simultaneously identified a putative master switch gene, which led to a major quest to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that regulate white-opaque switching. Here, the evolving discoveries related to this complicated phenotypic transition are reviewed in a quasi-chronological order not only to provide a historical perspective but also to highlight several unique characteristics of white-opaque switching, which are fascinating and may be important to the life history and virulence of this persistent pathogen. Many of these characteristics have not been fully investigated, in many cases, leaving intriguing questions unresolved. Some of these include the function of unique channeled pimples on the opaque cell wall, the capacity to form opaque cells in the absence of the master switch gene WOR1, the formation of separate "pathogenic" and "sexual" biofilms, and the possibility that a significant portion of natural strains colonizing the lower gastrointestinal tract may be in the opaque phase. This review addresses many of these characteristics with the intent of engendering interest in resolving questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Soll
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Cong H, Sun Y, Li C, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Ma D, Jiang J, Li L, Li L. The APSES transcription factor CfSwi6 is required for growth, cell wall integrity, and pathogenicity of Ceratocystis fimbriata. Microbiol Res 2024; 281:127624. [PMID: 38295680 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cell wall integrity (CWI) is crucial for the growth, development, and host invasion of pathogenic fungi. The APSES transcription factor Swi6 in fungi plays a role in mediating cell wall integrity through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Ceratocystis fimbriata is a notorious pathogenic fungus responsible for causing black rot in sweet potatoes. In this study, an orthologous APSES transcription factor Swi6 (CfSwi6) downstream of the CWI regulatory pathway in C. fimbriata was characterized. Deletion of CfSWI6 leads to impaired hyphal development, conidiation, and compromised cell wall integrity, resulting in a significant reduction in virulence. Transcriptome analysis revealed the involvement of CfSWI6 in various pathways, including the MAPK pathway, DNA synthesis and stress response. ChIP-seq data provided predictions of potential target genes regulated by CfSwi6. Through yeast one-hybrid, we confirmed the direct binding of CfSwi6 to the promoter of the chitin synthetase gene. In summary, these findings indicated that CfSwi6 plays an important role in the growth, development, and pathogenicity of C. fimbriata. This study provides new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of C. fimbriata in sweet potato and inspires potential strategies to control sweet potato black rot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Yong Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Changgen Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Yongjing Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Daifu Ma
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Sweet Potato Research Institute, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221131, China
| | - Jihong Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Lianwei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China.
| | - Ludan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal and Edible Plant Resources of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China.
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Chávez-Tinoco M, García-Ortega LF, Mancera E. Genetic modification of Candida maltosa, a non-pathogenic CTG species, reveals EFG1 function. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001447. [PMID: 38456839 PMCID: PMC10999747 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Candida maltosa is closely related to important pathogenic Candida species, especially C. tropicalis and C. albicans, but it has been rarely isolated from humans. For this reason, through comparative studies, it could be a powerful model to understand the genetic underpinnings of the pathogenicity of Candida species. Here, we generated a cohesive assembly of the C. maltosa genome and developed genetic engineering tools that will facilitate studying this species at a molecular level. We used a combination of short and long-read sequencing to build a polished genomic draft composed of 14 Mbp, 45 contigs and close to 5700 genes. This assembly represents a substantial improvement from the currently available sequences that are composed of thousands of contigs. Genomic comparison with C. albicans and C. tropicalis revealed a substantial reduction in the total number of genes in C. maltosa. However, gene loss seems not to be associated to the avirulence of this species given that most genes that have been previously associated with pathogenicity were also present in C. maltosa. To be able to edit the genome of C. maltosa we generated a set of triple auxotrophic strains so that gene deletions can be performed similarly to what has been routinely done in pathogenic Candida species. As a proof of concept, we generated gene knockouts of EFG1, a gene that encodes a transcription factor that is essential for filamentation and biofilm formation in C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Characterization of these mutants showed that Efg1 also plays a role in biofilm formation and filamentous growth in C. maltosa, but it seems to be a repressor of filamentation in this species. The genome assembly and auxotrophic mutants developed here are a key step forward to start using C. maltosa for comparative and evolutionary studies at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Chávez-Tinoco
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Unidad Irapuato, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Luis F. García-Ortega
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Unidad Irapuato, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Eugenio Mancera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Unidad Irapuato, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Irapuato, Mexico
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Paiva DS, Fernandes L, Portugal A, Trovão J. First Genome Sequence of the Microcolonial Black Fungus Saxispiralis lemnorum MUM 23.14: Insights into the Unique Genomic Traits of the Aeminiaceae Family. Microorganisms 2024; 12:104. [PMID: 38257931 PMCID: PMC10820743 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Saxispiralis lemnorum MUM 23.14 is an extremotolerant microcolonial black fungus, originally isolated from a biodeteriorated limestone artwork in Portugal. This recently introduced species belongs to the Aeminiaceae family, representing the second member of this monophyletic clade. This fungus exhibits a unique set of characteristics, including xerophily, cold tolerance, high UV radiation tolerance, and an exceptional ability to thrive in NaCl concentrations of up to 30% while also enduring pH levels ranging from 5 to 11. To gain insights into its genomic traits associated with stress resistance mechanisms, specialization, and their potential implications in stone biodeterioration, we conducted a comprehensive genome sequencing and analysis. This draft genome not only marks the first for the Saxispiralis genus but also the second for the Aeminiaceae family. Furthermore, we performed two comparative genomic analyses: one focusing on the closest relative within the Aeminiaceae family, Aeminium ludgeri, and another encompassing the genome of different extremotolerant black fungi. In this study, we successfully achieved high genome completeness for S. lemnorum and confirmed its close phylogenetic relationship to A. ludgeri. Our findings revealed traits contributing to its extremophilic nature and provided insights into potential mechanisms contributing to stone biodeterioration. Many traits are common to both Aeminiaceae species and are shared with other black fungi, while numerous unique traits may be attributed to species-specific characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana S. Paiva
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE)—Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal (J.T.)
| | - Luís Fernandes
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE)—Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal (J.T.)
| | - António Portugal
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE)—Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal (J.T.)
- FitoLab—Laboratory for Phytopathology, Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), Rua Pedro Nunes, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
- TERRA—Associate Laboratory for Sustainable Land Use and Ecosystem Services, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Trovão
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE)—Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal (J.T.)
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Petrucelli MF, Martins-Santana L, Sanches PR, Oliveira VM, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM. The Transcription Factor StuA Regulates the Glyoxylate Cycle in the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum under Carbon Starvation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:405. [PMID: 38203573 PMCID: PMC10778625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Trichophyton rubrum is the primary causative agent of dermatophytosis worldwide. This fungus colonizes keratinized tissues and uses keratin as a nutritional source during infection. In T. rubrum-host interactions, sensing a hostile environment triggers the adaptation of its metabolic machinery to ensure its survival. The glyoxylate cycle has emerged as an alternative metabolic pathway when glucose availability is limited; this enables the conversion of simple carbon compounds into glucose via gluconeogenesis. In this study, we investigated the impact of stuA deletion on the response of glyoxylate cycle enzymes during fungal growth under varying culture conditions in conjunction with post-transcriptional regulation through alternative splicing of the genes encoding these enzymes. We revealed that the ΔstuA mutant downregulated the malate synthase and isocitrate lyase genes in a keratin-containing medium or when co-cultured with human keratinocytes. Alternative splicing of an isocitrate lyase gene yielded a new isoform. Enzymatic activity assays showed specific instances where isocitrate lyase and malate synthase activities were affected in the mutant strain compared to the wild type strain. Taken together, our results indicate a relevant balance in transcriptional regulation that has distinct effects on the enzymatic activities of malate synthase and isocitrate lyase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.P.); (L.M.-S.); (P.R.S.); (V.M.O.); (A.R.)
