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Schaefer S, Corrigan N, Brunke S, Lenardon MD, Boyer C. Combatting Fungal Infections: Advances in Antifungal Polymeric Nanomaterials. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5670-5701. [PMID: 39177507 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens cause over 6.5 million life-threatening systemic infections annually, with mortality rates ranging from 20 to 95%, even with medical intervention. The World Health Organization has recently emphasized the urgent need for new antifungal drugs. However, the range of effective antifungal agents remains limited and resistance is increasing. This Review explores the current landscape of fungal infections and antifungal drugs, focusing on synthetic polymeric nanomaterials like nanoparticles that enhance the physicochemical properties of existing drugs. Additionally, we examine intrinsically antifungal polymers that mimic naturally occurring peptides. Advances in polymer characterization and synthesis now allow precise design and screening for antifungal activity, biocompatibility, and drug interactions. These antifungal polymers represent a promising new class of drugs for combating fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schaefer
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Nathaniel Corrigan
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Megan D Lenardon
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Cyrille Boyer
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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Aldebert D, Suarez B, Bettega F, Boucher E, Garnaud C, Cornet M. Easy-to-use imaging-cytometry assay to analyze chitin patterns in yeasts. J Mycol Med 2024; 34:101493. [PMID: 38945044 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2024.101493] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM Pathogenic fungi are a major threat to public health, and fungal infections are becoming increasingly common and treatment resistant. Chitin, a component of the fungal cell wall, modifies host immunity and contributes to antifungal resistance. Moreover, chitin content is regulated by chitin synthases and chitinases. However, the specific roles and mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we developed a cytometric imaging assay to quantify chitin content and identify the distribution of chitin in the yeast cell wall. METHODS The Candida albicans SC5314 and Nakaseomyces glabratus (ex. C. glabrata) ATCC2001 reference strains, as well as 106 clinical isolates, were used. Chitin content, distribution, and morphological parameters were analysed in 12 yeast species. Moreover, machine learning statistical software was used to evaluate the ability of the cytometric imaging assay to predict yeast species using the values obtained for these parameters. RESULTS Our imaging-cytometry assay was repeatable, reproducible, and sensitive to variations in chitin content in C. albicans mutants or after antifungal stimulation. The evaluated parameters classified the yeast species into the correct clade with an accuracy of 85 %. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that this easy-to-use assay is an effective tool for the exploration of chitin content in yeast species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Aldebert
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, CHU Grenoble Alpes, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Bastien Suarez
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, CHU Grenoble Alpes, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - François Bettega
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CHU Grenoble Alpes, HP2, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Emilie Boucher
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, CHU Grenoble Alpes, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Cecile Garnaud
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, CHU Grenoble Alpes, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Muriel Cornet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, CHU Grenoble Alpes, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
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Lu Z, Zhu Q, Bai Y, Zhao X, Wang H, Peng X, Luo Z, Zhang Y. A fungal pathogen secretes a cell wall-associated β-N-acetylhexosaminidase that is co-expressed with chitinases to contribute to infection of insects. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4699-4713. [PMID: 38771009 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8185] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-N-acetylhexosaminidases (HEXs) are widely distributed in fungi and involved in cell wall chitin metabolism and utilization of chitin-containing substrates. However, details of the fungal pathogens-derived HEXs in the interaction with their hosts remain limited. RESULTS An insect nutrients-induced β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, BbHex1, was identified from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, which was involved in cell wall modification and degradation of insect cuticle. BbHex1 was localized to cell wall and secreted, and displayed enzyme activity to degrade the chitinase-hydrolyzed product (GlcNAc)2. Disruption of BbHex1 resulted in a significant decrease in the level of cell wall chitin in the presence of insect nutrients and during infection of insects, with impaired ability to penetrate insect cuticle, accompanying downregulated cell wall metabolism-involved and cuticle-degrading chitinase genes. However, the opposite phenotypes were examined in the gene overexpression strain. Distinctly altered cell wall structures caused by BbHex1 mutation and overexpression led to the easy activation and evasion (respectively) of insect immune response during fungal infection. As a result, BbHex1 contributed to fungal virulence. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that promoters of some co-expressed chitinase genes with the BbHex1 promoter shared conserved transcription factors Skn7, Msn2 and Ste12, and CreA-binding motifs, implying co-regulation of those genes with BbHex1. CONCLUSION These data support a mechanism that the fungal pathogen specifically expresses BbHex1, which is co-expressed with chitinases to modify cell wall for evasion of insect immune recognition and to degrade insect cuticle, and contributes to the fungal virulence against insects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoyue Lu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiankuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Bai
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Beibei Culture Collection of Chongqing Agricultural Microbiology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Mangrum MM, Vogel AK, Wagner AS, King AE, Miao J, Zhou Y, Phillips EK, Peters BM, Reynolds TB. Disruption to de novo uridine biosynthesis alters β-1,3-glucan masking in Candida albicans. mSphere 2024:e0028724. [PMID: 39115319 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00287-24] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The uridine derivatives UDP-glucose and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine are important for cell wall construction as they are the precursors for the synthesis of β-1,3-glucan and chitin, respectively. Previous studies have demonstrated attenuated virulence of uridine auxotrophs in mice, which has been attributed to insufficient uridine levels for growth in the host. We have discovered that uridine deprivation in the uridine auxotroph ura3ΔΔ disrupts cell wall architecture by increasing surface mannans, exposing β-1,3-glucan and chitin, and decreasing UDP-sugar levels. Cell wall architecture and UDP-sugars can be rescued with uridine supplementation. The cell wall architectural disruptions in the ura3ΔΔ mutant also impact immune activation since the mutant elicited greater TNFα secretion from RAW264.7 macrophages than wild type. To determine if cell wall defects contributed to decreased virulence in the ura3ΔΔ mutant, we used a murine model of systemic infection. Mice infected with the ura3ΔΔ mutant exhibited increased survival and reduced kidney fungal burden compared with mice infected with wild type. However, suppression of the immune response with cyclophosphamide did not rescue virulence in mice infected with the ura3ΔΔ mutant, indicating the attenuation in virulence of uridine auxotrophs can be attributed to decreased growth in the host but not increased exposure of β-1,3-glucan. Moreover, the ura3ΔΔ mutant is unable to grow on ex vivo kidney agar, which demonstrates its inability to colonize the kidneys due to poor growth. Thus, although uridine auxotrophy elicits changes to cell wall architecture that increase the exposure of immunogenic polymers, metabolic fitness costs more strongly drive the observed virulence attenuation.IMPORTANCECandida albicans is a common cause of bloodstream infections (candidemia). Treatment of these bloodstream infections is made difficult because of increasing antifungal resistance and drug toxicity. Thus, new tactics are needed for antifungal drug development, with immunotherapy being of particular interest. The cell wall of C. albicans is composed of highly immunogenic polymers, particularly β-1,3-glucan. However, β-1,3-glucan is naturally masked by an outer layer of mannoproteins, which hampers the detection of the fungus by the host immune system. Alteration in cell wall components has been shown to increase β-1,3-glucan exposure; however, it is unknown how the inability to synthesize precursors to cell wall components affects unmasking. Here, we demonstrate how cell wall architecture is altered in response to a deficit in precursors for cell wall synthesis and how uridine is a crucial component of these precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla M Mangrum
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amanda K Vogel
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrew S Wagner
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ainsley E King
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jian Miao
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elise K Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brian M Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Todd B Reynolds
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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da Fonseca DM, Rodrigues L, Sousa-Baptista J, Marcos-Tejedor F, Mota M, Cunha RA, Fernandes C, Gonçalves T. Caffeine Protects Keratinocytes from Trichophyton mentagrophytes Infection and Behaves as an Antidermatophytic Agent. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8303. [PMID: 39125871 PMCID: PMC11311904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158303] [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: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Caffeine affords several beneficial effects on human health, acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and analgesic. Caffeine is widely used in cosmetics, but its antimicrobial activity has been scarcely explored, namely against skin infection agents. Dermatophytes are the most common fungal agents of human infection, mainly of skin infections. This work describes the in vitro effect of caffeine during keratinocyte infection by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, one of the most common dermatophytes. The results show that caffeine was endowed with antidermatophytic activity with a MIC, determined following the EUCAST standards, of 8 mM. Caffeine triggered a modification of the levels of two major components of the fungal cell wall, β-(1,3)-glucan and chitin. Caffeine also disturbed the ultrastructure of the fungal cells, particularly the cell wall surface and mitochondria, and autophagic-like structures were observed. During dermatophyte-human keratinocyte interactions, caffeine prevented the loss of viability of keratinocytes and delayed spore germination. Overall, this indicates that caffeine can act as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for dermatophytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo M. da Fonseca
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.M.d.F.); (J.S.-B.); (M.M.); (R.A.C.)
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (C.F.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (C.F.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Sousa-Baptista
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.M.d.F.); (J.S.-B.); (M.M.); (R.A.C.)
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (C.F.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Félix Marcos-Tejedor
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45600 Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain;
| | - Marta Mota
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.M.d.F.); (J.S.-B.); (M.M.); (R.A.C.)
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (C.F.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.M.d.F.); (J.S.-B.); (M.M.); (R.A.C.)
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (C.F.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Chantal Fernandes
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (C.F.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.M.d.F.); (J.S.-B.); (M.M.); (R.A.C.)
