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Martínez-Andrade JM, Roberson RW, Riquelme M. A bird's-eye view of the endoplasmic reticulum in filamentous fungi. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0002723. [PMID: 38372526 PMCID: PMC10966943 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00027-23] [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] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is one of the most extensive organelles in eukaryotic cells. It performs crucial roles in protein and lipid synthesis and Ca2+ homeostasis. Most information on ER types, functions, organization, and domains comes from studies in uninucleate animal, plant, and yeast cells. In contrast, there is limited information on the multinucleate cells of filamentous fungi, i.e., hyphae. We provide an analytical review of existing literature to categorize different types of ER described in filamentous fungi while emphasizing the research techniques and markers used. Additionally, we identify the knowledge gaps that need to be resolved better to understand the structure-function correlation of ER in filamentous fungi. Finally, advanced technologies that can provide breakthroughs in understanding the ER in filamentous fungi are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Martínez-Andrade
- Department of Microbiology, Centro de Investigación Científica y Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | | | - Meritxell Riquelme
- Department of Microbiology, Centro de Investigación Científica y Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
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Piombo E, Kelbessa BG, Sundararajan P, Whisson SC, Vetukuri RR, Dubey M. RNA silencing proteins and small RNAs in oomycete plant pathogens and biocontrol agents. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1076522. [PMID: 37032886 PMCID: PMC10080066 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1076522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oomycetes cause several damaging diseases of plants and animals, and some species also act as biocontrol agents on insects, fungi, and other oomycetes. RNA silencing is increasingly being shown to play a role in the pathogenicity of Phytophthora species, either through trans-boundary movement of small RNAs (sRNAs) or through expression regulation of infection promoting effectors. Methods To gain a wider understanding of RNA silencing in oomycete species with more diverse hosts, we mined genome assemblies for Dicer-like (DCL), Argonaute (AGO), and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) proteins from Phytophthora plurivora, Ph. cactorum, Ph. colocasiae, Pythium oligandrum, Py. periplocum, and Lagenidium giganteum. Moreover, we sequenced small RNAs from the mycelium stage in each of these species. Results and discussion Each of the species possessed a single DCL protein, but they differed in the number and sequence of AGOs and RDRPs. SRNAs of 21nt, 25nt, and 26nt were prevalent in all oomycetes analyzed, but the relative abundance and 5' base preference of these classes differed markedly between genera. Most sRNAs mapped to transposons and other repeats, signifying that the major role for RNA silencing in oomycetes is to limit the expansion of these elements. We also found that sRNAs may act to regulate the expression of duplicated genes. Other sRNAs mapped to several gene families, and this number was higher in Pythium spp., suggesting a role of RNA silencing in regulating gene expression. Genes for most effector classes were the source of sRNAs of variable size, but some gene families showed a preference for specific classes of sRNAs, such as 25/26 nt sRNAs targeting RxLR effector genes in Phytophthora species. Novel miRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) were discovered in all species, and two were predicted to target transcripts for RxLR effectors in Ph. plurivora and Ph. cactorum, indicating a putative role in regulating infection. Moreover, milRNAs from the biocontrol Pythium species had matches in the predicted transcriptome of Phytophthora infestans and Botrytis cinerea, and L. giganteum milRNAs matched candidate genes in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. This suggests that trans-boundary RNA silencing may have a role in the biocontrol action of these oomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Piombo
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bekele Gelena Kelbessa
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Poorva Sundararajan
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Stephen C. Whisson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ramesh Raju Vetukuri
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Ramesh Raju Vetukuri, ; Mukesh Dubey,
| | - Mukesh Dubey
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Ramesh Raju Vetukuri, ; Mukesh Dubey,
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Song PP, Wang Y, Hou YP, Mao XW, Liu ZL, Wei M, Yu JP, Wang B, Qian YY, Yan L, Xu S, Jiang YQ, Zhou DQ, Yin M, Dou J. Crucial role of Ca 2+ /CN signalling pathway in the antifungal activity of disenecioyl-cis-khellactone against Botrytis cinerea. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:4649-4659. [PMID: 35866518 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Botrytis cinerea causes grey mould and is one of the most destructive fungal pathogens affecting important fruit and vegetable crops. In preliminary studies, we found that disenecioyl-cis-khellactone (DK) had strong antifungal activity against several fungi species including B. cinerea [half maximal effective concentration (EC50 ) = 11.0 μg mL-1 ]. In this study, we aimed to further evaluate the antifungal activity of DK against B. cinerea and determine the role of calcium ion/calcineurin (Ca2+ /CN) signalling pathway on its antifungal effect. RESULTS DK was effective against B. cinerea in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Exogenous Ca2+ reduced the antifungal activity of DK. The combination of DK and cyclosporine A (CsA) did not exhibit an additive effect against B. cinerea. In contrast to CsA, DK reduced the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in B. cinerea. DK bound to calcineurin A (cnA) and up-regulated the expression of PMC1 and PMR1 genes. Moreover, DK sensitivity of △bccnA significantly decreased compared with that of Bc05.10 strain. CONCLUSION DK is a promising lead compound for developing fungicides against B. cinerea. The Ca2+ /CN signalling pathway plays a crucial role in the DK antifungal activity, and cnA is one of the targets of DK against B. cinerea. DK directly reacts with cnA, which up-regulates the transcription of Ca2+ /CN-dependent target genes PMC1 and PMR1, decreasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and disturbing the intracellular Ca2+ balance, leading to cell death. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Ping Song
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Ping Hou
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue-Wei Mao
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zong-Liang Liu
- Yantai University, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai, China
| | - Min Wei
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin-Ping Yu
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Bi Wang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Yun Qian
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Yan
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Xu
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-Qin Jiang
