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Liu S, Bu Z, Zhang X, Chen Y, Sun Q, Wu F, Guo S, Zhu Y, Tan X. The new CFEM protein CgCsa required for Fe 3+ homeostasis regulates the growth, development, and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 274:133216. [PMID: 38901513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133216] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Secreted common fungal extracellular membrane (CFEM) domain proteins have been implicated in multiple biological functions in fungi. However, it is still largely unknown whether the ferric iron (Fe3+), as an important trace element, was involved with the biological function of CFEM proteins. In this study, a new CFEM protein CgCsa, with high expression levels at the early inoculation stage on peppers by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was investigated. Deletion of the targeted gene CgCsa revealed multiple biological roles in hyphal growth restriction, highly reduced conidial yield, delayed conidial germination, abnormal appressorium with elongated bud tubes, and significantly reduced virulence of C. gloeosporioides. Moreover, in CgCsa mutants, the expression levels of four cell wall synthesis-related genes were downregulated, and cell membrane permeability and electrical conductivity were increased. Compared to the wild-type, the CgCsa mutants downregulated expressions of iron transport-related genes, in addition, its three-dimensional structure was capable binding with iron. Increase in the Fe3+ concentration in the culture medium partially recovered the functions of ΔCgCsa mutant. This is probably the first report to show the association between CgCsa and iron homeostasis in C. gloeosporioides. The results suggest an alternative pathway for controlling plant fungal diseases by deplete their trace elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhen Liu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhigang Bu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Qianlong Sun
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Fei Wu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Sheng Guo
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yonghua Zhu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
| | - Xinqiu Tan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China; LongPing Branch, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410125, China.
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Pires ACMDS, Carvalho AR, Vaso CO, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Singulani JDL, Fusco-Almeida AM. Influence of Zinc on Histoplasma capsulatum Planktonic and Biofilm Cells. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:361. [PMID: 38786716 PMCID: PMC11122510 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050361] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Histoplasma capsulatum causes a fungal respiratory disease. Some studies suggest that the fungus requires zinc to consolidate the infection. This study aimed to investigate the influence of zinc and the metal chelator TPEN on the growth of Histoplasma in planktonic and biofilm forms. The results showed that zinc increased the metabolic activity, cell density, and cell viability of planktonic growth. Similarly, there was an increase in biofilm metabolic activity but no increase in biomass or extracellular matrix production. N'-N,N,N,N-tetrakis-2-pyridylmethylethane-1,2 diamine (TPEN) dramatically reduced the same parameters in the planktonic form and resulted in a decrease in metabolic activity, biomass, and extracellular matrix production for the biofilm form. Therefore, the unprecedented observations in this study highlight the importance of zinc ions for the growth, development, and proliferation of H. capsulatum cells and provide new insights into the role of metal ions for biofilm formation in the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma, which could be a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Moreira da Silva Pires
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.R.C.); (C.O.V.); (M.J.S.M.-G.); (J.d.L.S.)
| | - Angélica Romão Carvalho
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.R.C.); (C.O.V.); (M.J.S.M.-G.); (J.d.L.S.)
| | - Carolina Orlando Vaso
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.R.C.); (C.O.V.); (M.J.S.M.-G.); (J.d.L.S.)
| | - Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.R.C.); (C.O.V.); (M.J.S.M.-G.); (J.d.L.S.)
| | - Junya de Lacorte Singulani
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.R.C.); (C.O.V.); (M.J.S.M.-G.); (J.d.L.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil; (A.R.C.); (C.O.V.); (M.J.S.M.-G.); (J.d.L.S.)
