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Batliner M, Schumacher F, Wigger D, Vivas W, Prell A, Fohmann I, Köhler T, Schempp R, Riedel A, Vaeth M, Fekete A, Kleuser B, Kurzai O, Nieuwenhuizen NE. The Candida albicans quorum-sensing molecule farnesol alters sphingolipid metabolism in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. mBio 2024; 15:e0073224. [PMID: 38953353 PMCID: PMC11323541 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00732-24] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, produces the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol, which we have shown alters the transcriptional response and phenotype of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs), including their cytokine secretion and ability to prime T cells. This is partially dependent on the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), which has numerous ligands, including the sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate. Sphingolipids are a vital component of membranes that affect membrane protein arrangement and phagocytosis of C. albicans by DCs. Thus, we quantified sphingolipid metabolites in monocytes differentiating into DCs by High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Farnesol increased the activity of serine palmitoyltransferase, leading to increased levels of 3-keto-dihydrosphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, and dihydrosphingosine 1-phosphate and inhibited dihydroceramide desaturase by inducing oxidative stress, leading to increased levels of dihydroceramide and dihydrosphingomyelin species and reduced ceramide levels. Accumulation of dihydroceramides can inhibit mitochondrial function; accordingly, farnesol reduced mitochondrial respiration. Dihydroceramide desaturase inhibition increases lipid droplet formation, which we observed in farnesol-treated cells, coupled with an increase in intracellular triacylglycerol species. Furthermore, inhibition of dihydroceramide desaturase with either farnesol or specific inhibitors impaired the ability of DCs to prime interferon-γ-producing T cells. The effect of farnesol on sphingolipid metabolism, triacylglycerol synthesis, and mitochondrial respiration was not dependent on PPAR-γ. In summary, our data reveal novel effects of farnesol on sphingolipid metabolism, neutral lipid synthesis, and mitochondrial function in DCs that affect their instruction of T cell cytokine secretion, indicating that C. albicans can manipulate host cell metabolism via farnesol secretion.IMPORTANCECandida albicans is a common commensal yeast, but it is also an opportunistic pathogen which is one of the leading causes of potentially lethal hospital-acquired infections. There is growing evidence that its overgrowth in the gut can influence diseases as diverse as alcohol-associated liver disease and COVID-19. Previously, we found that its quorum-sensing molecule, farnesol, alters the phenotype of dendritic cells differentiating from monocytes, impairing their ability to drive protective T cell responses. Here, we demonstrate that farnesol alters the metabolism of sphingolipids, important structural components of the membrane that also act as signaling molecules. In monocytes differentiating to dendritic cells, farnesol inhibited dihydroceramide desaturase, resulting in the accumulation of dihydroceramides and a reduction in ceramide levels. Farnesol impaired mitochondrial respiration, known to occur with an accumulation of dihydroceramides, and induced the accumulation of triacylglycerol and oil bodies. Inhibition of dihydroceramide desaturase resulted in the impaired ability of DCs to induce interferon-γ production by T cells. Thus, farnesol production by C. albicans could manipulate the function of dendritic cells by altering the sphingolipidome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Batliner
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Dominik Wigger
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Vivas
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital–Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Associated Research Group Translational Infection Medicine, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital–Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Agata Prell
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingo Fohmann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Köhler
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rebekka Schempp
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Angela Riedel
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center (MSNZ), University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Vaeth
- Max Planck Research Group, Würzburg Institute of Systems Immunology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Agnes Fekete
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Research Group Fungal Septomics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Natalie E. Nieuwenhuizen
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Kane A, Dinh H, Campbell L, Cain AK, Hibbs D, Carter D. Spectrum of activity and mechanisms of azole-bisphosphonate synergy in pathogenic Candida. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0012124. [PMID: 38695556 PMCID: PMC11237636 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00121-24] [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: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis places a significant burden on human health and can range from common superficial vulvovaginal and oral infections to invasive diseases with high mortality. The most common Candida species implicated in human disease is Candida albicans, but other species like Candida glabrata are emerging. The use of azole antifungals for treatment is limited by increasing rates of resistance. This study explores repositioning bisphosphonates, which are traditionally used for osteoporosis, as antifungal synergists that can improve and revitalize the use of azoles. Risedronate, alendronate, and zoledronate (ZOL) were tested against isolates from six different species of Candida, and ZOL produced moderate antifungal activity and strong synergy with azoles like fluconazole (FLC), particularly in C. glabrata. FLC:ZOL combinations had increased fungicidal and antibiofilm activity compared to either drug alone, and the combination prevented the development of antifungal resistance. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that the synergy was mediated by the depletion of squalene, resulting in the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and a compromised membrane structure. In C. glabrata, synergy compromised the function of membrane-bound multidrug transporters and caused an accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which may account for its acute sensitivity to FLC:ZOL. The efficacy of FLC:ZOL in vivo was confirmed in a Galleria mellonella infection model, where combinations improved the survival of larvae infected with C. albicans and C. glabrata to a greater extent than monotherapy with FLC or ZOL, and at reduced dosages. These findings demonstrate that bisphosphonates and azoles are a promising new combination therapy for the treatment of topical candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Candida is a common and often very serious opportunistic fungal pathogen. Invasive candidiasis is a prevalent cause of nosocomial infections with a high mortality rate, and mucocutaneous infections significantly impact the quality of life of millions of patients a year. These infections pose substantial clinical challenges, particularly as the currently available antifungal treatment options are limited in efficacy and often toxic. Azoles are a mainstay of antifungal therapy and work by targeting the biosynthesis of ergosterol. However, there are rising rates of acquired azole resistance in various Candida species, and some species are considered intrinsically resistant to most azoles. Our research demonstrates the promising therapeutic potential of synergistically enhancing azoles with non-toxic, FDA-approved bisphosphonates. Repurposing bisphosphonates as antifungal synergists can bypass much of the drug development pipeline and accelerate the translation of azole-bisphosphonate combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Kane
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hue Dinh
- School of Natural Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leona Campbell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy K. Cain
- School of Natural Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Hibbs
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dee Carter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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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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Liu H, Zhang X, Chen W, Wang C. The regulatory functions of oxylipins in fungi: A review. J Basic Microbiol 2023; 63:1073-1084. [PMID: 37357952 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202200721] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication mechanism between microorganisms originally found in bacteria. In recent years, an important QS mechanism has been discovered in the field of fungi, namely, the lipoxygenase compound oxylipin of arachidonic acid acts as a QS molecule in life cycle control, particularly in the sexual and asexual development of fungi. However, the role of oxylipins in mediating eukaryotic communication has not been previously described. In this paper, we review the regulatory role of oxylipins and the underlying mechanisms and discuss the potential for application in major fungi. The role of oxylipin as a fungal quorum-sensing molecule is the main focus of the review. Besides, the quorum regulation of fungal morphological transformation, biofilm formation, virulence factors, secondary metabolism, infection, symbiosis, and other physiological behaviors are discussed. Moreover, future prospectives and applications are elaborated as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Xizi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengtao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
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Li T, Liu ZH, Fan LY, Zhang Z, Bai HH, Wang FJ, Shang CG, Zong XN, Liu Y. The fungal quorum-sensing molecule, farnesol, regulates the immune response of vaginal epithelial cells against Candida albicans. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:251. [PMID: 37684571 PMCID: PMC10485994 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02987-7] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Farnesol is a Candida-secreted quorum-sensing molecule of great interest as a potential antifungal agent for serious and hardly curable infections-candidiasis, especially vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). METHODS The effect of farnesol on cellular morphology and viability and evaluated the production of Th1 (IL-2), Th2 (IL-4), proinflammatory (IL-6), chemotactic (IL-8), and Th17 (IL-17) cytokines in the culture supernatants of vaginal epithelial cell line (VK2) were evaluated. Moreover, we tested the inhibitory effect of farnesol on C. albicans adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to observe any VK2 cell ultrastructural changes. RESULTS Only low concentrations (≤ 50 µmol/L) of farnesol did not affect the morphology and viability of the VK2 cells (P > 0.05). Farnesol reduced the adhesion of C. albicans to the VK2 cells. When treated with farnesol, statistical elevated levels of both IL-4 and IL-17 secreted by the infected VK2 cells were present in the culture supernatants (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Farnesol acts as a stimulator to up-regulate the Th17-type innate immune response, as well as Th2-type humoral immunity following C. albicans infection. Further research is required to select the optimal therapeutic dose to develop efficacious and safe mucosal immune adjuvant for treating VVCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Lin-Yuan Fan
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Hui Bai
- Department of Microecological Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Juan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen-Guang Shang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Nan Zong
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Balla N, Jakab Á, Kovács F, Ragyák Á, Tóth Z, Balázsi D, Forgács L, Bozó A, Al Refai F, Borman AM, Majoros L, Kovács R. Total transcriptome analysis of Candida auris planktonic cells exposed to tyrosol. AMB Express 2023; 13:81. [PMID: 37532970 PMCID: PMC10397170 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01586-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosol, a secondary metabolite of Candida species, regulates fungal morphogenesis, and its application may represent a novel innovative therapy against emerging multi-resistant fungal superbug such as Candida auris. In the current study, the effects of tyrosol on growth, redox homeostasis, intracellular microelement contents and activities of virulence-related enzymes released by C. auris were examined. To gain further information about the effect of tyrosol exposure, we revealed gene transcriptional changes using total transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). At a concentration of 15 mM, tyrosol significantly decrease the growth of fungal cells within 2 h of its addition (5.6 × 107±1.2 × 107 and 2.5 × 107±0.6 × 107 colony forming unit/mL for control and tyrosol-treated cells, respectively). Furthermore, it enhanced the release of reactive oxygen species as confirmed by a dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay (7.3 ± 1.8 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] versus 16.8 ± 3.9 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1]), which was coincided with elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Tyrosol exerted in a 37%, 25%, 34% and 55% decrease in intracellular manganese, iron, zinc and copper contents, respectively, compared to control cells. The tyrosol treatment led to a 142 and 108 differentially transcripted genes with at least a 1.5-fold increase or decrease in transcription, respectively. Genes related to iron and fatty acid metabolism as well as nucleic acid synthesis were down-regulated, whereas those related to the antioxidative defence, adhesion and oxoacid metabolic processes were up-regulated. This study shows that tyrosol significantly influences growth, intracellular physiological processes and gene transcription in C. auris, which could highly support the development of novel treatment approaches against this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Balla
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Jakab
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ragyák
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Partner Laboratory, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Dávid Balázsi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Aliz Bozó
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Farah Al Refai
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Andrew M Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRCCMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.