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong-Qin Zhou
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Yin
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Dou
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Nanjing, China
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Yang Y, Xie P, Li Y, Bi Y, Prusky DB. Updating Insights into the Regulatory Mechanisms of Calcineurin-Activated Transcription Factor Crz1 in Pathogenic Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101082. [PMID: 36294647 PMCID: PMC9604740 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+, as a second messenger in cells, enables organisms to adapt to different environmental stresses by rapidly sensing and responding to external stimuli. In recent years, the Ca2+ mediated calcium signaling pathway has been studied systematically in various mammals and fungi, indicating that the pathway is conserved among organisms. The pathway consists mainly of complex Ca2+ channel proteins, calcium pumps, Ca2+ transporters and many related proteins. Crz1, a transcription factor downstream of the calcium signaling pathway, participates in regulating cell survival, ion homeostasis, infection structure development, cell wall integrity and virulence. This review briefly summarizes the Ca2+ mediated calcium signaling pathway and regulatory roles in plant pathogenic fungi. Based on discussing the structure and localization of transcription factor Crz1, we focus on the regulatory role of Crz1 on growth and development, stress response, pathogenicity of pathogenic fungi and its regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, we explore the cross-talk between Crz1 and other signaling pathways. Combined with the important role and pathogenic mechanism of Crz1 in fungi, the new strategies in which Crz1 may be used as a target to explore disease control in practice are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Pengdong Xie
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yongcai Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Yang Bi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Dov B. Prusky
- Department of Postharvest Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
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Chen M, Wang J, Lin L, Xu X, Wei W, Shen Y, Wei D. Synergistic Regulation of Metabolism by Ca 2+/Reactive Oxygen Species in Penicillium brevicompactum Improves Production of Mycophenolic Acid and Investigation of the Ca 2+ Channel. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:273-285. [PMID: 34941247 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although Penicillium brevicompactum is a very important industrial strain for mycophenolic acid production, there are no reports on Ca2+/reactive oxygen species (ROS) synergistic regulation and calcium channels, Cch-pb. This study initially intensified the concentration of the intracellular Ca2+ in the high yielding mycophenolic acid producing strain NRRL864 to explore the physiological role of intracellular redox state in metabolic regulation by Penicillium brevicompactum. The addition of Ca2+ in the media caused an increase of intracellular Ca2+, which was accompanied by a strong increase, 1.5 times, in the higher intracellular ROS concentration. In addition, the more intensive ROS sparked the production of an unreported pigment and increase in mycophenolic acid production. Furthermore, the Ca2+ channel, the homologous gene of Cch1, Cch-pb, was investigated to verify the relationship between Ca2+ and the intracellular ROS. The Vitreoscilla hemoglobin was overexpressed, which was bacterial hemoglobin from Vitreoscilla, reducing the intracellular ROS concentration to verify the relationship between the redox state and the yield of mycophenolic acid. The strain pb-VGB expressed the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin exhibited a lower intracellular ROS concentration, 30% lower, and decreased the yield of mycophenolic acid as 10% lower at the same time. Subsequently, with the NRRL864 fermented under 1.7 and 28 mM Ca2+, the [NADH]/[NAD+] ratios were detected and the higher [NADH]/[NAD+] ratios (4 times higher with 28 mM) meant a more robust primary metabolism which provided more precursors to produce the pigment and the mycophenolic acid. Finally, the 10 times higher calcium addition in the media resulted in 25% enhanced mycophenolic acid production to 6.7 g/L and induced pigment synthesis in NRRL864.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mianhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Newworld Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Newworld Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Lin
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, People’s Republic of China
- Research Laboratory for Functional Nanomaterial, National Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology, Shanghai 200241, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangyang Xu
- Zaozhuang jie nuo enzyme co. ltd, Zaozhuang 277100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Newworld Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Newworld Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongzhi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Newworld Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, People’s Republic of China
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Kurian SM, Lichius A, Read ND. Ca2+ Signalling Differentially Regulates Germ-Tube Formation and Cell Fusion in Fusarium oxysporum. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8010090. [PMID: 35050029 PMCID: PMC8780837 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium oxysporum is an important plant pathogen and an emerging opportunistic human pathogen. Germination of conidial spores and their fusion via conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs) are significant events during colony establishment in culture and on host plants and, hence, very likely on human epithelia. CAT fusion exhibited by conidial germlings of Fusarium species has been postulated to facilitate mitotic recombination, leading to heterokaryon formation and strains with varied genotypes and potentially increased virulence. Ca2+ signalling is key to many of the important physiological processes in filamentous fungi. Here, we tested pharmacological agents with defined modes of action in modulation of the mammalian Ca2+ signalling machinery for their effect on germination and CAT-mediated cell fusion in F. oxysporum. We found various drug-specific and dose-dependent effects. Inhibition of calcineurin by FK506 or cyclosporin A, as well as chelation of extracellular Ca2+ by BAPTA, exclusively inhibit CAT induction but not germ-tube formation. On the other hand, inhibition of Ca2+ channels by verapamil, calmodulin inhibition by calmidazolium, and inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uniporters by RU360 inhibited both CAT induction and germ-tube formation. Thapsigargin, an inhibitor of mammalian sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), partially inhibited CAT induction but had no effect on germ-tube formation. These results provide initial evidence for morphologically defining roles of Ca2+-signalling components in the early developmental stages of F. oxysporum colony establishment—most notably, the indication that calcium ions act as self-signalling molecules in this process. Our findings contribute an important first step towards the identification of Ca2+ inhibitors with fungas-specific effects that could be exploited for the treatment of infected plants and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smija M. Kurian
