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Roy S, Bhogapurapu B, Chandra S, Biswas K, Mishra P, Ghosh A, Bhunia A. Host antimicrobial peptide S100A12 disrupts the fungal membrane by direct binding and inhibits growth and biofilm formation of Fusarium species. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105701. [PMID: 38301897 PMCID: PMC10891332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis is the foremost cause of corneal infections worldwide, of which Fusariumspp. is the common etiological agent that causes loss of vision and warrants surgical intervention. An increase in resistance to the available drugs along with severe side effects of the existing antifungals demands for new effective antimycotics. Here, we demonstrate that antimicrobial peptide S100A12 directly binds to the phospholipids of the fungal membrane, disrupts the structural integrity, and induces generation of reactive oxygen species in fungus. In addition, it inhibits biofilm formation by Fusariumspp. and exhibits antifungal property against Fusariumspp. both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results delve into specific effect of S100A12 against Fusariumspp. with an aim to investigate new antifungal compounds to combat fungal keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanhita Roy
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; Dr. Chigurupati Nageswara Rao Ocular Pharmacology Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.
| | - Bharathi Bhogapurapu
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sreyanki Chandra
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; Dr. Chigurupati Nageswara Rao Ocular Pharmacology Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Karishma Biswas
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bose Institute, Unified Academic Campus, Kolkata, India
| | - Priyasha Mishra
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Abhijit Ghosh
- Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India; Dr. Chigurupati Nageswara Rao Ocular Pharmacology Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anirban Bhunia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bose Institute, Unified Academic Campus, Kolkata, India
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2
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Brown A, Steenwyk JL, Rokas A. Genome-wide patterns of non-coding sequence variation in the major fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.08.574724. [PMID: 38260267 PMCID: PMC10802510 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.08.574724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
A.fumigatus is a deadly fungal pathogen, responsible for >400,000 infections/year and high mortality rates. A. fumigatus strains exhibit variation in infection-relevant traits, including in their virulence. However, most A. fumigatus protein-coding genes, including those that modulate its virulence, are shared between A. fumigatus strains and closely related non-pathogenic relatives. We hypothesized that A. fumigatus genes exhibit substantial genetic variation in the non-coding regions immediately upstream to the start codons of genes, which could reflect differences in gene regulation between strains. To begin testing this hypothesis, we identified 5,812 single-copy orthologs across the genomes of 263 A. fumigatus strains. A. fumigatus non-coding regions showed higher levels of sequence variation compared to their corresponding protein-coding regions. Specifically, we found that 1,274 non-coding regions exhibited <75% nucleotide sequence similarity (compared to 928 protein-coding regions) and 3,721 non-coding regions exhibited between 75% and 99% similarity (compared to 2,482 protein-coding regions) across strains. Only 817 non-coding regions exhibited ≥99% sequence similarity compared to 2,402 protein-coding regions. By examining 2,482 genes whose protein-coding sequence identity scores ranged between 75% and 99%, we identified 478 total genes with signatures of positive selection only in their non-coding regions and 65 total genes with signatures only in their protein-coding regions. 28 of the 478 non-coding regions and 5 of the 65 protein-coding regions under selection are associated with genes known to modulate A. fumigatus virulence. Non-coding region variation between A. fumigatus strains included single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions or deletions of at least a few nucleotides. These results show that non-coding regions of A. fumigatus genes harbor greater sequence variation than protein-coding regions, raising the hypothesis that this variation may contribute to A. fumigatus phenotypic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacob L. Steenwyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Howards Hughes Medical Institute and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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3
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Wang Y, Wakelam MJO, Bankaitis VA, McDermott MI. The wide world of non-mammalian phospholipase D enzymes. Adv Biol Regul 2024; 91:101000. [PMID: 38081756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.101000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Phospholipase D (PLD) hydrolyses phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) to produce free choline and the critically important lipid signaling molecule phosphatidic acid (PtdOH). Since the initial discovery of PLD activities in plants and bacteria, PLDs have been identified in a diverse range of organisms spanning the taxa. While widespread interest in these proteins grew following the discovery of mammalian isoforms, research into the PLDs of non-mammalian organisms has revealed a fascinating array of functions ranging from roles in microbial pathogenesis, to the stress responses of plants and the developmental patterning of flies. Furthermore, studies in non-mammalian model systems have aided our understanding of the entire PLD superfamily, with translational relevance to human biology and health. Increasingly, the promise for utilization of non-mammalian PLDs in biotechnology is also being recognized, with widespread potential applications ranging from roles in lipid synthesis, to their exploitation for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98109, USA
| | - M J O Wakelam
- Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - V A Bankaitis
- Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - M I McDermott
- Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Phospholipase B Is Critical for Cryptococcus neoformans Survival in the Central Nervous System. mBio 2023; 14:e0264022. [PMID: 36786559 PMCID: PMC10127605 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02640-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an opportunistic, encapsulated, yeast-like fungus that causes severe meningoencephalitis, especially in countries with high HIV prevalence. In addition to its well-known polysaccharide capsule, Cn has other virulence factors such as phospholipases, a heterogeneous group of enzymes that hydrolyze ester linkages in glycerophospholipids. Phospholipase B (PLB1) has been demonstrated to play a key role in Cn pathogenicity. In this study, we used a PLB1 mutant (plb1) and its reconstituted strain (Rec1) to assess the importance of this enzyme on Cn brain infection in vivo and in vitro. Mice infected with the plb1 strain survive significantly longer, have lower peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) fungal loads, and have fewer and smaller cryptococcomas or biofilm-like brain lesions compared to H99- and Rec1-infected animals. PLB1 causes extensive brain tissue damage and changes microglia morphology during cryptococcal disease, observations which can have important implications in patients with altered mental status or dementia as these manifestations are related to poorer survival outcomes. plb1 cryptococci are significantly more phagocytosed and killed by NR-9460 microglia-like cells. plb1 cells have altered capsular polysaccharide biophysical properties which impair their ability to stimulate glial cell responses or morphological changes. Here, we provide significant evidence demonstrating that Cn PLB1 is an important virulence factor for fungal colonization of and survival in the CNS as well as in the progression of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. These findings may potentially help fill in a gap of knowledge in our understanding of cerebral cryptococcosis and provide novel research avenues in Cn pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CME) is a serious disease caused by infection by the neurotropic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Due to the increasing number of cases in HIV-infected individuals, as well as the limited therapies available, investigation into potential targets for new therapeutics has become critical. Phospholipase B is an enzyme synthesized by Cn that confers virulence to the fungus through capsular enlargement, immunomodulation, and intracellular replication. In this study, we examined the properties of PLB1 by comparing infection of a Cn PLB1 mutant strain with both the wild-type and a PLB1-reconstituted strain. We show that PLB1 augments the survival and proliferation of the fungus in the CNS and strengthens virulence by modulating the immune response and enhancing specific biophysical properties of the fungus. PLB1 expression causes brain tissue damage and impacts glial cell functions, which may be responsible for the dementia observed in patients which may persist even after resolving from CME. The implications of PLB1 inhibition reveal its involvement in Cn infection and suggest that it may be a possible molecular target in the development of antifungal therapies. The results of this study support additional investigation into the mechanism of PLB1 to further understand the intricacies of cerebral Cn infection.