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Pang C, Chen J, Yang L, Yang Y, Qi H, Li R, Cao Y, Miao H. Shikonin Inhibits Candida albicans Biofilms via the Ras1-cAMP-Efg1 Signalling Pathway. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2653-2662. [PMID: 37384115 PMCID: PMC10296564 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s417327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the influence of shikonin (SK) on the formation of Candida albicans biofilms and discuss the possible mechanism. Methods The inhibition of the formation of C. albicans biofilms by SK was observed by scanning electron microscopy. A silicone film method and a water-hydrocarbon two-phase assay were performed to investigate the effects of SK on cell adhesion. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyse the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and Ras1-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) - enhanced filamentous growth protein 1 (Efg1) signalling pathway. Finally, the level of cAMP in C. albicans was detected and exogenous cAMP rescue experiment was conducted. Results The results showed that SK could destroy the typical three-dimensional structure of the biofilms, inhibit cell surface hydrophobicity and cell adhesion, downregulate the expression of Ras1-cAMP-Efg1 signalling pathway-related genes (ECE1, HWP1, ALS3, RAS1, CYR1, EFG1 and TEC1) and effectively reduce the production of key messenger cAMP in the Ras1-cAMP-Efg1 pathway. Meanwhile, exogenous cAMP reversed the inhibitory effect of SK on biofilms formation. Conclusion Our results suggest that SK exhibits potential anti-C. albicans biofilms effects related to the inhibition of Ras1-cAMP-Efg1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Pang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Nerve Injury and Repair, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianshuang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Nerve Injury and Repair, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haihua Qi
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ran Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingying Cao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Miao
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
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Rowan NJ, Kremer T, McDonnell G. A review of Spaulding's classification system for effective cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices: Viewed through a modern-day lens that will inform and enable future sustainability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:162976. [PMID: 36963674 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in medicine and innovations in many underpinning fields including disease prevention and control, the Spaulding classification system, originally proposed in 1957, remains widely used for defining the disinfection and sterilization of contaminated re-usable medical devices and surgical instruments. Screening PubMed and Scopus databases using a PRISMA guiding framework generated 272 relevant publications that were used in this review. Findings revealed that there is a need to evolve how medical devices are designed, and processed by cleaning, disinfection (and/or sterilization) to mitigate patient risks, including acquiring an infection. This Spaulding Classification remains in use as it is logical, easily applied and understood by users (microbiologists, epidemiologists, manufacturers, industry) and by regulators. However, substantial changes have occurred over the past 65 years that challenge interpretation and application of this system that includes inter alia emergence of new pathogens (viruses, mycobacteria, protozoa, fungi), a greater understanding of innate and adaptive microbial tolerance to disinfection, toxicity risks, increased number of vulnerable patients and associated patient procedures, and greater complexity in design and use of medical devices. Common cited examples include endoscopes that enable non- or minimal invasive procedures but are highly sophisticated with various types of materials (polymers, electronic components etc), long narrow channels, right angle and heat-sensitive components and various accessories (e.g., values) that can be contaminated with high levels of microbial bioburden and patient tissues after use. Contaminated flexible duodenoscopes have been a source of several significant infection outbreaks, where at least 9 reported cases were caused by multidrug resistant organisms [MDROs] with no obvious breach in processing detected. Despite this, there is evidence of the lack of attention to cleaning and maintenance of these devices and associated equipment. Over the last few decades there is increasing genomic evidence of innate and adaptive resistance to chemical disinfectant methods along with adaptive tolerance to environmental stresses. To reduce these risks, it has been proposed to elevate classification of higher-risk flexible endoscopes (such as duodenoscopes) from semi-critical [contact with mucous membrane and intact skin] to critical use [contact with sterile tissue and blood] that entails a transition to using low-temperature sterilization modalities instead of routinely using high-level disinfection; thus, increasing the margin of safety for endoscope processing. This timely review addresses important issues surrounding use of the Spaulding classification system to meet modern-day needs. It specifically addresses the need for automated, robust cleaning and drying methods combined with using real-time monitoring of device processing. There is a need to understand entire end-to-end processing of devices instead of adopting silo approaches that in the future will be informed by artificial intelligence and deep-learning/machine learning. For example, combinational solutions that address the formation of complex biofilms that harbour pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms on the surfaces of processed devices. Emerging trends are addressed including future sustainability for the medical devices sector that can be enabled via a new Quintuple Helix Hub approach that combines academia, industry, healthcare, regulators, and society to unlock real world solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Rowan
- Centre for Sustainable Disinfection and Sterilization, Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, Ireland; Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Technological University of the Shannon Midwest Mideast, Athlone Campus, Ireland; SFI-funded CURAM Centre for Medical Device Research, University of Galway, Ireland.