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The Pathogenic Yeast Candida parapsilosis Forms Pseudohyphae through Different Signaling Pathways Depending on the Available Carbon Source. mSphere 2022; 7:e0002922. [PMID: 35766504 PMCID: PMC9241547 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00029-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is an emerging fungal pathogen that primarily affects immunocompromised patients in hospitals. A significant risk factor is the use of implanted medical devices, which support the growth of biofilms composed of a mixture of individual yeast cells and chains of elongated pseudohyphal cells. The morphological switch between these two forms is triggered by cues from the environment, including nutrient availability and temperature. We examined how different nutrient sources affect the balance between yeast and pseudohyphae and found that cells grown in the presence of five- or six-carbon sugars form more pseudohyphae at 30°C than at 37°C. Conversely, cells grown on glycerol, a three-carbon polyalcohol, form more pseudohyphae at 37°C. Furthermore, we found that different regulators influence pseudohyphal growth on glucose at 30°C compared with those on glycerol at 37°C. In particular, cAMP signaling and the sirtuin deacetylase Hst1 were required for pseudohyphal growth on glycerol at 37°C but not on glucose at 30°C. Finally, we found that the carbon source on which C. parapsilosis is grown can influence its ability to establish an infection in a wax moth model. Overall, this study reveals that environmental conditions affect not only the extent of pseudohyphal growth but also which pathways and regulators govern pseudohyphal formation. IMPORTANCECandida parapsilosis is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired yeast infections and poses a significant risk to immunocompromised people. Two of its properties that contribute to infection are metabolic flexibility, to use a range of nutrients available in the host, and cellular dimorphism, to switch between round yeast cells and chains of elongated pseudohyphal cells. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms that regulate these processes could reveal new targets for antifungal drugs. We found that for C. parapsilosis, the balance between yeast and pseudohyphal cells depends on the nutrients available and the growth temperature. Moreover, these environmental changes can affect its ability to cause infections. Finally, we found that a potential sensor of the cell’s metabolic state, the sirtuin Hst1, contributes to pseudohyphal growth for cells grown on glycerol. These findings indicate that the shape and virulence of C. parapsilosis likely vary depending on its location in the host.
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Perrine-Walker F. Caspofungin resistance in Candida albicans: genetic factors and synergistic compounds for combination therapies. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1101-1113. [PMID: 35352319 PMCID: PMC9433586 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00739-9] [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: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caspofungin and other echinocandins have been used for the treatment of human infections by the opportunistic yeast pathogen, Candida albicans. There has been an increase in infections by non-albicans Candida species such as Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Candida auris in clinical or hospital settings. This is problematic to public health due to the increasing prevalence of echinocandin resistant species/strains. This review will present a summary on various studies that investigated the inhibitory action of caspofungin on 1,3-β-D-glucan synthesis, on cell wall structure, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. It will highlight some of the issues linked to caspofungin resistance or reduced caspofungin sensitivity in various Candida species and the potential benefits of antimicrobial peptides and other compounds in synergy with caspofungin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Perrine-Walker
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute For Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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Araújo D, Mil-Homens D, Henriques M, Silva S. Anti-EFG1 2′-OMethylRNA oligomer inhibits Candida albicans filamentation and attenuates the candidiasis in Galleria mellonella. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:517-523. [PMID: 35036062 PMCID: PMC8728520 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
EFG1 is a central transcriptional regulator of filamentation that is an important virulence factor of Candida albicans. This study serves to assess in vivo the applicability of the anti-EFG1 2′-OMethylRNA oligomer for inhibiting C.albicans filamentation and to attenuate candidiasis, using the Galleria mellonella model. For that, larvae infected with a lethal concentration of C. albicans cells were treated with a single dose and with a double dose of the anti-EFG1 2′OMe oligomer (at 40 and 100 nM). The anti-EFG1 2′OMe oligomer toxicity and effect on larvae survival was evaluated. No evidence of anti-EFG1 2′OMe oligomer toxicity was observed and the treatment with double dose of 2′OMe oligomer empowered larvae survival over 24 h (by 90%–100%) and prolonged its efficacy until 72 h of infection (by 30%). Undoubtedly, this work validates the in vivo therapeutic potential of anti-EFG1 2′OMe oligomer for controlling C. albicans infections.
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Araújo D, Mil-Homens D, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M, Jørgensen PT, Wengel J, Silva S. Antisense locked nucleic acid gapmers to control Candida albicans filamentation. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 39:102469. [PMID: 34606999 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Whereas locked nucleic acid (LNA) has been extensively used to control gene expression, it has never been exploited to control Candida virulence genes. Thus, the main goal of this work was to compare the efficacy of five different LNA-based antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) with respect to the ability to control EFG1 gene expression, to modulate filamentation and to reduce C. albicans virulence. In vitro, all LNA-ASOs were able to significantly reduce C. albicans filamentation and to control EFG1 gene expression. Using the in vivo Galleria mellonella model, important differences among the five LNA-ASOs were revealed in terms of C. albicans virulence reduction. The inclusion of PS-linkage and palmitoyl-2'-amino-LNA chemical modification in these five LNA gapmers proved to be the most promising combination, increasing the survival of G. mellonella by 40%. Our work confirms that LNA-ASOs are useful tools for research and therapeutic development in the candidiasis field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Araújo
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Dalila Mil-Homens
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Elisa Rodrigues
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Per Trolle Jørgensen
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Sónia Silva
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal.
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Zhang Z, Cao Y, Li Y, Chen X, Ding C, Liu Y. Risk factors and biofilm formation analyses of hospital-acquired infection of Candida pelliculosa in a neonatal intensive care unit. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:620. [PMID: 34187390 PMCID: PMC8244135 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06295-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Candida pelliculosa is an ecological fungal species that can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. Numerous studies globally have shown that C. pelliculosa infects neonates. An outbreak recently occurred in our neonatal intensive care unit; therefore, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors in this hospital-acquired fungal infection. Methods We performed a case-control study, analysing the potential risk factors for neonatal infections of C. pelliculosa so that infection prevention and control could be implemented in our units. Isolated strains were tested for drug resistance and biofilm formation, important factors for fungal transmission that give rise to hospital-acquired infections. Results The use of three or more broad-spectrum antimicrobials or long hospital stays were associated with higher likelihoods of infection with C. pelliculosa. The fungus was not identified on the hands of healthcare workers or in the environment. All fungal isolates were susceptible to anti-fungal medications, and after anti-fungal treatment, all infected patients recovered. Strict infection prevention and control procedures efficiently suppressed infection transmission. Intact adhesin-encoding genes, shown by genome analysis, indicated possible routes for fungal transmission. Conclusions The use of three or more broad-spectrum antimicrobials or a lengthy hospital stay is theoretically associated with the risk of infection with C. pelliculosa. Strains that we isolated are susceptible to anti-fungal medications, and these were eliminated by treating all patients with an antifungal. Transmission is likely via adhesion to the cell surface and biofilm formation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06295-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanjian Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang, China
| | - Xufang Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, China
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, China.
