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Padmavathi AR, Reddy GKK, Murthy PS, Nancharaiah YV. New arsenals for old armour: Biogenic nanoparticles in the battle against drug-resistant Candidaalbicans. Microb Pathog 2024; 194:106800. [PMID: 39025380 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a common commensal fungus and fourth most frequent causative agent of nosocomial infections including life-threatening invasive candidiasis in humans. The effectiveness of present antifungal therapies using azoles, polyenes, flucytosine and echinocandins has plateaued in managing fungal infections. The limitations of these antifungal drugs are related to polymorphic morphology, biofilm formation, emergence of drug-resistant strains and production of several virulence factors. Development of new antifungal agents, which can particularly afflict multiple cellular targets and limiting evolving resistant strains are needed. Recently, metal nanoparticles have emerged as a source of new antifungal agents for antifungal formulations. Furthermore, green nanotechnology deals with the use of biosynthetic routes that offer new avenue for synthesizing antifungal nanoparticles coupled with less toxic chemical inventory and environmental sustainability. This article reviews the recent developments on C. albicans pathogenesis, biofilm formation, drug resistance, mode of action of antifungal drugs and antifungal activities of metal nanoparticles. The antifungal efficacy and mode of action of metal nanoparticles are described in the context of prospective therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alwar Ramanujam Padmavathi
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam, 603 102, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400 094, India.
| | - G Kiran Kumar Reddy
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam, 603 102, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400 094, India
| | - P Sriyutha Murthy
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam, 603 102, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400 094, India
| | - Y V Nancharaiah
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam, 603 102, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400 094, India
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2
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Batliner M, Schumacher F, Wigger D, Vivas W, Prell A, Fohmann I, Köhler T, Schempp R, Riedel A, Vaeth M, Fekete A, Kleuser B, Kurzai O, Nieuwenhuizen NE. The Candida albicans quorum-sensing molecule farnesol alters sphingolipid metabolism in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. mBio 2024:e0073224. [PMID: 38953353 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00732-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, produces the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol, which we have shown alters the transcriptional response and phenotype of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs), including their cytokine secretion and ability to prime T cells. This is partially dependent on the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), which has numerous ligands, including the sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate. Sphingolipids are a vital component of membranes that affect membrane protein arrangement and phagocytosis of C. albicans by DCs. Thus, we quantified sphingolipid metabolites in monocytes differentiating into DCs by High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Farnesol increased the activity of serine palmitoyltransferase, leading to increased levels of 3-keto-dihydrosphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, and dihydrosphingosine 1-phosphate and inhibited dihydroceramide desaturase by inducing oxidative stress, leading to increased levels of dihydroceramide and dihydrosphingomyelin species and reduced ceramide levels. Accumulation of dihydroceramides can inhibit mitochondrial function; accordingly, farnesol reduced mitochondrial respiration. Dihydroceramide desaturase inhibition increases lipid droplet formation, which we observed in farnesol-treated cells, coupled with an increase in intracellular triacylglycerol species. Furthermore, inhibition of dihydroceramide desaturase with either farnesol or specific inhibitors impaired the ability of DCs to prime interferon-γ-producing T cells. The effect of farnesol on sphingolipid metabolism, triacylglycerol synthesis, and mitochondrial respiration was not dependent on PPAR-γ. In summary, our data reveal novel effects of farnesol on sphingolipid metabolism, neutral lipid synthesis, and mitochondrial function in DCs that affect their instruction of T cell cytokine secretion, indicating that C. albicans can manipulate host cell metabolism via farnesol secretion.IMPORTANCECandida albicans is a common commensal yeast, but it is also an opportunistic pathogen which is one of the leading causes of potentially lethal hospital-acquired infections. There is growing evidence that its overgrowth in the gut can influence diseases as diverse as alcohol-associated liver disease and COVID-19. Previously, we found that its quorum-sensing molecule, farnesol, alters the phenotype of dendritic cells differentiating from monocytes, impairing their ability to drive protective T cell responses. Here, we demonstrate that farnesol alters the metabolism of sphingolipids, important structural components of the membrane that also act as signaling molecules. In monocytes differentiating to dendritic cells, farnesol inhibited dihydroceramide desaturase, resulting in the accumulation of dihydroceramides and a reduction in ceramide levels. Farnesol impaired mitochondrial respiration, known to occur with an accumulation of dihydroceramides, and induced the accumulation of triacylglycerol and oil bodies. Inhibition of dihydroceramide desaturase resulted in the impaired ability of DCs to induce interferon-γ production by T cells. Thus, farnesol production by C. albicans could manipulate the function of dendritic cells by altering the sphingolipidome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Batliner
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Dominik Wigger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Vivas
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Associated Research Group Translational Infection Medicine, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Agata Prell
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingo Fohmann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Köhler
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rebekka Schempp
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Angela Riedel
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center (MSNZ), University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Vaeth
- Max Planck Research Group, Würzburg Institute of Systems Immunology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Agnes Fekete
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Research Group Fungal Septomics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Natalie E Nieuwenhuizen
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Zhu JZ, Li P, Zhang Z, Li XG, Zhong J. The CfKOB1 gene related to cell apoptosis is required for pathogenicity and involved in mycovirus-induced hypovirulence in Colletotrichum fructicola. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132437. [PMID: 38761910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Colletotrichum fructicola is a globally significant phytopathogenic fungus. Mycovirus-induced hypovirulence has great potential for biological control and study of fungal pathogenic mechanisms. We previously reported that the mycovirus Colletotrichum alienum partitivirus 1 (CaPV1) is associated with the hypovirulence of C. fructicola, and the present study aimed to further investigate a host factor and its roles in mycovirus-induced hypovirulence. A gene named CfKOB1, which encodes putative protein homologous to the β-subunit of voltage-gated potassium channels and aldo-keto reductase, is downregulated upon CaPV1 infection and significantly upregulated during the early infection phase of Nicotiana benthamiana by C. fructicola. Deleting the CfKOB1 gene resulted in diminished vegetative growth, decreased production of asexual spores, hindered appressorium formation, reduced virulence, and altered tolerance to abiotic stresses. Transcriptome analysis revealed that CfKOB1 regulates many metabolic pathways as well as the cell cycle and apoptosis. Furthermore, enhanced apoptosis was observed in the ΔCfKOB1 mutants. Viral RNA accumulation was significantly increased in the CfKOB1 deletion mutant. Additionally, our findings demonstrated that CaPV1 infection in the WT strain also induced cell apoptosis. Collectively, these results highlight the diverse biological roles of the CfKOB1 gene in the fungus C. fructicola, while it also participates in mycovirus-induced hypovirulence by regulating apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zi Zhu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410128, PR China
| | - Ping Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410128, PR China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410125, PR China
| | - Xiao Gang Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410128, PR China.
| | - Jie Zhong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410128, PR China.
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Shen T, Tian B, Liu W, Yang X, Sheng Q, Li M, Wang H, Wang X, Zhou H, Han Y, Ding C, Sai S. Transdermal administration of farnesol-ethosomes enhances the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis induced by Candida albicans in mice. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0424723. [PMID: 38415658 PMCID: PMC10986551 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04247-23] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous candidiasis, caused by Candida albicans, is a severe and frustrating condition, and finding effective treatments can be challenging. Therefore, the development of farnesol-loaded nanoparticles is an exciting breakthrough. Ethosomes are a novel transdermal drug delivery carrier that incorporates a certain concentration (10-45%) of alcohols into lipid vesicles, resulting in improved permeability and encapsulation rates compared to conventional liposomes. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule involved in morphogenesis regulation in C. albicans, and these ethosomes offer a promising new approach to treating this common fungal infection. This study develops the formulation of farnesol-loaded ethosomes (farnesol-ethosomes) and assesses applications in treating cutaneous candidiasis induced by C. albicans in vitro and in vivo. Farnesol-ethosomes were successfully developed by ethanol injection method. Therapeutic properties of farnesol-ethosomes, such as particle size, zeta potential, and morphology, were well characterized. According to the results, farnesol-ethosomes demonstrated an increased inhibition effect on cells' growth and biofilm formation in C. albicans. In Animal infection models, treating farnesol-ethosomes by transdermal administration effectively relieved symptoms caused by cutaneous candidiasis and reduced fungal burdens in quantity. We also observed that ethosomes significantly enhanced drug delivery efficacy in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that farnesol-ethosomes can provide future promising roles in curing cutaneous candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Cutaneous candidiasis attributed to Candida infection is a prevalent condition that impacts individuals of all age groups. As a type of microbial community, biofilms confer benefits to host infections and mitigate the clinical effects of antifungal treatments. In C. albicans, the yeast-to-hypha transition and biofilm formation are effectively suppressed by farnesol through its modulation of multiple signaling pathway. However, the characteristics of farnesol such as hydrophobicity, volatility, degradability, and instability in various conditions can impose limitations on its effectiveness. Nanotechnology holds the potential to enhance the efficiency and utilization of this molecule. Treatment of farnesol-ethosomes by transdermal administration demonstrated a very remarkable therapeutic effect against C. albicans in infection model of cutaneous candidiasis in mice. Many patients suffering fungal skin infection will benefit from this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Baocheng Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuesong Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qi Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Mengxin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xiuwen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Huihui Zhou
- Department of pathology, Affiliated Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yanchun Han
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Sixiang Sai
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Nickerson KW, Gutzmann DJ, Boone CHT, Pathirana RU, Atkin AL. Physiological adventures in Candida albicans: farnesol and ubiquinones. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0008122. [PMID: 38436263 PMCID: PMC10966945 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00081-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYFarnesol was first identified as a quorum-sensing molecule, which blocked the yeast to hyphal transition in Candida albicans, 22 years ago. However, its interactions with Candida biology are surprisingly complex. Exogenous (secreted or supplied) farnesol can also act as a virulence factor during pathogenesis and as a fungicidal agent triggering apoptosis in other competing fungi. Farnesol synthesis is turned off both during anaerobic growth and in opaque cells. Distinctly different cellular responses are observed as exogenous farnesol levels are increased from 0.1 to 100 µM. Reported changes include altered morphology, stress response, pathogenicity, antibiotic sensitivity/resistance, and even cell lysis. Throughout, there has been a dearth of mechanisms associated with these observations, in part due to the absence of accurate measurement of intracellular farnesol levels (Fi). This obstacle has recently been overcome, and the above phenomena can now be viewed in terms of changing Fi levels and the percentage of farnesol secreted. Critically, two aspects of isoprenoid metabolism present in higher organisms are absent in C. albicans and likely in other yeasts. These are pathways for farnesol salvage (converting farnesol to farnesyl pyrophosphate) and farnesylcysteine cleavage, a necessary step in the turnover of farnesylated proteins. Together, these developments suggest a unifying model, whereby high, threshold levels of Fi regulate which target proteins are farnesylated or the extent to which they are farnesylated. Thus, we suggest that the diversity of cellular responses to farnesol reflects the diversity of the proteins that are or are not farnesylated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel J. Gutzmann