- CNC-UC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (C.F.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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Katsipoulaki M, Stappers MHT, Malavia-Jones D, Brunke S, Hube B, Gow NAR. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata: global priority pathogens. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0002123. [PMID: 38832801 PMCID: PMC11332356 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00021-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA significant increase in the incidence of Candida-mediated infections has been observed in the last decade, mainly due to rising numbers of susceptible individuals. Recently, the World Health Organization published its first fungal pathogen priority list, with Candida species listed in medium, high, and critical priority categories. This review is a synthesis of information and recent advances in our understanding of two of these species-Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Of these, C. albicans is the most common cause of candidemia around the world and is categorized as a critical priority pathogen. C. glabrata is considered a high-priority pathogen and has become an increasingly important cause of candidemia in recent years. It is now the second most common causative agent of candidemia in many geographical regions. Despite their differences and phylogenetic divergence, they are successful as pathogens and commensals of humans. Both species can cause a broad variety of infections, ranging from superficial to potentially lethal systemic infections. While they share similarities in certain infection strategies, including tissue adhesion and invasion, they differ significantly in key aspects of their biology, interaction with immune cells, host damage strategies, and metabolic adaptations. Here we provide insights on key aspects of their biology, epidemiology, commensal and pathogenic lifestyles, interactions with the immune system, and antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Katsipoulaki
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark H. T. Stappers
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Dhara Malavia-Jones
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Alves V, de Andrade IB, Corrêa-Junior D, Avellar-Moura I, Passos K, Soares J, Pontes B, Almeida MA, Almeida-Paes R, Frases S. Revealing the impact of Rapamycin on the virulence factors of the Candida haemulonii complex. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 7:100247. [PMID: 38974670 PMCID: PMC11225706 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species is increasing, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This increasing incidence poses a dual challenge, comprising escalating antifungal resistance and the necessity for accurate fungal identification. The Candida haemulonii complex further complicates these challenges due to limited identification tools. Like some other Candida species, infections involving this complex show resistance to multiple antifungals, requiring innovative therapeutic approaches. Rapamycin, known for its antifungal properties and immunosuppressive characteristics, was investigated against the C. haemulonii complex species. Results revealed a rapamycin minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 0.07 to >20 µM, with fungicidal effects in most strains. In vitro analyses using the rapamycin maximum plasma concentration (0.016 µM) showed reduced surface properties and decreased production of extracellular enzymes. Rapamycin also hindered biofilm formation by some strains. Even when treated at the human therapeutic dose, which is lower than the MIC, phenotypic variations in C. haemulonii were detected, hinting at the possible attenuation of some virulence factors when exposed to rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Igor Avellar-Moura
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Karini Passos
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Juliana Soares
- Laboratório de Pinças Ópticas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas & Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Bruno Pontes
- Laboratório de Pinças Ópticas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas & Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Marcos Abreu Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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Singh R, Shukla J, Ali M, Dubey AK. A novel diterpenic derivative produced by Streptomyces chrestomyceticus ADP4 is a potent inhibitor of biofilm and virulence factors in Candida albicans and C. auris. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae139. [PMID: 38866718 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae139] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
AIM Isolation, identification, structural and functional characterization of potent anti-Candida compound with specific antagonistic activities against significant human pathogens, Candida albicans and C. auris. METHODS AND RESULTS The compound (55B3) was purified from the metabolites produced by Streptomyces chrestomyceticus ADP4 by employing column chromatography. The structure of 55B3 was determined from the analyses of spectral data that included LCMS, nuclear magnetic resonance, FTIR, and UV spectroscopies. It was identified as a novel derivative of diterpenic aromatic acid, 3-(dictyotin-11'-oate-15'α, 19'β-olide)-4-(dictyotin-11'-oate-15″α, 19″β-olide)-protocatechoic acid. The compound displayed potent antifungal and anti-biofilm activities against C. albicans ATCC 10231 (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, MIC90:14.94 ± 0.17 μgmL-1 and MBIC90: 16.03 ± 1.1 μgmL-1) and against C. auris CBS 12372 (MIC90: 21.75 ± 1.5 μgmL-1 and Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration, MBIC90: 18.38 ± 1.78 μgmL-1). Further, pronounced inhibition of important virulence attributes of Candida spp., e.g. yeast-to-hyphae transition, secretory aspartyl proteinase and phospholipase B by 55B3 was noted at subinhibitory concentrations. A plausible mechanism of anti-Candida action of the compound appeared to be the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis, which was inhibited by 64 ± 3% at the MIC90 value. The non-cytotoxic attribute of the compound was noted in the liver cell line (HepG2 cells). CONCLUSION The present work led to the discovery of a novel diterpenic derivative produced by S. chrestomyceticus ADP4. The compound displayed potent anti-Candida activity, particularly against the two most significant human pathogens, C. albicans and C. auris, which underlined its significance as a potential drug candidate for infections involving these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi 110078, India
| | - Jyoti Shukla
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi 110078, India
| | - Mohd Ali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Ashok K Dubey
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi 110078, India
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Xu D, Wang M, Zhang X, Mao H, Xu H, Zhang B, Zeng X, Li F. The Putative Cytochrome b5 Domain-Containing Protein CaDap1 Homologue Is Involved in Antifungal Drug Tolerance, Cell Wall Chitin Maintenance, and Virulence in Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:316. [PMID: 38786671 PMCID: PMC11122062 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050316] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (Ca), a prominent opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans, has garnered considerable attention due to its infectious properties. Herein, we have identified and characterized CaCDAP1 (Ca orf19.1034), a homolog of ScDAP1 found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. CaCDAP1 encodes a 183-amino acid protein with a conserved cytochrome b5-like heme-binding domain. The deletion of CaDAP1 renders Ca cells susceptible to caspofungin and terbinafine. CaDAP1 deletion confers resistance to Congo Red and Calcofluor White, and sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate. The deletion of CaDAP1 results in a 50% reduction in chitin content within the cell wall, the downregulation of phosphorylation levels in CaMkc1, and the upregulation of phosphorylation levels in CaCek1. Notably, CaDAP1 deletion results in the abnormal hyphal development of Ca cells and diminishes virulence in a mouse systemic infection model. Thus, CaDAP1 emerges as a critical regulator governing cellular responses to antifungal drugs, the synthesis of cell wall chitin, and virulence in Ca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayong Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China; (M.W.); (X.Z.); (H.M.); (H.X.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Feng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China; (M.W.); (X.Z.); (H.M.); (H.X.); (B.Z.); (X.Z.)
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10
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Üst Ö, Yalçin E, Çavuşoğlu K, Özkan B. LC-MS/MS, GC-MS and molecular docking analysis for phytochemical fingerprint and bioactivity of Beta vulgaris L. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7491. [PMID: 38553576 PMCID: PMC10980731 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58338-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The plants that we consume in our daily diet and use as a risk preventer against many diseases have many biological and pharmacological activities. In this study, the phytochemical fingerprint and biological activities of Beta vulgaris L. leaf extract, which are widely consumed in the Black Sea region, were investigated. The leaf parts of the plant were dried in an oven at 35 °C and then ground into powder. The main constituents in B. vulgaris were identified by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS analyses. Phenolic content, betaxanthin and betacyanin levels were investigated in the extracts obtained using three different solvents. The biological activity of the extract was investigated by anti-microbial, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-diabetic activity tests. Anti-diabetic activity was investigated by in vitro enzyme inhibition and in-silico molecular docking was performed to confirm this activity. In the LC-MS analysis of B. vulgaris extract, a major proportion of p_coumaric acid, vannilin, protecatechuic aldehyde and sesamol were detected, while the major essential oils determined by GC-MS analysis were hexahydrofarnesyl acetone and phytol. Among the solvents used, the highest extraction efficiency of 2.4% was obtained in methanol extraction, and 36.2 mg of GAE/g phenolic substance, 5.1 mg/L betacyanin and 4.05 mg/L betaxanthin were determined in the methanol extract. Beta vulgaris, which exhibited broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity by forming a zone of inhibition against all tested bacteria, exhibited anti-mutagenic activity in the range of 35.9-61.8% against various chromosomal abnormalities. Beta vulgaris extract, which did not exhibit mutagenic, sub-lethal or lethal effects, exhibited anti-proliferative activity by reducing proliferation in Allium root tip cells by 21.7%. 50 mg/mL B. vulgaris extract caused 58.9% and 55.9% inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, respectively. The interactions of coumaric acid, vanniline, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone and phytol, which are major compounds in phytochemical content, with α-amylase and α-glucosidase were investigated by in silico molecular docking and interactions between molecules via various amino acids were determined. Binding energies between the tested compounds and α-amylase were obtained in the range of - 4.3 kcal/mol and - 6.1 kcal/mol, while for α-glucosidase it was obtained in the range of - 3.7 kcal/mol and - 5.7 kcal/mol. The biological activities of B. vulgaris are closely related to the active compounds it contains, and therefore studies investigating the phytochemical contents of plants are very important. Safe and non-toxic plant extracts can help reduce the risk of various diseases, such as diabetes, and serve as an alternative or complement to current pharmaceutical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Üst
- Department of Biology, Institute of Science, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Emine Yalçin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey.
