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Conte M, Eletto D, Pannetta M, Esposito R, Monti MC, Morretta E, Tessarz P, Morello S, Tosco A, Porta A. H3K56 acetylation affects Candida albicans morphology and secreted soluble factors interacting with the host. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2024; 1867:195048. [PMID: 38885737 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2024.195048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, epigenetics has been revealed as a mechanism able to modulate the expression of virulence traits in diverse pathogens, including Candida albicans. Indeed, epigenetic regulation can sense environmental changes, leading to the rapid and reversible modulation of gene expression with consequent adaptation to novel environments. How epigenetic changes can impact expression and signalling output, including events associated with mechanisms of morphological transition and virulence, is still poorly studied. Here, using nicotinamide as a sirtuin inhibitor, we explored how the accumulation of the H3K56 acetylation, the most prominent histone acetylation in C. albicans, might affect its interaction with the host. Our experiments demonstrate that H3K56 acetylation profoundly affects the production and/or secretion of soluble factors compromising actin remodelling and cytokine production. ChIP- and RNA-seq analyses highlighted a direct impact of H3K56 acetylation on genes related to phenotypic switching, biofilm formation and cell aggregation. Direct and indirect regulation also involves genes related to cell wall protein biosynthesis, β-glucan and mannan exposure, and hydrolytic secreted enzymes, supporting the hypothesis that the fluctuations of H3K56 acetylation in C. albicans might impair the macrophage response to the yeast and thus promote the host-immune escaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Conte
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Daniela Eletto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Martina Pannetta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Roberta Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Italy
| | - Elva Morretta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Peter Tessarz
- Max Planck Research Group "Chromatin and Ageing", Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, University of Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in ageing-associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany; Dept. Of Human Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Silvana Morello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Alessandra Tosco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Amalia Porta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy.
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Shen T, Tian B, Liu W, Yang X, Sheng Q, Li M, Wang H, Wang X, Zhou H, Han Y, Ding C, Sai S. Transdermal administration of farnesol-ethosomes enhances the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis induced by Candida albicans in mice. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0424723. [PMID: 38415658 PMCID: PMC10986551 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04247-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous candidiasis, caused by Candida albicans, is a severe and frustrating condition, and finding effective treatments can be challenging. Therefore, the development of farnesol-loaded nanoparticles is an exciting breakthrough. Ethosomes are a novel transdermal drug delivery carrier that incorporates a certain concentration (10-45%) of alcohols into lipid vesicles, resulting in improved permeability and encapsulation rates compared to conventional liposomes. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule involved in morphogenesis regulation in C. albicans, and these ethosomes offer a promising new approach to treating this common fungal infection. This study develops the formulation of farnesol-loaded ethosomes (farnesol-ethosomes) and assesses applications in treating cutaneous candidiasis induced by C. albicans in vitro and in vivo. Farnesol-ethosomes were successfully developed by ethanol injection method. Therapeutic properties of farnesol-ethosomes, such as particle size, zeta potential, and morphology, were well characterized. According to the results, farnesol-ethosomes demonstrated an increased inhibition effect on cells' growth and biofilm formation in C. albicans. In Animal infection models, treating farnesol-ethosomes by transdermal administration effectively relieved symptoms caused by cutaneous candidiasis and reduced fungal burdens in quantity. We also observed that ethosomes significantly enhanced drug delivery efficacy in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that farnesol-ethosomes can provide future promising roles in curing cutaneous candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Cutaneous candidiasis attributed to Candida infection is a prevalent condition that impacts individuals of all age groups. As a type of microbial community, biofilms confer benefits to host infections and mitigate the clinical effects of antifungal treatments. In C. albicans, the yeast-to-hypha transition and biofilm formation are effectively suppressed by farnesol through its modulation of multiple signaling pathway. However, the characteristics of farnesol such as hydrophobicity, volatility, degradability, and instability in various conditions can impose limitations on its effectiveness. Nanotechnology holds the potential to enhance the efficiency and utilization of this molecule. Treatment of farnesol-ethosomes by transdermal administration demonstrated a very remarkable therapeutic effect against C. albicans in infection model of cutaneous candidiasis in mice. Many patients suffering fungal skin infection will benefit from this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Baocheng Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuesong Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qi Sheng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Mengxin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xiuwen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Huihui Zhou
- Department of pathology, Affiliated Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yanchun Han
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Sixiang Sai
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Nickerson KW, Gutzmann DJ, Boone CHT, Pathirana RU, Atkin AL. Physiological adventures in Candida albicans: farnesol and ubiquinones. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0008122. [PMID: 38436263 PMCID: PMC10966945 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00081-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYFarnesol was first identified as a quorum-sensing molecule, which blocked the yeast to hyphal transition in Candida albicans, 22 years ago. However, its interactions with Candida biology are surprisingly complex. Exogenous (secreted or supplied) farnesol can also act as a virulence factor during pathogenesis and as a fungicidal agent triggering apoptosis in other competing fungi. Farnesol synthesis is turned off both during anaerobic growth and in opaque cells. Distinctly different cellular responses are observed as exogenous farnesol levels are increased from 0.1 to 100 µM. Reported changes include altered morphology, stress response, pathogenicity, antibiotic sensitivity/resistance, and even cell lysis. Throughout, there has been a dearth of mechanisms associated with these observations, in part due to the absence of accurate measurement of intracellular farnesol levels (Fi). This obstacle has recently been overcome, and the above phenomena can now be viewed in terms of changing Fi levels and the percentage of farnesol secreted. Critically, two aspects of isoprenoid metabolism present in higher organisms are absent in C. albicans and likely in other yeasts. These are pathways for farnesol salvage (converting farnesol to farnesyl pyrophosphate) and farnesylcysteine cleavage, a necessary step in the turnover of farnesylated proteins. Together, these developments suggest a unifying model, whereby high, threshold levels of Fi regulate which target proteins are farnesylated or the extent to which they are farnesylated. Thus, we suggest that the diversity of cellular responses to farnesol reflects the diversity of the proteins that are or are not farnesylated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel J. Gutzmann
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Cory H. T. Boone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ruvini U. Pathirana
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, USA
| | - Audrey L. Atkin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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Sharma K, Parmanu PK, Sharma M. Mechanisms of antifungal resistance and developments in alternative strategies to combat Candida albicans infection. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:95. [PMID: 38349529 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03824-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal fungus that infects the humans and becomes an opportunistic pathogen particularly in immuno-compromised patients. Among the Candida genus, yeast C. albicans is the most frequently incriminated species and is responsible for nearly 50-90% of human candidiasis, with vulvovaginal candidiasis alone, affecting about 75% of the women worldwide. One of the significant virulence traits in C. albicans is its tendency to alternate between the yeast and hyphae morphotypes, accounting for the development of multi-drug resistance in them. Thus, a thorough comprehension of the decision points and genes controlling this transition is necessary, to understand the pathogenicity of this, naturally occurring, pernicious fungus. Additionally, the formation of C. albicans biofilm is yet another pathogenesis trait and a paramount cause of invasive candidiasis. Since 1980 and in 90 s, wide spread use of immune-suppressing therapies and over prescription of fluconazole, a drug used to treat chronic fungal infections, triggered the emergence of novel anti-fungal drug development. Thus, this review thoroughly elucidates the diseases associated with C. albicans infection as well as the anti-fungal resistance mechanism associated with them and identifies the emerging therapeutic agents, along with a rigorous discussion regarding the future strategies that can possibly be adopted for the cure of this deleterious pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Sharma
- Molecular Genetics of Aging, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi (DU), Delhi, India
| | - Prashant Kumar Parmanu
- Molecular Genetics of Aging, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi (DU), Delhi, India
| | - Meenakshi Sharma
- Molecular Genetics of Aging, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi (DU), Delhi, India.
