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Andrade-Silva J, Andrade-Silva LE, Paes HC, Alves L, Rosa A, Tenório BG, Ferreira MS, Felipe MSS, Teixeira MDM, Silva-Vergara ML. Molecular epidemiology of Paracoccidiodes spp. recovered from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis in a teaching hospital from Minas Gerais State of Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009956. [PMID: 34843484 PMCID: PMC8659327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by several species of the Paracoccidioides genus which can be differentiated by interspecific genetic variations, morphology and geographic distribution. Intraspecific variability correlation with clinical and epidemiological aspects of these species still remains unclear. This study aimed to sequence the loci GP43, exon 2 and ARF of 23 clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides spp. from patients in the Southeast Region of Brazil. Methodology and main findings GenBank was used to compare the present (23) with previous described sequences (151) that included ARF and GP43. It was identified a high polymorphism rate among the 23 isolates in comparison to the other 151. Among the isolates, 22 (95.66%) were S1/P. brasiliensis and 1 (4.34%) was identified as PS2/P. americana. A total of 45 haplotypes were found as follows: 19 from S1/P. brasiliensis (13 from the present study), 15 from P. lutzii, 6 from PS2/P. americana (1 from the present study), 3 from PS3/P. restrepiensis and 2 from PS4/P. venezuelensis. Moreover, exclusive haplotypes according to clinical origin and geographical area were found. S1/P. brasiliensis (HD = 0.655 and K = 4.613) and P. lutzii (HD = 0.649 and K = 2.906) presented the highest rate of polymorphism among all species, from which 12 isolates of the present study were clustered within S1b/P. brasiliensis. The GP43 locus showed a higher variability and was found to be the main reason for the species differentiation. Conclusions The results herein decribed show a high intraspecific genetic variability among S1/P. brasiliensis isolates and confirm the predominance of this species in the Southeast region of Brazil. The finding of exclusive haplotypes according to clinical origin and geographical area would suggest correlation between the molecular profile with the clinical form and geographic origin of patients with PCM. Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is one of the most important systemic mycosis of Latin America. This disease can be caused by Paracoccidioides lutzii and four different phylogenetic species: S1/Paracoccidioides brasiliensis sensu stricto that harboring S1a and S1b, PS2/Paracoccidioides americana, PS3/Paracoccidioides restrepiensis and PS4/Paracoccidioides venezuelensis. Some of these species show differences in their main geographic region of predominance such as PS2/P. americana that can be found in Venezuela and Southern Brazil; PS3/P. restrepiensis and PS4/P. venezuelensis which are distributed in Colombia and Venezuela. However, and due to their wide geographical distribution, the species S1/P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii overlapping ecological niches and can be found in different regions of Brazil and other Latin American countries. Regarding eco-epidemiological aspects, the habitat is believed to be the soil due to the predominance of the disease among rural workers who become infected by inhaling infectious propagules during their farm activities. According to other authors, these species could have relation with the different PCM clinical presentation. This study aimed to describe the molecular epidemiology associated with clinical and epidemiological data of Paracoccidiodes spp. in the Minas Gerais State, located in the Southeast region, Brazil. Among the 23 isolates herein evaluated, 22 were S1/P. brasiliensis and 1 was identified as PS2/P. americana. A total of 45 haplotypes were found when these isolates were compared with other 151 deposited in the Genbank. The preliminar finding of exclusive haplotypes according to clinical origin and geographical area would suggest correlation between the molecular profile with the clinical form and geographic origin of patients with PCM. The GP43 locus showed a higher variability and was found to be the main promotor of species differentiation. The results herein described pointed out a high intraspecific genetic variability among S1/P. brasiliensis isolates and confirm the predominance of this species in the Southeast region of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Andrade-Silva
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Triangulo Mineiro Federal University, Uberaba, Brazil
| | | | - Hugo Costa Paes
- Faculty of Medicina, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lucas Alves
- Faculty of Medicina, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Adair Rosa
- Faculty of Medicina, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Simão Ferreira
- Infectious diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mario León Silva-Vergara