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexander Lichius
- Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Nick D. Read
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
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The Destructive Fungal Pathogen Botrytis cinerea-Insights from Genes Studied with Mutant Analysis. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110923. [PMID: 33171745 PMCID: PMC7695001 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is one of the most destructive fungal pathogens affecting numerous plant hosts, including many important crop species. As a molecularly under-studied organism, its genome was only sequenced at the beginning of this century and it was recently updated with improved gene annotation and completeness. In this review, we summarize key molecular studies on B. cinerea developmental and pathogenesis processes, specifically on genes studied comprehensively with mutant analysis. Analyses of these studies have unveiled key genes in the biological processes of this pathogen, including hyphal growth, sclerotial formation, conidiation, pathogenicity and melanization. In addition, our synthesis has uncovered gaps in the present knowledge regarding development and virulence mechanisms. We hope this review will serve to enhance the knowledge of the biological mechanisms behind this notorious fungal pathogen.
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Lange M, Peiter E. Calcium Transport Proteins in Fungi: The Phylogenetic Diversity of Their Relevance for Growth, Virulence, and Stress Resistance. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3100. [PMID: 32047484 PMCID: PMC6997533 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The key players of calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and Ca2+ signal generation, which are Ca2+ channels, Ca2+/H+ antiporters, and Ca2+-ATPases, are present in all fungi. Their coordinated action maintains a low Ca2+ baseline, allows a fast increase in free Ca2+ concentration upon a stimulus, and terminates this Ca2+ elevation by an exponential decrease – hence forming a Ca2+ signal. In this respect, the Ca2+ signaling machinery is conserved in different fungi. However, does the similarity of the genetic inventory that shapes the Ca2+ peak imply that if “you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all” in terms of physiological relevance? Individual studies have focused mostly on a single species, and mechanisms elucidated in few model organisms are usually extrapolated to other species. This mini-review focuses on the physiological relevance of the machinery that maintains Ca2+ homeostasis for growth, virulence, and stress responses. It reveals common and divergent functions of homologous proteins in different fungal species. In conclusion, for the physiological role of these Ca2+ transport proteins, “seen one,” in many cases, does not mean: “seen them all.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Lange
- Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edgar Peiter
- Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Hameed S, Hans S, Singh S, Fatima Z. Harnessing Metal Homeostasis Offers Novel and Promising Targets Against Candida albicans. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2019; 17:415-429. [PMID: 30827249 DOI: 10.2174/1570163816666190227231437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections, particularly of Candida species, which are the commensal organisms of human, are one of the major debilitating diseases in immunocompromised patients. The limited number of antifungal drugs available to treat Candida infections, with the concomitant increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, further worsens the therapeutic options. Thus, there is an urgent need for the better understanding of MDR mechanisms, and their reversal, by employing new strategies to increase the efficacy and safety profiles of currently used therapies against the most prevalent human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Micronutrient availability during C. albicans infection is regarded as a critical factor that influences the progression and magnitude of the disease. Intracellular pathogens colonize a variety of anatomical locations that are likely to be scarce in micronutrients, as a defense strategy adopted by the host, known as nutritional immunity. Indispensable critical micronutrients are required both by the host and by C. albicans, especially as a cofactor in important metabolic functions. Since these micronutrients are not freely available, C. albicans need to exploit host reservoirs to adapt within the host for survival. The ability of pathogenic organisms, including C. albicans, to sense and adapt to limited micronutrients in the hostile environment is essential for survival and confers the basis of its success as a pathogen. This review describes that micronutrients availability to C. albicans is a key attribute that may be exploited when one considers designing strategies aimed at disrupting MDR in this pathogenic fungi. Here, we discuss recent advances that have been made in our understanding of fungal micronutrient acquisition and explore the probable pathways that may be utilized as targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Hameed
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram (Manesar)-122413, India
| | - Sandeep Hans
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram (Manesar)-122413, India
| | - Shweta Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram (Manesar)-122413, India
| | - Zeeshan Fatima
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Gurugram (Manesar)-122413, India
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Mid1 affects ion transport, cell wall integrity, and host penetration of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:1801-1810. [PMID: 30617534 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-09589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Calcium signaling plays important roles in stress tolerance and virulence in fungi. Mid1, an accessory protein of Cch1 calcium channel, has been discussed in baker's yeast and some filamentous fungi. However, functions of the Mid1 gene in entomopathogenic fungi are not clear. In this study, the Mid1 gene was functionally characterized by deleting it in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum. The growth of the ΔMaMid1 mutant was similar as the wild type on normal growth medium, but inhibited by exogenous Ca2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Li+, and calcium chelator ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA). Cation transportation-related genes were upregulated and intracellular calcium concentration was decreased in ΔMaMid1. Deletion of the MaMid1 gene impaired the tolerance to cell wall-disrupting agents but had no impact on heat or ultraviolet irradiation tolerance compared with the wild type. Bioassays showed that ΔMaMid1 had decreased virulence, with defects in the ability to penetrate the host cuticle. Compared with the wild type, appressorium formation on locust wings and fungal growth in the insect hemocoel were significantly decreased in the ΔMaMid1 mutant in a bioassay through topical inoculation. The phenotypes of ΔMaMid1 were fully restored in a complementation strain. Taken together, our study demonstrates that the MaMid1 affects intracellular ion homeostasis and contributes to virulence by affecting the initial penetration process in M. acridum.