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5
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Grizante Barião PH, Tonani L, Brancini GTP, Nascimento E, Braga GÚL, Wainwright M, von Zeska Kress MR. In vitro and in vivo photodynamic efficacies of novel and conventional phenothiazinium photosensitizers against multidrug-resistant Candida auris. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:1807-1818. [PMID: 35816272 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The fast-emerging and multidrug-resistant Candida auris is the first fungal pathogen to be considered a threat to global public health. Thus, there is a high unmet medical need to develop new therapeutic strategies to control this species. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) is a promising alternative that simultaneously targets and damages numerous microbial biomolecules. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of APDT with four phenothiazinium photosensitizers: (i) methylene blue (MB), (ii) toluidine blue (TBO), and two MB derivatives, (iii) new methylene blue (NMBN) and (iv) the pentacyclic derivative S137, against C. auris. To measure the in vitro efficacy of each PS, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and survival fraction were determined. Also, the efficiency of APDT was evaluated in vivo with the Galleria mellonella insect model for infection and treatment. Although the C. auris strain used in our study was shown to be resistant to the most-commonly used clinical antifungals, it could not withstand the damages imposed by APDT with any of the four photosensitizers. However, for the in vivo model, only APDT performed with S137 allowed survival of infected G. mellonella larvae. Our results show that structural and chemical properties of the photosensitizers play a major role on the outcomes of in vivo APDT and underscore the need to synthesize and develop novel photosensitizing molecules against multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Helena Grizante Barião
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ludmilla Tonani
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Thomaz Pereira Brancini
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Erika Nascimento
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Úbida Leite Braga
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Mark Wainwright
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Marcia Regina von Zeska Kress
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
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Fungi—A Component of the Oral Microbiome Involved in Periodontal Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1373:113-138. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-96881-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ouyang H, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Ma Y, Li R, Yang J, Wang X, Jin C. Deficiency of GPI Glycan Modification by Ethanolamine Phosphate Results in Increased Adhesion and Immune Resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:780959. [PMID: 34956933 PMCID: PMC8695850 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.780959] [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: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins play important roles in maintaining the function of the cell wall and participating in pathogenic processes. The addition and removal of phosphoethanolamine (EtN-P) on the second mannose residue in the GPI anchor are vital for maturation and sorting of GPI-anchored proteins. Previously, we have shown that deletion of the gpi7, the gene that encodes an EtN-P transferase responsible for the addition of EtN-P to the second mannose residue of the GPI anchor, leads to the mislocalization of GPI-anchored proteins, abnormal polarity, reduced conidiation, and fast germination in Aspergillus fumigatus. In this report, the adherence and virulence of the A. fumigatus gpi7 deletion mutant were further investigated. The germinating conidia of the mutant exhibited an increased adhesion and a higher exposure of cell wall polysaccharides. Although the virulence was not affected, an increased adherence and a stronger inflammation response of the mutant were documented in an immunocompromised mouse model. An in vitro assay confirmed that the Δgpi7 mutant induced a stronger immune response and was more resistant to killing. Our findings, for the first time, demonstrate that in A. fumigatus, GPI anchoring is required for proper organization of the conidial cell wall. The lack of Gpi7 leads to fast germination, stronger immune response, and resistance to macrophage killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haomiao Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Ma
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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8
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The Toxic Mechanism of Gliotoxins and Biosynthetic Strategies for Toxicity Prevention. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413510. [PMID: 34948306 PMCID: PMC8705807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliotoxin is a kind of epipolythiodioxopiperazine derived from different fungi that is characterized by a disulfide bridge. Gliotoxins can be biosynthesized by a gli gene cluster and regulated by a positive GliZ regulator. Gliotoxins show cytotoxic effects via the suppression the function of macrophage immune function, inflammation, antiangiogenesis, DNA damage by ROS production, peroxide damage by the inhibition of various enzymes, and apoptosis through different signal pathways. In the other hand, gliotoxins can also be beneficial with different doses. Low doses of gliotoxin can be used as an antioxidant, in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV, and as an anti-tumor agent in the future. Gliotoxins have also been used in the control of plant pathogens, including Pythium ultimum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Thus, it is important to elucidate the toxic mechanism of gliotoxins. The toxic mechanism of gliotoxins and biosynthetic strategies to reduce the toxicity of gliotoxins and their producing strains are summarized in this review.