| | - T Kremer
- Centre for Sustainable Disinfection and Sterilization, Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, Ireland; Microbiological Quality & Sterility Assurance, Johnson & Johnson, 1000 Route 202, South Raritan, NJ 08869, USA
| | - G McDonnell
- Microbiological Quality & Sterility Assurance, Johnson & Johnson, 1000 Route 202, South Raritan, NJ 08869, USA
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Spaggiari L, Squartini Ramos GB, Squartini Ramos CA, Ardizzoni A, Pedretti N, Blasi E, De Seta F, Pericolini E. Anti- Candida and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Vaginal Gel Formulation: Novel Data Concerning Vaginal Infection and Dysbiosis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1551. [PMID: 37375053 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal ecosystem is a unique environment where, in physiological conditions, lactobacilli dominate. However, pathogenic microbial species responsible for vaginitis and vaginosis can also harbor vaginal microbiota. To extend our previously published data, we analyzed here both the anti-Candida and anti-inflammatory properties of the vaginal gel formulation, Respecta® Balance Gel (RBG), commercialized as an adjuvant to treat vaginitis and vaginosis. We evaluated its activity by an in vitro model where a monolayer of A-431 vaginal epithelial cells was infected by Candida albicans in the presence of RBG or the placebo formulation (pRBG). Specifically, we tested the RBG capacity to counteract C. albicans virulence factors and their anti-inflammatory properties. Our results show that, unlike the placebo, RBG reduces C. albicans adhesion, its capacity to form hyphae and C. albicans-induced vaginal cell damage. Interestingly, both RBG and pRBG reduce LPS-induced IL-8 secretion (with RBG being the most effective), demonstrating that also the placebo retains anti-inflammatory properties. From our experimental approach, we highlighted the possible role of farnesol on such effects, but we would like to point out that lactic acid, polydextrose and glycogen too must be relevant in the actual application. In summary, our results show that RBG impairs C. albicans virulence and is able to reduce the inflammation in the vaginal environment, ultimately allowing the establishment of a balanced vaginal ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Spaggiari
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Ph.D. Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Gianfranco B Squartini Ramos
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Caterina A Squartini Ramos
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Natalia Pedretti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Blasi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco De Seta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Burlo Garofolo, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Eva Pericolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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10
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Yaakoub H, Sanchez NS, Ongay-Larios L, Courdavault V, Calenda A, Bouchara JP, Coria R, Papon N. The high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway in fungi †. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 48:657-695. [PMID: 34893006 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.2011834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
While fungi are widely occupying nature, many species are responsible for devastating mycosis in humans. Such niche diversity explains how quick fungal adaptation is necessary to endow the capacity of withstanding fluctuating environments and to cope with host-imposed conditions. Among all the molecular mechanisms evolved by fungi, the most studied one is the activation of the phosphorelay signalling pathways, of which the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway constitutes one of the key molecular apparatus underpinning fungal adaptation and virulence. In this review, we summarize the seminal knowledge of the HOG pathway with its more recent developments. We specifically described the HOG-mediated stress adaptation, with a particular focus on osmotic and oxidative stress, and point out some lags in our understanding of its involvement in the virulence of pathogenic species including, the medically important fungi Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, compared to the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Finally, we also highlighted some possible applications of the HOG pathway modifications to improve the fungal-based production of natural products in the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Yaakoub
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, GEIHP, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Norma Silvia Sanchez
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Ongay-Larios
- Unidad de Biología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | | | - Roberto Coria
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, GEIHP, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
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11
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Abstract
The antifungal resistance threat posed by Candida auris necessitates bold and innovative therapeutic options. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule with a potential antifungal and/or adjuvant effect; it may be a promising candidate in alternative treatment regimens. To gain further insights into the farnesol-related effect on C. auris, genome-wide gene transcription analysis was performed using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). Farnesol exposure resulted in 1,766 differentially expressed genes. Of these genes, 447 and 304 genes with at least 1.5-fold increase or decrease in transcription, respectively, were selected for further investigation. Genes involved in morphogenesis, biofilm events (maturation and dispersion), gluconeogenesis, iron metabolism, and regulation of RNA biosynthesis showed downregulation, whereas those related to antioxidative defense, transmembrane transport, glyoxylate cycle, fatty acid β-oxidation, and peroxisome processes were upregulated. In addition, farnesol treatment increased the transcription of certain efflux pump genes, including MDR1, CDR1, and CDR2. Growth, measured by the change in the number of CFU, was significantly inhibited within 2 h of the addition of farnesol (5.8 × 107 ± 1.1 × 107 and 1.1 × 107 ± 0.3 × 107 CFU/ml for untreated control and farnesol-exposed cells, respectively) (P < 0.001). In addition, farnesol treatment caused a significant reduction in intracellular iron (152.2 ± 21.1 versus 116.0 ± 10.0 mg/kg), manganese (67.9 ± 5.1 versus 18.6 ± 1.8 mg/kg), and zinc (787.8 ± 22.2 versus 245.8 ± 34.4 mg/kg) (P < 0.05 to 0.001) compared to untreated control cells, whereas the level of cooper was significantly increased (274.6 ± 15.7 versus 828.8 ± 106.4 mg/kg) (P < 0.001). Our data demonstrate that farnesol significantly influences the growth, intracellular metal ion contents, and gene transcription related to fatty acid metabolism, which could open new directions in developing alternative therapies against C. auris. IMPORTANCECandida auris is a dangerous fungal pathogen that causes outbreaks in health care facilities, with infections associated with a high mortality rate. As conventional antifungal drugs have limited effects against the majority of clinical isolates, new and innovative therapies are urgently needed. Farnesol is a key regulator molecule of fungal morphogenesis, inducing phenotypic adaptations and influencing biofilm formation as well as virulence. Alongside these physiological modulations, it has a potent antifungal effect alone or in combination with traditional antifungals, especially at supraphysiological concentrations. However, our knowledge about the mechanisms underlying this antifungal effect against C. auris is limited. This study has demonstrated that farnesol enhances the oxidative stress and reduces the fungal survival strategies. Furthermore, it inhibits manganese, zinc transport, and iron metabolism as well as increases fungal intracellular copper content. In addition, metabolism was modulated toward β-oxidation. These results provide definitive explanations for the observed antifungal effects.
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12
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Delago A, Gregor R, Dubinsky L, Dandela R, Hendler A, Krief P, Rayo J, Aharoni A, Meijler MM. A Bacterial Quorum Sensing Molecule Elicits a General Stress Response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:632658. [PMID: 34603220 PMCID: PMC8481950 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.632658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria assess their population density through a chemical communication mechanism termed quorum sensing, in order to coordinate group behavior. Most research on quorum sensing has focused primarily on its role as an intraspecies chemical signaling mechanism that enables the regulation of certain phenotypes through targeted gene expression. However, in recent years several seminal studies have revealed important phenomena in which quorum sensing molecules appear to serve additional roles as interspecies signals that may regulate microbial ecology. In this study, we asked whether the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can sense chemical signals from prokaryotes. When exposed to a variety of quorum sensing molecules from different bacterial species and from Candida albicans we found that N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (C12) from the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces a remarkable stress response in yeast. Microarray experiments confirmed and aided in interpreting these findings, showing a unique and specific expression pattern that differed significantly from the response to previously described stress factors. We further characterized this response and report preliminary findings on the molecular basis for the recognition of C12 by the yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Delago
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Rachel Gregor
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Luba Dubinsky
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Rambabu Dandela
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Adi Hendler
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Pnina Krief
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Josep Rayo
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Amir Aharoni
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael M Meijler
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
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13
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Roudbary M, Vahedi-Shahandashti R, Santos ALSD, Roudbar Mohammadi S, Aslani P, Lass-Flörl C, Rodrigues CF. Biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi: a therapeutic challenge. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 48:197-221. [PMID: 34358430 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1950121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms are highly-organized microbial communities attached to a biotic or an abiotic surface, surrounded by an extracellular matrix secreted by the biofilm-forming cells. The majority of fungal pathogens contribute to biofilm formation within tissues or biomedical devices, leading to serious and persistent infections. The clinical significance of biofilms relies on the increased resistance to conventional antifungal therapies and suppression of the host immune system, which leads to invasive and recurrent fungal infections. While different features of yeast biofilms are well-described in the literature, the structural and molecular basis of biofilm formation of clinically related filamentous fungi has not been fully addressed. This review aimed to address biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Department of General Microbiology, Microbiology Institute Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | | | - Peyman Aslani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Célia F Rodrigues
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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14
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Analysis of Volatile Molecules Present in the Secretome of the Fungal Pathogen Candida glabrata. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26133881. [PMID: 34202061 PMCID: PMC8270331 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis are the four most common human fungal pathogens isolated that can cause superficial and invasive infections. It has been shown that specific metabolites present in the secretomes of these fungal pathogens are important for their virulence. C. glabrata is the second most common isolate world-wide and has an innate resistance to azoles, xenobiotics and oxidative stress that allows this fungal pathogen to evade the immune response and persist within the host. Here, we analyzed and compared the C. glabrata secretome with those of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and the non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In C. glabrata, we identified a different number of metabolites depending on the growth media: 12 in synthetic complete media (SC), 27 in SC-glutamic acid and 23 in rich media (YPD). C. glabrata specific metabolites are 1-dodecene (0.09 ± 0.11%), 2,5-dimethylundecane (1.01 ± 0.19%), 3,7-dimethyldecane (0.14 ± 0.15%), and octadecane (0.4 ± 0.53%). The metabolites that are shared with C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and S. cerevisiae are phenylethanol, which is synthesized from phenylalanine, and eicosane and nonanoic acid (identified as trimethylsilyl ester), which are synthesized from fatty acid metabolism. Phenylethanol is the most abundant metabolite in all fungi tested: 26.36 ± 17.42% (C. glabrata), 46.77 ± 15.58% (C. albicans), 49.76 ± 18.43% (C. tropicalis), 5.72 ± 0.66% (C. parapsilosis.) and 44.58 ± 27.91% (S. cerevisiae). The analysis of C. glabrata's secretome will allow us to further our understanding of the possible role these metabolites could play in its virulence.