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Triangulo Mineiro Federal University, Uberaba, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Rodrigues AM, Kubitschek-Barreira PH, Pinheiro BG, Teixeira-Ferreira A, Hahn RC, de Camargo ZP. Immunoproteomic Analysis Reveals Novel Candidate Antigens for the Diagnosis of Paracoccidioidomycosis Due to Paracoccidioides lutzii. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040357. [PMID: 33322269 PMCID: PMC7770604 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a life-threatening systemic infection caused by the fungal pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and related species. Whole-genome sequencing and stage-specific proteomic analysis of Paracoccidioides offer the opportunity to profile humoral immune responses against P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis s. str. infection using innovative screening approaches. Here, an immunoproteomic approach was used to identify PCM-associated antigens that elicit immune responses by combining 2-D electrophoresis of P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis proteomes, immunological detection using a gold-standard serum, and mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 16 and 25 highly immunoreactive proteins were identified in P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis, respectively, and 29 were shown to be the novel antigens for Paracoccidioides species, including seven uncharacterized proteins. Among the panel of proteins identified, most are involved in metabolic pathways, carbon metabolism, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in both immunoproteomes. Remarkably, six isoforms of the surface-associated enolase in the range of 54 kDa were identified as the major antigens in human PCM due to P. lutzii. These novel immunoproteomes of Paracoccidioides will be employed to develop a sensitive and affordable point-of-care diagnostic assay and an effective vaccine to identify infected hosts and prevent infection and development of human PCM. These findings provide a unique opportunity for the refinement of diagnostic tools of this important neglected systemic mycosis, which is usually associated with poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (A.M.R.); (Z.P.d.C.); Tel.: +55-1155764551 (ext. 1540) (A.M.R.); +55-1155764551 (ext. 1512) (Z.P.d.C.)
| | - Paula Helena Kubitschek-Barreira
- Department of Cellular Biology, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20511010, Brazil;
| | - Breno Gonçalves Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil;
| | - André Teixeira-Ferreira
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Pharmacodynamics, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, Brazil;
| | - Rosane Christine Hahn
- Laboratory of Mycology/Research, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060900, Brazil;
- Júlio Muller University Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78048902, Brazil
| | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil;
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil
- Correspondence: (A.M.R.); (Z.P.d.C.); Tel.: +55-1155764551 (ext. 1540) (A.M.R.); +55-1155764551 (ext. 1512) (Z.P.d.C.)
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Pinheiro BG, Hahn RC, de Camargo ZP, Rodrigues AM. Molecular Tools for Detection and Identification of Paracoccidioides Species: Current Status and Future Perspectives. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E293. [PMID: 33217898 PMCID: PMC7711936 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a mycotic disease caused by the Paracoccidioides species, a group of thermally dimorphic fungi that grow in mycelial form at 25 °C and as budding yeasts when cultured at 37 °C or when parasitizing the host tissues. PCM occurs in a large area of Latin America, and the most critical regions of endemicity are in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. The clinical diagnosis of PCM needs to be confirmed through laboratory tests. Although classical laboratory techniques provide valuable information due to the presence of pathognomonic forms of Paracoccidioides spp., nucleic acid-based diagnostics gradually are replacing or complementing culture-based, biochemical, and immunological assays in routine microbiology laboratory practice. Recently, taxonomic changes driven by whole-genomic sequencing of Paracoccidioides have highlighted the need to recognize species boundaries, which could better ascertain Paracoccidioides taxonomy. In this scenario, classical laboratory techniques do not have significant discriminatory power over cryptic agents. On the other hand, several PCR-based methods can detect polymorphisms in Paracoccidioides DNA and thus support species identification. This review is focused on the recent achievements in molecular diagnostics of paracoccidioidomycosis, including the main advantages and pitfalls related to each technique. We discuss these breakthroughs in light of taxonomic changes in the Paracoccidioides genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Gonçalves Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil; (B.G.P.); (Z.P.d.C.)
| | - Rosane Christine Hahn
- Laboratory of Mycology/Research, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso 78060900, Brazil;
- Federal University of Mato Grosso, Júlio Muller University Hospital, Mato Grosso 78048902, Brazil
| | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil; (B.G.P.); (Z.P.d.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil; (B.G.P.); (Z.P.d.C.)