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Santos-Pascual R, Campoy I, Sanz Mata D, Martínez MJ, Prieto A, Barriuso J. Deciphering the molecular components of the quorum sensing system in the fungus Ophiostoma piceae. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0029023. [PMID: 37796004 PMCID: PMC10715110 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00290-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE This manuscript presents a comprehensive study on the molecular mechanisms triggered by the quorum sensing (QS) molecule farnesol in the biotechnologically relevant fungus Ophiostoma piceae. We present for the first time, using a multiomics approach, an in-depth analysis of the QS response in a saprotroph fungus, detailing the molecular components involved in the response and their possible mechanisms of action. We think that these results are particularly relevant in the knowledge of the functioning of the QS in eukaryotes, as well as for the exploitation of these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Santos-Pascual
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Campoy
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Sanz Mata
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Martínez
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Prieto
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Barriuso
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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6
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Gutzmann DJ, Kramer JJ, Toomey BM, Boone CHT, Atkin AL, Nickerson KW. Transcriptional regulation of the synthesis and secretion of farnesol in the fungus Candida albicans: examination of the Homann transcription regulator knockout collection. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad172. [PMID: 37522561 PMCID: PMC10542173 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an efficient colonizer of human gastrointestinal tracts and skin and is an opportunistic pathogen. C. albicans exhibits morphological plasticity, and the ability to switch between yeast and filamentous morphologies is associated with virulence. One regulator of this switch is the quorum sensing molecule farnesol that is produced by C. albicans throughout growth. However, the synthesis, secretion, regulation, and turnover of farnesol are not fully understood. To address this, we used our improved farnesol assay to screen a transcription regulator knockout library for differences in farnesol accumulation in whole cultures, pellets, and supernatants. All screened mutants produced farnesol and they averaged 9.2× more farnesol in the pellet than the supernatant. Nineteen mutants had significant differences with ten mutants producing more farnesol than their SN152+ wild-type control strain while nine produced less. Seven mutants exhibited greater secretion of farnesol while two exhibited less. We examined the time course for farnesol accumulation in six mutants with the greatest accumulation differences and found that those differences persisted throughout growth and they were not time dependent. Significantly, two high-accumulating mutants did not exhibit the decay in farnesol levels during stationary phase characteristic of wild-type C. albicans, suggesting that a farnesol modification/degradation mechanism is absent in these mutants. Identifying these transcriptional regulators provides new insight into farnesol's physiological functions regarding cell cycle progression, white-opaque switching, yeast-mycelial dimorphism, and response to cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Gutzmann
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Jaxon J Kramer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Brigid M Toomey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Cory H T Boone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Audrey L Atkin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Kenneth W Nickerson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
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Karine Marcomini E, Negri M. Fungal quorum-sensing molecules and antiseptics: a promising strategy for biofilm modulation? Drug Discov Today 2023:103624. [PMID: 37224996 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
New strategies to control fungal biofilms are essential, especially those that interfere in the biofilm organization process and cellular communication, known as quorum sensing. The effect of antiseptics and quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs) have been considered with regard to this; however, little has been elucidated, particularly because studies are often restricted to the action of antiseptics and QSMs against a few fungal genera. In this review, we discuss progress reported in the literature thus far and analyze, through in silico methods, 13 fungal QSMs with regard to their physicochemical, pharmacological, and toxicity properties, including their mutagenicity, tumorigenicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. From these in silico analyses, we highlight 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and tryptophol as having satisfactory properties and, thus, propose that these should be investigated further as antifungal agents. We also recommend future in vitro approaches to determine the association of QSMs with commonly used antiseptics as potential antibiofilm agents.
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8
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Mohammadi S, Leduc A, Charette SJ, Barbeau J, Vincent AT. Amino acid substitutions in specific proteins correlate with farnesol unresponsiveness in Candida albicans. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:93. [PMID: 36859182 PMCID: PMC9979538 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09174-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quorum-sensing molecule farnesol, in opportunistic yeast Candida albicans, modulates its dimorphic switch between yeast and hyphal forms, and biofilm formation. Although there is an increasing interest in farnesol as a potential antifungal drug, the molecular mechanism by which C. albicans responds to this molecule is still not fully understood. RESULTS A comparative genomic analysis between C. albicans strains that are naturally unresponsive to 30 µM of farnesol on TYE plates at 37 °C versus responsive strains uncovered new molecular determinants involved in the response to farnesol. While no signature gene was identified, amino acid changes in specific proteins were shown to correlate with the unresponsiveness to farnesol, particularly with substitutions in proteins known to be involved in the farnesol response. Although amino acid changes occur primarily in disordered regions of proteins, some amino acid changes were also found in known domains. Finally, the genomic investigation of intermediate-response strains showed that the non-response to farnesol occurs gradually following the successive accumulation of amino acid changes at specific positions. CONCLUSION It is known that large genomic changes, such as recombinations and gene flow (losses and gains), can cause major phenotypic changes in pathogens. However, it is still not well known or documented how more subtle changes, such as amino acid substitutions, play a role in the adaptation of pathogens. The present study shows that amino acid changes can modulate C. albicans yeast's response to farnesol. This study also improves our understanding of the network of proteins involved in the response to farnesol, and of the involvement of amino acid substitutions in cellular behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Mohammadi
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Département des sciences animales, Faculté des sciences de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation, Université Laval, Pavillon Paul-Comtois, 2425 rue de l’Agriculture, G1V 0A6 Quebec City, QC Canada ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Annie Leduc
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Département de stomatologie, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal City, QC Canada
| | - Steve J. Charette
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada ,grid.421142.00000 0000 8521 1798Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Quebec City, QC Canada ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Jean Barbeau
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Département de stomatologie, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal City, QC Canada
| | - Antony T. Vincent
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Département des sciences animales, Faculté des sciences de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation, Université Laval, Pavillon Paul-Comtois, 2425 rue de l’Agriculture, G1V 0A6 Quebec City, QC Canada ,grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