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11
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Bitencourt TA, Neves-da-Rocha J, Martins MP, Sanches PR, Lang EAS, Bortolossi JC, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM. StuA-Regulated Processes in the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum: Transcription Profile, Cell-Cell Adhesion, and Immunomodulation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:643659. [PMID: 34169004 PMCID: PMC8218993 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.643659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a significant concern worldwide, contributing to human morbidity and mortality. Dermatophyte infections are among the most significant mycoses, and Trichophyton rubrum appears to be the principal causative agent. Thus, an understanding of its pathophysiology is urgently required. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated that the APSES family of transcription factors (Asm1p, Phd1p, Sok2p, Efg1p, and StuA) is an important point of vulnerability in fungal pathogens and a potential therapeutic target. These transcription factors are unique to fungi, contributing to cell differentiation and adaptation to environmental cues and virulence. It has recently been demonstrated that StuA plays a pleiotropic role in dermatophyte pathophysiology. It was suggested that it functions as a mediator of crosstalk between different pathways that ultimately contribute to adaptive responses and fungal-host interactions. The complex regulation of StuA and its interaction pathways are yet to be unveiled. Thus, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of StuA-regulated processes in T. rubrum by assessing global gene expression following growth on keratin or glucose sources. The data showed the involvement of StuA in biological processes related to central carbon metabolism and glycerol catabolism, reactive oxygen species metabolism, and cell wall construction. Changes in carbohydrate metabolism may be responsible for the significant alteration in cell wall pattern and consequently in cell-cell interaction and adhesion. Loss of StuA led to impaired biofilm production and promoted proinflammatory cytokine secretion in a human keratinocyte cell line. We also observed the StuA-dependent regulation of catalase genes. Altogether, these data demonstrate the multitude of regulatory targets of StuA with a critical role in central metabolism that may ultimately trigger a cascade of secondary effects with substantial impact on fungal physiology and virulence traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires A Bitencourt
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João Neves-da-Rocha
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maira P Martins
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pablo R Sanches
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Elza A S Lang
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Julio C Bortolossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nilce M Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Mancera E, Nocedal I, Hammel S, Gulati M, Mitchell KF, Andes DR, Nobile CJ, Butler G, Johnson AD. Evolution of the complex transcription network controlling biofilm formation in Candida species. eLife 2021; 10:e64682. [PMID: 33825680 PMCID: PMC8075579 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We examine how a complex transcription network composed of seven 'master' regulators and hundreds of target genes evolved over a span of approximately 70 million years. The network controls biofilm formation in several Candida species, a group of fungi that are present in humans both as constituents of the microbiota and as opportunistic pathogens. Using a variety of approaches, we observed two major types of changes that have occurred in the biofilm network since the four extant species we examined last shared a common ancestor. Master regulator 'substitutions' occurred over relatively long evolutionary times, resulting in different species having overlapping but different sets of master regulators of biofilm formation. Second, massive changes in the connections between the master regulators and their target genes occurred over much shorter timescales. We believe this analysis is the first detailed, empirical description of how a complex transcription network has evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mancera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad IrapuatoIrapuatoMexico
| | - Isabel Nocedal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Stephen Hammel
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, MercedMercedUnited States
| | - Kaitlin F Mitchell
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, MercedMercedUnited States
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Microbiome Initiative, Chan Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoUnited States
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13
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Abstract
Candida parapsilosis has emerged as a frequent cause of invasive candidiasis with increasing evidence of unique biological features relative to C. albicans As it adapts to conditions within a mammalian host, rapid changes in gene expression are necessary to facilitate colonization and persistence in this environment. Adhesion of the organism to biological surfaces is a key first step in this process and is the focus of this study. Building on previous observations showing the importance of a member of the ALS gene family in C. parapsilosis adhesion, three clinical isolates were cultured under two conditions that mimic the mammalian host and promote adhesion, incubation at 37°C in tissue culture medium 199 or in human plasma. Transcriptional profiles using RNA-seq were obtained in these adhesion-inducing conditions and compared to profiles following growth in yeast media that suppress adhesion to identify gene expression profiles associated with adhesion. Overall gene expression profiles among the three strains were similar in both adhesion-inducing conditions and distinct from adhesion-suppressing conditions. Pairwise analysis among the three growth conditions identified 133 genes that were differentially expressed at a cutoff of ±4-fold, with the most upregulated genes significantly enriched in iron acquisition and transmembrane transport, while the most downregulated genes were enriched in oxidation-reduction processes. Gene family enrichment analysis identified gene families with diverse functions that may have an important role in this important step for colonization and disease.IMPORTANCE Invasive Candida infections are frequent complications of the immunocompromised and are associated with substantive morbidity and mortality. Although C. albicans is the best-studied species, emerging infections by non-albicans Candida species have led to increased efforts to understand aspects of their pathogenesis that are unique from C. albicans C. parapsilosis is a frequent cause of invasive infections, particularly among premature infants. Recent efforts have identified important virulence mechanisms that have features distinct from C. albicans C. parapsilosis can exist outside a host environment and therefore requires rapid modifications when it encounters a mammalian host to prevent its clearance. An important first step in the process is adhesion to host surfaces. This work takes a global, nonbiased approach to investigate broad changes in gene expression that accompany efficient adhesion. As such, biological pathways and individual protein targets are identified that may be amenable to manipulation to reduce colonization and disease from this organism.
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14
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Branco J, Martins-Cruz C, Rodrigues L, Silva RM, Araújo-Gomes N, Gonçalves T, Miranda IM, Rodrigues AG. The transcription factor Ndt80 is a repressor of Candida parapsilosis virulence attributes. Virulence 2021; 12:601-614. [PMID: 33538224 PMCID: PMC7872087 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1878743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is an emergent opportunistic yeast among hospital settings that affects mainly neonates and immunocompromised patients. Its most remarkable virulence traits are the ability to adhere to prosthetic materials, as well as the formation of biofilm on abiotic surfaces. The Ndt80 transcription factor was identified as one of the regulators of biofilm formation by C. parapsilosis; however, its function in this process was not yet clarified. By knocking out NDT80 (CPAR2-213640) gene, or even just one single copy of the gene, we observed substantial alterations of virulence attributes, including morphogenetic changes, adhesion and biofilm growth profiles. Both ndt80Δ and ndt80ΔΔ mutants changed colony and cell morphologies from smooth, yeast-shaped to crepe and pseudohyphal elongated forms, exhibiting promoted adherence to polystyrene microspheres and notably, forming a higher amount of biofilm compared to wild-type strain. Interestingly, we identified transcription factors Ume6, Cph2, Cwh41, Ace2, Bcr1, protein kinase Mkc1 and adhesin Als7 to be under Ndt80 negative regulation, partially explaining the phenotypes displayed by the ndt80ΔΔ mutant. Furthermore, ndt80ΔΔ pseudohyphae adhered more rapidly and were more resistant to murine macrophage attack, becoming deleterious to such cells after phagocytosis. Unexpectedly, our findings provide the first evidence for a direct role of Ndt80 as a repressor of C. parapsilosis virulence attributes. This finding shows that C. parapsilosis Ndt80 functionally diverges from its homolog in the close related fungal pathogen C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Branco
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto , Porto, Portugal.,CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto , Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Martins-Cruz
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto , Porto, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- CNC - Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal.,FMUC - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel M Silva
- Faculdade De Medicina Dentária, CIIS - Centro De Investigação Interdisciplinar Em Saúde, Universidade Católica Portuguesa , Viseu, Portugal
| | - Nuno Araújo-Gomes
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto , Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC - Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal.,FMUC - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel M Miranda
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto , Porto, Portugal
| | - Acácio G Rodrigues
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto , Porto, Portugal.,CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto , Porto, Portugal
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15
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Staniszewska M. Virulence Factors in Candida species. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:313-323. [PMID: 31544690 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190722152415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fungal diseases are severe and have very high morbidity as well as up to 60% mortality for patients diagnosed with invasive fungal infection. In this review, in vitro and in vivo studies provided us with the insight into the role of Candida virulence factors that mediate their success as pathogens, such as: membrane and cell wall (CW) barriers, dimorphism, biofilm formation, signal transduction pathway, proteins related to stress tolerance, hydrolytic enzymes (e.g. proteases, lipases, haemolysins), and toxin production. The review characterized the virulence of clinically important C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and C. krusei. Due to the white-opaque transition in the mating-type locus MTL-homozygous cells, C. albicans demonstrates an advantage over other less related species of Candida as a human commensal and pathogen. It was reviewed that Candida ergosterol biosynthesis genes play a role in cellular stress and are essential for Candida pathogenesis both in invasive and superficial infections. Hydrolases associated with CW are involved in the host-pathogen interactions. Adhesins are crucial in colonization and biofilm formation, an important virulence factor for candidiasis. Calcineurin is involved in membrane and CW stress as well as virulence. The hyphae-specific toxin, named candidalysin, invades mucosal cells facilitating fungal invasion into deeper tissues. Expression of this protein promotes resistance to neutrophil killing in candidiasis. The virulence factors provide immunostimulatory factors, activating dendric cells and promoting T cell infiltration and activation. Targeting virulence factors, can reduce the risk of resistance development in Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Staniszewska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Rodríguez-Cerdeira C, Martínez-Herrera E, Carnero-Gregorio M, López-Barcenas A, Fabbrocini G, Fida M, El-Samahy M, González-Cespón JL. Pathogenesis and Clinical Relevance of Candida Biofilms in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:544480. [PMID: 33262741 PMCID: PMC7686049 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.544480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of Candida spp. to form biofilms is crucial for its pathogenicity, and thus, it should be considered an