1
|
Arruda MFC, da Silva Ramos RCP, de Oliveira NS, Rosa RT, Stuelp-Campelo PM, Bianchini LF, Villas-Bôas SG, Rosa EAR. Central Carbon Metabolism in Candida albicans Biofilms Is Altered by Dimethyl Sulfoxide. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:337. [PMID: 38786692 PMCID: PMC11121877 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on fungal metabolism has not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate, by metabolomics, the impact of DMSO on the central carbon metabolism of Candida albicans. Biofilms of C. albicans SC5314 were grown on paper discs, using minimum mineral (MM) medium, in a dynamic continuous flow system. The two experimental conditions were control and 0.03% DMSO (v/v). After 72 h of incubation (37 °C), the biofilms were collected and the metabolites were extracted. The extracted metabolites were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The experiment was conducted using five replicates on three independent occasions. The GC/MS analysis identified 88 compounds. Among the 88 compounds, the levels of 27 compounds were markedly different between the two groups. The DMSO group exhibited enhanced levels of putrescine and glutathione and decreased levels of methionine and lysine. Additionally, the DMSO group exhibited alterations in 13 metabolic pathways involved in primary and secondary cellular metabolism. Among the 13 altered pathways, seven were downregulated and six were upregulated in the DMSO group. These results indicated a differential intracellular metabolic profile between the untreated and DMSO-treated biofilms. Hence, DMSO was demonstrated to affect the metabolic pathways of C. albicans. These results suggest that DMSO may influence the results of laboratory tests when it is used as a solvent. Hence, the use of DMSO as a solvent must be carefully considered in drug research, as the effect of the researched drugs may not be reliably translated into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Cordeiro Arruda
- Graduate Program on Dentistry, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (M.F.C.A.); (R.C.P.d.S.R.)
| | - Romeu Cassiano Pucci da Silva Ramos
- Graduate Program on Dentistry, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (M.F.C.A.); (R.C.P.d.S.R.)
| | - Nicoly Subtil de Oliveira
- Graduate Program on Animal Sciences, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil;
| | - Rosimeire Takaki Rosa
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (R.T.R.); (P.M.S.-C.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Patrícia Maria Stuelp-Campelo
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (R.T.R.); (P.M.S.-C.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Luiz Fernando Bianchini
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (R.T.R.); (P.M.S.-C.); (L.F.B.)
| | | | - Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro Rosa
- Graduate Program on Dentistry, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (M.F.C.A.); (R.C.P.d.S.R.)
- Graduate Program on Animal Sciences, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil;
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (R.T.R.); (P.M.S.-C.); (L.F.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Raj K, Paul D, Rishi P, Shukla G, Dhotre D, YogeshSouche. Decoding the role of oxidative stress resistance and alternative carbon substrate assimilation in the mature biofilm growth mode of Candida glabrata. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:128. [PMID: 38641593 PMCID: PMC11031924 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03274-9] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biofilm formation is viewed as a vital mechanism in C. glabrata pathogenesis. Although, it plays a significant role in virulence but transcriptomic architecture and metabolic pathways governing the biofilm growth mode of C. glabrata remain elusive. The present study intended to investigate the genes implicated in biofilm growth phase of C. glabrata through global transcriptomic approach. RESULTS Functional analysis of Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using gene ontology and pathways analysis revealed that upregulated genes are involved in the glyoxylate cycle, carbon-carbon lyase activity, pre-autophagosomal structure membrane and vacuolar parts whereas, down- regulated genes appear to be associated with glycolysis, ribonucleoside biosynthetic process, ribosomal and translation process in the biofilm growth condition. The RNA-Seq expression of eight selected DEGs (CgICL1, CgMLS1, CgPEP1, and CgNTH1, CgERG9, CgERG11, CgTEF3, and CgCOF1) was performed with quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The gene expression profile of selected DEGs with RT-qPCR displayed a similar pattern of expression as observed in RNA-Seq. Phenotype screening of mutant strains generated for genes CgPCK1 and CgPEP1, showed that Cgpck1∆ failed to grow on alternative carbon substrate (Glycerol, Ethanol, Oleic acid) and similarly, Cgpep1∆ unable to grow on YPD medium supplemented with hydrogen peroxide. Our results suggest that in the absence of glucose, C. glabrata assimilate glycerol, oleic acid and generate acetyl coenzyme-A (acetyl-CoA) which is a central and connecting metabolite between catabolic and anabolic pathways (glyoxylate and gluconeogenesis) to produce glucose and fulfil energy requirements. CONCLUSIONS The study was executed using various approaches (transcriptomics, functional genomics and gene deletion) and it revealed that metabolic plasticity of C. glabrata (NCCPF-100,037) in biofilm stage modulates its virulence and survival ability to counter the stress and may promote its transition from commensal to opportunistic pathogen. The observations deduced from the present study along with future work on characterization of the proteins involved in this intricate process may prove to be beneficial for designing novel antifungal strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khem Raj
- Department of Microbiology Basic Medical Sciences Block I, South Campus, Panjab University, Sector-25, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
| | - Dhiraj Paul
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Praveen Rishi
- Department of Microbiology Basic Medical Sciences Block I, South Campus, Panjab University, Sector-25, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Geeta Shukla
- Department of Microbiology Basic Medical Sciences Block I, South Campus, Panjab University, Sector-25, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Dhiraj Dhotre
- National Centre for Microbial Resource, National Centre for Cell Sciences (NCCS), Pune, India
| | - YogeshSouche
- National Centre for Microbial Resource, National Centre for Cell Sciences (NCCS), Pune, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang JJT, Steenwyk JL, Brem RB. Natural trait variation across Saccharomycotina species. FEMS Yeast Res 2024; 24:foae002. [PMID: 38218591 PMCID: PMC10833146 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foae002] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Among molecular biologists, the group of fungi called Saccharomycotina is famous for its yeasts. These yeasts in turn are famous for what they have in common-genetic, biochemical, and cell-biological characteristics that serve as models for plants and animals. But behind the apparent homogeneity of Saccharomycotina species lie a wealth of differences. In this review, we discuss traits that vary across the Saccharomycotina subphylum. We describe cases of bright pigmentation; a zoo of cell shapes; metabolic specialties; and species with unique rules of gene regulation. We discuss the genetics of this diversity and why it matters, including insights into basic evolutionary principles with relevance across Eukarya.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johnson J -T Wang
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jacob L Steenwyk
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rachel B Brem
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marsaux B, Moens F, Marzorati M, Van de Wiele T. The Intricate Connection between Bacterial α-Diversity and Fungal Engraftment in the Human Gut of Healthy and Impaired Individuals as Studied Using the In Vitro SHIME ® Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:877. [PMID: 37754985 PMCID: PMC10532570 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
From the estimated 2.2 to 3.8 million fungal species existing on Earth, only a minor fraction actively colonizes the human gastrointestinal tract. In fact, these fungi only represent 0.1% of the gastrointestinal biosphere. Despite their low abundance, fungi play dual roles in human health-both beneficial and detrimental. Fungal infections are often associated with bacterial dysbiosis following antibiotic use, yet our understanding of gut fungi-bacteria interactions remains limited. Here, we used the SHIME® gut model to explore the colonization of human fecal-derived fungi across gastrointestinal compartments. We accounted for the high inter-individual microbial diversity by using fecal samples from healthy adults, healthy babies, and Crohn's disease patients. Using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction and targeted next-generation sequencing, we demonstrated that SHIME®-colonized mycobiomes change upon loss of transient colonizers. In addition, SHIME® reactors from Crohn's disease patients contained comparable bacterial levels as healthy adults but higher fungal concentrations, indicating unpredictable correlations between fungal levels and total bacterial counts. Our findings rather link higher bacterial α-diversity to limited fungal growth, tied to colonization resistance. Hence, while healthy individuals had fewer fungi engrafting the colonic reactors, low α-diversity in impaired (Crohn's disease patients) or immature (babies) microbiota was associated with greater fungal abundance. To validate, antibiotic-treated healthy colonic microbiomes demonstrated increased fungal colonization susceptibility, and bacterial taxa that were negatively correlated with fungal expansion were identified. In summary, fungal colonization varied individually and transiently, and bacterial resistance to fungal overgrowth was more related with specific bacterial genera than total bacterial load. This study sheds light on fungal-bacterial dynamics in the human gut.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Marsaux
- ProDigest B.V., Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 82, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (F.M.); (M.M.); (T.V.d.W.)
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Moens
- ProDigest B.V., Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 82, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (F.M.); (M.M.); (T.V.d.W.)
| | - Massimo Marzorati
- ProDigest B.V., Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 82, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (F.M.); (M.M.); (T.V.d.W.)
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Van de Wiele
- ProDigest B.V., Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 82, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (F.M.); (M.M.); (T.V.d.W.)
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The adaptive response to alternative carbon sources in the pathogen Candida albicans involves a remodeling of thiol- and glutathione-dependent redox status. Biochem J 2023; 480:197-217. [PMID: 36625375 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunist pathogen responsible for a large spectrum of infections, from superficial mycosis to systemic diseases known as candidiasis. During infection in vivo, Candida albicans must adapt to host microenvironments and this adaptive response is crucial for the survival of this organism, as it facilitates the effective assimilation of alternative carbon sources others than glucose. We performed a global proteomic analysis on the global changes in protein abundance in response to changes in micronutrient levels, and, in parallel, explored changes in the intracellular redox and metabolic status of the cells. We show here that each of the carbon sources considered - glucose, acetate and lactate - induces a unique pattern of response in C. albicans cells, and that some conditions trigger an original and specific adaptive response involving the adaptation of metabolic pathways, but also a complete remodeling of thiol-dependent antioxidant defenses. Protein S-thiolation and the overproduction of reduced glutathione are two components of the response to high glucose concentration. In the presence of acetate, glutathione-dependent oxidative stress occurs, reduced thiol groups bind to proteins, and glutathione is exported out of the cells, these changes probably being triggered by an increase in glutathione-S-transferases. Overall, our results suggest that the role of cellular redox status regulation and defenses against oxidative stress, including the thiol- and glutathione-dependent response, in the adaptive response of C. albicans to alternative carbon sources should be reconsidered.
