1
|
Daneshnia F, Floyd DJ, Ryan AP, Ghahfarokhy PM, Ebadati A, Jusuf S, Munoz J, Jeffries NE, Elizabeth Yvanovich E, Apostolopoulou A, Perry AM, Lass-Flörl C, Birinci A, Hilmioğlu-Polat S, Ilkit M, Butler G, Nobile CJ, Arastehfar A, Mansour MK. Evaluation of outbreak persistence caused by multidrug-resistant and echinocandin-resistant Candida parapsilosis using multidimensional experimental and epidemiological approaches. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2322655. [PMID: 38380673 PMCID: PMC10916928 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2322655] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is known to cause severe and persistent outbreaks in clinical settings. Patients infected with multidrug-resistant C. parapsilosis (MDR Cp) isolates were identified in a large Turkish hospital from 2017-2020. We subsequently identified three additional patients infected with MDR Cp isolates in 2022 from the same hospital and two echinocandin-resistant (ECR) isolates from a single patient in another hospital. The increasing number of MDR and ECR isolates contradicts the general principle that the severe fitness cost associated with these phenotypes could prevent their dominance in clinical settings. Here, we employed a multidimensional approach to systematically assess the fitness costs of MDR and ECR C. parapsilosis isolates. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a novel MDR genotype infecting two patients in 2022. Despite severe in vitro defects, the levels and tolerances of the biofilms of our ECR and MDR isolates were generally comparable to those of susceptible wild-type isolates. Surprisingly, the MDR and ECR isolates showed major alterations in their cell wall components, and some of the MDR isolates consistently displayed increased tolerance to the fungicidal activities of primary human neutrophils and were more immunoevasive during exposure to primary human macrophages. Our systemic infection mouse model showed that MDR and ECR C. parapsilosis isolates had comparable fungal burden in most organs relative to susceptible isolates. Overall, we observed a notable increase in the genotypic diversity and frequency of MDR isolates and identified MDR and ECR isolates potentially capable of causing persistent outbreaks in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Daneshnia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel J. Floyd
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam P. Ryan
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pegah Mosharaf Ghahfarokhy
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California – Merced, Merced, CA, USA
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California – Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Arefeh Ebadati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California – Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Sebastian Jusuf
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julieta Munoz
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California – Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Anna Apostolopoulou
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Austin M. Perry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California – Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Medical University Innsbruck, Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Asuman Birinci
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Türkiye
| | | | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Türkiye
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clarissa J. Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California – Merced, Merced, CA, USA
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California – Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Amir Arastehfar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael K. Mansour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rai LS, Chauvel M, Sanchez H, van Wijlick L, Maufrais C, Cokelaer T, Sertour N, Legrand M, Sanyal K, Andes DR, Bachellier-Bassi S, d'Enfert C. Metabolic reprogramming during Candida albicans planktonic-biofilm transition is modulated by the transcription factors Zcf15 and Zcf26. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002693. [PMID: 38905306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal of the human microbiota that can form biofilms on implanted medical devices. These biofilms are tolerant to antifungals and to the host immune system. To identify novel genes modulating C. albicans biofilm formation, we performed a large-scale screen with 2,454 C. albicans doxycycline-dependent overexpression strains and identified 16 genes whose overexpression significantly hampered biofilm formation. Among those, overexpression of the ZCF15 and ZCF26 paralogs that encode transcription factors and have orthologs only in biofilm-forming species of the Candida clade, caused impaired biofilm formation both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, overexpression of ZCF15 impeded biofilm formation without any defect in hyphal growth. Transcript profiling, transcription factor binding, and phenotypic microarray analyses conducted upon overexpression of ZCF15 and ZCF26 demonstrated their role in reprogramming cellular metabolism by regulating central metabolism including glyoxylate and tricarboxylic acid cycle genes. Taken together, this study has identified a new set of biofilm regulators, including ZCF15 and ZCF26, that appear to control biofilm development through their specific role in metabolic remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laxmi Shanker Rai
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Murielle Chauvel
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Hiram Sanchez
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Lasse van Wijlick
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Maufrais
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Cokelaer
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, Paris, France
| | - Natacha Sertour
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Legrand
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Kaustuv Sanyal
- Molecular Mycology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, India
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bose Institute, Unified Academic Campus, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, India
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sophie Bachellier-Bassi
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gulati M, Thomas JM, Ennis CL, Hernday AD, Rawat M, Nobile CJ. The bacillithiol pathway is required for biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus. Microb Pathog 2024; 191:106657. [PMID: 38649100 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen that can cause infections that range from superficial skin and mucosal infections to life threatening disseminated infections. S. aureus can attach to medical devices and host tissues and form biofilms that allow the bacteria to evade the host immune system and provide protection from antimicrobial agents. To counter host-generated oxidative and nitrosative stress mechanisms that are part of the normal host responses to invading pathogens, S. aureus utilizes low molecular weight (LMW) thiols, such as bacillithiol (BSH). Additionally, S. aureus synthesizes its own nitric oxide (NO), which combined with its downstream metabolites may also protect the bacteria against specific host responses. We have previously shown that LMW thiols are required for biofilm formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here, we show that the S. aureus bshC mutant strain, which is defective in the last step of the BSH pathway and lacks BSH, is impaired in biofilm formation. We also identify a possible S-nitrosobacillithiol reductase (BSNOR), similar in sequence to an S-nitrosomycothiol reductase found in M. smegmatis and show that the putative S. aureus bsnoR mutant strain has reduced levels of BSH and decreased biofilm formation. Our studies also show that NO plays an important role in biofilm formation and that acidified sodium nitrite severely reduces biofilm thickness. These studies provide insight into the roles of oxidative and nitrosative stress mechanisms on biofilm formation and indicate that BSH and NO are key players in normal biofilm formation in S. aureus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Jason M Thomas
- Department of Biology, California State University-Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Craig L Ennis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA; Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Aaron D Hernday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA; Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Mamta Rawat
- Department of Biology, California State University-Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA.
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA; Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pauletto G, Guerim PHF, Barbosa AB, Lopes LQS, Bier CAS, Marquezan PK. Efficacy of calcium hypochlorite in disinfection of gutta-percha cones contaminated with Candida albicans. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:403-410. [PMID: 38225531 PMCID: PMC10920541 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01255-8] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2.5% calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl)2], and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) in the rapid disinfection of gutta-percha cones contaminated with Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory and minimum fungicidal concentrations of each solution for C. albicans were determined and the ability of each solution to destroy and inhibit biofilm in culture wells was tested. In addition, ninety-eight gutta-percha cones contaminated with the fungal suspension were disinfected according to the type of solution (2.5% NaOCl, 2.5% Ca(OCl)2 or 2% CHX) in its different application methods (without agitation, ultrasonic agitation or agitation with Easy Clean), and regarding the exposure time to each irrigating solution (1 or 5 min). Next, the samples were checked for turbidity and evaluation of viable colonies. The compounds that showed the best performance in biofilm destruction were NaOCl and Ca(OCl)2 at a concentration of 2xMIC (p < 0.001). Regarding inhibited biofilm, the only compound that was effective at all MIC concentrations tested was 2.5% Ca(OCl)2 (p < 0.0001). Regarding the viable colonies, all solutions were effective concerning the control group, for all application methods, in 1 and 5 min (p < 0.05). The densitometer reading showed that CHX was the only effective solution in all application methods performed (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that all tested solutions were effective in the rapid decontamination of cones contaminated with C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Pauletto
- Post-Graduate Program in Oral Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Roraima Avenue #1000, T Street, Building 26F, Room 2383, Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul State, 97.105-900, Brazil.