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Lim SJ, Muhd Noor ND, Sabri S, Mohamad Ali MS, Salleh AB, Oslan SN. Bibliometric analysis and thematic review of Candida pathogenesis: Fundamental omics to applications as potential antifungal drugs and vaccines. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myad126. [PMID: 38061839 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad126] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis caused by the pathogenic Candida yeast species has resulted in elevating global mortality. The pathogenicity of Candida spp. is not only originated from its primary invasive yeast-to-hyphal transition; virulence factors (transcription factors, adhesins, invasins, and enzymes), biofilm, antifungal drug resistance, stress tolerance, and metabolic adaptation have also contributed to a greater clinical burden. However, the current research theme in fungal pathogenicity could hardly be delineated with the increasing research output. Therefore, our study analysed the research trends in Candida pathogenesis over the past 37 years via a bibliometric approach against the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Based on the 3993 unique documents retrieved, significant international collaborations among researchers were observed, especially between Germany (Bernhard Hube) and the UK (Julian Naglik), whose focuses are on Candida proteinases, adhesins, and candidalysin. The prominent researchers (Neils Gow, Alistair Brown, and Frank Odds) at the University of Exeter and the University of Aberdeen (second top performing affiliation) UK contribute significantly to the mechanisms of Candida adaptation, tolerance, and stress response. However, the science mapping of co-citation analysis performed herein could not identify a hub representative of subsequent work since the clusters were semi-redundant. The co-word analysis that was otherwise adopted, revealed three research clusters; the cluster-based thematic analyses indicated the severeness of Candida biofilm and antifungal resistance as well as the elevating trend on molecular mechanism elucidation for drug screening and repurposing. Importantly, the in vivo pathogen adaptation and interactions with hosts are crucial for potential vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Jie Lim
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noor Dina Muhd Noor
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suriana Sabri
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abu Bakar Salleh
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nurbaya Oslan
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Sharma R, Gibb AA, Barnts K, Elrod JW, Puri S. Alternative oxidase promotes high iron tolerance in Candida albicans. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0215723. [PMID: 37929974 PMCID: PMC10714975 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02157-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The yeast C. albicans exhibits metabolic flexibility for adaptability to host niches with varying availability of nutrients including essential metals like iron. For example, blood is iron deplete, while the oral cavity and the intestinal lumen are considered iron replete. We show here that C. albicans can tolerate very high levels of environmental iron, despite an increase in high iron-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) that it mitigates with the help of a unique oxidase, known as alternative oxidase (AOX). High iron induces AOX1/2 that limits mitochondrial accumulation of ROS. Genetic elimination of AOX1/2 resulted in diminished virulence during oropharyngeal candidiasis in high iron mice. Since human mitochondria lack AOX protein, it represents a unique target for treatment of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Sharma
- Oral Microbiome Research Laboratory, Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew A. Gibb
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kelcie Barnts
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Medicine and Surgery, Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John W. Elrod
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sumant Puri
- Oral Microbiome Research Laboratory, Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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5
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Van Genechten W, Vergauwen R, Van Dijck P. The intricate link between iron, mitochondria and azoles in Candida species. FEBS J 2023. [PMID: 37846606 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are rapidly increasing, and the opportunistic pathogenic Candida species are the fourth most common cause of nosocomial systemic infections. The current antifungal classes, of which azoles are the most widely used, all have shortcomings. Azoles are generally considered fungistatic rather than fungicidal, they do not actively kill fungal cells and therefore resistance against azoles can be rapidly acquired. Combination therapies with azoles provide an interesting therapeutic outlook and agents limiting iron are excellent candidates. We summarize how iron is acquired by the host and transported towards both storage and iron-utilizing organelles. We indicate whether these pathways alter azole susceptibility and/or tolerance, to finally link these transport mechanisms to mitochondrial iron availability. In this review, we highlight putative novel intracellular iron shuffling mechanisms and indicate that mitochondrial iron dynamics in relation to azole treatment and iron limitation is a significant knowledge gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Van Genechten
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rudy Vergauwen