Collapse
|
6
|
Riboflavin Targets the Cellular Metabolic and Ribosomal Pathways of Candida albicans In Vitro and Exhibits Efficacy against Oropharyngeal Candidiasis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0380122. [PMID: 36625571 PMCID: PMC9927497 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03801-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), which has a high incidence in immunocompromised and denture stomatitis patients, is commonly caused by Candida albicans infection and in some cases develops into disseminated candidiasis throughout the throat and esophagus, resulting in high mortality. New drugs are needed to combat OPC because of the limited treatment options currently available and increasing resistance to existing drugs. Here, we confirmed that riboflavin (RF), a cofactor of flavin adenine mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide, has broad-spectrum anti-Candida activity. The formation of C. albicans hyphae and biofilm was inhibited by RF. Mechanistically, RF disrupted membrane and cell wall integrity, as well as promoting reactive oxygen species and pyruvate accumulation. Furthermore, RF targeted multiple essential pathways via functional disruption of thiamine and RF metabolic pathways, central carbon metabolism, and ribosome metabolism. Similar to the results in vitro, the inhibitory effect of RF on C. albicans hyphae was confirmed in a mouse model of OPC. Moreover, after 5 consecutive days of intraperitoneal injection, RF exhibited therapeutic efficacy, as demonstrated by phenotype investigation, the fungal burden, and histopathological analysis. These findings revealed that RF exerts a multifaceted anti-Candida effect and has potential benefits in the treatment of OPC. IMPORTANCE Candida species are common pathogens in fungal infections, causing mucosal infection and invasive infection in immunodeficient patients. Given the limited classes of drugs and resistance to these drugs, new antifungal agents need to be developed. Drug repurposing is a potential method for antifungal drug development. This study demonstrated that riboflavin (RF) exhibited broad-spectrum anti-Candida activity. RF affected multiple targets involving the membrane and cell wall integrity, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and pyruvate, and the altered metabolic pathways in C. albicans. Moreover, RF exhibited efficacy in the treatment of C. albicans in an oropharyngeal candidiasis mouse model. Taken together, the antifungal activity and the promising clinical application of RF were highlighted.
Collapse
|
7
|
Brown AJP. Fungal resilience and host-pathogen interactions: Future perspectives and opportunities. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12946. [PMID: 35962618 PMCID: PMC10078341 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12946] [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] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We are constantly exposed to the threat of fungal infection. The outcome-clearance, commensalism or infection-depends largely on the ability of our innate immune defences to clear infecting fungal cells versus the success of the fungus in mounting compensatory adaptive responses. As each seeks to gain advantage during these skirmishes, the interactions between host and fungal pathogen are complex and dynamic. Nevertheless, simply compromising the physiological robustness of fungal pathogens reduces their ability to evade antifungal immunity, their virulence, and their tolerance against antifungal therapy. In this article I argue that this physiological robustness is based on a 'Resilience Network' which mechanistically links and controls fungal growth, metabolism, stress resistance and drug tolerance. The elasticity of this network probably underlies the phenotypic variability of fungal isolates and the heterogeneity of individual cells within clonal populations. Consequently, I suggest that the definition of the fungal Resilience Network represents an important goal for the future which offers the clear potential to reveal drug targets that compromise drug tolerance and synergise with current antifungal therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mochochoko BM, Pohl CH, O’Neill HG. Candida albicans-enteric viral interactions-The prostaglandin E 2 connection and host immune responses. iScience 2022; 26:105870. [PMID: 36647379 PMCID: PMC9839968 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105870] [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] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The human microbiome comprises trillions of microorganisms residing within different mucosal cavities and across the body surface. The gut microbiota modulates host susceptibility to viral infections in several ways, and microbial interkingdom interactions increase viral infectivity within the gut. Candida albicans, a frequently encountered fungal species in the gut, produces highly structured biofilms and eicosanoids such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which aid in viral protection and replication. These biofilms encompass viruses and provide a shield from antiviral drugs or the immune system. PGE2 is a key modulator of active inflammation with the potential to regulate interferon signaling upon microbial invasion or viral infections. In this review, we raise the perspective of gut interkingdom interactions involving C. albicans and enteric viruses, with a special focus on biofilms, PGE2, and viral replication. Ultimately, we discuss the possible implications of C. albicans-enteric virus associations on host immune responses, particularly the interferon signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonang M. Mochochoko
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Carolina H. Pohl
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa,Corresponding author
| | - Hester G. O’Neill
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Systematic Metabolic Profiling Identifies De Novo Sphingolipid Synthesis as Hypha Associated and Essential for Candida albicans Filamentation. mSystems 2022; 7:e0053922. [PMID: 36264075 PMCID: PMC9765226 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00539-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast-to-hypha transition is a key virulence attribute of the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, since it is closely tied to infection-associated processes such as tissue invasion and escape from phagocytes. While the nature of hypha-associated gene expression required for fungal virulence has been thoroughly investigated, potential morphotype-dependent activity of metabolic pathways remained unclear. Here, we combined global transcriptome and metabolome analyses for the wild-type SC5314 and the hypha-defective hgc1Δ and cph1Δefg1Δ strains under three hypha-inducing (human serum, N-acetylglucosamine, and alkaline pH) and two yeast-promoting conditions to identify metabolic adaptions that accompany the filamentation process. We identified morphotype-related activities of distinct pathways and a metabolic core signature of 26 metabolites with consistent depletion or enrichment during the yeast-to-hypha transition. Most strikingly, we found a hypha-associated activation of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, indicating a connection of this pathway and filamentous growth. Consequently, pharmacological inhibition of this partially fungus-specific pathway resulted in strongly impaired filamentation, verifying the necessity of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis for proper hypha formation. IMPORTANCE The reversible switch of Candida albicans between unicellular yeast and multicellular hyphal growth is accompanied by a well-studied hypha-associated gene expression, encoding virulence factors like adhesins, toxins, or nutrient scavengers. The investigation of this gene expression consequently led to fundamental insights into the pathogenesis of this fungus. In this study, we applied this concept to hypha-associated metabolic adaptations and identified morphotype-dependent activities of distinct pathways and a stimulus-independent metabolic signature of hyphae. Most strikingly, we found the induction of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis as hypha associated and essential for the filamentation of C. albicans. These findings verified the presence of morphotype-specific metabolic traits in the fungus, which appear connected to the fungal virulence. Furthermore, the here-provided comprehensive description of the fungal metabolome will help to foster future research and lead to a better understanding of fungal physiology.
Collapse
|
10
|
Rai MN, Parsania C, Rai R. Mapping the mutual transcriptional responses during Candida albicans and human macrophage interactions by dual RNA-sequencing. Microb Pathog 2022; 173:105864. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
11
|
Maccaro JJ, Moreira Salgado JF, Klinger E, Argueta Guzmán MP, Ngor L, Stajich JE, McFrederick QS. Comparative genomics reveals that metabolism underlies evolution of entomopathogenicity in bee-loving Ascosphaera spp. fungi. J Invertebr Pathol 2022; 194:107804. [PMID: 35933037 PMCID: PMC10793876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2022.107804] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Ascosphaera (Eurotiomycetes: Onygenales) is a diverse genus of fungi that is exclusively found in association with bee nests and comprises both saprophytic and entomopathogenic species. To date, most genomic analyses have been focused on the honeybee pathogen A. apis, and we lack a genomic understanding of how pathogenesis evolved more broadly in the genus. To address this gap we sequenced the genomes of the leaf-cutting bee pathogen A. aggregata as well as three commensal species: A. pollenicola, A. atra and A. acerosa. De novo annotation and comparison of the assembled genomes was carried out, including the previously published genome of A. apis. To identify candidate virulence genes in the pathogenic species, we performed secondary metabolite-oriented analyses and clustering of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Additionally, we captured single copy orthologs to infer their phylogeny and created codon-aware alignments to determine orthologs under selective pressure in our pathogenic species. Our results show several shared BGCs between A. apis, A. aggregata and A. pollenicola, with antifungal resistance related genes present in the bee pathogens and commensals. Genes involved in metabolism and protein processing exhibit signatures of enrichment and positive selection under a fitted branch-site model. Additional known virulence genes in A. pollenicola, A. acerosa and A. atra are identified, supporting previous hypotheses that these commensals may be opportunistic pathogens. Finally, we discuss the importance of such genes in other fungal pathogens, suggesting a common route to evolution of pathogenicity in Ascosphaera.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J J Maccaro
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - J F Moreira Salgado
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - E Klinger
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Biology Management Systematics Research Unit, Logan, UT, USA
| | - M P Argueta Guzmán
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - L Ngor
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - J E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Q S McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Begum N, Lee S, Portlock TJ, Pellon A, Nasab SDS, Nielsen J, Uhlen M, Moyes DL, Shoaie S. Integrative functional analysis uncovers metabolic differences between Candida species. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1013. [PMID: 36163459 PMCID: PMC9512779 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03955-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are a dominant constituent of the human mycobiome and associated with the development of several diseases. Understanding the Candida species metabolism could provide key insights into their ability to cause pathogenesis. Here, we have developed the BioFung database, providing an efficient annotation of protein-encoding genes. Along, with BioFung, using carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZymes) analysis, we have uncovered core and accessory features across Candida species demonstrating plasticity, adaption to the environment and acquired features. We show a greater importance of amino acid metabolism, as functional analysis revealed that all Candida species can employ amino acid metabolism. However, metabolomics revealed that only a specific cluster of species (AGAu species—C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. auris) utilised amino acid metabolism including arginine, cysteine, and methionine metabolism potentially improving their competitive fitness in pathogenesis. We further identified critical metabolic pathways in the AGAu cluster with biomarkers and anti-fungal target potential in the CAZyme profile, polyamine, choline and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. This study, combining genomic analysis, and validation with gene expression and metabolomics, highlights the metabolic diversity with AGAu species that underlies their remarkable ability to dominate they mycobiome and cause disease. Metabolic differences between Candida species are uncovered using the BioFung database alongside genomic and metabolic analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neelu Begum
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, London, UK
| | - Sunjae Lee
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, London, UK
| | - Theo John Portlock
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-171 21, Sweden
| | - Aize Pellon
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, London, UK
| | - Shervin Dokht Sadeghi Nasab
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, London, UK
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Kemivägen 10, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden.,BioInnovation Institute, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, DK2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mathias Uhlen
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-171 21, Sweden
| | - David L Moyes
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, London, UK.
| | - Saeed Shoaie
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 9RT, London, UK. .,Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-171 21, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Structural and Functional Insights into GID/CTLH E3 Ligase Complexes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115863. [PMID: 35682545 PMCID: PMC9180843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-subunit E3 ligases facilitate ubiquitin transfer by coordinating various substrate receptor subunits with a single catalytic center. Small molecules inducing targeted protein degradation have exploited such complexes, proving successful as therapeutics against previously undruggable targets. The C-terminal to LisH (CTLH) complex, also called the glucose-induced degradation deficient (GID) complex, is a multi-subunit E3 ligase complex highly conserved from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to humans, with roles in fundamental pathways controlling homeostasis and development in several species. However, we are only beginning to understand its mechanistic basis. Here, we review the literature of the CTLH complex from all organisms and place previous findings on individual subunits into context with recent breakthroughs on its structure and function.