| | - Pedro Henrique Fortes Guerim
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul State, Brazil
| | - Arthur Brites Barbosa
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul State, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Quintana Soares Lopes
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul State, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alexandre Souza Bier
- Post-Graduate Program in Oral Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Roraima Avenue #1000, T Street, Building 26F, Room 2383, Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul State, 97.105-900, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kolling Marquezan
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande Do Sul State, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Karkowska-Kuleta J, Kulig K, Bras G, Stelmaszczyk K, Surowiec M, Kozik A, Karnas E, Barczyk-Woznicka O, Zuba-Surma E, Pyza E, Rapala-Kozik M. Candida albicans Biofilm-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Are Involved in the Tolerance to Caspofungin, Biofilm Detachment, and Fungal Proteolytic Activity. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1078. [PMID: 37998883 PMCID: PMC10672323 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been repeatedly reported that the cells of organisms in all kingdoms of life produce nanometer-sized lipid membrane-enveloped extracellular vesicles (EVs), transporting and protecting various substances of cellular origin. While the composition of EVs produced by human pathogenic fungi has been studied in recent decades, another important challenge is the analysis of their functionality. Thus far, fungal EVs have been shown to play significant roles in intercellular communication, biofilm production, and modulation of host immune cell responses. In this study, we verified the involvement of biofilm-derived EVs produced by two different strains of Candida albicans-C. albicans SC5314 and 3147 (ATCC 10231)-in various aspects of biofilm function by examining its thickness, stability, metabolic activity, and cell viability in the presence of EVs and the antifungal drug caspofungin. Furthermore, the proteolytic activity against the kininogen-derived antimicrobial peptide NAT26 was confirmed by HPLC analysis for C. albicans EVs that are known to carry, among others, particular members of the secreted aspartic proteinases (Saps) family. In conclusion, EVs derived from C. albicans biofilms were shown to be involved in biofilm tolerance to caspofungin, biofilm detachment, and fungal proteolytic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamila Kulig
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Stelmaszczyk
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Surowiec
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Karnas
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Olga Barczyk-Woznicka
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Zuba-Surma
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Pyza
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Amorim CF, Iglesias BA, Pinheiro TR, Lacerda LE, Sokolonski AR, Pedreira BO, Moreira KS, Burgo TAL, Meyer R, Azevedo V, Portela RW. Photodynamic inactivation of different Candida species and inhibition of biofilm formation induced by water-soluble porphyrins. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 42:103343. [PMID: 36806829 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida spp. is the main fungal genus related to infections in humans, and its treatment has become a challenge due to the production of biofilm and its resistance/multi-resistance profile to conventional antifungals. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy stands out as a treatment characterized by a broad spectrum of antimicrobial action, being able to induce oxidative stress in pathogens, and porphyrins are photosensitizers with high selectivity to pathogens. Thus, this work aimed to analyze the photoinactivation of different species of Candida by two cationic (4-H2TMeP+ and 3-H2TMeP+) and one anionic (4-H2TPSP‒) porphyrins. MATERIALS AND METHODS Microdilution assays were performed to determine the MIC100, with subsequent determination of MFC100. Determination of oxidative species was done through the use of scavengers, while biofilm morphological features were investigated using the atomic force microscopy. RESULTS Cationic porphyrins were significantly efficient in inactivating Candida albicans and non-albicans species with 100% growth inhibition and fungicidal activity (MFC100/MIC100 ≤ 4.0). The cationic porphyrins were also able to interfere in Candida spp biofilm formation. The photo-oxidative mechanism activated by 3-H2TMeP+ in Candida spp. is concurrent with the production of singlet oxygen and oxygen radical species. In the AFM analysis, 3-H2TMeP+ was able to reduce yeast adhesion to the surface. CONCLUSIONS Cationic porphyrins can photo-inactivate different species of Candida in both planktonic and biofilm-associated forms, and reduce the adhesion of these fungi to the surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Ferreira Amorim
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Almeida Iglesias
- Bioinorganic and Porphyrinoid Materials Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Ticiane Rosa Pinheiro
- Bioinorganic and Porphyrinoid Materials Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eduardo Lacerda
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Ana Rita Sokolonski
- Laboratory of Oral Biochemistry, Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Oliveira Pedreira
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Kelly Schneider Moreira
- Coulomb Electrostatic and Mechanochemistry Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Thiago Augusto Lima Burgo
- Coulomb Electrostatic and Mechanochemistry Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Roberto Meyer
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner Portela
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State 40110-100, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
da Silva AF, Farias JR, Franco DCG, Galiza AA, Motta EP, Oliveira ADS, Vasconcelos CC, Cartágenes MDSDS, da Rocha CQ, da Silva MCP, Lopes AJO, do Nascimento FRF, Monteiro CA, Guerra RNM. Anti- Candida albicans Activity of Ononin and Other Secondary Metabolites from Platonia Insignis MART. Metabolites 2022; 12:1014. [PMID: 36355097 PMCID: PMC9696916 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a human pathogen that is part of the healthy microbiome. However, it is often associated with opportunistic fungal infections. The treatment of these infections is challenging because prolonged exposure to antifungal drugs can culminate in fungal resistance during therapy, and there is a limited number of available drugs. Therefore, this study investigated the antifungal activity of ononin by in silico and in vitro assays, and in Tenebrio molitor as an alternative in vivo model of infection caused by C. albicans. Ononin is an isoflavone glycoside derived from formononetin that has various biological activities. According in silico evaluation, ononin showed the best electron affinity in molecular docking with CaCYP51, with a binding free energy of -10.89 kcal/mol, superior to that of the antifungal drugs fluconazole and posaconazole. The ononin + CaCYP51 complex formed hydrogen bonds with Tyr132, Ser378, Phe380, and Met508, as well as hydrophobic connections with Tyr118, Leu121, Phe126, Leu131, Ile304, and Leu309, and interactions with the heme group. Ononin exerted anti-Candida albicans activity, with MIC between 3.9 and 7.8 µg/mL, and inhibited young and mature biofilms, with a reduction in cell density and metabolic activity of 50 to 80%. The compound was not cytotoxic to sheep red blood cells at concentrations up to 1000 µg/mL. Larvae of the mealworm T. molitor were used as an alternative in vivo model of C. albicans infection. Ononin was able to prolong larval survival at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/kg, and was not toxic up to a concentration of 20 mg/kg. Moreover, ononin reduced the fungal charge in treated animals. In conclusion, our results suggest that ononin has anti-Candida albicans activity and is a potential candidate for the development of new therapeutic alternatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anderson França da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Biotechnology-RENORBIO, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Josivan Regis Farias
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Danielle Cristine Gomes Franco
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Andrea Araruna Galiza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Biotechnology-RENORBIO, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Elizangela Pestana Motta
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Aluísio da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | | | - Maria do Socorro de Sousa Cartágenes
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Study of Pain, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | | | - Mayara Cristina Pinto da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Alberto Jorge Oliveira Lopes
- Federal Institute of Science Education and Technology of Maranhão-Campus Santa Inês, Santa Inês 65300-000, Brazil
| | - Flavia Raquel Fernandes do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Cristina Andrade Monteiro
- Department of Biology, Federal Institute of Science Education and Technology of Maranhão, São Luís 65030-005, Brazil
| | - Rosane Nassar Meireles Guerra
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Biotechnology-RENORBIO, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Parolin C, Croatti V, Giordani B, Vitali B. Vaginal Lactobacillus Impair Candida Dimorphic Switching and Biofilm Formation. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10102091. [PMID: 36296367 PMCID: PMC9609122 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10102091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactobacillus spp. generally dominate the vaginal microbiota and prevent pathogen adhesion and overgrowth, including Candida spp., by various mechanisms. Although Candida spp. can be commensal, in certain conditions they can become pathogenic, causing vulvovaginal candidiasis. The insurgence of candidiasis is related to the expression of Candida virulence factors, including morphologic switching and biofilm formation. Germ tubes, pseudohyphae, and hyphae promote Candida tissue invasion, biofilms increase persistence and are often resistant to antifungals and host immune response. Here, we explored the inhibitory activity of vaginal Lactobacillus strains belonging to Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Limosilactobacillus vaginalis, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species towards Candida virulence factors. With the aim to investigate the interrelation between mode of growth and functionality, supernatants were collected from lactobacilli planktonic cultures and, for the first time, from adherent ones, and were evaluated towards Candida dimorphic switching and biofilm. Candida biofilms were analyzed by multiple methodologies, i.e., crystal violet staining, MTT assay, and confocal microscopy. Lactobacillus supernatants reduce Candida switching and biofilm formation. Importantly, L. crispatus supernatants showed the best profile of virulence suppression, especially when grown in adherence. These results highlight the role of such species as a hallmark of vaginal eubiosis and prompt its employment in new probiotics for women's health.
Collapse
|
9
|
Fonseca MS, Rodrigues DM, Sokolonski AR, Stanisic D, Tomé LM, Góes-Neto A, Azevedo V, Meyer R, Araújo DB, Tasic L, Portela RD. Activity of Fusarium oxysporum-Based Silver Nanoparticles on Candida spp. Oral Isolates. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12030501. [PMID: 35159845 PMCID: PMC8840154 DOI: 10.3390/nano12030501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Candida spp. resistant to commercially available antifungals are often isolated from patients with oral candidiasis, a situation that points to the need for the development of new therapies. Thus, we evaluated the activity of Fusarium oxysporum-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on Candida spp. isolated from denture stomatitis lesions. Candida isolates were molecularly identified and submitted to susceptibility assays using AgNPs and commercial fungicides. The interference on biofilm formation and the mechanisms of action of AgNPs on Candida spp. were also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the morphology of AgNP-treated Candida. Candida albicans was the most frequent species isolated from denture stomatitis cases. All Candida spp. were susceptible to AgNPs at low concentrations, except Candida parapsilosis. AgNPs caused surface damage, cell disruption, and biofilm formation inhibition. The ergosterol supplementation protected C. albicans against the AgNP action. AgNPs are effective against Candida spp. and can be faced as a promising new therapeutic agent against oral candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maísa Santos Fonseca
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil; (M.S.F.); (D.M.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Daniela Méria Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil; (M.S.F.); (D.M.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Ana Rita Sokolonski
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Oral, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil; (A.R.S.); (D.B.A.)
| | - Danijela Stanisic
- Laboratório de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil; (D.S.); (L.T.)
| | - Luiz Marcelo Tomé
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Computacional de Fungos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.M.T.); (A.G.-N.)
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Computacional de Fungos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (L.M.T.); (A.G.-N.)
