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Kane DL, Burke B, Diaz M, Wolf C, Fonzi WA. Lethal metabolism of Candida albicans respiratory mutants. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300630. [PMID: 38578754 PMCID: PMC10997084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The destructive impact of fungi in agriculture and animal and human health, coincident with increases in antifungal resistance, underscores the need for new and alternative drug targets to counteract these trends. Cellular metabolism relies on many intermediates with intrinsic toxicity and promiscuous enzymatic activity generates others. Fuller knowledge of these toxic entities and their generation may offer opportunities of antifungal development. From this perspective our observation of media-conditional lethal metabolism in respiratory mutants of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans was of interest. C. albicans mutants defective in NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I of the electron transport chain) exhibit normal growth in synthetic complete medium. In YPD medium, however, the mutants grow normally until early stationary phase whereupon a dramatic loss of viability occurs. Upwards of 90% of cells die over the subsequent four to six hours with a loss of membrane integrity. The extent of cell death was proportional to the amount of BactoPeptone, and to a lesser extent, the amount of yeast extract. YPD medium conditioned by growth of the mutant was toxic to wild-type cells indicating mutant metabolism established a toxic milieu in the media. Conditioned media contained a volatile component that contributed to toxicity, but only in the presence of a component of BactoPeptone. Fractionation experiments revealed purine nucleosides or bases as the synergistic component. GC-mass spectrometry analysis revealed acetal (1,1-diethoxyethane) as the active volatile. This previously unreported and lethal synergistic interaction of acetal and purines suggests a hitherto unrecognized toxic metabolism potentially exploitable in the search for antifungal targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Lucas Kane
- Department of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry Shared Resource, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Brendan Burke
- Department of Microbiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Monica Diaz
- Department of Microbiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Christian Wolf
- Department of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry Shared Resource, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - William A. Fonzi
- Department of Microbiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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2
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Zhou M, Peng J, Ren K, Yu Y, Li D, She X, Liu W. Divergent mitochondrial responses and metabolic signal pathways secure the azole resistance in Crabtree-positive and negative Candida species. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0404223. [PMID: 38442003 PMCID: PMC10986575 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04042-23] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Azole drugs are the main therapeutic drugs for invasive fungal infections. However, azole-resistant strains appear repeatedly in the environment, posing a major threat to human health. Several reports have shown that mitochondria are associated with the virulence of pathogenic fungi. However, there are few studies on the mechanisms of mitochondria-mediated azoles resistance. Here, we first performed mitochondrial proteomic analysis on multiple Candida species (Candida albicans, Nakaseomyces glabrata, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Candida auris) and analyzed the differentially expressed mitochondrial proteins (DEMPs) between azole-sensitive and azole-resistant Candida species. Subsequently, we performed Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, gene ontology analysis, and protein-protein interaction network analysis of DEMPs. Our results showed that a total of 417, 165, and 25 DEMPs were identified in resistant C. albicans, N. glabrata, and C. auris, respectively. These DEMPs were enriched in ribosomal biogenesis at cytosol and mitochondria, tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis, transporters, ergosterol, and cell wall mannan biosynthesis. The high activations of these cellular activities, found in C. albicans and C. auris (at low scale), were mostly opposite to those observed in two fermenter species-N. glabrata and P. kudriavzevii. Several transcription factors including Rtg3 were highly produced in resistant C. albicans that experienced a complex I activation of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). The reduction of mitochondrial-related activities and complex IV/V of ETC in N. glabrata and P. kudriavzevii was companying with the reduced proteins of Tor1, Hog1, and Snf1/Snf4.IMPORTANCECandida spp. are common organisms that cause a variety of invasive diseases. However, Candida spp. are resistant to azoles, which hinders antifungal therapy. Exploring the drug-resistance mechanism of pathogenic Candida spp. will help improve the prevention and control strategy and discover new targets. Mitochondria, as an important organelle in eukaryotic cells, are closely related to a variety of cellular activities. However, the role of mitochondrial proteins in mediating azole resistance in Candida spp. has not been elucidated. Here, we analyzed the mitochondrial proteins and signaling pathways that mediate azole resistance in Candida spp. to provide ideas and references for solving the problem of azole resistance. Our work may offer new insights into the connection between mitochondria and azoles resistance in pathogenic fungi and highlight the potential clinical value of mitochondrial proteins in the treatment of invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhou
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwen Peng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medicine School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun Ren
- Centers for pharmaceutical preparations, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xiaodong She
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Weida Liu
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Zhang L, Meng Z, Calderone R, Liu W, She X, Li D. Mitochondria complex I deficiency in Candida albicans arrests the cell cycle at S phase through suppressive TOR and PKA pathways. FEMS Yeast Res 2024; 24:foae010. [PMID: 38592962 PMCID: PMC11008738 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foae010] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
How mutations in mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) proteins impact the cell cycle of Candida albicans was investigated in this study. Using genetic null mutants targeting ETC complexes I (CI), III (CIII), and IV (CIV), the cell cycle stages (G0/G1, S phase, and G2/M) were analyzed via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Four CI null mutants exhibited distinct alterations, including extended S phase, shortened G2/M population, and a reduction in cells size exceeding 10 µM. Conversely, CIII mutants showed an increased population in G1/G0 phase. Among four CI mutants, ndh51Δ/Δ and goa1Δ/Δ displayed aberrant cell cycle patterns correlated with previously reported cAMP/PKA downregulation. Specifically, nuo1Δ/Δ and nuo2Δ/Δ mutants exhibited increased transcription of RIM15, a central hub linking cell cycle with nutrient-dependent TOR1 and cAMP/PKA pathways and Snf1 aging pathway. These findings suggest that suppression of TOR1 and cAMP/PKA pathways or enhanced Snf1 disrupts cell cycle progression, influencing cell longevity and growth among CI mutants. Overall, our study highlights the intricate interplay between mitochondrial ETC, cell cycle, and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.155 Hanzhong Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20057, United States
| | - Zhou Meng
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No. 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Xuanwu District, Naning, 210042, China
| | - Richard Calderone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20057, United States
| | - Weida Liu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No. 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Xuanwu District, Naning, 210042, China
| | - Xiaodong She
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20057, United States
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No. 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Xuanwu District, Naning, 210042, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20057, United States
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Venice F, Spina F, Davolos D, Ghignone S, Varese GC. The genomes of Scedosporium between environmental challenges and opportunism. IMA Fungus 2023; 14:25. [PMID: 38049914 PMCID: PMC10694956 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-023-00128-3] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging fungal pathogens are a global challenge for humankind. Many efforts have been made to understand the mechanisms underlying pathogenicity in bacteria, and OMICs techniques are largely responsible for those advancements. By contrast, our limited understanding of opportunism and antifungal resistance is preventing us from identifying, limiting and interpreting the emergence of fungal pathogens. The genus Scedosporium (Microascaceae) includes fungi with high tolerance to environmental pollution, whilst some species can be considered major human pathogens, such as Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium boydii. However, unlike other fungal pathogens, little is known about the genome evolution of these organisms. We sequenced two novel genomes of Scedosporium aurantiacum and Scedosporium minutisporum isolated from extreme, strongly anthropized environments. We compared all the available Scedosporium and Microascaceae genomes, that we systematically annotated and characterized ex novo in most cases. The genomes in this family were integrated in a Phylum-level comparison to infer the presence of putative, shared genomic traits in filamentous ascomycetes with pathogenic potential. The analysis included the genomes of 100 environmental and clinical fungi, revealing poor evolutionary convergence of putative pathogenicity traits. By contrast, several features in Microascaceae and Scedosporium were detected that might have a dual role in responding to environmental challenges and allowing colonization of the human body, including chitin, melanin and other cell wall related genes, proteases, glutaredoxins and magnesium transporters. We found these gene families to be impacted by expansions, orthologous transposon insertions, and point mutations. With RNA-seq, we demonstrated that most of these anciently impacted genomic features responded to the stress imposed by an antifungal compound (voriconazole) in the two environmental strains S. aurantiacum MUT6114 and S. minutisporum MUT6113. Therefore, the present genomics and transcriptomics investigation stands on the edge between stress resistance and pathogenic potential, to elucidate whether fungi were pre-adapted to infect humans. We highlight the strengths and limitations of genomics applied to opportunistic human pathogens, the multifactoriality of pathogenicity and resistance to drugs, and suggest a scenario where pressures other than anthropic contributed to forge filamentous human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Venice
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Spina
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Domenico Davolos
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements (DIT), INAIL, Research Area, Via R. Ferruzzi 38/40, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghignone
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), SS Turin-National Research Council (CNR), Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cristina Varese
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy.