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15
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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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16
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Longer Ubiquinone Side Chains Contribute to Enhanced Farnesol Resistance in Yeasts. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111641. [PMID: 33114039 PMCID: PMC7690737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquinones (UQ) are intrinsic lipid components of many membranes. Besides their role in electron-transfer reactions there is evidence for them acting as free radical scavengers, yet their other roles in biological systems have received little study. The dimorphic fungal pathogen Candida albicans secretes farnesol as both a virulence factor and a quorum-sensing molecule. Thus, we were intrigued by the presence of UQ9 isoprenologue in farnesol-producing Candida species while other members of this genera harbor UQ7 as their major electron carrier. We examined the effect of UQ side chain length in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and C. albicans with a view towards identifying the mechanisms by which C. albicans protects itself from the high levels of farnesol it secretes, levels that are toxic to many other fungi including S. cerevisiae. In this study, we identify UQ9 as the major UQ isoprenoid in C. albicans, regardless of growth conditions or cell morphology. A S. cerevisiae model yeast engineered to make UQ9 instead of UQ6 was 4-5 times more resistant to exogenous farnesol than the parent yeast and this resistance was accompanied by greatly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The resistance provided by UQ9 is specific for farnesol in that it does not increase resistance to high salt (1M NaCl) or other oxidants (5 mM H2O2 or 1 mM menadione). Additionally, the protection provided by UQ9 appears to be structural rather than transcriptional; UQ9 does not alter key transcriptional responses to farnesol stress. Here, we propose a model in which the longer UQ side chains are more firmly embedded in the mitochondrial membrane making them harder to pry out, so that in the presence of farnesol they remain functional without producing excess ROS. C. albicans and Candida dubliniensis evolved to use UQ9 rather than UQ7 as in other Candida species or UQ6 as in S. cerevisiae. This adaptive mechanism highlights the significance of UQ side chains in farnesol production and resistance quite apart from being an electron carrier in the respiratory chain.
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17
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Survival Strategies of Pathogenic Candida Species in Human Blood Show Independent and Specific Adaptations. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.02435-20. [PMID: 33024045 PMCID: PMC7542370 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02435-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To ensure their survival, pathogens have to adapt immediately to new environments in their hosts, for example, during the transition from the gut to the bloodstream. Here, we investigated the basis of this adaptation in a group of fungal species which are among the most common causes of hospital-acquired infections, the Candida species. On the basis of a human whole-blood infection model, we studied which genes and processes are active over the course of an infection in both the host and four different Candida pathogens. Remarkably, we found that, while the human host response during the early phase of infection is predominantly uniform, the pathogens pursue largely individual strategies and each one regulates genes involved in largely disparate processes in the blood. Our results reveal that C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis all have developed individual strategies for survival in the host. This indicates that their pathogenicity in humans has evolved several times independently and that genes which are central for survival in the host for one species may be irrelevant in another. Only four species, Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis, together account for about 90% of all Candida bloodstream infections and are among the most common causes of invasive fungal infections of humans. However, virulence potential varies among these species, and the phylogenetic tree reveals that their pathogenicity may have emerged several times independently during evolution. We therefore tested these four species in a human whole-blood infection model to determine, via comprehensive dual-species RNA-sequencing analyses, which fungal infection strategies are conserved and which are recent evolutionary developments. The ex vivo infection progressed from initial immune cell interactions to nearly complete killing of all fungal cells. During the course of infection, we characterized important parameters of pathogen-host interactions, such as fungal survival, types of interacting immune cells, and cytokine release. On the transcriptional level, we obtained a predominantly uniform and species-independent human response governed by a strong upregulation of proinflammatory processes, which was downregulated at later time points after most of the fungal cells were killed. In stark contrast, we observed that the different fungal species pursued predominantly individual strategies and showed significantly different global transcriptome patterns. Among other findings, our functional analyses revealed that the fungal species relied on different metabolic pathways and virulence factors to survive the host-imposed stress. These data show that adaptation of Candida species as a response to the host is not a phylogenetic trait, but rather has likely evolved independently as a prerequisite to cause human infections.
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18
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Nagy F, Vitális E, Jakab Á, Borman AM, Forgács L, Tóth Z, Majoros L, Kovács R. In vitro and in vivo Effect of Exogenous Farnesol Exposure Against Candida auris. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:957. [PMID: 32508780 PMCID: PMC7251031 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The spreading of multidrug-resistant Candida auris is considered as an emerging global health threat. The number of effective therapeutic regimens is strongly limited; therefore, development of novel strategies is needed. Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule with a potential antifungal and/or adjuvant effect; it may be a promising candidate in alternative treatment against Candida species including C. auris. To examine the effect of farnesol on C. auris, we performed experiments focusing on growth, biofilm production ability, production of enzymes related to oxidative stress, triazole susceptibility and virulence. Concentrations ranging from 100 to 300 μM farnesol caused a significant growth inhibition against C. auris planktonic cells for 24 h (p < 0.01-0.05). Farnesol treatment showed a concentration dependent inhibition in terms of biofilm forming ability of C. auris; however, it did not inhibit significantly the biofilm development at 24 h. Nevertheless, the metabolic activity of adhered farnesol pre-exposed cells (75 μM) was significantly diminished at 24 h depending on farnesol treatment during biofilm formation (p < 0.001-0.05). Moreover, 300 μM farnesol exerted a marked decrease in metabolic activity against one-day-old biofilms between 2 and 24 h (p < 0.001). Farnesol increased the production of reactive species remarkably, as revealed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay {3.96 ± 0.89 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] and 23.54 ± 4.51 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] for untreated cells and farnesol exposed cells, respectively; p < 0.001}. This was in line with increased superoxide dismutase level {85.69 ± 5.42 [munit (mg protein)-1] and 170.11 ± 17.37 [munit (mg protein)-1] for untreated cells and farnesol exposed cells, respectively; p < 0.001}, but the catalase level remained statistically comparable between treated and untreated cells (p > 0.05). Concerning virulence-related enzymes, exposure to 75 μM farnesol did not influence phospholipase or aspartic proteinase activity (p > 0.05). The interaction between fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole and farnesol showed clear synergism (FICI ranges from 0.038 to 0.375) against one-day-old biofilms. Regarding in vivo experiments, daily 75 μM farnesol treatment decreased the fungal burden in an immunocompromised murine model of disseminated candidiasis, especially in case of inocula pre-exposed to farnesol (p < 0.01). In summary, farnesol shows a promising therapeutic or adjuvant potential in traditional or alternative therapies such as catheter lock therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fruzsina Nagy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Eszter Vitális
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Hospital Hygiene Ward, Clinical Centre, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Jakab
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew M Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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19
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Abrogation of pathogenic attributes in drug resistant Candida auris strains by farnesol. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233102. [PMID: 32392266 PMCID: PMC7213696 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris, a decade old Candida species, has been identified globally as a significant nosocomial multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogen responsible for causing invasive outbreaks. Biofilms and overexpression of efflux pumps such as Major Facilitator Superfamily and ATP Binding Cassette are known to cause multidrug resistance in Candida species, including C. auris. Therefore, targeting these factors may prove an effective approach to combat MDR in C. auris. In this study, 25 clinical isolates of C. auris from different hospitals of South Africa were used. All the isolates were found capable enough to form biofilms on 96-well flat bottom microtiter plate that was further confirmed by MTT reduction assay. In addition, these strains have active drug efflux mechanism which was supported by rhodamine-6-G extracellular efflux and intracellular accumulation assays. Antifungal susceptibility profile of all the isolates against commonly used drugs was determined following CLSI recommended guidelines. We further studied the role of farnesol, an endogenous quorum sensing molecule, in modulating development of biofilms and drug efflux in C. auris. The MIC for planktonic cells ranged from 62.5–125 mM, and for sessile cells was 125 mM (4h biofilm) and 500 mM (12h and 24h biofilm). Furthermore, farnesol (125 mM) also suppresses adherence and biofilm formation by C. auris. Farnesol inhibited biofilm formation, blocked efflux pumps and downregulated biofilm- and efflux pump- associated genes. Modulation of C. auris biofilm formation and efflux pump activity by farnesol represent a promising approach for controlling life threatening infections caused by this pathogen.