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11
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Li Y, Sun L, Lu C, Gong Y, Li M, Sun S. Promising Antifungal Targets Against Candida albicans Based on Ion Homeostasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:286. [PMID: 30234023 PMCID: PMC6131588 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, invasive fungal infections have been increasing significantly, contributing to high incidences and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most prevalent opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans that can cause severe and often fatal bloodstream infections. Current antifungal agents have several limitations, including that only a small number of classes of antifungals are available, certain of which have severe toxicity and high cost. Moreover, the emergence of drug resistance is a new limitation to successful patient outcomes. Therefore, the development of antifungals with novel targets is an essential strategy for the efficient management of C. albicans infections. It is widely recognized that ion homeostasis is crucial for all living cells. Many studies have identified that ion-signaling and transduction networks are central to fungal survival by regulating gene expression, morphological transition, host invasion, stress response, and drug resistance. Dysregulation of ion homeostasis rapidly mediates cell death, forming the mechanistic basis of a growing number of compounds that elicit antifungal activity. Most of the potent antifungals have been widely used in the clinic, and certain of them have low toxicity, meaning that they may be expected to be used as antifungal drugs in the future. Hence, we briefly summarize the homeostasis regulation of several important ions, potential antifungal targets based on these ion-signaling networks, and antifungal compounds based on the disruption of ion homeostasis. This summary will help in designing effective drugs and identifying new targets for combating fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiman Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Licui Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Feicheng Mining Central Hospital, Feicheng, China
| | - Chunyan Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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12
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Qian H, Chen Q, Zhang S, Lu L. The Claudin Family Protein FigA Mediates Ca 2+ Homeostasis in Response to Extracellular Stimuli in Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:977. [PMID: 29867880 PMCID: PMC5962676 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The claudin family protein Fig1 is a unique fungal protein that is involved in pheromone-induced calcium influx and membrane fusion during the mating of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. Whether and how Fig1 regulates Ca2+ homeostasis in response to extracellular stimuli is poorly understood. Previously, we found Aspergillus nidulans FigA, a homolog of Fig1 in S. cerevisiae, similar to the high-affinity calcium uptake system, is required for normal growth under low-Ca2+ minimal medium. In this study, using the calcium-sensitive photoprotein aequorin to monitor cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) in living cells, we found that the FigA dysfunction decreases the transient [Ca2+]c induced by a high extracellular calcium stress. Furthermore, FigA acts synergistically with CchA (a high-affinity Ca2+ channel) to coordinate cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx in response to an extracellular Ca2+ stimulus. Moreover, FigA mediates ER stress-induced transient [Ca2+]c in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium. Most importantly, these [Ca2+]c responses mediated by FigA are closely related to its conserved claudin superfamily motif, which is also required for hyphal growth and asexual development in A. nidulans. Finally, the function of FigA in Aspergillus fumigatus, the most common airborne human fungal pathogen was studied. The result showed that the two FigA homologous in A. nidulans and A. fumigatus have a large degree of functional homology not only in asexual development but also in regulating transient [Ca2+]c. Our study expands the knowledge of claudin family protein FigA in Ca2+ homeostasis in response to extracellular stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuyi Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Kim HS, Kim JE, Son H, Frailey D, Cirino R, Lee YW, Duncan R, Czymmek KJ, Kang S. Roles of three Fusarium graminearum membrane Ca 2+ channels in the formation of Ca 2+ signatures, growth, development, pathogenicity and mycotoxin production. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 111:30-46. [PMID: 29175365 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Similar to animals and plants, external stimuli cause dynamic spatial and temporal changes of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in fungi. Such changes are referred as the Ca2+ signature and control cellular responses by modulating the activity or location of diverse Ca2+-binding proteins (CBPs) and also indirectly affecting proteins that interact with CBPs. To understand the mechanism underpinning Ca2+ signaling, therefore, characterization of how Ca2+ moves to and from the cytoplasm to create Ca2+ signatures under different conditions is fundamental. Three genes encoding plasma membrane Ca2+ channels in a Fusarium graminearum strain that expresses a fluorescent protein-based Ca2+ indicator in the cytoplasm were mutagenized to investigate their roles in the generation of Ca2+ signatures under different growth conditions and genetic backgrounds. The genes disrupted include CCH1 and MID1, which encode a high affinity Ca2+ uptake system, and FIG1, encoding a low affinity Ca2+ channel. Resulting mutants were also analyzed for growth, development, pathogenicity and mycotoxin production to determine how loss of each of the genes alters these traits. To investigate whether individual genes influence the function and expression of other genes, phenotypes and Ca2+ signatures of their double and triple mutants, as well as their expression patterns, were analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Seon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Plant Pathology & Environmental Microbiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Hokyoung Son
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel Frailey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Robert Cirino
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Yin-Won Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Randall Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Kirk J Czymmek