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Qin Y, Wang J, Lv Q, Han B. Recent Progress in Research on Mitochondrion-Targeted Antifungal Drugs: a Review. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0000323. [PMID: 37195189 PMCID: PMC10269089 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00003-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections, which commonly occur in immunocompromised patients, can cause high morbidity and mortality. Antifungal agents act by disrupting the cell membrane, inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis and function, or inhibiting β-1,3-glucan synthase. Because the incidences of life-threatening fungal infections and antifungal drug resistance are continuously increasing, there is an urgent need for the development of new antifungal agents with novel mechanisms of action. Recent studies have focused on mitochondrial components as potential therapeutic drug targets, owing to their important roles in fungal viability and pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss novel antifungal drugs targeting mitochondrial components and highlight the unique fungal proteins involved in the electron transport chain, which is useful for investigating selective antifungal targets. Finally, we comprehensively summarize the efficacy and safety of lead compounds in clinical and preclinical development. Although fungus-specific proteins in the mitochondrion are involved in various processes, the majority of the antifungal agents target dysfunction of mitochondria, including mitochondrial respiration disturbance, increased intracellular ATP, reactive oxygen species generation, and others. Moreover, only a few drugs are under clinical trials, necessitating further exploration of possible targets and development of effective antifungal agents. The unique chemical structures and targets of these compounds will provide valuable hints for further exploiting new antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Quanzhen Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Santos AL, Beckham JL, Liu D, Li G, van Venrooy A, Oliver A, Tegos GP, Tour JM. Visible-Light-Activated Molecular Machines Kill Fungi by Necrosis Following Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Calcium Overload. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205781. [PMID: 36715588 PMCID: PMC10074111 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are a growing public health threat. As fungi become increasingly resistant to existing drugs, new antifungals are urgently needed. Here, it is reported that 405-nm-visible-light-activated synthetic molecular machines (MMs) eliminate planktonic and biofilm fungal populations more effectively than conventional antifungals without resistance development. Mechanism-of-action studies show that MMs bind to fungal mitochondrial phospholipids. Upon visible light activation, rapid unidirectional drilling of MMs at ≈3 million cycles per second (MHz) results in mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium overload, and ultimately necrosis. Besides their direct antifungal effect, MMs synergize with conventional antifungals by impairing the activity of energy-dependent efflux pumps. Finally, MMs potentiate standard antifungals both in vivo and in an ex vivo porcine model of onychomycosis, reducing the fungal burden associated with infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Santos
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- IdISBA – Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas BalearesPalma07120Spain
| | | | - Dongdong Liu
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
| | - Gang Li
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
| | | | - Antonio Oliver
- IdISBA – Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria de las Islas BalearesPalma07120Spain
- Servicio de MicrobiologiaHospital Universitari Son EspasesPalma07120Spain
| | - George P. Tegos
- Office of ResearchReading HospitalTower Health, 420 S. Fifth AvenueWest ReadingPA19611USA
| | - James M. Tour
- Department of ChemistryRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Smalley‐Curl InstituteRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineeringRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
- NanoCarbon Center and the Welch Institute for Advanced MaterialsRice UniversityHoustonTX77005USA
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7
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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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8
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Telzrow CL, Esher Righi S, Cathey JM, Granek JA, Alspaugh JA. Cryptococcus neoformans Mar1 function links mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress, and antifungal tolerance. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1150272. [PMID: 36969606 PMCID: PMC10033685 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1150272] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Microbial pathogens undergo significant physiological changes during interactions with the infected host, including alterations in metabolism and cell architecture. The Cryptococcus neoformans Mar1 protein is required for the proper ordering of the fungal cell wall in response to host-relevant stresses. However, the precise mechanism by which this Cryptococcus-specific protein regulates cell wall homeostasis was not defined. Methods: Here, we use comparative transcriptomics, protein localization, and phenotypic analysis of a mar1D loss-of-function mutant strain to further define the role of C. neoformans Mar1 in stress response and antifungal resistance. Results: We demonstrate that C. neoformans Mar1 is highly enriched in mitochondria. Furthermore, a mar1Δ mutant strain is impaired in growth in the presence of select electron transport chain inhibitors, has altered ATP homeostasis, and promotes proper mitochondrial morphogenesis. Pharmacological inhibition of complex IV of the electron transport chain in wild-type cells promotes similar cell wall changes as the mar1Δ mutant strain, supporting prior associations between mitochondrial function and cell wall homeostasis. Although Mar1 is not required for general susceptibility to the azole antifungals, the mar1Δ mutant strain displays increased tolerance to fluconazole that correlates with repressed mitochondrial metabolic activity. Discussion: Together, these studies support an emerging model in which the metabolic activity of microbial cells directs cell physiological changes to allow persistence in the face of antimicrobial and host stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calla L. Telzrow
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Shannon Esher Righi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jackson M. Cathey
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Joshua A. Granek
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - J. Andrew Alspaugh
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Li D, She X, Calderone R. Assessing Complex I (CI) Mitochondrial Subunit Protein Functions in Candida albicans. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2542:151-160. [PMID: 36008663 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2549-1_11] [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
Mitochondria of Candida species play critical roles in cell metabolism and pathogenesis. Greater emphasis in specific mitochondria activities of this fungus have been revealed through studies that defined fungal or Candida-specific subunit proteins of ETC Complexes I, III, and IV (CI, CIII, and CIV). Functional activities of these subunits have been characterized through the construction of single-gene null mutants. Activities common to mitochondria of most eukaryotes include their importance in metabolism, ATP synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, oxygen consumption, and redox potential. An important difference among specific subunits compared to eukaryotic species is the role of CI fungal-specific subunit proteins in activities specific to Candida albicans, such as cell wall synthesis, especially cell wall mannan and β-glucan synthesis. We have associated cell wall synthesis with a signal transduction pathway that includes a Chk1p fungal-specific pathway. Recently, based upon the specificity of CI subunit specificities, a suggestion is the development of novel antifungals that target mitochondrial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xiaodong She
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Disease and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Richard Calderone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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10
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Hossain S, Veri AO, Liu Z, Iyer KR, O’Meara TR, Robbins N, Cowen LE. Mitochondrial perturbation reduces susceptibility to xenobiotics through altered efflux in Candida albicans. Genetics 2021; 219:iyab095. [PMID: 34143207 PMCID: PMC8860387 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a leading human fungal pathogen, which can cause superficial infections or life-threatening systemic disease in immunocompromised individuals. The ability to transition between yeast and filamentous forms is a major virulence trait of C. albicans, and a key regulator of this morphogenetic transition is the molecular chaperone Hsp90. To explore the mechanisms governing C. albicans morphogenesis in response to Hsp90 inhibition, we performed a functional genomic screen using the gene replacement and conditional expression collection to identify mutants that are defective in filamentation in response to the Hsp90 inhibitor, geldanamycin. We found that transcriptional repression of genes involved in mitochondrial function blocked filamentous growth in response to the concentration of the Hsp90 inhibitor used in the screen, and this was attributable to increased resistance to the compound. Further exploration revealed that perturbation of mitochondrial function reduced susceptibility to two structurally distinct Hsp90 inhibitors, geldanamycin and radicicol, such that filamentous growth was restored in the mitochondrial mutants by increasing the compound concentration. Deletion of two representative mitochondrial genes, MSU1 and SHY1, enhanced cellular efflux and reduced susceptibility to diverse intracellularly acting compounds. Additionally, screening a C. albicans efflux pump gene deletion library implicated Yor1 in the efflux of geldanamycin and Cdr1, in the efflux of radicicol. Deletion of these transporter genes restored sensitivity to Hsp90 inhibitors in MSU1 and SHY1 homozygous deletion mutants, thereby enabling filamentation. Taken together, our findings suggest that mitochondrial dysregulation elevates cellular efflux and consequently reduces susceptibility to xenobiotics in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Hossain
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
| | - Amanda O Veri
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
| | - Zhongle Liu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
| | - Kali R Iyer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
| | - Teresa R O’Meara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
| | - Leah E Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
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11
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Tong Y, Zhang J, Sun N, Wang XM, Wei Q, Zhang Y, Huang R, Pu Y, Dai H, Ren B, Pei G, Song F, Zhu G, Wang X, Xia X, Chen X, Jiang L, Wang S, Ouyang L, Xie N, Zhang B, Jiang Y, Liu X, Calderone R, Bai F, Zhang L, Alterovitz G. Berberine reverses multidrug resistance in Candida albicans by hijacking the drug efflux pump Mdr1p. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2021; 66:1895-1905. [PMID: 36654399 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2020.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Clinical use of antimicrobials faces great challenges from the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. The overexpression of drug efflux pumps is one of the major contributors to multidrug resistance (MDR). Reversing the function of drug efflux pumps is a promising approach to overcome MDR. In the life-threatening fungal pathogen Candida albicans, the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter Mdr1p can excrete many structurally unrelated antifungals, leading to MDR. Here we report a counterintuitive case of reversing MDR in C. albicans by using a natural product berberine to hijack the overexpressed Mdr1p for its own importation. Moreover, we illustrate that the imported berberine accumulates in mitochondria and compromises the mitochondrial function by impairing mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial Complex I. This results in the selective elimination of Mdr1p overexpressed C. albicans cells. Furthermore, we show that berberine treatment can prolong the mean survival time of mice with blood-borne dissemination of Mdr1p overexpressed multidrug-resistant candidiasis. This study provides a potential direction of novel anti-MDR drug discovery by screening for multidrug efflux pump converters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojun Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Nuo Sun
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Washington DC 20057, USA
| | - Xiang-Ming Wang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qi Wei
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Ren Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Yingying Pu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huanqin Dai
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Biao Ren
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Gang Pei
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fuhang Song
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Guoliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xinye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuekui Xia
- Key Biosensor Laboratory of Shandong Province, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250013, China