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | - Roberto Meyer
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil; (M.S.F.); (D.M.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Danilo Barral Araújo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Oral, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil; (A.R.S.); (D.B.A.)
| | - Ljubica Tasic
- Laboratório de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil; (D.S.); (L.T.)
| | - Ricardo Dias Portela
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40110-100, BA, Brazil; (M.S.F.); (D.M.R.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +55-7132-838-936
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Corrêa-Almeida C, Borba-Santos LP, Rollin-Pinheiro R, Barreto-Bergter E, Rozental S, Kurtenbach E. Characterization of Aspergillus nidulans Biofilm Formation and Structure and Their Inhibition by Pea Defensin Psd2. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:795255. [PMID: 35155575 PMCID: PMC8830917 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.795255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately four million people contract fungal infections every year in Brazil, primarily caused by Aspergillus spp. The ability of these fungi to form biofilms in tissues and medical devices complicates treatment and contributes to high rates of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Psd2 is a pea defensin of 5.4 kDa that possesses good antifungal activity against planktonic cells of representative pathogenic fungi. Its function depends on interactions with membrane and cell wall lipid components such as glucosylceramide and ergosterol. In the present study, we characterized Aspergillus nidulans biofilm formation and determined the effect of Psd2 on A. nidulans biofilms. After 4 hours, A. nidulans conidia adhered to polystyrene surfaces and formed a robust extracellular matrix-producing biofilm at 24 h, increasing thickness until 48 h Psd2 inhibited A. nidulans biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Most notably, at 10 μM Psd2 inhibited 50% of biofilm viability and biomass and 40% of extracellular matrix production. Psd2 significantly decreased the colonized surface area by the biofilm and changed its level of organization, causing a shortening of length and diameter of hyphae and inhibition of conidiophore formation. This activity against A. nidulans biofilm suggests a potential use of Psd2 as a prototype to design new antifungal agents to prevent biofilm formation by A. nidulans and related species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Corrêa-Almeida
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Bioquímica de Proteínas, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Luana P. Borba-Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Programa de Parasitologia e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Programa de Parasitologia e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Eleonora Kurtenbach
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Bioquímica de Proteínas, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Estrutural, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- *Correspondence: Eleonora Kurtenbach,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Activity of antifungal drugs and Brazilian red and green propolis extracted with different methodologies against oral isolates of Candida spp. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:286. [PMID: 34814913 PMCID: PMC8611924 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03445-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic disease caused by fungi of the Candida genus. The occurrence of Candida spp. resistance to the commercial antifungal drugs points to the search for alternative treatments. Propolis has been successfully used in the treatment of infectious diseases for centuries. It has been proposed that an ultrasound pretreatment in the propolis extraction protocol can enhance the concentrations of molecules with antimicrobial activities in the final extract. Thus, this study aimed to compare the antifungal activity against oral Candida spp. isolates of green and red propolis extracts submitted or not to an ultrasound pretreatment before the extraction procedure. Methods Candida spp. were isolated from denture stomatitis lesions and identified by sequencing. Oral Candida spp. isolates and reference strains were submitted to broth microdilution assays using commercial antifungals and Brazilian green and red propolis extracts submitted or not to an ultrasound pretreatment. Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimal Fungicide Concentrations (MFC) were determined and biofilm formation interference was evaluated for resistant isolates. Results C. albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida dubliniensis were isolated from denture stomatitis lesions. Growth inhibition was observed in all Candida isolates incubated with all green and red propolis extracts. At lower doses, red propolis extracts presented significant antifungal activity. The ultrasound pretreatment did not promote an increase in the antifungal activity of green or red propolis. Three isolates, which were highly resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole, were susceptible to low doses of red propolis extracts. These same three specimens had their biofilm formation inhibted by red propolis ethanolic extract. Conclusions Thus, red propolis can be faced as a promising natural product to be used in the auxiliary antifungal therapy of denture stomatitis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03445-5.
Collapse
|
12
|
Adenylyl Cyclase and Protein Kinase A Play Redundant and Distinct Roles in Growth, Differentiation, Antifungal Drug Resistance, and Pathogenicity of Candida auris. mBio 2021; 12:e0272921. [PMID: 34663094 PMCID: PMC8524339 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02729-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a globally emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. Its pathogenicity-related signaling networks are largely unknown. Here, we characterized the pathobiological functions of the cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in C. auris. We focused on adenylyl cyclase (CYR1), the PKA regulatory subunit (BCY1), and the PKA catalytic subunits (TPK1 and TPK2). We concluded that PKA acts both dependently and independently of Cyr1 in C. auris. Tpk1 and Tpk2 have major and minor roles, respectively, in PKA activity and functions. Both Cyr1 and PKA promote growth, thermotolerance, filamentous growth, and resistance to stress and antifungal drugs by regulating expression of multiple effector genes. In addition, Cyr1 and PKA subunits were involved in disinfectant resistance of C. auris. However, deletion of both TPK1 and TPK2 generally resulted in more severe defects than CYR1 deletion, indicating that Cyr1 and PKA play redundant and distinct roles. Notably, Tpk1 and Tpk2 have redundant but Cyr1-independent roles in haploid-to-diploid cell transition, which increases virulence of C. auris. However, Tpk1 and Tpk2 often play opposing roles in formation of biofilms and the cell wall components chitin and chitosan. Surprisingly, deletion of CYR1 or TPK1/TPK2, which resulted in severe in vitro growth defects at 37°C, did not attenuate virulence, and BCY1 deletion reduced virulence of C. auris in a systemic murine infection model. In conclusion, this study provides comprehensive insights into the role of the cAMP/PKA pathway in drug resistance and pathogenicity of C. auris and suggests a potential therapeutic option for treatment of C. auris-mediated candidemia.
Collapse
|
13
|
Johnson CJ, Eix EF, Lam BC, Wartman KM, Meudt JJ, Shanmuganayagam D, Nett JE. Augmenting the Activity of Chlorhexidine for Decolonization of Candida auris from Porcine skin. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100804. [PMID: 34682225 PMCID: PMC8537331 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris readily colonizes skin and efficiently spreads among patients in healthcare settings worldwide. Given the capacity of this drug-resistant fungal pathogen to cause invasive disease with high mortality, hospitals frequently employ chlorhexidine bathing to reduce skin colonization. Using an ex vivo skin model, we show only a mild reduction in C. auris following chlorhexidine application. This finding helps explain why chlorhexidine bathing may have failures clinically, despite potent in vitro activity. We further show that isopropanol augments the activity of chlorhexidine against C. auris on skin. Additionally, we find both tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil and lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil to further enhance the activity of chlorhexidine/isopropanol for decolonization. We link this antifungal activity to individual oil components and show how some of these components act synergistically with chlorhexidine/isopropanol. Together, the studies provide strategies to improve C. auris skin decolonization through the incorporation of commonly used topical compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad J. Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (C.J.J.); (E.F.E.); (B.C.L.); (K.M.W.)
| | - Emily F. Eix
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (C.J.J.); (E.F.E.); (B.C.L.); (K.M.W.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Brandon C. Lam
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (C.J.J.); (E.F.E.); (B.C.L.); (K.M.W.)
| | - Kayla M. Wartman
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (C.J.J.); (E.F.E.); (B.C.L.); (K.M.W.)