| | - Kültiğin Çavuşoğlu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Burak Özkan
- Department of Biology, Institute of Science, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
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11
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Puumala E, Fallah S, Robbins N, Cowen LE. Advancements and challenges in antifungal therapeutic development. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0014223. [PMID: 38294218 PMCID: PMC10938895 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00142-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Over recent decades, the global burden of fungal disease has expanded dramatically. It is estimated that fungal disease kills approximately 1.5 million individuals annually; however, the true worldwide burden of fungal infection is thought to be higher due to existing gaps in diagnostics and clinical understanding of mycotic disease. The development of resistance to antifungals across diverse pathogenic fungal genera is an increasingly common and devastating phenomenon due to the dearth of available antifungal classes. These factors necessitate a coordinated response by researchers, clinicians, public health agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop new antifungal strategies, as the burden of fungal disease continues to grow. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the new antifungal therapeutics currently in clinical trials, highlighting their spectra of activity and progress toward clinical implementation. We also profile up-and-coming intracellular proteins and pathways primed for the development of novel antifungals targeting their activity. Ultimately, we aim to emphasize the importance of increased investment into antifungal therapeutics in the current continually evolving landscape of infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Puumala
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Fallah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leah E. Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Zheng L, Xu Y, Wang C, Yang F, Dong Y, Guo L. Susceptibility to caspofungin is regulated by temperature and is dependent on calcineurin in Candida albicans. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0179023. [PMID: 37966204 PMCID: PMC10715083 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01790-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Echinocandins are the newest antifungal drugs and are first-line treatment option for life-threatening systemic infections. Due to lack of consensus regarding what temperature should be used when evaluating susceptibility of yeasts to echinocandins, typically either 30°C, 35°C, or 37°C is used. However, the impact of temperature on antifungal efficacy of echinocandins is unexplored. In the current study, we demonstrated that Candida albicans laboratory strain SC5314 was more susceptible to caspofungin at 37°C than at 30°C. We also found that calcineurin was required for temperature-modulated caspofungin susceptibility. Surprisingly, the altered caspofungin susceptibility was not due to differential expression of some canonical genes such as FKS, CHS, or CHT genes. The molecular mechanism of temperature-modulated caspofungin susceptibility is undetermined and deserves further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yubo Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | - Liangsheng Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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13
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Erturk Sengel B, Ekren BY, Sayin E, Cerikcioglu N, Sezerman U, Odabasi Z. Identification of Molecular and Genetic Resistance Mechanisms in a Candida auris Isolate in a Tertiary Care Center in Türkiye. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:929-936. [PMID: 37639054 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00787-1] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant pathogen that causes nosocomial outbreaks and high mortality. We conducted this study to investigate the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in our clinical isolate of C. auris with a high level of resistance to three main classes of antifungals. MATERIAL AND METHODS A clinical C. auris isolate was identified by MALDI-TOF MS and antifungal susceptibilities were determined by the Sensititre YeastOne YO10 panel. After sequencing the whole genome of the microorganism with Oxford Nanopore NGS Technologies, a phylogenetic tree was drawn as a cladogram to detect where the C. auris clade to this study's assembly belongs. RESULTS The C. auris isolate in this study (MaCa01) was determined to be a part of the clade I (South Asian). The resistance-related genes indicated that MaCa01 would most likely be highly resistant to fluconazole (CDR1, TAC1b, and ERG11), none or little resistant to amphotericin B (AmpB) and echinocandins, and sensitive to flucytosine. The mutations found in the above-mentioned genes in the Türkiye C. auris isolate reveals an antifungal resistance pattern. This molecular resistance pattern was found consistent with the interpretation of MIC values of the antifungals according to CDC tentative breakpoints. CONCLUSION We detected the well-known antifungal resistance mutations, responsible for azole resistance in C. auris. Despite no ERG2, ERG6, and FKS mutation identified, the isolate was found to be resistant to AmpB and caspofungin based on the CDC tentative breakpoints which could be related to unidentified mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buket Erturk Sengel
- Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Berkay Yekta Ekren
- Department of Bioistatistics and Medical Informatics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Elvan Sayin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nilgun Cerikcioglu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ugur Sezerman
- Department of Bioistatistics and Medical Informatics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Zekaver Odabasi
- Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
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14
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Ning Y, Xiao M, Perlin DS, Zhao Y, Lu M, Li Y, Luo Z, Dai R, Li S, Xu J, Liu L, He H, Liu Y, Li F, Guo Y, Chen Z, Xu Y, Sun T, Zhang L. Decreased echinocandin susceptibility in Candida parapsilosis causing candidemia and emergence of a pan-echinocandin resistant case in China. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2153086. [PMID: 36440795 PMCID: PMC9793909 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2153086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is becoming a predominant non-albicans cause of invasive candidiasis (IC). Echinocandins are the preferred choice for IC treatment and prophylaxis. Resistance to echinocandins in C. parapsilosis has emerged in several countries, but little is known about the susceptibility profile in China or about mechanisms of resistance. Here, we investigated the echinocandin susceptibilities of 2523 C. parapsilosis isolates collected from China and further explored the resistance mechanism among echinocandin-resistant isolates. Anidulafungin exhibited the highest MICs (MIC50/90, 1 and 2 µg/mL; GM, 0.948 µg/mL), while caspofungin showed better activity (0.5 and 1 µg/mL; 0.498 µg/mL). Significantly higher echinocandin MICs were observed among blood-derived isolates compared to others, especially for caspofungin (GM, 1.348 µg/mL vs 0.478 µg/mL). Isolates from ICU and surgical wards also showed higher MICs. Twenty isolates showed intermediate phenotypes for at least one echinocandin. One was resistant to all three echinocandins, fluconazole and voriconazole, which caused breakthrough IC during long-term exposure to micafungin. WGS revealed this isolate carried a mutation S656P in hotspot1 region of Fks1. Bioinformatics analyses suggested that this mutation might lead to an altered protein conformation. CRISPR Cas9-mediated introduction of this mutation into a susceptible reference C. parapsilosis strain increased MICs of all echinocandins 64-fold, with similar results found in the subspecies, C. orthopsilosis and C. metapsilosis. This is the first report of a multi-azole resistant and pan-echinocandin resistant C. parapsilosis isolate, and the identification of a FKS1S656P conferring pan-echinocandin resistance. Our study underscores the necessity of rigorous management of antifungal use and of monitoring for antifungal susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Ning
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Minya Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengyu Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongchen Dai
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengjie Li
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingli Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fushun Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuguang Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liaoning Provincial People’s Hospital, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongju Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianshu Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Rouges C, Asad M, Laurent AD, Marchand P, Le Pape P. Is the C-Terminal Domain an Effective and Selective Target for the Design of Hsp90 Inhibitors against Candida Yeast? Microorganisms 2023; 11:2837. [PMID: 38137982 PMCID: PMC10745388 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122837] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving the armamentarium to treat invasive candidiasis has become necessary to overcome drug resistance and the lack of alternative therapy. In the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, the 90-kDa Heat-Shock Protein (Hsp90) has been described as a major regulator of virulence and resistance, offering a promising target. Some human Hsp90 inhibitors have shown activity against Candida spp. in vitro, but host toxicity has limited their use as antifungal drugs. The conservation of Hsp90 across all species leads to selectivity issues. To assess the potential of Hsp90 as a druggable antifungal target, the activity of nine structurally unrelated Hsp90 inhibitors with different binding domains was evaluated against a panel of Candida clinical isolates. The Hsp90 sequences from human and yeast species were aligned. Despite the degree of similarity between human and yeast N-terminal domain residues, the in vitro activities measured for the inhibitors interacting with this domain were not reproducible against all Candida species. Moreover, the inhibitors binding to the C-terminal domain (CTD) did not show any antifungal activity, with the exception of one of them. Given the greater sequence divergence in this domain, the identification of selective CTD inhibitors of fungal Hsp90 could be a promising strategy for the development of innovative antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Rouges
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, UR 1155, F-44000 Nantes, France; (C.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Mohammad Asad
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Adèle D. Laurent
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Pascal Marchand
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, UR 1155, F-44000 Nantes, France; (C.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Patrice Le Pape
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, UR 1155, F-44000 Nantes, France; (C.R.); (P.M.)
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16
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David H, Solomon AP. Molecular association of Candida albicans and vulvovaginal candidiasis: focusing on a solution. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1245808. [PMID: 37900321 PMCID: PMC10611527 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1245808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans-mediated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a significant challenge in clinical settings, owing to the inefficacy of current antifungals in modulating virulence, development of resistance, and poor penetration into the biofilm matrix. Various predisposition factors are molecular drivers that lead to the dysbiosis of normal microflora of the vagina, upregulation of central metabolic pathways, morphogenesis, hyphal extension, adhesion, invasion, and biofilm formation leading to chronic infection and recurrence. Hence, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanism behind the virulence pathways driven by those drivers to decode the drug targets. Finding innovative solutions targeting fungal virulence/biofilm may potentiate the antifungals at low concentrations without affecting the recurrence of resistance. With this background, the present review details the critical molecular drivers and associated network of virulence pathways, possible drug targets, target-specific inhibitors, and probable mode of drug delivery to cross the preclinical phase by appropriate in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
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17
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Silva LN, Ramos LS, Oliveira SSC, Magalhães LB, Cypriano J, Abreu F, Macedo AJ, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Development of Echinocandin Resistance in Candida haemulonii: An Emergent, Widespread, and Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:859. [PMID: 37623630 PMCID: PMC10455776 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080859] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinocandins, used for the prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections, have led to a rise in breakthrough infections caused by resistant Candida species. Among these species, those belonging to the Candida haemulonii complex are rare multidrug-resistant (MDR) yeasts that are frequently misidentified but have emerged as significant healthcare-associated pathogens causing invasive infections. The objectives of this study were to investigate the evolutionary pathways of echinocandin resistance in C. haemulonii by identifying mutations in the FKS1 gene and evaluating the impact of resistance on fitness. After subjecting a MDR clinical isolate of C. haemulonii (named Ch4) to direct selection using increasing caspofungin concentrations, we successfully obtained an isolate (designated Ch4'r) that exhibited a high level of resistance, with MIC values exceeding 16 mg/L for all tested echinocandin drugs (caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin). Sequence analysis revealed a specific mutation in the resistant Ch4'r strain, leading to an arginine-histidine amino acid substitution (R1354H), occurring at the G4061A position of the HS2 region of the FKS1 gene. Compared to the wild-type strain, Ch4'r exhibited significantly reduced growth proliferation, biofilm formation capability, and phagocytosis ratio, indicating a decrease in fitness. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed alterations in cell wall components, with a notable increase in cell wall thickness. The resistant strain also exhibited higher amounts (2.5-fold) of chitin, a cell wall-located molecule, compared to the wild-type strain. Furthermore, the resistant strain demonstrated attenuated virulence in the Galleria mellonella larval model. The evolved strain Ch4'r maintained its resistance profile in vivo since the treatment with either caspofungin or micafungin did not improve larval survival or reduce the fungal load. Taken together, our findings suggest that the acquisition of pan-echinocandin resistance occurred rapidly after drug exposure and was associated with a significant fitness cost in C. haemulonii. This is particularly concerning as echinocandins are often the first-line treatment option for MDR Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N. Silva
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.N.S.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.B.M.); (M.H.B.)
| | - Lívia S. Ramos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.N.S.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.B.M.); (M.H.B.)
| | - Simone S. C. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.N.S.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.B.M.); (M.H.B.)
| | - Lucas B. Magalhães
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.N.S.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.B.M.); (M.H.B.)
| | - Jefferson Cypriano
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Magnetotaxia & Unidade de Microscopia Multiusuário, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Fernanda Abreu
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Magnetotaxia & Unidade de Microscopia Multiusuário, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.C.); (F.A.)