important virulence factor in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent VVC (RVVC). Its ability to generate biofilms is multifactorial and is generally believed to depend on the site of infection, species and strain involved, and the microenvironment in which the infection develops. Therefore, both cell surface proteins, such as Hwp1, Als1, and Als2, and the cell wall-related protein, Sun41, play a critical role in the adhesion and virulence of the biofilm. Immunological and pharmacological approaches have identified the NLRP3 inflammasome as a crucial molecular factor contributing to host immunopathology. In this context, we have earlier shown that Candida albicans associated with hyphae-secreted aspartyl proteinases (specifically SAP4-6) contribute to the immunopathology of the disease. Transcriptome profiling has revealed that non-coding transcripts regulate protein synthesis post-transcriptionally, which is important for the growth of Candida spp. Other studies have employed RNA sequencing to identify differences in the 1,245 Candida genes involved in surface and invasive cellular metabolism regulation. In vitro systems allow the simultaneous processing of a large number of samples, making them an ideal screening technique for estimating various physicochemical parameters, testing the activity of antimicrobial agents, and analyzing genes involved in biofilm formation and regulation (in situ) in specific strains. Murine VVC models are used to study C. albicans infection, especially in trials of novel treatments and to understand the cause(s) for resistance to conventional therapeutics. This review on the clinical relevance of Candida biofilms in VVC focuses on important advances in its genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Moreover, recent experiments on the influence of biofilm formation on VVC or RVVC pathogenesis in laboratory animals have been discussed. A clear elucidation of one of the pathogenesis mechanisms employed by Candida biofilms in vulvovaginal candidiasis and its applications in clinical practice represents the most significant contribution of this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cerdeira
- Efficiency, Quality, and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Health Research Institute, SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, Hospital do Meixoeiro and University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain.,European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Psychodermatology Task Force of the Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology (CILAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Erick Martínez-Herrera
- Psychodermatology Task Force of the Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology (CILAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Ixtapaluca, Mexico
| | - Miguel Carnero-Gregorio
- Efficiency, Quality, and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Health Research Institute, SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain.,Department of Molecular Diagnosis (Array & NGS Division), Institute of Cellular and Molecular Studies, Lugo, Spain
| | - Adriana López-Barcenas
- European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Psychodermatology Task Force of the Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology (CILAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Section of Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Manuel Gea González hospital, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriella Fabbrocini
- European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Monika Fida
- European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine, Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - May El-Samahy
- European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - José Luís González-Cespón
- Efficiency, Quality, and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Health Research Institute, SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
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17
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Modiri M, Hashemi SJ, GhazvinI RD, Khodavaisy S, Ahmadi A, Ghaffari M, Rezaie S. Antifungal susceptibility pattern and biofilm-related genes expression in planktonic and biofilm cells of Candida parapsilosis species complex. Curr Med Mycol 2020; 5:35-42. [PMID: 32104742 PMCID: PMC7034785 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.5.4.1950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Candida parapsilosis complex isolates are mainly responsible for nosocomial catheter-related infection in immunocompromised patients. Biofilm formation is regarded as one of the most pertinent key virulence factors in the development of these emerging infections. The present study aimed to compare in vitro antifungal susceptibility patterns and biofilm-related genes expression ratio in planktonic and biofilm’s cells of clinically C. parapsilosis complex isolates. Materials and Methods: The current study was conducted on a number of 17 clinical C. parapsilosis complex (10 C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, 5 C. orthopsilosis, and 2 C. metapsilosis). The antifungal susceptibility patterns of amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin in planktonic and biofilm forms were closely examined using CLSI M27-A3 broth microdilution method. The expression levels of biofilm-related genes (BCR1, EFG1, and FKS1) were evaluated in planktonic and biofilm’s cells using Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Results: The obtained results indicated that all C. parapsilosis complex isolates were able to produce high and moderate amounts of biofilm forms. In addition, the sessile minimum inhibitory concentrations were reported to be high for fluconazole (≥ 64 µg/ml), itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole (≥ 16 µg/ml), as compared to planktonic minimum inhibitory concentrations. Moreover, a significant difference was observed between antifungal susceptibility patterns for all azole antifungal agents (P<0.05). Furthermore, the BCR1 overexpression was considered significant in biofilms with regard to planktonic cells in C. parapsilosis species complex (P=0.002). Conclusion: C. parapsilosis complex isolates were found susceptible to most of the tested antifungal drugs, while biofilms demonstrated a noticeable resistant to azoles. The marked discrepancy noted in antifungal susceptibility patterns among these species should be highlighted to achieve effective therapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Modiri
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshanak Daie GhazvinI
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Ghaffari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Varamin-Pishva, Iran
| | - Sassan Rezaie
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Araújo D, Azevedo NM, Barbosa A, Almeida C, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M, Silva S. Application of 2'-OMethylRNA' Antisense Oligomer to Control Candida albicans EFG1 Virulence Determinant. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:508-517. [PMID: 31671344 PMCID: PMC6838528 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligomers and their analogs have been successfully utilized to silence gene expression for the treatment of many human diseases; however, the control of yeast’s virulence determinants has never been exploited before. In this sense, this work is based on the key hypothesis that if a pathogen’s genetic sequence is a determinant of virulence, it will be possible to synthesize a nucleic acid mimic based on antisense therapy (AST) that will bind to the mRNA produced, blocking its translation into protein and, consequently, reducing the pathogen virulence phenotype. EFG1 is an important determinant of virulence that is involved in the regulation of the Candida albicans switch from yeast to filamentous form. Thus, our main goal was to design and synthesize an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting the EFG1 mRNA and to validate its in vitro applicability. The results show that the anti-EFG1 2′-OMethylRNA (2′OMe) oligomer was able to significantly reduce the levels of EFG1 gene expression and of Efg1p protein translation (both approximately 60%), as well as effectively prevent filamentation of C. albicans cells (by 80%). Moreover, it was verified that anti-EFG1 2′OMe keeps the efficacy in different simulated human body fluids. Undeniably, this work provides potentially valuable information for future research into the management of Candida infections, regarding the development of a credible and alternative method to control C. albicans infections, based on AST methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Araújo
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Miguel Azevedo
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Barbosa
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Carina Almeida
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; INIAV, IP-National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Rua dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Maria Elisa Rodrigues
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- LIBRO-Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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19
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Shafeeq S, Pannanusorn S, Elsharabasy Y, Ramírez-Zavala B, Morschhäuser J, Römling U. Impact of manganese on biofilm formation and cell morphology of Candida parapsilosis clinical isolates with different biofilm forming abilities. FEMS Yeast Res 2019; 19:5548773. [PMID: 31403663 PMCID: PMC6761954 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foz057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The commensal species Candida parapsilosis is an emerging human pathogen that has the ability to form biofilms. In this study, we explored the impact of the divalent cations cobalt (Co2+), copper (Cu2+), iron (Fe3+), manganese (Mn2+), nickel (Ni2+) and zinc (Zn2+) on biofilm formation of clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis with no, low and high biofilm forming abilities at 30 and 37°C. All strains besides one isolate showed a concentration-dependent enhancement of biofilm formation at 30°C in the presence of Mn2+ with a maximum at 2 mM. The biofilm forming ability of no and low biofilm forming isolates was >2-fold enhanced in the presence of 2 mM Mn2+, while the effect in high biofilm forming isolate was significantly less pronounced. Of note, cells in the biofilms of no and low biofilm forming strains differentiated into yeast and pseudohyphal cells similar in morphology to high biofilm formers. The biofilm transcriptional activator BCR1 has a dual developmental role in the absence and presence of 2 mM Mn2+ as it promoted biofilm formation of no biofilm forming strains, and, surprisingly, suppressed cells of no biofilm forming strains to develop into pseudohyphae and/or hyphae. Thus, environmental conditions can significantly affect the amount of biofilm formation and cell morphology of C. parapsilosis with Mn2+ to overcome developmental blocks to trigger biofilm formation and to partially relieve BCR1 suppressed cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulman Shafeeq
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Srisuda Pannanusorn
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, 12120, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Youssef Elsharabasy
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bernardo Ramírez-Zavala
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Morschhäuser
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ute Römling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17165, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Abstract
Patients with suppressed immunity are at the highest risk for hospital-acquired infections. Among these, invasive candidiasis is the most prevalent systemic fungal nosocomial infection. Over recent decades, the combined prevalence of non-albicans Candida species outranked Candida albicans infections in several geographical regions worldwide, highlighting the need to understand their pathobiology in order to develop effective treatment and to prevent future outbreaks. Candida parapsilosis is the second or third most frequently isolated Candida species from patients. Besides being highly prevalent, its biology differs markedly from that of C. albicans, which may be associated with C. parapsilosis' increased incidence. Differences in virulence, regulatory and antifungal drug resistance mechanisms, and the patient groups at risk indicate that conclusions drawn from C. albicans pathobiology cannot be simply extrapolated to C. parapsilosis Such species-specific characteristics may also influence their recognition and elimination by the host and the efficacy of antifungal drugs. Due to the availability of high-throughput, state-of-the-art experimental tools and molecular genetic methods adapted to C. parapsilosis, genome and transcriptome studies are now available that greatly contribute to our understanding of what makes this species a threat. In this review, we summarize 10 years of findings on C. parapsilosis pathogenesis, including the species' genetic properties, transcriptome studies, host responses, and molecular mechanisms of virulence. Antifungal susceptibility studies and clinician perspectives are discussed. We also present regional incidence reports in order to provide an updated worldwide epidemiology summary.