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Seogchan Kang
- Department of Plant Pathology & Environmental Microbiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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The Lectin Chaperone Calnexin Is Involved in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response by Regulating Ca 2+ Homeostasis in Aspergillus nidulans. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.00673-17. [PMID: 28550061 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00673-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ca2+-mediated signaling pathway is crucial for environmental adaptation in fungi. Here we show that calnexin, a molecular chaperone located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), plays an important role in regulating the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) in Aspergillus nidulans Inactivation of calnexin (ClxA) in A. nidulans caused severe defects in hyphal growth and conidiation under ER stress caused by the ER stress-inducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) or high temperature. Importantly, defects in the ΔclxA mutant were restored by the addition of extracellular calcium. Furthermore, the CchA/MidA complex (the high-affinity Ca2+ channels), calcineurin (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase), and PmrA (secretory pathway Ca2+ ATPase) were required for extracellular calcium-based restoration of the DTT/thermal stress sensitivity in the ΔclxA mutant. Interestingly, the ΔclxA mutant exhibited markedly reduced conidium formation and hyphal growth defects under the low-calcium condition, which is similar to defects caused by mutations in MidA/CchA. Moreover, the phenotypic defects were further exacerbated in the ΔclxA ΔmidA ΔcchA mutant, which suggested that ClxA and MidA/CchA are both required under the calcium-limiting condition. Using the calcium-sensitive photoprotein aequorin to monitor [Ca2+]c in living cells, we found that ClxA and MidA/CchA complex synergistically coordinate transient increase in [Ca2+]c in response to extracellular calcium. Moreover, ClxA, in particular its luminal domain, plays a role in mediating the transient [Ca2+]c in response to DTT-induced ER stress in the absence of extracellular calcium, indicating ClxA may mediate calcium release from internal calcium stores. Our findings provide new insights into the role of calnexin in the regulation of calcium-mediated response in fungal ER stress adaptation.IMPORTANCE Calnexin is a well-known molecular chaperone conserved from yeast to humans. Although it contains calcium binding domains, little is known about the role of calnexin in Ca2+ regulation. In this study, we demonstrate that calnexin (ClxA) in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, similar to the high-affinity calcium uptake system (HACS), is required for normal growth and conidiation under the calcium-limiting condition. The ClxA dysfunction decreases the transient cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) induced by a high extracellular calcium or DTT-induced ER stress. Our findings provide the direct evidence that calnexin plays important roles in regulating Ca2+ homeostasis in addition to its role as a molecular chaperone in fungi. These results provide new insights into the roles of calnexin and expand knowledge of fungal stress adaptation.
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Hwu FY, Lai MW, Liou RF. PpMID1 Plays a Role in the Asexual Development and Virulence of Phytophthora parasitica. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:610. [PMID: 28469602 PMCID: PMC5395580 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytophthora parasitica is a notorious oomycete pathogen that causes severe disease in a wide variety of crop species. Infection of plants involves mainly its asexual life stage, including papillate sporangia and biflagellated zoospores, which are the primary dispersal and infection agents of this pathogen. Calcium signaling has been thought as the key regulator for sporangium formation and zoospore differentiation. However, not much is known about the molecular players involved in these processes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mating pheromone-induced death 1 (MID1) encodes a component of a putative calcium channel. Here, we identified and characterized the function of PpMID1, an MID1 homolog from P. parasitica. The expression of PpMID1 was high in sporangia. Gene silencing of PpMID1 resulted in the formation of sporangia that lacked papilla and showed a tendency for direct germination. Notably, in response to cold shock to induce zoospore formation, these sporangia showed no sign of cytoplasmic cleavage and thereby failed to form zoospores. Nonetheless, the addition of CaCl2 or MgCl2 partially recovered the silenced sporangia phenotype, with the formation of papillate sporangia similar to those of the wild type and the release of zoospores upon cold shock. As well, virulence toward Nicotiana benthamiana was reduced in the PpMID1-silenced transformants. These results indicate a role of PpMID1 in the asexual development and virulence of P. parasitica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yu Hwu
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Fen Liou
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
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16
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Zhao H, Li J, Wang J, Xu X, Xian M, Liu H, Zhang H. Calcium Supplementation Abates the Inhibition Effects of Acetic Acid on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2016; 181:1573-1589. [PMID: 27878508 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-016-2303-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The toxic level of acetic acid could be released during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass, and an economical method was reported to minimize the acidic stress on the fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by cation supplementation. A dose-dependent protection of Ca2+ was monitored, and the optimal concentration of Ca2+ was 8 mM under 4.5 g/L acetic acid stress. The activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase of yeast cells supplemented with optimal Ca2+ increased by 18.6 and 27.3 %, respectively, coupling with an obvious decrease of reactive oxygen species content. Cell viability also performed a significant increase from 52.4 % (without Ca2+ addition) to 73.56 % (with 8 mM Ca2+ addition). No significant improvements were found in the bioethanol yields by Ca2+ supplementation; however, the fermentation time was shortened by about 8 h obviously. Our results illustrated that the Ca2+ supplementation could be an economical method to make the bioethanol production more efficient and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, SP, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, SP, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiming Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, SP, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, SP, People's Republic of China