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Ming X, Wang Y, Sui Y. Pretreatment of the Antagonistic Yeast, Debaryomyces hansenii, With Mannitol and Sorbitol Improves Stress Tolerance and Biocontrol Efficacy. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:601. [PMID: 32351472 PMCID: PMC7174499 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of exogenous mannitol and sorbitol on the viability of the antagonist yeast, Debaryomyces hansenii, when exposed to oxidative and high-temperature stress was determined. Results indicated that both the 0.1 M mannitol (MT) and 0.1 M sorbitol (ST) treatments improved the tolerance of D. hansenii to subsequent oxidative and high-temperature stress. MT or ST cells had a significantly higher level of cell survival, elevated the gene expression of catalase 1 (CAT1) and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), as well as the corresponding enzyme activity. Treated cells also exhibited a lower accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a higher content of intracellular mannitol and sorbitol relative to non-treated, control yeast cells, when exposed to a subsequent oxidative (30 mM H2O2) or heat (40.5°C) stress for 30 min. Additionally, MT and ST yeast exhibited a higher growth rate in kiwifruit wounds, and a greater ability to inhibit postharvest blue mold (Penicillium expansum) and gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) infections. The present study indicates that increased antioxidant response induced by mannitol and sorbitol in D. hansenii can enhance stress tolerance and biocontrol performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Ming
- Department of Plant Pathology, Agriculture College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Agriculture College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuan Sui
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Economic Plant Biotechnology, College of Landscape Architecture and Life Science/Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
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Farnesol, a Quorum-Sensing Molecule of Candida Albicans Triggers the Release of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121611. [PMID: 31835824 PMCID: PMC6952927 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficient growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi in the host organism is possible due to the formation of microbial biofilms that cover the host tissues. Biofilms provide optimal local environmental conditions for fungal cell growth and increased their protection against the immune system. A common biofilm-forming fungus—Candida albicans—uses the quorum sensing (QS) mechanism in the cell-to-cell communication, which determines the biofilm development and, in consequence, host colonization. In the presented work, we focused on the ability of neutrophils—the main cells of the host’s immune system to recognize quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) produced by C. albicans, especially farnesol (FOH), farnesoic acid (FA), and tyrosol (TR), with emphasis on the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in a process called netosis. Our results showed for the first time that only farnesol but not farnesolic acid or tyrosol is capable of activating the NET production. By using selective inhibitors of the NET signaling pathway and analyzing the activity of selected enzymes such as Protein Kinase C (PKC), ERK1/2, and NADPH oxidase, we showed that the Mac−1 and TLR2 receptors are responsible for FOH recognizing and activating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent netosis pathway.
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22
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Conceição PM, Chaves AFA, Navarro MV, Castilho DG, Calado JCP, Haniu AECJ, Xander P, Batista WL. Cross-talk between the Ras GTPase and the Hog1 survival pathways in response to nitrosative stress in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Nitric Oxide 2019; 86:1-11. [PMID: 30772503 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a temperature-dependent dimorphic fungus that cause paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the major systemic mycosis in Latin America. The capacity to evade the innate immune response of the host is due to P. brasiliensis ability to respond and to survive the nitrosative stress caused by phagocytic cells. However, the regulation of signal transduction pathways associated to nitrosative stress response are poorly understood. Ras GTPase play an important role in the various cellular events in many fungi. Ras, in its activated form (Ras-GTP), interacts with effector proteins and can initiate a kinase cascade. In this report, we investigated the role of Ras GTPase in P. brasiliensis after in vitro stimulus with nitric oxide (NO). We observed that low concentrations of NO induced cell proliferation in P. brasiliensis, while high concentrations promoted decrease in fungal viability, and both events were reversed in the presence of a NO scavenger. We observed that high levels of NO induced Ras activation and its S-nitrosylation. Additionally, we showed that Ras modulated the expression of antioxidant genes in response to nitrosative stress. We find that the Hog1 MAP kinase contributed to nitrosative stress response in P. brasiliensis in a Ras-dependent manner. Taken together, our data demonstrate the relationship between Ras-GTPase and Hog1 MAPK pathway allowing for the P. brasiliensis adaptation to nitrosative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palloma Mendes Conceição
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Alison Felipe Alencar Chaves
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Valente Navarro
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniele Gonçalves Castilho
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Cristina P Calado
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Eliza Coronel Janu Haniu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Xander
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Wagner L Batista
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, SP, Brazil; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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23
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Nunes T, Cardoso P, Freitas R, Figueira E. Protective effects of farnesol on a Rhizobium strain exposed to cadmium. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 165:622-629. [PMID: 30241090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.07.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Soil acts as a repository for many metals that human activity releases into the environment. Cadmium enters agricultural soils primarily from application of phosphate fertilizers and sewage sludge. Among soil bacteria, rhizobia have a great agronomic and environmental significance and are major contributors to a sustainable maintenance of soil fertility. However, the services that this group of microorganisms provides are affected by environmental constraints, such as Cd contamination. Bioactive compounds also influence soil microorganisms. Farnesol is a phytocompound with recognized bioactivity, inducing both beneficial and harmful effects. In this study, Rhizobium sp. strain E20-8 was exposed to sole or combined exposure to Cd and farnesol. Results showed that farnesol (25 and 200 µM) did not affect rhizobia; exposure to Cd (µM) inhibited rhizobia growth and induced several biomarkers of oxidative stress; exposure to the combination of farnesol and Cd reduced oxidative damage, and the highest concentration of farnesol tested reduced Cd accumulation and allowed a significant growth recovery. Farnesol protective effects on rhizobia exposed to Cd is novel information which can be used in the development of microbe-based environmental engineering strategies for restoration of metal contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Nunes
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paulo Cardoso
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Etelvina Figueira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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24
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de Macêdo DG, Souza MMA, Morais-Braga MFB, Coutinho HDM, Dos Santos ATL, da Cruz RP, da Costa JGM, Rodrigues FFG, Quintans-Junior LJ, da Silva Almeida JRG, de Menezes IRA. Effect of seasonality on chemical profile and antifungal activity of essential oil isolated from leaves Psidium salutare (Kunth) O. Berg. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5476. [PMID: 30402343 PMCID: PMC6215697 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants play a crucial role in the search for components that are capable of neutralizing the multiple mechanisms of fungal resistance. Psidium salutare (Kunth) O. Berg is a plant native to Brazil used as both food and traditional medicine to treat diseases and symptoms such as stomach ache and diarrhea, whose symptoms could be related to fungal infections from the genus Candida. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of seasonal variability on the chemical composition of the Psidium salutare essential oil, its antifungal potential and its effect on the Candida albicans morphogenesis. The essential oils were collected in three different seasonal collection periods and isolated by the hydrodistillation process in a modified Clevenger apparatus with identification of the chemical composition determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antifungal assays were performed against Candida strains through the broth microdilution method to determine the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Fungal growth was assessed by optical density reading and the Candida albicans dimorphic effect was evaluated by optical microscopy in microculture chambers. The chemical profile of the essential oils identified 40 substances in the different collection periods with γ-terpinene being the predominant constituent. The antifungal activity revealed an action against the C. albicans, C. krusei and C. tropicalis strains with an IC50 ranging from 345.5 to 2,754.2 µg/mL and a MFC higher than 1,024 µg/mL. When combined with essential oils at sub-inhibitory concentrations (MIC/16), fluconazole had its potentiated effect, i.e. a synergistic effect was observed in the combination of fluconazole with P.salutare oil against all Candida strains; however, for C. albicans, its effect was reinforced by the natural product in all the collection periods. The results show that the Psidium salutare oil affected the dimorphic transition capacity, significantly reducing the formation of hyphae and pseudohyphae in increasing concentrations. The results show that P. salutare oil exhibits a significant antifungal activity against three Candida species and that it can act in synergy with fluconazole. These results support the notion that this plant may have a potential use in pharmaceutical and preservative products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delmacia G de Macêdo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Marta Maria A Souza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rafael P da Cruz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, Ceará, Brazil
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25
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Candida albicans Zn Cluster Transcription Factors Tac1 and Znc1 Are Activated by Farnesol To Upregulate a Transcriptional Program Including the Multidrug Efflux Pump CDR1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00968-18. [PMID: 30104273 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00968-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Farnesol, a quorum-sensing molecule, inhibits Candida albicans hyphal formation, affects its biofilm formation and dispersal, and impacts its stress response. Several aspects of farnesol's mechanism of action remain incompletely uncharacterized. Among these are a thorough accounting of the cellular receptors and transporters for farnesol. This work suggests these processes are linked through the Zn cluster transcription factors Tac1 and Znc1 and their induction of the multidrug efflux pump Cdr1. Specifically, we have demonstrated that Tac1 and Znc1 are functionally activated by farnesol through a mechanism that mimics other means of hyperactivation of Zn cluster transcription factors. This is consistent with our observation that many genes acutely induced by farnesol are dependent on TAC1, ZNC1, or both. A related molecule, 1-dodecanol, invokes a similar TAC1-ZNC1 response, while several other proposed C. albicans quorum-sensing molecules do not. Tac1 and Znc1 both bind to and upregulate the CDR1 promoter in response to farnesol. Differences in inducer and DNA binding specificity lead to Tac1 and Znc1 having overlapping, but nonidentical, regulons. Induction of genes by farnesol via Tac1 and Znc1 was inversely related to the level of CDR1 present in the cell, suggesting a model in which induction of CDR1 by Tac1 and Znc1 leads to an increase in farnesol efflux. Consistent with this premise, our results show that CDR1 expression, and its regulation by TAC1 and ZNC1, facilitates growth in the presence of high farnesol concentrations in C. albicans and in certain strains of its close relative, C. dubliniensis.