Collapse
|
14
|
Role of Cellular Metabolism during Candida-Host Interactions. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020184. [PMID: 35215128 PMCID: PMC8875223 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microscopic fungi are widely present in the environment and, more importantly, are also an essential part of the human healthy mycobiota. However, many species can become pathogenic under certain circumstances, with Candida spp. being the most clinically relevant fungi. In recent years, the importance of metabolism and nutrient availability for fungi-host interactions have been highlighted. Upon activation, immune and other host cells reshape their metabolism to fulfil the energy-demanding process of generating an immune response. This includes macrophage upregulation of glucose uptake and processing via aerobic glycolysis. On the other side, Candida modulates its metabolic pathways to adapt to the usually hostile environment in the host, such as the lumen of phagolysosomes. Further understanding on metabolic interactions between host and fungal cells would potentially lead to novel/enhanced antifungal therapies to fight these infections. Therefore, this review paper focuses on how cellular metabolism, of both host cells and Candida, and the nutritional environment impact on the interplay between host and fungal cells.
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The fungus Candida albicans is a ubiquitous member of the human gut microbiota. Hundreds or thousands of bacterial taxa reside together with this fungus in the intestine, creating a milieu with myriad opportunities for inter-kingdom interactions. Indeed, recent studies examining the broader composition - that is, monitoring not only bacteria but also the often neglected fungal component - of the gut microbiota hint that there are significant interdependencies between fungi and bacteria. Gut bacteria closely associate with C. albicans cells in the colon, break down and feed on complex sugars decorating the fungal cell wall, and shape the intestinal microhabitats occupied by the fungus. Peptidoglycan subunits released by bacteria upon antibiotic treatment can promote C. albicans dissemination from the intestine, seeding bloodstream infections that often become life-threatening. Elucidating the principles that govern the fungus-bacteria interplay may open the door to novel approaches to prevent C. albicans infections originating in the gut.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Christian Pérez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA,CONTACT J.Christian Pérez Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hanumantha Rao K, Roy K, Paul S, Ghosh S. N-acetylglucosamine transporter, Ngt1, undergoes sugar-responsive endosomal trafficking in Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2021; 117:429-449. [PMID: 34877729 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), an important amino sugar at the infection sites of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, triggers multiple cellular processes. GlcNAc import at the cell surface is mediated by GlcNAc transporter, Ngt1 which seems to play a critical role during GlcNAc signaling. We have investigated the Ngt1 dynamics that provide a platform for further studies aimed at understanding the mechanistic insights of regulating process(es) in C. albicans. The expression of this transporter is prolific and highly sensitive to even very low levels (˂2 µM) of GlcNAc. Under these conditions, Ngt1 undergoes phosphorylation-associated ubiquitylation as a code for internalization. This ubiquitylation process involves the triggering proteins like protein kinase Snf1, arrestin-related trafficking adaptors (ART) protein Rod1, and yeast ubiquitin ligase Rsp5. Interestingly, analysis of ∆snf1 and ∆rsp5 mutants revealed that while Rsp5 is promoting the endosomal trafficking of Ngt1-GFPɤ, Snf1 hinders the process. Furthermore, colocalization experiments of Ngt1 with Vps17 (an endosomal marker), Sec7 (a trans-Golgi marker), and a vacuolar marker revealed the fate of Ngt1 during sugar-responsive endosomal trafficking. ∆ras1 and ∆ubi4 mutants showed decreased ubiquitylation and delayed endocytosis of Ngt1. According to our knowledge, this is the first report which illustrates the mechanistic insights that are responsible for endosomal trafficking of a GlcNAc transporter in an eukaryotic organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kongara Hanumantha Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India.,Central Instrumentation Facility, Division of Research and Development, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Kasturi Roy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
| | - Soumita Paul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
| | - Swagata Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wijnants S, Vreys J, Van Dijck P. Interesting antifungal drug targets in the central metabolism of Candida albicans. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 43:69-79. [PMID: 34756759 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
To treat infections caused by Candida albicans, azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins are used. However, resistance occurs against all three, so there is an urgent need for new antifungal drugs with a novel mode of action. Recently, it became clear that central metabolism plays an important role in the virulence of C. albicans. Glycolysis is, for example, upregulated during virulence conditions, whereas the glyoxylate cycle is important upon phagocytosis by host immune cells. These findings indicate that C. albicans adapts its metabolism to the environment for maximal virulence. In this review, we provide an overview of the potency of different central metabolic pathways and their key enzymes as potential antifungal drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Wijnants
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jolien Vreys
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Silao FGS, Ryman K, Jiang T, Ward M, Hansmann N, Molenaar C, Liu NN, Chen C, Ljungdahl PO. Correction: Glutamate dehydrogenase (Gdh2)-dependent alkalization is dispensable for escape from macrophages and virulence of Candida albicans. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009877. [PMID: 34460867 PMCID: PMC8405231 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008328.].
Collapse
|
19
|
Lok B, Adam MAA, Kamal LZM, Chukwudi NA, Sandai R, Sandai D. The assimilation of different carbon sources in Candida albicans: Fitness and pathogenicity. Med Mycol 2021; 59:115-125. [PMID: 32944760 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa080] [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: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal yeast commonly found on the skin and in the body. However, in immunocompromised individuals, the fungi could cause local and systemic infections. The carbon source available plays an important role in the establishment of C. albicans infections. The fungi's ability to assimilate a variety of carbon sources plays a vital role in its colonization, and by extension, its fitness and pathogenicity, as it often inhabits niches that are glucose-limited but rich in alternative carbon sources. A difference in carbon sources affect the growth and mating of C. albicans, which contributes to its pathogenicity as proliferation helps the fungi colonize its environment. The carbon source also affects its metabolism and signaling pathways, which are integral parts of the fungi's fitness and pathogenicity. As a big percentage of the carbon assimilated by C. albicans goes to cell wall biogenesis, the availability of different carbon sources will result in cell walls with variations in rigidity, adhesion, and surface hydrophobicity. In addition to the biofilm formation of the fungi, the carbon source also influences whether the fungi grow in yeast- or mycelial-form. Both forms play different roles in C. albicans's infection process. A better understanding of the role of the carbon sources in C. albicans's pathogenicity would contribute to more effective treatment solutions for fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Lok
- Infectomics Cluster, Advance Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mowaffaq Adam Ahmad Adam
- Infectomics Cluster, Advance Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Laina Zarisa Mohd Kamal
- Infectomics Cluster, Advance Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Nwakpa Anthony Chukwudi
- Infectomics Cluster, Advance Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Rosline Sandai
- Faculty of Languages and Communication, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Infectomics Cluster, Advance Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen of immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts. To successfully establish an infection, A. fumigatus needs to use host carbon sources, such as acetate, present in the body fluids and peripheral tissues. However, utilization of acetate as a carbon source by fungi in the context of infection has not been investigated. This work shows that acetate is metabolized via different pathways in A. fumigatus and that acetate utilization is under the regulatory control of a transcription factor (TF), FacB. A. fumigatus acetate utilization is subject to carbon catabolite repression (CCR), although this is only partially dependent on the TF and main regulator of CCR CreA. The available extracellular carbon source, in this case glucose and acetate, significantly affected A. fumigatus virulence traits such as secondary metabolite secretion and cell wall composition, with the latter having consequences for resistance to oxidative stress, antifungal drugs, and human neutrophil-mediated killing. Furthermore, deletion of facB significantly impaired the in vivo virulence of A. fumigatus in both insect and mammalian models of invasive aspergillosis. This is the first report on acetate utilization in A. fumigatus, and this work further highlights the importance of available host-specific carbon sources in shaping fungal virulence traits and subsequent disease outcome, and a potential target for the development of antifungal strategies. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen in humans. During infection, A. fumigatus is predicted to use host carbon sources, such as acetate, present in body fluids and peripheral tissues, to sustain growth and promote colonization and invasion. This work shows that A. fumigatus metabolizes acetate via different pathways, a process that is dependent on the transcription factor FacB. Furthermore, the type and concentration of the extracellular available carbon source were determined to shape A. fumigatus virulence determinants such as secondary metabolite secretion and cell wall composition. Subsequently, interactions with immune cells are altered in a carbon source-specific manner. FacB is required for A. fumigatus in vivo virulence in both insect and mammalian models of invasive aspergillosis. This is the first report that characterizes acetate utilization in A. fumigatus and highlights the importance of available host-specific carbon sources in shaping virulence traits and potentially subsequent disease outcome.