| | - Xiangyin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shenlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Liming Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Ning Xie
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA 02115, USA
| | - Buchang Zhang
- Institute of Health Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xueting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Richard Calderone
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Washington DC 20057, USA
| | - Fan Bai
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Lixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Gil Alterovitz
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA 02115, USA; National Artificial Intelligence Institute, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington DC 20420, USA
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12
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Li H, Chen H, Shi W, Shi J, Yuan J, Duan C, Fan Q, Liu Y. A novel use for an old drug: resistance reversal in Candida albicans by combining dihydroartemisinin with fluconazole. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:461-469. [PMID: 33960815 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0148] [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: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effects of dihydroartemisinin combined with fluconazole against C. albicans in vitro and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Materials & methods: Checkerboard microdilution assay and time-kill curve method were employed to evaluate the static and dynamic antifungal effects against C. albicans. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by a fluorescent probe. Results: Combination of dihydroartemisinin and fluconazole exerted potent synergy against planktonic cells and biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans, with the fractional inhibitory concentration index values less than 0.07. A potent fungistatic activity of this drug combination could still be observed after 18 h. The accumulation of ROS induced by the drug combination might contribute to the synergy. Conclusion: Dihydroartemisinin reversed the resistance of C. albicans to fluconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China.,College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Haisheng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Wenna Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Jupeng Yuan
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Cunxian Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Qing Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Yuguo Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
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13
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Schikora-Tamarit MÀ, Marcet-Houben M, Nosek J, Gabaldón T. Shared evolutionary footprints suggest mitochondrial oxidative damage underlies multiple complex I losses in fungi. Open Biol 2021; 11:200362. [PMID: 33906412 PMCID: PMC8080010 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative phosphorylation is among the most conserved mitochondrial pathways. However, one of the cornerstones of this pathway, the multi-protein complex NADH : ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) has been lost multiple independent times in diverse eukaryotic lineages. The causes and consequences of these convergent losses remain poorly understood. Here, we used a comparative genomics approach to reconstruct evolutionary paths leading to complex I loss and infer possible evolutionary scenarios. By mining available mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, we identified eight independent events of mitochondrial complex I loss across eukaryotes, of which six occurred in fungal lineages. We focused on three recent loss events that affect closely related fungal species, and inferred genomic changes convergently associated with complex I loss. Based on these results, we predict novel complex I functional partners and relate the loss of complex I with the presence of increased mitochondrial antioxidants, higher fermentative capabilities, duplications of alternative dehydrogenases, loss of alternative oxidases and adaptation to antifungal compounds. To explain these findings, we hypothesize that a combination of previously acquired compensatory mechanisms and exposure to environmental triggers of oxidative stress (such as hypoxia and/or toxic chemicals) induced complex I loss in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Àngel Schikora-Tamarit
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Marcet-Houben
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jozef Nosek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 29, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Lu H, Shrivastava M, Whiteway M, Jiang Y. Candida albicans targets that potentially synergize with fluconazole. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:323-337. [PMID: 33587857 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1884641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fluconazole has characteristics that make it widely used in the clinical treatment of C. albicans infections. However, fluconazole has only a fungistatic activity in C. albicans, therefore, in the long-term treatment of C. albicans infection with fluconazole, C. albicans has the potential to acquire fluconazole resistance. A promising approach to increase fluconazole's efficacy is identifying potential targets of drugs that can enhance the antifungal effect of fluconazole, or even make the drug fungicidal. In this review, we systematically provide a global overview of potential targets of drugs synergistic with fluconazole in C. albicans, identify new avenues for research on fluconazole potentiation, and highlight the promise of combinatorial strategies with fluconazole in combatting C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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15
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Ke CL, Liao YT, Lin CH. MSS2 maintains mitochondrial function and is required for chitosan resistance, invasive growth, biofilm formation and virulence in Candida albicans. Virulence 2021; 12:281-297. [PMID: 33427576 PMCID: PMC7808435 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1870082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen in humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients. In this study, by screening a C. albicans mutant library, we first identified that the MSS2 gene, an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSS2 required for mitochondrial respiration, mediates chitosan resistance. Upon treatment with 0.2% chitosan, the growth of mss2Δ strains was strikingly impaired, and MSS2 expression was significantly repressed by chitosan. Furthermore, mss2Δ strains exhibited slow growth on medium supplemented with glycerol as the sole carbon source. Similar to the chitosan-treated wild-type strain, the mss2Δ strain exhibited a significantly impaired ATP production ability. These data suggest that an antifungal mechanism of chitosan against C. albicans acts by inhibiting MSS2 gene expression, leading to repression of mitochondrial function. Normal respiratory function is suggested to be required for fungal virulence. Interestingly, the mss2Δ mutant strains exhibited significantly impaired invasive ability in vitro and ex vivo but retained normal hyphal development ability in liquid medium. Furthermore, the MSS2 deletion strains could not form robust biofilms and exhibited significantly reduced virulence. Collectively, these results demonstrated that the antifungal effect of chitosan against C. albicans is mediated via inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis. These data may provide another strategy for antifungal drug development via inhibition of fungal mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Ling Ke
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Liao
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University , Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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She X, Zhang L, Peng J, Zhang J, Li H, Zhang P, Calderone R, Liu W, Li D. Mitochondrial Complex I Core Protein Regulates cAMP Signaling via Phosphodiesterase Pde2 and NAD Homeostasis in Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:559975. [PMID: 33324355 PMCID: PMC7726218 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.559975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway of Candida albicans responds to nutrient availability to coordinate a series of cellular processes for its replication and survival. The elevation of cAMP for PKA signaling must be both transitory and tightly regulated. Otherwise, any abnormal cAMP/PKA pathway would disrupt metabolic potential and ergosterol synthesis and promote a stress response. One possible mechanism for controlling cAMP levels is direct induction of the phosphodiesterase PDE2 gene by cAMP itself. Our earlier studies have shown that most single-gene-deletion mutants of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex I (CI) are hypersensitive to fluconazole. To understand the fluconazole hypersensitivity observed in these mutants, we focused upon the cAMP/PKA-mediated ergosterol synthesis in CI mutants. Two groups of the ETC mutants were used in this study. Group I includes CI mutants. Group II is composed of CIII and CIV mutants; group II mutants are known to have greater respiratory loss. All mutants are not identical in cAMP/PKA-mediated ergosterol response. We found that ergosterol levels are decreased by 47.3% in the ndh51Δ (CI core subunit mutant) and by 23.5% in goa1Δ (CI regulator mutant). Both mutants exhibited a greater reduction of cAMP and excessive trehalose production compared with other mutants. Despite the normal cAMP level, ergosterol content decreased by 33.0% in the CIII mutant qce1Δ as well, thereby displaying a cAMP/PKA-independent ergosterol response. While the two CI mutants have some unique cAMP/PKA-mediated ergosterol responses, we found that the degree of cAMP reduction correlates linearly with a decrease in total nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels in all mutants, particularly in the seven CI mutants. A mechanism study demonstrates that overactive PDE2 and cPDE activity must be the cause of the suppressive cAMP-mediated ergosterol response in the ndh51Δ and goa1Δ. While the purpose of this study is to understand the impact of ETC proteins on pathogenesis-associated cellular events, our results reveal the importance of Ndh51p in the regulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway through Pde2p inhibition in normal physiological environments. As a direct link between Ndh51p and Pde2p remains elusive, we suggest that Ndh51p participates in NAD homeostasis that might regulate Pde2p activity for the optimal cAMP pathway state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong She
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwen Peng
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China
| | - Jingyun Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China
| | - Hongbin Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Pengyi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Sport Science Research Center, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China
| | - Richard Calderone
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Weida Liu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
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17
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Medina R, Franco MEE, Bartel LC, Martinez Alcántara V, Saparrat MCN, Balatti PA. Fungal Mitogenomes: Relevant Features to Planning Plant Disease Management. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:978. [PMID: 32547508 PMCID: PMC7272585 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial genomes (mt-genomes) are characterized by a distinct codon usage and their autonomous replication. Mt-genomes encode highly conserved genes (mt-genes), like proteins involved in electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation but they also carry highly variable regions that are in part responsible for their high plasticity. The degree of conservation of their genes is such that they allow the establishment of phylogenetic relationships even across distantly related species. Here, we describe the mechanisms that generate changes along mt-genomes, which play key roles at enlarging the ability of fungi to adapt to changing environments. Within mt-genomes of fungal pathogens, there are dispensable as well as indispensable genes for survival, virulence and/or pathogenicity. We also describe the different complexes or mechanisms targeted by fungicides, thus addressing a relevant issue regarding disease management. Despite the controversial origin and evolution of fungal mt-genomes, the intrinsic mechanisms and molecular biology involved in their evolution will help to understand, at the molecular level, the strategies for fungal disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones de Fitopatología, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIDEFI-CICPBA), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Laura Cecilia Bartel
- Centro de Investigaciones de Fitopatología, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIDEFI-CICPBA), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Virginia Martinez Alcántara
- Cátedra de Microbiología Agrícola, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mario Carlos Nazareno Saparrat
- Cátedra de Microbiología Agrícola, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología Vegetal (INFIVE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Pedro Alberto Balatti
- Centro de Investigaciones de Fitopatología, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIDEFI-CICPBA), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
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18