| | - Alexandre J. Macedo
- Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Centro de Biotecnologia e Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil;
| | - Marta H. Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.N.S.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.B.M.); (M.H.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - André L. S. Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.N.S.); (L.S.R.); (S.S.C.O.); (L.B.M.); (M.H.B.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ—Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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18
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Wang H, Lu Z, Keyhani NO, Deng J, Zhao X, Huang S, Luo Z, Jin K, Zhang Y. Insect fungal pathogens secrete a cell wall-associated glucanase that acts to help avoid recognition by the host immune system. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011578. [PMID: 37556475 PMCID: PMC10441804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal insect pathogens have evolved diverse mechanisms to evade host immune recognition and defense responses. However, identification of fungal factors involved in host immune evasion during cuticular penetration and subsequent hemocoel colonization remains limited. Here, we report that the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana expresses an endo-β-1,3-glucanase (BbEng1) that functions in helping cells evade insect immune recognition/ responses. BbEng1 was specifically expressed during infection, in response to host cuticle and hemolymph, and in the presence of osmotic or oxidative stress. BbEng1 was localized to the fungal cell surface/ cell wall, where it acts to remodel the cell wall pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that can trigger host defenses, thus facilitating fungal cell evasion of host immune defenses. BbEng1 was secreted where it could bind to fungal cells. Cell wall β-1,3-glucan levels were unchanged in ΔBbEng1 cells derived from in vitro growth media, but was elevated in hyphal bodies, whereas glucan levels were reduced in most cell types derived from the BbEng1 overexpressing strain (BbEng1OE). The BbEng1OE strain proliferated more rapidly in the host hemocoel and displayed higher virulence as compared to the wild type parent. Overexpression of their respective Eng1 homologs or of BbEng1 in the insect fungal pathogens, Metarhizium robertsii and M. acridum also resulted in increased virulence. Our data support a mechanism by which BbEng1 helps the fungal pathogen to evade host immune surveillance by decreasing cell wall glucan PAMPs, promoting successful fungal mycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuoyue Lu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nemat O. Keyhani
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Juan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhibing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Jin
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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19
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Sushmitha TJ, Rajeev M, Kathirkaman V, Shivam S, Rao TS, Pandian SK. 3-Hydroxy coumarin demonstrates anti-biofilm and anti-hyphal efficacy against Candida albicans via inhibition of cell-adhesion, morphogenesis, and virulent genes regulation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11687. [PMID: 37468600 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37851-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, a common fungus of human flora, can become an opportunistic pathogen and causes invasive candidiasis in immunocompromised individuals. Biofilm formation is the prime cause of antibiotic resistance during C. albicans infections and treating biofilm-forming cells is challenging due to their intractable and persistent nature. The study intends to explore the therapeutic potential of naturally produced compounds by competitive marine bacteria residing in marine biofilms against C. albicans biofilm. To this end, 3-hydroxy coumarin (3HC), a compound identified from the cell-free culture supernatant of the marine bacterium Brevundimonas abyssalis, was found to exhibit anti-biofilm and anti-hyphal activity against both reference and clinical isolates of C. albicans. The compound demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on biofilms and impaired the yeast-to-hyphal transition, wrinkle, and filament morphology at the minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of 250 µg mL-1. Intriguingly, quantitative PCR analysis of 3HC-treated C. albicans biofilm revealed significant downregulation of virulence genes (hst7, ume6, efg1, cph1, ras1, als1) associated with adhesion and morphogenesis. Moreover, 3HC displayed non-fungicidal and non-toxic characteristics against human erythrocytes and buccal cells. In conclusion, this study showed that marine biofilms are a hidden source of diverse therapeutic drugs, and 3HC could be a potent drug to treat C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Sushmitha
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Science Campus, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
| | - Meora Rajeev
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Science Campus, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Inharo 100, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Vellaisamy Kathirkaman
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Science Campus, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
| | - Singh Shivam
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Science Campus, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India
| | - Toleti Subba Rao
- School of Arts and Sciences, Sai University, OMR, Paiyanur, Tamil Nadu, 603105, India
| | - Shunmugiah Karutha Pandian
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Science Campus, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630 003, India.
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20
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Byun JH, Won EJ, Cho HW, Kim D, Lee H, Kim SH, Choi MJ, Byun SA, Lee GY, Kee SJ, Kim TY, Kim MN, Choi JY, Yong D, Shin JH. Detection and Characterization of Two Phenotypes of Candida parapsilosis in South Korea: Clinical Features and Microbiological Findings. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0006623. [PMID: 37154762 PMCID: PMC10269542 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00066-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We newly detected two (sinking and floating) phenotypes of Candida parapsilosis among bloodstream infection (BSI) isolates from Korean hospitals and assessed their microbiological and clinical characteristics. During the performance of a Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution antifungal susceptibility testing, the sinking phenotype had a characteristic smaller button-like appearance because all yeast cells sank to the bottoms of the CLSI U-shaped round-bottom wells, whereas the floating phenotype comprised dispersed cells. Phenotypic analysis, antifungal susceptibility testing, ERG11 sequencing, microsatellite genotyping, and clinical analysis were performed on C. parapsilosis isolates from 197 patients with BSI at a university hospital during 2006 to 2018. The sinking phenotype was detected in 86.7% (65/75) of the fluconazole-nonsusceptible (FNS) isolates, 92.9% (65/70) of the isolates harboring the Y132F ERG11 gene substitution, and 49.7% (98/197) of all isolates. Clonality was more frequently observed for the Y132F-sinking isolates (84.6% [55/65]) than for all other isolates (26.5% [35/132]; P < 0.0001). Annual incidence of Y132F-sinking isolates increased 4.5-fold after 2014, and two dominant genotypes, persistently recovered for 6 and 10 years, accounted for 69.2% of all Y132F-sinking isolates. Azole breakthrough fungemia (odds ratio [OR], 6.540), admission to the intensive care unit (OR, 5.044), and urinary catheter placement (OR, 6.918) were independent risk factors for BSIs with Y132F-sinking isolates. The Y132F-sinking isolates exhibited fewer pseudohyphae, a higher chitin content, and lower virulence in the Galleria mellonella model than the floating isolates. These long-term results illustrate the increasing BSIs caused by clonal transmission of the Y132F-sinking isolates of C. parapsilosis. IMPORTANCE We believe that this is the first study describe the microbiological and molecular characteristics of bloodstream isolates of C. parapsilosis in Korea exhibiting two phenotypes (sinking and floating). An important aspect of our findings is that the sinking phenotype was observed predominantly in isolates harboring a Y132F substitution in the ERG11 gene (92.9%), fluconazole-nonsusceptible (FNS) isolates (86.7%), and clonal BSI isolates (74.4%) of C. parapsilosis. Although the increase in the prevalence of FNS C. parapsilosis isolates has been a major threat in developing countries, in which the vast majority of candidemia cases are treated with fluconazole, our long-term results show increasing numbers of BSIs caused by clonal transmission of Y132F-sinking isolates of C. parapsilosis in the period with an increased echinocandin use for candidemia treatment in Korea, which suggests that C. parapsilosis isolates with the sinking phenotype continue to be a nosocomial threat in the era of echinocandin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Byun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Won
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hae Weon Cho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Daewon Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyukmin Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Min Ji Choi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Seung A. Byun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Ga Yeong Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Seung-Jung Kee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Tae Yeul Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mi-Na Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun Yong Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine and AIDS Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dongeun Yong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Hee Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea
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Han S, Sheng B, Zhu D, Chen J, Cai H, Zhang S, Guo C. Role of FoERG3 in Ergosterol Biosynthesis by Fusarium oxysporum and the Associated Regulation by Bacillus subtilis HSY21. PLANT DISEASE 2023:PDIS05221010RE. [PMID: 36320138 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-05-22-1010-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Ergosterol is an important component of the fungal cell membrane and represents an effective target of chemical pesticides. However, the current understanding of ergosterol biosynthesis in the soybean root rot pathogen Fusarium oxysporum remains limited. In addition, the regular use of fungicides that inhibit ergosterol synthesis will seriously harm the ecological environment and human health. Bacillus subtilis is gradually replacing chemical control as a safe and effective biological agent; to investigate its effect on ergosterol synthesis of F. oxysporum, we verified the biological function of the FoERG3 gene of F. oxysporum by constructing knockout mutants. The results showed that knocking out FoERG3 blocked ergosterol biosynthesis, restricted mycelial growth, and increased the sensitivity to external stressors (NaCl, D-sorbitol, Congo Red, and H2O2). The increased permeability of the cell membrane promoted increased extracellular K+ levels and decreased mitochondrial cytochrome C contents. Treatment with suspension of B. subtilis HSY21 cells resulted in similar damage as observed when treating FoERG3-knockout F. oxysporum cells with ergosterol, which was characterised by deformity and swelling of the mycelium surface; increased membrane permeability; decreased pathogenicity to soybeans; and significantly decreased activities of cellulase, β-glucosidase, amylase, and pectin-methyl galactosylase. Notably, deleting FoERG3 resulted in a significant lag in the defense-response time of soybeans. Our results suggest that FoERG3 strongly influences the virulence of F. oxysporum and may be used as a potential antimicrobial target by B. subtilis HSY21 to inhibit ergosterol synthesis, which supports the use of B. subtilis as a biological control agent for protecting against F. oxysporum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyang Han
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Boxiang Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Hongsheng Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- Soybean Research Institute of Northeast Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Changhong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
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22