Collapse
|
21
|
Nair A, Sarma SJ. The impact of carbon and nitrogen catabolite repression in microorganisms. Microbiol Res 2021; 251:126831. [PMID: 34325194 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Organisms have cellular machinery that is focused on optimum utilization of resources to maximize growth and survival depending on various environmental and developmental factors. Catabolite repression is a strategy utilized by various species of bacteria and fungi to accommodate changes in the environment such as the depletion of resources, or an abundance of less-favored nutrient sources. Catabolite repression allows for the rapid use of certain substrates like glucose over other carbon sources. Effective handling of carbon and nitrogen catabolite repression in microorganisms is crucial to outcompete others in nutrient limiting conditions. Investigations into genes and proteins linked to preferential uptake of different nutrients under various environmental conditions can aid in identifying regulatory mechanisms that are crucial for optimum growth and survival of microorganisms. The exact time and way bacteria and fungi switch their utilization of certain nutrients is of great interest for scientific, industrial, and clinical reasons. Catabolite repression is of great significance for industrial applications that rely on microorganisms for the generation of valuable bio-products. The impact catabolite repression has on virulence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi and disease progression in hosts makes it important area of interest in medical research for the prevention of diseases and developing new treatment strategies. Regulatory networks under catabolite repression exemplify the flexibility and the tremendous diversity that is found in microorganisms and provides an impetus for newer insights into these networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Nair
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Bennett University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saurabh Jyoti Sarma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Bennett University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dunker C, Polke M, Schulze-Richter B, Schubert K, Rudolphi S, Gressler AE, Pawlik T, Prada Salcedo JP, Niemiec MJ, Slesiona-Künzel S, Swidergall M, Martin R, Dandekar T, Jacobsen ID. Rapid proliferation due to better metabolic adaptation results in full virulence of a filament-deficient Candida albicans strain. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3899. [PMID: 34162849 PMCID: PMC8222383 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24095-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans to undergo a yeast-to-hypha transition is believed to be a key virulence factor, as filaments mediate tissue damage. Here, we show that virulence is not necessarily reduced in filament-deficient strains, and the results depend on the infection model used. We generate a filament-deficient strain by deletion or repression of EED1 (known to be required for maintenance of hyphal growth). Consistent with previous studies, the strain is attenuated in damaging epithelial cells and macrophages in vitro and in a mouse model of intraperitoneal infection. However, in a mouse model of systemic infection, the strain is as virulent as the wild type when mice are challenged with intermediate infectious doses, and even more virulent when using low infectious doses. Retained virulence is associated with rapid yeast proliferation, likely the result of metabolic adaptation and improved fitness, leading to high organ fungal loads. Analyses of cytokine responses in vitro and in vivo, as well as systemic infections in immunosuppressed mice, suggest that differences in immunopathology contribute to some extent to retained virulence of the filament-deficient mutant. Our findings challenge the long-standing hypothesis that hyphae are essential for pathogenesis of systemic candidiasis by C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Dunker
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Melanie Polke
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff, Department of Molecular Biology, Horbeller Strasse 18-20, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bianca Schulze-Richter
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Schubert
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Sven Rudolphi
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - A Elisabeth Gressler
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Deutscher Platz 5, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tony Pawlik
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Juan P Prada Salcedo
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Joanna Niemiec
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Silvia Slesiona-Künzel
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Swidergall
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ronny Martin
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hiragi K, Nishio K, Moriyama S, Hamaguchi T, Mizoguchi A, Yonekura K, Tani K, Mizushima T. Structural insights into the targeting specificity of ubiquitin ligase for S. cerevisiae isocitrate lyase but not C. albicans isocitrate lyase. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107748. [PMID: 34033899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the glyoxylate cycle is controlled through the posttranslational regulation of its component enzymes, such as isocitrate lyase (ICL), which catalyzes the first unique step of the cycle. The ICL of S.cerevisiae (ScIcl1) is tagged for proteasomal degradation through ubiquitination by a multisubunit ubiquitin ligase (the glucose-induced degradation-deficient (GID) complex), whereas that of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans (CaIcl1) escapes this process. However, the reason for the ubiquitin targeting specificity of the GID complex for ScIcl1 and not for CaIcl1 is unclear. To gain some insight into this, in this study, the crystal structures of apo ScIcl1 and CaIcl1 in complex with formate and the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of apo CaIcl1 were determined at a resolution of 2.3, 2.7, and 2.6 Å, respectively. A comparison of the various structures suggests that the orientation of N-terminal helix α1 in S.cerevisiae is likely key to repositioning of ubiquitination sites and contributes to the distinction found in C. albicans ubiquitin evasion mechanism. This finding gives us a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of ubiquitin-dependent ScIcl1 degradation and could serve as a theoretical basis for the research and development of anti-C. albicans drugs based on the concept of CaIcl1 ubiquitination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keito Hiragi
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji 671-2280, Japan
| | - Kazuya Nishio
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji 671-2280, Japan
| | - Shu Moriyama
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji 671-2280, Japan
| | - Tasuku Hamaguchi
- Biostructural Mechanism Laboratory, RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Akira Mizoguchi
- Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Koji Yonekura
- Biostructural Mechanism Laboratory, RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan; Advanced Electron Microscope Development Unit, RIKEN-JEOL Collaboration Center, RIKEN Baton Zone Program, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan; Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Tani
- Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Tsunehiro Mizushima
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji 671-2280, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lactate Like Fluconazole Reduces Ergosterol Content in the Plasma Membrane and Synergistically Kills Candida albicans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105219. [PMID: 34069257 PMCID: PMC8156871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that induces vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), among other diseases. In the vaginal environment, the source of carbon for C. albicans can be either lactic acid or its dissociated form, lactate. It has been shown that lactate, similar to the popular antifungal drug fluconazole (FLC), reduces the expression of the ERG11 gene and hence the amount of ergosterol in the plasma membrane. The Cdr1 transporter that effluxes xenobiotics from C. albicans cells, including FLC, is delocalized from the plasma membrane to a vacuole under the influence of lactate. Despite the overexpression of the CDR1 gene and the increased activity of Cdr1p, C. albicans is fourfold more sensitive to FLC in the presence of lactate than when glucose is the source of carbon. We propose synergistic effects of lactate and FLC in that they block Cdr1 activity by delocalization due to changes in the ergosterol content of the plasma membrane.
Collapse
|
25
|
d'Enfert C, Kaune AK, Alaban LR, Chakraborty S, Cole N, Delavy M, Kosmala D, Marsaux B, Fróis-Martins R, Morelli M, Rosati D, Valentine M, Xie Z, Emritloll Y, Warn PA, Bequet F, Bougnoux ME, Bornes S, Gresnigt MS, Hube B, Jacobsen ID, Legrand M, Leibundgut-Landmann S, Manichanh C, Munro CA, Netea MG, Queiroz K, Roget K, Thomas V, Thoral C, Van den Abbeele P, Walker AW, Brown AJP. The impact of the Fungus-Host-Microbiota interplay upon Candida albicans infections: current knowledge and new perspectives. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa060. [PMID: 33232448 PMCID: PMC8100220 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans. It exists as a commensal in the oral cavity, gut or genital tract of most individuals, constrained by the local microbiota, epithelial barriers and immune defences. Their perturbation can lead to fungal outgrowth and the development of mucosal infections such as oropharyngeal or vulvovaginal candidiasis, and patients with compromised immunity are susceptible to life-threatening systemic infections. The importance of the interplay between fungus, host and microbiota in driving the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity is widely appreciated. However, the complexity of these interactions, and the significant impact of fungal, host and microbiota variability upon disease severity and outcome, are less well understood. Therefore, we summarise the features of the fungus that promote infection, and how genetic variation between clinical isolates influences pathogenicity. We discuss antifungal immunity, how this differs between mucosae, and how individual variation influences a person's susceptibility to infection. Also, we describe factors that influence the composition of gut, oral and vaginal microbiotas, and how these affect fungal colonisation and antifungal immunity. We argue that a detailed understanding of these variables, which underlie fungal-host-microbiota interactions, will present opportunities for directed antifungal therapies that benefit vulnerable patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christophe d'Enfert
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Ann-Kristin Kaune
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Leovigildo-Rey Alaban
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sayoni Chakraborty
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Neugasse 25, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Nathaniel Cole
- Gut Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Margot Delavy
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Daria Kosmala
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Benoît Marsaux
- ProDigest BV, Technologiepark 94, B-9052 Gent, Belgium
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Fróis-Martins
- Immunology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Moran Morelli
- Mimetas, Biopartner Building 2, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diletta Rosati
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marisa Valentine
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Zixuan Xie
- Gut Microbiome Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119–129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoan Emritloll
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Peter A Warn
- Magic Bullet Consulting, Biddlecombe House, Ugbrook, Chudleigh Devon, TQ130AD, UK
| | - Frédéric Bequet
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Stephanie Bornes
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF0545, 20 Côte de Reyne, 15000 Aurillac, France
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mélanie Legrand
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Salomé Leibundgut-Landmann
- Immunology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Chaysavanh Manichanh
- Gut Microbiome Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119–129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carol A Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karla Queiroz
- Mimetas, Biopartner Building 2, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karine Roget
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Thomas
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Claudia Thoral
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Alan W Walker
- Gut Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Of the many microbial species on earth, only a small number are able to thrive in humans and cause disease. Comparison of closely related pathogenic and nonpathogenic species can therefore be useful in identifying key features that contribute to virulence. We created interspecies hybrids between Candida albicans, a prevalent fungal pathogen of humans, and Candida dubliniensis, a close, but much less pathogenic, relative. By comparing genome-wide expression differences between the two genomes in the same cell, we surmised that since the two species diverged from a common ancestor, natural selection has acted upon the expression level of an ancient metabolic pathway, illustrating that pathogenicity traits can arise over evolutionary timescales through small expression changes in deeply conserved proteins. Candida albicans is the most common cause of systemic fungal infections in humans and is considerably more virulent than its closest known relative, Candida dubliniensis. To investigate this difference, we constructed interspecies hybrids and quantified mRNA levels produced from each genome in the hybrid. This approach systematically identified expression differences in orthologous genes arising from cis-regulatory sequence changes that accumulated since the two species last shared a common ancestor, some 10 million y ago. We documented many orthologous gene-expression differences between the two species, and we pursued one striking observation: All 15 genes coding for the enzymes of glycolysis showed higher expression from the C. albicans genome than the C. dubliniensis genome in the interspecies hybrid. This pattern requires evolutionary changes to have occurred at each gene; the fact that they all act in the same direction strongly indicates lineage-specific natural selection as the underlying cause. To test whether these expression differences contribute to virulence, we created a C. dubliniensis strain in which all 15 glycolysis genes were produced at modestly elevated levels and found that this strain had significantly increased virulence in the standard mouse model of systemic infection. These results indicate that small expression differences across a deeply conserved set of metabolism enzymes can play a significant role in the evolution of virulence in fungal pathogens.