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Brenes LR, Johnson AD, Lohse MB. Farnesol and phosphorylation of the transcriptional regulator Efg1 affect Candida albicans white-opaque switching rates. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280233. [PMID: 36662710 PMCID: PMC9858334 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a normal member of the human microbiome and an opportunistic fungal pathogen. This species undergoes several morphological transitions, and here we consider white-opaque switching. In this switching program, C. albicans reversibly alternates between two cell types, named "white" and "opaque," each of which is normally stable across thousands of cell divisions. Although switching under most conditions is stochastic and rare, certain environmental signals or genetic manipulations can dramatically increase the rate of switching. Here, we report the identification of two new inputs which affect white-to-opaque switching rates. The first, exposure to sub-micromolar concentrations of (E,E)-farnesol, reduces white-to-opaque switching by ten-fold or more. The second input, an inferred PKA phosphorylation of residue T208 on the transcriptional regulator Efg1, increases white-to-opaque switching ten-fold. Combining these and other environmental inputs results in a variety of different switching rates, indicating that a given rate represents the integration of multiple inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R. Brenes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Alexander D. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew B. Lohse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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10
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Ibe C, Munro CA. Fungal Cell Wall Proteins and Signaling Pathways Form a Cytoprotective Network to Combat Stresses. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090739. [PMID: 34575777 PMCID: PMC8466366 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are part of the normal flora of humans, but once the immune system of the host is impaired and they escape from commensal niches, they shift from commensal to pathogen causing candidiasis. Candida albicans remains the primary cause of candidiasis, accounting for about 60% of the global candidiasis burden. The cell wall of C. albicans and related fungal pathogens forms the interface with the host, gives fungal cells their shape, and also provides protection against stresses. The cell wall is a dynamic organelle with great adaptive flexibility that allows remodeling, morphogenesis, and changes in its components in response to the environment. It is mainly composed of the inner polysaccharide rich layer (chitin, and β-glucan) and the outer protein coat (mannoproteins). The highly glycosylated protein coat mediates interactions between C. albicans cells and their environment, including reprograming of wall architecture in response to several conditions, such as carbon source, pH, high temperature, and morphogenesis. The mannoproteins are also associated with C. albicans adherence, drug resistance, and virulence. Vitally, the mannoproteins contribute to cell wall construction and especially cell wall remodeling when cells encounter physical and chemical stresses. This review describes the interconnected cell wall integrity (CWI) and stress-activated pathways (e.g., Hog1, Cek1, and Mkc1 mediated pathways) that regulates cell wall remodeling and the expression of some of the mannoproteins in C. albicans and other species. The mannoproteins of the surface coat is of great importance to pathogen survival, growth, and virulence, thus understanding their structure and function as well as regulatory mechanisms can pave the way for better management of candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuike Ibe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu 441107, Nigeria
- Correspondence:
| | - Carol A. Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK;
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Zou L, Mei Z, Guan T, Zhang B, Deng Q. Underlying mechanisms of the effect of minocycline against Candida albicans biofilms. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:413. [PMID: 33747154 PMCID: PMC7967842 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9857] [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: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Minocycline (MH) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, which has been widely used in the clinic due to its efficacy. Having the strongest anti-microbial effect, MH exceeded the traditional scope of antibiotics and its previously unknown antifungal activity is also gradually being discovered. To preliminarily investigate the inhibitory effect of MH on Candida albicans (C. albicans), changes of cell growth, hyphal formation and transition, biofilm production and signaling pathway gene expression of C. albicans in the presence of MH were assessed in the present study. An XTT reduction assay was performed to quantitatively detect the metabolic activity of biofilms and evaluate the inhibition of MH on this. The results suggested that biofilm formation was clearly inhibited by 67% (P<0.0001) in the presence of 250 µg/ml MH, while mature biofilms were not significantly affected. In addition, MH inhibited the transition from yeast to hypha in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that several hyphae- and adhesion-specific genes associated with the Ras/cyclic (c)AMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway were differentially expressed following MH treatment, including downregulation of ras family GTPase (RAS1), adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1), thiamin pyrophosphokinase 1 (TPK1), adenylate cyclase (CDC35), transcription factor (TEC1), agglutinin-like protein 3 (ALS3) and hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) and upregulation of EFG1 (enhanced filamentous growth protein 1 gene) and PDE2 (high-affinity phosphodiesterase gene). The most obviously changed genes were TPK1, HWP1 and RAS1, downregulated by 0.33-, 0.48- and 0.55-fold, respectively. It was suggested that MH is associated with alterations in the morphology of C. albicans, such as the repression of hypha and biofilm formation of cells, and MH affected the Ras/cAMP pathway to regulate the expression of cAMP-associated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Mei
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China.,Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Guan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
| | - Qun Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
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12
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Rodriguez DL, Quail MM, Hernday AD, Nobile CJ. Transcriptional Circuits Regulating Developmental Processes in Candida albicans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:605711. [PMID: 33425784 PMCID: PMC7793994 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.605711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal member of the human microbiota that colonizes multiple niches in the body including the skin, oral cavity, and gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of healthy individuals. It is also the most common human fungal pathogen isolated from patients in clinical settings. C. albicans can cause a number of superficial and invasive infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The ability of C. albicans to succeed as both a commensal and a pathogen, and to thrive in a wide range of environmental niches within the host, requires sophisticated transcriptional regulatory programs that can integrate and respond to host specific environmental signals. Identifying and characterizing the transcriptional regulatory networks that control important developmental processes in C. albicans will shed new light on the strategies used by C. albicans to colonize and infect its host. Here, we discuss the transcriptional regulatory circuits controlling three major developmental processes in C. albicans: biofilm formation, the white-opaque phenotypic switch, and the commensal-pathogen transition. Each of these three circuits are tightly knit and, through our analyses, we show that they are integrated together by extensive regulatory crosstalk between the core regulators that comprise each circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana L. Rodriguez
- 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
| | - Morgan M. Quail
- 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
| | - Aaron D. Hernday
- 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
| | - 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
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13
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Tits J, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Combination Therapy to Treat Fungal Biofilm-Based Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228873. [PMID: 33238622 PMCID: PMC7700406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of people is affected by fungal biofilm-based infections, which are resistant to the majority of currently-used antifungal drugs. Such infections are often caused by species from the genera Candida, Aspergillus or Cryptococcus. Only a few antifungal drugs, including echinocandins and liposomal formulations of amphotericin B, are available to treat such biofilm-based fungal infections. This review discusses combination therapy as a novel antibiofilm strategy. More specifically, in vitro methods to discover new antibiofilm combinations will be discussed. Furthermore, an overview of the main modes of action of promising antibiofilm combination treatments will be provided as this knowledge may facilitate the optimization of existing antibiofilm combinations or the development of new ones with a similar mode of action.