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel O. Oluwayelu
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Turissini DA, Gomez OM, Teixeira MM, McEwen JG, Matute DR. Species boundaries in the human pathogen Paracoccidioides. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 106:9-25. [PMID: 28602831 PMCID: PMC8335726 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The use of molecular taxonomy for identifying recently diverged species has transformed the study of speciation in fungi. The pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides spp has been hypothesized to be composed of five phylogenetic species, four of which compose the brasiliensis species complex. Nuclear gene genealogies support this divergence scenario, but mitochondrial loci do not; while all species from the brasiliensis complex are differentiated at nuclear coding loci, they are not at mitochondrial loci. We addressed the source of this incongruity using 11 previously published gene fragments, 10 newly-sequenced nuclear non-coding loci, and 10 microsatellites. We hypothesized and further demonstrated that the mito-nuclear incongruence in the brasiliensis species complex results from interspecific hybridization and mitochondrial introgression, a common phenomenon in eukaryotes. Additional population genetic analyses revealed possible nuclear introgression but much less than that seen in the mitochondrion. Our results are consistent with a divergence scenario of secondary contact and subsequent mitochondrial introgression despite the continued persistence of species boundaries. We also suggest that yeast morphology slightly-but significantly-differs across all five Paracoccidioides species and propose to elevate four of these phylogenetic species to formally described taxonomic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Turissini
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Oscar M Gomez
- Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia; Biology Institute, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Marcus M Teixeira
- Northern Arizona Center for Valley Fever Research, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Juan G McEwen
- Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia; School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Daniel R Matute
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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ARANTES TD, BAGAGLI E, NIÑO-VEGA G, SAN-BLAS G, THEODORO RC. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis AND Paracoccidioides lutzii, A SECRET LOVE AFFAIR. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2015; 57 Suppl 19:25-30. [PMID: 26465366 PMCID: PMC4711194 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000700006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To commemorate Prof. Carlos da Silva Lacaz's centennial anniversary, the authors have written a brief account of a few, out of hundreds, biological, ecological, molecular and phylogenetic studies that led to the arrival of Paracoccidioides lutzii, hidden for more than a century within Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Lacaz's permanent interest in this fungus, and particularly his conviction on the benefits that research on paracoccidioidomycosis would bring to patients, were pivotal in the development of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thales Domingos ARANTES
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto de Biociências/UNESP, Depto.
Microbiologia e Imunologia, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical/IMT, Laboratório de Virologia e
Micologia, Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brasil
| | - Eduardo BAGAGLI
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Instituto de Biociências/UNESP, Depto.
Microbiologia e Imunologia, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Gustavo NIÑO-VEGA
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Laboratorio
de Micología, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Gioconda SAN-BLAS
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Laboratorio
de Micología, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Raquel Cordeiro THEODORO
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Depto. de Biologia Celular
e Genética, Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, Brasil
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Alves FL, Ribeiro MA, Hahn RC, de Melo Teixeira M, de Camargo ZP, Cisalpino PS, Marini MM. Transposable elements and two other molecular markers as typing tools for the genus Paracoccidioides. Med Mycol 2014; 53:165-70. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Teixeira MDM, Theodoro RC, Oliveira FFMD, Machado GC, Hahn RC, Bagagli E, San-Blas G, Soares Felipe MS. Paracoccidioides lutzii sp. nov.: biological and clinical implications. Med Mycol 2014; 52:19-28. [PMID: 23768243 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2013.794311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides lutzii, formerly known as 'Pb01-like' strains in the P. brasiliensis complex, is proposed as a new species based on phylogenetic and comparative genomics data, recombination analysis, and morphological characteristics. Conidia of P. lutzii are elongated, different from those of P. brasiliensis. P. lutzii occurs in the central and northern regions of Brazil. Studies comparing P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii may have significant clinical consequences for the diagnosis and treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Theodoro RC, Teixeira MDM, Felipe MSS, Paduan KDS, Ribolla PM, San-Blas G, Bagagli E. Genus paracoccidioides: Species recognition and biogeographic aspects. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37694. [PMID: 22666382 PMCID: PMC3364295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (species S1, PS2, PS3), and Paracoccidioides lutzii. This work aimed to differentiate species within the genus Paracoccidioides, without applying multilocus sequencing, as well as to obtain knowledge of the possible speciation processes. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis on GP43, ARF and PRP8 intein genes successfully distinguished isolates into four different species. Morphological evaluation indicated that elongated conidia were observed exclusively in P. lutzii isolates, while all other species (S1, PS2 and PS3) were indistinguishable. To evaluate the biogeographic events that led to the current geographic distribution of Paracoccidioides species and their sister species, Nested Clade and Likelihood Analysis of Geographic Range Evolution (LAGRANGE) analyses were applied. The radiation of Paracoccidioides started in northwest South America, around 11-32 million years ago, as calculated on the basis of ARF substitution rate, in the BEAST program. Vicariance was responsible for the divergence among S1, PS2 and P. lutzii and a recent dispersal generated the PS3 species, restricted to Colombia. Taking into account the ancestral areas revealed by the LAGRANGE analysis and the major geographic distribution of L. loboi in the Amazon basin, a region strongly affected by the Andes uplift and marine incursions in the Cenozoic era, we also speculate about the effect of these geological events on the vicariance between Paracoccidioides and L. loboi. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The use of at least 3 SNPs, but not morphological criteria, as markers allows us to distinguish among the four cryptic species of the genus Paracoccidioides. The work also presents a biogeographic study speculating on how these species might have diverged in South America, thus contributing to elucidating evolutionary aspects of the genus Paracoccidioides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Gioconda San-Blas
- Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, Center of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Eduardo Bagagli
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu-UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Akritidis N. Parasitic, fungal and prion zoonoses: an expanding universe of candidates for human disease. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 17:331-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2010.03442.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Theodoro RC, Volkmann G, Liu XQ, Bagagli E. PRP8 intein in Ajellomycetaceae family pathogens: sequence analysis, splicing evaluation and homing endonuclease activity. Fungal Genet Biol 2010; 48:80-91. [PMID: 20682355 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2010.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Revised: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Inteins are intervening sequences that are transcribed and translated with flanking host protein sequences and then self-excised by protein splicing. Bi-functional inteins also contain a homing endonuclease responsible for their genetic mobility. The PRP8 intein, the most widespread among fungi, occurs in important pathogens such as Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, from the Ajellomycetaceae family. Herein, we describe the bi-functional PRP8 intein in two other Ajellomycetacean pathogens, Blastomyces dermatitidis and Emmonsia parva. Sequence analysis and experimental evidence suggest that the homing endonuclease from PbrPRP8 is inactive. The splicing activity of the PRP8 intein from the B. dermatitidis, E. parva and P. brasiliensis species complex was demonstrated in a non-native protein context in Escherichia coli. Since the PRP8 intein is located in a functionally essential nuclear protein, it can be considered a promising therapeutic target for anti-fungal drugs, because inhibition of intein splicing should inhibit proliferation of intein-containing pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Cordeiro Theodoro
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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Richini-Pereira VB, Bosco SDMG, Theodoro RC, Macoris SADG, Bagagli E. Molecular approaches for eco-epidemiological studies of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 104:636-43. [PMID: 19722090 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000400018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2008] [Accepted: 04/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical mycology has greatly benefited from the introduction of molecular techniques. New knowledge on molecular genetics has provided both theoretical and practical frameworks, permitting important advances in our understanding of several aspects of pathogenic fungi. Considering Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in particular, important eco-epidemiological aspects, such as environmental distribution and new hosts were clarified through molecular approaches. These methodologies also contributed to a better understanding about the genetic variability of this pathogen; thus, P. brasiliensis is now assumed to represent a species complex. The present review focuses on some recent findings about the current taxonomic status of P. brasiliensis, its phylogenetic and speciation processes, as well as on some practical applications for the molecular detection of this pathogen in environmental and clinical materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgínia Bodelão Richini-Pereira
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brasil