Collapse
|
27
|
Suchodolski J, Krasowska A. Fructose Induces Fluconazole Resistance in Candida albicans through Activation of Mdr1 and Cdr1 Transporters. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042127. [PMID: 33669913 PMCID: PMC7924610 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a pathogenic fungus that is increasingly developing multidrug resistance (MDR), including resistance to azole drugs such as fluconazole (FLC). This is partially a result of the increased synthesis of membrane efflux transporters Cdr1p, Cdr2p, and Mdr1p. Although all these proteins can export FLC, only Cdr1p is expressed constitutively. In this study, the effect of elevated fructose, as a carbon source, on the MDR was evaluated. It was shown that fructose, elevated in the serum of diabetics, promotes FLC resistance. Using C. albicans strains with green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged MDR transporters, it was determined that the FLC-resistance phenotype occurs as a result of Mdr1p activation and via the increased induction of higher Cdr1p levels. It was observed that fructose-grown C. albicans cells displayed a high efflux activity of both transporters as opposed to glucose-grown cells, which synthesize Cdr1p but not Mdr1p. Additionally, it was concluded that elevated fructose serum levels induce the de novo production of Mdr1p after 60 min. In combination with glucose, however, fructose induces Mdr1p production as soon as after 30 min. It is proposed that fructose may be one of the biochemical factors responsible for Mdr1p production in C. albicans cells.
Collapse
|
28
|
Glutamate dehydrogenase (Gdh2)-dependent alkalization is dispensable for escape from macrophages and virulence of Candida albicans. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008328. [PMID: 32936835 PMCID: PMC7521896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans cells depend on the energy derived from amino acid catabolism to induce and sustain hyphal growth inside phagosomes of engulfing macrophages. The concomitant deamination of amino acids is thought to neutralize the acidic microenvironment of phagosomes, a presumed requisite for survival and initiation of hyphal growth. Here, in contrast to an existing model, we show that mitochondrial-localized NAD+-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH2) catalyzing the deamination of glutamate to α-ketoglutarate, and not the cytosolic urea amidolyase (DUR1,2), accounts for the observed alkalization of media when amino acids are the sole sources of carbon and nitrogen. C. albicans strains lacking GDH2 (gdh2-/-) are viable and do not extrude ammonia on amino acid-based media. Environmental alkalization does not occur under conditions of high glucose (2%), a finding attributable to glucose-repression of GDH2 expression and mitochondrial function. Consistently, inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation or mitochondrial translation by antimycin A or chloramphenicol, respectively, prevents alkalization. GDH2 expression and mitochondrial function are derepressed as glucose levels are lowered from 2% (~110 mM) to 0.2% (~11 mM), or when glycerol is used as primary carbon source. Using time-lapse microscopy, we document that gdh2-/- cells survive, filament and escape from primary murine macrophages at rates indistinguishable from wildtype. In intact hosts, such as in fly and murine models of systemic candidiasis, gdh2-/- mutants are as virulent as wildtype. Thus, although Gdh2 has a critical role in central nitrogen metabolism, Gdh2-catalyzed deamination of glutamate is surprisingly dispensable for escape from macrophages and virulence. Consistently, using the pH-sensitive dye (pHrodo), we observed no significant difference between wildtype and gdh2-/- mutants in phagosomal pH modulation. Following engulfment of fungal cells, the phagosomal compartment is rapidly acidified and hyphal growth initiates and sustained under consistently acidic conditions within phagosomes. Together, our results demonstrate that amino acid-dependent alkalization is not essential for hyphal growth, survival in macrophages and hosts. An accurate understanding of the microenvironment within macrophage phagosomes and the metabolic events underlying the survival of phagocytized C. albicans cells and their escape are critical to understanding the host-pathogen interactions that ultimately determine the pathogenic outcome. Candida albicans is a commensal component of the human microflora and the most common fungal pathogen. The incidence of candidiasis is low in healthy populations. Consequently, environmental factors, such as interactions with innate immune cells, play critical roles. Macrophages provide the first line of defense and rapidly internalize C. albicans cells within specialized intracellular compartments called phagosomes. The microenvironment within phagosomes is dynamic and ill defined, but has a low pH, and contains potent hydrolytic enzymes and oxidative stressors. Despite the inhospitable conditions, phagocytized C. albicans cells catabolize amino acids to obtain energy to survive and grow. Here, we have critically examined amino acid catabolism and ammonia extrusion in C. albicans, the latter is thought to neutralize the phagosomal pH and induce the switch of morphologies from round “yeast-like” to elongated hyphal cells that can pierce the phagosomal membrane leading to escape from macrophages. We report that Gdh2, which catalyzes the deamination of glutamate to α-ketoglutarate, is responsible for the observed environmental alkalization when C. albicans catabolize amino acids in vitro. However, the phagosomes formed as macrophages engulf wildtype or gdh2-/- cells rapidly become acidified, indicating that Gdh2 has no apparent role in modulating phagosomal pH. Strikingly, and similar to wildtype cells, gdh2-/- cells initiate and sustain hyphal growth enabling them to escape from macrophages. Also, Gdh2 is dispensable for virulent growth in systemic models of infection. These results provide new insights into host-pathogen interactions that determine the pathogenic outcome of C. albicans infections.
Collapse
|
29
|
Wijnants S, Riedelberger M, Penninger P, Kuchler K, Van Dijck P. Sugar Phosphorylation Controls Carbon Source Utilization and Virulence of Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1274. [PMID: 32612591 PMCID: PMC7308821 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen that relies upon different virulence traits, including morphogenesis, invasion, biofilm formation, and nutrient acquisition from host sources as well as metabolic adaptations during host invasion. In this study, we show how sugar kinases at the start of glycolysis modulate virulence of C. albicans. Sequence comparison with Saccharomyces cerevisiae identified four enzymes (Hxk1, Hxk2, Glk1, and Glk4) in C. albicans with putative roles in sugar phosphorylation. Hxk2, Glk1, and Glk4 demonstrate a critical role in glucose metabolism, while Hxk2 is the only kinase important for fructose metabolism. Additionally, we show that Hxk1 controls HXK2, GLK1, and GLK4 expression in the presence of fermentable as well as non-fermentable carbon sources, thereby indirectly controlling glycolysis. Moreover, these sugar kinases are important during virulence. Disabling the glycolytic pathway reduces adhesion capacity, while deletion of HXK1 decreases biofilm formation. Finally, we demonstrate that hxk2Δ/Δ glk1Δ/Δ glk4Δ/Δ and hxk1Δ/Δ hxk2Δ/Δ glk1Δ/Δ glk4Δ/Δ have attenuated virulence upon systemic infections in mice. These results indicate a regulatory role for Hxk1 during sugar phosphorylation. Furthermore, these kinases are essential during growth on glucose or fructose, and C. albicans relies on a functional glycolytic pathway for maximal virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Wijnants
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Riedelberger
- Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Penninger
- Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Alves R, Barata-Antunes C, Casal M, Brown AJP, Van Dijck P, Paiva S. Adapting to survive: How Candida overcomes host-imposed constraints during human colonization. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008478. [PMID: 32437438 PMCID: PMC7241708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful human colonizers such as Candida pathogens have evolved distinct strategies to survive and proliferate within the human host. These include sophisticated mechanisms to evade immune surveillance and adapt to constantly changing host microenvironments where nutrient limitation, pH fluctuations, oxygen deprivation, changes in temperature, or exposure to oxidative, nitrosative, and cationic stresses may occur. Here, we review the current knowledge and recent findings highlighting the remarkable ability of medically important Candida species to overcome a broad range of host-imposed constraints and how this directly affects their physiology and pathogenicity. We also consider the impact of these adaptation mechanisms on immune recognition, biofilm formation, and antifungal drug resistance, as these pathogens often exploit specific host constraints to establish a successful infection. Recent studies of adaptive responses to physiological niches have improved our understanding of the mechanisms established by fungal pathogens to evade the immune system and colonize the host, which may facilitate the design of innovative diagnostic tests and therapeutic approaches for Candida infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Alves
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Barata-Antunes
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Margarida Casal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Patrick Van Dijck
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Flanders, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra Paiva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S) University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- * E-mail: mailto:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wang DY, Ren K, Tong SM, Ying SH, Feng MG. Pleiotropic effects of Ubi4, a polyubiquitin precursor required for ubiquitin accumulation, conidiation and pathogenicity of a fungal insect pathogen. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:2564-2580. [PMID: 32056334 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ubi4 is a polyubiquitin precursor well characterized in yeasts but unexplored in insect mycopathogens. Here, we report that orthologous Ubi4 plays a core role in ubiquitin- and asexual lifestyle-required cellular events in Beauveria bassiana. Deletion of ubi4 led to abolished ubiquitin accumulation, blocked autophagic process, severe defects in conidiation and conidial quality, reduced cell tolerance to oxidative, osmotic, cell wall perturbing and heat-shock stresses, decreased transcript levels of development-activating and antioxidant genes, but light effect on radial growth under normal conditions. The deletion mutant lost insect pathogenicity via normal cuticle infection and was severely compromised in virulence via cuticle-bypassing infection due to a block of dimorphic transition critical for acceleration of host mummification. Proteomic and ubiquitylomic analyses revealed 1081 proteins differentially expressed and 639 lysine residues significantly hyper- or hypo-ubiquitylated in the deletion mutant, including dozens of ubiquitin-activating, conjugating and ligating enzymes, core histones, and many more involved in proteasomes, autophagy-lysosome process and protein degradation. Singular deletions of seven ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme genes exerted differential Ubi4-like effects on conidiation level and conidial traits. These findings uncover an essential role of Ubi4 in ubiquitin transfer cascade and its pleiotropic effects on the in vitro and in vivo asexual cycle of B. bassiana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Yi Wang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Kang Ren
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Sen-Miao Tong
- College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin'an, Zhejiang, 311300, China
| | - Sheng-Hua Ying
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Ming-Guang Feng