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21
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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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22
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Rodríguez-Cerdeira C, Gregorio MC, Molares-Vila A, López-Barcenas A, Fabbrocini G, Bardhi B, Sinani A, Sánchez-Blanco E, Arenas-Guzmán R, Hernandez-Castro R. Biofilms and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 174:110-125. [PMID: 30447520 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Candida species, including C. albicans, are part of the mucosal flora of most healthy women, and inhabit the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Under favourable conditions, they can colonize the vulvovaginal mucosa, giving rise to symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The mechanism by which Candida spp. produces inflammation is unknown. Both, the blastoconidia and the pseudohyphae are capable of destroying the vaginal epithelium by direct invasion. Although the symptoms are not always related to the fungal burden, in general, VVC is associated with a greater number of yeasts and pseudohyphae. Some years ago, C. albicans was the species most frequently involved in the different forms of VVC. However, infections by different species have emerged during the last two decades producing an increase in causative species of VVC such as C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei and C. tropicalis. Candida species are pathogenic organisms that have two forms of development: planktonic and biofilm. A biofilm is defined as a community of microorganisms attached to a surface and encompassed by an extracellular matrix. This form of presentation gives microorganisms greater resistance to antifungal agents. This review, about Candia spp. with a special emphasis on Candida albicans discusses specific areas such as biofilm structure and development, cell morphology and biofilm formation, biofilm-associated gene expression, the cell surface and adherence, the extracellular matrix, biofilm metabolism, and biofilm drug resistance in vulvovaginitis biofilms as an important virulence factor in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cerdeira
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Dermatology Department, Hospital do Meixoeiro and University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain; European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society (EWDVS), Vigo, Spain.
| | - Miguel Carnero Gregorio
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Alberto Molares-Vila
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Department of Department of Analytical & Food Chemistry, Universidade de Vigo (UVIGO), Spain
| | - Adriana López-Barcenas
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Mycology Service, Hospital Manuel Gea González, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Ardiana Sinani
- Dermatology Service, Military Medical Unit, University Trauma Hospital, Tirana, Albania
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Cavalheiro M, Teixeira MC. Candida Biofilms: Threats, Challenges, and Promising Strategies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:28. [PMID: 29487851 PMCID: PMC5816785 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are fungal pathogens known for their ability to cause superficial and systemic infections in the human host. These pathogens are able to persist inside the host due to the development of pathogenicity and multidrug resistance traits, often leading to the failure of therapeutic strategies. One specific feature of Candida species pathogenicity is their ability to form biofilms, which protects them from external factors such as host immune system defenses and antifungal drugs. This review focuses on the current threats and challenges when dealing with biofilms formed by Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis, highlighting the differences between the four species. Biofilm characteristics depend on the ability of each species to produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and display dimorphic growth, but also on the biofilm substratum, carbon source availability and other factors. Additionally, the transcriptional control over processes like adhesion, biofilm formation, filamentation, and EPS production displays great complexity and diversity within pathogenic yeasts of the Candida genus. These differences not only have implications in the persistence of colonization and infections but also on antifungal resistance typically found in Candida biofilm cells, potentiated by EPS, that functions as a barrier to drug diffusion, and by the overexpression of drug resistance transporters. The ability to interact with different species in in vivo Candida biofilms is also a key factor to consider when dealing with this problem. Despite many challenges, the most promising strategies that are currently available or under development to limit biofilm formation or to eradicate mature biofilms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Cavalheiro
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Cacho Teixeira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Zhang G, Ren A, Shi L, Zhu J, Jiang A, Shi D, Zhao M. Functional analysis of an APSES transcription factor (GlSwi6) involved in fungal growth, fruiting body development and ganoderic-acid biosynthesis in Ganoderma lucidum. Microbiol Res 2018; 207:280-288. [PMID: 29458864 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The APSES transcription factors have been identified as key regulators of fungal development and other biological processes in fungi. In the present study, the function of Ganoderma lucidum GlSwi6, a homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Swi6, was characterized. RNAi was used to examine the function of GlSwi6 in G. lucidum. Silencing GlSwi6 resulted in multiple developmental defects, including reduced fungal growth and increased hyphal branching, and the GlSwi6-silenced strains did not exhibit primordium or fruiting body formation. In addition, the H2O2 and ganoderic-acid (GA) levels of the GlSwi6-silenced strains decreased approximately 50% and 25%, respectively, compared with those of the WT strain. Furthermore, the addition of H2O2 led to the recovery of the GA levels of GlSwi6-silenced strains, implying that GlSwi6 might regulate GA biosynthesis by regulating the intracellular ROS levels. Taken together, these results indicate that GlSwi6 is involved in fungal growth, development and GA biosynthesis in G. lucidum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Microbiology Department, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Ang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Microbiology Department, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Microbiology Department, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Microbiology Department, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Ailiang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Microbiology Department, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengke Shi
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Microbiology Department, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Microbiology Department, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Yao G, Zhang F, Nie X, Wang X, Yuan J, Zhuang Z, Wang S. Essential APSES Transcription Factors for Mycotoxin Synthesis, Fungal Development, and Pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2277. [PMID: 29209291 PMCID: PMC5702001 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are a potent carcinogenic mycotoxin and has become a research model of fungal secondary metabolism (SM). Via systematically investigating the APSES transcription factors (TFs), two APSES proteins were identified: AfRafA and AfStuA. These play central roles in the synthesis of mycotoxins including aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid, and fungal development and are consequently central to the pathogenicity of the aflatoxigenic A. flavus. Loss of AfRafA not only dramatically suppressed aflatoxin cluster expression, subsequently reducing toxin synthesis both in vitro and in vivo, but also impaired conidia and sclerotia development. More importantly, aflatoxin biosynthesis as well as conidia and sclerotia development were fully blocked in ΔAfStuA. In addition, our results supported that AfStuA regulated the aflatoxin synthesis in an AflR-dependent manner. Intriguingly, it was revealed that AfRafA and AfStuA exert an antagonistic role in the regulation of biosynthesis of cyclopiazonic acid. In summary, two global transcriptional regulators for fungal development, mycotoxin production, and seed pathogenicity of the A. flavus system have been established. The two novel regulators of mycotoxins are promising targets for future plant breeding and for the development of fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Nie
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiuna Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenhong Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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26
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Andreani ES, Villa F, Cappitelli F, Krasowska A, Biniarz P, Łukaszewicz M, Secundo F. Coating polypropylene surfaces with protease weakens the adhesion and increases the dispersion of Candida albicans cells. Biotechnol Lett 2016; 39:423-428. [PMID: 27878654 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-016-2262-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the ability of the proteases, subtilisin and α-chymotrypsin (aCT), to inhibit the adhesion of Candida albicans biofilm to a polypropylene surface. RESULTS The proteases were immobilized on plasma-treated polypropylene by covalently linking them with either glutaraldehyde (GA) or N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The immobilization did not negatively affect the enzyme activity and in the case of subtilisin, the activity was up to 640% higher than that of the free enzyme when using N-acetyl phenylalanine ethyl ester as the substrate. The efficacies against biofilm dispersal for the GA-linked SubC and aCT coatings were 41 and 55% higher than the control (polypropylene coated with only GA), respectively, whereas no effect was observed with enzymes immobilized with DIC and NHS. The higher dispersion efficacy observed for the proteases immobilized with GA could be both steric (proper orientation of the active site) and dynamic (higher protein mobility/flexibility). CONCLUSIONS Proteases immobilized on a polypropylene surface reduced the adhesion of C. albicans biofilms and therefore may be useful in developing anti-biofilm surfaces based on non-toxic molecules and sustainable strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Spadoni Andreani
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Villa
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Cappitelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 2, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Krasowska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joilot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Piotr Biniarz
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joilot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Łukaszewicz
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joilot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Francesco Secundo
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milan, Italy.