| | - Mo Xian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, SP, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhou Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, SP, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Materials, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, SP, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Liu P, Gong J, Ding X, Jiang Y, Chen G, Li B, Weng Q, Chen Q. The L-type Ca(2+) Channel Blocker Nifedipine Inhibits Mycelial Growth, Sporulation, and Virulence of Phytophthora capsici. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1236. [PMID: 27540377 PMCID: PMC4972815 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The oomycete vegetable pathogen Phytophthora capsici causes significant losses of important vegetable crops worldwide. Calcium and other plant nutrients have been used in disease management of oomycete pathogens. Calcium homeostasis and signaling is essential for numerous biological processes, and Ca(2+) channel blockers prevent excessive Ca(2+) influx into the fungal cell. However, it is not known whether voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel blockers improve control over oomycete pathogens. In the present study, we compared the inhibitory effects of CaCl2 and the extracellular Ca(2+) chelator EDTA on mycelial growth and found that calcium assimilation plays a key role in P. capsici mycelial growth. Next, we involved the voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel blockers verapamil (VP) and nifedipine (NFD) to analyze the effect of Ca(2+) channel blockers on mycelial growth and sporulation; the results suggested that NFD, but not VP, caused significant inhibition. Ion rescue in an NFD-induced inhibition assay suggested that NFD-induced inhibition is calcium-dependent. In addition, NFD increased P. capsici sensitivity to H2O2 in a calcium-dependent manner, and extracellular calcium rescued it. Furthermore, NFD inhibited the virulence and gene expression related to its pathogenicity. These results suggest that NFD inhibits mycelial growth, sporulation, and virulence of P. capsici.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Qiyong Weng
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural SciencesFuzhou, China
| | - Qinghe Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Integrated Management of Crop Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural SciencesFuzhou, China
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18
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Lange M, Weihmann F, Schliebner I, Horbach R, Deising HB, Wirsel SGR, Peiter E. The Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channel Family in Colletotrichum graminicola: A Molecular and Physiological Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158561. [PMID: 27359114 PMCID: PMC4928787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) is a universal second messenger in all higher organisms and centrally involved in the launch of responses to environmental stimuli. Ca2+ signals in the cytosol are initiated by the activation of Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane and/or in endomembranes. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) contains a Ca2+-permeable channel of the TRP family, TRPY1, which is localized in the vacuolar membrane and contributes to cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) elevations, for example in response to osmotic upshock. A TRPY1 homologue in the rice blast fungus is known to be important for growth and pathogenicity. To determine the role of the TRP channel family in the maize pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola, proteins homologous to TRPY1 were searched. This identified not one, but four genes in the C. graminicola genome, which had putative orthologs in other fungi, and which we named CgTRPF1 through 4. The topology of the CgTRPF proteins resembled that of TRPY1, albeit with a variable number of transmembrane (TM) domains additional to the six-TM-domain core and a diverse arrangement of putatively Ca2+-binding acidic motifs. All CgTRPF genes were expressed in axenic culture and throughout the infection of maize. Like TRPY1, all TRPF proteins of C. graminicola were localized intracellularly, albeit three of them were found not in large vacuoles, but co-localized in vesicular structures. Deletion strains for the CgTRPF genes were not altered in processes thought to involve Ca2+ release from internal stores, i.e. spore germination, the utilization of complex carbon sources, and the generation of tip-focussed [Ca2+]cyt spikes. Heterologous expression of CgTRPF1 through 4 in a tryp1Δ yeast mutant revealed that none of the channels mediated the release of Ca2+ in response to osmotic upshock. Accordingly, aequorin-based [Ca2+]cyt measurements of C. graminicola showed that in this fungus, osmotic upshock-triggered [Ca2+]cyt elevations were generated entirely by influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular space. Cgtrpf mutants did not show pathogenicity defects in leaf infection assays. In summary, our study reveals major differences between different fungi in the contribution of TRP channels to Ca2+-mediated signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Lange
- Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (IAEW), Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Crop Plant Research (IZN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Fabian Weihmann
- Phytopathology and Plant Protection, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (IAEW), Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ivo Schliebner
- Phytopathology and Plant Protection, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (IAEW), Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Crop Plant Research (IZN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf Horbach
- Phytopathology and Plant Protection, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (IAEW), Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Crop Plant Research (IZN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Holger B. Deising