| | - Jennifer J. Meudt
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.J.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Dhanansayan Shanmuganayagam
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.J.M.); (D.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- Center for Biomedical Swine Research and Innovation, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Jeniel E. Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (C.J.J.); (E.F.E.); (B.C.L.); (K.M.W.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-608-263-1545
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bapat PS, Nobile CJ. Photodynamic Therapy Is Effective Against Candida auris Biofilms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:713092. [PMID: 34540717 PMCID: PMC8446617 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.713092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are increasing in prevalence worldwide. The paucity of available antifungal drug classes, combined with the increased occurrence of multidrug resistance in fungi, has led to new clinical challenges in the treatment of fungal infections. Candida auris is a recently emerged multidrug resistant human fungal pathogen that has become a worldwide public health threat. C. auris clinical isolates are often resistant to one or more antifungal drug classes, and thus, there is a high unmet medical need for the development of new therapeutic strategies effective against C. auris. Additionally, C. auris possesses several virulence traits, including the ability to form biofilms, further contributing to its drug resistance, and complicating the treatment of C. auris infections. Here we assessed red, green, and blue visible lights alone and in combination with photosensitizing compounds for their efficacies against C. auris biofilms. We found that (1) blue light inhibited and disrupted C. auris biofilms on its own and that the addition of photosensitizing compounds improved its antibiofilm potential; (2) red light inhibited and disrupted C. auris biofilms, but only in combination with photosensitizing compounds; and (3) green light inhibited C. auris biofilms in combination with photosensitizing compounds, but had no effects on disrupting C. auris biofilms. Taken together, our findings suggest that photodynamic therapy could be an effective non-drug therapeutic strategy against multidrug resistant C. auris biofilm infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka S Bapat
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States.,Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Seher TD, Nguyen N, Ramos D, Bapat P, Nobile CJ, Sindi SS, Hernday AD. AddTag, a two-step approach with supporting software package that facilitates CRISPR/Cas-mediated precision genome editing. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab216. [PMID: 34544122 PMCID: PMC8496238 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas-induced genome editing is a powerful tool for genetic engineering, however, targeting constraints limit which loci are editable with this method. Since the length of a DNA sequence impacts the likelihood it overlaps a unique target site, precision editing of small genomic features with CRISPR/Cas remains an obstacle. We introduce a two-step genome editing strategy that virtually eliminates CRISPR/Cas targeting constraints and facilitates precision genome editing of elements as short as a single base-pair at virtually any locus in any organism that supports CRISPR/Cas-induced genome editing. Our two-step approach first replaces the locus of interest with an "AddTag" sequence, which is subsequently replaced with any engineered sequence, and thus circumvents the need for direct overlap with a unique CRISPR/Cas target site. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of our approach by editing transcription factor binding sites within Candida albicans that could not be targeted directly using the traditional gene-editing approach. We also demonstrate the utility of the AddTag approach for combinatorial genome editing and gene complementation analysis, and we present a software package that automates the design of AddTag editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaddeus D Seher
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Namkha Nguyen
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Diana Ramos
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Priyanka Bapat
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Suzanne S Sindi
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Aaron D Hernday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Salama OE, Gerstein AC. High-Throughput Computational Analysis of Biofilm Formation from Time-Lapse Microscopy. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e194. [PMID: 34242490 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.194] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans biofilm formation in the presence of drugs can be examined through time-lapse microscopy. In many cases, the images are used qualitatively, which limits their utility for hypothesis testing. We employed a machine-learning algorithm implemented in the Orbit Image Analysis program to detect the percent area covered by cells from each image. This is combined with custom R scripts to determine the growth rate, growth asymptote, and time to reach the asymptote as quantitative proxies for biofilm formation. We describe step-by-step protocols that go from sample preparation for time-lapse microscopy through image analysis parameterization and visualization of the model fit. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Sample preparation Basic Protocol 2: Time-lapse microscopy: Evos protocol Basic Protocol 3: Batch file renaming Basic Protocol 4: Machine learning analysis of Evos images with Orbit Basic Protocol 5: Parametrization of Orbit output in R Basic Protocol 6: Visualization of logistic fits in R.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ola E Salama
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Aleeza C Gerstein
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Statistics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mochochoko BM, Ezeokoli OT, Sebolai O, Albertyn J, Pohl CH. Role of the high-affinity reductive iron acquisition pathway of Candida albicans in prostaglandin E2 production, virulence, and interaction with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Med Mycol 2021; 59:869-881. [PMID: 33862618 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Components of the iron reductive pathway of Candida albicans have been implicated in the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and virulence. However, it is unknown whether other components of this pathway influence PGE2. We investigated the role of the iron reductive pathway of C. albicans in biofilm formation, PGE2 production, and virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, as the co-occurrence of C. albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in host tissues is frequent and involves competition for host-associated iron, we examined the effects of this interaction. Deletion of multicopper oxidase gene, FET99, and iron permease genes, FTH1 and FTH2, affected biofilm metabolic activity, and for the FTH2 mutant, also biofilm morphology. Deletion of CCC1 (vacuolar iron transporter) and CCC2 (P-type ATPase copper importer) also influenced biofilm morphology. For PGE2 production, deletion of FET99, FTH1, FTH2, CCC1, and CCC2 caused a significant reduction by monomicrobial biofilms, while FTH2deletion caused the highest reduction in polymicrobial biofilms. URA3 positive mutants of FET99 and FTH2 demonstrated attenuated virulence in C. elegans, potentially due to the inability of mutants to form hyphae in vivo. Deductively, the role of the iron reductive pathway in PGE2 synthesis is indirect, possibly due to their role in iron homeostasis. LAY SUMMARY Iron uptake is vital for disease-causing microbes like Candida albicans. Using strains deficient in some iron-uptake genes, we show that iron-uptake genes, especially FET99 and FTH2, play a role in biofilm formation, prostaglandin production, and virulence in the nematode infection model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonang M Mochochoko
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Obinna T Ezeokoli
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Olihile Sebolai
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Jacobus Albertyn
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Carolina H Pohl
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mancera E, Nocedal I, Hammel S, Gulati M, Mitchell KF, Andes DR, Nobile CJ, Butler G, Johnson AD. Evolution of the complex transcription network controlling biofilm formation in Candida species. eLife 2021; 10:e64682. [PMID: 33825680 PMCID: PMC8075579 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We examine how a complex transcription network composed of seven 'master' regulators and hundreds of target genes evolved over a span of approximately 70 million years. The network controls biofilm formation in several Candida species, a group of fungi that are present in humans both as constituents of the microbiota and as opportunistic pathogens. Using a variety of approaches, we observed two major types of changes that have occurred in the biofilm network since the four extant species we examined last shared a common ancestor. Master regulator 'substitutions' occurred over relatively long evolutionary times, resulting in different species having overlapping but different sets of master regulators of biofilm formation. Second, massive changes in the connections between the master regulators and their target genes occurred over much shorter timescales. We believe this analysis is the first detailed, empirical description of how a complex transcription network has evolved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mancera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad IrapuatoIrapuatoMexico
| | - Isabel Nocedal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Stephen Hammel
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, MercedMercedUnited States
| | - Kaitlin F Mitchell
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, MercedMercedUnited States
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Microbiome Initiative, Chan Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Okamoto-Shibayama K, Yoshida A, Ishihara K. Inhibitory Effect of Resveratrol on Candida albicans Biofilm Formation. THE BULLETIN OF TOKYO DENTAL COLLEGE 2021; 62:1-6. [PMID: 33583879 DOI: 10.2209/tdcpublication.2020-0023] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the primary candidiasis-causing fungal pathogen in humans, and one of its most important virulence factors is the ability to form biofilms. Moreover, these biofilms are often resistant to antifungal agents, so there is a need to develop alternative elimination strategies and therapeutic agents for such infections. The antifungal activity of resveratrol, a phytoalexin polyphenolic compound, impairs the morphological transition of C. albicans under various hypha-inducing conditions and inhibits growth of the yeast-form and mycelia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol against C. albicans biofilm formation. The developmental, sustained, and mature stages of biofilm formation were affected or inhibited by resveratrol. Exposure to resveratrol at the developmental stage inhibited growth of C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner. A >30% reduction was observed in sustained biofilm growth in the presence of 200 μg/ml resveratrol in comparison with in its absence. In terms of disruption of matured biofilm, 6.25-100 μg/ml resveratrol significantly reduced cell viability of C. albicans compared with in a control sample (p<0.05). The present results indicate that resveratrol has the potential to serve as an anti-Candida treatment and preventive tool which functions by inhibiting existing or under-forming C. albicans biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuko Okamoto-Shibayama
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Dental College.,Oral Health Science Center, Tokyo Dental College
| | | | - Kazuyuki Ishihara
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Dental College.,Oral Health Science Center, Tokyo Dental College
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bapat P, Singh G, Nobile CJ. Visible Lights Combined with Photosensitizing Compounds Are Effective against Candida albicans Biofilms. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030500. [PMID: 33652865 PMCID: PMC7996876 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are increasing in prevalence worldwide, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Given the emergence of drug-resistant fungi and the fact that there are only three major classes of antifungal drugs available to treat invasive fungal infections, there is a need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies effective against fungal infections. Candida albicans is a commensal of the human microbiota that is also one of the most common fungal pathogens isolated from clinical settings. C. albicans possesses several virulence traits that contribute to its pathogenicity, including the ability to form drug-resistant biofilms, which can make C. albicans infections particularly challenging to treat. Here, we explored red, green, and blue visible lights alone and in combination with common photosensitizing compounds for their efficacies at inhibiting and disrupting C. albicans biofilms. We found that blue light inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted mature biofilms on its own and that the addition of photosensitizing compounds improved its antibiofilm potential. Red and green lights, however, inhibited biofilm formation only in combination with photosensitizing compounds but had no effects on disrupting mature biofilms. Taken together, these results suggest that photodynamic therapy may be an effective non-drug treatment for fungal biofilm infections that is worthy of further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Bapat
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Science, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (P.B.); (G.S.)
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Gurbinder Singh
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Science, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (P.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Clarissa J. Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Science, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (P.B.); (G.S.)
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-209-228-2427
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sircaik S, Román E, Bapat P, Lee KK, Andes DR, Gow NAR, Nobile CJ, Pla J, Panwar SL. The protein kinase Ire1 impacts pathogenicity of Candida albicans by regulating homeostatic adaptation to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13307. [PMID: 33403715 PMCID: PMC8044019 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR), crucial for the maintenance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, is tied to the regulation of multiple cellular processes in pathogenic fungi. Here, we show that Candida albicans relies on an ER‐resident protein, inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (Ire1) for sensing ER stress and activating the UPR. Compromised Ire1 function impacts cellular processes that are dependent on functional secretory homeostasis, as inferred from transcriptional profiling. Concordantly, an Ire1‐mutant strain exhibits pleiotropic roles in ER stress response, antifungal tolerance, cell wall regulation and virulence‐related traits. Hac1 is the downstream target of C. albicans Ire1 as it initiates the unconventional splicing of the 19 bp intron from HAC1 mRNA during tunicamycin‐induced ER stress. Ire1 also activates the UPR in response to perturbations in cell wall integrity and cell membrane homeostasis in a manner that does not necessitate the splicing of HAC1 mRNA. Furthermore, the Ire1‐mutant strain is severely defective in hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation as well as in establishing a successful infection in vivo. Together, these findings demonstrate that C. albicans Ire1 functions to regulate traits that are essential for virulence and suggest its importance in responding to multiple stresses, thus integrating various stress signals to maintain ER homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Sircaik
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Elvira Román
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Priyanka Bapat
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, California, USA.,Quantitative and System Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - Keunsook K Lee
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Neil A R Gow
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.,Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, California, USA.,Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - Jesús Pla
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sneh Lata Panwar
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
A Screen for Small Molecules to Target Candida albicans Biofilms. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 7:jof7010009. [PMID: 33375490 PMCID: PMC7824004 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans can form biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces, which are inherently resistant to antifungal drugs. We screened the Chembridge Small Molecule Diversity library containing 30,000 “drug-like” small molecules and identified 45 compounds that inhibited biofilm formation. These 45 compounds were then tested for their abilities to disrupt mature biofilms and for combinatorial interactions with fluconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin, the three antifungal drugs most commonly prescribed to treat Candida infections. In the end, we identified one compound that moderately disrupted biofilm formation on its own and four compounds that moderately inhibited biofilm formation and/or moderately disrupted mature biofilms only in combination with either caspofungin or fluconazole. No combinatorial interactions were observed between the compounds and amphotericin B. As members of a diversity library, the identified compounds contain “drug-like” chemical backbones, thus even seemingly “weak hits” could represent promising chemical starting points for the development and the optimization of new classes of therapeutics designed to target Candida biofilms.