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27
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Pais P, Costa C, Cavalheiro M, Romão D, Teixeira MC. Transcriptional Control of Drug Resistance, Virulence and Immune System Evasion in Pathogenic Fungi: A Cross-Species Comparison. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:131. [PMID: 27812511 PMCID: PMC5072224 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00131] [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: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are key players in the control of the activation or repression of gene expression programs in response to environmental stimuli. The study of regulatory networks taking place in fungal pathogens is a promising research topic that can help in the fight against these pathogens by targeting specific fungal pathways as a whole, instead of targeting more specific effectors of virulence or drug resistance. This review is focused on the analysis of regulatory networks playing a central role in the referred mechanisms in the human fungal pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis. Current knowledge on the activity of the transcription factors characterized in each of these pathogenic fungal species will be addressed. Particular focus is given to their mechanisms of activation, regulatory targets and phenotypic outcome. The review further provides an evaluation on the conservation of transcriptional circuits among different fungal pathogens, highlighting the pathways that translate common or divergent traits among these species in what concerns their drug resistance, virulence and host immune evasion features. It becomes evident that the regulation of transcriptional networks is complex and presents significant variations among different fungal pathogens. Only the oxidative stress regulators Yap1 and Skn7 are conserved among all studied species; while some transcription factors, involved in nutrient homeostasis, pH adaptation, drug resistance and morphological switching are present in several, though not all species. Interestingly, in some cases not very homologous transcription factors display orthologous functions, whereas some homologous proteins have diverged in terms of their function in different species. A few cases of species specific transcription factors are also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Pais
- Biological Sciences Research Group, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal; Biological Sciences Research Group, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior TécnicoLisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Costa
- Biological Sciences Research Group, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal; Biological Sciences Research Group, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior TécnicoLisboa, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Cavalheiro
- Biological Sciences Research Group, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal; Biological Sciences Research Group, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior TécnicoLisboa, Portugal
| | - Daniela Romão
- Biological Sciences Research Group, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal; Biological Sciences Research Group, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior TécnicoLisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel C Teixeira
- Biological Sciences Research Group, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal; Biological Sciences Research Group, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior TécnicoLisboa, Portugal
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28
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Araújo D, Henriques M, Silva S. Portrait of Candida Species Biofilm Regulatory Network Genes. Trends Microbiol 2016; 25:62-75. [PMID: 27717660 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Most cases of candidiasis have been attributed to Candida albicans, but Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis, designated as non-C. albicans Candida (NCAC), have been identified as frequent human pathogens. Moreover, Candida biofilms are an escalating clinical problem associated with significant rates of mortality. Biofilms have distinct developmental phases, including adhesion/colonisation, maturation and dispersal, controlled by complex regulatory networks. This review discusses recent advances regarding Candida species biofilm regulatory network genes, which are key components for candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Araújo
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
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29
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Mlynáriková K, Šedo O, Růžička F, Zdráhal Z, Holá V, Mahelová M. Evaluation of capacity to detect ability to form biofilm in Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto strains by MALDI-TOF MS. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2016; 61:465-471. [DOI: 10.1007/s12223-016-0458-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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30
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Pérez-García LA, Csonka K, Flores-Carreón A, Estrada-Mata E, Mellado-Mojica E, Németh T, López-Ramírez LA, Toth R, López MG, Vizler C, Marton A, Tóth A, Nosanchuk JD, Gácser A, Mora-Montes HM. Role of Protein Glycosylation in Candida parapsilosis Cell Wall Integrity and Host Interaction. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:306. [PMID: 27014229 PMCID: PMC4781877 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is an important, emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen. Highly mannosylated fungal cell wall proteins are initial contact points with host immune systems. In Candida albicans, Och1 is a Golgi α1,6-mannosyltransferase that plays a key role in the elaboration of the N-linked mannan outer chain. Here, we disrupted C. parapsilosis OCH1 to gain insights into the contribution of N-linked mannosylation to cell fitness and to interactions with immune cells. Loss of Och1 in C. parapsilosis resulted in cellular aggregation, failure of morphogenesis, enhanced susceptibility to cell wall perturbing agents and defects in wall composition. We removed the cell wall O-linked mannans by β-elimination, and assessed the relevance of mannans during interaction with human monocytes. Results indicated that O-linked mannans are important for IL-1β stimulation in a dectin-1 and TLR4-dependent pathway; whereas both, N- and O-linked mannans are equally important ligands for TNFα and IL-6 stimulation, but neither is involved in IL-10 production. Furthermore, mice infected with C. parapsilosis och1Δ null mutant cells had significantly lower fungal burdens compared to wild-type (WT)-challenged counterparts. Therefore, our data are the first to demonstrate that C. parapsilosis N- and O-linked mannans have different roles in host interactions than those reported for C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Pérez-García
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Katalin Csonka
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged Szeged, Hungary
| | - Arturo Flores-Carreón
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Eine Estrada-Mata
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Erika Mellado-Mojica
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Tibor Németh
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged Szeged, Hungary
| | - Luz A López-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Renata Toth
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mercedes G López
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Csaba Vizler
- Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Szeged, Hungary
| | - Annamaria Marton
- Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Szeged, Hungary
| | - Adél Tóth
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged Szeged, Hungary
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Attila Gácser
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged Szeged, Hungary
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato Guanajuato, Mexico
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31
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Li XQ, Guo BL, Cai WY, Zhang JM, Huang HQ, Zhan P, Xi LY, Vicente VA, Stielow B, Sun JF, de Hoog GS. The role of melanin pathways in extremotolerance and virulence of Fonsecaea revealed by de novo assembly transcriptomics using illumina paired-end sequencing. Stud Mycol 2016; 83:1-18. [PMID: 27504027 PMCID: PMC4969264 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanisation has been considered to be an important virulence factor of Fonsecaea monophora. However, the biosynthetic mechanisms of melanisation remain unknown. We therefore used next generation sequencing technology to investigate the transcriptome and digital gene expression data, which are valuable resources to better understand the molecular and biological mechanisms regulating melanisation in F. monophora. We performed de novo transcriptome assembly and digital gene expression (DGE) profiling analyses of parent (CBS 122845) and albino (CBS 125194) strains using the Illumina RNA-seq system. A total of 17 352 annotated unigenes were found by BLAST search of NR, Swiss-Prot, Gene Ontology, Clusters of Orthologous Groups and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) (E-value <1e‒5). A total of 2 283 unigenes were judged to be the differentially expressed between the two genotypes. We identified most of the genes coding for key enzymes involved in melanin biosynthesis pathways, including polyketide synthase (pks), multicopper oxidase (mco), laccase, tyrosinase and homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (hmgA). DEG analysis showed extensive down-regulation of key genes in the DHN pathway, while up-regulation was noted in the DOPA pathway of the albino mutant. The transcript levels of partial genes were confirmed by real time RT-PCR, while the crucial role of key enzymes was confirmed by either inhibitor or substrate tests in vitro. Meanwhile, numbers of genes involved in light sensing, cell wall synthesis, morphology and environmental stress were identified in the transcriptome of F. monophora. In addition, 3 353 SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats) markers were identified from 21 600 consensus sequences. Blocking of the DNH pathway is the most likely reason of melanin deficiency in the albino strain, while the production of pheomelanin and pyomelanin were probably regulated by unknown transcription factors on upstream of both pathways. Most of genes involved in environmental tolerance to oxidants, irradiation and extreme temperatures were also assembled and annotated in transcriptomes of F. monophora. In addition, thousands of identified cSSR (combined SSR) markers will favour further genetic linkage studies. In conclusion, these data will contribute to understanding the regulation of melanin biosynthesis and help to improve the studies of pathogenicity of F. monophora.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Q Li
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - B L Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - W Y Cai
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J M Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - H Q Huang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - P Zhan
- Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China; CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L Y Xi
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - V A Vicente
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - B Stielow
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J F Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - G S de Hoog
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Dermatology, First Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China
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32
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Morphology-Independent Virulence of Candida Species during Polymicrobial Intra-abdominal Infections with Staphylococcus aureus. Infect Immun 2015; 84:90-8. [PMID: 26483410 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01059-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-abdominal polymicrobial infections cause significant morbidity and mortality. An experimental mouse model of Candida albicans-Staphylococcus aureus intra-abdominal infection (IAI) results in 100% mortality by 48 to 72 h postinoculation, while monomicrobial infections are avirulent. Mortality is associated with robust local and systemic inflammation without a requirement for C. albicans morphogenesis. However, the contribution of virulence factors coregulated during the yeast-to-hypha transition is unknown. This also raised the question of whether other Candida species that are unable to form hyphae are as virulent as C. albicans during polymicrobial IAI. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of non-albicans Candida (NAC) species with various morphologies and C. albicans transcription factor mutants (efg1/efg1 and cph1/cph1) to induce synergistic mortality and the accompanying inflammation. Results showed that S. aureus coinoculated with C. krusei or C. tropicalis was highly lethal, similar to C. albicans, while S. aureus-C. dubliniensis, S. aureus-C. parapsilosis, and S. aureus-C. glabrata coinoculations resulted in little to no mortality. Local and systemic interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were significantly elevated during symptomatic and/or lethal coinfections, and hypothermia strongly correlated with mortality. Coinoculation with C. albicans strains deficient in the transcription factor Efg1 but not Cph1 reversed the lethal outcome. These results support previous findings and demonstrate that select Candida species, without reference to any morphological requirement, induce synergistic mortality, with IL-6 and PGE2 acting as key inflammatory factors. Mechanistically, signaling pathways controlled by Efg1 are critical for the ability of C. albicans to induce mortality from an intra-abdominal polymicrobial infection.