- Phytopathology and Plant Protection, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (IAEW), Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Crop Plant Research (IZN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefan G. R. Wirsel
- Phytopathology and Plant Protection, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (IAEW), Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Crop Plant Research (IZN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edgar Peiter
- Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (IAEW), Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Crop Plant Research (IZN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Lange M, Peiter E. Cytosolic free calcium dynamics as related to hyphal and colony growth in the filamentous fungal pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola. Fungal Genet Biol 2016; 91:55-65. [PMID: 27063059 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Tip growth of pollen tubes and root hairs of plants is oscillatory and orchestrated by tip-focussed variations of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)]cyt). Hyphae of filamentous fungi are also tubular tip-growing cells, and components of the Ca(2+) signalling machinery, such as Ca(2+) channels and Ca(2+) sensors, are known to be important for fungal growth. In this study, we addressed the questions if tip-focussed [Ca(2+)]cyt transients govern hyphal and whole-colony growth in the maize pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola, and whether colony-wide [Ca(2+)]cyt dynamics rely on external Ca(2+) or internal Ca(2+) stores. Ratiometric fluorescence microscopy of individual hyphae expressing the Ca(2+) reporter Yellow Cameleon 3.6 revealed that Ca(2+) spikes in hyphal tips precede the re-initiation of growth after wounding. Tip-focussed [Ca(2+)]cyt spikes were also observed in undisturbed growing hyphae. They occurred not regularly and at a higher rate in hyphae growing at a medium-glass interface than in those growing on an agar surface. Hyphal tip growth was non-pulsatile, and growth speed was not correlated with the rate of spike occurrence. A possible relationship of [Ca(2+)]cyt spike generation and growth of whole colonies was assessed by using a codon-optimized version of the luminescent Ca(2+) reporter Aequorin. Depletion of extracellular free Ca(2+) abolished [Ca(2+)]cyt spikes nearly completely, but had only a modest effect on colony growth. In a pharmacological survey, some inhibitors targeting Ca(2+) influx or release from internal stores repressed growth strongly. However, although some of those inhibitors also affected [Ca(2+)]cyt spike generation, the effects on both parameters were not correlated. Collectively, the results indicate that tip growth of C. graminicola is non-pulsatile and not mechanistically linked to tip-focused or global [Ca(2+)]cyt spikes, which are likely a response to micro-environmental parameters, such as the physical properties of the growth surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Lange
- Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (IAEW), Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edgar Peiter
- Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (IAEW), Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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20
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Wu Z, Yin X, Bañuelos GS, Lin ZQ, Zhu Z, Liu Y, Yuan L, Li M. Effect of Selenium on Control of Postharvest Gray Mold of Tomato Fruit and the Possible Mechanisms Involved. Front Microbiol 2016; 6:1441. [PMID: 26779128 PMCID: PMC4702184 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) has important benefits for crop growth and stress tolerance at low concentrations. However, there is very little information on antimicrobial effect of Se against the economically important fungus Botrytis cinerea. In the present study, using sodium selenite as Se source, we investigated the effect of Se salts on spore germination and mycelial growth of the fungal pathogen in vitro and gray mold control in harvested tomato fruit. Se treatment at 24 mg/L significantly inhibited spore germination of the fungal pathogen and effectively controlled gray mold in harvested tomato fruit. Se treatment at 24 mg/L seems to induce the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in the fungal spores. The membrane integrity damage was observed with fluorescence microscopy following staining with propidium iodide after treatment of the spores with Se. These results suggest that Se has the potential for controlling gray mold rot of tomato fruits and might be useful in integrated control against gray mold disease of postharvest fruits and vegetables caused by B. cinerea. The mechanisms by which Se decreased gray mold decay of tomato fruit may be directly related to the severe damage to the conidia plasma membrane and loss of cytoplasmic materials from the hyphae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Safety of Anhui Province and Laboratory of Quality and Safty Risk Assessment for Agricultural Products on Storage and Preservation of the Ministry of Agriculture (Hefei), School of Plant Protection – School of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural UniversityHefei, China
- School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China
| | - Xuebin Yin
- School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China
- Jiangsu Bio-Engineering Research Centre of SeleniumSuzhou, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China
| | - Gary S. Bañuelos
- Water Management Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, ParlierCA, USA
| | - Zhi-Qing Lin
- Environmental Sciences Program and Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, EdwardsvilleIL, USA
| | - Zhu Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Technology and Science BeijingBeijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China
- Jiangsu Bio-Engineering Research Centre of SeleniumSuzhou, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China
| | - Linxi Yuan
- School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China
- Jiangsu Bio-Engineering Research Centre of SeleniumSuzhou, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China
| | - Miao Li
- Key Laboratory of Agri-Food Safety of Anhui Province and Laboratory of Quality and Safty Risk Assessment for Agricultural Products on Storage and Preservation of the Ministry of Agriculture (Hefei), School of Plant Protection – School of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural UniversityHefei, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei, China