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Burgain A, Pic É, Markey L, Tebbji F, Kumamoto CA, Sellam A. A novel genetic circuitry governing hypoxic metabolic flexibility, commensalism and virulence in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007823. [PMID: 31809527 PMCID: PMC6919631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inside the human host, the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans colonizes predominantly oxygen-poor niches such as the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts, but also oxygen-rich environments such as cutaneous epithelial cells and oral mucosa. This suppleness requires an effective mechanism to reversibly reprogram the primary metabolism in response to oxygen variation. Here, we have uncovered that Snf5, a subunit of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is a major transcriptional regulator that links oxygen status to the metabolic capacity of C. albicans. Snf5 and other subunits of SWI/SNF complex were required to activate genes of carbon utilization and other carbohydrates related process specifically under hypoxia. snf5 mutant exhibited an altered metabolome reflecting that SWI/SNF plays an essential role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and carbon flux in C. albicans under hypoxia. Snf5 was necessary to activate the transcriptional program linked to both commensal and invasive growth. Accordingly, snf5 was unable to maintain its growth in the stomach, the cecum and the colon of mice. snf5 was also avirulent as it was unable to invade Galleria larvae or to cause damage to human enterocytes and murine macrophages. Among candidates of signaling pathways in which Snf5 might operate, phenotypic analysis revealed that mutants of Ras1-cAMP-PKA pathway, as well as mutants of Yak1 and Yck2 kinases exhibited a similar carbon flexibility phenotype as did snf5 under hypoxia. Genetic interaction analysis indicated that the adenylate cyclase Cyr1, a key component of the Ras1-cAMP pathway interacted genetically with Snf5. Our study yielded new insight into the oxygen-sensitive regulatory circuit that control metabolic flexibility, stress, commensalism and virulence in C. albicans. A critical aspect of eukaryotic cell fitness is the ability to sense and adapt to variations in oxygen level in their local environment. Hypoxia leads to a substantial remodeling of cell metabolism and energy homeostasis, and thus, organisms must develop an effective regulatory mechanism to cope with oxygen depletion. Candida albicans is an opportunistic yeast that is the most prevalent human fungal pathogens. This yeast colonizes diverse niches inside the human host with contrasting carbon sources and oxygen concentrations. While hypoxia is the predominant condition that C. albicans encounters inside most of the niches, the impact of this condition on metabolic flexibility, a major determinant of fungal virulence, was completely unexplored. Here, we uncovered that the chromatin remodelling complex SWI/SNF is a master regulator of the circuit that links oxygen status to a broad spectrum of carbon utilization routes. Snf5 was essential for the maintenance of C. albicans as a commensal and also for the expression of its virulence. The oxygen-sensitive regulators identified in this work provide a framework to comprehensively understand the virulence of human fungal pathogens and represent a therapeutic value to fight fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Burgain
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Émilie Pic
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura Markey
- Program in Molecular Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Faiza Tebbji
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carol A. Kumamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Adnane Sellam
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Big Data Research Centre (BDRC-UL), Université Laval, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sharma PK, Sharma V, Sharma S, Bhatia G, Singh K, Sharma R. Comparative metatranscriptome analysis revealed broad response of microbial communities in two soil types, agriculture versus organic soil. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2019; 17:6. [PMID: 31659568 PMCID: PMC6821142 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-019-0006-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying expression of genes by direct sequencing and analysis of metatranscriptomes at a particular time and space can disclose structural and functional insights about microbial communities. The present study reports comparative analysis of metatranscriptome from two distinct soil ecosystems referred as M1 (agriculture soil) and O1 (organic soil). RESULTS Analysis of sequencing reads revealed Proteobacteria as major dominant phyla in both soil types. The order of the top 3 abundant phyla in M1 sample was Proteobacteria > Ascomycota > Firmicutes, whereas in sample O1, the order was Proteobacteria > Cyanobacteria > Actinobacteria. Analysis of differentially expressed genes demonstrated high expression of transcripts related to copper-binding proteins, proteins involved in electron carrier activity, DNA integration, endonuclease activity, MFS transportation, and other uncharacterized proteins in M1 compared to O1. Of the particular interests, several transcripts related to nitrification, ammonification, stress response, and alternate carbon fixation pathways were highly expressed in M1. In-depth analysis of the sequencing data revealed that transcripts of archaeal origin had high expression in M1 compared to O1 indicating the active role of Archaea in metal- and pesticide-contaminated environment. In addition, transcripts encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, glyoxalase/bleomycin resistance protein/dioxygenase, metapyrocatechase, and ring hydroxylating dioxygenases of aromatic hydrocarbon degradation pathways had high expression in M1. Altogether, this study provided important insights about the transcripts and pathways upregulating in the presence of pesticides and herbicides. CONCLUSION Altogether, this study claims a high expression of microbial transcripts in two ecosystems with a wide range of functions. It further provided clue about several molecular markers which could be a strong indicator of metal and pesticide contamination in soils. Interestingly, our study revealed that Archaea are playing a significant role in nitrification process as compared to bacteria in metal- and pesticide-contaminated soil. In particular, high expression of transcripts related to aromatic hydrocarbon degradation in M1 soil indicates their important role in biodegradation of pollutants, and therefore, further investigation is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinay Sharma
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab 140407 India
| | - Shailesh Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Miyapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500 049 India
| | - Garima Bhatia
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Kashmir Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab 140407 India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Role of Amino Acid Metabolism in the Virulence of Human Pathogenic Fungi. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-019-00124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
35
|
Chew SY, Chee WJY, Than LTL. The glyoxylate cycle and alternative carbon metabolism as metabolic adaptation strategies of Candida glabrata: perspectives from Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:52. [PMID: 31301737 PMCID: PMC6626413 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbon utilization and metabolism are fundamental to every living organism for cellular growth. For intracellular human fungal pathogens such as Candida glabrata, an effective metabolic adaptation strategy is often required for survival and pathogenesis. As one of the host defence strategies to combat invading pathogens, phagocytes such as macrophages constantly impose restrictions on pathogens' access to their preferred carbon source, glucose. Surprisingly, it has been reported that engulfed C. glabrata are able to survive in this harsh microenvironment, further suggesting alternative carbon metabolism as a potential strategy for this opportunistic fungal pathogen to persist in the host. MAIN TEXT In this review, we discuss alternative carbon metabolism as a metabolic adaptation strategy for the pathogenesis of C. glabrata. As the glyoxylate cycle is an important pathway in the utilization of alternative carbon sources, we also highlight the key metabolic enzymes in the glyoxylate cycle and its necessity for the pathogenesis of C. glabrata. Finally, we explore the transcriptional regulatory network of the glyoxylate cycle. CONCLUSION Considering evidence from Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this review summarizes the current knowledge of the glyoxylate cycle as an alternative carbon metabolic pathway of C. glabrata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wallace Jeng Yang Chee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Traven A, Naderer T. Central metabolic interactions of immune cells and microbes: prospects for defeating infections. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e47995. [PMID: 31267653 PMCID: PMC6607010 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201947995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial drug resistance is threatening to take us to the "pre-antibiotic era", where people are dying from preventable and treatable diseases and the risk of hospital-associated infections compromises the success of surgery and cancer treatments. Development of new antibiotics is slow, and alternative approaches to control infections have emerged based on insights into metabolic pathways in host-microbe interactions. Central carbon metabolism of immune cells is pivotal in mounting an effective response to invading pathogens, not only to meet energy requirements, but to directly activate antimicrobial responses. Microbes are not passive players here-they remodel their metabolism to survive and grow in host environments. Sometimes, microbes might even benefit from the metabolic reprogramming of immune cells, and pathogens such as Candida albicans, Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus can compete with activated host cells for sugars that are needed for essential metabolic pathways linked to inflammatory processes. Here, we discuss how metabolic interactions between innate immune cells and microbes determine their survival during infection, and ways in which metabolism could be manipulated as a therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Traven
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyBiomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVic.Australia
| | - Thomas Naderer
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyBiomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVic.Australia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Physiologically Relevant Alternative Carbon Sources Modulate Biofilm Formation, Cell Wall Architecture, and the Stress and Antifungal Resistance of Candida glabrata. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133172. [PMID: 31261727 PMCID: PMC6651560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Flexibility in carbon metabolism is pivotal for the survival and propagation of many human fungal pathogens within host niches. Indeed, flexible carbon assimilation enhances pathogenicity and affects the immunogenicity of Candida albicans. Over the last decade, Candida glabrata has emerged as one of the most common and problematic causes of invasive candidiasis. Despite this, the links between carbon metabolism, fitness, and pathogenicity in C. glabrata are largely unexplored. Therefore, this study has investigated the impact of alternative carbon metabolism on the fitness and pathogenic attributes of C. glabrata. We confirm our previous observation that growth on carbon sources other than glucose, namely acetate, lactate, ethanol, or oleate, attenuates both the planktonic and biofilm growth of C. glabrata, but that biofilms are not significantly affected by growth on glycerol. We extend this by showing that C. glabrata cells grown on these alternative carbon sources undergo cell wall remodeling, which reduces the thickness of their β-glucan and chitin inner layer while increasing their outer mannan layer. Furthermore, alternative carbon sources modulated the oxidative stress resistance of C. glabrata as well as the resistance of C. glabrata to an antifungal drug. In short, key fitness and pathogenic attributes of C. glabrata are shown to be dependent on carbon source. This reaffirms the perspective that the nature of the carbon sources available within specific host niches is crucial for C. glabrata pathogenicity during infection.