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33
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Chandra J, Mukherjee PK. Candida Biofilms: Development, Architecture, and Resistance. Microbiol Spectr 2015; 3:10.1128/microbiolspec.MB-0020-2015. [PMID: 26350306 PMCID: PMC4566167 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.mb-0020-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravascular device-related infections are often associated with biofilms (microbial communities encased within a polysaccharide-rich extracellular matrix) formed by pathogens on the surfaces of these devices. Candida species are the most common fungi isolated from catheter-, denture-, and voice prosthesis-associated infections and also are commonly isolated from contact lens-related infections (e.g., fungal keratitis). These biofilms exhibit decreased susceptibility to most antimicrobial agents, which contributes to the persistence of infection. Recent technological advances have facilitated the development of novel approaches to investigate the formation of biofilms and identify specific markers for biofilms. These studies have provided extensive knowledge of the effect of different variables, including growth time, nutrients, and physiological conditions, on biofilm formation, morphology, and architecture. In this article, we will focus on fungal biofilms (mainly Candida biofilms) and provide an update on the development, architecture, and resistance mechanisms of biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Chandra
- Center for Medical Mycology and Mycology Reference Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Pranab K Mukherjee
- Center for Medical Mycology and Mycology Reference Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
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34
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Abstract
Fungi from the genus Candida are common members of the human microbiota; however, they are also important opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised hosts. Several morphological transitions have been linked to the ability of these fungi to occupy the different ecological niches in the human body. The transcription factor Efg1 from the APSES family plays a central role in the transcription circuits underlying several of these morphological changes. In Candida albicans, for example, Efg1 is a central regulator of filamentation, biofilm formation, and white-opaque switching, processes associated with survival in the human host. Orthologs of Efg1 are present throughout the Candida clade but, surprisingly, the genome sequence of Candida tropicalis failed to uncover a gene coding for Efg1. One possibility was that the paralog of Efg1, Efh1, had assumed the function of Efg1 in C. tropicalis. However, we show that this gene has only a minor role in the morphological transitions mentioned above. Instead, we report here that C. tropicalis does have an ortholog of the EFG1 gene found in other Candida species. The gene is located in a different genomic position than EFG1 in C. albicans, in a region that contains a gap in the current genome assembly of C. tropicalis. We show that the newly identified C. tropicalis EFG1 gene regulates filamentation, biofilm formation, and white-opaque switching. Our results highlight the conserved role of Efg1 in controlling morphogenesis in Candida species and remind us that published genome sequences are drafts that require continuous curation and careful scrutiny.
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Ford CB, Funt JM, Abbey D, Issi L, Guiducci C, Martinez DA, Delorey T, Li BY, White TC, Cuomo C, Rao RP, Berman J, Thompson DA, Regev A. The evolution of drug resistance in clinical isolates of Candida albicans. eLife 2015; 4:e00662. [PMID: 25646566 PMCID: PMC4383195 DOI: 10.7554/elife.00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is both a member of the healthy human microbiome
and a major pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. Infections are typically
treated with azole inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis often leading to drug
resistance. Studies in clinical isolates have implicated multiple mechanisms in
resistance, but have focused on large-scale aberrations or candidate genes, and do
not comprehensively chart the genetic basis of adaptation. Here, we leveraged
next-generation sequencing to analyze 43 isolates from 11 oral candidiasis patients.
We detected newly selected mutations, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms
(SNPs), copy-number variations and loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) events. LOH events
were commonly associated with acquired resistance, and SNPs in 240 genes may be
related to host adaptation. Conversely, most aneuploidies were transient and did not
correlate with drug resistance. Our analysis also shows that isolates also varied in
adherence, filamentation, and virulence. Our work reveals new molecular mechanisms
underlying the evolution of drug resistance and host adaptation. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00662.001 Nearly all humans are infected with the fungus Candida albicans. In
most people, the infection does not produce any symptoms because their immune system
is able to counteract the fungus' attempts to spread around the body. However, if the
balance between fungal attack and body defence fails, the fungus is able to spread,
which can lead to serious disease that is fatal in 42% of cases. How does C. albicans outcompete the body's defences to cause
disease? This is a pertinent question because the most effective antifungal
medicines—including the drug fluconazole—do not kill the fungus; they
only stop it from growing. This gives the fungus time to develop resistance to the
drug by becoming able to quickly replace the fungal proteins the drug destroys, or to
efficiently remove the drug from its cells. In this study, Ford et al. studied the changes that occur in the DNA of C.
albicans over time in patients who are being treated with fluconazole.
Ford et al. took 43 samples of C. albicans from 11 patients with
weakened immune systems. The experiments show that the fungus samples collected early
on were more sensitive to the drug than the samples collected later. In most cases, the genetic data suggest that the infections begin with a single
fungal cell; the cells in the later samples are its offspring. Despite this, there is
a lot of genetic variation between samples from the same patient, which indicates
that the fungus is under pressure to become more resistant to the drug. There were
240 genes—including those that can alter the surface on the fungus cells to
make it better at evading the host immune system—in which small changes
occurred over time in three or more patients. Laboratory tests revealed that many of
these genes are likely important for the fungus to survive in an animal host in the
presence of the drug. C. albicans cells usually have two genetically distinct copies of
every gene. Ford et al. found that for some genes—including some that make
surface components or are involved in expelling drugs from cells—the loss of
genetic information from one copy, so that both copies become identical, is linked to
resistance to fluconazole. However, the gain of whole or partial
chromosomes—which contain large numbers of genes—is not linked to
resistance, but may provide additional genetic material for generating diversity in
the yeast population that may help the cells to evolve resistance in the future. These experiments have identified many new candidate genes that are important for
drug resistance and evading the host immune system, and which could be used to guide
the development of new therapeutics to treat these life-threatening infections. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00662.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Ford
- Department of Biology, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Jason M Funt
- Department of Biology, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Darren Abbey
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Luca Issi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, United States
| | | | | | - Toni Delorey
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Bi Yu Li
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Theodore C White
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, United States
| | - Christina Cuomo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Reeta P Rao
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, United States
| | - Judith Berman
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Dawn A Thompson
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Aviv Regev
- Department of Biology, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
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Zhao Y, Su H, Zhou J, Feng H, Zhang KQ, Yang J. The APSES family proteins in fungi: Characterizations, evolution and functions. Fungal Genet Biol 2014; 81:271-80. [PMID: 25534868 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The APSES protein family belongs to transcriptional factors of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) class, the originally described members (APSES: Asm1p, Phd1p, Sok2p, Efg1p and StuAp) are used to designate this group of proteins, and they have been identified as key regulators of fungal development and other biological processes. APSES proteins share a highly conserved DNA-binding domain (APSES domain) of about 100 amino acids, whose central domain is predicted to form a typical bHLH structure. Besides APSES domain, several APSES proteins also contain additional domains, such as KilA-N and ankyrin repeats. In recent years, an increasing number of APSES proteins have been identified from diverse fungi, and they involve in numerous biological processes, such as sporulation, cellular differentiation, mycelial growth, secondary metabolism and virulence. Most fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Candida albicans, Fusarium graminearum, and Neurospora crassa, contain five APSES proteins. However, Cryptococcus neoformans only contains two APSES proteins, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains six APSES proteins. The phylogenetic analysis showed the APSES domains from different fungi were grouped into four clades (A, B, C and D), which is consistent with the result of homologous alignment of APSES domains using DNAman. The roles of APSES proteins in clade C have been studied in detail, while little is known about the roles of other APSES proteins in clades A, B and D. In this review, the biochemical properties and functional domains of APSES proteins are predicted and compared, and the phylogenetic relationship among APSES proteins from various fungi are analyzed based on the APSES domains. Moreover, the functions of APSES proteins in different fungi are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhao
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Hao Su
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Huihua Feng
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Jinkui Yang
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China.