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14
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Wang X, He H, Liu J, Xie S, Han J. Inhibiting roles of farnesol and HOG in morphological switching of Candida albicans. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:6988-7001. [PMID: 33312346 PMCID: PMC7724324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans, especially in the oral cavity it involves in precancerous lesions. Numerous transcriptional regulators and hypha-specific genes involved in the morphogenesis mechanisms have been identified. Its virulence is predominantly attributed to the potentiality of morphological switching from yeast and pseudohyphae to hyphal growth. Giving attention in farnesol for prevention or intervention of its virulence sense and possible etiologic role in some uncovered premalignant diseases, in addition, to be a quorum-sensing signal molecule and relationship with HOG pathway, although its morphological switching inhibiting function has attracted high attention and got great progress in being elucidated, their exact mode of action is not completely understood. This report provides a review of characteristic aspects of farnesol signaling and HOG pathway during hyphal development. It also includes other associated pathways, molecules, and novel drug development based on the latest researches over the last decade. Furthermore, farnesol as immunomodulatory to host is an important inferring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine395 Yan’an Road, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong He
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine395 Yan’an Road, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou 310020, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiamei Liu
- Zhejiang HospitalHangzhou 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shangfeng Xie
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine395 Yan’an Road, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianxin Han
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
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15
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Li J, Zhao X. Effects of quorum sensing on the biofilm formation and viable but non-culturable state. Food Res Int 2020; 137:109742. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Felice MR, Giuffrè L, El Aamri L, Hafidi M, Criseo G, Romeo O, Scordino F. Looking for New Antifungal Drugs from Flavonoids: Impact of the Genetic Diversity of Candida albicans on the in-vitro Response. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:5108-5123. [PMID: 29278204 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666171226102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an era in which antimicrobial resistance is increasing at an alarming pace, it is very important to find new antimicrobial agents effective against pathogenic microrganisms resistant to traditional treatments. Among the notable breakthroughs in the past years of research in natural-drug discovery, there is the identification and testing of flavonoids, a group of plant-derived substances capable of promoting many beneficial effects on humans. These compounds show different biological activities such as inhibition of neuroinflammation and tumor growth as well as antimicrobial activity against many microbial pathogens. METHODS We undertook a review of protocols and standard strains used in studies reporting the inhibitory effects of flavonoids against Candida albicans by focusing our attention on genetic characterization of the strains examined. Moreover, using the C. albicans MLST-database, we performed a phylogenetic analysis showing the genetic variation occurring in this species. RESULTS Today, we have enough information to estimate genetic diversity within microbial species and recent data revealed that most of fungal pathogens show complex population structures in which not a single isolate can be designated as representative of the entire taxon. This is especially true for the highly divergent fungal pathogen C. albicans, in which the assumption that one or few "standard strains" can represent the whole species is overly unrealistic and should be laid to rest. CONCLUSION The goal of this article is to shed light on the extent of genetic variation in C. albicans and how this phenomenon can largely influence the activity of flavonoids against this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Felice
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Letterio Giuffrè
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Division of Animal Production, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Lamya El Aamri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Biology, Moulay Ismail University, Faculty of Sciences, Zitoune Meknes, Morocco
| | - Majida Hafidi
- Department of Biology, Moulay Ismail University, Faculty of Sciences, Zitoune Meknes, Morocco
| | - Giuseppe Criseo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) - Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | - Fabio Scordino
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) - Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
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17
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Mehmood A, Liu G, Wang X, Meng G, Wang C, Liu Y. Fungal Quorum-Sensing Molecules and Inhibitors with Potential Antifungal Activity: A Review. Molecules 2019; 24:E1950. [PMID: 31117232 PMCID: PMC6571750 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of persisting independent and isolated regarding microorganisms is no longer accepted. To survive and reproduce they have developed several communication platforms within the cells which facilitates them to adapt the surrounding environmental changes. This cell-to-cell communication is termed as quorum sensing; it relies upon the cell density and can stimulate several traits of microbes including biofilm formation, competence, and virulence factors secretion. Initially, this sophisticated mode of communication was discovered in bacteria; later, it was also confirmed in eukaryotes (fungi). As a consequence, many quorum-sensing molecules and inhibitors have been identified and characterized in various fungal species. In this review article, we will primarily focus on fungal quorum-sensing molecules and the production of inhibitors from fungal species with potential applications for combating fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad Mehmood
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Guorong Liu
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Guannan Meng
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Chengtao Wang
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Ya Liu
- R&D Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., Kunming 650202, China.
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18
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Roles of the Transcription Factors Sfl2 and Efg1 in White-Opaque Switching in a/α Strains of Candida albicans. mSphere 2019; 4:4/2/e00703-18. [PMID: 30996111 PMCID: PMC6470211 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00703-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans remains the most pervasive fungal pathogen colonizing humans. The majority of isolates from hosts are heterozygous at the mating type locus (MTL a/α), and a third of these have recently been shown to be capable of switching to the opaque phenotype. Here we have investigated the roles of two transcription factors (TFs) Sfl2 and Efg1, in repressing switching in a/α strains. Deleting either gene results in the capacity of a/α cells to switch to opaque en masse under facilitating environmental conditions, which include N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) as the carbon source, physiological temperature (37°C), and high CO2 (5%). These conditions are similar to those in the host. Our results further reveal that while glucose is a repressor of sfl2Δ and efg1Δ switching, GlcNAc is an inducer. Finally, we show that when GlcNAc is the carbon source, and the temperature is low (25°C), the efg1Δ mutants, but not the sfl2Δ mutants, form a tiny, elongate cell, which differentiates into an opaque cell when transferred to conditions optimal for a/α switching. These results demonstrate that at least two TFs, Sfl2 and Efg1, repress switching in a/α cells and that a/α strains with either an sfl2Δ or efg1Δ mutation can switch en masse but only under physiological conditions. The role of opaque a/α cells in commensalism and pathogenesis must, therefore, be investigated.IMPORTANCE More than 95% of Candida albicans strains isolated from humans are MTL a/α, and approximately a third of these can undergo the white-to-opaque transition. Therefore, besides being a requirement for MTL-homozygous strains to mate, the opaque phenotype very likely plays a role in the commensalism and pathogenesis of nonmating, a/α populations colonizing humans.