Collapse
|
38
|
Sellam A, Chaillot J, Mallick J, Tebbji F, Richard Albert J, Cook MA, Tyers M. The p38/HOG stress-activated protein kinase network couples growth to division in Candida albicans. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008052. [PMID: 30921326 PMCID: PMC6456229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell size is a complex trait that responds to developmental and environmental cues. Quantitative size analysis of mutant strain collections disrupted for protein kinases and transcriptional regulators in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans uncovered 66 genes that altered cell size, few of which overlapped with known size genes in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A potent size regulator specific to C. albicans was the conserved p38/HOG MAPK module that mediates the osmostress response. Basal HOG activity inhibited the SBF G1/S transcription factor complex in a stress-independent fashion to delay the G1/S transition. The HOG network also governed ribosome biogenesis through the master transcriptional regulator Sfp1. Hog1 bound to the promoters and cognate transcription factors for ribosome biogenesis regulons and interacted genetically with the SBF G1/S machinery, and thereby directly linked cell growth and division. These results illuminate the evolutionary plasticity of size control and identify the HOG module as a nexus of cell cycle and growth regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adnane Sellam
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRI), CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Disease and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Julien Chaillot
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRI), CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jaideep Mallick
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Faiza Tebbji
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre (CRI), CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUQ), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Julien Richard Albert
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael A. Cook
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mike Tyers
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Laurian R, Dementhon K, Doumèche B, Soulard A, Noel T, Lemaire M, Cotton P. Hexokinase and Glucokinases Are Essential for Fitness and Virulence in the Pathogenic Yeast Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:327. [PMID: 30858840 PMCID: PMC6401654 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans is both a powerful commensal and a pathogen of humans that can infect wide range of organs and body sites. Metabolic flexibility promotes infection and commensal colonization by this opportunistic pathogen. Yeast cell survival depends upon assimilation of fermentable and non-fermentable locally available carbon sources. Physiologically relevant sugars like glucose and fructose are present at low levels in host niches. However, because glucose is the preferred substrate for energy and biosynthesis of structural components, its efficient detection and metabolism are fundamental for the metabolic adaptation of the pathogen. We explored and characterized the C. albicans hexose kinase system composed of one hexokinase (CaHxk2) and two glucokinases (CaGlk1 and CaGlk4). Using a set of mutant strains, we found that hexose phosphorylation is mostly performed by CaHxk2, which sustains growth on hexoses. Our data on hexokinase and glucokinase expression point out an absence of cross regulation mechanisms at the transcription level and different regulatory pathways. In the presence of glucose, CaHxk2 migrates in the nucleus and contributes to the glucose repression signaling pathway. In addition, CaHxk2 participates in oxidative, osmotic and cell wall stress responses, while glucokinases are overexpressed under hypoxia. Hexose phosphorylation is a key step necessary for filamentation that is affected in the hexokinase mutant. Virulence of this mutant is clearly impacted in the Galleria mellonella and macrophage models. Filamentation, glucose phosphorylation and stress response defects of the hexokinase mutant prevent host killing by C. albicans. By contributing to metabolic flexibility, stress response and morphogenesis, hexose kinase enzymes play an essential role in the virulence of C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romain Laurian
- Génétique Moléculaire des Levures, UMR-CNRS 5240 Microbiologie Adaptation et Pathogénie, Université de Lyon – Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Karine Dementhon
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR-CNRS 5234, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Bastien Doumèche
- Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Université de Lyon – Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandre Soulard
- Génétique Moléculaire des Levures, UMR-CNRS 5240 Microbiologie Adaptation et Pathogénie, Université de Lyon – Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Thierry Noel
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR-CNRS 5234, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marc Lemaire
- Génétique Moléculaire des Levures, UMR-CNRS 5240 Microbiologie Adaptation et Pathogénie, Université de Lyon – Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Pascale Cotton
- Génétique Moléculaire des Levures, UMR-CNRS 5240 Microbiologie Adaptation et Pathogénie, Université de Lyon – Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mead ME, Knowles SL, Raja HA, Beattie SR, Kowalski CH, Steenwyk JL, Silva LP, Chiaratto J, Ries LNA, Goldman GH, Cramer RA, Oberlies NH, Rokas A. Characterizing the Pathogenic, Genomic, and Chemical Traits of Aspergillus fischeri, a Close Relative of the Major Human Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. mSphere 2019; 4:e00018-19. [PMID: 30787113 PMCID: PMC6382966 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00018-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fischeri is closely related to Aspergillus fumigatus, the major cause of invasive mold infections. Even though A. fischeri is commonly found in diverse environments, including hospitals, it rarely causes invasive disease. Why A. fischeri causes less human disease than A. fumigatus is unclear. A comparison of A. fischeri and A. fumigatus for pathogenic, genomic, and secondary metabolic traits revealed multiple differences in pathogenesis-related phenotypes. We observed that A. fischeri NRRL 181 is less virulent than A. fumigatus strain CEA10 in multiple animal models of disease, grows slower in low-oxygen environments, and is more sensitive to oxidative stress. Strikingly, the observed differences for some traits are of the same order of magnitude as those previously reported between A. fumigatus strains. In contrast, similar to what has previously been reported, the two species exhibit high genomic similarity; ∼90% of the A. fumigatus proteome is conserved in A. fischeri, including 48/49 genes known to be involved in A. fumigatus virulence. However, only 10/33 A. fumigatus biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) likely involved in secondary metabolite production are conserved in A. fischeri and only 13/48 A. fischeri BGCs are conserved in A. fumigatus Detailed chemical characterization of A. fischeri cultures grown on multiple substrates identified multiple secondary metabolites, including two new compounds and one never before isolated as a natural product. Additionally, an A. fischeri deletion mutant of laeA, a master regulator of secondary metabolism, produced fewer secondary metabolites and in lower quantities, suggesting that regulation of secondary metabolism is at least partially conserved. These results suggest that the nonpathogenic A. fischeri possesses many of the genes important for A. fumigatus pathogenicity but is divergent with respect to its ability to thrive under host-relevant conditions and its secondary metabolism.IMPORTANCEAspergillus fumigatus is the primary cause of aspergillosis, a devastating ensemble of diseases associated with severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. A. fischeri is a close relative of A. fumigatus but is not generally observed to cause human disease. To gain insights into the underlying causes of this remarkable difference in pathogenicity, we compared two representative strains (one from each species) for a range of pathogenesis-relevant biological and chemical characteristics. We found that disease progression in multiple A. fischeri mouse models was slower and caused less mortality than A. fumigatus Remarkably, the observed differences between A. fischeri and A. fumigatus strains examined here closely resembled those previously described for two commonly studied A. fumigatus strains, AF293 and CEA10. A. fischeri and A. fumigatus exhibited different growth profiles when placed in a range of stress-inducing conditions encountered during infection, such as low levels of oxygen and the presence of chemicals that induce the production of reactive oxygen species. We also found that the vast majority of A. fumigatus genes known to be involved in virulence are conserved in A. fischeri, whereas the two species differ significantly in their secondary metabolic pathways. These similarities and differences that we report here are the first step toward understanding the evolutionary origin of a major fungal pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Mead
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sonja L Knowles
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Huzefa A Raja
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah R Beattie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Caitlin H Kowalski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jacob L Steenwyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lilian P Silva
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessica Chiaratto
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laure N A Ries
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robert A Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Nicholas H Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Integration of Growth and Cell Size via the TOR Pathway and the Dot6 Transcription Factor in Candida albicans. Genetics 2018; 211:637-650. [PMID: 30593490 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301872] [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] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In most species, size homeostasis appears to be exerted in late G1 phase as cells commit to division, called Start in yeast and the Restriction Point in metazoans. This size threshold couples cell growth to division, and, thereby, establishes long-term size homeostasis. Our former investigations have shown that hundreds of genes markedly altered cell size under homeostatic growth conditions in the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans, but surprisingly only few of these overlapped with size control genes in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Here, we investigated one of the divergent potent size regulators in C. albicans, the Myb-like HTH transcription factor Dot6. Our data demonstrated that Dot6 is a negative regulator of Start, and also acts as a transcriptional activator of ribosome biogenesis (Ribi) genes. Genetic epistasis uncovered that Dot6 interacted with the master transcriptional regulator of the G1 machinery, SBF complex, but not with the Ribi and cell size regulators Sch9, Sfp1, and p38/Hog1. Dot6 was required for carbon-source modulation of cell size, and it is regulated at the level of nuclear localization by the TOR pathway. Our findings support a model where Dot6 acts as a hub that integrates growth cues directly via the TOR pathway to control the commitment to mitotic division at G1.
Collapse
|
42
|
Shibasaki S, Karasaki M, Aoki W, Ueda M. Molecular and Physiological Study of Candida albicans by Quantitative Proteome Analysis. Proteomes 2018; 6:proteomes6030034. [PMID: 30231513 PMCID: PMC6160938 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes6030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is one of the major pathogens that cause the serious infectious condition known as candidiasis. C. albicans was investigated by proteome analysis to systematically examine its virulence factors and to promote the development of novel pharmaceuticals against candidiasis. Here, we review quantitative time-course proteomics data related to C. albicans adaptation to fetal bovine serum, which were obtained using a nano-liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry system equipped with a long monolithic silica capillary column. It was revealed that C. albicans induced proteins involved in iron acquisition, detoxification of oxidative species, energy production, and pleiotropic stress tolerance. Native interactions of C. albicans with macrophages were also investigated with the same proteome-analysis system. Simultaneous analysis of C. albicans and macrophages without isolating individual living cells revealed an attractive strategy for studying the survival of C. albicans. Although those data were obtained by performing proteome analyses, the molecular physiology of C. albicans is discussed and trials related to pharmaceutical applications are also examined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Shibasaki
- General Education Center, Hyogo University of Health Sciences, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8530, Japan.
| | - Miki Karasaki
- General Education Center, Hyogo University of Health Sciences, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8530, Japan.