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Li D, She X, Calderone R. The antifungal pipeline: the need is established. Are there new compounds? FEMS Yeast Res 2020; 20:5827531. [DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Our review summarizes and compares the temporal development (eras) of antifungal drug discovery as well as antibacterial ventures. The innovation gap that occurred in antibacterial discovery from 1960 to 2000 was likely due to tailoring of existing compounds to have better activity than predecessors. Antifungal discovery also faced innovation gaps. The semi-synthetic antibiotic era was followed closely by the resistance era and the heightened need for new compounds and targets. With the immense contribution of comparative genomics, antifungal targets became part of the discovery focus. These targets by definition are absolutely required to be fungal- or even lineage (clade) specific. Importantly, targets need to be essential for growth and/or have important roles in disease and pathogenesis. Two types of antifungals are discussed that are mostly in the FDA phase I–III clinical trials. New antifungals are either modified to increase bioavailability and stability for instance, or are new compounds that inhibit new targets. One of the important developments in incentivizing new antifungal discovery has been the prolific number of publications of global and country-specific incidence. International efforts that champion global antimicrobial drug discovery are discussed. Still, interventions are needed. The current pipeline of antifungals and alternatives to antifungals are discussed including vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, NW 302 Med Dent Building, 3900 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Xiaodong She
- Jiangsu Key laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Disease and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Richard Calderone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, NW 302 Med Dent Building, 3900 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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19
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Oliveira JSD, Pereira VS, Castelo-Branco DDSCM, Cordeiro RDA, Sidrim JJC, Brilhante RSN, Rocha MFG. The yeast, the antifungal, and the wardrobe: a journey into antifungal resistance mechanisms of Candida tropicalis. Can J Microbiol 2020; 66:377-388. [PMID: 32319304 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2019-0531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Candida tropicalis is a prominent non-Candida albicans Candida species involved in cases of candidemia, mainly causing infections in patients in intensive care units and (or) those presenting neutropenia. In recent years, several studies have reported an increase in the recovery rates of azole-resistant C. tropicalis isolates. Understanding C. tropicalis resistance is of great importance, since resistant strains are implicated in persistent or recurrent and breakthrough infections. In this review, we address the main mechanisms underlying C. tropicalis resistance to the major antifungal classes used to treat candidiasis. The main genetic basis involved in C. tropicalis antifungal resistance is discussed. A better understanding of the epidemiology of resistant strains and the mechanisms involved in C. tropicalis resistance can help improve diagnosis and assessment of the antifungal susceptibility of this Candida species to improve clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathas Sales de Oliveira
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Graduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Vandbergue Santos Pereira
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Graduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Débora de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Graduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Graduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Graduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Graduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fábio Gadelha Rocha
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Graduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil.,School of Veterinary, Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, State University of Ceará, 1315 Coronel Nunes de Melo Street, Rodolfo Teófilo, CEP 60420-270, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
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20
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Inhibition of Respiration of Candida albicans by Small Molecules Increases Phagocytosis Efficacy by Macrophages. mSphere 2020; 5:5/2/e00016-20. [PMID: 32295866 PMCID: PMC7160677 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00016-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans adapts to various conditions in different body niches by regulating gene expression, protein synthesis, and metabolic pathways. These adaptive reactions not only allow survival but also influence the interaction with host cells, which is governed by the composition and structure of the fungal cell wall. Numerous studies had shown linkages between mitochondrial functionality, cell wall integrity and structure, and pathogenicity. Thus, we decided to inhibit single complexes of the respiratory chain of C. albicans and to analyze the resultant interaction with macrophages via their phagocytic activity. Remarkably, inhibition of the fungal bc1 complex by antimycin A increased phagocytosis, which correlated with an increased accessibility of β-glucans. To contribute to mechanistic insights, we performed metabolic studies, which highlighted significant changes in the abundance of constituents of the plasma membrane. Collectively, our results reinforce the strong linkage between fungal energy metabolism and other components of fungal physiology, which also determine the vulnerability to immune defense reactions.IMPORTANCE The yeast Candida albicans is one of the major fungal human pathogens, for which new therapeutic approaches are required. We aimed at enhancements of the phagocytosis efficacy of macrophages by targeting the cell wall structure of C. albicans, as the coverage of the β-glucan layer by mannans is one of the immune escape mechanisms of the fungus. We unambiguously show that inhibition of the fungal bc1 complex correlates with increased accessibilities of β-glucans and improved phagocytosis efficiency. Metabolic studies proved not only the known direct effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and fermentative pathways but also the clear downregulation of the ergosterol pathway and upregulation of unsaturated fatty acids. The changed composition of the plasma membrane could also influence the interaction with the overlying cell wall. Thus, our work highlights the far-reaching relevance of energy metabolism, indirectly also for host-pathogen interactions, without affecting viability.
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21
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Zhang T, Cao Q, Li N, Liu D, Yuan Y. Transcriptome analysis of fungicide-responsive gene expression profiles in two Penicillium italicum strains with different response to the sterol demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide prochloraz. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:156. [PMID: 32050894 PMCID: PMC7017498 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Penicillium italicum (blue mold) is one of citrus pathogens causing undesirable citrus fruit decay even at strictly-controlled low temperatures (< 10 °C) during shipping and storage. P. italicum isolates with considerably high resistance to sterol demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides have emerged; however, mechanism(s) underlying such DMI-resistance remains unclear. In contrast to available elucidation on anti-DMI mechanism for P. digitatum (green mold), how P. italicum DMI-resistance develops has not yet been clarified. Results The present study prepared RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) libraries for two P. italicum strains (highly resistant (Pi-R) versus highly sensitive (Pi-S) to DMI fungicides), with and without prochloraz treatment, to identify prochloraz-responsive genes facilitating DMI-resistance. After 6 h prochloraz-treatment, comparative transcriptome profiling showed more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Pi-R than Pi-S. Functional enrichments identified 15 DEGs in the prochloraz-induced Pi-R transcriptome, simultaneously up-regulated in P. italicum resistance. These included ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter-encoding genes, major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter-encoding genes, ergosterol (ERG) anabolism component genes ERG2, ERG6 and EGR11 (CYP51A), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling-inducer genes Mkk1 and Hog1, and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK) signaling-inducer genes CaMK1 and CaMK2. Fragments Per Kilobase per Million mapped reads (FPKM) analysis of Pi-R transcrtiptome showed that prochloraz induced mRNA increase of additional 4 unigenes, including the other two ERG11 isoforms CYP51B and CYP51C and the remaining kinase-encoding genes (i.e., Bck1 and Slt2) required for Slt2-MAPK signaling. The expression patterns of all the 19 prochloraz-responsive genes, obtained in our RNA-seq data sets, have been validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). These lines of evidence in together draw a general portrait of anti-DMI mechanisms for P. italicum species. Intriguingly, some strategies adopted by the present Pi-R were not observed in the previously documented prochloraz-resistant P. digitatum transcrtiptomes. These included simultaneous induction of all major EGR11 isoforms (CYP51A/B/C), over-expression of ERG2 and ERG6 to modulate ergosterol anabolism, and concurrent mobilization of Slt2-MAPK and CaMK signaling processes to overcome fungicide-induced stresses. Conclusions The present findings provided transcriptomic evidence on P. italicum DMI-resistance mechanisms and revealed some diversity in anti-DMI strategies between P. italicum and P. digitatum species, contributing to our knowledge on P. italicum DMI-resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingfu Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Qianwen Cao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Na Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.,Yunnan Higher Education Institutions, College of Life Science and Technology, Honghe University, Mengzi, 661199, China
| | - Deli Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| | - Yongze Yuan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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22
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Fungal Seed Pathogens of Wild Chili Peppers Possess Multiple Mechanisms To Tolerate Capsaicinoids. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.01697-19. [PMID: 31732572 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01697-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The wild chili pepper Capsicum chacoense produces the spicy defense compounds known as capsaicinoids, including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, which are antagonistic to the growth of fungal pathogens. Compared to other microbes, fungi isolated from infected seeds of C. chacoense possess much higher levels of tolerance of these spicy compounds, having their growth slowed but not entirely inhibited. Previous research has shown capsaicinoids inhibit microbes by disrupting ATP production by binding NADH dehydrogenase in the electron transport chain (ETC) and, thus, throttling oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Capsaicinoids may also disrupt cell membranes. Here, we investigate capsaicinoid tolerance in fungal seed pathogens isolated from C. chacoense We selected 16 fungal isolates from four ascomycete genera (Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, and Phomopsis). Using relative growth rate as a readout for tolerance, fungi were challenged with ETC inhibitors to infer whether fungi possess alternative respiratory enzymes and whether effects on the ETC fully explained inhibition by capsaicinoids. In all isolates, we found evidence for at least one alternative NADH dehydrogenase. In many isolates, we also found evidence for an alternative oxidase. These data suggest that wild-plant pathogens may be a rich source of alternative respiratory enzymes. We further demonstrate that these fungal isolates are capable of the breakdown of capsaicinoids. Finally, we determine that the OXPHOS theory may describe a weak primary mechanism by which dihydrocapsaicin, but not capsaicin, slows fungal growth. Our findings suggest that capsaicinoids likely disrupt membranes, in addition to energy poisoning, with implications for microbiology and human health.IMPORTANCE Plants make chemical compounds to protect themselves. For example, chili peppers produce the spicy compound capsaicin to inhibit pathogen damage and animal feeding. In humans, capsaicin binds to a membrane channel protein, creating the sensation of heat, while in microbes, capsaicin limits energy production by binding respiratory enzymes. However, some data suggest that capsaicin also disrupts membranes. Here, we studied fungal pathogens (Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, and Phomopsis) isolated from a wild chili pepper, Capsicum chacoense By measuring growth rates in the presence of antibiotics with known respiratory targets, we inferred that wild-plant pathogens might be rich in alternative respiratory enzymes. A zone of clearance around the colonies, as well as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data, further indicated that these fungi can break down capsaicin. Finally, the total inhibitory effect of capsaicin was not fully explained by its effect on respiratory enzymes. Our findings lend credence to studies proposing that capsaicin may disrupt cell membranes, with implications for microbiology, as well as human health.