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19
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Grainha TRR, Jorge PADS, Pérez-Pérez M, Pérez Rodríguez G, Pereira MOBO, Lourenço AMG. Exploring anti-quorum sensing and anti-virulence based strategies to fight Candida albicans infections: an in silico approach. FEMS Yeast Res 2019. [PMID: 29518242 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex virulence attributes of Candida albicans are an attractive target to exploit in the development of new antifungals and anti-virulence strategies to combat C. albicans infections. Particularly, quorum sensing (QS) has been reported as critical for virulence regulation in C. albicans. This work presents two knowledge networks with up-to-date information about QS regulation and experimentally tested anti-QS and anti-virulence agents for C. albicans. A semi-automatic bioinformatics workflow that combines literature mining and expert curation was used to retrieve otherwise scattered information from the scientific literature. The network representation offers an innovative and continuously updatable means for the Candida research community to query QS and virulence data systematically and in a user-friendly way. Notably, the reconstructed networks show the complexity of QS regulation and the impact that some molecules have on the inhibition of virulence mechanisms responsible for infection establishment (e.g. hyphal development) and perseverance (e.g. biofilm formation). In the future, the compiled knowledge may be used to build decision-making models that help infer new knowledge of practical significance. The knowledge networks are publicly available at http://pcquorum.org/. This Web platform enables the exploration of fungal virulence cues as well as reported inhibitors in a user-friendly fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Raquel Rodrigues Grainha
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Paula Alexandra da Silva Jorge
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Martín Pérez-Pérez
- ESEI-Department of Computer Science, University of Vigo, Edificio Politecnico, s/n Campus As Lagoas, 32004 Ourense, Spain.,CINBIO-Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Gael Pérez Rodríguez
- ESEI-Department of Computer Science, University of Vigo, Edificio Politecnico, s/n Campus As Lagoas, 32004 Ourense, Spain.,CINBIO-Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Maria Olívia Baptista Oliveira Pereira
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Anália Maria Garcia Lourenço
- ESEI-Department of Computer Science, University of Vigo, Edificio Politecnico, s/n Campus As Lagoas, 32004 Ourense, Spain.,CINBIO-Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Vigo, Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain.,Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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20
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Kim H, Hwang JY, Chung B, Cho E, Bae S, Shin J, Oh KB. 2-Alkyl-4-hydroxyquinolines from a Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp. Inhibit Hyphal Growth Induction in Candida albicans. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17020133. [PMID: 30813382 PMCID: PMC6410270 DOI: 10.3390/md17020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Four 2-alkyl-4-hydroxyquinoline derivatives (1⁻4) were isolated from a semisolid rice culture of the marine-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp. MBTG13. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic methods, and their data were in good agreement with previous reports. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited weak to moderate antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria. Unexpectedly, we found that compound 1 acted as a potent inhibitor of hyphal growth induction in the dimorphic fungus Candida albicans, with an IC50 value of 11.4 μg/mL. Growth experiments showed that this compound did not inhibit yeast cell growth, but inhibited hyphal growth induction. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis of hyphal-inducing signaling pathway components indicated that compound 1 inhibited the expression of mRNAs related to the cAMP-Efg1 pathway. The expression of HWP1 and ALS3 mRNAs (hypha-specific genes positively regulated by Efg1, an important regulator of cell wall dynamics) was significantly inhibited by the addition of compound 1. These results indicate that compound 1 acts on the Efg1-mediated cAMP pathway and regulates hyphal growth in Candida albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heegyu Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Ji-Yeon Hwang
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Beomkoo Chung
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Eunji Cho
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Suhyun Bae
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Jongheon Shin
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Ki-Bong Oh
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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21
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Lu JJ, Lo HJ, Wu YM, Chang JY, Chen YZ, Wang SH. DST659 genotype of Candida albicans showing positive association between biofilm formation and dominance in Taiwan. Med Mycol 2019; 56:972-978. [PMID: 29325080 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on multiple locus sequence typing, we previously found that DST659 and DST693 were dominant genotypes of Candida albicans among the bloodstream isolates at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou. Biofilm-forming activity, which is critical for C. albicans virulence, probably contributed to the dominance of antifungal sensitive isolates in hospital. Both in vitro membrane weighting and in vivo zebrafish egg infection assays were used to evaluate the biofilm-forming activity of DST659 and DST693 genotypes. Medical records of the patients infected by these two genotypes were retrospectively reviewed. High biofilm-forming activity of DST659 isolates was demonstrated in vitro and further proved with the zebrafish egg infection model, which showed a positive correlation between the biofilm-forming extent on chorion and the in vitro biofilm activity. Moreover, significantly less embryos survived when infected with DST659 isolates than those with DST693 (1.25% vs. 11.43%), and the high-biofilm subset of DST659 showed a greater reduction in survival of embryos at 48 h post-infection than the low-biofilm subset (0 vs. 1.92%). Patients infected with DST659 seemed to survive slightly worse than those infected with DST693, although the difference was insignificant. It is noteworthy that DST659-infected patients were associated with a higher incidence in renal insufficiency as compared to those with DST693, the low biofilm genotype. We suggest that a strong biofilm activity of DST659 contributed to a high mortality rate in zebrafish hosts and poor renal function in patients, as well as gaining the dominance in the northern Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang-Jih Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Jung Lo
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan.,School of Dentistry, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Mu Wu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Yuan Chang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceuticals, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Zhi Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hung Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceuticals, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
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22
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Barriuso J, Hogan DA, Keshavarz T, Martínez MJ. Role of quorum sensing and chemical communication in fungal biotechnology and pathogenesis. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 42:627-638. [PMID: 29788231 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial cells do not live in isolation in their environment, but rather they communicate with each other using chemical signals. This sophisticated mode of cell-to-cell signalling, known as quorum sensing, was first discovered in bacteria, and coordinates the behaviour of microbial population behaviour in a cell-density-dependent manner. More recently, these mechanisms have been described in eukaryotes, particularly in fungi, where they regulate processes such as pathogenesis, morphological differentiation, secondary metabolite production and biofilm formation. In this manuscript, we review the information available to date on these processes in yeast, dimorphic fungi and filamentous fungi. We analyse the diverse chemical 'languages' used by different groups of fungi, their possible cross-talk and interkingdom interactions with other organisms. We discuss the existence of these mechanisms in multicellular organisms, the ecophysiological role of QS in fungal colonisation and the potential applications of these mechanisms in biotechnology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Barriuso
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Deborah A Hogan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Tajalli Keshavarz
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - María Jesús Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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23
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Egbe NE, Dornelles TO, Paget CM, Castelli LM, Ashe MP. Farnesol inhibits translation to limit growth and filamentation in C. albicans and S. cerevisiae. MICROBIAL CELL 2017; 4:294-304. [PMID: 28913344 PMCID: PMC5597792 DOI: 10.15698/mic2017.09.589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a polymorphic yeast where the capacity to switch between yeast and filamentous growth is critical for pathogenicity. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing sesquiterpene alcohol that, via regulation of specific signalling and transcription components, inhibits filamentous growth in Candida albicans. Here we show that farnesol also inhibits translation at the initiation step in both Candida albicans and S. cerevisiae. In contrast to fusel alcohols, that target the eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B), farnesol affects the interaction of the mRNA with the small ribosomal subunit leading to reduced levels of the 48S preinitiation ribosomal complex in S. cerevisiae. Therefore, farnesol targets a different step in the translation pathway than fusel alcohols to elicit a completely opposite physiological outcome by negating filamentous growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkechi E Egbe
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Rd., Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom.,Current address: Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Tawni O Dornelles
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Rd., Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline M Paget
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Rd., Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia M Castelli
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Rd., Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom.,Current address: Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark P Ashe
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Rd., Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
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24
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Jenull S, Tscherner M, Gulati M, Nobile CJ, Chauhan N, Kuchler K. The Candida albicans HIR histone chaperone regulates the yeast-to-hyphae transition by controlling the sensitivity to morphogenesis signals. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8308. [PMID: 28814742 PMCID: PMC5559454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphological plasticity such as the yeast-to-hyphae transition is a key virulence factor of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Hyphal formation is controlled by a multilayer regulatory network composed of environmental sensing, signaling, transcriptional modulators as well as chromatin modifications. Here, we demonstrate a novel role for the replication-independent HIR histone chaperone complex in fungal morphogenesis. HIR operates as a crucial modulator of hyphal development, since genetic ablation of the HIR complex subunit Hir1 decreases sensitivity to morphogenetic stimuli. Strikingly, HIR1-deficient cells display altered transcriptional amplitudes upon hyphal initiation, suggesting that Hir1 affects transcription by establishing transcriptional thresholds required for driving morphogenetic cell-fate decisions. Furthermore, ectopic expression of the transcription factor Ume6, which facilitates hyphal maintenance, rescues filamentation defects of hir1Δ/Δ cells, suggesting that Hir1 impacts the early phase of hyphal initiation. Hence, chromatin chaperone-mediated fine-tuning of transcription is crucial for driving morphogenetic conversions in the fungal pathogen C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Jenull
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr.-Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Tscherner
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr.-Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr.-Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030, Vienna, Austria.
