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Dib Ferreira Gremião I, Pereira-Oliveira GR, Pereira SA, Corrêa ML, Borba-Santos LP, Viçosa AL, Garg A, Haranahalli K, Dasilva D, Pereira de Sa N, Matos GS, Silva V, Lazzarini C, Fernandes CM, Miranda K, Artunduaga Bonilla JJ, Nunes AL, Nimrichter L, Ojima I, Mallamo J, McCarthy JB, Del Poeta M. Combination therapy of itraconazole and an acylhydrazone derivative (D13) for the treatment of sporotrichosis in cats. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0396723. [PMID: 38647345 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03967-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acylhydrazone (AH) derivatives represent a novel category of anti-fungal medications that exhibit potent activity against Sporothrix sp., both in vitro and in a murine model of sporotrichosis. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-fungal efficacy of the AH derivative D13 [4-bromo-N'-(3,5-dibromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-benzohydrazide] against both planktonic cells and biofilms formed by Sporothrix brasiliensis. In a clinical study, the effect of D13 was then tested in combination with itraconazole (ITC), with or without potassium iodide, in 10 cats with sporotrichosis refractory to the treatment of standard of care with ITC. Improvement or total clinical cure was achieved in five cases after 12 weeks of treatment. Minimal abnormal laboratory findings, e.g., elevation of alanine aminotransferase, were observed in four cats during the combination treatment and returned to normal level within a week after the treatment was ended. Although highly encouraging, a larger and randomized controlled study is required to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of this new and exciting drug combination using ITC and D13 for the treatment of feline sporotrichosis. IMPORTANCE This paper reports the first veterinary clinical study of an acylhydrazone anti-fungal (D13) combined with itraconazole against a dimorphic fungal infection, sporotrichosis, which is highly endemic in South America in animals and humans. Overall, the results show that the combination treatment was efficacious in ~50% of the infected animals. In addition, D13 was well tolerated during the course of the study. Thus, these results warrant the continuation of the research and development of this new class of anti-fungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Dib Ferreira Gremião
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Reis Pereira-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandro Antonio Pereira
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Lopes Corrêa
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alessandra Lifsitch Viçosa
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacotechnics, Institute of Drug Technology - Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ashna Garg
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Krupanandan Haranahalli
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Deveney Dasilva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Nivea Pereira de Sa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Gabriel S Matos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Vanessa Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Cristina Lazzarini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Caroline Mota Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Kildare Miranda
- Laboratory of Cellular Ultrastructure Hertha Meyer, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jhon Jhamilton Artunduaga Bonilla
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Glycobiology (LaGE), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anna Letícia Nunes
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Glycobiology (LaGE), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Glycobiology (LaGE), Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iwao Ojima
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - John Mallamo
- MicroRid Technologies Inc., Dix Hills, New York, USA
| | | | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- MicroRid Technologies Inc., Dix Hills, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
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Biersack B. The Antifungal Potential of Niclosamide and Structurally Related Salicylanilides. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5977. [PMID: 38892165 PMCID: PMC11172841 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115977] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Human mycoses cover a diverse field of fungal diseases from skin disorders to systemic invasive infections and pose an increasing global health problem based on ineffective treatment options, the hampered development of new efficient drugs, and the emergence of resistant fungal strains. Niclosamide is currently applied for the treatment of worm infections. Its mechanisms of action, which include the suppression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (also known as mitochondrial uncoupling), among others, has led to a repurposing of this promising anthelmintic drug for the therapy of further human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and microbial infections. Given the urgent need to develop new drugs against fungal infections, the considerable antifungal properties of niclosamide are highlighted in this review. Its chemical and pharmacological properties relevant for drug development are also briefly mentioned, and the described mitochondria-targeting mechanisms of action add to the current arsenal of approved antifungal drugs. In addition, the activities of further salicylanilide-based niclosamide analogs against fungal pathogens, including agents applied in veterinary medicine for many years, are described and discussed for their feasibility as new antifungals for humans. Preliminary structure-activity relationships are determined and discussed. Various salicylanilide derivatives with antifungal activities showed increased oral bioavailabilities when compared with niclosamide. The simple synthesis of salicylanilide-based drugs also vouchsafes a broad and cost-effective availability for poorer patient groups. Pertinent literature is covered until 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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Vanzolini T, Magnani M. Old and new strategies in therapy and diagnosis against fungal infections. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:147. [PMID: 38240822 PMCID: PMC10799149 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12884-8] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a serious global health threat. The new emerging pathogens and the spread of different forms of resistance are now hardly challenging the tools available in therapy and diagnostics. With the commonly used diagnoses, fungal identification is often slow and inaccurate, and, on the other hand, some drugs currently used as treatments are significantly affected by the decrease in susceptibility. Herein, the antifungal arsenal is critically summarized. Besides describing the old approaches and their mechanisms, advantages, and limitations, the focus is dedicated to innovative strategies which are designed, identified, and developed to take advantage of the discrepancies between fungal and host cells. Relevant pathways and their role in survival and virulence are discussed as their suitability as sources of antifungal targets. In a similar way, molecules with antifungal activity are reported as potential agents/precursors of the next generation of antimycotics. Particular attention was devoted to biotechnological entities, to their novelty and reliability, to drug repurposing and restoration, and to combinatorial applications yielding significant improvements in efficacy. KEY POINTS: • New antifungal agents and targets are needed to limit fungal morbidity and mortality. • Therapeutics and diagnostics suffer of delays in innovation and lack of targets. • Biologics, drug repurposing and combinations are the future of antifungal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Vanzolini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
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Zhu XM, Li L, Bao JD, Wang JY, Daskalov A, Liu XH, Del Poeta M, Lin FC. The biological functions of sphingolipids in plant pathogenic fungi. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011733. [PMID: 37943805 PMCID: PMC10635517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are critically significant in a range of biological processes in animals, plants, and fungi. In mammalian cells, they serve as vital components of the plasma membrane (PM) in maintaining its structure, tension, and fluidity. They also play a key role in a wide variety of biological processes, such as intracellular signal transduction, cell polarization, differentiation, and migration. In plants, sphingolipids are important for cell development and for cell response to environmental stresses. In pathogenic fungi, sphingolipids are crucial for the initiation and the development of infection processes afflicting humans. However, our knowledge on the metabolism and function of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway of pathogenic fungi affecting plants is still very limited. In this review, we discuss recent developments on sphingolipid pathways of plant pathogenic fungi, highlighting their uniqueness and similarity with plants and animals. In addition, we discuss recent advances in the research and development of fungal-targeted inhibitors of the sphingolipid pathway, to gain insights on how we can better control the infection process occurring in plants to prevent or/and to treat fungal infections in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ming Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Treats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Treats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Dong Bao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Treats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiao-Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Treats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Asen Daskalov
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Treats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, United States of America
| | - Fu-Cheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Treats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Xavier MO, Poester VR, Trápaga MR, Stevens DA. Sporothrix brasiliensis: Epidemiology, Therapy, and Recent Developments. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:921. [PMID: 37755029 PMCID: PMC10532502 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis is an emergent mycosis that is now a worldwide concern. One important step to sporotrichosis control is its correct treatment. However, limitations abound; thus, new antifungals, mainly focused on S. brasiliensis, are urgently needed. We performed a systematic review (following the PRISMA guideline) focused on (1) the global distribution of human and animal sporotrichosis by S. brasiliensis, especially outside of Brazil; (2) appraising therapies tested against this pathogen. We identified sporotrichosis caused by S. brasiliensis reported in five countries (Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and the United States) in addition to Brazil, occurring on three continents, highlighting the epidemiological scenario in Argentina with an important increase in reported cases in recent years. Regarding the antifungal activity of drugs, 25 articles described the in vitro action of 20 unique chemicals and eight repurposed drugs against S. brasiliensis. Only five studies reported in vivo activity against S. brasiliensis (five drugs) using invertebrate and vertebrate models. Sporotrichosis caused by S. brasiliensis has a global impact and it is no longer specifically a Brazilian problem. We review the need for understanding the disease epidemiology, education of clinicians and of the populace, organization of health care delivery to respond to a spreading epidemic, and research on therapy for sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Orzechowski Xavier
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil; (M.O.X.); (V.R.P.); (M.R.T.)
- Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanice Rodrigues Poester
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil; (M.O.X.); (V.R.P.); (M.R.T.)
- Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rodrigues Trápaga
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil; (M.O.X.); (V.R.P.); (M.R.T.)
- Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande 96200-190, RS, Brazil
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Rodrigues AM, Gonçalves SS, de Carvalho JA, Borba-Santos LP, Rozental S, de Camargo ZP. Current Progress on Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sporotrichosis and Their Future Trends. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080776. [PMID: 35893145 PMCID: PMC9331723 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis, a human and animal disease caused by Sporothrix species, is the most important implantation mycosis worldwide. Sporothrix taxonomy has improved in recent years, allowing important advances in diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment. Molecular epidemiology reveals that S. brasiliensis remains highly prevalent during the cat-transmitted sporotrichosis outbreaks in South America and that the spread of S. brasiliensis occurs through founder effects. Sporothrix globosa and S. schenckii are cosmopolitan on the move, causing major sapronoses in Asia and the Americas, respectively. In this emerging scenario, one-health approaches are required to develop a creative, effective, and sustainable response to tackle the spread of sporotrichosis. In the 21st century, it has become vital to speciate Sporothrix, and PCR is the main pillar of molecular diagnosis, aiming at the detection of the pathogen DNA from clinical samples through multiplex assays, whose sensitivity reaches remarkably three copies of the target. The treatment of sporotrichosis can be challenging, especially after the emergence of resistance to azoles and polyenes. Alternative drugs arising from discoveries or repositioning have entered the radar of basic research over the last decade and point to several molecules with antifungal potential, especially the hydrazone derivatives with great in vitro and in vivo activities. There are many promising developments for the near future, and in this review, we discuss how these trends can be applied to the Sporothrix-sporotrichosis system to mitigate the advance of an emerging and re-emerging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04023062, Brazil; (J.A.d.C.); (Z.P.d.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04023062, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-1155764551 (ext. 1540)
| | - Sarah Santos Gonçalves
- Infectious Diseases Postgraduate Program, Center for Research in Medical Mycology, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria 29043900, Brazil;
| | - Jamile Ambrósio de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04023062, Brazil; (J.A.d.C.); (Z.P.d.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04023062, Brazil
| | - Luana P. Borba-Santos
- Cell Biology and Parasitology Program, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil; (L.P.B.-S.); (S.R.)
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Cell Biology and Parasitology Program, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941902, Brazil; (L.P.B.-S.); (S.R.)
| | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04023062, Brazil; (J.A.d.C.); (Z.P.d.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04023062, Brazil
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Artunduaga Bonilla JJ, Honorato L, Guimarães AJ, Miranda K, Nimrichter L. Silver Chitosan Nanocomposites are Effective to Combat Sporotrichosis. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2022.857681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in polymeric matrix has acquired special attention as a strategy to reduce metal toxicity without losing its antimicrobial effect. In this work, the green synthesis of AgNPs and their functionalization with chitosan (AgNPs@Chi) was performed, and their antifungal activity investigated against the foremost species responsible for causing sporotrichosis, Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii. In vitro studies revealed inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.12–1 μg/ml for both nanocomposites (NCs). Silver release in suspension displayed chitosan as a potential vehicle for continuous silver discharge, with a complete release after 52 days. No synergistic effects were observed in vitro when the NCs were combined with itraconazole or amphotericin B. Treatment of S. brasiliensis with NCs caused morphological deformities, cell membrane discontinuity and an intense cytoplasmic degeneration. Remarkably, both NCs induced the growth and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts when compared to control conditions. In addition, functionalization of AgNPs with chitosan significantly reduced its hemolytic activity, suggesting their potential use in vivo. Finally, silver nanocomposites were used as a daily topical treatment in a murine model of subcutaneous sporotrichosis, showing the ability to reduce the Sporothrix infection and stimulate tissue repair. In combination, our results demonstrate that AgNPs@Chi can be a non-toxic and efficient alternative for sporotrichosis.
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Abstract
Lipids play a fundamental role in fungal cell biology, being essential cell membrane components and major targets of antifungal drugs. A deeper knowledge of lipid metabolism is key for developing new drugs and a better understanding of fungal pathogenesis. Here, we built a comprehensive map of the Histoplasma capsulatum lipid metabolic pathway by incorporating proteomic and lipidomic analyses. We performed genetic complementation and overexpression of H. capsulatum genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to validate reactions identified in the map and to determine enzymes responsible for catalyzing orphan reactions. The map led to the identification of both the fatty acid desaturation and the sphingolipid biosynthesis pathways as targets for drug development. We found that the sphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor myriocin, the fatty acid desaturase inhibitor thiocarlide, and the fatty acid analog 10-thiastearic acid inhibit H. capsulatum growth in nanomolar to low-micromolar concentrations. These compounds also reduced the intracellular infection in an alveolar macrophage cell line. Overall, this lipid metabolic map revealed pathways that can be targeted for drug development.
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