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Chen KZ, Wang LL, Liu JY, Zhao JT, Huang SJ, Xiang MJ. P4-ATPase subunit Cdc50 plays a role in yeast budding and cell wall integrity in Candida glabrata. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:99. [PMID: 37046215 PMCID: PMC10100066 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02810-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As highly-conserved types of lipid flippases among fungi, P4-ATPases play a significant role in various cellular processes. Cdc50 acts as the regulatory subunit of flippases, forming heterodimers with Drs2 to translocate aminophospholipids. Cdc50 homologs have been reported to be implicated in protein trafficking, drug susceptibility, and virulence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. It is likely that Cdc50 has an extensive influence on fungal cellular processes. The present study aimed to determine the function of Cdc50 in Candida glabrata by constructing a Δcdc50 null mutant and its complemented strain. RESULTS In Candida glabrata, the loss of Cdc50 led to difficulty in yeast budding, probably caused by actin depolarization. The Δcdc50 mutant also showed hypersensitivity to azoles, caspofungin, and cell wall stressors. Further experiments indicated hyperactivation of the cell wall integrity pathway in the Δcdc50 mutant, which elevated the major cell wall contents. An increase in exposure of β-(1,3)-glucan and chitin on the cell surface was also observed through flow cytometry. Interestingly, we observed a decrease in the phagocytosis rate when the Δcdc50 mutant was co-incubated with THP-1 macrophages. The Δcdc50 mutant also exhibited weakened virulence in nematode survival tests. CONCLUSION The results suggested that the lipid flippase subunit Cdc50 is implicated in yeast budding and cell wall integrity in C. glabrata, and thus have a broad influence on drug susceptibility and virulence. This work highlights the importance of lipid flippase, and offers potential targets for new drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Zhi Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu-Ling Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Yan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Tao Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Jia Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Jie Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Druseikis M, Mottola A, Berman J. The Metabolism of Susceptibility: Clearing the FoG Between Tolerance and Resistance in Candida albicans. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 10:36-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-023-00189-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
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24
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Brown AJP. Fungal resilience and host-pathogen interactions: Future perspectives and opportunities. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12946. [PMID: 35962618 PMCID: PMC10078341 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We are constantly exposed to the threat of fungal infection. The outcome-clearance, commensalism or infection-depends largely on the ability of our innate immune defences to clear infecting fungal cells versus the success of the fungus in mounting compensatory adaptive responses. As each seeks to gain advantage during these skirmishes, the interactions between host and fungal pathogen are complex and dynamic. Nevertheless, simply compromising the physiological robustness of fungal pathogens reduces their ability to evade antifungal immunity, their virulence, and their tolerance against antifungal therapy. In this article I argue that this physiological robustness is based on a 'Resilience Network' which mechanistically links and controls fungal growth, metabolism, stress resistance and drug tolerance. The elasticity of this network probably underlies the phenotypic variability of fungal isolates and the heterogeneity of individual cells within clonal populations. Consequently, I suggest that the definition of the fungal Resilience Network represents an important goal for the future which offers the clear potential to reveal drug targets that compromise drug tolerance and synergise with current antifungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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25
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Xu J, Luo Y, Wang J, Tu W, Yi X, Xu X, Song Y, Tang Y, Hua X, Yu Y, Yin H, Yang Q, Huang WE. Artificial intelligence-aided rapid and accurate identification of clinical fungal infections by single-cell Raman spectroscopy. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1125676. [PMID: 37032865 PMCID: PMC10073597 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1125676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrating artificial intelligence and new diagnostic platforms into routine clinical microbiology laboratory procedures has grown increasingly intriguing, holding promises of reducing turnaround time and cost and maximizing efficiency. At least one billion people are suffering from fungal infections, leading to over 1.6 million mortality every year. Despite the increasing demand for fungal diagnosis, current approaches suffer from manual bias, long cultivation time (from days to months), and low sensitivity (only 50% produce positive fungal cultures). Delayed and inaccurate treatments consequently lead to higher hospital costs, mobility and mortality rates. Here, we developed single-cell Raman spectroscopy and artificial intelligence to achieve rapid identification of infectious fungi. The classification between fungi and bacteria infections was initially achieved with 100% sensitivity and specificity using single-cell Raman spectra (SCRS). Then, we constructed a Raman dataset from clinical fungal isolates obtained from 94 patients, consisting of 115,129 SCRS. By training a classification model with an optimized clinical feedback loop, just 5 cells per patient (acquisition time 2 s per cell) made the most accurate classification. This protocol has achieved 100% accuracies for fungal identification at the species level. This protocol was transformed to assessing clinical samples of urinary tract infection, obtaining the correct diagnosis from raw sample-to-result within 1 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabao Xu
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yanjun Luo
- Shanghai Hesen Biotech Co., Shanghai, China
| | - Jingkai Wang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Weiming Tu
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaofei Yi
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaogang Xu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhi Song
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuguo Tang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Hua
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunsong Yu
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huabing Yin
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Qiwen Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiwen Yang,
| | - Wei E. Huang
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wei E. Huang,
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26
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Multiple Genes of Candida albicans Influencing Echinocandin Susceptibility in Caspofungin-Adapted Mutants. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0097722. [PMID: 36354349 PMCID: PMC9765025 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00977-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen that causes invasive infections in immunocompromised individuals. Despite the high anticandidal activity among the echinocandins (ECNs), a first-line therapy, resistance remains an issue. Furthermore, many clinical isolates display decreased ECN susceptibility, a physiological state which is thought to lead to resistance. Determining the factors that can decrease susceptibility is of high importance. We searched for such factors genome-wide by comparing the transcriptional profiles of five mutants that acquired decreased caspofungin susceptibility in vitro in the absence of canonical FKS1 resistance mutations. The mutants were derived from two genetic backgrounds and arose due to independent mutational events, some with monosomic chromosome 5 (Ch5). We found that the mutants exhibit common transcriptional changes. In particular, all mutants upregulate five genes from Ch2 in concert. Knockout experiments show that all five genes positively influence caspofungin and anidulafungin susceptibility and play a role in regulating the cell wall mannan and glucan contents. The functions of three of these genes, orf19.1766, orf19.6867, and orf19.5833, were previously unknown, and our work expands the known functions of LEU42 and PR26. Importantly, orf19.1766 and LEU42 have no human orthologues. Our results provide important clues as to basic mechanisms of survival in the presence of ECNs while identifying new genes controlling ECN susceptibility and revealing new targets for the development of novel antifungal drugs.
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27
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Hall RA, Wallace EW. Post-transcriptional control of fungal cell wall synthesis. Cell Surf 2022; 8:100074. [PMID: 35097244 PMCID: PMC8783092 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi hide from their hosts by camouflage, obscuring immunogenic cell wall components such as beta-glucan with innocuous coverings such as mannoproteins and alpha-glucan that are less readily recognised by the host. Attempts to understand how such processes are regulated have met with varying success. Typically studies focus on understanding the transcriptional response of fungi to either their reservoir environment or the host. However, such approaches do not fully address this research question, due to the layers of post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation that occur within a cell. Although in animals the impact of post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation has been well characterised, our knowledge of these processes in the fungal kingdom is more limited. Mutations in RNA-binding proteins, like Ssd1 and Candida albicans Slr1, affect cell wall composition and fungal virulence indicating that post-transcriptional regulation plays a key role in these processes. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of fungal post-transcriptional regulation, and link this to potential mechanisms of immune evasion by drawing on studies from model yeast and plant pathogenic fungi. We highlight several RNA-binding proteins that regulate cell wall synthesis and could be involved in local translation of cell wall components. Expanding our knowledge on post-transcriptional regulation in human fungal pathogens is essential to fully comprehend fungal virulence strategies and for the design of novel antifungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Hall
- Kent Fungal Group, Division of Natural Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Edward W.J. Wallace
- Institute for Cell Biology and SynthSys, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, United Kingdom
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The Role of Sfp1 in Candida albicans Cell Wall Maintenance. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8111196. [PMID: 36422017 PMCID: PMC9692975 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell wall is the first interface for Candida albicans interaction with the surrounding environment and the host cells. Therefore, maintenance of cell wall integrity (CWI) is crucial for C. albicans survival and host-pathogen interaction. In response to environmental stresses, C. albicans undergoes cell wall remodeling controlled by multiple signaling pathways and transcription regulators. Here, we explored the role of the transcription factor Sfp1 in CWI. A deletion of the SFP1 gene not only caused changes in cell wall properties, cell wall composition and structure but also modulated expression of cell wall biosynthesis and remodeling genes. In addition, Cas5 is a known transcription regulator for C. albicans CWI and cell wall stress response. Interestingly, our results indicated that Sfp1 negatively controls the CAS5 gene expression by binding to its promoter element. Together, this study provides new insights into the regulation of C. albicans CWI and stress response.
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The Small Ras Superfamily GTPase Rho4 of the Maize Anthracnose Fungus Colletotrichum graminicola Is Required for β-1,3-glucan Synthesis, Cell Wall Integrity, and Full Virulence. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8100997. [PMID: 36294561 PMCID: PMC9604917 DOI: 10.3390/jof8100997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small Ras superfamily GTPases are highly conserved regulatory factors of fungal cell wall biosynthesis and morphogenesis. Previous experiments have shown that the Rho4-like protein of the maize anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum graminicola, formerly erroneously annotated as a Rho1 protein, physically interacts with the β-1,3-glucan synthase Gls1 (Lange et al., 2014; Curr. Genet. 60:343–350). Here, we show that Rho4 is required for β-1,3-glucan synthesis. Accordingly, Δrho4 strains formed distorted vegetative hyphae with swellings, and exhibited strongly reduced rates of hyphal growth and defects in asexual sporulation. Moreover, on host cuticles, conidia of Δrho4 strains formed long hyphae with hyphopodia, rather than short germ tubes with appressoria. Hyphopodia of Δrho4 strains exhibited penetration defects and often germinated laterally, indicative of cell wall weaknesses. In planta differentiated infection hyphae of Δrho4 strains were fringy, and anthracnose disease symptoms caused by these strains on intact and wounded maize leaf segments were significantly weaker than those caused by the WT strain. A retarded disease symptom development was confirmed by qPCR analyses. Collectively, we identified the Ras GTPase Rho4 as a new virulence factor of C. graminicola.