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Truong T, Zeng G, Lim TK, Cao T, Pang LM, Lee YM, Lin Q, Wang Y, Seneviratne CJ. Proteomics Analysis ofCandida albicans dnm1Haploid Mutant Unraveled the Association between Mitochondrial Fission and Antifungal Susceptibility. Proteomics 2019; 20:e1900240. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201900240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thuyen Truong
- Oral Sciences, Faculty of DentistryNational University of Singapore 9 Lower Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119085
| | - Guisheng Zeng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyAgency for Science, Technology and Research 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos Singapore 138673
| | - Teck Kwang Lim
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of Science, National University of Singapore 16 Science Drive 4, S2 Singapore 117558
| | - Tong Cao
- Oral Sciences, Faculty of DentistryNational University of Singapore 9 Lower Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119085
| | - Li Mei Pang
- National Dental Research Institute SingaporeSinghealth Duke NUS, Singapore 5 Second Hospital Ave Singapore 168938
| | - Yew Mun Lee
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of Science, National University of Singapore 16 Science Drive 4, S2 Singapore 117558
| | - Qingsong Lin
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of Science, National University of Singapore 16 Science Drive 4, S2 Singapore 117558
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyAgency for Science, Technology and Research 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos Singapore 138673
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of Singapore 10 Medical Dr Singapore 117597
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do AV Sá LG, da Silva CR, S Campos RD, de A Neto JB, Sampaio LS, do Nascimento FBSA, Barroso FDD, da Silva LJ, Queiroz HA, Cândido TM, Rodrigues DS, Leitão AC, de Moraes MO, Cavalcanti BC, Júnior HVN. Synergistic anticandidal activity of etomidate and azoles against clinical fluconazole-resistant Candida isolates. Future Microbiol 2019; 14:1477-1488. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of etomidate alone and in combination with azoles on resistant strains of Candida spp. in both planktonic cells and biofilms. Materials & methods: The antifungal activity of etomidate was assessed by the broth microdilution test; flow cytometric procedures to measure fungal viability, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, free radical generation and cell death; as well detection of DNA damage using the comet assay. The interaction between etomidate and antifungal drugs (itraconazole and fluconazole) was evaluated by the checkerboard assay. Results: Etomidate showed antifungal activity against resistant strains of Candida spp. in planktonic cells and biofilms. Etomidate also presented synergism with fluconazole and itraconazole in planktonic cells and biofilms. Conclusion: Etomidate showed antifungal activity against Candida spp., indicating that it is a possible therapeutic alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia G do AV Sá
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Cecília R da Silva
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Rosana de S Campos
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
- University Center Christus, Fortaleza, CE 60160-230, Brazil
| | - João B de A Neto
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
- University Center Christus, Fortaleza, CE 60160-230, Brazil
| | - Letícia S Sampaio
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Francisca BSA do Nascimento
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Fátima DD Barroso
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Lisandra J da Silva
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Helaine A Queiroz
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Thiago M Cândido
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
- University Center Christus, Fortaleza, CE 60160-230, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Rodrigues
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Amanda C Leitão
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Manoel O de Moraes
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Bruno C Cavalcanti
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
| | - Hélio VN Júnior
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection in Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-1160, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60430-276, Brazil
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Xue YP, Kao MC, Lan CY. Novel mitochondrial complex I-inhibiting peptides restrain NADH dehydrogenase activity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13694. [PMID: 31548559 PMCID: PMC6757105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50114-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant fungal pathogens is becoming increasingly serious due to overuse of antifungals. Antimicrobial peptides have potent activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including fungi, and are considered a potential new class of antifungals. In this study, we examined the activities of the newly designed peptides P-113Du and P-113Tri, together with their parental peptide P-113, against the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The results showed that these peptides inhibit mitochondrial complex I, specifically NADH dehydrogenase, of the electron transport chain. Moreover, P-113Du and P-113Tri also block alternative NADH dehydrogenases. Currently, most inhibitors of the mitochondrial complex I are small molecules or artificially-designed antibodies. Here, we demonstrated novel functions of antimicrobial peptides in inhibiting the mitochondrial complex I of C. albicans, providing insight in the development of new antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Peng Xue
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mou-Chieh Kao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC. .,Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chung-Yu Lan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC. .,Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC.
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Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of major clinical concern. The virulence of this pathogen is intimately intertwined with its metabolism. Mitochondria, which have a central metabolic role, have undergone many lineage-specific adaptations in association with their eukaryotic host. A screen for lineage-specific genes identified seven such genes specific to the CTG clade of fungi, of which C. albicans is a member. Each is required for respiratory growth and is integral to expression of complex I, III, or IV of the electron transport chain. Two genes, NUO3 and NUO4, encode supernumerary subunits of complex I, whereas NUE1 and NUE2 have nonstructural roles in expression of complex I. Similarly, the other three genes have nonstructural roles in expression of complex III (QCE1) or complex IV (COE1 and COE2). In addition to these novel additions, an alternative functional assignment was found for the mitochondrial protein encoded by MNE1 MNE1 was required for complex I expression in C. albicans, whereas the distantly related Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog participates in expression of complex III. Phenotypic analysis of deletion mutants showed that fermentative metabolism is unable to support optimal growth rates or yields of C. albicans However, yeast-hypha morphogenesis, an important virulence attribute, did not require respiratory metabolism under hypoxic conditions. The inability to respire also resulted in hypersensitivity to the antifungal fluconazole and in attenuated virulence in a Galleria mellonella infection model. The results show that lineage-specific adaptations have occurred in C. albicans mitochondria and highlight the significance of respiratory metabolism in the pathobiology of C. albicans IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of major clinical concern. The virulence of this pathogen is intimately intertwined with its metabolic behavior, and mitochondria have a central role in that metabolism. Mitochondria have undergone many evolutionary changes, which include lineage-specific adaptations in association with their eukaryotic host. Seven lineage-specific genes required for electron transport chain function were identified in the CTG clade of fungi, of which C. albicans is a member. Additionally, examination of several highly diverged orthologs encoding mitochondrial proteins demonstrated functional reassignment for one of these. Deficits imparted by deletion of these genes revealed the critical role of respiration in virulence attributes of the fungus and highlight important evolutionary adaptations in C. albicans metabolism.
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Do E, Lee HG, Park M, Cho YJ, Kim DH, Park SH, Eun D, Park T, An S, Jung WH. Antifungal Mechanism of Action of Lauryl Betaine Against Skin-Associated Fungus Malassezia restricta. MYCOBIOLOGY 2019; 47:242-249. [PMID: 31448144 PMCID: PMC6691833 DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2019.1625175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Betaine derivatives are considered major ingredients of shampoos and are commonly used as antistatic and viscosity-increasing agents. Several studies have also suggested that betaine derivatives can be used as antimicrobial agents. However, the antifungal activity and mechanism of action of betaine derivatives have not yet been fully understood. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of six betaine derivatives against Malassezia restricta, which is the most frequently isolated fungus from the human skin and is implicated in the development of dandruff. We found that, among the six betaine derivatives, lauryl betaine showed the most potent antifungal activity. The mechanism of action of lauryl betaine was studied mainly using another phylogenetically close model fungal organism, Cryptococcus neoformans, because of a lack of available genetic manipulation and functional genomics tools for M. restricta. Our genome-wide reverse genetic screening method using the C. neoformans gene deletion mutant library showed that the mutants with mutations in genes for cell membrane synthesis and integrity, particularly ergosterol synthesis, are highly sensitive to lauryl betaine. Furthermore, transcriptome changes in both C. neoformans and M. restricta cells grown in the presence of lauryl betaine were analyzed and the results indicated that the compound mainly affected cell membrane synthesis, particularly ergosterol synthesis. Overall, our data demonstrated that lauryl betaine influences ergosterol synthesis in C. neoformans and that the compound exerts a similar mechanism of action on M. restricta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunsoo Do
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | - Hyun Gee Lee
- Safety Research Institute, Amorepacific R&D Center, Yongin, Korea
| | - Minji Park
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | | | - Dong Hyeun Kim
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | - Se-Ho Park
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
| | - Daekyung Eun
- Safety Research Institute, Amorepacific R&D Center, Yongin, Korea
| | - Taehun Park
- Safety Research Institute, Amorepacific R&D Center, Yongin, Korea
| | - Susun An
- Safety Research Institute, Amorepacific R&D Center, Yongin, Korea
| | - Won Hee Jung
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Korea
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Can Saccharomyces cerevisiae keep up as a model system in fungal azole susceptibility research? Drug Resist Updat 2019; 42:22-34. [PMID: 30822675 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The difficulty of manipulation and limited availability of genetic tools for use in many pathogenic fungi hamper fast and adequate investigation of cellular metabolism and consequent possibilities for antifungal therapies. S. cerevisiae is a model organism that is used to study many eukaryotic systems. In this review, we analyse the potency and relevance of this model system in investigating fungal susceptibility to azole drugs. Although many of the concepts apply to multiple pathogenic fungi, for the sake of simplicity, we will focus on the validity of using S. cerevisiae as a model organism for two Candida species, C. albicans and C. glabrata. Apart from the general benefits, we explore how S. cerevisiae can specifically be used to improve our knowledge on azole drug resistance and enables fast and efficient screening for novel drug targets in combinatorial therapy. We consider the shortcomings of the model system, yet conclude that it is still opportune to use S. cerevisiae as a model system for pathogenic fungi in this era.