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Cory H. T. Boone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ruvini U. Pathirana
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, USA
| | - Audrey L. Atkin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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Hibbert T, Krpetic Z, Latimer J, Leighton H, McHugh R, Pottenger S, Wragg C, James CE. Antimicrobials: An update on new strategies to diversify treatment for bacterial infections. Adv Microb Physiol 2024; 84:135-241. [PMID: 38821632 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2023.12.002] [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: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Ninety-five years after Fleming's discovery of penicillin, a bounty of antibiotic compounds have been discovered, modified, or synthesised. Diversification of target sites, improved stability and altered activity spectra have enabled continued antibiotic efficacy, but overwhelming reliance and misuse has fuelled the global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). An estimated 1.27 million deaths were attributable to antibiotic resistant bacteria in 2019, representing a major threat to modern medicine. Although antibiotics remain at the heart of strategies for treatment and control of bacterial diseases, the threat of AMR has reached catastrophic proportions urgently calling for fresh innovation. The last decade has been peppered with ground-breaking developments in genome sequencing, high throughput screening technologies and machine learning. These advances have opened new doors for bioprospecting for novel antimicrobials. They have also enabled more thorough exploration of complex and polymicrobial infections and interactions with the healthy microbiome. Using models of infection that more closely resemble the infection state in vivo, we are now beginning to measure the impacts of antimicrobial therapy on host/microbiota/pathogen interactions. However new approaches are needed for developing and standardising appropriate methods to measure efficacy of novel antimicrobial combinations in these contexts. A battery of promising new antimicrobials is now in various stages of development including co-administered inhibitors, phages, nanoparticles, immunotherapy, anti-biofilm and anti-virulence agents. These novel therapeutics need multidisciplinary collaboration and new ways of thinking to bring them into large scale clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tegan Hibbert
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Zeljka Krpetic
- School of Science, Engineering, and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Joe Latimer
- School of Science, Engineering, and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Hollie Leighton
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca McHugh
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sian Pottenger
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charlotte Wragg
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chloë E James
- School of Science, Engineering, and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
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Dugan D, Bell RJ, Brkljača R, Rix C, Urban S. A Review of the Ethnobotanical Use, Chemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Constituents Derived from the Plant Genus Geijera ( Rutaceae). Metabolites 2024; 14:81. [PMID: 38392973 PMCID: PMC11154539 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Geijera Schott is a plant genus of the Rutaceae Juss. (rue and citrus) family, comprising six species which are all native to Oceania. Of the plants belonging to this genus, the most significant species that has a customary use is Geijera parviflora, which was used by Indigenous Australians, primarily as a pain reliever. Herein, a comprehensive review of the literature published on the genus Geijera from 1930 to 2023 was conducted. This is the first review for this plant genus, and it highlights the chemical constituents reported to date, together with the range of pharmacological properties described from the various species and different parts of the plant. These properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, insect repellent, analgesic, neuroactive, and anti-cancer activities. Finally, a reflection on some of the important areas for future focused studies of this plant genus is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Dugan
- Marine and Terrestrial Natural Product (MATNAP) Research Group, School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; (D.D.); (R.J.B.); (C.R.)
| | - Rachael J. Bell
- Marine and Terrestrial Natural Product (MATNAP) Research Group, School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; (D.D.); (R.J.B.); (C.R.)
| | - Robert Brkljača
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia;
| | - Colin Rix
- Marine and Terrestrial Natural Product (MATNAP) Research Group, School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; (D.D.); (R.J.B.); (C.R.)
| | - Sylvia Urban
- Marine and Terrestrial Natural Product (MATNAP) Research Group, School of Science (Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science), RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; (D.D.); (R.J.B.); (C.R.)
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Santos-Pascual R, Campoy I, Sanz Mata D, Martínez MJ, Prieto A, Barriuso J. Deciphering the molecular components of the quorum sensing system in the fungus Ophiostoma piceae. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0029023. [PMID: 37796004 PMCID: PMC10715110 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00290-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE This manuscript presents a comprehensive study on the molecular mechanisms triggered by the quorum sensing (QS) molecule farnesol in the biotechnologically relevant fungus Ophiostoma piceae. We present for the first time, using a multiomics approach, an in-depth analysis of the QS response in a saprotroph fungus, detailing the molecular components involved in the response and their possible mechanisms of action. We think that these results are particularly relevant in the knowledge of the functioning of the QS in eukaryotes, as well as for the exploitation of these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Santos-Pascual
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Campoy
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Sanz Mata
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Martínez
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Prieto
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Barriuso
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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9
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Shi X, Xu D, Chen Y, Ren B, Jin X, Jin P. Formation characteristics of bacteria and fungi in sewers: In terms of signal molecule generation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166475. [PMID: 37625723 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Bio-metabolism of diverse communities is the main reason of water quality variation in sewers, and the signal molecule generation of communities is dementated to be the key regulation procedure for community metabolism. To reveal the mechanism of pollutant biotransformation in complex sewer environment, this study explored the formation of bacteria and fungi and the signal molecule transduction characteristics in a pilot sewer. In this study, several kinds of signal molecules that produced by bacteria and fungi (C4-HSL, C6-HSL, C8-HSL, farnesol and tyrosol) were detected along the formation process of sewer biofilms. The results showed that, in the early stage, bacterial AHLs signaling molecules are beneficial to the synthesis of EPS, providing a good material basis for the growth of bacterial flora. In addition, tyrosol stimulates the formation of embryonic tubes in yeast cells, further promoting the growth of hyphae. At the later stage, AHLs signaling molecules and tyrosol jointly promoted the growth of biofilms. In conclusion, it is precisely because of the coexistence of bacteria and fungi in the sewer system that the generated signal molecules can jointly promote the synthesis and growth of biofilms through different pathways, and have positive feedback on the biodegradation of various pollutants. Based on the exploration, the ecological patterns of bacterial-fungal communities in urban sewer system were proposed and it could improve the understanding on the pollutant transformation behaviors in sewers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Shi
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710049, China
| | - Dongwei Xu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710055, China
| | - Yaxin Chen
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710055, China
| | - Bo Ren
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710055, China
| | - Xin Jin
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710049, China
| | - Pengkang Jin
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710049, China.
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Su Y, Ding T. Targeting microbial quorum sensing: the next frontier to hinder bacterial driven gastrointestinal infections. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2252780. [PMID: 37680117 PMCID: PMC10486307 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2252780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria synchronize social behaviors via a cell-cell communication and interaction mechanism termed as quorum sensing (QS). QS has been extensively studied in monocultures and proved to be intensively involved in bacterial virulence and infection. Despite the role QS plays in pathogens during laboratory engineered infections has been proved, the potential functions of QS related to pathogenesis in context of microbial consortia remain poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the basic molecular mechanisms of QS, primarily focusing on pathogenic microbes driving gastrointestinal (GI) infections. We further discuss how GI pathogens disequilibrate the homeostasis of the indigenous microbial consortia, rebuild a realm dominated by pathogens, and interact with host under worsening infectious conditions via pathogen-biased QS signaling. Additionally, we present recent applications and main challenges of manipulating QS network in microbial consortia with the goal of better understanding GI bacterial sociality and facilitating novel therapies targeting bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Su
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Ding
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Guangzhou, China
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11
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Song S, Zhao S, Sun X, Meng L, Wang Z, Tan H, Liu J, Zhang M, Deng Y. Anti-virulence strategy of diaryl chalcogenide compounds against Candida albicans infection. Virulence 2023; 14:2265012. [PMID: 37771181 PMCID: PMC10549196 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2265012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogenic fungus that frequently causes serious systemic infection in humans. Due to the vital roles of biofilm formation and the yeast-to-hypha transition in the infection process, we have selected a series of diaryl chalcogenides and tested their efficacy against C. albicans SC5314 pathogenicity by the inhibition of biofilm formation and the yeast-to-hypha transition. The compounds 5-sulfenylindole and 5-selenylindole were found to have excellent abilities to inhibit both biofilm formation and hyphal formation in C. albicans SC5314. Intriguingly, the two leading compounds also markedly attenuated C. albicans SC5314 virulence in human cell lines and mouse infection models at micromolar levels. Furthermore, our results showed that the presence of the compounds at 100 µM resulted in a marked decrease in the expression of genes involved in the cAMP-PKA and MAPK pathways in C. albicans SC5314. Intriguingly, the compounds 5-sulfenylindole and 5-selenylindole not only attenuated the cytotoxicity of Candida species strains but also showed excellent synergistic effects with antifungal agents against the clinical drug-resistant C. albicans strain HCH12. The compound 5-sulfenylindole showed an obvious advantage over fluconazole as it could also restore the composition and richness of the intestinal microbiota in mice infected by C. albicans. Together, these results suggest that diaryl chalcogenides can potentially be designed as novel clinical therapeutic agents against C. albicans infection. The diaryl chalcogenides of 5-sulfenylindole and 5-selenylindole discovered in this study can provide new direction for developing antifungal agents against C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Song
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuo Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Lili Meng
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Huihui Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingyun Liu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Zhengzhou Shuqing Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinyue Deng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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12
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Boone CHT, Parker KA, Gutzmann DJ, Atkin AL, Nickerson KW. Farnesol as an antifungal agent: comparisons among MTLa and MTLα haploid and diploid Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1207567. [PMID: 38054042 PMCID: PMC10694251 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1207567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: Farnesol was identified 20 years ago in a search for Candida albicans quorum sensing molecules (QSM), but there is still uncertainty regarding many aspects of its mode of action including whether it employs farnesol transport mechanisms other than diffusion. Based on the structural similarity between farnesol and the farnesylated portion of the MTL a pheromone, we explored the effects of ploidy and mating type locus (MTL) on the antifungal activity of exogenous farnesol. Methods and results: We approached this question by examining five MTL a and five MTLα haploid strains with regard to their farnesol sensitivity in comparison to six heterozygous MTL a/ α diploids. We examined the haploid and diploid strains for percent cell death after exposure of exponentially growing cells to 0-200 µM farnesol. The heterozygous (MTL a/α) diploids were tolerant of exogenous farnesol whereas the MTL a and MTLα haploids were on average 2- and 4-times more sensitive, respectively. In the critical range from 10-40 µM farnesol their cell death values were in the ratio of 1:2:4. Very similar results were obtained with two matched sets of MAT a, MATα, and MAT a/α Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. Conclusion: We propose that the observed MTL dependence of farnesol is based on differentially regulated mechanisms of entry and efflux which determine the actual cellular concentration of farnesol. The mechanisms by which pathogens such as C. albicans tolerate the otherwise lethal effects of farnesol embrace a wide range of physiological functions, including MTL type, ubiquinone type (UQ6-UQ9), energy availability, and aerobic/anaerobic status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth W. Nickerson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