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Polke M, Leonhardt I, Kurzai O, Jacobsen ID. Farnesol signalling in Candida albicans – more than just communication. Crit Rev Microbiol 2017; 44:230-243. [DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2017.1337711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ines Leonhardt
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D. Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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González B, Mas A, Beltran G, Cullen PJ, Torija MJ. Role of Mitochondrial Retrograde Pathway in Regulating Ethanol-Inducible Filamentous Growth in Yeast. Front Physiol 2017; 8:148. [PMID: 28424625 PMCID: PMC5372830 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In yeast, ethanol is produced as a by-product of fermentation through glycolysis. Ethanol also stimulates a developmental foraging response called filamentous growth and is thought to act as a quorum-sensing molecule. Ethanol-inducible filamentous growth was examined in a small collection of wine/European strains, which validated ethanol as an inducer of filamentous growth. Wine strains also showed variability in their filamentation responses, which illustrates the striking phenotypic differences that can occur among individuals. Ethanol-inducible filamentous growth in Σ1278b strains was independent of several of the major filamentation regulatory pathways [including fMAPK, RAS-cAMP, Snf1, Rpd3(L), and Rim101] but required the mitochondrial retrograde (RTG) pathway, an inter-organellar signaling pathway that controls the nuclear response to defects in mitochondrial function. The RTG pathway regulated ethanol-dependent filamentous growth by maintaining flux through the TCA cycle. The ethanol-dependent invasive growth response required the polarisome and transcriptional induction of the cell adhesion molecule Flo11p. Our results validate established stimuli that trigger filamentous growth and show how stimuli can trigger highly specific responses among individuals. Our results also connect an inter-organellar pathway to a quorum sensing response in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz González
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragona, Spain
| | - Albert Mas
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragona, Spain
| | - Gemma Beltran
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragona, Spain
| | - Paul J Cullen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY, USA
| | - María Jesús Torija
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragona, Spain
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Wang F, Liu Z, Zhang D, Niu X. In vitro activity of farnesol against vaginal Lactobacillus spp. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2017; 212:25-29. [PMID: 28329720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Farnesol, a quorum-sensing molecule in Candida albicans, can affect the growth of certain microorganisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of farnesol against vaginal Lactobacillus spp., which play a crucial role in the maintenance of vaginal health. METHODS Growth and metabolic viability of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. incubated with different concentrations of farnesol were determined by measuring the optical density of the cultures and with the MTT assay. Morphology of the farnesol-treated cells was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. In vitro adherence of vaginal Lactobacillus cells treated with farnesol was determined by co-incubating with vaginal epithelial cells (VECs). RESULTS The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of farnesol for vaginal Lactobacillus spp. was 1500μM. No morphological changes were observed when the farnesol-treated Lactobacillus cells were compared with farnesol-free cells, and 100μM farnesol would reduce the adherence of vaginal Lactobacillus to VECs. CONCLUSION Farnesol acted as a potential antimicrobial agent, had little impact on the growth, metabolism, and cytomorphology of the vaginal Lactobacillus spp.; however, it affected their adhering capacity to VECs. The safety of farnesol as an adjuvant for antimicrobial agents during the treatment of vaginitis needs to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
| | - Dai Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Xiaoxi Niu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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28
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Quorum sensing by farnesol revisited. Curr Genet 2017; 63:791-797. [DOI: 10.1007/s00294-017-0683-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse D. Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Nickerson KW, Atkin AL. Deciphering fungal dimorphism: Farnesol's unanswered questions. Mol Microbiol 2017; 103:567-575. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W. Nickerson
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Nebraska; Lincoln NE 68588 0666 USA
| | - Audrey L. Atkin
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Nebraska; Lincoln NE 68588 0666 USA
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Hirota K, Yumoto H, Sapaar B, Matsuo T, Ichikawa T, Miyake Y. Pathogenic factors in Candida biofilm-related infectious diseases. J Appl Microbiol 2016; 122:321-330. [PMID: 27770500 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commonly found member of the human microflora and is a major human opportunistic fungal pathogen. A perturbation of the microbiome can lead to infectious diseases caused by various micro-organisms, including C. albicans. Moreover, the interactions between C. albicans and bacteria are considered to play critical roles in human health. The major biological feature of C. albicans, which impacts human health, resides in its ability to form biofilms. In particular, the extracellular matrix (ECM) of Candida biofilm plays a multifaceted role and therefore may be considered as a highly attractive target to combat biofilm-related infectious diseases. In addition, extracellular DNA (eDNA) also plays a crucial role in Candida biofilm formation and its structural integrity and induces the morphological transition from yeast to the hyphal growth form during C. albicans biofilm development. This review focuses on pathogenic factors such as eDNA in Candida biofilm formation and its ECM production and provides meaningful information for future studies to develop a novel strategy to battle infectious diseases elicited by Candida-formed biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hirota
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - H Yumoto
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - B Sapaar
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - T Matsuo
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - T Ichikawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Y Miyake
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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32
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Phenotypic Profiling Reveals that Candida albicans Opaque Cells Represent a Metabolically Specialized Cell State Compared to Default White Cells. mBio 2016; 7:mBio.01269-16. [PMID: 27879329 PMCID: PMC5120136 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01269-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The white-opaque switch is a bistable, epigenetic transition affecting multiple traits in Candida albicans including mating, immunogenicity, and niche specificity. To compare how the two cell states respond to external cues, we examined the fitness, phenotypic switching, and filamentation properties of white cells and opaque cells under 1,440 different conditions at 25°C and 37°C. We demonstrate that white and opaque cells display striking differences in their integration of metabolic and thermal cues, so that the two states exhibit optimal fitness under distinct conditions. White cells were fitter than opaque cells under a wide range of environmental conditions, including growth at various pHs and in the presence of chemical stresses or antifungal drugs. This difference was exacerbated at 37°C, consistent with white cells being the default state of C. albicans in the mammalian host. In contrast, opaque cells showed greater fitness than white cells under select nutritional conditions, including growth on diverse peptides at 25°C. We further demonstrate that filamentation is significantly rewired between the two states, with white and opaque cells undergoing filamentous growth in response to distinct external cues. Genetic analysis was used to identify signaling pathways impacting the white-opaque transition both in vitro and in a murine model of commensal colonization, and three sugar sensing pathways are revealed as regulators of the switch. Together, these findings establish that white and opaque cells are programmed for differential integration of metabolic and thermal cues and that opaque cells represent a more metabolically specialized cell state than the default white state. IMPORTANCE Epigenetic transitions are an important mechanism by which microbes adapt to external stimuli. For Candida albicans, such transitions are crucial for adaptation to complex, fluctuating environments, and therefore contribute to its success as a human pathogen. The white-opaque switch modulates multiple C. albicans attributes, from sexual competency to niche specificity. Here, we demonstrate that metabolic circuits are extensively rewired between white and opaque states, so that the two cell types exhibit optimal fitness under different nutritional conditions and at different temperatures. We thereby establish that epigenetic events can profoundly alter the metabolism of fungal cells. We also demonstrate that epigenetic switching regulates filamentation and biofilm formation, two phenotypes closely associated with pathogenesis. These experiments reveal that white cells, considered the most clinically relevant form of C. albicans, are a "general-purpose" state suited to many environments, whereas opaque cells appear to represent a more metabolically specialized form of the species.