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Brilhante RSN, de Oliveira JS, de Jesus Evangelista AJ, Pereira VS, Alencar LP, Castelo-Branco DDSCM, Câmara LMC, de Lima-Neto RG, Cordeiro RDA, Sidrim JJC, Rocha MFG. In vitro effects of promethazine on cell morphology and structure and mitochondrial activity of azole-resistant Candida tropicalis. Med Mycol 2019; 56:1012-1022. [PMID: 29420801 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of promethazine on the antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations against planktonic cells and mature biofilms of Candida tropicalis, as well as investigate its potential mechanisms of cell damage against this yeast species. Three C. tropicalis isolates (two azole-resistant and one azole-susceptible) were evaluated for their planktonic and biofilm susceptibility to promethazine alone and in combination with itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin. The antifungal activity of promethazine against C. tropicalis was investigated by performing time-kill curve assays and assessing rhodamine 6G efflux, cell size/granularity, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial transmembrane potential, through flow cytometry. Promethazine showed antifungal activity against planktonic cells and biofilms at concentrations of 64 and 128 μg/ml, respectively. The addition of two subinhibitory concentrations of promethazine reduced the antifungal MICs for all tested azole drugs against planktonic growth, reversing the resistance phenotype to all azoles. Promethazine decreased the efflux of rhodamine 6G in an azole-resistant strain. Moreover, promethazine decreased cell size/granularity and caused membrane damage, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. In conclusion, promethazine presented synergy with azole antifungals against resistant C. tropicalis and exhibited in vitro cytotoxicity against C. tropicalis, altering cell size/granularity, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function, demonstrating potential mechanisms of cell damage against this yeast species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Jonathas Sales de Oliveira
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | | | - Vandbergue Santos Pereira
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Lucas Pereira Alencar
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Débora de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fábio Gadelha Rocha
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil.,School of Veterinary, Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Science, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
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Koch B, Traven A. Mitochondrial Control of Fungal Cell Walls: Models and Relevance in Fungal Pathogens. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2019; 425:277-296. [PMID: 31807895 DOI: 10.1007/82_2019_183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Proper structure and function of the fungal cell wall are controlled by metabolic processes, as well as an interplay between a range of cellular organelles. Somewhat surprisingly, mitochondrial function has been shown to be important for proper cell wall biogenesis and integrity. Mitochondria also play a role in the susceptibility of fungi to cell wall-targeting drugs. This is true in a range of fungal species, including important human fungal pathogens. The biochemical mechanisms that explain the roles of mitochondria in cell wall biology have remained elusive, but studies to date strongly support the idea that mitochondrial control over cellular lipid homeostasis is at the core of these processes. Excitingly, recent evidence suggests that the mitochondria-lipid linkages drive resistance to the echinocandin drug caspofungin, a clinically important therapeutic that targets cell wall biosynthesis. Here, we review the state of affairs in mitochondria-fungal cell wall research and propose models that could be tested in future studies. Elucidating the mechanisms that drive fungal cell wall integrity through mitochondrial functions holds promise for developing new strategies to combat fungal infections, including the possibility to potentiate the effects of antifungal drugs and curb drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Koch
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, VIC, Australia.,Protein, Science and Engineering, Callaghan Innovation, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Ana Traven
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, VIC, Australia.
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Posch W, Blatzer M, Wilflingseder D, Lass-Flörl C. Aspergillus terreus: Novel lessons learned on amphotericin B resistance. Med Mycol 2018. [PMID: 29538736 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The polyene antifungal amphotericin B (AmB) exerts a powerful and broad activity against a vast array of fungi and in general displays a remarkably low rate of antimicrobial resistance. Aspergillus terreus holds an exceptional position among the Aspergilli due to its intrinsic AmB resistance, in vivo and in vitro. Until now, the underlying mechanisms of polyene resistance were not well understood. This review will highlight the molecular basis of A. terreus and AmB resistance recently gained and will display novel data on the mode of action of AmB. A main focus is set on fundamental stress response pathways covering the heat shock proteins (Hsp) 90/Hsp70 axis, as well as reactive oxygen species detoxifying enzymes in response to AmB. The effect on main cellular functions such as fungal respiration will be addressed in detail and resistance mechanisms will be highlighted. Based on these novel findings we will discuss new molecular targets for alternative options in the treatment of invasive infections due to A. terreus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Posch
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Schöpfstrasse 41, A- 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Blatzer
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Schöpfstrasse 41, A- 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Doris Wilflingseder
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Schöpfstrasse 41, A- 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Schöpfstrasse 41, A- 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.,ISHAM Aspergillus terreus Working Group
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Potential targets for the development of new antifungal drugs. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2018; 71:978-991. [DOI: 10.1038/s41429-018-0100-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Ouf SA, Gomha SM, Eweis M, Ouf AS, Sharawy IA. Efficiency of newly prepared thiazole derivatives against some cutaneous fungi. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:3287-3295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Sun L, Hang C, Liao K. Synergistic effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester with caspofungin against Candida albicans is mediated by disrupting iron homeostasis. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 116:51-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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35
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Verma S, Shakya VPS, Idnurm A. Exploring and exploiting the connection between mitochondria and the virulence of human pathogenic fungi. Virulence 2018; 9:426-446. [PMID: 29261004 PMCID: PMC5955198 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1414133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are best known for their role in the production of ATP; however, recent research implicates other mitochondrial functions in the virulence of human pathogenic fungi. Inhibitors of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase or the electron transport chain are successfully used to combat plant pathogenic fungi, but similar inhibition of mitochondrial functions has not been pursued for applications in medical mycology. Advances in understanding mitochondrial function relevant to human pathogenic fungi are in four major directions: 1) the role of mitochondrial morphology in virulence, 2) mitochondrial genetics, with a focus on mitochondrial DNA recombination and mitochondrial inheritance 3) the role of mitochondria in drug resistance, and 4) the interaction of mitochondria with other organelles. Collectively, despite the similarities in mitochondrial functions between fungi and animals, this organelle is currently an under-explored potential target to treat medical mycoses. Future research could define and then exploit those mitochondrial components best suited as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Verma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Viplendra P. S. Shakya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Alexander Idnurm
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Inhibiting mitochondrial phosphate transport as an unexploited antifungal strategy. Nat Chem Biol 2017; 14:135-141. [PMID: 29227471 PMCID: PMC5771894 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of effective antifungal therapeutics remains a formidable challenge due to the close evolutionary relationship between humans and fungi. Mitochondrial function may present an exploitable vulnerability due to its differential utilization in fungi and its pivotal roles in fungal morphogenesis, virulence, and drug resistance already demonstrated by others. We now report mechanistic characterization of ML316, a thiohydantoin which kills drug-resistant Candida species at nanomolar concentrations through fungal-selective inhibition of the mitochondrial phosphate carrier Mir1. We established ML316 as the first Mir1 inhibitor using genetic, biochemical, and metabolomic approaches. Inhibition of Mir1 by ML316 in respiring yeast diminished mitochondrial oxygen consumption resulting in an unusual metabolic catastrophe marked by citrate accumulation, and death. In a mouse model of azole-resistant oropharyngeal candidiasis, ML316 reduced fungal burden and enhanced azole activity. Targeting Mir1 could provide a new, much needed therapeutic strategy to address the rapidly rising burden of drug-resistant fungal infection.
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Sun N, Li D, Zhang Y, Killeen K, Groutas W, Calderone R. Repurposing an inhibitor of ribosomal biogenesis with broad anti-fungal activity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17014. [PMID: 29209049 PMCID: PMC5717060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17147-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of new antifungal compounds with unique mechanisms of action is a concern for therapeutic management of patients. To identify inhibitors against human pathogenic fungi, we screened ~3000 compounds provided by the Developmental Therapeutics Program of NIH/NCI against a panel of pathogenic fungi including Candida species, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans. NSC319726 (a thiosemicarbazone) had broad antifungal activity in the range of 0.1–2.0 µg/ml and was also inhibitory to fluconazole-resistant isolates of Candida species. Synergy was demonstrated with NSC319726 and azoles, as well as caspofungin. The inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) of NSC319726 was 35–800-fold higher than the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration 50% (MIC50 values), which indicates low compound toxicity to human cells in vitro. Transcriptome analysis of treated and untreated C. albicans using Gene Ontology (GO) revealed a large cluster of down regulated genes that encode translational proteins, especially those with ribosome biogenesis functions. As NSC319726 was first shown to have anti-cancer activity, its affects against human pathogenic fungi establish NSC319726 as a repurposed, off-patent compound that has potential antifungal activity. The minimal in vitro toxicity of lead optimized NSC319726 and its reasonable inhibitory activity against pathogens suggest advancing this compound to in vivo toxicity testing and protection studies against candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuo Sun
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20057, USA
| | - Dongmei Li
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20057, USA
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20057, USA
| | - Kyle Killeen
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, 20057, USA
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Zhang P, Li H, Cheng J, Sun AY, Wang L, Mirchevska G, Calderone R, Li D. Respiratory stress in mitochondrial electron transport chain complex mutants of Candida albicans activates Snf1 kinase response. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 111:73-84. [PMID: 29146491 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We have previously established that mitochondrial Complex I (CI) mutants of Candida albicans display reduced oxygen consumption, decreased ATP production, and increased reactive oxidant species (ROS) during cell growth. Using the Seahorse XF96 analyzer, the energetic phenotypes of Electron Transport Chain (ETC) complex mutants are further characterized in the current study. The underlying regulation of energetic changes in these mutants is determined in glucose and non-glucose conditions when compared to wild type (WT) cells. In parental cells, the rate of oxygen consumption remains constant for 2.5 h following the addition of glucose, oligomycin, and 2-DG, but glycolysis is highly active upon the addition of glucose. In comparison, over the same time period, electron transport complex mutants (CI, CIII and CIV) have heightened activities in both oxygen consumption and glycolysis upon glucose uptake. We refer to the response in these mutants as an "explosive respiration," which we believe is caused by low energy levels and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accompanying this phenotype in mutants is a hyperphosphorylation of Snf1p which in Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as an energetic stress response protein kinase for maintaining energy homeostasis. Compared to wild type cells, a 2.9- to 4.4-fold hyperphosphorylation of Snf1p is observed in all ETC mutants in the presence of glucose. However, the explosive respiration and hyperphosphorylation of Snf1 can be partially reduced by the replacement of glucose with either glycerol or oleic acid in a mutant-specific manner. Furthermore, Inhibitors of glutathione synthesis (BSO) or anti-oxidants (mito-TEMPO) likewise confirmed an increase of Sfn1 phosphorylation in WT or mutant due to increased levels of ROS. Our data establish the role of the C. albicans Snf1 as a surveyor of cell energy and ROS levels. We interpret the "explosive respiration" as a failed attempt by ETC mutants to restore energy and ROS homeostasis via Snf1 activation. An inherently high OCR baseline in WT C. albicans with a background level of Snf1 activation is a prerequisite for success in quickly fermenting glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Sport Science Research Center, Shandong Sport University, Jinan 250102, China
| | - Hongbin Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650031, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - April Y Sun
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Liqing Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Gordana Mirchevska
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA; Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty University Sts Cyril and Methodius, 50 Divizija. No. 6, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Richard Calderone
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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A mitochondrial proteomics view of complex I deficiency in Candida albicans. Mitochondrion 2017; 38:48-57. [PMID: 28801230 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic analyses were carried out on isolated mitochondrial samples of C. albicans from gene-deleted mutants (nuo1Δ, nuo2Δ and goa1Δ) as well as the parental strain in order to better understand the contribution of these three fungal-specific mitochondrial ETC complex I (CI) subunits to cellular activities. Herein, we identify 2333 putative proteins from four strains, in which a total of 663 proteins (28.5%) are putatively located in mitochondria. Comparison of protein abundances between mutants and the parental strain reveal 146 differentially-expressed proteins, of which 78 are decreased and 68 are increased in at least one mutant. The common changes across the three mutants include the down-regulation of nuclear-encoded CI subunit proteins as well as phospholipid, ergosterol and cell wall mannan synthesis, and up-regulated proteins in CIV and the alternative oxidase (AOX2). As for gene-specific functions, we find that NUO1 participates in nucleotide synthesis and ribosomal biogenesis; NUO2 is involved in vesicle trafficking; and GOA1 appears to regulate membrane transporter proteins, ROS removal, and substrates trafficking between peroxisomes and mitochondria. The proteomic view of general as well as mutant-specific proteins further extends our understanding of the functional roles of non-mammalian CI-specific subunit proteins in cell processes. Particularly intriguing is the confirmation of a regulatory role for GOA1 on ETC function, a protein found almost exclusively in Candida species. SIGNIFICANCE Fungal mitochondria are critical for fungal pathogenesis. The absence of any of the three fungal specific CI subunits in mitochondria causes an avirulence phenotype of C. albicans in a murine model of invasive disease. As model yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) lacks a CI and is rarely a pathogen of humans, C. albicans is a better choice for establishing a link between mitochondrial CI and pathogenesis. Apart from the general effects of CI mutants on respiration, previous phenotyping of these mutants were quite similar to each other or to CI conservative subunit. By comparison to transcriptional data, the proteomic data obtained in this study indicate that biosynthetic events in each mutant such as cell wall and cell membrane phospholipids and ergosterol are generally decreased in both transcriptomal and translational levels. However, in the case of mitochondrial function, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and ROS scavengers, often gene changes are opposite that of proteomic data in mutants. We hypothesize that the loss of energy production in mutants is compensated by increases in protein levels of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and anti-ROS scavengers that at least extend mutant survival.