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13
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Pinheiro LS, Andrade-Neto VV, Mantuano-Barradas M, Pereira EC, Barbosa RCF, de Oliveira MCC, Menna-Barreto RFS, Cunha-Júnior EF, Torres-Santos EC. Biological effects of trans, trans-farnesol in Leishmania amazonensis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1221246. [PMID: 38035328 PMCID: PMC10687452 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1221246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Farnesol, derived from farnesyl pyrophosphate in the sterols biosynthetic pathway, is a molecule with three unsaturations and four possible isomers. Candida albicans predominantly secretes the trans, trans-farnesol (t, t-FOH) isomer, known for its role in regulating the virulence of various fungi species and modulating morphological transition processes. Notably, the evolutionary divergence in sterol biosynthesis between fungi, including Candida albicans, and trypanosomatids resulted in the synthesis of sterols with the ergostane skeleton, distinct from cholesterol. This study aims to assess the impact of exogenously added trans, trans-farnesol on the proliferative ability of Leishmania amazonensis and to identify its presence in the lipid secretome of the parasite. Methods The study involved the addition of exogenous trans, trans-farnesol to evaluate its interference with the proliferation of L. amazonensis promastigotes. Proliferation, cell cycle, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial functionality were assessed as indicators of the effects of trans, trans-farnesol. Additionally, lipid secretome analysis was conducted, focusing on the detection of trans, trans-farnesol and related products derived from the precursor, farnesyl pyrophosphate. In silico analysis was employed to identify the sequence for the farnesene synthase gene responsible for producing these isoprenoids in the Leishmania genome. Results Exogenously added trans, trans-farnesol was found to interfere with the proliferation of L. amazonensis promastigotes, inhibiting the cell cycle without causing DNA fragmentation or loss of mitochondrial functionality. Despite the absence of trans, trans-farnesol in the culture supernatant, other products derived from farnesyl pyrophosphate, specifically α-farnesene and β-farnesene, were detected starting on the fourth day of culture, continuing to increase until the tenth day. Furthermore, the identification of the farnesene synthase gene in the Leishmania genome through in silico analysis provided insights into the enzymatic basis of isoprenoid production. Discussion The findings collectively offer the first insights into the mechanism of action of farnesol on L. amazonensis. While trans, trans-farnesol was not detected in the lipid secretome, the presence of α-farnesene and β-farnesene suggests alternative pathways or modifications in the isoprenoid metabolism of the parasite. The inhibitory effects on proliferation and cell cycle without inducing DNA fragmentation or mitochondrial dysfunction raise questions about the specific targets and pathways affected by exogenous trans, trans-farnesol. The identification of the farnesene synthase gene provides a molecular basis for understanding the synthesis of related isoprenoids in Leishmania. Further exploration of these mechanisms may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies against Leishmania infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliane Sena Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Teófilo Otoni, MG, Brazil
| | - Valter Viana Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcio Mantuano-Barradas
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elisa Cavalcante Pereira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Edézio Ferreira Cunha-Júnior
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Unidade Integrada de Pesquisa em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Caio Torres-Santos
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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14
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Mostafa EM, El-Ghorab AH, Ghoneim MM, Ebrahim HA, Abulfaraj M, Abdelgawad MA, Farouk A, Musa A. Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Potential of Launaea mucronata Forssk Essential Oil Growing in Northern Saudi Arabia. Molecules 2023; 28:7025. [PMID: 37894504 PMCID: PMC10609284 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207025] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential oils are naturally occurring multicomponent combinations of isoprenoids with distinctive odors that are produced by aromatic plants from mevalonic acid. They are extensively applied in aromatherapy for the treatment of various ailments. To investigate the potential therapeutic value of the ingredients in Launaea mucronata essential oil (EO), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used for essential oil characterization. Then, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), β-carotene/linoleic acid, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays were used to evaluate the antioxidants. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to estimate the cytotoxicity. Following a thorough analysis of the GC-MS chromatogram, 87 components representing 97.98% of the entire EO mixture were identified. N-eicosane (10.92%), 2E,6Z-farnesol (10.74%), and 2Z,6E-farnesyl acetone (46.35%) were determined to be the major components of the oil. When the produced EO was evaluated for its antioxidant properties, it showed a strong inhibitory effect (%) of 65.34 at a concentration of 80 μg/mL. The results (g/mL) showed a positive response against the tested cell lines for HCT-116, MCF-7, and HepG2 (8.45, 10.24, and 6.78 g/mL, respectively). A high-concentration mixture of deadly components consisting of farnesol, bisabolol, eicosane, and farnesyl acetone may be responsible for this significant cytotoxic action, which was especially noticeable in the HepG2 cell line. Molecular docking occurred between farnesol and farnesyl acetone with the target residues of topoisomerases I and II, CDK4/cyclD1, and Aurora B kinases; these showed binding free energies ranging from -4.5 to -7.4 kcal/mol, thus demonstrating their antiproliferative action. In addition, farnesol and farnesyl acetone fulfilled most of the ADME and drug-likeness properties, indicating their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab M. Mostafa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia;
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H. El-Ghorab
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia
- Flavour and Aroma Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt;
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hasnaa Ali Ebrahim
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Moaz Abulfaraj
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohamed A. Abdelgawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Amr Farouk
- Flavour and Aroma Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt;
| | - Arafa Musa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia;
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
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15
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Mahmoud GAE, Mayer P, Gaber DA, Ibrahim AB. Response to oxidative stress generation in Rhodotorula glutinis and Candida tropicalis by thallium dithiocarbamate complexes. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2023; 156:111283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2023.111283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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16
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Jin X, Hou X, Wang X, Zhang M, Chen J, Song M, Zhang J, Zheng H, Chang W, Lou H. Characterization of an allosteric inhibitor of fungal-specific C-24 sterol methyltransferase to treat Candida albicans infections. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:553-568.e7. [PMID: 37160123 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Filamentation is an important virulence factor of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. The abolition of Candida albicans hyphal formation by disrupting sterol synthesis is an important concept for the development of antifungal drugs with high safety. Here, we conduct a high-throughput screen using a C. albicans strain expressing green fluorescent protein-labeled Dpp3 to identify anti-hypha agents by interfering with ergosterol synthesis. The antipyrine derivative H55 is characterized to have minimal cytotoxicity and potent inhibition of C. albicans hyphal formation in multiple cultural conditions. H55 monotherapy exhibits therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of azole-resistant candidiasis. H55 treatment increases the accumulation of zymosterol, the substrate of C-24 sterol methyltransferase (Erg6). The results of enzyme assays, photoaffinity labeling, molecular simulation, mutagenesis, and cellular thermal shift assays support H55 as an allosteric inhibitor of Erg6. Collectively, H55, an inhibitor of the fungal-specific enzyme Erg6, holds potential to treat C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Jin
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Institute of Medical Science, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinyao Chen
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Minghui Song
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongbo Zheng
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenqiang Chang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Hongxiang Lou
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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Kim S, Kim SH, Kweon E, Kim J. Apoptotic Factors, CaNma111 and CaYbh3, Function in Candida albicans Filamentation by Regulating the Hyphal Suppressors, Nrg1 and Tup1. J Microbiol 2023; 61:403-409. [PMID: 36972003 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-023-00034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The morphological switch from the yeast to hyphal form is a key virulence attribute of the opportunistic fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Our recent report showed that deletion of the newly identified apoptotic factor, CaNma111 or CaYbh3, leads to hyperfilamentation and increased virulence in a mouse infection model. CaNma111 and CaYbh3 are homologs of the pro-apoptotic protease, HtrA2/Omi, and BH3-only protein, respectively. In this study, we examined the effects of CaNMA111 and CaYBH3 deletion mutations on the expression levels of the hypha-specific transcription factors, Cph1 (a hyphal activator), Nrg1 (a hyphal repressor), and Tup1 (a hyphal repressor). The protein levels of Nrg1 were decreased in Caybh3/Caybh3 cells while those of Tup1 were decreased in both Canma111/Canma111 and Caybh3/Caybh3 cells. These effects on Nrg1 and Tup1 proteins were retained during serum-induced filamentation and appear to explain the hyperfilamentation phenotypes of the CaNMA111 and CaYBH3 deletion mutants. Treatment with the apoptosis-inducing dose of farnesol decreased the Nrg1 protein levels in the wild-type strain and more evidently in Canma111/Canma111 and Caybh3/Caybh3 mutant strains. Together, our results suggest that CaNma111 and CaYbh3 are key regulators of Nrg1 and Tup1 protein levels in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyoung Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hyeon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjoong Kweon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinmi Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
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Antifungal activity and potential mechanism of action of caspofungin in combination with ribavirin against Candida albicans. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 61:106709. [PMID: 36640848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The number of invasive fungal infections has increased dramatically, resulting in high morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. With increasing use of caspofungin (CAS), resistant strains have emerged frequently and led to limitations in the treatment of patients with severe invasive Candida albicans infections. Combination therapy is an important method to deal with this issue. As such, this study investigated the activity of CAS in combination with ribavirin (RBV) against C. albicans. The results of this in-vitro study showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CAS and RBV when they were used as monotherapy were 0.5-1 μg/mL and 2-8 μg/mL, respectively, while the MIC of CAS decreased from 0.5-1 μg/mL to 0.0625-0.25 μg/mL when used in combination with RBV, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) ≤0.5. In addition, the RBV + CAS combination group displayed synergistic effects against C. albicans biofilm over 4 h; the sessile MIC (sMIC) of CAS decreased from 0.5-1 µg/mL to 0.0625-0.25µg/mL and the sMIC of RBV decreased from 4-16 µg/mL to 1-2 µg/mL, with FICI <0.5. The survival of C. albicans-infected Galleria mellonella was prolonged, the fungal burden was decreased, and the area of tissue damage was reduced after combination therapy. Further study showed that the mechanisms of action of the synergistic effect were related to the inhibition of biofilm formation, the inhibition of hyphal growth, and the activation of metacaspases, but were not related to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. It is hoped that these findings will contribute to the understanding of drug resistance in C. albicans, and provide new insights for the application of RBV.