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Kim HS, Kim JE, Frailey D, Nohe A, Duncan R, Czymmek KJ, Kang S. Roles of three Fusarium oxysporum calcium ion (Ca2+) channels in generating Ca2+ signatures and controlling growth. Fungal Genet Biol 2015; 82:145-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Components of the calcium-calcineurin signaling pathway in fungal cells and their potential as antifungal targets. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2015; 14:324-34. [PMID: 25636321 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00271-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of fungal resistance has become frequent, partly due to the widespread clinical use of fluconazole, which is minimally toxic and effective in the prevention and treatment of Candida albicans infections. The limited selection of antifungal drugs for clinical fungal infection therapy has prompted us to search for new antifungal drug targets. Calcium, which acts as the second messenger in both mammals and fungi, plays a direct role in controlling the expression patterns of its signaling systems and has important roles in cell survival. In addition, calcium and some of the components, mainly calcineurin, in the fungal calcium signaling pathway mediate fungal resistance to antifungal drugs. Therefore, an overview of the components of the fungal calcium-calcineurin signaling network and their potential roles as antifungal targets is urgently needed. The calcium-calcineurin signaling pathway consists of various channels, transporters, pumps, and other proteins or enzymes. Many transcriptional profiles have indicated that mutant strains that lack some of these components are sensitized to fluconazole or other antifungal drugs. In addition, many researchers have identified efficient compounds that exhibit antifungal activity by themselves or in combination with antifungal drugs by targeting some of the components in the fungal calcium-calcineurin signaling pathway. This targeting disrupts Ca(2+) homeostasis, which suggests that this pathway contains potential targets for the development of new antifungal drugs.
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de Castro PA, Chiaratto J, Winkelströter LK, Bom VLP, Ramalho LNZ, Goldman MHS, Brown NA, Goldman GH. The involvement of the Mid1/Cch1/Yvc1 calcium channels in Aspergillus fumigatus virulence. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103957. [PMID: 25083783 PMCID: PMC4118995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a major opportunistic pathogen and allergen of mammals. Calcium homeostasis and signaling is essential for numerous biological processes and also influences A. fumigatus pathogenicity. The presented study characterized the function of the A. fumigatus homologues of three Saccharomyces cerevisiae calcium channels, voltage-gated Cch1, stretch-activated Mid1 and vacuolar Yvc1. The A. fumigatus calcium channels cchA, midA and yvcA were regulated at transcriptional level by increased calcium levels. The YvcA::GFP fusion protein localized to the vacuoles. Both ΔcchA and ΔmidA mutant strains showed reduced radial growth rate in nutrient-poor minimal media. Interestingly, this growth defect in the ΔcchA strain was rescued by the exogenous addition of CaCl2. The ΔcchA, ΔmidA, and ΔcchA ΔmidA strains were also sensitive to the oxidative stress inducer, paraquat. Restriction of external Ca2+ through the addition of the Ca2+-chelator EGTA impacted upon the growth of the ΔcchA and ΔmidA strains. All the A. fumigatus ΔcchA, ΔmidA, and ΔyvcA strains demonstrated attenuated virulence in a neutropenic murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Infection with the parental strain resulted in a 100% mortality rate at 15 days post-infection, while the mortality rate of the ΔcchA, ΔmidA, and ΔyvcA strains after 15 days post-infection was only 25%. Collectively, this investigation strongly indicates that CchA, MidA, and YvcA play a role in A. fumigatus calcium homeostasis and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Chiaratto
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lizziane K. Winkelströter
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Leite Pedro Bom
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Helena S. Goldman
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Neil Andrew Brown
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Laboratory of Science and Technology of Bioethanol (CTBE), Campinas, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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FigA, a putative homolog of low-affinity calcium system member Fig1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is involved in growth and asexual and sexual development in Aspergillus nidulans. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 13:295-303. [PMID: 24376003 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00257-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Calcium-mediated signaling pathways are widely employed in eukaryotes and are implicated in the regulation of diverse biological processes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, at least two different calcium uptake systems have been identified: the high-affinity calcium influx system (HACS) and the low-affinity calcium influx system (LACS). Compared to the HACS, the LACS in fungi is not well known. In this study, FigA, a homolog of the LACS member Fig1 from S. cerevisiae, was functionally characterized in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Loss of figA resulted in retardant hyphal growth and a sharp reduction of conidial production. Most importantly, FigA is essential for the homothallic mating (self-fertilization) process; further, FigA is required for heterothallic mating (outcrossing) in the absence of HACS midA. Interestingly, in a figA deletion mutant, adding extracellular Ca(2+) rescued the hyphal growth defects but could not restore asexual and sexual reproduction. Furthermore, quantitative PCR results revealed that figA deletion sharply decreased the expression of brlA and nsdD, which are known as key regulators during asexual and sexual development, respectively. In addition, green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagging at the C terminus of FigA (FigA::GFP) showed that FigA localized to the center of the septum in mature hyphal cells, to the location between vesicles and metulae, and between the junctions of metulae and phialides in conidiophores. Thus, our findings suggest that FigA, apart from being a member of a calcium uptake system in A. nidulans, may play multiple unexplored roles during hyphal growth and asexual and sexual development.
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