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Gonçales RA, Salamanca AL, Júnior LR, E Silva KS, de Vasconcelos EJ, Dos Reis TF, Castro RC, C Ruy PD, Romagnoli B, Ruiz J, Pereira M, de A Soares CM, Coelho PS. In silico identification of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in Paracoccidioides spp. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:589-606. [PMID: 33998266 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To predict glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins in the genome of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii. Materials & methods: Five different bioinformatics tools were used for predicting GPI-anchored proteins; we considered as GPI-anchored proteins those detected by at least two in silico analysis methods. We also performed the proteomic analysis of P. brasiliensis cell wall by mass spectrometry. Results: Hundred GPI-anchored proteins were predicted in P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii genomes. A series of 57 proteins were classified in functional categories and 43 conserved proteins were reported with unknown functions. Four proteins identified by in silico analyses were also identified in the cell wall proteome. Conclusion: The data obtained in this study are important resources for future research of GPI-anchored proteins in Paracoccidioides spp. to identify targets for new diagnostic tools, drugs and immunological tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relber A Gonçales
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal, ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ayda Lm Salamanca
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas II (ICB II), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Rb Júnior
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Kleber Sf E Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas II (ICB II), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Elton Jr de Vasconcelos
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Thaila F Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo C Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Patrícia de C Ruy
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Romagnoli
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Jerônimo Ruiz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Rene Rachaou (IRR), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Maristela Pereira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas II (ICB II), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Célia M de A Soares
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas II (ICB II), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sr Coelho
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900, Brazil
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10
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García-Carnero LC, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Salazar-García LM, Lozoya-Pérez NE, González-Hernández SE, Tamez-Castrellón AK. Recognition of Fungal Components by the Host Immune System. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:245-264. [PMID: 31889486 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666191231105546] [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] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
By being the first point of contact of the fungus with the host, the cell wall plays an important role in the pathogenesis, having many molecules that participate as antigens that are recognized by immune cells, and also that help the fungus to establish infection. The main molecules reported to trigger an immune response are chitin, glucans, oligosaccharides, proteins, melanin, phospholipids, and others, being present in the principal pathogenic fungi with clinical importance worldwide, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Sporothrix schenckii. Knowledge and understanding of how the immune system recognizes and responds to fungal antigens are relevant for the future research and development of new diagnostic tools and treatments for the control of mycosis caused by these fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C García-Carnero
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Luis M Salazar-García
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Nancy E Lozoya-Pérez
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Alma K Tamez-Castrellón
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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11
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Keizer EM, Wösten HAB, de Cock H. EphA2-Dependent Internalization of A. fumigatus Conidia in A549 Lung Cells Is Modulated by DHN-Melanin. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:534118. [PMID: 33123097 PMCID: PMC7573251 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.534118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dectin-1 and ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) receptors recognize β-glucan present in the fungal cell wall. Inhibition of Dectin-1 with the monoclonal 2a11 antibody was shown to reduce internalization of conidia of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus into epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated the role of the EphA2 receptor present on A549 epithelial type II lung cells in the interaction with A. fumigatus conidia. We assessed whether EphA2 is involved in association and internalization of conidia by receptor inhibition by an antibody or by using the kinase inhibitor dasatinib. A 50% reduction of internalization of conidia was observed when this receptor was blocked with either the EphA2-specific monoclonal antibody or dasatinib, which was similar when Dectin-1 was inhibited with the 2a11 monoclonal antibody. Inhibition of both receptors reduced the internalization to 40%. EphA2 inhibition was also assessed in a hydrophobin deletion strain (ΔrodA) that exposes more β-glucan and a dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin deletion strain (ΔpksP) that exposes more glucosamine and glycoproteins. The ΔrodA strain behaved similar to the wild-type strain with or without EphA2 inhibition. In contrast, the ΔpksP mutant showed an increase in association to the A549 cells and a decrease in internalization. Internalization was not further decreased by EphA2 inhibition. Taken together, the presence of DHN-melanin in the spore cell wall results in an EphA2-dependent internalization of conidia of A. fumigatus into A549 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther M Keizer
- Microbiology & Institute of Biomembranes, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Han A B Wösten
- Microbiology & Institute of Biomembranes, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hans de Cock
- Microbiology & Institute of Biomembranes, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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12
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Hassing B, Eaton CJ, Winter D, Green KA, Brandt U, Savoian MS, Mesarich CH, Fleissner A, Scott B. Phosphatidic acid produced by phospholipase D is required for hyphal cell-cell fusion and fungal-plant symbiosis. Mol Microbiol 2020; 113:1101-1121. [PMID: 32022309 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although lipid signaling has been shown to serve crucial roles in mammals and plants, little is known about this process in filamentous fungi. Here we analyze the contribution of phospholipase D (PLD) and its product phosphatidic acid (PA) in hyphal morphogenesis and growth of Epichloë festucae and Neurospora crassa, and in the establishment of a symbiotic interaction between E. festucae and Lolium perenne. Growth of E. festucae and N. crassa PLD deletion strains in axenic culture, and for E. festucae in association with L. perenne, were analyzed by light-, confocal- and electron microscopy. Changes in PA distribution were analyzed in E. festucae using a PA biosensor and the impact of these changes on the endocytic recycling and superoxide production investigated. We found that E. festucae PldB, and the N. crassa ortholog, PLA-7, are required for polarized growth and cell fusion and contribute to ascospore development, whereas PldA/PLA-8 are dispensable for these functions. Exogenous addition of PA rescues the cell-fusion phenotype in E. festucae. PldB is also crucial for E. festucae to establish a symbiotic association with L. perenne. This study identifies a new component of the cell-cell communication and cell fusion signaling network for hyphal morphogenesis and growth of filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Hassing
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Carla J Eaton
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - David Winter
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Kimberly A Green
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Ulrike Brandt
- Institute for Genetics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Matthew S Savoian
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Carl H Mesarich
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand.,School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Andre Fleissner
- Institute for Genetics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Barry Scott
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
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13
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Torres-Barajas LR, Alvarez-Zúñiga MT, Mendoza-Hernández G, Aguilar-Osorio G. Analysis of polysaccharide hydrolases secreted by Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 on corn cobs and wheat bran as complex carbon sources. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 50:390-400. [DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2019.1700518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lizzete Ruth Torres-Barajas
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Coyoacan, Mexico
| | - María Teresa Alvarez-Zúñiga
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Coyoacan, Mexico
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14
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Aktories K, Gierschik P, Heringdorf DMZ, Schmidt M, Schultz G, Wieland T. cAMP guided his way: a life for G protein-mediated signal transduction and molecular pharmacology-tribute to Karl H. Jakobs. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 392:887-911. [PMID: 31101932 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01650-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Karl H. Jakobs, former editor-in-chief of Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology and renowned molecular pharmacologist, passed away in April 2018. In this article, his scientific achievements regarding G protein-mediated signal transduction and regulation of canonical pathways are summarized. Particularly, the discovery of inhibitory G proteins for adenylyl cyclase, methods for the analysis of receptor-G protein interactions, GTP supply by nucleoside diphosphate kinases, mechanisms in phospholipase C and phospholipase D activity regulation, as well as the development of the concept of sphingosine-1-phosphate as extra- and intracellular messenger will presented. His seminal scientific and methodological contributions are put in a general and timely perspective to display and honor his outstanding input to the current knowledge in molecular pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Aktories
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Gierschik
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89070, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dagmar Meyer Zu Heringdorf
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe University, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, 9713AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Günter Schultz
- Department of Pharmacology, Charité University Medical Center Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Wieland
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim (EPM), European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Str. 13 - 17, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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15