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Abdallah BM, Rajendran P, Ali EM. Potential Treatment of Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum in Rat Model Using Topical Green Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles with Achillea santolina Extract. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041536. [PMID: 36838531 PMCID: PMC9965404 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte, and can cause cutaneous infections in humans and animals (dermatophytosis). In this study, we investigated the anti-dermatophytic potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Achillea santolina extract (AS-AgNPs) in an in vitro and in vivo rat model of dermal T. rubrum dermatophytosis (TRD). The green synthesis of AS-AgNPs was performed using A. santolina extract and characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, zeta potential, imaging (transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The antifungal activity of AS-AgNPs was determined by the broth microdilution method, conidial germination, and hyphal growth inhibition. TEM and SEM were used to study the mode of the antifungal action of AS-AgNPs. AS-AgNPs inhibited the growth of T. rubrum with an MIC of 128 μg/mL, and suppressed the conidial germination and hyphal growth by 55.3% 84.6%, respectively. AS-AgNPs caused modified mycelial structures, increased cell membrane permeability, and cell wall damage. AS-AgNPs significantly increase the permeability of the fungal membrane, as revealed by reducing ergosterol biosynthesis. An increase in the intracellular ROS and the induction of apoptosis were also observed during AS-AgNP treatment. In addition, AS-AgNPs reduced the cell wall integrity, as shown by the reduction in the β-(1,3)-d-glucan synthase and chitin synthase activities. AS-AgNPs showed very low toxicity on primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) at the MIC. The topical treatment of the infected skin in the TRD rat model with AS-AgNPs showed a significant reduction in the fugal burden after 7 days and a complete clearance of fungal conidia, with a high recovery of epidermal and dermal structures after 14 days, compared to control rats. Interestingly, AS-AgNPs significantly attenuated the infiltrated inflammatory cells, in association with reducing the tissue proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, MOP and IL-17. In conclusion, our data prove AS-AgNPs to be a novel green topical therapy for dermatophytosis caused by T. rubrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basem M. Abdallah
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-(013)-589-9430
| | - Peramaiyan Rajendran
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas M. Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
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20
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Lv QZ, Zhang XL, Gao L, Yan L, Jiang YY. iTRAQ-based proteomics revealed baicalein enhanced oxidative stress of Candida albicans by up-regulating CPD2 expression. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6687814. [PMID: 36055797 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Baicalein could inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of Candida albicans, the most common clinical fungal pathogen. However, the antifungal mechanism of baicalein has not been elucidated. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) was used to verify the mechanism of antifungal fluconazole and baicalein. A total of 58 common proteins were detected in cells treated with fluconazole. These proteins encompassed fluconazole-targeted sterol synthesis pathway, including Erg11p, Erg6p, Erg3p, Erg25p, Erg5p, Erg10p and Ncp1p. Next, iTRAQ was applied to the comparison of baicalein-treated C. albicans proteins, which detected 16 common proteins. The putative NADH dehydrogenase Cpd2p and the ATP-binding cassette transporter Snq2p were the most up-regulated proteins with the treatment of baicalein. Our results showed that CPD2 disruption elevated C. albicans resistance to baicalein significantly both in vitro and in vivo. Further in-depth studies revealed that CPD2 disruption reduced the activation of C. albicans metacaspase and partially restored the mitochondrial membrane potential reduction caused by the treatment of baicalein, which indicated that CPD2 was involved in the apoptosis induced by baicalein. Consistently, under the treatment of baicalein, CPD2Δ/Δ mutant produced lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) that was critical in causing oxidative damage and apoptosis in C. albicans. These results indicated that baicalein could increase intracellular oxidative damage by up-regulating the expression of Cpd2p so as to inhibit the growth of C. albicans, which provides new insights for investigating the antifungal target of baicalein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q-Z Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, P.R.Chi
| | - X-L Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, P.R.Chi.,91034 PLA troops, Xuancheng, P.R.Chi
| | - L Gao
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R.Chi
| | - L Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, P.R.Chi
| | - Y-Y Jiang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R.Chi
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21
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Roles of the pro-apoptotic factors CaNma111 and CaYbh3 in apoptosis and virulence of Candida albicans. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7574. [PMID: 35534671 PMCID: PMC9085738 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11682-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, a commensal and opportunistic pathogen, undergoes apoptosis in response to various stimuli, including hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and antifungal agents. Apoptotic processes are highly conserved among mammals, plants, and fungi, but little is known about the apoptosis-regulating factors in C. albicans. In this study, C. albicans homologs of the putative apoptosis factors were identified by database screening followed by overexpression analysis. CaNma111, a homolog of the pro-apoptotic mammalian HtrA2/Omi, and CaYbh3, a homolog of BH3-only protein, yielded increased apoptotic phenotypes upon overexpression. We showed that CaNma111 and CaYbh3 functions as pro-apoptotic regulators by examining intracellular ROS accumulation, DNA end breaks (TUNEL assay), and cell survival in Canma111/Canma111 and Caybh3/Caybh3 deletion strains. We found that the protein level of CaBir1, an inhibitor-of-apoptosis (IAP) protein, was down-regulated by CaNma111. Interestingly, the Canma111/Canma111 and Caybh3/Caybh3 deletion strains showed hyperfilamentation phenotypes and increased virulence in a mouse infection model. Together, our results suggest that CaNma111 and CaYbh3 play key regulatory roles in the apoptosis and virulence of C. albicans.
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Transcriptional Response of Candida auris to the Mrr1 Inducers Methylglyoxal and Benomyl. mSphere 2022; 7:e0012422. [PMID: 35473297 PMCID: PMC9241502 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00124-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an urgent threat to human health due to its rapid spread in health care settings and its repeated development of multidrug resistance. Diseases that increase risk for C. auris infection, such as diabetes, kidney failure, or immunocompromising conditions, are associated with elevated levels of methylglyoxal (MG), a reactive dicarbonyl compound derived from several metabolic processes. In other Candida species, expression of MG reductase enzymes that catabolize and detoxify MG are controlled by Mrr1, a multidrug resistance-associated transcription factor, and MG induces Mrr1 activity. Here, we used transcriptomics and genetic assays to determine that C. aurisMRR1a contributes to MG resistance, and that the main Mrr1a targets are an MG reductase and MDR1, which encodes a drug efflux protein. The C. auris Mrr1a regulon is smaller than Mrr1 regulons described in other species. In addition to MG, benomyl (BEN), a known Mrr1 stimulus, induces C. auris Mrr1 activity, and characterization of the MRR1a-dependent and -independent transcriptional responses revealed substantial overlap in genes that were differentially expressed in response to each compound. Additionally, we found that an MRR1 allele specific to one C. auris phylogenetic clade, clade III, encodes a hyperactive Mrr1 variant, and this activity correlated with higher MG resistance. C. aurisMRR1a alleles were functional in Candida lusitaniae and were inducible by BEN, but not by MG, suggesting that the two Mrr1 inducers act via different mechanisms. Together, the data presented in this work contribute to the understanding of Mrr1 activity and MG resistance in C. auris. IMPORTANCECandida auris is a fungal pathogen that has spread since its identification in 2009 and is of concern due to its high incidence of resistance against multiple classes of antifungal drugs. In other Candida species, the transcription factor Mrr1 plays a major role in resistance against azole antifungals and other toxins. More recently, Mrr1 has been recognized to contribute to resistance to methylglyoxal (MG), a toxic metabolic product that is often elevated in different disease states. MG can activate Mrr1 and its induction of Mdr1 which can protect against diverse challenges. The significance of this work lies in showing that MG is also an inducer of Mrr1 in C. auris, and that one of the major pathogenic C. auris lineages has an activating Mrr1 mutation that confers protection against MG.
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OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6526320. [PMID: 35142862 PMCID: PMC8929677 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multi drug resistant fungal pathogen that has caused infectious outbreaks in over 45 countries since its first isolation over a decade ago, leading to in-hospital crude mortality rates as high as 72%. The fungus is also acclimated to disinfection procedures and persists for weeks in nosocomial ecosystems. Alarmingly, the outbreaks of C. auris infections in Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients have also been reported. The pathogenicity, drug resistance and global spread of C. auris have led to an urgent exploration of novel, candidate antifungal agents for C. auris therapeutics. This narrative review codifies the emerging data on the following new/emerging antifungal compounds and strategies: antimicrobial peptides, combinational therapy, immunotherapy, metals and nano particles, natural compounds, and repurposed drugs. Encouragingly, a vast majority of these exhibit excellent anti- C. auris properties, with promising drugs now in the pipeline in various stages of development. Nevertheless, further research on the modes of action, toxicity, and the dosage of the new formulations are warranted. Studies are needed with representation from all five C. auris clades, so as to produce data of grater relevance, and broader significance and validity.