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26
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Lee YT, Fang YY, Sun YW, Hsu HC, Weng SM, Tseng TL, Lin TH, Shieh JC. THR1 mediates GCN4 and CDC4 to link morphogenesis with nutrient sensing and the stress response in Candida albicans. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:3193-3208. [PMID: 30320368 PMCID: PMC6202100 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) CDC4 (CaCDC4), encoding the F-box protein for the substrate specificity of the Skp1-cullin-F-box E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, suppresses the yeast-to-filament transition in C. albicans. In our previous study, Thr1 was identified as a CaCdc4-associated protein using affinity purification. THR1 encodes a homoserine kinase, which is involved in the threonine biosynthesis pathway. The present study generated a strain with repressible CaCDC4 expression and continuous THR1 expression. Colony and cell morphology analyses, as well as immunoblotting, revealed that the Thr1 protein was detectable under conditions in which the expression of CaCDC4 was repressed and that the filaments resulting from the repressed expression of CaCDC4 were suppressed by the constitutive expression of THR1 in C. albicans. Additionally, by using the CaSAT1-flipper method, the present study produced null mutants of THR1, GCN4, and CaCDC4. The phenotypic consequences were evaluated by growth curves, spotting assays, microscopic analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and XTT-based biofilm formation ability. The results revealed that fewer cells lacking THR1 entered the stationary phase but had no apparent morphological alteration. It was observed that the expression of THR1 was upregulated concurrently with GCN4 during nutrient depletion and that cells lacking GCN4 rescued the lethality of cells in the absence of THR1 in conditions accumulating homoserine in the threonine biosynthesis pathway. Of note, it was found that cells with either CaCDC4 or THR1 loss were sensitive to oxidative stress and osmotic stress, with those with THR1 loss being more sensitive. In addition, it was observed that cells with loss of either CaCDC4 or THR1 exhibited the ability to increase biofilm formation, with those lacking CaCDC4 exhibiting a greater extent of enhancement. It was concluded that CaCDC4 is important in the coordination of morphogenesis, nutrient sensing, and the stress response through THR1 in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ti Lee
- Institute of Medicine and School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Ya Fang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu Wen Sun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hsiao-Chi Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shan-Mei Weng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tzu-Ling Tseng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ting-Hui Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jia-Ching Shieh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
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27
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Sun LM, Liao K. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hog1 MAP kinase pathway is activated in response to honokiol exposure. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 124:754-763. [PMID: 29165856 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM The goal of the study was to investigate the cellular tolerance mechanism in response to honokiol exposure. METHODS AND RESULTS The broth microdilution method was employed to test the sensitivity of different Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to honokiol. Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) were determined by DCFH-DA staining. The phosphorylation of Hog1 was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The mRNA expressions of genes involved in the Ras-cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway were analysed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that the sod1▵ mutant was hypersensitive to honokiol and produced more ROS compared with wild-type and sod2▵ cells. Hog1 was phosphorylated in response to honokiol exposure and deletion of HOG1 increased the sensitivity to honokiol. The expressions of genes involved in the Ras-cAMP pathway were down-regulated after honokiol exposure; exogenous cAMP significantly reduced the phosphorylation of Hog1, although the level was higher than the control level. CONCLUSIONS In addition to SOD1, the Ras-cAMP cascade and Hog1 MAP kinase pathway is essential for protecting against honokiol-induced oxidative stress. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Our results provide insight into the understanding of the action mechanism of honokiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-M Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - K Liao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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28
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Chou ES, Abidi SZ, Teye M, Leliwa-Sytek A, Rask TS, Cobbold SA, Tonkin-Hill GQ, Subramaniam KS, Sexton AE, Creek DJ, Daily JP, Duffy MF, Day KP. A high parasite density environment induces transcriptional changes and cell death in Plasmodium falciparum blood stages. FEBS J 2018; 285:848-870. [PMID: 29281179 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transient regulation of Plasmodium numbers below the density that induces fever has been observed in chronic malaria infections in humans. This species transcending control cannot be explained by immunity alone. Using an in vitro system we have observed density dependent regulation of malaria population size as a mechanism to possibly explain these in vivo observations. Specifically, Plasmodium falciparum blood stages from a high but not low-density environment exhibited unique phenotypic changes during the late trophozoite (LT) and schizont stages of the intraerythrocytic cycle. These included in order of appearance: failure of schizonts to mature and merozoites to replicate, apoptotic-like morphological changes including shrinking, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and blebbing with eventual release of aberrant parasites from infected erythrocytes. This unique death phenotype was triggered in a stage-specific manner by sensing of a high-density culture environment. Conditions of glucose starvation, nutrient depletion, and high lactate could not induce the phenotype. A high-density culture environment induced rapid global changes in the parasite transcriptome including differential expression of genes involved in cell remodeling, clonal antigenic variation, metabolism, and cell death pathways including an apoptosis-associated metacaspase gene. This transcriptional profile was also characterized by concomitant expression of asexual and sexual stage-specific genes. The data show strong evidence to support our hypothesis that density sensing exists in P. falciparum. They indicate that an apoptotic-like mechanism may play a role in P. falciparum density regulation, which, as in yeast, has features quite distinguishable from mammalian apoptosis. DATABASE Gene expression data are available in the GEO databases under the accession number GSE91188.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn S Chou
- Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology and School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC., Australia
| | - Sabia Z Abidi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marian Teye
- Department of Microbiology, Division of Medical Parasitology, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Aleksandra Leliwa-Sytek
- Department of Microbiology, Division of Medical Parasitology, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Thomas S Rask
- Department of Microbiology, Division of Medical Parasitology, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Simon A Cobbold
- Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology and School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC., Australia
| | - Gerry Q Tonkin-Hill
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC., Australia
| | - Krishanthi S Subramaniam
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anna E Sexton
- Drug Delivery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC., Australia
| | - Darren J Creek
- Drug Delivery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC., Australia
| | - Johanna P Daily
- Department of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Michael F Duffy
- Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology and School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC., Australia
| | - Karen P Day
- Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology and School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC., Australia
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29
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Dižová S, Černáková L, Bujdáková H. The impact of farnesol in combination with fluconazole on Candida albicans biofilm: regulation of ERG20, ERG9, and ERG11 genes. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2017; 63:363-371. [DOI: 10.1007/s12223-017-0574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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30
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Anticandidal activity of hetero-dinuclear copper(II) Mn(II) Schiff base and its potential action of the mechanism. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 33:202. [PMID: 29080032 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-017-2368-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are one of the major challenges especially for immunosuppressed patients since they are drug resistant and pathogen to patients. Therefore, developing new, efficient and nonresistant antifungal agents have been a primary focus of international research. In the current study, a novel Schiff base [hetero-dinuclear copper(II) Mn(II) complex] (SB) derivative was investigated for its anticandidal activity against Candida albicans and possible mechanisms inducing cell death. The results revealed that SB treatment induces apoptotic and necrotic pathways in C. albicans ATCC10231 strain. Intracellular reactive oxygen species production determined by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining was triggered by SB and amphotericin B administrations in a dose-dependent manner. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that SB exposure resulted in regulation of critical development and stress related gene expressions. SB treatment directly upregulated expression of stress related genes, DDR48 and RIM101, while suppressed important cell signaling and antibiotic resistance acquiring related genes such as HSP90, ERG11 and EFG1. Furthermore, CaMCA1 mRNA levels were found to be significantly high in SB-treated yeast cells, indicating possible caspase-like mechanism activation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed that SB treatment led to severe cell wall integrity disruption and wrinkling. The study will encourage development of SB-based anticandidal regimens but further studies are highly warranted to understand limitations and the extended use in the routine.