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Yu S, Huo K. Aspergillus fumigatus phospholipase D may enhance reactive oxygen species production by accumulation of histone deacetylase 6. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 505:651-656. [PMID: 30286953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.09.157] [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: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus, an airborne pathogen, causes many diseases, including aspergilloma, invasive aspergillosis, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Phospholipase D (PLD) is an important virulence factor for A. fumigatus infection, but the manner by which PLD contributes to the virulence of this pathogen is not clear. Our results show that expression of A. fumigatus PLD in human cells was able to increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play an important role in several signaling pathways as well as in lung infection. Meanwhile, A. fumigatus PLD was found to interact with human endogenous histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a known regulator of ROS production and inflammatory responses; PLD significantly increased the expression level of HDAC6 protein without altering its mRNA level. These results suggest that A. fumigatus PLD may enhance the production of ROS via the accumulation of HDAC6, which may be involved in host immunomodulation during A. fumigatus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Rd, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Keke Huo
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Rd, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Jia X, Zhang X, Hu Y, Hu M, Han X, Sun Y, Han L. Role of Downregulation and Phosphorylation of Cofilin in Polarized Growth, MpkA Activation and Stress Response of Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2667. [PMID: 30455681 PMCID: PMC6230985 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus causes most of aspergillosis in clinic and comprehensive function analysis of its key protein would promote anti-aspergillosis. In a previous study, we speculated actin depolymerizing factor cofilin might be essential for A. fumigatus viability and found its overexpression upregulated oxidative response and cell wall polysaccharide synthesis of this pathogen. Here, we constructed a conditional cofilin mutant to determine the essential role of cofilin. And the role of cofilin downregulation and phosphorylation in A. fumigatus was further analyzed. Cofilin was required for the polarized growth and heat sensitivity of A. fumigatus. Downregulation of cofilin caused hyphal cytoplasmic leakage, increased the sensitivity of A. fumigatus to sodium dodecyl sulfonate but not to calcofluor white and Congo Red and farnesol, and enhanced the basal phosphorylation level of MpkA, suggesting that cofilin affected the cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling. Downregulation of cofilin also increased the sensitivity of A. fumigatus to alkaline pH and H2O2. Repressing cofilin expression in A. fumigatus lead to attenuated virulence, which manifested as lower adherence and internalization rates, weaker host inflammatory response and shorter survival rate in a Galleria mellonella model. Expression of non-phosphorylated cofilin with a mutation of S5A had little impacts on A. fumigatus, whereas expression of a mimic-phosphorylated cofilin with a mutation of S5E resulted in inhibited growth, increased phospho-MpkA level, and decreased pathogenicity. In conclusion, cofilin is crucial to modulating the polarized growth, stress response, CWI and virulence of A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Jia
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, China.,Comprehensive Liver Cancer Center, Beijing 302 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yingsong Hu
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Mandong Hu
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xuelin Han
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Yansong Sun
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Li Han
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, China
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17
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Schlemmer KB, Jesus FPK, Loreto ÉS, Tondolo JSM, Ledur PC, Dallabrida A, da Silva TM, Kommers GD, Alves SH, Santurio JM. An experimental murine model of otitis and dermatitis caused by Malassezia pachydermatis. Mycoses 2018; 61:954-958. [PMID: 30106183 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We report a malasseziosis model in immunocompromised Swiss mice. For this model, the mice were immunosuppressed with a combination of cyclophosphamide at 150 mg/kg and hydrocortisone acetate at 250 mg/kg. Two groups were formed according to the site of inoculation. Dermatitis group received an intradermal injection of 5 × 106 cell/mouse at a shaved dorsal region, while the otitis group received the same inoculum in the middle ear. Five animals/group were euthanised at different times, and the skin and ear were histopathologically analysed. During the first euthanasia, which occurred after inoculation, microscopic examination showed that all mice presented budding yeast-like in a tissue sample. The presence of yeasts decreased over time being undetected on the 17th day (dermatitis group) and the 21st day (otitis group) after inoculation. This is the first murine model for malasseziosis that can be useful for evaluating new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine B Schlemmer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Francielli P K Jesus
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Érico S Loreto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Juliana S M Tondolo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Pauline C Ledur
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Andressa Dallabrida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Taiara M da Silva
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Glaucia D Kommers
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Sydney H Alves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Janio M Santurio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
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18
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Role of the small GTPase Rho1 in cell wall integrity, stress response, and pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus. Fungal Genet Biol 2018; 120:30-41. [PMID: 30205199 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2018.09.003] [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: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a major pathogen of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The small GTPase, Rho1, of A. fumigatus is reported to comprise a potential regulatory subunit of β-1,3-glucan synthase and is indispensable for fungal viability; however, the role of AfRho1 on the growth, cell wall integrity, and pathogenesis of A. fumigatus is still poorly understood. We constructed A. fumigatus mutants with conditional- and overexpression of Rho1 and found that defects of AfRho1 expression led to the reduction of β-1,3-glucan and glucosamine moieties on the cell wall, with down-regulated transcription of genes in the cell wall integrity signaling pathway and a decrease of calcofluor white (CFW)-stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MpkA) phosphorylation and cytoplasmic leakage compared to those of the wild-type strain (WT). In addition, down-regulation of AfRho1 expression caused much higher sensitivity of A. fumigatus to H2O2 and alkaline pH compared to that of WT. Decrease of AfRho1 expression also attenuated the A. fumigatus pathogenicity in Galleria mellonella and inhibited conidial internalization into lung epithelial cells and inflammatory factor release. In contrast, overexpression of Rho1 did not alter A. fumigatus morphology, susceptibility to cell wall stresses, or pathogenicity relative to its parental strain. Taken together, our findings support AfRho1 as an essential regulator of the cell wall integrity, stress response, and pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
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19
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Szalewski DA, Hinrichs VS, Zinniel DK, Barletta RG. The pathogenicity ofAspergillus fumigatus, drug resistance, and nanoparticle delivery. Can J Microbiol 2018; 64:439-453. [DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2017-0749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The genus Aspergillus includes fungal species that cause major health issues of significant economic importance. These microorganisms are also the culprit for production of carcinogenic aflatoxins in grain storages, contaminating crops, and economically straining the production process. Aspergillus fumigatus is a very important pathogenic species, being responsible for high human morbidity and mortality on a global basis. The prevalence of these infections in immunosuppressed individuals is on the rise, and physicians struggle with the diagnosis of these deadly pathogens. Several virulence determinants facilitate fungal invasion and evasion of the host immune response. Metabolic functions are also important for virulence and drug resistance, since they allow fungi to obtain nutrients for their own survival and growth. Following a positive diagnostic identification, mortality rates remain high due, in part, to emerging resistance to frequently used antifungal drugs. In this review, we discuss the role of the main virulence, drug target, and drug resistance determinants. We conclude with the review of new technologies being developed to treat aspergillosis. In particular, microsphere and nanoparticle delivery systems are discussed in the context of improving drug bioavailability. Aspergillus will likely continue to cause problematic infections in immunocompromised patients, so it is imperative to improve treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Szalewski
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0726, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588-0664, USA
| | - Victoria S. Hinrichs
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0702, USA
| | - Denise K. Zinniel
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0905, USA
| | - Raúl G. Barletta
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0905, USA
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20
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Phospholipases play multiple cellular roles including growth, stress tolerance, sexual development, and virulence in fungi. Microbiol Res 2018; 209:55-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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21
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Jia X, Zhang X, Hu Y, Hu M, Tian S, Han X, Sun Y, Han L. Role of actin depolymerizing factor cofilin in Aspergillus fumigatus oxidative stress response and pathogenesis. Curr Genet 2017; 64:619-634. [PMID: 29170805 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-017-0777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a major fungal pathogen that is responsible for approximately 90% of human aspergillosis. Cofilin is an actin depolymerizing factor that plays crucial roles in multiple cellular functions in many organisms. However, the functions of cofilin in A. fumigatus are still unknown. In this study, we constructed an A. fumigatus strain overexpressing cofilin (cofilin OE). The cofilin OE strain displayed a slightly different growth phenotype, significantly increased resistance against H2O2 and diamide, and increased activation of the high osmolarity glycerol pathway compared to the wild-type strain (WT). The cofilin OE strain internalized more efficiently into lung epithelial A549 cells, and induced increased transcription of inflammatory factors (MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-8) compared to WT. Cofilin overexpression also resulted in increased polysaccharides including β-1, 3-glucan and chitin, and increased transcription of genes related to oxidative stress responses and polysaccharide synthesis in A. fumigatus. However, the cofilin OE strain exhibited similar virulence to the wild-type strain in murine and Galleria mellonella infection models. These results demonstrated for the first time that cofilin, a regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics, might play a critical role in the regulation of oxidative stress responses and cell wall polysaccharide synthesis in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Jia
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Yingsong Hu
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Mandong Hu
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Shuguang Tian
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Xuelin Han
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Yansong Sun
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China.