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Beattie SR, Jezewski AJ, Ristow LC, Wellington M, Krysan DJ. FKS1 Is Required for Cryptococcus neoformans Fitness In Vivo: Application of Copper-Regulated Gene Expression to Mouse Models of Cryptococcosis. mSphere 2022; 7:e0016322. [PMID: 35506343 PMCID: PMC9241531 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00163-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for new antifungals to treat cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, a leading cause of mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS. An important aspect of antifungal drug development is the validation of targets to determine whether they are required for the survival of the organism in animal models of disease. In Cryptococcus neoformans, a copper-regulated promoter (pCTR4-2) has been used previously to modulate gene expression in vivo. The premise for these experiments is that copper concentrations differ depending on the host niche. Here, we directly test this premise and confirm that the expression of CTR4, the promoter used to regulate gene expression, is much lower in the mouse lung compared to the brain. To further explore this approach, we applied it to the gene encoding 1,3-β-glucan synthase, FKS1. In vitro, reduced expression of FKS1 has little effect on growth but does activate the cell wall integrity stress response and increase susceptibility to caspofungin, a direct inhibitor of Fks1. These data suggest that compensatory pathways that reduce C. neoformans resistance do so through posttranscriptional effects. In vivo, however, a less pronounced reduction in FKS1 expression leads to a much more significant reduction in lung fungal burden (~1 log10 CFU), indicating that the compensatory responses to a reduction in FKS1 expression are not as effective in vivo as they are in vitro. In summary, use of copper-regulated expression of putative drug targets in vitro and in vivo can provide insights into the biological consequences of reduced activity of the target during infection. IMPORTANCE Conditional expression systems are widely used to genetically validate antifungal drug targets in mouse models of infection. Copper-regulated expression using the promoter of the CTR4 gene has been sporadically used for this purpose in C. neoformans. Here, we show that CTR4 expression is low in the lung and high in the brain, establishing the basic premise behind this approach. We applied the approach to the study of FKS1, the gene encoding the target of the echinocandin class of 1,3-β-glucan synthase inhibitors. Our in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that C. neoformans tolerates extremely low levels of FKS1 expression. This observation provides a potential explanation for the poor activity of 1,3-β-glucan synthase inhibitors toward C. neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Beattie
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Andrew J. Jezewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Laura C. Ristow
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Melanie Wellington
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Damian J. Krysan
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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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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CRISPR-Cas9 approach confirms Calcineurin-responsive zinc finger 1 (Crz1) transcription factor as a promising therapeutic target in echinocandin-resistant Candida glabrata. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265777. [PMID: 35303047 PMCID: PMC8932611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections, which kill more than 1.6 million patients each year worldwide, are difficult to treat due to the limited number of antifungal drugs (azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes) and the emergence of antifungal resistance. The transcription factor Crz1, a key regulator of cellular stress responses and virulence, is an attractive therapeutic target because this protein is absent in human cells. Here, we used a CRISPR-Cas9 approach to generate isogenic crz1Δ strains in two clinical isolates of caspofungin-resistant C. glabrata to analyze the role of this transcription factor in susceptibility to echinocandins, stress tolerance, biofilm formation, and pathogenicity in both non-vertebrate (Galleria mellonella) and vertebrate (mice) models of candidiasis. In these clinical isolates, CRZ1 disruption restores the susceptibility to echinocandins in both in vitro and in vivo models, and affects their oxidative stress response, biofilm formation, cell size, and pathogenicity. These results strongly suggest that Crz1 inhibitors may play an important role in the development of novel therapeutic agents against fungal infections considering the emergence of antifungal resistance and the low number of available antifungal drugs.
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Durhan B, Yalçın E, Çavuşoğlu K, Acar A. Molecular docking assisted biological functions and phytochemical screening of Amaranthus lividus L. extract. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4308. [PMID: 35279686 PMCID: PMC8918320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08421-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the phytochemical content of Amaranthus lividus extract and its multi-biological activities were investigated. Total protein, phenol, flavonoid, saponin and condensed tannin contents were determined for phytochemical analysis. In addition, GC-MS and HPLC analyzes were carried out for the determination of the active components of the extract. In determining the multi-biological activities, radical scavenging, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-microbial activities of the extract were investigated. GC-MS analysis revealed that the leaf extract of A. lividus contains phytol and β-sitosterol as major compounds and the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, vanillin and kaemferol compounds were determined with HPLC analysis. The radical scavenging effect of A. lividus extract was determined as 75.6% against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 85.2% against superoxide. In anti-bacterial studies, it was determined that A.lividus extract formed different inhibition zones against all tested bacteria. The highest inhibition zone was 14.3 ± 0.7 mm against Bacillus subtilis. In addition, the anti-microbial activity of the extract was demonstrated by molecular docking studies of the binding of gallic acid and phytol to aquaporin and arginase enzyme of bacteria, and the mechanism of anti-microbial activity was explained. A. lividus extract, which provided a 68.59-33.13% reduction in the formation of chromosomal aberrations such as unequal distribution of chromatin, micronucleus formation, fragment, sticky chromosome, bridge and vagrant chromosome, exhibited a strong anti-mutagenic effect. A. lividus extract has a reducing effect on the number of dividing cells and exhibits an anti-proliferative effect of 25.7% compared to the control group. The antiproliferative mechanism of action was investigated by molecular docking and it was determined that the gallic acid and phytol in the extract decreased proliferation by interacting with telomerase. As a result, A.lividus extract consumed as food is a potential natural anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative source with its rich phytochemical content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burhan Durhan
- Institute of Science, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Emine Yalçın
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Giresun University, 28200, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Kültiğin Çavuşoğlu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Giresun University, 28200, Giresun, Turkey.
| | - Ali Acar
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
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Milne G, Walker LA. High-Pressure Freezing and Transmission Electron Microscopy to Visualize the Ultrastructure of the C. auris Cell Wall. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2517:189-201. [PMID: 35674955 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2417-3_15] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the main technique used to study the ultrastructure of biological samples. Chemical fixation was considered the main method for preserving samples for TEM; however, it is a relatively slow method of fixation and can result in morphological alterations. Cryofixation using high-pressure freezing (HPF) overcomes the limitations of chemical fixation by preserving samples instantly. Here, we describe our HPF methods optimized for visualizing Candida auris at the ultrastructural level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Milne
- Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Louise A Walker
- Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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Das S, Goswami AM, Saha T. An insight into the role of protein kinases as virulent factors, regulating pathogenic attributes in Candida albicans. Microb Pathog 2022; 164:105418. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Murphy SE, Bicanic T. Drug Resistance and Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Invasive Candidiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:759408. [PMID: 34970504 PMCID: PMC8713075 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.759408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are the leading cause of invasive fungal infections worldwide and are associated with acute mortality rates of ~50%. Mortality rates are further augmented in the context of host immunosuppression and infection with drug-resistant Candida species. In this review, we outline antifungal drugs already in clinical use for invasive candidiasis and candidaemia, their targets and mechanisms of resistance in clinically relevant Candida species, encompassing not only classical resistance, but also heteroresistance and tolerance. We describe novel antifungal agents and targets in pre-clinical and clinical development, including their spectrum of activity, antifungal target, clinical trial data and potential in treatment of drug-resistant Candida. Lastly, we discuss the use of combination therapy between conventional and repurposed agents as a potential strategy to combat the threat of emerging resistance in Candida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Murphy
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tihana Bicanic
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St. George's University Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Ribeiro GF, Denes E, Heaney H, Childers DS. What 'Omics Can Tell Us About Antifungal Adaptation. FEMS Yeast Res 2021; 21:6484793. [PMID: 34958354 PMCID: PMC8755904 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foab070] [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] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis, the most frequent healthcare-associated invasive fungal infection, is commonly caused by Candida albicans. However, in recent years other antifungal-resistant Candida species—namely Candida glabrata and Candidaauris—have emerged as a serious matter of concern. Much of our understanding of the mechanisms regulating antifungal resistance and tolerance relies on studies utilizing C. albicans, C. glabrataand the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ‘Omics studies have been used to describe alterations in metabolic, genomic and transcriptomic expression profiles upon antifungal treatment of fungal cells. The physiological changes identified by these approaches could significantly affect fungal fitness in the host and survival during antifungal challenge, as well as provide further understanding of clinical resistance. Thus, this review aims to comparatively address ‘omics data for C. albicans, C. glabrata andS. cerevisiae published from 2000 to 2021 to identify what these technologies can tell us regarding cellular responses to antifungal therapy. We will also highlight possible effects on pathogen survival and identify future avenues for antifungal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Fior Ribeiro
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, UK, AB25 2ZD
| | - Eszter Denes
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, UK, AB25 2ZD
| | - Helen Heaney
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, UK, AB25 2ZD
| | - Delma S Childers
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Aberdeen, UK, AB25 2ZD
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Mellinghoff SC, Thelen M, Bruns C, Garcia-Marquez M, Hartmann P, Lammertz T, Lehmann J, Nowag A, Stemler J, Wennhold K, Cornely OA, von Bergwelt-Baildon MS, Schlößer HA. T-cells of invasive candidiasis patients show patterns of T-cell-exhaustion suggesting checkpoint blockade as treatment option. J Infect 2021; 84:237-247. [PMID: 34921845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent data imply that strengthening host immunity by checkpoint inhibition improves outcome in invasive fungal infections (IFI), particularly in candidiasis. METHODS To assess T-cell exhaustion in this context, we compared peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum samples of patients with invasive Candida albicans infection (IC, n = 21) to PBMCs or tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from cancer patients (n = 14) and PBMCs of healthy controls (n = 20). Type and differentiation of lymphocytes and expression of 29 immune-regulatory molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry. C. albicans specific responses were assessed by FluoroSpot (n = 8) and antibody measurement (n = 14). RESULTS Fractions and phenotypes of lymphocyte subsets in PBMCs of IC patients were similar compared to PBMCs of controls, while they were different in TILs. PBMCs of patients with IC showed increased expression of immune-checkpoint molecules. The pattern of upregulated molecules was similar to TILs, but not present in PBMCs of control cancer patients. Fractions of T-cells expressing PD-1 and TIGIT were higher in IC patients that died. FluoroSpot analysis showed a Candida-specific IFN-y or IL-2 response in 5/8 patients, enhanced by addition of nivolumab in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Together with preclinical data and preliminary evidence of clinical efficacy in mucormycosis, our results support clinical evaluation of immune-checkpoint inhibition in IFI treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04533087; retrospectively registered on August 31, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle C Mellinghoff
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, Cologne 50937, Germany; Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Cologne, Germany.