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40
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Benhamou RI, Bibi M, Steinbuch KB, Engel H, Levin M, Roichman Y, Berman J, Fridman M. Real-Time Imaging of the Azole Class of Antifungal Drugs in Live Candida Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:1769-1777. [PMID: 28472585 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Azoles are the most commonly used class of antifungal drugs, yet where they localize within fungal cells and how they are imported remain poorly understood. Azole antifungals target lanosterol 14α-demethylase, a cytochrome P450, encoded by ERG11 in Candida albicans, the most prevalent fungal pathogen. We report the synthesis of fluorescent probes that permit visualization of antifungal azoles within live cells. Probe 1 is a dansyl dye-conjugated azole, and probe 2 is a Cy5-conjugated azole. Docking computations indicated that each of the probes can occupy the active site of the target cytochrome P450. Like the azole drug fluconazole, probe 1 is not effective against a mutant that lacks the target cytochrome P450. In contrast, the azole drug ketoconazole and probe 2 retained some antifungal activity against mutants lacking the target cytochrome P450, implying that both act against more than one target. Both fluorescent azole probes colocalized with the mitochondria, as determined by fluorescence microscopy with MitoTracker dye. Thus, these fluorescent probes are useful molecular tools that can lead to detailed information about the activity and localization of the important azole class of antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael I. Benhamou
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Maayan Bibi
- Dept. of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Kfir B. Steinbuch
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Hamutal Engel
- Blavatnik
Center for Drug Discovery, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Maayan Levin
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Yael Roichman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Judith Berman
- Dept. of Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Micha Fridman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
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41
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Involvement of mitochondrial aerobic respiratory activity in efflux-mediated resistance of C. albicans to fluconazole. J Mycol Med 2017; 27:339-344. [PMID: 28483448 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Reduced intracellular accumulation of drugs mediated by efflux pump is one of the most critical mechanisms governing fluconazole (FLC) resistance in Candida albicans (C. albicans). Besides, mitochondrial aerobic respiration plays a major role in C. albicans metabolism. However, it is unclear whether mitochondrial aerobic respiration is involved with efflux-mediated resistance of C. albicans to azole. We measured key parameters of energy conversion, including the activity of respiratory chain complexes I, III and V (CI, CIII and CV), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in two C. albicans strains (FLC-susceptible strain CA-1S and FLC-resistant strain CA-16R) obtained from a single parental source. Additionally, we quantified intracellular ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), which has critical effect on energy transport. Our analyses revealed a higher ATP level and ΔΨm in CA-16R compared with CA-1S (P<0.05), and a higher ATP level and ΔΨm in Sc5314S (FLC-susceptible strain) compared with Sc5314R (FLC-resistant strain). CI and CV activity increased in CA-16R, activity of CI, CIII and CV increased in Sc5314R. Additionally, ROS decreased in CA-16R and Sc5314R compared with their respective susceptible counterparts. Our data suggest that mitochondrial aerobic respiratory metabolism might be directly associated with the efflux-mediated resistance of C. albicans to azole. C. albicans strains might enhance the activity of efflux pumps and therefore decrease sensitivity to FLC through alteration of mitochondrial aerobic respiratory metabolism, by increased ATP production and decreased ROS generation.
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42
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Antifungal drug testing by combining minimal inhibitory concentration testing with target identification by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nat Protoc 2017; 12:947-963. [PMID: 28384139 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2017.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections and their increasing resistance to antibiotics are an emerging threat to public health. Novel antifungal drugs, as well technologies that can help us bolster the antimicrobial pipeline and understand resistance mechanisms, are needed. The ergosterol biosynthetic pathway is one potential target for antifungal drugs. Here we describe how antifungal susceptibility testing can be combined with target identification in distal ergosterol biosynthesis by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The fungi are treated with sublethal doses of active components that block ergosterol biosynthesis, and the ergosterol biosynthesis intermediates are analyzed in a targeted metabolomics manner after derivatization (trimethylsilylation). Drug treatment results in distinct sterol patterns that are characteristic of the affected enzyme. Sterol identification based on relative retention times and electron ionization (EI) mass spectra, as well as semiquantitative assessment of ergosterol intermediates, is described. The protocol is applicable to yeasts and molds. The overall analysis time from incubation to test result is not more than 3 d. The assay can be used to determine whether an antifungal compound of interest targets sterol biosynthesis, and, if so, to determine which enzyme in the pathway it targets.
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43
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Somboon P, Poonsawad A, Wattanachaisaereekul S, Jensen LT, Niimi M, Cheevadhanarak S, Soontorngun N. Fungicide Xylaria sp. BCC 1067 extract induces reactive oxygen species and activates multidrug resistance system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Future Microbiol 2017; 12:417-440. [PMID: 28361556 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate antifungal potential of Xylaria sp. BIOTEC culture collection (BCC) 1067 extract against the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. MATERIALS & METHODS Antifungal property of extract, reactive oxygen species levels and cell survival were determined, using selected deletion strains. RESULTS Extract showed promising antifungal effect with minimal inhibitory concentration100 and minimal fungicidal concentration of 500 and 1000 mg/l, respectively. Strong synergy was observed with fractional inhibitory concentration index value of 0.185 for the combination of 60.0 and 0.5 mg/l of extract and ketoconazole, respectively. Extract-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in some oxidant-prone strains and mediated plasma membrane rupture. Antioxidant regulator Yap1, efflux transporter Pdr5 and ascorbate were pivotal to protect S. cerevisiae from extract cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION Xylaria sp. BCC 1067 extract is a potentially valuable source of novel antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pichayada Somboon
- Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources & Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Attaporn Poonsawad
- Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources & Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Songsak Wattanachaisaereekul
- Pilot Plant & Development Training Institute (PDTI), King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Laran T Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Masakazu Niimi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supapon Cheevadhanarak
- Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources & Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand.,Pilot Plant & Development Training Institute (PDTI), King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nitnipa Soontorngun
- Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources & Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
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Li SX, Song YJ, Zhang YS, Wu HT, Guo H, Zhu KJ, Li DM, Zhang H. Mitochondrial Complex V α Subunit Is Critical for Candida albicans Pathogenicity through Modulating Multiple Virulence Properties. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:285. [PMID: 28280492 PMCID: PMC5322696 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The α subunit (ATP1) is a vital component of mitochondrial complex V which counts for the majority of cellular ATP production in a living organism. Nevertheless, how the α subunit influences other cellular processes such as pathogenicity in Candida albicans remains poorly understood. To address this question, ATP1 mutant (atp1Δ/Δ) and the gene-reconstituted strain (atp1Δ/ATP1) have been constructed in this study and their pathogenicity-related traits are compared to those of wild type (WT). In a murine model of disseminated candidiasis, atp1Δ/Δ infected mice have a significantly higher survival rate and experience a lower fungal burden in tissues. In in vitro studies atp1Δ/Δ lose a capability to damage or destroy macrophages and endothelial cells. Furthermore, atp1Δ/Δ is not able to grow under either glucose-denial conditions or high H2O2 conditions, both of which are associated with the potency of the macrophages to kill C. albicans. Defects in filamentation and biofilm formation may impair the ability of atp1Δ/Δ to penetrate host cells and establish robust colonies in the host tissues. In concert with these pathogenic features, intracellular ATP levels of atp1Δ/Δ can drop to 1/3 of WT level. These results indicate that the α subunit of Complex V play important roles in C. albicans pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shui-Xiu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China; Institute of Mycology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Jun Song
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China; Institute of Mycology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Shan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China; Institute of Mycology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Tian Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China; Institute of Mycology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Hui Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China; Institute of Mycology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Kun-Ju Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China; Institute of Mycology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Mei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China; Institute of Mycology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
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45
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Vincent BM, Langlois JB, Srinivas R, Lancaster AK, Scherz-Shouval R, Whitesell L, Tidor B, Buchwald SL, Lindquist S. A Fungal-Selective Cytochrome bc 1 Inhibitor Impairs Virulence and Prevents the Evolution of Drug Resistance. Cell Chem Biol 2016; 23:978-991. [PMID: 27524297 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To cause disease, a microbial pathogen must adapt to the challenges of its host environment. The leading fungal pathogen Candida albicans colonizes nutrient-poor bodily niches, withstands attack from the immune system, and tolerates treatment with azole antifungals, often evolving resistance. To discover agents that block these adaptive strategies, we screened 300,000 compounds for inhibition of azole tolerance in a drug-resistant Candida isolate. We identified a novel indazole derivative that converts azoles from fungistatic to fungicidal drugs by selective inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome bc1. We synthesized 103 analogs to optimize potency (half maximal inhibitory concentration 0.4 ?M) and fungal selectivity (28-fold over human). In addition to reducing azole resistance, targeting cytochrome bc1 prevents C. albicans from adapting to the nutrient-deprived macrophage phagosome and greatly curtails its virulence in mice. Inhibiting mitochondrial respiration and restricting metabolic flexibility with this synthetically tractable chemotype provides an attractive therapeutic strategy to limit both fungal virulence and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Vincent
- Microbiology Graduate Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jean-Baptiste Langlois
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Raja Srinivas
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alex K Lancaster
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Luke Whitesell
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Bruce Tidor
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Stephen L Buchwald
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Susan Lindquist
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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46
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The fungal resistome: a risk and an opportunity for the development of novel antifungal therapies. Future Med Chem 2016; 8:1503-20. [PMID: 27485839 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The risks for toxicity of novel antifungal compounds, together with the emergence of resistance, makes the use of inhibitors of resistance, in combination with antifungal compounds, a suitable strategy for developing novel antifungal formulations. Among them, inhibitors of efflux pumps are suitable candidates. Increasing drug influx or interfering with the stress response may also improve the efficacy of antifungals. Therapies as induction of fungal apoptosis or immunostimulation are also good strategies for reducing the risks for resistance and to improve antifungals' efficacy. Understanding the effect of the acquisition of resistance on the fungal physiology and determining the collateral sensitivity networks are useful for the development of novel strategies based on combination of antifungals for improving the efficacy of the therapy.