Collapse
|
23
|
Dunn MJ, Fillinger RJ, Anderson LM, Anderson MZ. Automated quantification of Candida albicans biofilm-related phenotypes reveals additive contributions to biofilm production. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2020; 6:36. [PMID: 33037223 PMCID: PMC7547077 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-020-00149-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are organized communities of microbial cells that promote persistence among bacterial and fungal species. Biofilm formation by host-associated Candida species of fungi occurs on both tissue surfaces and implanted devices, contributing to host colonization and disease. In C. albicans, biofilms are built sequentially by adherence of yeast to a surface, invasion into the substrate, the formation of aerial hyphal projections, and the secretion of extracellular matrix. Measurement of these biofilm-related phenotypes remains highly qualitative and often subjective. Here, we designed an informatics pipeline for quantifying filamentation, adhesion, and invasion of Candida species on solid agar media and utilized this approach to determine the importance of these component phenotypes to C. albicans biofilm production. Characterization of 23 C. albicans clinical isolates across three media and two temperatures revealed a wide range of phenotypic responses among isolates in any single condition. Media profoundly altered all biofilm-related phenotypes among these isolates, whereas temperature minimally impacted these traits. Importantly, the extent of biofilm formation correlated significantly with the additive score for its component phenotypes under some conditions, experimentally linking the strength of each component to biofilm mass. In addition, the response of the genome reference strain, SC5314, across these conditions was an extreme outlier compared to all other strains, suggesting it may not be representative of the species. Taken together, development of a high-throughput, unbiased approach to quantifying Candida biofilm-related phenotypes linked variability in these phenotypes to biofilm production and can facilitate genetic dissection of these critical processes to pathogenesis in the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Dunn
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Robert J Fillinger
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Leah M Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Matthew Z Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lemoine V, Bernard C, Leman-Loubière C, Clément-Larosière B, Girardot M, Boudesocque-Delaye L, Munnier E, Imbert C. Nanovectorized Microalgal Extracts to Fight Candida albicans and Cutibacterium acnes Biofilms: Impact of Dual-Species Conditions. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E279. [PMID: 32466354 PMCID: PMC7344943 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-related infections are a matter of concern especially because of the poor susceptibility of microorganisms to conventional antimicrobial agents. Innovative approaches are needed. The antibiofilm activity of extracts of cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis, rich in free fatty acids, as well as of extract-loaded copper alginate-based nanocarriers, were studied on single- and dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Cutibacterium acnes. Their ability to inhibit the biofilm formation and to eradicate 24 h old biofilms was investigated. Concentrations of each species were evaluated using flow cytometry. Extracts prevented the growth of C. acnes single-species biofilms (inhibition > 75% at 0.2 mg/mL) but failed to inhibit preformed biofilms. Nanovectorised extracts reduced the growth of single-species C. albicans biofilms (inhibition > 43% at 0.2 mg/mL) while free extracts were weakly or not active. Nanovectorised extracts also inhibited preformed C. albicans biofilms by 55% to 77%, whereas the corresponding free extracts were not active. In conclusion, even if the studied nanocarrier systems displayed promising activity, especially against C. albicans, their efficacy against dual-species biofilms was limited. This study highlighted that working in such polymicrobial conditions can give a more objective view of the relevance of antibiofilm strategies by taking into account interspecies interactions that can offer additional protection to microbes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Lemoine
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 86073 Poitiers, France; (V.L.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Clément Bernard
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 86073 Poitiers, France; (V.L.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Charlotte Leman-Loubière
- Laboratoire SIMBA EA 7502, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Tours, 31 avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (C.L.-L.); (L.B.-D.)
| | | | - Marion Girardot
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 86073 Poitiers, France; (V.L.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Leslie Boudesocque-Delaye
- Laboratoire SIMBA EA 7502, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Tours, 31 avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France; (C.L.-L.); (L.B.-D.)
| | - Emilie Munnier
- Laboratoire Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes EA 6295, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Tours, 31 avenue Monge, 37200 Tours, France;
| | - Christine Imbert
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 86073 Poitiers, France; (V.L.); (C.B.); (M.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lohse MB, Gulati M, Craik CS, Johnson AD, Nobile CJ. Combination of Antifungal Drugs and Protease Inhibitors Prevent Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Disrupt Mature Biofilms. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1027. [PMID: 32523574 PMCID: PMC7261846 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms formed by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans are resistant to many of the antifungal agents commonly used in the clinic. Previous reports suggest that protease inhibitors, specifically inhibitors of aspartyl proteases, could be effective antibiofilm agents. We screened three protease inhibitor libraries, containing a total of 80 compounds for the abilities to prevent C. albicans biofilm formation and to disrupt mature biofilms. The compounds were screened individually and in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of the most commonly prescribed antifungal agents for Candida infections: fluconazole, amphotericin B, or caspofungin. Although few of the compounds affected biofilms on their own, seven aspartyl protease inhibitors inhibited biofilm formation when combined with amphotericin B or caspofungin. Furthermore, nine aspartyl protease inhibitors disrupted mature biofilms when combined with caspofungin. These results suggest that the combination of standard antifungal agents together with specific protease inhibitors may be useful in the prevention and treatment of C. albicans biofilm infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Lohse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Biology, BioSynesis, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Charles S Craik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
A Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, a Proton Pump Inhibitor, and Two Calcium Channel Blockers Inhibit Candida albicans Biofilms. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050756. [PMID: 32443498 PMCID: PMC7285287 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms formed by the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans are naturally resistant to many of the antifungal agents commonly used in the clinic. We screened a library containing 1600 clinically tested drug compounds to identify compounds that inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation. The compounds that emerged from the initial screen were validated in a secondary screen and then tested for (1) their abilities to disrupt mature biofilms and (2) for synergistic interactions with representatives of the three antifungal agents most commonly prescribed to treat Candida infections, fluconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin. Twenty compounds had antibiofilm activity in at least one of the secondary assays and several affected biofilms but, at the same concentration, had little or no effect on planktonic (suspension) growth of C. albicans. Two calcium channel blockers, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and an azole-based proton pump inhibitor were among the hits, suggesting that members of these three classes of drugs or their derivatives may be useful for treating C. albicans biofilm infections.
Collapse
|
27
|
Discovery of Antifungal and Biofilm Preventative Compounds from Mycelial Cultures of a Unique North American Hericium sp. Fungus. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25040963. [PMID: 32093422 PMCID: PMC7070493 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Edible mushrooms are an important source of nutraceuticals and for the discovery of bioactive metabolites as pharmaceuticals. In this work, the OSMAC (One Strain, Many Active Compounds) approach was used to isolate two new compounds (1 and 2) along with seven known compounds (3–9) from a mycelial culture of a unique North American edible mushroom Hericium sp. The fruiting body was collected in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota (USA), and mycelial cultures were grown on four different solid and liquid media. Extracts from the mycelial cultures were screened for antimicrobial activity and only the extract from the Cheerios substrate culture exhibited antifungal activity. Bioassay guided fractionation and HPLC analysis were used to isolate nine pure compounds and the structures of the known compounds were established by analysis of the NMR and mass spectrometry data and comparison to published reports. Compound 1 is a new erinacerin alkaloid and 2 is an aldehyde derivative of 4-hydroxy chroman. Four chlorinated orcinol derivatives (3–6), a pyran (7), erinaceolactone (8), and erinacine (9) were identified. Compound 4 showed antifungal activity against C. albicans and C. neoformans (MIC = 31.3–62.5 μg/mL, respectively). Compound 4 also inhibited biofilm formation of C. albicans and C. neoformans at 7.8 μg/mL. These results suggest that mycelial cultures of edible fungi may provide useful, bioactive compounds.