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Theodoro RC, Bagagli E. Inteins in pathogenic fungi: a phylogenetic tool and perspectives for therapeutic applications. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2009; 104:497-504. [PMID: 19547879 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000300017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Accepted: 03/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inteins or 'internal proteins' are coding sequences that are transcribed and translated with flanking sequences (exteins). After translation, the inteins are excised by an autocatalytic process and the host protein assumes its normal conformation and develops its expected function. These parasitic genetic elements have been found in important, conserved proteins in all three domains of life. Most of the eukaryotic inteins are present in the fungi kingdom and the PRP8 intein is one of the most widespread inteins, occurring in important pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans (varieties grubii and neoformans), Cryptococcus gattii, Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The knowledge of conserved and non-conserved domains in inteins have opened up new opportunities for the study of population variability in pathogenic fungi, including their phylogenetic relationships and recognition or diagnoses of species. Furthermore, inteins in pathogenic fungi should also be considered a promising therapeutic drug target, since once the autocatalytic splicing is inhibited, the host protein, which is typically vital, will not be able to perform its normal function and the fungal cell will not survive or reproduce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Cordeiro Theodoro
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil
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Teixeira MM, Theodoro RC, de Carvalho MJA, Fernandes L, Paes HC, Hahn RC, Mendoza L, Bagagli E, San-Blas G, Felipe MSS. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a high level of speciation in the Paracoccidioides genus. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2009; 52:273-83. [PMID: 19376249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2009.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2009] [Accepted: 04/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic disease endemic to most of Latin America, with greatest impact in rural areas. The taxonomic status of one of the best studied Paracoccidioides isolates (Pb01) as P. brasiliensis remains unresolved due to its genomic differences from the other three previously described phylogenetic species (S1, PS2 and PS3; Carrero et al., 2008. Fungal Genet. Biol. 45, 605). Using the genealogic concordance method of phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR) via maximum parsimony and Bayesian analysis, we identified a clade of 17 genotypically similar isolates, including Pb01, which are distinct from the S1/PS2/P3 clade. Consistent with GCPSR, this "Pb01-like" group can be considered a new phylogenetic species, since it is strongly supported by all independent and concatenated genealogies. "Pb01-like" species exhibit great sequence and morphological divergence from the S1/PS2/PS3 species clade, and we estimate that these groups last shared a common ancestor approximately 32 million years ago. In addition, recombination analysis revealed independent events inside both main groups suggesting reproductive isolation. Consequently, we recommend the formal description of the "Pb01-like" cluster as the new species Paracoccidioides lutzii, a tribute to Adolpho Lutz, discoverer of P. brasiliensis in 1908.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M Teixeira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a temperature-dependent dimorphic fungus and the agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), which is prevalent in rural workers of Latin American countries. Until a decade ago, most of the studies involving P. brasiliensis used clinical isolates, since environmental samples from soil are difficult to obtain. More recently, P. brasiliensis has been isolated from infected wild and domestic animals, especially from the nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus in Brazil. Over the years, diversity within the species has been observed at several phenotypic levels. The present review will discuss the reports focusing on genetic polymorphism, which culminated with the detection of P. brasiliensis phylogenetic species as a result of a multilocus study. Polymorphism in the PbGP43 gene is detailed. This gene encodes fungal glycoprotein gp43, a dominant P. brasiliensis antigen largely studied in the last two decades for its importance in diagnosis, immune protection, and adhesive properties to extracellular matrix-associated proteins. Fungal traits associated with genetic groups are discussed.
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17
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San-Blas G, Niño-Vega G. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: chemical and molecular tools for research on cell walls, antifungals, diagnosis, taxonomy. Mycopathologia 2008; 165:183-95. [PMID: 18777628 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a dimorphic fungus, a causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, one of the most frequent systemic mycoses that affect the rural population in Latin America, only geographical region in which this fungus is to be found. In this work, we discuss matters related to (a) cell wall studies based on the cloning and analysis of genes involved in the synthesis of cell wall components, and their possible roles in virulence and dimorphism in P. brasiliensis, (b) molecular taxonomy and the molecular classification of P. brasiliensis as an Ascomycete belonging in the Order Onygenales, (c) phylogeny of P. brasiliensis and the possible existence of cryptic species within the genus Paracoccidioides, and (d) new experimental antifungal drugs such as azasterols or sterol hydrazones, compounds that affect the activity of delta 24(28) sterol methyl reductase (SMR) and/or delta (24)-sterol methyl transferase (SMT), and (e) specific primers for the molecular detection of P. brasiliensis in vitro and in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioconda San-Blas
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, P.O. Box 20632, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela.