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47
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Bromley M, Johns A, Davies E, Fraczek M, Mabey Gilsenan J, Kurbatova N, Keays M, Kapushesky M, Gut M, Gut I, Denning DW, Bowyer P. Mitochondrial Complex I Is a Global Regulator of Secondary Metabolism, Virulence and Azole Sensitivity in Fungi. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158724. [PMID: 27438017 PMCID: PMC4954691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent estimates of the global burden of fungal disease suggest that that their incidence has been drastically underestimated and that mortality may rival that of malaria or tuberculosis. Azoles are the principal class of antifungal drug and the only available oral treatment for fungal disease. Recent occurrence and increase in azole resistance is a major concern worldwide. Known azole resistance mechanisms include over—expression of efflux pumps and mutation of the gene encoding the target protein cyp51a, however, for one of the most important fungal pathogens of humans, Aspergillus fumigatus, much of the observed azole resistance does not appear to involve such mechanisms. Here we present evidence that azole resistance in A. fumigatus can arise through mutation of components of mitochondrial complex I. Gene deletions of the 29.9KD subunit of this complex are azole resistant, less virulent and exhibit dysregulation of secondary metabolite gene clusters in a manner analogous to deletion mutants of the secondary metabolism regulator, LaeA. Additionally we observe that a mutation leading to an E180D amino acid change in the 29.9 KD subunit is strongly associated with clinical azole resistant A. fumigatus isolates. Evidence presented in this paper suggests that complex I may play a role in the hypoxic response and that one possible mechanism for cell death during azole treatment is a dysfunctional hypoxic response that may be restored by dysregulation of complex I. Both deletion of the 29.9 KD subunit of complex I and azole treatment alone profoundly change expression of gene clusters involved in secondary metabolism and immunotoxin production raising potential concerns about long term azole therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, 2.24 Core technology Building, Grafton St., Manchester, M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Johns
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, 2.24 Core technology Building, Grafton St., Manchester, M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Davies
- National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, University of Manchester, School of Translational Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, 2nd Floor Education & Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M23 9LT, United Kingdom
| | - Marcin Fraczek
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, 2.24 Core technology Building, Grafton St., Manchester, M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Mabey Gilsenan
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, 2.24 Core technology Building, Grafton St., Manchester, M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Natalya Kurbatova
- The EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Keays
- The EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Misha Kapushesky
- The EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Gut
- Centro Nacional de Analisis Genomico, Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac, 4, PCB - Tower I, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivo Gut
- Centro Nacional de Analisis Genomico, Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac, 4, PCB - Tower I, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David W. Denning
- National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, University of Manchester, School of Translational Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, 2nd Floor Education & Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M23 9LT, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, 2.24 Core technology Building, Grafton St., Manchester, M13 9NT, United Kingdom
- National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, University of Manchester, School of Translational Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, 2nd Floor Education & Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M23 9LT, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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48
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De Cremer K, De Brucker K, Staes I, Peeters A, Van den Driessche F, Coenye T, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Stimulation of superoxide production increases fungicidal action of miconazole against Candida albicans biofilms. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27463. [PMID: 27272719 PMCID: PMC4895440 DOI: 10.1038/srep27463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We performed a whole-transcriptome analysis of miconazole-treated Candida albicans biofilms, using RNA-sequencing. Our aim was to identify molecular pathways employed by biofilm cells of this pathogen to resist action of the commonly used antifungal miconazole. As expected, genes involved in sterol biosynthesis and genes encoding drug efflux pumps were highly induced in biofilm cells upon miconazole treatment. Other processes were affected as well, including the electron transport chain (ETC), of which eight components were transcriptionally downregulated. Within a diverse set of 17 inhibitors/inducers of the transcriptionally affected pathways, the ETC inhibitors acted most synergistically with miconazole against C. albicans biofilm cells. Synergy was not observed for planktonically growing C. albicans cultures or when biofilms were treated in oxygen-deprived conditions, pointing to a biofilm-specific oxygen-dependent tolerance mechanism. In line, a correlation between miconazole's fungicidal action against C. albicans biofilm cells and the levels of superoxide radicals was observed, and confirmed both genetically and pharmacologically using a triple superoxide dismutase mutant and a superoxide dismutase inhibitor N-N'-diethyldithiocarbamate, respectively. Consequently, ETC inhibitors that result in mitochondrial dysfunction and affect production of reactive oxygen species can increase miconazole's fungicidal activity against C. albicans biofilm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat De Cremer
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, box 2460, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Technologiepark 927, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Katrijn De Brucker
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, box 2460, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ines Staes
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, box 2460, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Peeters
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, box 2460, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Freija Van den Driessche
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Bruno P. A. Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, box 2460, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Technologiepark 927, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, box 2460, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
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49
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Lv QZ, Yan L, Jiang YY. The synthesis, regulation, and functions of sterols in Candida albicans: Well-known but still lots to learn. Virulence 2016; 7:649-59. [PMID: 27221657 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2016.1188236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterols are the basal components of the membranes of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, and these membranes determine the susceptibility of C. albicans cells to a variety of stresses, such as ionic, osmotic and oxidative pressures, and treatment with antifungal drugs. The common antifungal azoles in clinical use are targeted to the biosynthesis of ergosterol. In the past years, the synthesis, storage and metabolism of ergosterol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been characterized in some detail; however, these processes has not been as well investigated in the human opportunistic pathogen C. albicans. In this review, we summarize the genes involved in ergosterol synthesis and regulation in C. albicans. As well, genes in S. cerevisiae implicated in ergosterol storage and conversions with other lipids are noted, as these provide us clues and directions for the study of the homologous genes in C. albicans. In this report we have particularly focused on the essential roles of ergosterol in the dynamic process of cell biology and its fundamental status in the biological membrane system that includes lipid rafts, lipid droplets, vacuoles and mitochondria. We believe that a thorough understanding of this classic and essential pathway will give us new ideas about drug resistance and morphological switching in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Zhen Lv
- a Center for New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , P.R. China
| | - Lan Yan
- a Center for New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Ying Jiang
- a Center for New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , P.R. China
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50
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Abstract
Mitochondria are essential for cell growth and survival of most fungal pathogens. Energy (ATP) produced during oxidation/reduction reactions of the electron transport chain (ETC) Complexes I, III and IV (CI, CIII, CIV) fuel cell synthesis. The mitochondria of fungal pathogens are understudied even though more recent published data suggest critical functional assignments to fungal-specific proteins. Proteins of mammalian mitochondria are grouped into 16 functional categories. In this review, we focus upon 11 proteins from 5 of these categories in fungal pathogens, OXPHOS, protein import, stress response, carbon source metabolism, and fission/fusion morphology. As these proteins also are fungal-specific, we hypothesize that they may be exploited as targets in antifungal drug discovery. We also discuss published transcriptional profiling data of mitochondrial CI subunit protein mutants, in which we advance a novel concept those CI subunit proteins have both shared as well as specific responsibilities for providing ATP to cell processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Li
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington , DC , USA
| | - Richard Calderone
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Georgetown University Medical Center , Washington , DC , USA
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