Collapse
|
28
|
Hsu LH, Kwaśniewska D, Wang SC, Shen TL, Wieczorek D, Chen YL. Gemini quaternary ammonium compound PMT12-BF4 inhibits Candida albicans via regulating iron homeostasis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2911. [PMID: 32076050 PMCID: PMC7031538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are classified as cationic surfactants, and are known for their biocidal activity. However, their modes of action are thus far not completely understood. In this study, we synthesized a gemini QAC, PMT12-BF4 and found that it exerted unsurpassed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against drug susceptible and resistant Candida albicans, and other pathogenic fungi, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 1 or 2 μg/mL. These results indicated that PMT12-BF4 used a mode of action distinct from current antifungal drugs. In addition, fungal pathogens treated with PMT12-BF4 were not able to grow on fresh YPD agar plates, indicating that the effect of PMT12-BF4 was fungicidal, and the minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) against C. albicans isolates was 1 or 2 μg/mL. The ability of yeast-to-hyphal transition and biofilm formation of C. albicans was disrupted by PMT12-BF4. To investigate the modes of action of PMT12-BF4 in C. albicans, we used an RNA sequencing approach and screened a C. albicans deletion mutant library to identify potential pathways affected by PMT12-BF4. Combining these two approaches with a spotting assay, we showed that the ability of PMT12-BF4 to inhibit C. albicans is potentially linked to iron ion homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hang Hsu
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan University, 10617, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dobrawa Kwaśniewska
- Department of Technology and Instrumental Analysis, Poznan University of Economics and Business, Poznan, Poland
| | - Shih-Cheng Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan University, 10617, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tang-Long Shen
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan University, 10617, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Daria Wieczorek
- Department of Technology and Instrumental Analysis, Poznan University of Economics and Business, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Ying-Lien Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan University, 10617, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Horton MV, Johnson CJ, Kernien JF, Patel TD, Lam BC, Cheong JZA, Meudt JJ, Shanmuganayagam D, Kalan LR, Nett JE. Candida auris Forms High-Burden Biofilms in Skin Niche Conditions and on Porcine Skin. mSphere 2020; 5:e00910-19. [PMID: 31969479 PMCID: PMC6977180 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00910-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging pathogen Candida auris causes nosocomial outbreaks of life-threatening invasive candidiasis. It is unclear how this species colonizes skin and spreads in health care facilities. Here, we analyzed C. auris growth in synthetic sweat medium designed to mimic axillary skin conditions. We show that C. auris demonstrates a high capacity for biofilm formation in this milieu, well beyond that observed for the most commonly isolated Candida sp., Candida albicans The C. auris biofilms persist in environmental conditions expected in the hospital setting. To model C. auris skin colonization, we designed an ex vivo porcine skin model. We show that C. auris proliferates on porcine skin in multilayer biofilms. This capacity to thrive in skin niche conditions helps explain the propensity of C. auris to colonize skin, persist on medical devices, and rapidly spread in hospitals. These studies provide clinically relevant tools to further characterize this important growth modality.IMPORTANCE The emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris causes invasive infections and is spreading in hospitals worldwide. Why this species exhibits the capacity to transfer efficiently among patients is unknown. Our findings reveal that C. auris forms high-burden biofilms in conditions mimicking sweat on the skin surface. These adherent biofilm communities persist in environmental conditions expected in the hospital setting. Using a pig skin model, we show that C. auris also forms high-burden biofilm structures on the skin surface. Identification of this mode of growth sheds light on how this recently described pathogen persists in hospital settings and spreads among patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark V Horton
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Chad J Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John F Kernien
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tarika D Patel
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Brandon C Lam
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - J Z Alex Cheong
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jennifer J Meudt
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Lindsay R Kalan
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jeniel E Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Disparate Candida albicans Biofilm Formation in Clinical Lipid Emulsions Due to Capric Acid-Mediated Inhibition. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.01394-19. [PMID: 31405860 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01394-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Receipt of parenteral nutrition (PN) remains an independent risk factor for developing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) caused by fungi, including by the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans, which is notoriously adept at forming drug-resistant biofilm structures. Among a variety of macronutrients, PN solutions contain lipid emulsions to supply daily essential fats and are often delivered via central venous catheters (CVCs). Therefore, using an in vitro biofilm model system, we sought to determine whether various clinical lipid emulsions differentially impacted biofilm growth in C. albicans We observed that the lipid emulsions Intralipid and Omegaven both stimulated C. albicans biofilm formation during growth in minimal medium or a macronutrient PN solution. Conversely, Smoflipid inhibited C. albicans biofilm formation by approximately 50%. Follow-up studies revealed that while Smoflipid did not impair C. albicans growth, it did significantly inhibit hypha formation and hyphal elongation. Moreover, growth inhibition could be recapitulated in Intralipid when supplemented with capric acid-a fatty acid present in Smoflipid but absent in Intralipid. Capric acid was also found to dose dependently inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation in PN solutions. This is the first study to directly compare different clinical lipid emulsions for their capacity to affect C. albicans biofilm growth. Results derived from this study necessitate further research regarding different lipid emulsions and rates of fungus-associated CR-BSIs.
Collapse
|
31
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Screening of Candida albicans GRACE library revealed a unique pattern of biofilm formation under repression of the essential gene ILS1. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9187. [PMID: 31235750 PMCID: PMC6591175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45624-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans biofilm formation is governed by a regulatory circuit comprising nine transcription factors which control a network of target genes. However, there are still unknown genes contributing to biofilm features. Thus, the GRACE library was screened to identify genes involved in mature biofilm development. Twenty-nine conditional mutants were selected for a second screening revealing three groups of genes: twenty- two conditional mutants were defective for normal growth and unable to form biofilms; six strains, conditionally defective in genes ARC40, ARC35, ORF19.2438, SKP1, ERG6, and ADE5,7 that are likely essential or involved in general cell processes, grew normally as free-floating cells but produced less biofilm; finally, the conditional strain for a putative essential isoleucyl- tRNA synthetase gene, ILS1, was unable to grow as yeast-phase cells but was capable of producing a tridimensional biofilm structure in spite of reduced metabolic activity. This unique biofilm still relied on the classical biofilm genes, while it differentially induced groups of genes involved in adhesion, protein synthesis, cell wall organization, and protein folding. Although the conditional mutant repressed genes annotated for morphology and homeostasis processes affecting morphology and metabolism, the dynamic cell growth enabled the formation of a complex biofilm community independent of ILS1.
Collapse
|
33
|
Pathirana RU, McCall AD, Norris HL, Edgerton M. Filamentous Non- albicans Candida Species Adhere to Candida albicans and Benefit From Dual Biofilm Growth. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1188. [PMID: 31231324 PMCID: PMC6558389 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-albicans Candida species (NACS) are often isolated along with Candida albicans in cases of oropharyngeal candidiasis. C. albicans readily forms biofilms in conjunction with other oral microbiota including both bacteria and yeast. Adhesion between species is important to the establishment of these mixed biofilms, but interactions between C. albicans and many NACS are not well-characterized. We adapted a real-time flow biofilm model to study adhesion interactions and biofilm establishment in C. albicans and NACS in mono- and co-culture. Out of five NACS studied, only the filamenting species C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis were capable of adhesion with C. albicans, while C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae, and C. krusei were not. Over the early phase (0-4 h) of biofilm development, both mono- and co-culture followed similar kinetics of attachment and detachment events, indicating that initial biofilm formation is not influenced by inter-species interactions. However, the NACS showed a preference for inter-species cell-cell interactions with C. albicans, and at later time points (5-11 h) we found that dual-species interactions impacted biofilm surface coverage. Dual-species biofilms of C. tropicalis and C. albicans grew more slowly than C. albicans alone, but achieved higher surface coverage than C. tropicalis alone. Biofilms of C. dubliniensis with C. albicans increased surface coverage more rapidly than either species alone. We conclude that dual culture biofilm of C. albicans with C. tropicalis or C. dubliniensis offers a growth advantage for both NACS. Furthermore, the growth and maintenance, but not initial establishment, of dual-species biofilms is likely facilitated by interspecies cell-cell adherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruvini U Pathirana
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Andrew D McCall
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Hannah L Norris
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Mira Edgerton
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Di Domenico EG, Cavallo I, Guembe M, Prignano G, Gallo MT, Bordignon V, D'Agosto G, Sperduti I, Toma L, Ensoli F. The clinical Biofilm Ring Test: a promising tool for the clinical assessment of biofilm-producing Candida species. FEMS Yeast Res 2019. [PMID: 29518199 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are opportunistic pathogens responsible for a variety of diseases, ranging from skin and mucosal lesions to severe systemic, life-threatening infections. Candida albicans accounts for more than 70% of all Candida infections, however, the clinical relevance of other species such as Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei are being increasingly recognized. Biofilm-producing yeasts cells acquire an increased resistance to antifungal agents, often leading to therapeutic failure and chronic infection. Conventional methods such as crystal violet (CV) and tetrazolium (XTT) reduction assay, developed to evaluate biofilm formation in Candida species are usually time-consuming, present a high intra- and inter-assay variability of the results and are therefore hardly applicable to routine diagnostics. This study describes an in-vitro assay developed for the measurement of biofilm formation in Candida species based on the clinical Biofilm Ring Test® (cBRT). We found a significant concordance between the cBRT and both CV (k = 0.74) and XTT (k = 0.62), respectively. Nevertheless, the cBRT resulted more reliable and reproducible than CV and XTT, requiring a minimal sample manipulation and allowing a high throughput assessment, directly on viable cells. The results indicate that the cBRT may provide a suitable, cost-effective technique for routine biofilm testing in clinical microbiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enea Gino Di Domenico
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cavallo
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Guembe
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Grazia Prignano
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Gallo
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Bordignon
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Agosto
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Sperduti