| | - Martin Thelen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christiane Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Garcia-Marquez
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Pia Hartmann
- Wisplinghoff Laboratories, Cologne, Germany; Immunology and Hygiene (IMMIH), University of Cologne Institute for Medical Microbiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tatjana Lammertz
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Jonas Lehmann
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Angela Nowag
- Wisplinghoff Laboratories, Cologne, Germany; Immunology and Hygiene (IMMIH), University of Cologne Institute for Medical Microbiology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jannik Stemler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, Cologne 50937, Germany; Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Cologne, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wennhold
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, Cologne 50937, Germany; Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Cologne, Germany; Clinical Trials Centre Cologne, ZKS Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael S von Bergwelt-Baildon
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany; Laboratory for Translational Cancer Immunology, Gene Centre, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans A Schlößer
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Ceballos-Garzon A, Monteoliva L, Gil C, Alvarez-Moreno C, Vega-Vela NE, Engelthaler DM, Bowers J, Le Pape P, Parra-Giraldo CM. Genotypic, proteomic, and phenotypic approaches to decipher the response to caspofungin and calcineurin inhibitors in clinical isolates of echinocandin-resistant Candida glabrata. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 77:585-597. [PMID: 34893830 PMCID: PMC8865013 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Echinocandin resistance represents a great concern, as these drugs are recommended as first-line therapy for invasive candidiasis. Echinocandin resistance is conferred by mutations in FKS genes. Nevertheless, pathways are crucial for enabling tolerance, evolution, and maintenance of resistance. Therefore, understanding the biological processes and proteins involved in the response to caspofungin may provide clues indicating new therapeutic targets. Objectives We determined the resistance mechanism and assessed the proteome response to caspofungin exposure. We then evaluated the phenotypic impact of calcineurin inhibition by FK506 and cephalosporine A (CsA) on caspofungin-resistant Candida glabrata isolates. Methods Twenty-five genes associated with caspofungin resistance were analysed by NGS, followed by studies of the quantitative proteomic response to caspofungin exposure. Then, susceptibility testing of caspofungin in presence of FK506 and CsA was performed. The effects of calcineurin inhibitor/caspofungin combinations on heat stress (40°C), oxidative stress (0.2 and 0.4 mM menadione) and on biofilm formation (polyurethane catheter) were analysed. Finally, a Galleria mellonella model using blastospores (1 × 109 cfu/mL) was developed to evaluate the impact of the combinations on larval survival. Results F659-del was found in the FKS2 gene of resistant strains. Proteomics data showed some up-regulated proteins are involved in cell-wall biosynthesis, response to stress and pathogenesis, some of them being members of calmodulin–calcineurin pathway. Therefore, the impact of calmodulin inhibition was explored. Calmodulin inhibition restored caspofungin susceptibility, decreased capacity to respond to stress conditions, and reduced biofilm formation and in vivo pathogenicity. Conclusions Our findings confirm that calmodulin-calcineurin-Crz1 could provide a relevant target in life-threatening invasive candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Ceballos-Garzon
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universities, Nantes, France
| | - Lucia Monteoliva
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Concha Gil
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Proteómica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Alvarez-Moreno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Clínica Universitaria Colombia, Clinica Colsanitas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nelson E Vega-Vela
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | | | - Jolene Bowers
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Patrice Le Pape
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universities, Nantes, France
| | - Claudia M Parra-Giraldo
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
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Zeng G, Xu X, Gao J, da Silva Dantas A, Gow NA, Wang Y. Inactivating the mannose-ethanolamine phosphotransferase Gpi7 confers caspofungin resistance in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Cell Surf 2021; 7:100057. [PMID: 34258484 PMCID: PMC8254124 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2021.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing antifungal resistance is crucial for identifying new cellular targets for developing new antifungal therapeutics. In this study, we performed a transposon-mediated genome-wide genetic screen in haploid Candida albicans to identify mutants resistant to caspofungin, the first member of the echinocandin class of antifungal drugs. A mutant exhibiting the highest resistance possessed a transposon insertion that inactivates GPI7, a gene encoding the mannose-ethanolamine phosphotransferase. Deleting GPI7 in diploid C. albicans caused similar caspofungin resistance. gpi7Δ/Δ cells showed significantly elevated cell wall chitin content and enhanced phosphorylation of Mkc1, a core component of the PKC-MAPK cell-wall integrity pathway. Deleting MKC1 suppressed the chitin elevation and caspofungin resistance of gpi7Δ/Δ cells, but overexpressing the dominant inactive form of RHO1, an upstream activator of PKC-MAPK signaling, did not. Transcriptome analysis uncovered 406 differentially expressed genes in gpi7Δ/Δ cells, many related to cell wall construction. Our results suggest that GPI7 deletion impairs cell wall integrity, which triggers the cell-wall salvage mechanism via the PKC-MAPK pathway independently of Rho1, resulting in the compensatory chitin synthesis to confer caspofungin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guisheng Zeng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Jiaxin Gao
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Alessandra da Silva Dantas
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Neil A.R. Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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Zamith-Miranda D, Amatuzzi RF, Munhoz da Rocha IF, Martins ST, Lucena AC, Vieira AZ, Trentin G, Almeida F, Rodrigues ML, Nakayasu ES, Nosanchuk JD, Alves LR. Transcriptional and translational landscape of Candida auris in response to caspofungin. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5264-5277. [PMID: 34630944 PMCID: PMC8481930 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a serious worldwide threat by causing opportunistic infections that are frequently resistant to one or more conventional antifungal medications resulting in high mortality rates. Against this backdrop, health warnings around the world have focused efforts on understanding C. auris fungal biology and effective prevention and treatment approaches to combat this fungus. To date, there is little information about the differentially expressed genes when this fungus is treated with conventional antifungals, and caspofungin is a standard echinocandin deployed in the therapy against C. auris. In this work, we treated two distinct strains of C. auris for 24 h with caspofungin, and the cellular responses were evaluated at the morphological, translational and transcriptional levels. We first observed that the echinocandin caused morphological alterations, aggregation of yeast cells, and modifications in the cell wall composition of C. auris. Transcriptomic analysis revealed an upregulation of genes related to the synthesis of the cell wall, ribosome, and cell cycle after exposure to caspofungin. Supporting these findings, the integrated proteomic analysis showed that caspofungin-treated cells were enriched in ribosome-related proteins and cell wall, especially mannoproteins. Altogether, these results provide further insights into the biology of C. auris and expands our understanding regarding the antifungal activity of caspofungin and reveal cellular targets, as the mannose metabolism, that can be further explored for the development of novel antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Rafaela F. Amatuzzi
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Sharon T. Martins
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Aline C.R. Lucena
- Laboratory for Applied Sciences and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Z. Vieira
- Laboratory for Applied Sciences and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Trentin
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
- Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Lysangela R. Alves
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba, Brazil
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Ibe C, Munro CA. Fungal Cell Wall Proteins and Signaling Pathways Form a Cytoprotective Network to Combat Stresses. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090739. [PMID: 34575777 PMCID: PMC8466366 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are part of the normal flora of humans, but once the immune system of the host is impaired and they escape from commensal niches, they shift from commensal to pathogen causing candidiasis. Candida albicans remains the primary cause of candidiasis, accounting for about 60% of the global candidiasis burden. The cell wall of C. albicans and related fungal pathogens forms the interface with the host, gives fungal cells their shape, and also provides protection against stresses. The cell wall is a dynamic organelle with great adaptive flexibility that allows remodeling, morphogenesis, and changes in its components in response to the environment. It is mainly composed of the inner polysaccharide rich layer (chitin, and β-glucan) and the outer protein coat (mannoproteins). The highly glycosylated protein coat mediates interactions between C. albicans cells and their environment, including reprograming of wall architecture in response to several conditions, such as carbon source, pH, high temperature, and morphogenesis. The mannoproteins are also associated with C. albicans adherence, drug resistance, and virulence. Vitally, the mannoproteins contribute to cell wall construction and especially cell wall remodeling when cells encounter physical and chemical stresses. This review describes the interconnected cell wall integrity (CWI) and stress-activated pathways (e.g., Hog1, Cek1, and Mkc1 mediated pathways) that regulates cell wall remodeling and the expression of some of the mannoproteins in C. albicans and other species. The mannoproteins of the surface coat is of great importance to pathogen survival, growth, and virulence, thus understanding their structure and function as well as regulatory mechanisms can pave the way for better management of candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuike Ibe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu 441107, Nigeria
- Correspondence:
| | - Carol A. Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK;
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Garcia-Rubio R, Hernandez RY, Clear A, Healey KR, Shor E, Perlin DS. Critical Assessment of Cell Wall Integrity Factors Contributing to in vivo Echinocandin Tolerance and Resistance in Candida glabrata. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:702779. [PMID: 34305871 PMCID: PMC8298035 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.702779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are on the rise, and emergence of drug-resistant Candida strains refractory to treatment is particularly alarming. Resistance to azole class antifungals, which have been extensively used worldwide for several decades, is so high in several prevalent fungal pathogens, that another drug class, the echinocandins, is now recommended as a first line antifungal treatment. However, resistance to echinocandins is also prominent, particularly in certain species, such as Candida glabrata. The echinocandins target 1,3-β-glucan synthase (GS), the enzyme responsible for producing 1,3-β-glucans, a major component of the fungal cell wall. Although echinocandins are considered fungicidal, C. glabrata exhibits echinocandin tolerance both in vitro and in vivo, where a subset of the cells survives and facilitates the emergence of echinocandin-resistant mutants, which are responsible for clinical failure. Despite this critical role of echinocandin tolerance, its mechanisms are still not well understood. Additionally, most studies of tolerance are conducted in vitro and are thus not able to recapitulate the fungal-host interaction. In this study, we focused on the role of cell wall integrity factors in echinocandin tolerance in C. glabrata. We identified three genes involved in the maintenance of cell wall integrity - YPS1, YPK2, and SLT2 - that promote echinocandin tolerance both in vitro and in a mouse model of gastrointestinal (GI) colonization. In particular, we show that mice colonized with strains carrying deletions of these genes were more effectively sterilized by daily caspofungin treatment relative to mice colonized with the wild-type parental strain. Furthermore, consistent with a role of tolerant cells serving as a reservoir for generating resistant mutations, a reduction in tolerance was associated with a reduction in the emergence of resistant strains. Finally, reduced susceptibility in these strains was due both to the well described FKS-dependent mechanisms and as yet unknown, FKS-independent mechanisms. Together, these results shed light on the importance of cell wall integrity maintenance in echinocandin tolerance and emergence of resistance and lay the foundation for future studies of the factors described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Rosa Y. Hernandez
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Alissa Clear
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - Kelley R. Healey
- Department of Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, United States
| | - Erika Shor
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, United States
- Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, United States
- Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, United States
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
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Li T, Li L, Du F, Sun L, Shi J, Long M, Chen Z. Activity and Mechanism of Action of Antifungal Peptides from Microorganisms: A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113438. [PMID: 34198909 PMCID: PMC8201221 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Harmful fungi in nature not only cause diseases in plants, but also fungal infection and poisoning when people and animals eat food derived from crops contaminated with them. Unfortunately, such fungi are becoming increasingly more resistant to traditional synthetic antifungal drugs, which can make prevention and control work increasingly more difficult to achieve. This means they are potentially very harmful to human health and lifestyle. Antifungal peptides are natural substances produced by organisms to defend themselves against harmful fungi. As a result, they have become an important research object to help deal with harmful fungi and overcome their drug resistance. Moreover, they are expected to be developed into new therapeutic drugs against drug-resistant fungi in clinical application. This review focuses on antifungal peptides that have been isolated from bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms to date. Their antifungal activity and factors affecting it are outlined in terms of their antibacterial spectra and effects. The toxic effects of the antifungal peptides and their common solutions are mentioned. The mechanisms of action of the antifungal peptides are described according to their action pathways. The work provides a useful reference for further clinical research and the development of safe antifungal drugs that have high efficiencies and broad application spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxi Li
- College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (T.L.); (L.L.); (F.D.)