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Chen X, Wu J, Sun L, Nie J, Su S, Sun S. Antifungal Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Benserazide Hydrochloride Alone and in Combination with Fluconazole Against Candida albicans. Drug Des Devel Ther 2021; 15:4701-4711. [PMID: 34815665 PMCID: PMC8605804 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s336667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The resistance of C. albicans to traditional antifungal drugs brings a great challenge to clinical treatment. To overcome the resistance, developing antifungal agent sensitizers has attracted considerable attention. This study aimed to determine the anti-Candida activity of BEH alone or BEH–FLC combination and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods In vitro antifungal effects were performed by broth microdilution assay and XTT reduction assay. Infected Galleria mellonella larvae model was used to determine the antifungal effects in vivo. Probes Fluo-3/AM, FITC-VAD-FMK and rhodamine 6G were used to study the influence of BEH and FLC on intracellular calcium concentration, metacaspase activity and drug efflux of C. albicans. Results BEH alone exhibited obvious antifungal activities against C. albicans. BEH plus FLC not only showed synergistic effects against planktonic cells and preformed biofilms within 8 h but also enhanced the antifungal activity in infected G. mellonella larvae. Mechanistic studies indicated that antifungal effects of drugs might be associated with the increasement of calcium concentration, activation of metacaspase activity to reduce virulence and anti-biofilms, but were not related to drug efflux. Conclusion BEH alone or combined with FLC displayed potent antifungal activity both in vitro and in vivo, and the underlying mechanisms were related to reduced virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Pediatric Drug Development, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiyong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Nie
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Su
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Pediatric Drug Development, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Pediatric Drug Development, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Extending the Proteomic Characterization of Candida albicans Exposed to Stress and Apoptotic Inducers through Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry. mSystems 2021; 6:e0094621. [PMID: 34609160 PMCID: PMC8547427 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00946-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal fungus that causes systemic infections in immunosuppressed patients. In order to deal with the changing environment during commensalism or infection, C. albicans must reprogram its proteome. Characterizing the stress-induced changes in the proteome that C. albicans uses to survive should be very useful in the development of new antifungal drugs. We studied the C. albicans global proteome after exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and acetic acid (AA), using a data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) strategy. More than 2,000 C. albicans proteins were quantified using an ion library previously constructed using data-dependent acquisition mass spectrometry (DDA-MS). C. albicans responded to treatment with H2O2 with an increase in the abundance of many proteins involved in the oxidative stress response, protein folding, and proteasome-dependent catabolism, which led to increased proteasome activity. The data revealed a previously unknown key role for Prn1, a protein similar to pirins, in the oxidative stress response. Treatment with AA resulted in a general decrease in the abundance of proteins involved in amino acid biosynthesis, protein folding, and rRNA processing. Almost all proteasome proteins declined, as did proteasome activity. Apoptosis was observed after treatment with H2O2 but not AA. A targeted proteomic study of 32 proteins related to apoptosis in yeast supported the results obtained by DIA-MS and allowed the creation of an efficient method to quantify relevant proteins after treatment with stressors (H2O2, AA, and amphotericin B). This approach also uncovered a main role for Oye32, an oxidoreductase, suggesting this protein as a possible apoptotic marker common to many stressors. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections are a worldwide health problem, especially in immunocompromised patients and patients with chronic disorders. Invasive candidiasis, caused mainly by C. albicans, is among the most common fungal diseases. Despite the existence of treatments to combat candidiasis, the spectrum of drugs available is limited. For the discovery of new drug targets, it is essential to know the pathogen response to different stress conditions. Our study provides a global vision of proteomic remodeling in C. albicans after exposure to different agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and amphotericin B, that can cause apoptotic cell death. These results revealed the significance of many proteins related to oxidative stress response and proteasome activity, among others. Of note, the discovery of Prn1 as a key protein in the defense against oxidative stress as well the increase in the abundance of Oye32 protein when apoptotic process occurred point them out as possible drug targets.
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Barot T, Rawtani D, Kulkarni P. Development, characterization and in vitro-in vivo evaluation of Farnesol loaded niosomal gel for applications in oral candidiasis treatment. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07968. [PMID: 34568596 PMCID: PMC8449029 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of the study was to formulate and characterize the farnesol loaded niosomes comprising gel formulation and perform their in vitro–in vivo evaluation for applications in the treatment of oral candidiasis infections. Methods Various gelling systems were evaluated for their rheological and stability properties. The formulation was statistically optimized using experimental design method (Box-Behnken). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe the niosomal surface morphology. Centrifugation method and dialysis method were used to find out the % entrapment efficiency (%EE) and in-vitro release of Farnesol, respectively. In-vitro antifungal effect and cell biocompatibility of the Farnesol loaded niosomal gel was also performed using Candida albicans (C. albicans) as the model organism and epithelial cell line (SW480) by MTT cytotoxicity assay. In-vivo skin irritation test was performed on rabbit skin. Key findings Farnesol loaded niosomes were integrated into polymeric gel solution. The optimized formulation demonstrated acceptable % EE (>80%) and an optimum particle size (168.8 nm) along with a sustained release and a long-term storage stability for up to a period of 6 months. TEM and AFM observations displayed a spherical niosome morphology. Farnesol niosomal gel showed a higher antifungal efficacy, ex-vivo skin permeation and deposition in comparison to plain farnesol solution. The niosomal gel also showed negligible cytotoxicity to normal cells citing biocompatibility and was found to be non-toxic and non-irritant to rabbit skin. Conclusions This novel niosome loaded gel-based formulation could make the oral candidiasis healing process more efficient while improving patient compliance. With the optimized methodology used in this work, such formulation approaches can become an efficient, industrially scalable, and cost-effective alternatives to the existing conventional formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejas Barot
- National Forensic Sciences University, Nr. DFS Head Quarters, Sector 9, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382007, India
| | - Deepak Rawtani
- National Forensic Sciences University, Nr. DFS Head Quarters, Sector 9, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382007, India
| | - Pratik Kulkarni
- National Forensic Sciences University, Nr. DFS Head Quarters, Sector 9, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382007, India
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Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is one of the most studied cell-cell communication mechanisms in fungi. Research in the last 20 years has explored various fungal QS systems that are involved in a wide range of biological processes, especially eukaryote- or fungus-specific behaviors, mirroring the significant contribution of QS regulation to fungal biology and evolution. Based on recent progress, we summarize in this review fungal QS regulation, with an emphasis on its functional role in behaviors unique to fungi or eukaryotes. We suggest that using fungi as genetically amenable eukaryotic model systems to address why and how QS regulation is integrated into eukaryotic reproductive strategies and molecular or cellular processes could be an important direction for QS research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Hao Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Weixin Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Linqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
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Lee J, Kim Y, Khadke SK, Lee J. Antibiofilm and antifungal activities of medium-chain fatty acids against Candida albicans via mimicking of the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:1353-1366. [PMID: 33252828 PMCID: PMC8313291 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida biofilms are tolerant to conventional antifungal therapeutics and the host immune system. The transition of yeast cells to hyphae is considered a key step in C. albicans biofilm development, and this transition is inhibited by the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol. We hypothesized that fatty acids mimicking farnesol might influence hyphal and biofilm formation by C. albicans. Among 31 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, six medium-chain saturated fatty acids, that is, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid and lauric acid, effectively inhibited C. albicans biofilm formation by more than 75% at 2 µg ml-1 with MICs in the range 100-200 µg ml-1 . These six fatty acids at 2 µg ml-1 and farnesol at 100 µg ml-1 inhibited hyphal growth and cell aggregation. The addition of fatty acids to C. albicans cultures decreased the productions of farnesol and sterols. Furthermore, down-regulation of several hyphal and biofilm-related genes caused by heptanoic or nonanoic acid closely resembled the changes caused by farnesol. In addition, nonanoic acid, the most effective compound diminished C. albicans virulence in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Our results suggest that medium-chain fatty acids inhibit more effectively hyphal growth and biofilm formation than farnesol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin‐Hyung Lee
- School of Chemical EngineeringYeungnam UniversityGyeongsanKorea
| | - Yong‐Guy Kim
- School of Chemical EngineeringYeungnam UniversityGyeongsanKorea
| | | | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical EngineeringYeungnam UniversityGyeongsanKorea
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Jeong JH, Kim SH, Kim J. CaBir1 functions as an inhibitor-of-apoptosis and affects caspase-like activitiy in Candida albicans. Fungal Genet Biol 2021; 154:103600. [PMID: 34197920 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2021.103600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
CaMca1 is the only metacaspase in Candida albicans, which shows structural homology to the mammalian caspases. CaMca1 consists of the caspase domain, the P20 and P10 regions, and the conserved catalytic histidine-cysteine dyad that is required for executing apoptosis in C. albicans. However, little is known about the proteolytic processing of CaMca1 or its activation under apoptosis-inducing conditions. To understand the regulation of this process, we characterized CaBir1 which is the single IAP (inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein) in C. albicans. IAPs are a family of proteins whose members all harbor a BIR (baculovirus IAP repeat) domain and negatively regulate apoptosis by inhibiting caspases. We found that the Cabir1/Cabir1 deletion mutant exhibited increased apoptotic phenotypes, such as ROS accumulation, nuclear segmentation, and cell survival, under apoptosis-inducing conditions. Examination of CaMca1 cleavage patterns in response to various apoptotic stresses revealed that these cleavages were stress-specific and dependent on the catalytic histidine-cysteine residues of CaMca1. The Cabir1/Cabir1 mutation was not associated with altered CaMca1 processing with or without apoptotic stimuli, but the Cabir1/Cabir1 mutant exhibited significantly increased caspase-like activities. These results suggest that CaBir1 acts as an apoptosis inhibitor by regulating caspase-like activity, but not CaMca1 processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hoon Jeong
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hyeon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinmi Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Nath BJ, Mishra AK, Sarma HK. Assessment of quorum sensing effects of tyrosol on fermentative performance by chief ethnic fermentative yeasts from northeast India. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 131:728-742. [PMID: 33103297 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Tyrosol, a quorum sensing molecule in yeasts, was reported to reduce lag phase and induces hyphae formation during cell proliferation. However, evidence of any enhancing effect of tyrosol in cellular proliferation within fermentative environment is unclear. In this investigation, selected yeast cells were assessed for their ability to synthesize tyrosol followed by examining the role of the molecule during fermentation. METHODS AND RESULTS Tyrosols were characterized in four fermentative yeasts viz., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis isolated from traditional fermentative cakes of northeast India. All the isolates synthesized tyrosol while C. tropicalis exhibited filamentous growth in response to tyrosols retrieved from other isolates. Purified tyrosols showed protective behaviour in C. tropicalis and S. cerevisiae under ethanol mediated oxidative stress. During fermentation, tyrosol significantly enhanced growth of W. anomalus in starch medium while C. tropicalis exhibited growth enhancement in starch and glucose sources. The chief fermentative yeast S. cerevisiae showed notable enhancement in fermentative capacity in starch medium under the influence of tyrosol con-commitment of ethanol production. CONCLUSION The study concludes that tyrosol exerts unusual effect in cellular growth and fermentative ability of both Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This is the first report of expression of tyrosol by non-conventional yeasts, where the molecule was found to exert enhancing effect during fermentation, thereby augmenting the process of metabolite production during traditional fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Nath