| | - Li Han
- Institute for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 20# Dongda Str., 100071, Beijing, China.
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22
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Differential roles of three FgPLD genes in regulating development and pathogenicity in Fusarium graminearum. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 109:46-52. [PMID: 29079075 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipase D (PLD) is an important phospholipid hydrolase that plays critical roles in various biological processes in eukaryotic cells. However, little is known about its functions in plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, we identified three FgPLD genes in Fusarium graminearum that are homologous to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Spo14 gene. We constructed deletion mutants of all three FgPLD genes using homologous recombination. Deletion of FgPLD1 (Δpld1), but not FgPLD2 or FgPLD3, affected hyphal growth, conidiation, and perithecium formation. The Δpld1 mutant showed reduced deoxynivalenol (DON) production and virulence in flowering wheat heads and corn silks. Furthermore, three FgPLD proteins have the same subcellular localization and localize to the cytoplasm in F. graminearum. Taken together, these results indicate that FgPLD1, but not FgPLD2 or FgPLD3, is important for hyphal growth, sexual or asexual reproduction, and plant infection.
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23
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Tondolo JSM, Loreto ÉS, Ledur PC, Jesus FPK, Silva TM, Kommers GD, Alves SH, Santurio JM. Chemically induced disseminated pythiosis in BALB/c mice: A new experimental model for Pythium insidiosum infection. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177868. [PMID: 28542438 PMCID: PMC5438141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pythiosis is a severe and life-threatening disease that affects humans and various animal species. We report a model of vascular/disseminated pythiosis occurring after subcutaneous inoculation of 2 x 104Pythium insidiosum zoospores/mL in immunocompromised BALB/c mice. For this model, we carried out two rounds of experiments. First, we evaluated two protocols of immunosuppression before inoculation: cyclophosphamide at 150 mg/kg (CYP group) and cyclophosphamide 200 mg/kg plus hydrocortisone acetate at 250 mg/kg (CYP+HCA group). It was not possible to obtain mortality in the CYP group; however, the combination of CYP+HCA altered disease outcomes, with mortality rates reaching 60%. Second, we used the CYP+HCA immunosuppression protocol to analyze the histological and immunological statuses triggered by disease. When we inoculated immunocompetent mice with P. insidiosum zoospores, self-healing occurred via increased levels of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-17A, which are characteristic of the Th1/Th17 cytokine response. For infected and immunosuppressed mice, the cytokine profiles showed high levels of IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α. Increased IL-10 values are related to fungal infection susceptibility and led us to speculate that infection may be established through suppression of the host immune response. In addition, histopathological evaluation of the kidneys and liver demonstrated the presence of hyphae and the cellular findings suggested an acute vascular inflammation that mimics vascular/disseminated pythiosis in humans. This is the first murine model for pythiosis that is useful both for understanding the pathogenesis of this disease and for evaluating new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana S. M. Tondolo
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Érico S. Loreto
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Pauline C. Ledur
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Francielli P. K. Jesus
- Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química Orgânica, Laboratório de Processos Tecnológicos e Catálise, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Taiara M. Silva
- Departamento de Patologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Glaucia D. Kommers
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Sydney H. Alves
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Janio M. Santurio
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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24
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Trieu TA, Navarro-Mendoza MI, Pérez-Arques C, Sanchis M, Capilla J, Navarro-Rodriguez P, Lopez-Fernandez L, Torres-Martínez S, Garre V, Ruiz-Vázquez RM, Nicolás FE. RNAi-Based Functional Genomics Identifies New Virulence Determinants in Mucormycosis. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006150. [PMID: 28107502 PMCID: PMC5287474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucorales are an emerging group of human pathogens that are responsible for the lethal disease mucormycosis. Unfortunately, functional studies on the genetic factors behind the virulence of these organisms are hampered by their limited genetic tractability, since they are reluctant to classical genetic tools like transposable elements or gene mapping. Here, we describe an RNAi-based functional genomic platform that allows the identification of new virulence factors through a forward genetic approach firstly described in Mucorales. This platform contains a whole-genome collection of Mucor circinelloides silenced transformants that presented a broad assortment of phenotypes related to the main physiological processes in fungi, including virulence, hyphae morphology, mycelial and yeast growth, carotenogenesis and asexual sporulation. Selection of transformants with reduced virulence allowed the identification of mcplD, which encodes a Phospholipase D, and mcmyo5, encoding a probably essential cargo transporter of the Myosin V family, as required for a fully virulent phenotype of M. circinelloides. Knock-out mutants for those genes showed reduced virulence in both Galleria mellonella and Mus musculus models, probably due to a delayed germination and polarized growth within macrophages. This study provides a robust approach to study virulence in Mucorales and as a proof of concept identified new virulence determinants in M. circinelloides that could represent promising targets for future antifungal therapies. Mucormycosis is an infectious disease caused by organisms of the order Mucorales. It is a lethal infection that is raising the alarm in the medical and scientific community due to its high mortality rates, unusual antifungal drug resistance and its emerging character. Among the reasons explaining the nescience about this disease is the lack of knowledge on the biology of the organisms that cause mucormycosis, which is encouraged by the reluctance of these species to genetic studies. In this work, we have developed an RNAi-based functional genomic platform to study virulence in Mucorales. It is a powerful tool available for the scientific community that will contribute to solve the reluctance of Mucorales to genetic studies and will help to understand the genetic basis of virulence in these organisms. Secondly, and as a proof of concept, we have used this genetic tool to identify two new virulence determinants in Mucor circinelloides. Lack of function of these determinants delays germination and growth of spores, conceding time to macrophages for the inactivation of the pathogen. The two genes identified, mcplD and mcmyo5, represent promising targets for future development of new antifungal therapies against mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trung Anh Trieu
- Departmento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Pérez-Arques
- Departmento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Sanchis
- Unidad de Microbiología, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPV, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Javier Capilla