| | - Lulu Li
- College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (T.L.); (L.L.); (F.D.)
| | - Fangyuan Du
- College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (T.L.); (L.L.); (F.D.)
| | - Lei Sun
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China;
| | - Jichao Shi
- Liaoning Agricultural Development Service Center, Shenyang 110032, China;
| | - Miao Long
- College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (T.L.); (L.L.); (F.D.)
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zeliang Chen
- College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (T.L.); (L.L.); (F.D.)
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (Z.C.)
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Germination of a Field: Women in Candida albicans Research. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-021-00169-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Owens RA, Doyle S. Effects of antifungal agents on the fungal proteome: informing on mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:185-199. [PMID: 33797307 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.1912601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antifungal agents are essential in the fight against serious fungal disease, however emerging resistance is threatening an already limited collection of therapeutics. Proteomic analyses of effects of antifungal agents can expand our understanding of multifactorial mechanisms of action and have also proven valuable to elucidate proteomic changes associated with antifungal resistance. AREAS COVERED This review covers the application of proteomic techniques to examine sensitivity and resistance to antifungals including commonly used therapeutics, amphotericin B, echinocandins and the azoles, based predominantly on studies involving Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata from the last 10 years. In addition, non-clinical antimicrobial agents are also discussed, which highlight the potential of proteomics to identify new antifungal targets. EXPERT COMMENTARY Fungal proteomics has evolved in the last decade with increased genome availability and developments in mass spectrometry. Collectively, these have led to the advancement of proteomic techniques, allowing increased coverage of the proteome. Gel-based proteomics laid the foundation for these types of studies, which has now shifted to the more powerful gel-free proteomics. This has resulted in the identification of key mediators and potential biomarkers of antifungal resistance, as well as elucidating the mechanisms of action of novel and established antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Owens
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.,The Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Hans S, Fatima Z, Hameed S. Metabolic fitness of Candida albicans is indispensable for functional drug efflux, ergosterol, and chitin biosynthesis. Curr Med Mycol 2021; 6:9-14. [PMID: 33834137 PMCID: PMC8018820 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.6.3.3980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The increment in fungal infections, particularly due to Candida species, is alarming due to
the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR). Hence, the identification of novel drug targets to circumvent the problem
of MDR requires immediate attention. The metabolic pathway, such as glyoxylate cycle (GC), which utilizes
key enzymes (isocitrate lyase [ICL] and malate synthase [MLS]), enables C. albicans
to adapt under glucose-deficient conditions. This study uncovers the effect of GC disruption on the major MDR mechanisms of C. albicans as a human pathogenic fungus. Materials and Methods: For the purpose of the study, efflux pump activity was assessed by phenotypic susceptibilities in the presence of substrates rhodamine 6G (R6G) and Nile red, along with R6G extracellular concentration (527 nm). In addition, ergosterol content was estimated by the alcoholic potassium hydroxide hydrolysis method. The estimation of chitin was also accomplished by the absorbance (520 nm) of glucosamine released by acid hydrolysis. Results: The results revealed that the disruption of ICL enzyme gene (Δicl1) led to the impairment of the efflux activity of multidrug transporters belonging to the ATP - binding cassette superfamily. It was further shown that Δicl1 mutant exhibited diminished ergosterol and chitin contents. In addition, all abrogated phenotypes could be rescued in the reverting strain of Δicl1 mutant. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the disruption of GC affected efflux activity and the synthesis of ergosterol and chitin. The present study for the first time revealed that metabolic fitness was associated with functional drug efflux, ergosterol and chitin biosynthesis and validated GC as an antifungal target. However, further studies are needed to comprehend and exploit this therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Hans
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram (Manesar)-122413, India
| | - Zeeshan Fatima
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram (Manesar)-122413, India
| | - Saif Hameed
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram (Manesar)-122413, India
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Lee Y, Puumala E, Robbins N, Cowen LE. Antifungal Drug Resistance: Molecular Mechanisms in Candida albicans and Beyond. Chem Rev 2021; 121:3390-3411. [PMID: 32441527 PMCID: PMC8519031 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 111.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a major contributor to infectious disease-related deaths across the globe. Candida species are among the most common causes of invasive mycotic disease, with Candida albicans reigning as the leading cause of invasive candidiasis. Given that fungi are eukaryotes like their human host, the number of unique molecular targets that can be exploited for antifungal development remains limited. Currently, there are only three major classes of drugs approved for the treatment of invasive mycoses, and the efficacy of these agents is compromised by the development of drug resistance in pathogen populations. Notably, the emergence of additional drug-resistant species, such as Candida auris and Candida glabrata, further threatens the limited armamentarium of antifungals available to treat these serious infections. Here, we describe our current arsenal of antifungals and elaborate on the resistance mechanisms Candida species possess that render them recalcitrant to therapeutic intervention. Finally, we highlight some of the most promising therapeutic strategies that may help combat antifungal resistance, including combination therapy, targeting fungal-virulence traits, and modulating host immunity. Overall, a thorough understanding of the mechanistic principles governing antifungal drug resistance is fundamental for the development of novel therapeutics to combat current and emerging fungal threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjin Lee
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Emily Puumala
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Leah E Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
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Scorzoni L, Fuchs BB, Junqueira JC, Mylonakis E. Current and promising pharmacotherapeutic options for candidiasis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:867-887. [PMID: 33538201 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1873951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Candida spp. are commensal yeasts capable of causing infections such as superficial, oral, vaginal, or systemic infections. Despite medical advances, the antifungal pharmacopeia remains limited and the development of alternative strategies is needed.Areas covered: We discuss available treatments for Candida spp. infections, highlighting advantages and limitations related to pharmacokinetics, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, we present new perspectives to improve the activity of the available antifungals, discussing their immunomodulatory potential and advances on drug delivery carriers. New therapeutic approaches are presented including recent synthesized antifungal compounds (Enchochleated-Amphotericin B, tetrazoles, rezafungin, enfumafungin, manogepix and arylamidine); drug repurposing using a diversity of antibacterial, antiviral and non-antimicrobial drugs; combination therapies with different compounds or photodynamic therapy; and innovations based on nano-particulate delivery systems.Expert opinion: With the lack of novel drugs, the available assets must be leveraged to their best advantage through modifications that enhance delivery, efficacy, and solubility. However, these efforts are met with continuous challenges presented by microbes in their infinite plight to resist and survive therapeutic drugs. The pharmacotherapeutic options in development need to focus on new antimicrobial targets. The success of each antimicrobial agent brings strategic insights to the next phased approach in treatingCandida spp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, SP Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, SP Brazil
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
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Spettel K, Galazka S, Kriz R, Camp I, Willinger B. Do Candida albicans Isolates with Borderline Resistant Micafungin MICs Always Harbor FKS1 Hot Spot Mutations? J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020093. [PMID: 33525326 PMCID: PMC7911425 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020093] [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] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antifungal susceptibility testing is important in guiding patient therapy due to an increasing number of resistant Candida isolates. In the clinical strain collection of the Austrian resistance report (AURES), a high number of micafungin-resistant C. albicans isolates (18.2% 49/269) was detected in seven different centres in Austria from 2011–2016. Most of these isolates showed a micafungin MIC value that was just above the clinical breakpoint (CB) established by EUCAST (0.016 mg/L). The aim of this study was to analyse whether C. albicans strains showing a micafungin MIC value of 1–2 dilutions above the CB (0.032 mg/L and 0.064 mg/L) are associated with mutations in FKS1 hotspot (HS) regions. 115 C. albicans candidemia strains showing a micafungin MIC one or two dilutions above the EUCAST CB (0.032 mg/L and 0.064 mg/L) were categorized as borderline resistant and screened for mutations in FKS1 HS1, HS2, and HS3 regions, which are known locations for the development of echinocandin resistance. For this purpose, we implemented targeted resequencing utilizing a next generation sequencing technology. No missense mutations could be detected in FKS1 HS1, HS2, and HS3 in any of the 115 isolates, which indicated that resistance conferred by alteration of FKS1 seems unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Spettel
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (S.G.); (I.C.)
| | - Sonia Galazka
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (S.G.); (I.C.)
| | - Richard Kriz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Iris Camp
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (S.G.); (I.C.)
| | - Birgit Willinger
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (S.G.); (I.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-140400-51580
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