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Toma
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ensoli
- San Gallicano Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00144 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Weissman Z, Pinsky M, Wolfgeher DJ, Kron SJ, Truman AW, Kornitzer D. Genetic analysis of Hsp70 phosphorylation sites reveals a role in Candida albicans cell and colony morphogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2018; 1868:140135. [PMID: 31964485 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock proteins are best known for their role as chaperonins involved in general proteostasis, but they can also participate in specific cellular regulatory pathways, e.g. via their post-translational modification. Hsp70/Ssa1 is a central cytoplasmic chaperonin in eukaryotes, which also participates in cell cycle regulation via its phosphorylation at a specific residue. Here we analyze the role of Ssa1 phosphorylation in the morphogenesis of the fungus Candida albicans, a common human opportunistic pathogen. C. albicans can assume alternative yeast and hyphal (mold) morphologies, an ability that contributes to its virulence. We identified 11 phosphorylation sites on C. albicans Ssa1, of which 8 were only detected in the hyphal cells. Genetic analysis of these sites revealed allele-specific effects on growth or hyphae formation at 42 °C. Colony morphology, which is normally wrinkled or crenellated at 37 °C, reverted to smooth in several mutants, but this colony morphology phenotype was unrelated to cellular morphology. Two mutants exhibited a mild increase in sensitivity to the cell wall-active compounds caspofungin and calcofluor white. We suggest that this analysis could help direct screens for Ssa1-specific drugs to combat C. albicans virulence. The pleiotropic effects of many Ssa1 mutations are consistent with the large number of Ssa1 client proteins, whereas the lack of concordance between the phenotypes of the different alleles suggests that different sites on Ssa1 can affect interaction with specific classes of client proteins, and that modification of these sites can play cellular regulatory roles, consistent with the "chaperone code" hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziva Weissman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - I.I.T. and the Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Mariel Pinsky
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - I.I.T. and the Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Donald J Wolfgeher
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Stephen J Kron
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Andrew W Truman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
| | - Daniel Kornitzer
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - I.I.T. and the Rappaport Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Haifa 31096, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gulati M, Lohse MB, Ennis CL, Gonzalez RE, Perry AM, Bapat P, Arevalo AV, Rodriguez DL, Nobile CJ. In Vitro Culturing and Screening of Candida albicans Biofilms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 50:e60. [PMID: 29995344 DOI: 10.1002/cpmc.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a normal member of the human microbiota that asymptomatically colonizes healthy individuals, however it is also an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The medical impact of C. albicans depends, in part, on its ability to form biofilms, communities of adhered cells encased in an extracellular matrix. Biofilms can form on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, such as tissues and implanted medical devices. Once formed, biofilms are highly resistant to antifungal agents and the host immune system, and can act as a protected reservoir to seed disseminated infections. Here, we present several in vitro biofilm protocols, including protocols that are optimized for high-throughput screening of mutant libraries and antifungal compounds. We also present protocols to examine specific stages of biofilm development and protocols to evaluate interspecies biofilms that C. albicans forms with interacting microbial partners. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California
| | - Matthew B Lohse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Biology, BioSynesis, Inc., San Francisco, California
| | - Craig L Ennis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, California
| | - Ruth E Gonzalez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California
| | - Austin M Perry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, California
| | - Priyanka Bapat
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, California
| | - Ashley Valle Arevalo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, California
| | - Diana L Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, California
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Van Dijck P, Sjollema J, Cammue BPA, Lagrou K, Berman J, d’Enfert C, Andes DR, Arendrup MC, Brakhage AA, Calderone R, Cantón E, Coenye T, Cos P, Cowen LE, Edgerton M, Espinel-Ingroff A, Filler SG, Ghannoum M, Gow NA, Haas H, Jabra-Rizk MA, Johnson EM, Lockhart SR, Lopez-Ribot JL, Maertens J, Munro CA, Nett JE, Nobile CJ, Pfaller MA, Ramage G, Sanglard D, Sanguinetti M, Spriet I, Verweij PE, Warris A, Wauters J, Yeaman MR, Zaat SA, Thevissen K. Methodologies for in vitro and in vivo evaluation of efficacy of antifungal and antibiofilm agents and surface coatings against fungal biofilms. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2018; 5:300-326. [PMID: 29992128 PMCID: PMC6035839 DOI: 10.15698/mic2018.07.638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Unlike superficial fungal infections of the skin and nails, which are the most common fungal diseases in humans, invasive fungal infections carry high morbidity and mortality, particularly those associated with biofilm formation on indwelling medical devices. Therapeutic management of these complex diseases is often complicated by the rise in resistance to the commonly used antifungal agents. Therefore, the availability of accurate susceptibility testing methods for determining antifungal resistance, as well as discovery of novel antifungal and antibiofilm agents, are key priorities in medical mycology research. To direct advancements in this field, here we present an overview of the methods currently available for determining (i) the susceptibility or resistance of fungal isolates or biofilms to antifungal or antibiofilm compounds and compound combinations; (ii) the in vivo efficacy of antifungal and antibiofilm compounds and compound combinations; and (iii) the in vitro and in vivo performance of anti-infective coatings and materials to prevent fungal biofilm-based infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Van Dijck
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jelmer Sjollema
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of BioMedical Engineering, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno P. A. Cammue
- Centre for Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Mycosis, UZ Leuven, Belgium
| | - Judith Berman
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Christophe d’Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, INRA, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - David R. Andes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Maiken C. Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Dept. Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Microbiology, Jena, Germany
| | - Richard Calderone
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Emilia Cantón
- Severe Infection Research Group: Medical Research Institute La Fe (IISLaFe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms, Switzerland
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Leah E. Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mira Edgerton
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | | | - Scott G. Filler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Mahmoud Ghannoum
- Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Re-serve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Neil A.R. Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Biocenter - Division of Molecular Biology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Johnson
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium and Clinical Department of Haematology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carol A. Munro
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Jeniel E. Nett
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Departments of Medicine and Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Clarissa J. Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, USA
| | - Michael A. Pfaller
- Departments of Pathology and Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
- JMI Laboratories, North Liberty, Iowa, USA
| | - Gordon Ramage
- ESCMID Study Group for Biofilms, Switzerland
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Dominique Sanglard
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital, CH-1011 Lausanne
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, IRCCS-Fondazione Policlinico "Agostino Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Dpt, University Hospitals Leuven and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Dpt. of Pharmaceutical and Pharma-cological Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul E. Verweij
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (omit "Nijmegen" in Radboud University Medical Center)
| | - Adilia Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Joost Wauters
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Department of General Internal Medicine, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael R. Yeaman
- Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Divisions of Molecular Medicine & Infectious Diseases, Har-bor-UCLA Medical Center, LABioMed at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
| | - Sebastian A.J. Zaat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Academic Medical Center, University of Am-sterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre for Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kim JJ, Reátegui E, Hopke A, Jalali F, Roushan M, Doyle PS, Irimia D. Large-scale patterning of living colloids for dynamic studies of neutrophil-microbe interactions. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:1514-1520. [PMID: 29770423 PMCID: PMC5995581 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00228b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils are the first white blood cells to respond to microbes and to limit their invasion of the body. However, the growth of the microbes into colonies often challenges the neutrophils ability to contain them. To study the interactions between neutrophils and microbial colonies, we designed an assay for arranging microbes in clusters of controlled size (i.e. living colloids). The patterned microbes in the living colloid are mechanically trapped inside the wells and fully accessible to neutrophils. Using the assay, we studied the interactions between human neutrophils and Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, two common human pathogens. We also probed the susceptibility of C. albicans colloids to caspofungin, a common antifungal drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Jung Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Systematic Complex Haploinsufficiency-Based Genetic Analysis of Candida albicans Transcription Factors: Tools and Applications to Virulence-Associated Phenotypes. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018; 8:1299-1314. [PMID: 29472308 PMCID: PMC5873919 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.300515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Genetic interaction analysis is a powerful approach to the study of complex biological processes that are dependent on multiple genes. Because of the largely diploid nature of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, genetic interaction analysis has been limited to a small number of large-scale screens and a handful for gene-by-gene studies. Complex haploinsufficiency, which occurs when a strain containing two heterozygous mutations at distinct loci shows a phenotype that is distinct from either of the corresponding single heterozygous mutants, is an expedient approach to genetic interactions analysis in diploid organisms. Here, we describe the construction of a barcoded-library of 133 heterozygous TF deletion mutants and deletion cassettes for designed to facilitate complex haploinsufficiency-based genetic interaction studies of the TF networks in C. albicans. We have characterized the phenotypes of these heterozygous mutants under a broad range of in vitro conditions using both agar-plate and pooled signature tag-based assays. Consistent with previous studies, haploinsufficiency is relative uncommon. In contrast, a set of 12 TFs enriched in mutants with a role in adhesion were found to have altered competitive fitness at early time points in a murine model of disseminated candidiasis. Finally, we characterized the genetic interactions of a set of biofilm related TFs in the first two steps of biofilm formation, adherence and filamentation of adherent cells. The genetic interaction networks at each stage of biofilm formation are significantly different indicating that the network is not static but dynamic.