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18
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Bagagli E, Theodoro RC, Bosco SMG, McEwen JG. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: phylogenetic and ecological aspects. Mycopathologia 2008; 165:197-207. [PMID: 18777629 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge on the biological aspects of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis has evolved greatly since the first description of the disease in 1908. From the pioneers, who were able to clearly demonstrate the fungal nature of the agent, to the recent genomic era, important advances have been achieved. P. brasiliensis is a true fungus, belonging to the Ascomycetous Division, although its sexual phase has not been demonstrated morphologically. A better understanding of the fundamental aspects of the agent, especially its phylogeny and evolutionary history, will provide us with valuable insights allowing a better comprehension of the disease and our capacity to deal with the problem. Concerning the fungus's ecology, although some progress had been observed, the ecological niche of the pathogen has not been determined yet. The aim of the present review is to focus on the biological aspects of P. brasiliensis from an evolutionary point of view, addressing the fungus's phylogenetic aspects, in those special points that might be relevant for the pathogen/host interactions, the biological forces that have been acting on its origin and maintenance of virulence, as well as in determining the fungus's ecology and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Bagagli
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu-UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Theodoro RC, Bagagli E, Oliveira C. Phylogenetic analysis of PRP8 intein in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis species complex. Fungal Genet Biol 2008; 45:1284-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2008.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2008] [Revised: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 07/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Dimorphism, Thermal Tolerance, Virulence and Heat Shock Protein 70 Transcription in Different Isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Mycopathologia 2008; 165:355-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-008-9091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2007] [Accepted: 01/17/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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21
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New Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolate reveals unexpected genomic variability in this human pathogen. Fungal Genet Biol 2008; 45:605-12. [PMID: 18364259 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2008.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2006] [Revised: 01/21/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
By means of genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR), we have investigated coding and non-coding regions from various genes and the ITS sequences of 7 new and 14 known isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Such isolates grouped within the three phylogenetic groups recently reported in the genus Paracoccidioides, with one single exception, i.e., Pb01, a strain that has been the subject of intense molecular studies for many years. This isolate clearly separates from all other Paracoccidioides isolates in phylogenetic analyses and greatly increases the genomic variation known in this genus.
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22
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Macoris SAG, Sugizaki MF, Peraçoli MTS, Bosco SMG, Hebeler-Barbosa F, Simões LB, Theodoro RC, Trinca LA, Bagagli E. Virulence attenuation and phenotypic variation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates obtained from armadillos and patients. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2006; 101:331-4. [PMID: 16862332 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762006000300019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2005] [Accepted: 03/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, the most important systemic mycosis in Latin America. The virulence profiles of five isolates of P. brasiliensis were studied in two different moments and correlated with some colonial phenotypic aspects. We observed a significant decrease in the virulence and an intense phenotypic variation in the mycelial colony. The recognition of all ranges of phenotypic and virulence variation of P. brasiliensis, as well as its physiological and genetic basis, will be important for a better comprehension of its pathogenic and epidemiological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A G Macoris
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biociêncas, SP, Brasil
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23
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Bagagli E, Bosco SMG, Theodoro RC, Franco M. Phylogenetic and evolutionary aspects of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis reveal a long coexistence with animal hosts that explain several biological features of the pathogen. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2006; 6:344-51. [PMID: 16473563 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2005.