- Microbial Communication and Fungal Biology Group, Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - A K Mishra
- Laboratory of Microbial Genetics, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - H K Sarma
- Microbial Communication and Fungal Biology Group, Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Pereira R, Dos Santos Fontenelle RO, de Brito EHS, de Morais SM. Biofilm of Candida albicans: formation, regulation and resistance. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 131:11-22. [PMID: 33249681 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen, causing infections that range from mucous membranes to systemic infections. The present article provides an overview of C. albicans, with the production of biofilms produced by this fungus, as well as reporting the classes of antifungals used to fight such infections, together with the resistance mechanisms to these drugs. Candida albicans is highly adaptable, enabling the transition from commensal to pathogen due to a repertoire of virulence factors. Specifically, the ability to change morphology and form biofilms is central to the pathogenesis of C. albicans. Indeed, most infections by this pathogen are associated with the formation of biofilms on surfaces of hosts or medical devices, causing high morbidity and mortality. Significantly, biofilms formed by C. albicans are inherently tolerant to antimicrobial therapy, so the susceptibility of C. albicans biofilms to current therapeutic agents remains low. Therefore, it is difficult to predict which molecules will emerge as new clinical antifungals. The biofilm formation of C. albicans has been causing impacts on susceptibility to antifungals, leading to resistance, which demonstrates the importance of research aimed at the prevention and control of these clinical microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pereira
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Microbiology Laboratory (LABMIC), Vale do Acaraú State University, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - E H S de Brito
- Institute of Health Sciences of University for International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção, Ceará, Brazil
| | - S M de Morais
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products (LQPN), Ceará State University, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Srivastava V, Wani MY, Al-Bogami AS, Ahmad A. Piperidine based 1,2,3-triazolylacetamide derivatives induce cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death in Candida auris. J Adv Res 2020; 29:121-135. [PMID: 33842010 PMCID: PMC8020347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The fungal pathogen Candida auris, is a serious threat to public health and is associated with bloodstream infections causing high mortality particularly in patients with serious medical problems. As this pathogen is generally resistant to all the available classes of antifungals, there is a constant demand for novel antifungal drugs with new mechanisms of antifungal action. Objective: Therefore, in this study we synthesised six novel piperidine based 1,2,3-triazolylacetamide derivatives (pta1-pta6) and tested their antifungal activity and mechanism of action against clinical C. auris isolates. Methods: Antifungal susceptibility testing was done to estimate MIC values of piperidine derivatives following CLSI recommended guidelines. MUSE Cell Analyzer was used to check cell viability and cell cycle arrest in C. auris after exposure to piperidine derivatives using different kits. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy was done to check the effect of test compound on C. auris membrane integrity and related apoptotic assays were performed to confirm cellular apoptosis using different apoptosis markers. Results: Out of the six derivatives; pta1, pta2 and pta3 showed highest active with MIC values from 0.24 to 0.97 μg/mL and MFC ranging from 0.97 to 3.9 μg/mL. Fungicidal behaviour of these compounds was confirmed by cell count and viability assay. Exposure to test compounds at sub-inhibitory and inhibitory concentrations resulted in disruption of C. auris plasma membrane. Further in-depth studies showed that these derivatives were able to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in S-phase. Furthermore, the compounds demonstrated lower toxicity profile. Conclusion: Present study suggests that the novel derivatives (pta1-pta3) induce apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest in C. auris and could be potential candidates against C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vartika Srivastava
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Mohmmad Younus Wani
- University of Jeddah, College of Science, Department of Chemistry, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Saad Al-Bogami
- University of Jeddah, College of Science, Department of Chemistry, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.,Infection Control Unit, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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33
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Bezerra CF, de Alencar Júnior JG, de Lima Honorato R, dos Santos ATL, Pereira da Silva JC, Gusmão da Silva T, Leal ALAB, Rocha JE, de Freitas TS, Tavares Vieira TA, Bezerra MCF, Sales DL, Kerntopf MR, de Araujo Delmondes G, Filho JMB, Peixoto LR, Pinheiro AP, Ribeiro-Filho J, Coutinho HDM, Morais-Braga MFB, Gonçalves da Silva T. Antifungal activity of farnesol incorporated in liposomes and associated with fluconazole. Chem Phys Lipids 2020; 233:104987. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2020.104987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Nagy F, Tóth Z, Daróczi L, Székely A, Borman AM, Majoros L, Kovács R. Farnesol increases the activity of echinocandins against Candida auris biofilms. Med Mycol 2020; 58:404-407. [PMID: 31127836 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris biofilms exhibit decreased susceptibility to echinocandins, which is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule enhancing the activity of antifungals; therefore, we evaluated the in vitro effect of farnesol with anidulafungin, caspofungin, or micafungin against biofilms using fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICI), Bliss independence model, LIVE/DEAD-assay and scanning electron microscopy. Based on mathematical models, farnesol caused synergism in eleven out of twelve cases (FICIs range 0.133-0.507; Bliss synergy volume range 70.39-204.6 μM2%). This was confirmed by microscope images of combination-exposed biofilms. Our study showed the prominent effect of farnesol with echinocandins against C. auris biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fruzsina Nagy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Hungary
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Hungary
| | - Lajos Daróczi
- Department of Solid State Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adrien Székely
- Public Health England UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M Borman
- Public Health England UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Hungary.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt 98. Hungary
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Lv QZ, Ni TJH, Li LP, Li T, Zhang DZ, Jiang YY. A New Antifungal Agent (4-phenyl-1, 3-thiazol-2-yl) Hydrazine Induces Oxidative Damage in Candida albicans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:578956. [PMID: 33117733 PMCID: PMC7575736 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.578956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A gradual rise in immunocompromised patients over past years has led to the increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections. Development of effective fungicides can not only provide new means for clinical treatment, but also reduce the occurrence of fungal resistance. We identified a new antifungal agent (4-phenyl-1, 3-thiazol-2-yl), hydrazine (numbered as 31C) which showed high-efficiency, broad-spectrum and specific activities. The minimum inhibitory concentration of 31C against pathogenic fungi was between 0.0625-4 μg/ml in vitro, while 31C had no obvious cytotoxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells with the concentration of 4 μg/ml. In addition, 31C of 0.5 μg/ml could exhibit significant fungicidal activity and inhibit the biofilm formation of C. albicans. In vivo fungal infection model showed that 31C of 10 mg/kg significantly increased the survival rate of Galleria mellonella. Further study revealed that 31C-treatment increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. albicans and elevated the expression of some genes related to anti-oxidative stress response, including CAP1, CTA1, TRR1, and SODs. Consistently, 31C-induced high levels of intracellular ROS resulted in considerable DNA damage, which played a critical role in antifungal-induced cellular death. The addition of ROS scavengers, such as glutathione (GSH), N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) or oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), dramatically reduced the antifungal activities of 31C and rescued the 31C-induced filamentation defect. Collectively, these results showed that 31C exhibited strong antifungal activity and induced obvious oxidative damage, which indicated that compounds with a structure similar to 31C may provide new sight for antifungal drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Zhen Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting-Jun-Hong Ni
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ping Li
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Zhi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Ying Jiang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Echinocandins as Biotechnological Tools for Treating Candida auris Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030185. [PMID: 32971857 PMCID: PMC7558506 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030185] [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] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has been reported in the past few years as an invasive fungal pathogen of high interest. Its recent emergence in healthcare-associated infections triggered the efforts of researchers worldwide, seeking additional alternatives to the use of traditional antifungals such as azoles. Lipopeptides, specially the echinocandins, have been reported as an effective approach to control pathogenic fungi. However, despite its efficiency against C. auris, some isolates presented echinocandin resistance. Thus, therapies focused on echinocandins’ synergism with other antifungal drugs were widely explored, representing a novel possibility for the treatment of C. auris infections.
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Chen X, Shi Y, Li Y, Su S, Wang P, Sun S. Antifungal effects and potential mechanisms of lonidamine in combination with fluconazole against Candida albicans. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:109-115. [PMID: 32924656 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1811684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The resistance of Candida albicans (C. albicans) to classical antifungals has been increasing significantly and poses great challenges to clinical treatment. The objective of this research is to evaluate whether the combination of lonidamine (LND) and fluconazole (FLC) have synergistic antifungal activity against C. albicans and to explore the underlying synergistic mechanisms against FLC-resistant C. albicans. METHODS The antifungal effect on resistant planktonic C. albicans and preformed biofilms were performed by broth microdilution assay and XTT reduction assay. The influence on hyphal growth, cellular ROS level, metacaspase activity and drug transporters were investigated by morphogenesis observation, DCFH-DA, FITC-VAD-FMK and rhodamine6G assay, respectively. RESULTS LND in combination with FLC exhibited synergistic antifungal effects against resistant planktonic C. albicans and preformed biofilms of C. albicans in the early stages (performed at 4 h and 8 h). The synergistic mechanisms associated with the inhibition of the hyphal growth and the activation of metacaspase, but were not related to mediate cellular ROS level or drug uptake and efflux in resistant C. albicans. CONCLUSION LND combined with FLC exhibited synergistic antifungal activity against resistant C. albicans, and the synergistic mechanisms were related to anti-biofilms and reduce virulence factors. EXPERT OPINION The emergence of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains poses great challenges to clinical treatment. Drug combination of non-antifungals and fluconazole has attracted a lot of attention to overcome Candida albicans drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinping Shi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiman Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University , Beijing, China
| | - Shan Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Guevara-Lora I, Bras G, Karkowska-Kuleta J, González-González M, Ceballos K, Sidlo W, Rapala-Kozik M. Plant-Derived Substances in the Fight Against Infections Caused by Candida Species. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176131. [PMID: 32854425 PMCID: PMC7504544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Yeast-like fungi from the Candida genus are predominantly harmless commensals that colonize human skin and mucosal surfaces, but under conditions of impaired host immune system change into dangerous pathogens. The pathogenicity of these fungi is typically accompanied by increased adhesion and formation of complex biofilms, making candidal infections challenging to treat. Although a variety of antifungal drugs have been developed that preferably attack the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane, these pathogens have acquired novel defense mechanisms that make them resistant to standard treatment. This causes an increase in the incidence of candidiasis and enforces the urgent need for an intensified search for new specifics that could be helpful, alone or synergistically with traditional drugs, for controlling Candida pathogenicity. Currently, numerous reports have indicated the effectiveness of plant metabolites as potent antifungal agents. These substances have been shown to inhibit growth and to alter the virulence of different Candida species in both the planktonic and hyphal form and during the biofilm formation. This review focuses on the most recent findings that provide evidence of decreasing candidal pathogenicity by different substances of plant origin, with a special emphasis on the mechanisms of their action. This is a particularly important issue in the light of the currently increasing frequency of emerging Candida strains and species resistant to standard antifungal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibeth Guevara-Lora
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387 Krakow, Poland; (I.G.-L.); (K.C.)
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387 Krakow, Poland; (G.B.); (J.K.-K.); (M.G.-G.); (W.S.)