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31
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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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Zhang X, Cheng Z, Ma L, Li J. A study on accumulation of volatile organic compounds during ochratoxin a biosynthesis and characterization of the correlation in Aspergillus carbonarius isolated from grape and dried vine fruit. Food Chem 2017; 227:55-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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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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34
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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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35
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Voisey CR, Christensen MT, Johnson LJ, Forester NT, Gagic M, Bryan GT, Simpson WR, Fleetwood DJ, Card SD, Koolaard JP, Maclean PH, Johnson RD. cAMP Signaling Regulates Synchronised Growth of Symbiotic Epichloë Fungi with the Host Grass Lolium perenne. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:1546. [PMID: 27833620 PMCID: PMC5082231 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.01546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The seed-transmitted fungal symbiont, Epichloë festucae, colonizes grasses by infecting host tissues as they form on the shoot apical meristem (SAM) of the seedling. How this fungus accommodates the complexities of plant development to successfully colonize the leaves and inflorescences is unclear. Since adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent signaling is often essential for host colonization by fungal pathogens, we disrupted the cAMP cascade by insertional mutagenesis of the E. festucae adenylate cyclase gene (acyA). Consistent with deletions of this gene in other fungi, acyA mutants had a slow radial growth rate in culture, and hyphae were convoluted and hyper-branched suggesting that fungal apical dominance had been disrupted. Nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) staining of hyphae showed that cAMP disruption mutants were impaired in their ability to synthesize superoxide, indicating that cAMP signaling regulates accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite significant defects in hyphal growth and ROS production, E. festucae ΔacyA mutants were infectious and capable of forming symbiotic associations with grasses. Plants infected with E. festucae ΔacyA were marginally less robust than the wild-type (WT), however hyphae were hyper-branched, and leaf tissues heavily colonized, indicating that the tight regulation of hyphal growth normally observed in maturing leaves requires functional cAMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R. Voisey
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Michael T. Christensen
- Formally of Forage Improvement, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Linda J. Johnson
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Natasha T. Forester
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Milan Gagic
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gregory T. Bryan
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Wayne R. Simpson
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Damien J. Fleetwood
- Biotelliga Ltd., Institute for Innovation in BiotechnologyAuckland, New Zealand
| | - Stuart D. Card
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - John P. Koolaard
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Team, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Paul H. Maclean
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Team, AgResearch Ltd., Lincoln Research CentreChristchurch, New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Johnson
- Forage Science, AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research CentrePalmerston North, New Zealand
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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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37
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Hu J, Wang F, Ma A, Zhuang G, Liu Y, Lu J, Guo C, Liu C. Farnesol stimulates laccase production in
Trametes versicolor. Eng Life Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201500082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Anzhou Ma
- Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Zhuang
- Research Center for Eco‐Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Ying Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
- Jiangsu Jiangu Chemical Co. Ltd Suqian Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Jingsong Lu
- Jiangsu Jiangu Chemical Co. Ltd Suqian Jiangsu Province P. R. China
| | - Chen Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
| | - Chunzhao Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China
- Jiangsu Jiangu Chemical Co. Ltd Suqian Jiangsu Province P. R. China
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38
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Wongsuk T, Pumeesat P, Luplertlop N. Fungal quorum sensing molecules: Role in fungal morphogenesis and pathogenicity. J Basic Microbiol 2016; 56:440-7. [PMID: 26972663 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201500759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
When microorganisms live together in high numbers, they need to communicate with each other. To achieve cell-cell communication, microorganisms secrete molecules called quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs) that control their biological activities and behaviors. Fungi secrete QSMs such as farnesol, tyrosol, phenylethanol, and tryptophol. The role of QSMs in fungi has been widely studied in both yeasts and filamentous fungi, for example in Candida albicans, C. dubliniensis, Aspergillus niger, A. nidulans, and Fusarium graminearum. QSMs impact fungal morphogenesis (yeast-to-hypha formation) and also play a role in the germination of macroconidia. QSMs cause fungal cells to initiate programmed cell death, or apoptosis, and play a role in fungal pathogenicity. Several types of QSMs are produced during stages of biofilm development to control cell population or morphology in biofilm communities. This review article emphasizes the role of fungal QSMs, especially in fungal morphogenesis, biofilm formation, and pathogenicity. Information about QSMs may lead to improved measures for controlling fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanwa Wongsuk
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Potjaman Pumeesat
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natthanej Luplertlop
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Emerging and Neglected Infectious Diseases, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
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Bujdáková H. Management of Candida biofilms: state of knowledge and new options for prevention and eradication. Future Microbiol 2016; 11:235-51. [PMID: 26849383 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms formed by Candida species (spp.) on medical devices represent a potential health risk. The focus of current research is searching for new options for the treatment and prevention of biofilm-associated infections using different approaches including modern nanotechnology. This review summarizes current information concerning the most relevant resistance/tolerance mechanisms to conventional drugs and a role of additional factors contributing to these phenomena in Candida spp. (mostly Candida albicans). Additionally, it provides an information update in prevention and eradication of a Candida biofilm including experiences with 'lock' therapy, potential utilization of small molecules in biomedical applications, and perspectives of using photodynamic inactivation in the control of a Candida biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Bujdáková
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Microbiology & Virology, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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40
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Dixon EF, Hall RA. Noisy neighbourhoods: quorum sensing in fungal-polymicrobial infections. Cell Microbiol 2015; 17:1431-41. [PMID: 26243526 PMCID: PMC4973845 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing was once considered a way in which a species was able to sense its cell density and regulate gene expression accordingly. However, it is now becoming apparent that multiple microbes can sense particular quorum-sensing molecules, enabling them to sense and respond to other microbes in their neighbourhood. Such interactions are significant within the context of polymicrobial disease, in which the competition or cooperation of microbes can alter disease progression. Fungi comprise a small but important component of the human microbiome and are in constant contact with bacteria and viruses. The discovery of quorum-sensing pathways in fungi has led to the characterization of a number of interkingdom quorum-sensing interactions. Here, we review the recent developments in quorum sensing in medically important fungi, and the implications these interactions have on the host's innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Dixon
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rebecca A Hall
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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41
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Hall RA. Dressed to impress: impact of environmental adaptation on the Candida albicans cell wall. Mol Microbiol 2015; 97:7-17. [PMID: 25846717 PMCID: PMC4973840 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans causing superficial mucosal infections and life‐threatening systemic disease. The fungal cell wall is the first point of contact between the invading pathogen and the host innate immune system. As a result, the polysaccharides that comprise the cell wall act as pathogen associated molecular patterns, which govern the host–pathogen interaction. The cell wall is dynamic and responsive to changes in the external environment. Therefore, the host environment plays a critical role in regulating the host–pathogen interaction through modulation of the fungal cell wall. This review focuses on how environmental adaptation modulates the cell wall structure and composition, and the subsequent impact this has on the innate immune recognition of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Hall
- School of Biosciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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42
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Oxidative stress responses in the human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Biomolecules 2015; 5:142-65. [PMID: 25723552 PMCID: PMC4384116 DOI: 10.3390/biom5010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans, causing approximately 400,000 life-threatening systemic infections world-wide each year in severely immunocompromised patients. An important fungicidal mechanism employed by innate immune cells involves the generation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Consequently, there is much interest in the strategies employed by C. albicans to evade the oxidative killing by macrophages and neutrophils. Our understanding of how C. albicans senses and responds to ROS has significantly increased in recent years. Key findings include the observations that hydrogen peroxide triggers the filamentation of this polymorphic fungus and that a superoxide dismutase enzyme with a novel mode of action is expressed at the cell surface of C. albicans. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that combinations of the chemical stresses generated by phagocytes can actively prevent C. albicans oxidative stress responses through a mechanism termed the stress pathway interference. In this review, we present an up-date of our current understanding of the role and regulation of oxidative stress responses in this important human fungal pathogen.