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37
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Abstract
Morphogenesis in fungi is often induced by extracellular factors and executed by fungal genetic factors. Cell surface changes and alterations of the microenvironment often accompany morphogenetic changes in fungi. In this review, we will first discuss the general traits of yeast and hyphal morphotypes and how morphogenesis affects development and adaptation by fungi to their native niches, including host niches. Then we will focus on the molecular machinery responsible for the two most fundamental growth forms, yeast and hyphae. Last, we will describe how fungi incorporate exogenous environmental and host signals together with genetic factors to determine their morphotype and how morphogenesis, in turn, shapes the fungal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Lin
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3258
| | - J Andrew Alspaugh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Haoping Liu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Steven Harris
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588
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38
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Desai JV, Mitchell AP, Andes DR. Fungal biofilms, drug resistance, and recurrent infection. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 4:4/10/a019729. [PMID: 25274758 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a019729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A biofilm is a surface-associated microbial community. Diverse fungi are capable of biofilm growth. The significance of this growth form for infection biology is that biofilm formation on implanted devices is a major cause of recurrent infection. Biofilms also have limited drug susceptibility, making device-associated infection extremely difficult to treat. Biofilm-like growth can occur during many kinds of infection, even when an implanted device is not present. Here we summarize the current understanding of fungal biofilm formation, its genetic control, and the basis for biofilm drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jigar V Desai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Aaron P Mitchell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
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39
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Holland LM, Schröder MS, Turner SA, Taff H, Andes D, Grózer Z, Gácser A, Ames L, Haynes K, Higgins DG, Butler G. Comparative phenotypic analysis of the major fungal pathogens Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004365. [PMID: 25233198 PMCID: PMC4169492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans are human fungal pathogens that belong to the CTG clade in the Saccharomycotina. In contrast to C. albicans, relatively little is known about the virulence properties of C. parapsilosis, a pathogen particularly associated with infections of premature neonates. We describe here the construction of C. parapsilosis strains carrying double allele deletions of 100 transcription factors, protein kinases and species-specific genes. Two independent deletions were constructed for each target gene. Growth in >40 conditions was tested, including carbon source, temperature, and the presence of antifungal drugs. The phenotypes were compared to C. albicans strains with deletions of orthologous transcription factors. We found that many phenotypes are shared between the two species, such as the role of Upc2 as a regulator of azole resistance, and of CAP1 in the oxidative stress response. Others are unique to one species. For example, Cph2 plays a role in the hypoxic response in C. parapsilosis but not in C. albicans. We found extensive divergence between the biofilm regulators of the two species. We identified seven transcription factors and one protein kinase that are required for biofilm development in C. parapsilosis. Only three (Efg1, Bcr1 and Ace2) have similar effects on C. albicans biofilms, whereas Cph2, Czf1, Gzf3 and Ume6 have major roles in C. parapsilosis only. Two transcription factors (Brg1 and Tec1) with well-characterized roles in biofilm formation in C. albicans do not have the same function in C. parapsilosis. We also compared the transcription profile of C. parapsilosis and C. albicans biofilms. Our analysis suggests the processes shared between the two species are predominantly metabolic, and that Cph2 and Bcr1 are major biofilm regulators in C. parapsilosis. Candida species are among the most common causes of fungal infection worldwide. Infections can be both community-based and hospital-acquired, and are particularly associated with immunocompromised individuals. Candida albicans is the most commonly isolated species and is the best studied. However, other species are becoming of increasing concern. Candida parapsilosis causes outbreaks of infection in neonatal wards, and is one of the few Candida species that is transferred from the hands of healthcare workers. C. parapsilosis, like C. albicans, grows as biofilms (cell communities) on the surfaces of indwelling medical devices like feeding tubes. We describe here the construction of a set of tools that allow us to characterize the virulence properties of C. parapsilosis, and in particular its ability to grow as biofilms. We find that some of the regulatory mechanisms are shared with C. albicans, but others are unique to each species. Our tools, based on selectively deleting regulatory genes, will provide a major resource to the fungal research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M. Holland
- School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Markus S. Schröder
- School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siobhán A. Turner
- School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Heather Taff
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - David Andes
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Zsuzsanna Grózer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Gácser
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lauren Ames
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Ken Haynes
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Desmond G. Higgins
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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40
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Abstract
Candida species are the most common causes of fungal infection. Approximately 90% of infections are caused by five species: Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei. Three (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis) belong to the CTG clade, in which the CTG codon is translated as serine and not leucine. C. albicans remains the most commonly isolated but is decreasing relative to the other species. The increasing incidence of C. glabrata is related to its reduced susceptibility to azole drugs. Genome analysis suggests that virulence in the CTG clade is associated with expansion of gene families, particularly of cell wall genes. Similar independent processes took place in the C. glabrata species group. Gene loss and expansion in an ancestor of C. glabrata may have resulted in preadaptations that enabled pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhán A Turner
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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41
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Maguire SL, Wang C, Holland LM, Brunel F, Neuvéglise C, Nicaud JM, Zavrel M, White TC, Wolfe KH, Butler G. Zinc finger transcription factors displaced SREBP proteins as the major Sterol regulators during Saccharomycotina evolution. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004076. [PMID: 24453983 PMCID: PMC3894159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In most eukaryotes, including the majority of fungi, expression of sterol biosynthesis genes is regulated by Sterol-Regulatory Element Binding Proteins (SREBPs), which are basic helix-loop-helix transcription activators. However, in yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans sterol synthesis is instead regulated by Upc2, an unrelated transcription factor with a Gal4-type zinc finger. The SREBPs in S. cerevisiae (Hms1) and C. albicans (Cph2) have lost a domain, are not major regulators of sterol synthesis, and instead regulate filamentous growth. We report here that rewiring of the sterol regulon, with Upc2 taking over from SREBP, likely occurred in the common ancestor of all Saccharomycotina. Yarrowia lipolytica, a deep-branching species, is the only genome known to contain intact and full-length orthologs of both SREBP (Sre1) and Upc2. Deleting YlUPC2, but not YlSRE1, confers susceptibility to azole drugs. Sterol levels are significantly reduced in the YlUPC2 deletion. RNA-seq analysis shows that hypoxic regulation of sterol synthesis genes in Y. lipolytica is predominantly mediated by Upc2. However, YlSre1 still retains a role in hypoxic regulation; growth of Y. lipolytica in hypoxic conditions is reduced in a Ylupc2 deletion and is abolished in a Ylsre1/Ylupc2 double deletion, and YlSre1 regulates sterol gene expression during hypoxia adaptation. We show that YlSRE1, and to a lesser extent YlUPC2, are required for switching from yeast to filamentous growth in hypoxia. Sre1 appears to have an ancestral role in the regulation of filamentation, which became decoupled from its role in sterol gene regulation by the arrival of Upc2 in the Saccharomycotina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Maguire
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Can Wang
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Linda M. Holland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - François Brunel
- INRA UMR1319 Micalis, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- CNRS, Micalis, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Cécile Neuvéglise
- INRA UMR1319 Micalis, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- CNRS, Micalis, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-Marc Nicaud
- INRA UMR1319 Micalis, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- CNRS, Micalis, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Martin Zavrel
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Biological Sciences, Cell Biology and Biophysics, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Theodore C. White
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Biological Sciences, Cell Biology and Biophysics, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kenneth H. Wolfe
- UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Butler
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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42
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Characterization of biofilm formation and the role of BCR1 in clinical isolates of Candida parapsilosis. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 13:438-51. [PMID: 24297446 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00181-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In Candida parapsilosis, biofilm formation is considered to be a major virulence factor. Previously, we determined the ability of 33 clinical isolates causing bloodstream infection to form biofilms and identified three distinct groups of biofilm-forming strains (negative, low, and high). Here, we establish two different biofilm structures among strains forming large amounts of biofilm in which strains with complex spider-like structures formed robust biofilms on different surface materials with increased resistance to fluconazole. Surprisingly, the transcription factor Bcr1, required for biofilm formation in Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis, has an essential role only in strains with low capacity for biofilm formation. Although BCR1 leads to the formation of more and longer pseudohyphae, it was not required for initial adhesion and formation of mature biofilms in strains with a high level of biofilm formation. Furthermore, an additional phenotype affected by BCR1 was the switch in colony morphology from rough to crepe, but only in strains forming high levels of biofilm. All bcr1Δ/Δ mutants showed increased proteolytic activity and increased susceptibility to the antimicrobial peptides protamine and RP-1 compared to corresponding wild-type and complemented strains. Taken together, our results demonstrate that biofilm formation in clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis is both dependent and independent of BCR1, but even in strains which showed a BCR1-independent biofilm phenotype, BCR1 has alternative physiological functions.
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