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387 Krakow, Poland; (G.B.); (J.K.-K.); (M.G.-G.); (W.S.)
| | - Miriam González-González
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387 Krakow, Poland; (G.B.); (J.K.-K.); (M.G.-G.); (W.S.)
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30–387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Kinga Ceballos
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387 Krakow, Poland; (I.G.-L.); (K.C.)
| | - Wiktoria Sidlo
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387 Krakow, Poland; (G.B.); (J.K.-K.); (M.G.-G.); (W.S.)
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 7, 30–387 Krakow, Poland; (G.B.); (J.K.-K.); (M.G.-G.); (W.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Kovács R, Majoros L. Fungal Quorum-Sensing Molecules: A Review of Their Antifungal Effect against Candida Biofilms. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030099. [PMID: 32630687 PMCID: PMC7559060 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of effective therapeutic strategies against biofilms is limited; development of novel therapies is urgently needed to treat a variety of biofilm-associated infections. Quorum sensing is a special form of microbial cell-to-cell communication that is responsible for the release of numerous extracellular molecules, whose concentration is proportional with cell density. Candida-secreted quorum-sensing molecules (i.e., farnesol and tyrosol) have a pivotal role in morphogenesis, biofilm formation, and virulence. Farnesol can mediate the hyphae-to-yeast transition, while tyrosol has the opposite effect of inducing transition from the yeast to hyphal form. A number of questions regarding Candida quorum sensing remain to be addressed; nevertheless, the literature shows that farnesol and tyrosol possess remarkable antifungal and anti-biofilm effect at supraphysiological concentration. Furthermore, previous in vitro and in vivo data suggest that they may have a potent adjuvant effect in combination with certain traditional antifungal agents. This review discusses the most promising farnesol- and tyrosol-based in vitro and in vivo results, which may be a foundation for future development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat Candida biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +0036-52-255-425; Fax: +0036-52-255-424
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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40
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Abrogation of pathogenic attributes in drug resistant Candida auris strains by farnesol. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233102. [PMID: 32392266 PMCID: PMC7213696 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris, a decade old Candida species, has been identified globally as a significant nosocomial multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogen responsible for causing invasive outbreaks. Biofilms and overexpression of efflux pumps such as Major Facilitator Superfamily and ATP Binding Cassette are known to cause multidrug resistance in Candida species, including C. auris. Therefore, targeting these factors may prove an effective approach to combat MDR in C. auris. In this study, 25 clinical isolates of C. auris from different hospitals of South Africa were used. All the isolates were found capable enough to form biofilms on 96-well flat bottom microtiter plate that was further confirmed by MTT reduction assay. In addition, these strains have active drug efflux mechanism which was supported by rhodamine-6-G extracellular efflux and intracellular accumulation assays. Antifungal susceptibility profile of all the isolates against commonly used drugs was determined following CLSI recommended guidelines. We further studied the role of farnesol, an endogenous quorum sensing molecule, in modulating development of biofilms and drug efflux in C. auris. The MIC for planktonic cells ranged from 62.5–125 mM, and for sessile cells was 125 mM (4h biofilm) and 500 mM (12h and 24h biofilm). Furthermore, farnesol (125 mM) also suppresses adherence and biofilm formation by C. auris. Farnesol inhibited biofilm formation, blocked efflux pumps and downregulated biofilm- and efflux pump- associated genes. Modulation of C. auris biofilm formation and efflux pump activity by farnesol represent a promising approach for controlling life threatening infections caused by this pathogen.
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Bandara HMHN, Wood DLA, Vanwonterghem I, Hugenholtz P, Cheung BPK, Samaranayake LP. Fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans is induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7769. [PMID: 32385378 PMCID: PMC7211000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64761-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms employ quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms to communicate with each other within microbial ecosystems. Emerging evidence suggests that intraspecies and interspecies QS plays an important role in antimicrobial resistance in microbial communities. However, the relationship between interkingdom QS and antimicrobial resistance is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that interkingdom QS interactions between a bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a yeast, Candida albicans, induce the resistance of the latter to a widely used antifungal fluconazole. Phenotypic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses reveal that P. aeruginosa's main QS molecule, N-(3-Oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone, induces candidal resistance to fluconazole by reversing the antifungal's effect on the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Accessory resistance mechanisms including upregulation of C. albicans drug-efflux, regulation of oxidative stress response, and maintenance of cell membrane integrity, further confirm this phenomenon. These findings demonstrate that P. aeruginosa QS molecules may confer protection to neighboring yeasts against azoles, in turn strengthening their co-existence in hostile polymicrobial infection sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M H N Bandara
- Oral Microbiology, Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK.
| | - D L A Wood
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - I Vanwonterghem
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - P Hugenholtz
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - B P K Cheung
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Rd, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - L P Samaranayake
- College of Dental Medicine, The University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, 27272, Sharjah, UAE
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Farnesol and Tyrosol: Secondary Metabolites with a Crucial quorum-sensing Role in Candida Biofilm Development. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040444. [PMID: 32325685 PMCID: PMC7231263 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
When living in biological and interactive communities, microorganisms use quorum-sensing mechanisms for their communication. According to cell density, bacteria and fungi can produce signaling molecules (e.g., secondary metabolites), which participate, for example, in the regulation of gene expression and coordination of collective behavior in their natural niche. The existence of these secondary metabolites plays a main role in competence, colonization of host tissues and surfaces, morphogenesis, and biofilm development. Therefore, for the design of new antibacterials or antifungals and understanding on how these mechanisms occur, to inhibit the secretion of quorum-sensing (e.g., farnesol and tyrosol) molecules leading the progress of microbial infections seems to be an interesting option. In yeasts, farnesol has a main role in the morphological transition, inhibiting hyphae production in a concentration-dependent manner, while tyrosol has a contrary function, stimulating transition from spherical cells to germ tube form. It is beyond doubt that secretion of both molecules by fungi has not been fully described, but specific meaning for their existence has been found. This brief review summarizes the important function of these two compounds as signaling chemicals participating mainly in Candida morphogenesis and regulatory mechanisms.
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Malik MA, Lone SA, Wani MY, Talukdar MIA, Dar OA, Ahmad A, Hashmi AA. S-benzyldithiocarbazate imine coordinated metal complexes kill Candida albicans by causing cellular apoptosis and necrosis. Bioorg Chem 2020; 98:103771. [PMID: 32224354 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Development of new chemotherapeutic agents and strategies are urgently needed to curb and halt the growing menace caused by hard-to-treat microbes. Coordination of metals to bioactive organic ligands is now considered to be an efficient strategy for delivering bioactive compounds inside the microbial cell membranes. Metal complexes have been effectively used to treat many dreadful diseases were other treatment modalities had failed. Use of metal complexes to treat microbial infections is now conceived to be an alternative and efficient strategy. Towards this, some new homoleptic transition metal complexes, obtained by coordination of metal ions to bioactive S-benzyldithiocarbazate Schiff-base ligands were evaluated for their anti-Candida activity and their potential to disrupt the membrane architecture. The complexes displayed remarkable antifungal activity against a wide spectrum of fluconazole susceptible and resistant Candida albicans isolates, with Ni complex (dtc3) being highly active with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 1 to 32 µg/mL. Cell viability assay confirmed the fungicidal activity of these metal complexes, especially the complex dtc3. These metal complexes kill Candida albicans by inducing cellular apoptosis and necrosis thereby causing phosphatidylserine externalization as revealed by Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzoor Ahmad Malik
- Bioinorganic Chemistry Lab. Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Shabir Ahmad Lone
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohmmad Younus Wani
- University of Jeddah, College of Science, Department of Chemistry, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Ikbal Ahmed Talukdar
- Bioinorganic Chemistry Lab. Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ovas Ahmad Dar
- Bioinorganic Chemistry Lab. Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Athar Adil Hashmi
- Bioinorganic Chemistry Lab. Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India.
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Vila T, Kong EF, Ibrahim A, Piepenbrink K, Shetty AC, McCracken C, Bruno V, Jabra-Rizk MA. Candida albicans quorum-sensing molecule farnesol modulates staphyloxanthin production and activates the thiol-based oxidative-stress response in Staphylococcus aureus. Virulence 2020; 10:625-642. [PMID: 31280653 PMCID: PMC6629188 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1635418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial species utilize secreted-signaling molecules to coordinate their behavior. Our previous investigations demonstrated a key role for the Candida albicans-secreted quorum-sensing molecule farnesol in modulating Staphylococcus aureus response to antimicrobials in mixed biofilms. In this study, we aimed to provide mechanistic insights into the impact of farnesol on S. aureus within the context of inter-species interactions. To mimic biofilm dynamics, farnesol-sensitized S. aureus cells were generated via sequential farnesol exposure. The sensitized phenotype exhibited dramatic loss of the typical pigment, which we identified as staphyloxanthin, an important virulence factor synthesized by the Crt operon in S. aureus. Additionally, farnesol exposure exerted oxidative-stress as indicated by transcriptional analysis demonstrating alterations in redox-sensors and major virulence regulators. Paradoxically, the activated stress-response conferred S. aureus with enhanced tolerance to H2O2 and phagocytic killing. Since expression of enzymes in the staphyloxanthin biosynthesis pathway was not impacted by farnesol, we generated a theoretical-binding model which indicated that farnesol may block staphyloxanthin biosynthesis via competitive-binding to the CrtM enzyme crucial for staphyloxanthin synthesis, due to high structural similarity to the CrtM substrate. Finally, mixed growth with C. albicans was found to similarly induce S. aureus depigmentation, but not during growth with a farnesol-deficient C. albicans strain. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that a fungal molecule acts as a redox-cycler eliciting a bacterial stress response via activation of the thiol-based redox system under the control of global regulators. Therefore, farnesol-induced transcriptional modulations of key regulatory networks in S. aureus may modulate the pathogenesis of C. albicans-S. aureus co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taissa Vila
- a Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental School , University of Maryland , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Eric F Kong
- a Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental School , University of Maryland , Baltimore , MD , USA.,b Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine , University of Maryland , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Ahmed Ibrahim
- a Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental School , University of Maryland , Baltimore , MD , USA.,c Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy , University of Maryland , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Kurt Piepenbrink
- d Department of Food Science and Technology and Nebraska Food for Health Center , University of Nebraska , Lincoln , NE , USA.,e Department of Biochemistry , University of Nebraska , Lincoln , NE , USA.,f Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication , University of Nebraska , Lincoln , NE , USA
| | - Amol C Shetty
- g Institute for Genome Sciences , University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Carrie McCracken
- g Institute for Genome Sciences , University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Vincent Bruno
- b Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine , University of Maryland , Baltimore , MD , USA.,g Institute for Genome Sciences , University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk
- a Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental School , University of Maryland , Baltimore , MD , USA.,b Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine , University of Maryland , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Barot T, Rawtani D, Kulkarni P, Hussain CM, Akkireddy S. Physicochemical and biological assessment of flowable resin composites incorporated with farnesol loaded halloysite nanotubes for dental applications. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 104:103675. [PMID: 32174431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to fabricate flowable resin composites, by incorporating Farnesol loaded Halloysite Nanotubes (Fa-HNT) as a filler and evaluate their physicochemical as well as biological properties. Chemical and morphological characterization of antibacterial filler, Fa-HNT were performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The antibacterial filler was mixed into composite material consisting of methacrylate monomers and dental glass fillers at concentrations of 1-20% (wt./wt.). It was observed that addition of mass fractions of Fa-HNT causes enhancement of compressive strength as well as flexural modulus of the composite. However, it significantly decreases flexural strength and degree of conversion. A significant antibacterial activity of dental composite was observed with increase in the area of zone of inhibition against the strains of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). There was no cytotoxicity observed by Fa-HNT resin composites on NIH-3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast cells) cell lines. A favourable integration of antibacterial filler with significant mechanical properties was achieved at concentrations from 7 to 13 wt% of Fa-HNT in dental composites, which is desirable in dentistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejas Barot
- Institute of Research and Development, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, sector 9, near Police Bhawan, Gandhinagar-382007, Gujarat, India
| | - Deepak Rawtani
- Institute of Research and Development, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, sector 9, near Police Bhawan, Gandhinagar-382007, Gujarat, India.