| | - Wataru Aoki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Mitsuyoshi Ueda
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bi S, Lv QZ, Wang TT, Fuchs BB, Hu DD, Anastassopoulou CG, Desalermos A, Muhammed M, Wu CL, Jiang YY, Mylonakis E, Wang Y. SDH2 is involved in proper hypha formation and virulence in Candida albicans. Future Microbiol 2018; 13:1141-1156. [PMID: 30113213 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the role of SDH2 in Candida albicans filamentation and virulence. MATERIALS & METHODS Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse candidiasis models were used to assess the virulence of a sdh2Δ/Δ mutant. Various hypha-inducing media were used to evaluate the hyphal development of C. albicans. DCFH-DA was used to measure intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels. RESULTS The sdh2Δ/Δ mutant was avirulent in the C. elegans model, hypovirulent in a murine candidiasis model, and defective to form filaments both in vitro and in vivo. Intracellular ROS level increased in the sdh2Δ/Δ mutant, and the filamentation defects of sdh2Δ/Δ were rescued by decreasing intracellular ROS. CONCLUSION SDH2 plays an important role in C. albicans filamentation and virulence probably through affecting intracellular ROS. [Formula: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Bi
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Quan-Zhen Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Tian-Tian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI 02903, USA
| | - Dan-Dan Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Cleo G Anastassopoulou
- Division of Genetics, Cell & Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Athanasios Desalermos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Maged Muhammed
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, and Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital. Department of Medicine, Department of Adult Inpatient Medicine, Newton Wellesley Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chin-Lee Wu
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yuan-Ying Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI 02903, USA.,Division of Genetics, Cell & Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI 02903, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Li SX, Wu HT, Liu YT, Jiang YY, Zhang YS, Liu WD, Zhu KJ, Li DM, Zhang H. The F 1F o-ATP Synthase β Subunit Is Required for Candida albicans Pathogenicity Due to Its Role in Carbon Flexibility. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1025. [PMID: 29875745 PMCID: PMC5974098 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work has explored link between mitochondrial biology and fungal pathogenicity in F1Fo-ATP synthase in Candida albicans. In this work we have detailed the more specific roles of the F1Fo-ATP synthase β subunit, a key protein subunit of F1Fo-ATP synthase. The ability to assimilate alternative carbons in glucose-limited host niches is known to be a critical factor for infection caused by opportunistic pathogens including C. albicans. The function of the F1Fo-ATP synthase β subunit was characterized through the construction of an ATP2 gene null mutant (atp2Δ/Δ) and the gene-reconstituted strain (atp2Δ/ATP2) in order to understand the link between carbon metabolism and C. albicans pathogenesis. Cell growth, viability, cellular ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and intracellular ROS were compared between null mutant and control strain. Results showed that growth of the atp2Δ/Δ mutant in synthetic medium was slower than in complex medium. However, the synthetic medium delayed the onset of reduced cell viability and kept cellular ATP content from becoming fully depleted. Consistent with these observations, we identified transcriptional changes in metabolic response that activated other ATP-generating pathways, thereby improving cell viability during the initial phase. Unlike glucose effects, the atp2Δ/Δ mutant exhibited an immediate and sharp reduction in cell viability on non-fermentable carbon sources, consistent with an immediate depletion of cellular ATP content. Along with a reduced viability in non-fermentable carbon sources, the atp2Δ/Δ mutant displayed avirulence in a murine model of disseminated candidiasis as well as lower fungal loads in mouse organs. Regardless of the medium, however, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was found in the atp2Δ/Δ mutant but ROS levels remained in the normal range. These results suggest that the F1Fo-ATP synthase β subunit is required for C. albicans pathogenicity and operates by affecting metabolic flexibility in carbon consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shui-Xiu Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Tian Wu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Ting Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ying Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Shan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Da Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun-Ju Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Mei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Musa SF, Yeat TS, Kamal LZM, Tabana YM, Ahmed MA, El Ouweini A, Lim V, Keong LC, Sandai D. Pleurotus sajor-caju can be used to synthesize silver nanoparticles with antifungal activity against Candida albicans. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2018; 98:1197-1207. [PMID: 28746729 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has become widely practiced worldwide. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized using a hot-water extract of the edible mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju. The product, PSC-AgNPs, was characterized by using UV-visible spectra, dynamic light scattering analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. To assess its antifungal activity against Candida albicans, gene transcription and protein expression analyses were conducted for CaICL1 and its product, ICL, using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. RESULTS PSC-AgNPs with an average particle size of 11.68 nm inhibited the growth of the pathogenic yeast C. albicans. Values for minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration were 250 and 500 mg L-1 , respectively. TEM images revealed that the average particle size of PSC-AgNPs was 16.8 nm, with the values for zeta potential and the polydispersity index being -8.54 mV and 0.137, respectively. XRD and FTIR spectra showed PSC-AgNPs to have a face-centered cubic crystalline structure. The polysaccharides and amino acid residues present in P. sajor-caju extract were found to be involved in reducing Ag+ to AgNP. Both CaICL1 transcription and ICL protein expression were found to be suppressed in the cells treated with PSC-AgNPs as compared with the control. CONCLUSION Our PSC-AgNP preparation makes for a promising antifungal agent that can downregulate isocitrate lyase. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siti Fadhilah Musa
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ting Seng Yeat
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Laina Zarisa Mohd Kamal
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Yasser M Tabana
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Mowaffaq Adam Ahmed
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad El Ouweini
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Vuanghao Lim
- Integrative Medicine Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Lee Chee Keong
- School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Doblin Sandai
- Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ries LNA, Beattie S, Cramer RA, Goldman GH. Overview of carbon and nitrogen catabolite metabolism in the virulence of human pathogenic fungi. Mol Microbiol 2017; 107:277-297. [PMID: 29197127 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that fungal infections, caused most commonly by Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans, result in more deaths annually than malaria or tuberculosis. It has long been hypothesized the fungal metabolism plays a critical role in virulence though specific nutrient sources utilized by human pathogenic fungi in vivo has remained enigmatic. However, the metabolic utilisation of preferred carbon and nitrogen sources, encountered in a host niche-dependent manner, is known as carbon catabolite and nitrogen catabolite repression (CCR, NCR), and has been shown to be important for virulence. Several sensory and uptake systems exist, including carbon and nitrogen source-specific sensors and transporters, that allow scavenging of preferred nutrient sources. Subsequent metabolic utilisation is governed by transcription factors, whose functions and essentiality differ between fungal species. Furthermore, additional factors exist that contribute to the implementation of CCR and NCR. The role of the CCR and NCR-related factors in virulence varies greatly between fungal species and a substantial gap in knowledge exists regarding specific pathways. Further elucidation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism mechanisms is therefore required in a fungal species- and animal model-specific manner in order to screen for targets that are potential candidates for anti-fungal drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laure Nicolas Annick Ries
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 3900, CEP 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Sarah Beattie
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 74 College Street Remsen 213, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Robert A Cramer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 74 College Street Remsen 213, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n°, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, CEP 14040903, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sherrington SL, Kumwenda P, Kousser C, Hall RA. Host Sensing by Pathogenic Fungi. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2017; 102:159-221. [PMID: 29680125 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ability to cause disease extends from the ability to grow within the host environment. The human host provides a dynamic environment to which fungal pathogens must adapt to in order to survive. The ability to grow under a particular condition (i.e., the ability to grow at mammalian body temperature) is considered a fitness attribute and is essential for growth within the human host. On the other hand, some environmental conditions activate signaling mechanisms resulting in the expression of virulence factors, which aid pathogenicity. Therefore, pathogenic fungi have evolved fitness and virulence attributes to enable them to colonize and infect humans. This review highlights how some of the major pathogenic fungi respond and adapt to key environmental signals within the human host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Sherrington
- Institute for Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Pizga Kumwenda
- Institute for Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Courtney Kousser
- Institute for Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca A Hall
- Institute for Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kastora SL, Herrero‐de‐Dios C, Avelar GM, Munro CA, Brown AJP. Sfp1 and Rtg3 reciprocally modulate carbon source-conditional stress adaptation in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2017; 105:620-636. [PMID: 28574606 PMCID: PMC5575477 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenicity of the clinically important yeast, Candida albicans, is dependent on robust responses to host-imposed stresses. These stress responses have generally been dissected in vitro at 30°C on artificial growth media that do not mimic host niches. Yet host inputs, such as changes in carbon source or temperature, are known to affect C. albicans stress adaptation. Therefore, we performed screens to identify novel regulators that promote stress resistance during growth on a physiologically relevant carboxylic acid and at elevated temperatures. These screens revealed that, under these 'non-standard' growth conditions, numerous uncharacterised regulators are required for stress resistance in addition to the classical Hog1, Cap1 and Cta4 stress pathways. In particular, two transcription factors (Sfp1 and Rtg3) promote stress resistance in a reciprocal, carbon source-conditional manner. SFP1 is induced in stressed glucose-grown cells, whereas RTG3 is upregulated in stressed lactate-grown cells. Rtg3 and Sfp1 regulate the expression of key stress genes such as CTA4, CAP1 and HOG1 in a carbon source-dependent manner. These mechanisms underlie the stress sensitivity of C. albicans sfp1 cells during growth on glucose, and rtg3 cells on lactate. The data suggest that C. albicans exploits environmentally contingent regulatory mechanisms to retain stress resistance during host colonisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula L. Kastora
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenAB25 2ZDUK
| | - Carmen Herrero‐de‐Dios
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenAB25 2ZDUK
| | - Gabriela M. Avelar
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenAB25 2ZDUK
| | - Carol A. Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenAB25 2ZDUK
| | - Alistair J. P. Brown
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenAB25 2ZDUK
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Beattie SR, Mark KMK, Thammahong A, Ries LNA, Dhingra S, Caffrey-Carr AK, Cheng C, Black CC, Bowyer P, Bromley MJ, Obar JJ, Goldman GH, Cramer RA. Filamentous fungal carbon catabolite repression supports metabolic plasticity and stress responses essential for disease progression. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006340. [PMID: 28423062 PMCID: PMC5411099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for a disproportionate number of invasive mycosis cases relative to other common filamentous fungi. While many fungal factors critical for infection establishment are known, genes essential for disease persistence and progression are ill defined. We propose that fungal factors that promote navigation of the rapidly changing nutrient and structural landscape characteristic of disease progression represent untapped clinically relevant therapeutic targets. To this end, we find that A. fumigatus requires a carbon catabolite repression (CCR) mediated genetic network to support in vivo fungal fitness and disease progression. While CCR as mediated by the transcriptional repressor CreA is not required for pulmonary infection establishment, loss of CCR inhibits fungal metabolic plasticity and the ability to thrive in the dynamic infection microenvironment. Our results suggest a model whereby CCR in an environmental filamentous fungus is dispensable for initiation of pulmonary infection but essential for infection maintenance and disease progression. Conceptually, we argue these data provide a foundation for additional studies on fungal factors required to support fungal fitness and disease progression and term such genes and factors, DPFs (disease progression factors).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Beattie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Kenneth M. K. Mark
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Arsa Thammahong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | | | - Sourabh Dhingra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Alayna K. Caffrey-Carr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Candice C. Black
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua J. Obar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robert A. Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ramírez-Zavala B, Mottola A, Haubenreißer J, Schneider S, Allert S, Brunke S, Ohlsen K, Hube B, Morschhäuser J. The Snf1-activating kinase Sak1 is a key regulator of metabolic adaptation and in vivo fitness of Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2017; 104:989-1007. [PMID: 28337802 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The metabolic flexibility of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans is important for colonisation and infection of different host niches. Complex regulatory networks, in which protein kinases play central roles, link metabolism and other virulence-associated traits, such as filamentous growth and stress resistance, and thereby control commensalism and pathogenicity. By screening a protein kinase deletion mutant library that was generated in the present work using an improved SAT1 flipper cassette, we found that the previously uncharacterised kinase Sak1 is a key upstream activator of the protein kinase Snf1, a highly conserved regulator of nutrient stress responses that is essential for viability in C. albicans. The sak1Δ mutants failed to grow on many alternative carbon sources and were hypersensitive to cell wall/membrane stress. These phenotypes were mirrored in mutants lacking other subunits of the SNF1 complex and partially compensated by a hyperactive form of Snf1. Transcriptional profiling of sak1Δ mutants showed that Sak1 ensures basal expression of glyoxylate cycle and gluconeogenesis genes even in glucose-rich media and thereby contributes to the metabolic plasticity of C. albicans. In a mouse model of gastrointestinal colonisation, sak1Δ mutants were rapidly outcompeted by wild-type cells, demonstrating that Sak1 is essential for the in vivo fitness of C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Austin Mottola
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Haubenreißer
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schneider
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Knut Ohlsen
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena, Germany
| | - Joachim Morschhäuser
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|