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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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44
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Candida albicans: Molecular interactions with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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45
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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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46
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Li C, Zhang H, Yang Q, Komla MG, Zhang X, Zhu S. Ascorbic acid enhances oxidative stress tolerance and biological control efficacy of Pichia caribbica against postharvest blue mold decay of apples. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2014; 62:7612-7621. [PMID: 25029482 DOI: 10.1021/jf501984n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The effect of ascorbic acid (VC) on improving oxidative stress tolerance of Pichia caribbica and biocontrol efficacy against blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum on apples was investigated. P. caribbica showed susceptibility to the oxidative stress in vitro test, and 250 μg/mL VC treatment improved its oxidative stress tolerance. The higher viability exhibited by VC-treated yeast was associated with a lower intracellular ROS level. The activities of antioxidant enzymes of P. caribbica were improved by VC treatment, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Additionally, VC-treated yeast exhibited greater biocontrol activity against P. expansum and faster growth when stored at 25 and 4 °C, respectively, compared to the performance of the non-VC-treated yeast. In response to the VC treatment under oxidative stress, several differentially expressed proteins were identified in P. caribbica, and most of the poteins were confirmed to be related to basic metabolism. Therefore, the application of ascorbic acid is a useful approach to improve oxidative stress tolerance of P. caribbica and its biocontrol efficacy on apples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaolan Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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47
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Hogan D, Wheeler RT. The complex roles of NADPH oxidases in fungal infection. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:1156-67. [PMID: 24905433 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
NADPH oxidases play key roles in immunity and inflammation that go beyond the production of microbicidal reactive oxygen species (ROS). The past decade has brought a new appreciation for the diversity of roles played by ROS in signalling associated with inflammation and immunity. NADPH oxidase activity affects disease outcome during infections by human pathogenic fungi, an important group of emerging and opportunistic pathogens that includes Candida, Aspergillus and Cryptococcus species. Here we review how alternative roles of NADPH oxidase activity impact fungal infection and how ROS signalling affects fungal physiology. Particular attention is paid to roles for NADPH oxidase in immune migration, immunoregulation in pulmonary infection, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, autophagy and inflammasome activity. These recent advances highlight the power and versatility of spatiotemporally controlled redox regulation in the context of infection, and point to a need to understand the molecular consequences of NADPH oxidase activity in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Hogan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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48
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Host-pathogen interaction and signaling molecule secretion are modified in the dpp3 knockout mutant of Candida lusitaniae. Infect Immun 2013; 82:413-22. [PMID: 24191303 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01263-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida lusitaniae is an emerging opportunistic yeast and an attractive model to discover new virulence factors in Candida species by reverse genetics. Our goal was to create a dpp3Δ knockout mutant and to characterize the effects of this gene inactivation on yeast in vitro and in vivo interaction with the host. The secretion of two signaling molecules in Candida species, phenethyl alcohol (PEA) and tyrosol, but not of farnesol was surprisingly altered in the dpp3Δ knockout mutant. NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) secretion were also modified in macrophages infected with this mutant. Interestingly, we found that the wild-type (WT) strain induced an increase in IL-10 secretion by zymosan-activated macrophages without the need for physical contact, whereas the dpp3Δ knockout mutant lost this ability. We further showed a striking role of PEA and tyrosol in this modulation. Last, the DPP3 gene was found to be an essential contributor to virulence in mice models, leading to an increase in TNF-α secretion and brain colonization. Although reinsertion of a WT DPP3 copy in the dpp3Δ knockout mutant was not sufficient to restore the WT phenotypes in vitro, it allowed a restoration of those observed in vivo. These data support the hypothesis that some of the phenotypes observed following DPP3 gene inactivation may be directly dependent on DPP3, while others may be the indirect consequence of another genetic modification that systematically arises when the DPP3 gene is inactivated.
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Candida albicans Czf1 and Efg1 coordinate the response to farnesol during quorum sensing, white-opaque thermal dimorphism, and cell death. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 12:1281-92. [PMID: 23873867 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00311-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing by farnesol in Candida albicans inhibits filamentation and may be directly related to its ability to cause both mucosal and systemic diseases. The Ras1-cyclic AMP signaling pathway is a target for farnesol inhibition. However, a clear understanding of the downstream effectors of the morphological farnesol response has yet to be unraveled. To address this issue, we screened a library for mutants that fail to respond to farnesol. Six mutants were identified, and the czf1Δ/czf1Δ mutant was selected for further characterization. Czf1 is a transcription factor that regulates filamentation in embedded agar and also white-to-opaque switching. We found that Czf1 is required for filament inhibition by farnesol under at least three distinct environmental conditions: on agar surfaces, in liquid medium, and when embedded in a semisolid agar matrix. Since Efg1 is a transcription factor of the Ras1-cyclic AMP signaling pathway that interacts with and regulates Czf1, an efg1Δ/efg1Δ czf1Δ/czf1Δ mutant was tested for filament inhibition by farnesol. It exhibited an opaque-cell-like temperature-dependent morphology, and it was killed by low farnesol levels that are sublethal to wild-type cells and both efg1Δ/efg1Δ and czf1Δ/czf1Δ single mutants. These results highlight a new role for Czf1 as a downstream effector of the morphological response to farnesol, and along with Efg1, Czf1 is involved in the control of farnesol-mediated cell death in C. albicans.
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Piispanen AE, Grahl N, Hollomon JM, Hogan DA. Regulated proteolysis of Candida albicans Ras1 is involved in morphogenesis and quorum sensing regulation. Mol Microbiol 2013; 89:166-78. [PMID: 23692372 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In Candida albicans, a fungal pathogen, the small G-protein Ras1 regulates many important behaviors including white-opaque switching, biofilm formation, and the induction and maintenance of hyphal growth. Like other Ras proteins, Ras1 is activated upon guanine triphosphate binding, and its activity is further modulated by post-translational lipid modifications. Here, we report that the levels of membrane-associated, full-length Ras1 were higher in hyphae than in yeast, and that yeast contained a shorter, soluble Ras1 species that resulted from cleavage. Deletion of the putative cleavage site led to more rapid induction of hyphal growth and delayed hypha-to-yeast transitions. The cleaved Ras1 species was less able to activate its effector, adenylate cyclase (Cyr1), unless tethered to the membrane by a heterologous membrane-targeting domain. Ras1 cleavage was repressed by cAMP-signalling, indicating the presence of a positive feedback loop in which Cyr1 and cAMP influence Ras1. The C. albicans quorum sensing molecule farnesol, which inhibits Cyr1 and represses filamentation, caused an increase in the fraction of Ras1 in the cleaved form, particularly in nascent yeast formed from hyphae. This newly recognized mode of Ras regulation may control C. albicans Ras1 activity in important ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Piispanen
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
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