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Polke M, Sprenger M, Scherlach K, Albán-Proaño MC, Martin R, Hertweck C, Hube B, Jacobsen ID. A functional link between hyphal maintenance and quorum sensing in Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2016; 103:595-617. [PMID: 27623739 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Morphogenesis in Candida albicans requires hyphal initiation and maintenance, and both processes are regulated by the fungal quorum sensing molecule (QSM) farnesol. We show that deletion of C. albicans EED1, which is crucial for hyphal extension and maintenance, led to a dramatically increased sensitivity to farnesol, and thus identified the first mutant hypersensitive to farnesol. Furthermore, farnesol decreased the transient filamentation of an eed1Δ strain without inducing cell death, indicating that two separate mechanisms mediate quorum sensing and cell lysis by farnesol. To analyze the cause of farnesol hypersensitivity we constructed either hyperactive or deletion mutants of factors involved in farnesol signaling, by introducing the hyperactive RAS1G13V or pADH1-CYR1CAT allele, or deleting CZF1 or NRG1 respectively. Neither of the constructs nor the exogenous addition of dB-cAMP was able to rescue the farnesol hypersensitivity, highlighting that farnesol mediates its effects not only via the cAMP pathway. Interestingly, the eed1Δ strain also displayed increased farnesol production. When eed1Δ was grown under continuous medium flow conditions, to remove accumulating QSMs from the supernatant, maintenance of eed1Δ filamentation, although not restored, was significantly prolonged, indicating a link between farnesol sensitivity, production, and the hyphal maintenance-defect in the eed1Δ mutant strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marcel Sprenger
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Kirstin Scherlach
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - María Cristina Albán-Proaño
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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The Candida albicans fimbrin Sac6 regulates oxidative stress response (OSR) and morphogenesis at the transcriptional level. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:2255-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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35
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Xu N, Dong YJ, Yu QL, Zhang B, Zhang M, Jia C, Chen YL, Zhang B, Xing LJ, Li MC. Convergent Regulation of Candida albicans Aft2 and Czf1 in Invasive and Opaque Filamentation. J Cell Biochem 2016; 116:1908-18. [PMID: 25716417 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen of mucosal infections and invasive diseases in immuno-compromised humans. The abilities of yeast-hyphal growth and white-opaque switching affect C. albicans physiology and virulence. Here, we showed that C. albicans Aft2 regulator was required for embedded filamentous growth and opaque cell-type formation. Under low-temperature matrix embedded conditions, Aft2 functioned downstream of Czf1-mediated pathway and was required for invasive filamentation. Moreover, deletion of AFT2 significantly reduced opaque cell-type formation under N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) inducing conditions. Ectopic expression of CZF1 slightly increased the white-opaque switching frequency in the aft2Δ/Δ mutant, but did not completely restore to wild-type levels, suggesting that Czf1 at least partially bypassed the essential requirement for Aft2 in response to opaque-inducing cues. In addition, multiple environmental cues altered AFT2 mRNA and protein levels, such as low temperature, physical environment and GlcNAc. Although the absence of Czf1 or Efg1 also increased the expression level of AFT2 gene, deletion of CZF1 remarkably reduced the stability of Aft2 protein. Furthermore, C. albicans Aft2 physically interacted with Czf1 under all tested conditions, whereas the interaction between Aft2 and Efg1 was barely detectable under embedded conditions, supporting the hypothesis that Aft2, together with Czf1, contributed to activate filamentous growth by antagonizing Efg1-mediated repression under matrix-embedded conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.,Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Yi-Jie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qi-Lin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Chang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yu-Lu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Lai-Jun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ming-Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology for Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
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Saraswat D, Kumar R, Pande T, Edgerton M, Cullen PJ. Signalling mucin Msb2 Regulates adaptation to thermal stress in Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2016; 100:425-41. [PMID: 26749104 PMCID: PMC4955288 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Temperature is a potent inducer of fungal dimorphism. Multiple signalling pathways control the response to growth at high temperature, but the sensors that regulate these pathways are poorly defined. We show here that the signalling mucin Msb2 is a global regulator of temperature stress in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Msb2 was required for survival and hyphae formation at 42°C. The cytoplasmic signalling domain of Msb2 regulated temperature-dependent activation of the CEK mitogen activated proteins kinase (MAPK) pathway. The extracellular glycosylated domain of Msb2 (100-900 amino acid residues) had a new and unexpected role in regulating the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. Msb2 also regulated temperature-dependent induction of genes encoding regulators and targets of the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is a protein quality control (QC) pathway in the endoplasmic reticulum that controls protein folding/degradation in response to high temperature and other stresses. The heat shock protein and cell wall component Ssa1 was also required for hyphae formation and survival at 42°C and regulated the CEK and PKC pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darpan Saraswat
- Department of Oral Biology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260-1300, USA
| | - Rohitashw Kumar
- Department of Oral Biology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260-1300, USA
| | - Tanaya Pande
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260-1300, USA
| | - Mira Edgerton
- Department of Oral Biology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260-1300, USA
| | - Paul J. Cullen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260-1300, USA
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37
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Fernandes RA, Monteiro DR, Arias LS, Fernandes GL, Delbem ACB, Barbosa DB. Biofilm formation by Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans in the presence of farnesol: a quantitative evaluation. BIOFOULING 2016; 32:329-338. [PMID: 26905659 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2016.1144053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the QS molecule farnesol on single and mixed species biofilms formed by Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The anti-biofilm effect of farnesol was assessed through total biomass quantification, counting of colony forming units (CFUs) and evaluation of metabolic activity. Biofilms were also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that farnesol reduced the formation of single and mixed biofilms, with significant reductions of 37% to 90% and 64% to 96%, respectively, for total biomass and metabolic activity. Regarding cell viability, farnesol treatment promoted significant log reductions in the number of CFUs, ie 1.3-4.2 log10 and 0.67-5.32 log10, respectively, for single and mixed species biofilms. SEM images confirmed these results, showing decreases in the number of cells in all biofilms. In conclusion, these findings highlight the role of farnesol as an alternative agent with the potential to reduce the formation of pathogenic biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Aparecido Fernandes