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2004] [Revised: 12/29/2005] [Accepted: 12/30/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The habitat of the mycelial saprobic form of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which produces the infectious propagula, has not been determined and has proven difficult for mycologists to describe. The fungus has been rarely isolated from the environment, the disease has a prolonged latency period and no outbreaks have been reported. These facts have precluded the adoption of preventive measures to avoid infection. The confirmation of natural infections in nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) with P. brasiliensis, in high frequency and wide geographic distribution, has opened new avenues for the study and understanding of its ecology. Armadillos belong to the order Xenarthra, which has existed in South America ever since the Paleocene Era (65 million years ago), when the South American subcontinent was still a detached land, before the consolidation of what is now known as the American continent. On the other hand, strong molecular evidence suggests that P. brasiliensis and other dimorphic pathogenic fungi--such as Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum--belong to the family Onygenaceae sensu lato (order Onygenales, Ascomycota), which appeared around 150 million years ago. P. brasiliensis ecology and relation to its human host are probably linked to the fungal evolutionary past, especially its long coexistence with and adaptation to animal hosts other than Homo sapiens, of earlier origin. Instead of being a blind alley, the meaning of parasitism for dimorphic pathogenic fungi should be considered as an open two-way avenue, in which the fungus may return to the environment, therefore contributing to preserve its teleomorphic (sexual) and anamorphic (asexual) forms in a defined and protected natural habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Bagagli
- Departmento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP, Botucatu 18618-000, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Nascimento E, Martinez R, Lopes AR, de Souza Bernardes LA, Barco CP, Goldman MHS, Taylor JW, McEwen JG, Nobrega MP, Nobrega FG, Goldman GH. Detection and selection of microsatellites in the genome of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis as molecular markers for clinical and epidemiological studies. J Clin Microbiol 2005; 42:5007-14. [PMID: 15528688 PMCID: PMC525212 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.42.11.5007-5014.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a thermodimorphic fungus, is the causative agent of the prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Here, we describe the microsatellite patterns observed in a collection of P. brasiliensis random sequence tags. We identified 1,117 microsatellite patterns in about 3.8 Mb of unique sequences (0.47% of the total DNA used in the analysis). The majority of these microsatellites (87.5%) are found in noncoding sequences. We used two polymorphic microsatellites located on noncoding and coding sequences, as well as two microsatellites located on introns, as molecular markers to discriminate P. brasiliensis isolates, to look for relationships between the genetic background of the strains and the types of human disease they cause. We did not observe any correlation between the clinical form of human PCM and four simple sequence repeat patterns analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Nascimento
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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Theodoro RC, Candeias JMG, Araújo JP, Bosco SDMG, Macoris SADG, Padula LOJ, Franco M, Bagagli E. Molecular detection ofParacoccidioides brasiliensisin soil. Med Mycol 2005; 43:725-9. [PMID: 16422303 DOI: 10.1080/13693780500129418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate different techniques for the detection of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in soil, e.g., culture, animal inoculation and specific DNA amplification by Nested PCR. We designed species-specific inner primers derived from rDNA regions (ITS, 5.8S gene) and found their sensitivity to be higher than culture and animal inoculation. In addition, the sensitivity of these primers was higher than p27-gene primers developed for detection of P. brasiliensis in soil in a previous study. DNA from P. brasiliensis was detected in soil artificially seeded with the fungus (positive soil control) and from environmental samples collected in an armadillo burrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Cordeiro Theodoro
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP Brasil
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26
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Carvalho KC, Ganiko L, Batista WL, Morais FV, Marques ER, Goldman GH, Franco MF, Puccia R. Virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and gp43 expression in isolates bearing known PbGP43 genotype. Microbes Infect 2004; 7:55-65. [PMID: 15716071 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2004.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2004] [Revised: 09/10/2004] [Accepted: 09/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the dimorphic fungus responsible for human paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). We previously observed that P. brasiliensis isolates bearing highly polymorphic PbGP43 of genotype A (Pb2, Pb3 and Pb4) were phylogenetically distant from the others. The PbGP43 gene encodes an immune dominant diagnostic antigen (gp43), and its polymorphism reflects broader genetic diversity in the species. In the present study, we observed that isolates with PbGP43 of genotype A showed low virulence when inoculated in B10.A mice by the intraperitoneal, intratracheal and intravenous routes. In vitro studies detected sharp and prolonged down-regulation of PbGP43 in Pb3 (and not in Pb18 or Pb339) as a result of heat shock at 42 degrees C and temperature shift to prompt mycelium to yeast transition, which was, however, not disturbed. Differences in transcriptional regulation are possibly a consequence of mutations in the PbGP43 promoter region, which we here show to be more polymorphic in genotype A isolates. As opposed to Pb3's rapid adaptation to in vitro culture conditions after isolation from the lung, Pb12, the most aggressive isolate tested here, showed slow growth and phase transition in vitro. Interestingly, animals that were highly infected by Pb12 produced small amounts of anti-gp43 antibodies. That was apparently due to down-regulation in PbGP43 expression. We present the first evidence of transcriptional regulation of gp43 expression, but our results suggest that gene expression is also regulated at the protein and/or secretion levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kátia C Carvalho
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Disciplina de Biologia Celular, UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu, 862, oitavo andar, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil
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