Collapse
|
40
|
Gaining Insights from Candida Biofilm Heterogeneity: One Size Does Not Fit All. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4010012. [PMID: 29371505 PMCID: PMC5872315 DOI: 10.3390/jof4010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their clinical significance and substantial human health burden, fungal infections remain relatively under-appreciated. The widespread overuse of antibiotics and the increasing requirement for indwelling medical devices provides an opportunistic potential for the overgrowth and colonization of pathogenic Candida species on both biological and inert substrates. Indeed, it is now widely recognized that biofilms are a highly important part of their virulence repertoire. Candida albicans is regarded as the primary fungal biofilm forming species, yet there is also increasing interest and growing body of evidence for non-Candida albicans species (NCAS) biofilms, and interkingdom biofilm interactions. C. albicans biofilms are heterogeneous structures by definition, existing as three-dimensional populations of yeast, pseudo-hyphae, and hyphae, embedded within a self-produced extracellular matrix. Classical molecular approaches, driven by extensive studies of laboratory strains and mutants, have enhanced our knowledge and understanding of how these complex communities develop, thrive, and cause host-mediated damage. Yet our clinical observations tell a different story, with differential patient responses potentially due to inherent biological heterogeneity from specific clinical isolates associated with their infections. This review explores some of the recent advances made in an attempt to explore the importance of working with clinical isolates, and what this has taught us.
Collapse
|
41
|
Gulati M, Ennis CL, Rodriguez DL, Nobile CJ. Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29286435 DOI: 10.3791/56743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen of humans, causing about 15% of hospital-acquired sepsis cases. A major virulence attribute of C. albicans is its ability to form biofilms, structured communities of cells attached to biotic and abiotic surfaces. C. albicans biofilms can form on host tissues, such as mucosal layers, and on medical devices, such as catheters, pacemakers, dentures, and joint prostheses. Biofilms pose significant clinical challenges because they are highly resistant to physical and chemical perturbations, and can act as reservoirs to seed disseminated infections. Various in vitro assays have been utilized to study C. albicans biofilm formation, such as microtiter plate assays, dry weight measurements, cell viability assays, and confocal scanning laser microscopy. All of these assays are single end-point assays, where biofilm formation is assessed at a specific time point. Here, we describe a protocol to study biofilm formation in real-time using an automated microfluidic device under laminar flow conditions. This method allows for the observation of biofilm formation as the biofilm develops over time, using customizable conditions that mimic those of the host, such as those encountered in vascular catheters. This protocol can be used to assess the biofilm defects of genetic mutants as well as the inhibitory effects of antimicrobial agents on biofilm development in real-time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced
| | - Craig L Ennis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced
| | - Diana L Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced;
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Behbehani J, Shreaz S, Irshad M, Karched M. The natural compound magnolol affects growth, biofilm formation, and ultrastructure of oral Candida isolates. Microb Pathog 2017; 113:209-217. [PMID: 29074435 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of oral candidosis has increased in recent years due to the escalation in HIV-infection, cancer treatments, organ transplantation, and diabetes. In addition, corticosteroid use, dentures, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use have also contributed to the problem. Treatment of oral candidosis has continued to be problematic because of the potential toxicity of antifungals in clinical use, and, above all, development of drug resistance among patients. In this study, the antifungal effect of magnolol was investigated against 64 strains of Candida spp. (four standard and 60 oral isolates) through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and growth curve assays. Insight into the mechanisms of the antifungal action has been gained through ultrastructural studies using confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Molecular docking was done for predicting the interactions of magnolol with ergosterol at supramolecular level. The toxicity of magnolol on human erythrocytes was measured by in vitro hemolytic assay. MIC values of magnolol ranged from 16-64 μg/ml, respectively. All tested isolates showed a marked sensitivity towards magnolol in growth curve assays. Biofilm results suggested that magnolol showed strong anti-biofilm activity. The results obtained for four different Candida spp. demonstrated that MBIC values of magnolol showed the average biofilm inhibition by 69.5%, respectively. CLSM experiments showed that cells exposed to magnolol (MIC) exhibited cell membrane disruption. SEM analysis of magnolol treated cells resulted in deformed cells. TEM micrographs showed rupturing of the cell wall and plasma membrane, releasing the intracellular content, and swelling of the cell wall. Hemolytic activity of magnolol is 11.9% at its highest MIC compared to an activity level of 25.4% shown by amphotericin B (Amp B) at 1 μg/ml. Lipinski's parameters calculated for magnolol suggested its good oral bioavailability. Docking studies indicated that magnolol might be interacting with ergosterol in the fungal cell membranes. Together, the present study provides enough evidence for further work on magnolol so that better strategies could be employed to treat oral candidosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Behbehani
- Department of Restorative Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat, 13110, Kuwait
| | - Sheikh Shreaz
- Department of Bioclinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat, 13110, Kuwait; Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P. O. Box 24885, 13109 Safat, Kuwait.
| | - Mohammad Irshad
- Department of Bioclinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat, 13110, Kuwait
| | - Maribassapa Karched
- Department of Bioclinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat, 13110, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Srivastava A, Sircaik S, Husain F, Thomas E, Ror S, Rastogi S, Alim D, Bapat P, Andes DR, Nobile CJ, Panwar SL. Distinct roles of the 7-transmembrane receptor protein Rta3 in regulating the asymmetric distribution of phosphatidylcholine across the plasma membrane and biofilm formation in Candida albicans. Cell Microbiol 2017; 19. [PMID: 28745020 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans exhibit several survival mechanisms to evade attack by antifungals and colonise host tissues. Rta3, a member of the Rta1-like family of lipid-translocating exporters has a 7-transmembrane domain topology, similar to the G-protein-coupled receptors and is unique to the fungal kingdom. Our findings point towards a role for the plasma membrane localised Rta3 in providing tolerance to miltefosine, an analogue of alkylphosphocholine, by maintaining mitochondrial energetics. Concurrent with miltefosine susceptibility, the rta3Δ/Δ strain displays increased inward translocation (flip) of fluorophore-labelled phosphatidylcholine (PC) across the plasma membrane attributed to enhanced PC-specific flippase activity. We also assign a novel role to Rta3 in the Bcr1-regulated pathway for in vivo biofilm development. Transcriptome analysis reveals that Rta3 regulates expression of Bcr1 target genes involved in cell surface properties, adhesion, and hyphal growth. We show that rta3Δ/Δ mutant is biofilm-defective in a rat venous catheter model of infection and that BCR1 overexpression rescues this defect, indicating that Bcr1 functions downstream of Rta3 to mediate biofilm formation in C. albicans. The identification of this novel Rta3-dependent regulatory network that governs biofilm formation and PC asymmetry across the plasma membrane will provide important insights into C. albicans pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archita Srivastava
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shabnam Sircaik
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Farha Husain
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Edwina Thomas
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shivani Ror
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sumit Rastogi
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Darakshan Alim
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Priyanka Bapat
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, California, USA.,Quantitative and System Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - Sneh L Panwar
- Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Candida albicans is among the most prevalent fungal species of the human microbiota and asymptomatically colonizes healthy individuals. However, it is also an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe, and often fatal, bloodstream infections. The medical impact of C. albicans typically depends on its ability to form biofilms, which are closely packed communities of cells that attach to surfaces, such as tissues and implanted medical devices. In this Review, we provide an overview of the processes involved in the formation of C. albicans biofilms and discuss the core transcriptional network that regulates biofilm development. We also consider some of the advantages that biofilms provide to C. albicans in comparison with planktonic growth and explore polymicrobial biofilms that are formed by C. albicans and certain bacterial species.
Collapse
|
45
|
Genetic analysis of the Candida albicans biofilm transcription factor network using simple and complex haploinsufficiency. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006948. [PMID: 28793308 PMCID: PMC5565191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation by Candida albicans is a key aspect of its pathobiology and is regulated by an integrated network of transcription factors (Bcr1, Brg1, Efg1, Ndt80, Rob1, and Tec1). To understand the details of how the transcription factors function together to regulate biofilm formation, we used a systematic genetic interaction approach based on generating all possible double heterozygous mutants of the network genes and quantitatively analyzing the genetic interactions between them. Overall, the network is highly susceptible to genetic perturbation with the six network heterozygous mutants all showing alterations in biofilm formation (haploinsufficiency). In addition, many double heterozygous mutants are as severely affected as homozygous deletions. As a result, the network shows properties of a highly interdependent ‘small-world’ network that is highly efficient but not robust. In addition, these genetic interaction data indicate that TEC1 represents a network component whose expression is highly sensitive to small perturbations in the function of other networks TFs. We have also found that expression of ROB1 is dependent on both auto-regulation and cooperative interactions with other network TFs. Finally, the heterozygous NDT80 deletion mutant is hyperfilamentous under both biofilm and hyphae-inducing conditions in a TEC1-dependent manner. Taken together, genetic interaction analysis of this network has provided new insights into the functions of individual TFs as well as into the role of the overall network topology in its function. Biofilm formation is part and parcel of the ability of Candida albicans, a normal component of the human gastrointestinal microbial community, to cause disease. Recent work by many investigators has provided detailed information regarding how C. albicans converts to the biofilm stage of growth. The vast majority of these studies have involved the study of strains lacking a single gene that affects biofilm formation. Using this genetic approach in combination with other genome-wide techniques, a network of transcription factors was identified that play a crucial role in regulating biofilm-related processes. Here, we have systematically generated and characterized strains with mutations in two biofilm network transcription factors in order to determine how these genes interact. This represents the first systematic quantitative genetic interaction study in C. albicans and, by combining our results with that of previous labs, provides a new level of detail regarding the integrated functions of these transcription factors. In addition, our data indicate that the biofilm transcription factor network is very sensitive to genetic perturbation and propose that this fragility is a function of its small-world topography which, in turn, promotes network efficiency at the expense of robustness.
Collapse
|