| | - Pratik Kulkarni
- Institute of Research and Development, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, sector 9, near Police Bhawan, Gandhinagar-382007, Gujarat, India
| | - Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 161 Warren St., University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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Valterová I, Martinet B, Michez D, Rasmont P, Brasero N. Sexual attraction: a review of bumblebee male pheromones. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 74:233-250. [PMID: 31442206 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2019-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Males of many bumblebee species exhibit a conspicuous pre-mating behavior with two distinct behavioral components: scent marking and patrol flying. The marking pheromone is produced by the cephalic part of the labial gland (CLG). As far as is known, the CLG secretion is species specific, and it usually consists of two types of compounds: (i) straight-chain aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes or esters, and (ii) acyclic mono-, sesqui- and diterpenes (alcohols or acetates). Here, we summarize data from the literature reporting chemical composition of the CLG secretions of more than 80 bumblebee species. Similarities and differences within and between subgenera are discussed in the context of biosynthetic pathways and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Valterová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Flemingovo nám 2, CZ-166 10 Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Baptiste Martinet
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Pierre Rasmont
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Brasero
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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Cellular apoptosis and necrosis as therapeutic targets for novel Eugenol Tosylate Congeners against Candida albicans. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1191. [PMID: 31988394 PMCID: PMC6985109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58256-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the rise of new Candida species, Candida albicans tops the list with high morbidity and mortality rates. To tackle this problem there is a need to explore new antifungals that could replace or augment the current treatment options. We previously reported that tosylation of eugenol on hydroxyl group resulted in molecules with enhanced antifungal potency. In line with that work, we synthesized new eugenol tosylate congeners (ETC-1–ETC-7) with different substituents on pendent sulfonyl group and tested their susceptibility against different fluconazole susceptible and resistant C. albicans strains. We evaluated physiology and mode of cell death in response to the most active derivatives by analyzing major apoptotic markers in yeast such as phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial depolarization and decrease in cytochrome c oxidase activity. The results demonstrated that all C. albicans strains were variably susceptible to the test compounds with MIC ranging from 0.125–512 µg/ml, and the most active compounds (ETC-5, ETC-6 and ETC-7) actuate apoptosis and necrosis in Candida cells in a dose-dependent manner via metacaspase-dependent pathway. Furthermore haemolytic assay showed low cytotoxicity effect of these ETCs. Overall the results indicated that ETCs exhibit potential antifungal activity against C. albicans by activating apoptotic and necrotic pathways.
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Li Y, Shan M, Yan M, Yao H, Wang Y, Gu B, Zhu Z, Li H. Anticandidal Activity of Kalopanaxsaponin A: Effect on Proliferation, Cell Morphology, and Key Virulence Attributes of Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2844. [PMID: 31849923 PMCID: PMC6902085 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pathogenicity of Candida albicans is attributed to various virulence factors including adhesion to the surface of epithelial cells or mucosa, germ tube formation, hyphal morphogenesis, development of drug resistant biofilms, and so on. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Kalopanaxsaponin A (KPA) on the virulence of C. albicans. Methods The effect of KPA on the virulence of C. albicans was characterized by an XTT reduction assay and fluorescent microscopic observation. The action mechanism was further explored using GC/MS system and BioTek Synergy2 spectrofluorophotometry. The cytotoxicity and therapeutic effect of KPA were evaluated by the Caenorhabditis elegans-C. albicans infection model in vivo. Results The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of KPA was 8∼16 μg/mL for various genotypes of C. albicans. The compound was identified as having remarkable effect on the adhesion, morphological transition and biofilm formation of C. albicans. The results of fluorescent microscopy and GC/MS system suggested that KPA could promote the secretion of farnesol by regulating the expression of Dpp3 and decrease the intracellular cAMP level, which together inhibited morphological transition and biofilm formation. Notably, KPA showed low toxicity in vivo and a low possibility of developing resistance. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that KPA had remarkable efficacy against C. albicans pathogenicity, suggesting that it could be a potential option for the clinical treatment of candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mingzhu Shan
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mingju Yan
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Huankai Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuechen Wang
- Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bing Gu
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zuobin Zhu
- Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongchun Li
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Kunyeit L, Kurrey NK, Anu-Appaiah KA, Rao RP. Probiotic Yeasts Inhibit Virulence of Non -albicans Candida Species. mBio 2019; 10:e02307-19. [PMID: 31615960 PMCID: PMC6794482 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02307-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic infections of Candida species pose a significant threat to public health. Toxicity associated with current therapies and emergence of resistant strains present major therapeutic challenges. Here, we report exploitation of the probiotic properties of two novel, food-derived yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain KTP) and Issatchenkia occidentalis (strain ApC), as an alternative approach to combat widespread opportunistic fungal infections. Both yeasts inhibit virulence traits such as adhesion, filamentation, and biofilm formation of several non-albicans Candida species, including Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis as well as the recently identified multidrug-resistant species Candida auris They inhibit adhesion to abiotic surfaces as well as cultured colon epithelial cells. Furthermore, probiotic treatment blocks the formation of biofilms of individual non-albicans Candida strains as well as mixed-culture biofilms of each non-albicans Candida strain in combination with Candida albicans The probiotic yeasts attenuated non-albicans Candida infections in a live animal. In vivo studies using Caenorhabditis elegans suggest that exposure to probiotic yeasts protects nematodes from infection with non-albicans Candida strains compared to worms that were not exposed to the probiotic yeasts. Furthermore, application of probiotic yeasts postinfection with non-albicans Candida alleviated pathogenic colonization of the nematode gut. The probiotic properties of these novel yeasts are better than or comparable to those of the commercially available probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, which was used as a reference strain throughout this study. These results indicate that yeasts derived from food sources could serve as an effective alternative to antifungal therapy against emerging pathogenic Candida species.IMPORTANCE Non-albicans Candida-associated infections have emerged as a major risk factor in the hospitalized and immunecompromised patients. Besides, antifungal-associated complications occur more frequently with these non-albicans Candida species than with C. albicans Therefore, as an alternative approach to combat these widespread non-albicans Candida-associated infections, here we showed the probiotic effect of two yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain KTP) and Issatchenkia occidentalis (ApC), in preventing adhesion and biofilm formation of five non-albicans Candida strains, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida auris The result would influence the current trend of the conversion of conventional antimicrobial therapy into beneficial probiotic microbe-associated antimicrobial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lohith Kunyeit
- Department of Microbiology and Fermentation Technology, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CFTRI, Mysore, India
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nawneet K Kurrey
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, India
| | - K A Anu-Appaiah
- Department of Microbiology and Fermentation Technology, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CFTRI, Mysore, India
| | - Reeta P Rao
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Remasking of Candida albicans β-Glucan in Response to Environmental pH Is Regulated by Quorum Sensing. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02347-19. [PMID: 31615961 PMCID: PMC6794483 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02347-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is part of the microbiota of the skin and gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts of humans and has coevolved with us for millennia. During that period, C. albicans has developed strategies to modulate the host’s innate immune responses, by regulating the exposure of key epitopes on the fungal cell surface. Here, we report that exposing C. albicans to an acidic environment, similar to the one of the stomach or vagina, increases the detection of the yeast by macrophages. However, this effect is transitory, as C. albicans is able to remask these epitopes (glucan and chitin). We found that glucan remasking is controlled by the production of farnesol, a molecule secreted by C. albicans in response to high cell densities. However, chitin-remasking mechanisms remain to be identified. By understanding the relationship between environmental sensing and modulation of the host-pathogen interaction, new opportunities for the development of innovative antifungal strategies are possible. Candida albicans is a commensal yeast of the human gut which is tolerated by the immune system but has the potential to become an opportunistic pathogen. One way in which C. albicans achieves this duality is through concealing or exposing cell wall pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in response to host-derived environment cues (pH, hypoxia, and lactate). This cell wall remodeling allows C. albicans to evade or hyperactivate the host’s innate immune responses, leading to disease. Previously, we showed that adaptation of C. albicans to acidic environments, conditions encountered during colonization of the female reproductive tract, induces significant cell wall remodeling resulting in the exposure of two key fungal PAMPs (β-glucan and chitin). Here, we report that this pH-dependent cell wall remodeling is time dependent, with the initial change in pH driving cell wall unmasking, which is then remasked at later time points. Remasking of β-glucan was mediated via the cell density-dependent fungal quorum sensing molecule farnesol, while chitin remasking was mediated via a small, heat-stable, nonproteinaceous secreted molecule(s). Transcript profiling identified a core set of 42 genes significantly regulated by pH over time and identified the transcription factor Efg1 as a regulator of chitin exposure through regulation of CHT2. This dynamic cell wall remodeling influenced innate immune recognition of C. albicans, suggesting that during infection, C. albicans can manipulate the host innate immune responses.
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