- Unidad de Microbiología, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPV, Tarragona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Victoriano Garre
- Departmento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Francisco E. Nicolás
- Departmento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
- * E-mail:
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He Y, Li L, Hu F, Chen W, Lei H, Chen X, Cai W, Tang X. Expression and characterization of a Talaromyces marneffei active phospholipase B expressed in a Pichia pastoris expression system. Emerg Microbes Infect 2016; 5:e120. [PMID: 27876784 PMCID: PMC5148023 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipase B is a virulence factor for several clinically important pathogenic fungi, including Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus, but its role in the thermally dimorphic fungus Talaromyces marneffei remains unclear. Here, we provide the first report of the expression of a novel phospholipase gene, designated TmPlb1, from T. marneffei in the eukaryotic expression system of Pichia pastoris GS115. Sensitive real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) demonstrated that the expression of TmPlb1 increased 1.85-fold in the yeast phase compared with the mycelial phase. TmPlb1 contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 732 bp that encodes a protein of 243 amino acids. The conserved serine, aspartate and histidine catalytic triad and the G-X-S-X-G domain of TmPLB1 provide the structural basis for its molecular activity. The ORF of TmPlb1 was successfully cloned into a pPIC9K vector containing an α-mating factor secretion signal that allowed the secretory expression of TmPLB1 in P. pastoris. The heterologous protein expression began 12 h after methanol induction and peaked at 96 h. Through analysis with SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), western blotting and mass spectrometry, we confirmed that TmPLB1 was successfully expressed. Through Ni-affinity chromatography, TmPLB1 was highly purified, and its concentration reached 240.4 mg/L of culture medium. With specific substrates, the phospholipase A1 and phospholipase A2 activities of TmPLB1 were calculated to be 5.96 and 1.59 U/mg, respectively. The high purity and activity of the TmPLB1 obtained here lay a solid foundation for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Linghua Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fengyu Hu
- Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wanshan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huali Lei
- Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiejie Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Tang
- Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
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Krappmann S. How to invade a susceptible host: cellular aspects of aspergillosis. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 34:136-146. [PMID: 27816786 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diseases caused by Aspergillus spp. and in particular A. fumigatus are manifold and affect individuals suffering from immune dysfunctions, among them immunocompromised ones. The determinants of whether the encounter of a susceptible host with infectious propagules of this filamentous saprobe results in infection have been characterized to a limited extent. Several cellular characteristics of A. fumigatus that have evolved in its natural environment contribute to its virulence, among them general traits as well as particular ones that affect interaction with the mammalian host. Among the latter, conidial constituents, cell wall components, secreted proteins as well as extrolites shape the tight interaction of A. fumigatus with the host milieu and also contribute to evasion from immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Krappmann
- Institute of Microbiology - Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Wasserturmstr. 3/5, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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27
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Oliveira CFB, Vilela A, Coura LAM, Rodrigues FTG, Nagem RAP, Chávez-Olortegui C, Maioli TU, Felicori LF. Protective antibodies against a sphingomyelinase D from Loxosceles intermedia spider venom elicited in mice with different genetic background. Vaccine 2016; 34:3828-34. [PMID: 27265457 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.05.039] [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: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In the present investigation we used a recombinant LiD1 toxin, named rLiD1his, from Loxosceles intermedia brown spider to elicit specific antibodies in mice carrying different Human Leukocyte Antigens class II (HLAII) {DRB1.0401 (DR4), DQB1.0601 (DQ6) and DQB1.0302 (DQ8)} as well as in BALB/C and C57BL/6 control mice. All mice strains produced high antibody titers against rLiD1his but DR4 mice antibodies (the lower responder mice) were not able to recognize L. intermedia crude venom. The anti-rLiD1his sera, except from DR4 mice, were able to neutralize dermonecrotic, hemorrhagic and edematogenic effects of rLiD1his in naïve rabbits. Overlapping peptides from the amino acid sequence of LiD1 toxin were prepared by SPOT method and differences in LiD1 epitope recognition were observed using different mice anti-rLiD1his sera. The region (160)DKVGHDFSGNDDISDVGK(177) was recognized by transgenic DQ8 and DQ6 mice sera. Other epitopes were recognized by at least two different animals' sera including (10)MGHMVNAIGQIDEFVNLG(27), (37)FDDNANPEYTYHGIP(51), (70)GLRSATTPGNSKYQEKLV(87) and (259)AAYKKKFRVATYDDN(273). Among these epitopes, the epitopes 37-51 and 160-177 have already been shown in previously studies as good candidates to be used alone or combined with other peptides to induce protective immune response against Loxosceles venoms. The results presented here highlight the importance of HLAII in antibody response and recognition of specific B-cell epitopes of rLiD1his spider toxin according to HLAII type and impact in the epitopic vaccine development against this spider.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Vilela
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, UFMG, Brazil
| | - Luis Augusto M Coura
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, UFMG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carlos Chávez-Olortegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, UFMG, Brazil
| | - Tatiani U Maioli
- Departamento de Nutrição, Escola de Enfermagem - EE, UFMG, Brazil
| | - Liza F Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, UFMG, Brazil
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El-Mounadi K, Islam KT, Hernández-Ortiz P, Read ND, Shah DM. Antifungal mechanisms of a plant defensin MtDef4 are not conserved between the ascomycete fungi Neurospora crassa and Fusarium graminearum. Mol Microbiol 2016; 100:542-59. [PMID: 26801962 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Defensins play an important role in plant defense against fungal pathogens. The plant defensin, MtDef4, inhibits growth of the ascomycete fungi, Neurospora crassa and Fusarium graminearum, at micromolar concentrations. We have reported that MtDef4 is transported into the cytoplasm of these fungi and exerts its antifungal activity on intracellular targets. Here, we have investigated whether the antifungal mechanisms of MtDef4 are conserved in these fungi. We show that N. crassa and F. graminearum respond differently to MtDef4 challenge. Membrane permeabilization is required for the antifungal activity of MtDef4 against F. graminearum but not against N. crassa. We find that MtDef4 is targeted to different subcellular compartments in each fungus. Internalization of MtDef4 in N. crassa is energy-dependent and involves endocytosis. By contrast, MtDef4 appears to translocate into F. graminearum autonomously using a partially energy-dependent pathway. MtDef4 has been shown to bind to the phospholipid phosphatidic acid (PA). We provide evidence that the plasma membrane localized phospholipase D, involved in the biosynthesis of PA, is needed for entry of this defensin in N. crassa, but not in F. graminearum. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a defensin which inhibits the growth of two ascomycete fungi via different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazi T Islam