- a Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health , Aracatuba Dental School , UNESP , Araçatuba/São Paulo , Brazil
- b Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics , Aracatuba Dental School , UNESP , Araçatuba/São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Douglas Roberto Monteiro
- a Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health , Aracatuba Dental School , UNESP , Araçatuba/São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Laís Salomão Arias
- a Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health , Aracatuba Dental School , UNESP , Araçatuba/São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Gabriela Lopes Fernandes
- a Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health , Aracatuba Dental School , UNESP , Araçatuba/São Paulo , Brazil
- b Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics , Aracatuba Dental School , UNESP , Araçatuba/São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Alberto Carlos Botazzo Delbem
- a Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health , Aracatuba Dental School , UNESP , Araçatuba/São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Debora Barros Barbosa
- b Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics , Aracatuba Dental School , UNESP , Araçatuba/São Paulo , Brazil
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Abstract
Only few Candida species, e.g., Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida parapsilosis, are successful colonizers of a human host. Under certain circumstances these species can cause infections ranging from superficial to life-threatening disseminated candidiasis. The success of C. albicans, the most prevalent and best studied Candida species, as both commensal and human pathogen depends on its genetic, biochemical, and morphological flexibility which facilitates adaptation to a wide range of host niches. In addition, formation of biofilms provides additional protection from adverse environmental conditions. Furthermore, in many host niches Candida cells coexist with members of the human microbiome. The resulting fungal-bacterial interactions have a major influence on the success of C. albicans as commensal and also influence disease development and outcome. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge of important survival strategies of Candida spp., focusing on fundamental fitness and virulence traits of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany; Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany; Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany; Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
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39
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Quercetin sensitizes fluconazole-resistant candida albicans to induce apoptotic cell death by modulating quorum sensing. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:2153-68. [PMID: 25645848 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03599-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) regulates group behaviors of Candida albicans such as biofilm, hyphal growth, and virulence factors. The sesquiterpene alcohol farnesol, a QS molecule produced by C. albicans, is known to regulate the expression of virulence weapons of this fungus. Fluconazole (FCZ) is a broad-spectrum antifungal drug that is used for the treatment of C. albicans infections. While FCZ can be cytotoxic at high concentrations, our results show that at much lower concentrations, quercetin (QC), a dietary flavonoid isolated from an edible lichen (Usnea longissima), can be implemented as a sensitizing agent for FCZ-resistant C. albicans NBC099, enhancing the efficacy of FCZ. QC enhanced FCZ-mediated cell killing of NBC099 and also induced cell death. These experiments indicated that the combined application of both drugs was FCZ dose dependent rather than QC dose dependent. In addition, we found that QC strongly suppressed the production of virulence weapons-biofilm formation, hyphal development, phospholipase, proteinase, esterase, and hemolytic activity. Treatment with QC also increased FCZ-mediated cell death in NBC099 biofilms. Interestingly, we also found that QC enhances the anticandidal activity of FCZ by inducing apoptotic cell death. We have also established that this sensitization is reliant on the farnesol response generated by QC. Molecular docking studies also support this conclusion and suggest that QC can form hydrogen bonds with Gln969, Thr1105, Ser1108, Arg1109, Asn1110, and Gly1061 in the ATP binding pocket of adenylate cyclase. Thus, this QS-mediated combined sensitizer (QC)-anticandidal agent (FCZ) strategy may be a novel way to enhance the efficacy of FCZ-based therapy of C. albicans infections.
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Léger T, Garcia C, Ounissi M, Lelandais G, Camadro JM. The metacaspase (Mca1p) has a dual role in farnesol-induced apoptosis in Candida albicans. Mol Cell Proteomics 2014; 14:93-108. [PMID: 25348831 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m114.041210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Manipulating the apoptotic response of Candida albicans may help in the control of this opportunistic pathogen. The metacaspase Mca1p has been described as a key protease for apoptosis in C. albicans but little is known about its cleavage specificity and substrates. We therefore initiated a series of studies to describe its function. We used a strain disrupted for the MCA1 gene (mca1Δ/Δ) and compared its proteome to that of a wild-type isogenic strain, in the presence and absence of a known inducer of apoptosis, the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol. Label-free and TMT labeling quantitative proteomic analyses showed that both mca1 disruption and farnesol treatment significantly affected the proteome of the cells. The combination of both conditions led to an unexpected biological response: the strong overexpression of proteins implicated in the general stress. We studied sites cleaved by Mca1p using native peptidomic techniques, and a bottom-up approach involving GluC endoprotease: there appeared to be a "K/R" substrate specificity in P1 and a "D/E" specificity in P2. We also found 77 potential substrates of Mca1p, 13 of which validated using the most stringent filters, implicated in protein folding, protein aggregate resolubilization, glycolysis, and a number of mitochondrial functions. An immunoblot assay confirmed the cleavage of Ssb1p, a member of the HSP70 family of heat-shock proteins, in conditions where the metacaspase is activated. These various results indicate that Mca1p is involved in a limited and specific proteolysis program triggered by apoptosis. One of the main functions of Mca1p appears to be the degradation of several major heat-shock proteins, thereby contributing to weakening cellular defenses and amplifying the cell death process. Finally, Mca1p appears to contribute significantly to the control of mitochondria biogenesis and degradation. Consequently, Mca1p may be a link between the extrinsic and the intrinsic programmed cell death pathways in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Léger
- From the ‡Mass spectrometry Laboratory, Institut Jacques Monod, UMR 7592, Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France
| | - Camille Garcia
- From the ‡Mass spectrometry Laboratory, Institut Jacques Monod, UMR 7592, Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France
| | - Marwa Ounissi
- From the ‡Mass spectrometry Laboratory, Institut Jacques Monod, UMR 7592, Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France
| | - Gaëlle Lelandais
- §Mitochondria, Metals and Oxidative Stress group, Institut Jacques Monod, UMR 7592, Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Michel Camadro
- From the ‡Mass spectrometry Laboratory, Institut Jacques Monod, UMR 7592, Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France; §Mitochondria, Metals and Oxidative Stress group, Institut Jacques Monod, UMR 7592, Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75205 Paris, France
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