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO, 63132, USA
| | - Patricia Hernández-Ortiz
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Institution of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Nick D Read
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Institution of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Dilip M Shah
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO, 63132, USA
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Rammaert B, Jouvion G, de Chaumont F, Garcia-Hermoso D, Szczepaniak C, Renaudat C, Olivo-Marin JC, Chrétien F, Dromer F, Bretagne S. Absence of Fungal Spore Internalization by Bronchial Epithelium in Mouse Models Evidenced by a New Bioimaging Approach and Transmission Electronic Microscopy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 185:2421-30. [PMID: 26165863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Clinical data and experimental studies suggest that bronchial epithelium could serve as a portal of entry for invasive fungal infections. We therefore analyzed the interactions between molds and the bronchial/bronchiolar epithelium at the early steps after inhalation. We developed invasive aspergillosis (Aspergillus fumigatus) and mucormycosis (Lichtheimia corymbifera) murine models that mimic the main clinical risk factors for these infections. Histopathology studies were completed with a specific computer-assisted morphometric method to quantify bronchial and alveolar spores and with transmission electron microscopy. Morphometric analysis revealed a higher number of bronchial/bronchiolar spores for A. fumigatus than L. corymbifera. The bronchial/bronchiolar spores decreased between 1 and 18 hours after inoculation for both fungi, except in corticosteroid-treated mice infected with A. fumigatus, suggesting an effect of cortisone on bronchial spore clearance. No increase in the number of spores of any species was observed over time at the basal pole of the epithelium, suggesting the lack of transepithelial crossing. Transmission electron microscopy did not show spore internalization by bronchial epithelial cells. Instead, spores were phagocytized by mononuclear cells on the apical pole of epithelial cells. Early epithelial internalization of fungal spores in vivo cannot explain the bronchial/bronchiolar epithelium invasion observed in some invasive mold infections. The bioimaging approach provides a useful means to accurately enumerate and localize the fungal spores in the pulmonary tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Rammaert
- Unit of Molecular Mycology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; URA 3012, The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Paris, France; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Service, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, APHP, Paris, France; Paris Diderot University, Bio Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Grégory Jouvion
- Unit of Human and Animal Model Histopathology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, PRES Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Dea Garcia-Hermoso
- Unit of Molecular Mycology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; URA 3012, The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Paris, France
| | - Claire Szczepaniak
- Cellular Health Imaging Center, Université d'Auvergne, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Charlotte Renaudat
- Unit of Molecular Mycology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; URA 3012, The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Paris, France
| | | | - Fabrice Chrétien
- Unit of Human and Animal Model Histopathology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Paris Descartes University, PRES Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Neuropathology Service, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Françoise Dromer
- URA 3012, The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Bretagne
- Unit of Molecular Mycology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Paris Diderot University, Bio Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Parasitology-Mycology Service, Hôpital St Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
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30
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a well adapted, opportunistic fungus that causes a severe and commonly fatal disease, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), in highly immunocompromised patients, aspergilloma in patients with lung cavities and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in hypersensitive individuals. Recent studies have suggested that biofilm formation by A. fumigatus may be one of the most important virulence factors in IPA and aspergilloma. Several fungal constituents may contribute to the formation of biofilm structures on host cells, including cell wall components, secondary metabolites and drug transporters. The biofilm phenotype of the fungus is refractory to most conventional antifungal treatment options. Thus, an in-depth analysis and understanding of A. fumigatus biofilms is necessary to devise newer and better antifungal targets for treating complex A. fumigatus biofilm-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savneet Kaur
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
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31
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Kadimaliev DA, Shutova VV, Telyatnik VI, Revin VV, Kezina EV, Kudayeva TV. Relation between ligninolytic and phospholipase activities in the fungus Lentinus tigrinus. Microbiology (Reading) 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261714040079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Effect of phosphatidylcholine on the level expression of plc genes of Aspergillus fumigatus by real time PCR method and investigation of these genes using bioinformatics analysis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2014; 6:104-11. [PMID: 25705361 PMCID: PMC4281657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Phosphlipases are a group of enzymes that breakdown phosphatidylcholine (phospholipids) molecules producing second products. These produced products have a divers role in the cell like signal transduction and digestion in humans. In this research the effect of phosphatidylcholine on the expression of plc genes of A. fumigatus was studied. The plc genes of this fungus were also interrogated using bioinformatics studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Real-time PCR was performed to study the expression of plc genes and these genes were interrogated using bioinformatics studies. RESULTS There was more significant expression for all three plc genes when A. fumigatus was grown on the presence of phosphatidylcholine in the medium. The sequence of plc genes of A. fumigatus was also interrogated using bioinformatics analysis and their relationship with the other microorganisms was investigated. CONCLUSION Real-time PCR revealed that afplc1, afplc2 and afplc3 were up-regulated in the presence of phosphatidylcholine. In this study we suggest either the plc's of A. fumigatus were present in an ancestral genome and have become lost in some lineages, or that they have been acquired from other organisms by horizontal gene transfer. We also found that plc's of this fungus appeared to be more closely related to the plant plc's than the bacterial plc's.
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Jia X, Chen F, Pan W, Yu R, Tian S, Han G, Fang H, Wang S, Zhao J, Li X, Zheng D, Tao S, Liao W, Han X, Han L. Gliotoxin promotes Aspergillus fumigatus internalization into type II human pneumocyte A549 cells by inducing host phospholipase D activation. Microbes Infect 2014; 16:491-501. [PMID: 24637030 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The internalization of Aspergillus fumigatus into lung epithelial cells is critical for the infection process in the host. Gliotoxin is the most potent toxin produced by A. fumigatus. However, its role in A. fumigatus internalization into the lung epithelial cells is still largely unknown. In the present study, the deletion of the gliP gene regulating the production of gliotoxin in A. fumigatus suppressed the internalization of conidia into the A549 lung epithelial cells, and this suppression could be rescued by the exogenous addition of gliotoxin. At lower concentrations, gliotoxin enhanced the internalization of the conidia of A. fumigatus into A549 cells; in contrast, it inhibited the phagocytosis of J774 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Under a concentration of 100 ng/ml, gliotoxin had no effect on A549 cell viability but attenuated ROS production in a dose-dependent manner. Gliotoxin significantly stimulated the phospholipase D activity in the A549 cells at a concentration of 50 ng/ml. This stimulation was blocked by the pretreatment of host cells with PLD1- but not PLD2-specific inhibitor. Morphological cell changes induced by gliotoxin were observed in the A549 cells accompanying with obvious actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and a moderate alteration of phospholipase D distribution. Our data indicated that gliotoxin might be responsible for modulating the A. fumigatus internalization into epithelial cells through phospholipase D1 activation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Jia
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangyan Chen
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Pan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rentao Yu
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Patent Examination Cooperation Center of the Patent Office, Beijing, China
| | - Shuguang Tian
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gaige Han
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqin Fang
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingya Zhao
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianping Li
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyu Zheng
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Tao
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wanqing Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuelin Han
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Li Han
- Department for Hospital Infection Control & Research, Institute of Disease Control & Prevention of PLA, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Identification of new sphingomyelinases D in pathogenic fungi and other pathogenic organisms. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79240. [PMID: 24223912 PMCID: PMC3815110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingomyelinases D (SMases D) or dermonecrotic toxins are well characterized in Loxosceles spider venoms and have been described in some strains of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Corynebacterium sp. After spider bites, the SMase D molecules cause skin necrosis and occasional severe systemic manifestations, such as acute renal failure. In this paper, we identified new SMase D amino acid sequences from various organisms belonging to 24 distinct genera, of which, 19 are new. These SMases D share a conserved active site and a C-terminal motif. We suggest that the C-terminal tail is responsible for stabilizing the entire internal structure of the SMase D Tim barrel and that it can be considered an SMase D hallmark in combination with the amino acid residues from the active site. Most of these enzyme sequences were discovered from fungi and the SMase D activity was experimentally confirmed in the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Because most of these novel SMases D are from organisms that are endowed with pathogenic properties similar to those evoked by these enzymes alone, they might be associated with their pathogenic mechanisms.
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Krishnan K, Askew DS. The fungal UPR: a regulatory hub for virulence traits in the mold pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Virulence 2013; 5:334-40. [PMID: 24189125 PMCID: PMC3956511 DOI: 10.4161/viru.26571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic pathogen that is responsible for a life-threatening fungal infection known as invasive aspergillosis. Current therapies for the treatment of this disease continue to be associated with a poor outcome, so there is a need for more information about aspects of the fungus-host interaction that could offer novel targets for drug intervention. One attractive possibility is the unfolded protein response (UPR), an intracellular signaling network that helps the fungus meet the demand for secretion in the host environment. The major function of the UPR is to mitigate ER stress by maintaining an equilibrium between the load of client proteins entering the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the protein folding capacity of the organelle. However, recent findings suggest that A. fumigatus, as well as several other pathogenic fungi, also rely upon this pathway for virulence. In this review, we provide an update on the A. fumigatus UPR, discuss emerging evidence that the UPR is situated at the nexus of a number of physiological functions that are vital for the virulence of this fungus, and suggest exciting possibilities for future therapeutic targeting of this pathway for the treatment of aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Krishnan
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - David S Askew
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; Cincinnati, OH USA
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36
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The immune interplay between the host and the pathogen in Aspergillus fumigatus lung infection. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:693023. [PMID: 23984400 PMCID: PMC3745895 DOI: 10.1155/2013/693023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The interplay between Aspergillus fumigatus and the host immune response in lung infection has been subject of studies over the last years due to its importance in immunocompromised patients. The multifactorial virulence factors of A. fumigatus are related to the fungus biological characteristics, for example, structure, ability to grow and adapt to high temperatures and stress conditions, besides capability of evading the immune system and causing damage to the host. In this context, the fungus recognition by the host innate immunity occurs when the pathogen disrupts the natural and chemical barriers followed by the activation of acquired immunity. It seems clear that a Th1 response has a protective role, whereas Th2 reactions are often associated with higher fungal burden, and Th17 response is still controversial. Furthermore, a fine regulation of the effector immunity is required to avoid excessive tissue damage associated with fungal clearance, and this role could be attributed to regulatory T cells. Finally, in this work we reviewed the aspects involved in the complex interplay between the host immune response and the pathogen virulence factors, highlighting the immunological issues and the importance of its better understanding to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for invasive lung aspergillosis.
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Noodeh AD, Singh N, Robson GD. Effect of phosphatidylcholine on pld gene expression level of Aspergillus fumigatus by the real time PCR method and investigations of these genes using bioinformatics analysis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2012; 4:139-45. [PMID: 23066489 PMCID: PMC3465540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Phospholipases are a group of enzymes that breakdown phospholipid molecules producing second products. These second products play a diverse role in the cell such as signal transduction and digestion in humans. In this study, the effect of phospholipids on the expression of pld genes of A. fumigatus was investigated. The pld genes of this fungus were also investigated using bioinformatics studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Real-time PCR was performed to study the expression of pld genes. These genes were investigated using bioinformatics studies. RESULTS There was more significant expression for all three pld genes when A. fumigatus was grown in the presence of phospholipids in the medium. The sequence of pld genes of A. fumigatus was also interrogated using bioinformatics analysis and their relationship with the other microorganisms was investigated. The fungal pld genes were more closely related to pld genes from animals and least related to bacterial pld genes. CONCLUSION afpld1, afpld2 and afpld3 are expressed and are up-regulated by phosphatidylcholine. Although indirect evidence of extracellular PLD activity in A. fumigatus was demonstrated, conclusive proof by partially sequencing the isolated protein will be needed and its significance in pathogenicity will have to be assessed by constructing a knockout strain and testing its virulence in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- AD Noodeh
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK,
Corresponding author: Ali Dehghan Noodeh, Address: Department of life sciences, Faculty of science and technology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK. Tel: +44-1223779000. E-mail:
| | - N Singh
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - GD Robson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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