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Wang H, Cheng Q, Bao L, Li M, Chang K, Yi X. Cytoprotective Role of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Cancer Chemoresistance: Focus on Antioxidant, Antiapoptotic, and Pro-Autophagy Properties. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1217. [PMID: 37371947 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance remains the foremost challenge in cancer therapy. Targeting reactive oxygen species (ROS) manipulation is a promising strategy in cancer treatment since tumor cells present high levels of intracellular ROS, which makes them more vulnerable to further ROS elevation than normal cells. Nevertheless, dynamic redox evolution and adaptation of tumor cells are capable of counteracting therapy-induced oxidative stress, which leads to chemoresistance. Hence, exploring the cytoprotective mechanisms of tumor cells is urgently needed to overcome chemoresistance. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation, acts as a crucial antioxidant defense and cytoprotective molecule in response to cellular stress. Recently, emerging evidence indicated that ROS detoxification and oxidative stress tolerance owing to the antioxidant function of HO-1 contribute to chemoresistance in various cancers. Enhanced HO-1 expression or enzymatic activity was revealed to promote apoptosis resistance and activate protective autophagy, which also involved in the development of chemoresistance. Moreover, inhibition of HO-1 in multiple cancers was identified to reversing chemoresistance or improving chemosensitivity. Here, we summarize the most recent advances regarding the antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and pro-autophagy properties of HO-1 in mediating chemoresistance, highlighting HO-1 as a novel target for overcoming chemoresistance and improving the prognosis of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Lingjie Bao
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Mingqing Li
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Kaikai Chang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaofang Yi
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
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Daneshnia F, de Almeida Júnior JN, Ilkit M, Lombardi L, Perry AM, Gao M, Nobile CJ, Egger M, Perlin DS, Zhai B, Hohl TM, Gabaldón T, Colombo AL, Hoenigl M, Arastehfar A. Worldwide emergence of fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis: current framework and future research roadmap. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e470-e480. [PMID: 37121240 PMCID: PMC10634418 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is one of the most commen causes of life-threatening candidaemia, particularly in premature neonates, individuals with cancer of the haematopoietic system, and recipients of organ transplants. Historically, drug-susceptible strains have been linked to clonal outbreaks. However, worldwide studies started since 2018 have reported severe outbreaks among adults caused by fluconazole-resistant strains. Outbreaks caused by fluconazole-resistant strains are associated with high mortality rates and can persist despite strict infection control strategies. The emergence of resistance threatens the efficacy of azoles, which is the most widely used class of antifungals and the only available oral treatment option for candidaemia. The fact that most patients infected with fluconazole-resistant strains are azole-naive underscores the high potential adaptability of fluconazole-resistant strains to diverse hosts, environmental niches, and reservoirs. Another concern is the multidrug-resistant and echinocandin-tolerant C parapsilosis isolates, which emerged in 2020. Raising awareness, establishing effective clinical interventions, and understanding the biology and pathogenesis of fluconazole-resistant C parapsilosis are urgently needed to improve treatment strategies and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Daneshnia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - João N de Almeida Júnior
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Türkiye
| | - Lisa Lombardi
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Austin M Perry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA; Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Marilyn Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA; Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - David S Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, USA; Department of Medical Sciences, Hackensack School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA; Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bing Zhai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tobias M Hohl
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine and Human Oncology, and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Programme, Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Bio TechMed, Graz, Austria; Translational Medical Mycology Research Group, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Amir Arastehfar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Zhang W, Zhan M, Wang N, Fan J, Han X, Li C, Liu J, Li J, Hou Y, Wang X, Zhang Z. In vitro susceptibility profiles of Candida parapsilosis species complex subtypes from deep infections to nine antifungal drugs. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 36920840 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. The Candida parapsilosis complex can be divided into C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, C. orthopsilosis, and C. metapsilosis subtypes. It is uncommon for drug sensitivity tests to type them.Gap Statement. In routine susceptibility reports, drug susceptibility of C. parapsilosis complex subtypes is lacking.Aim. The aim of this study is to investigate the antifungal susceptibility and clinical distribution characteristics of the C. parapsilosis complex subtypes causing deep infection in patients.Methodology. Non-repetitive strains of C. parapsilosis complex isolated from deep infection from 2017 to 2019 were collected. Species-level identification was performed using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer and confirmed using ITS gene sequencing, when necessary. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the Sensititre YeastOne system method.Results. A total of 244 cases were included in the study, including 176 males (72.13 %, 60.69±13.43 years) and 68 females (27.87 %, 60.21±10.59 years). The primary diseases were cancer (43.44 %), cardiovascular disease (25.00 %), digestive system diseases, (18.44 %), infection (6.97 %), and nephropathy (6.15 %). Strains were isolated from the bloodstream (63.11 %), central venous catheters (15.16 %), pus (6.56 %), ascites (5.74 %), sterile body fluid (5.33 %), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF, 4.09 %). Of the 244 C. parapsilosis complex strains, 179 (73.26 %) were identified as C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, 62 (25.41 %) were C. orthopsilosis, and three (1.23 %) were C. metapsilosis. Only one C. parapsilosis sensu stricto strain was resistant to anidulafungin, micafungin, caspofungin, and voriconazole, and it was non-wild-type (NWT) to amphotericin B. Furthermore, six C. parapsilosis sensu stricto strains were resistant to fluconazole, and one was dose-dependent susceptible. Five C. parapsilosis sensu stricto strains were NWT to posaconazole. Only one C. orthopsilosis strain was NWT for anidulafungin, micafungin, caspofungin, fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and posaconazole, while the rest of the strains were wild-type.Conclusion. C. parapsilosis sensu stricto was the main clinical isolate from the C. parapsilosis complex in our hospital. Most strains were isolated from the bloodstream. The susceptibility rate to commonly used antifungal drugs was more than 96 %. Furthermore, most of the infected patients were elderly male cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China.,Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, PR China, Beijing, 100730
| | - Minghua Zhan
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China.,Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Na Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Jingjing Fan
- Infectious Disease Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, 15 Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Xuying Han
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Caiqing Li
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Jinlu Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Jia Li
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Yongwang Hou
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Xinsheng Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, No. 12, Changqing Road, Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, 075000, Hebei Province, PR China
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Cangui-Panchi SP, Ñacato-Toapanta AL, Enríquez-Martínez LJ, Salinas-Delgado GA, Reyes J, Garzon-Chavez D, Machado A. Battle royale: Immune response on biofilms – host-pathogen interactions. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 4:100057. [PMID: 37025390 PMCID: PMC10070391 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2023.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The research interest of the scientific community in biofilm-forming microorganisms is growing due to the problems caused by their infections affecting humans and animals, mainly because of the difficulty of the host immune system in eradicating these microbial complex communities and the increasing antimicrobial resistance rates worldwide. This review describes the virulence factors and their interaction with the microbial communities of four well-known and highly biofilm-forming pathogens, more exactly, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., and Candida spp. The innate and adaptive immune responses caused by the infection with these microorganisms and their evasion to the host immune system by biofilm formation are discussed in the present work. The relevance of the differences in the expression of certain virulence factors and the immune response in biofilm-associated infections when compared to planktonic infections is usually described as the biofilm architecture protects the pathogen and alters the host immune responses, here we extensively discussed these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pamela Cangui-Panchi
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Anahí Lizbeth Ñacato-Toapanta
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Leonardo Joshué Enríquez-Martínez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Gabriela Alexandra Salinas-Delgado
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Reyes
- Hospital del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS) Quito-Sur, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Daniel Garzon-Chavez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Quito, Ecuador
| | - António Machado
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Quito, Ecuador
- Corresponding author.
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10
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Chudzik-Rząd B, Zalewski D, Kasela M, Sawicki R, Szymańska J, Bogucka-Kocka A, Malm A. The Landscape of Gene Expression during Hyperfilamentous Biofilm Development in Oral Candida albicans Isolated from a Lung Cancer Patient. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010368. [PMID: 36613809 PMCID: PMC9820384 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The filamentation ability of Candida albicans represents one of the main virulence factors allowing for host tissue penetration and biofilm formation. The aim of this paper was to study the genetic background of the hyperfilamentous biofilm development in vitro in C. albicans isolated from the oral cavity of a lung cancer patient. Analyzed C. albicans isolates (CA1, CA2, CA3) were chosen based on their different structures of mature biofilm. The CA3 isolate possessing hyperfilamentation properties and forming high biofilm was compared with CA1 and CA2 isolates exhibiting low or average biofilm-forming ability, respectively. The detailed biofilm organization was studied with the use of confocal scanning laser microscopy. The whole transcriptome analysis was conducted during three stages of biofilm development (24 h, 48 h, 72 h). In contrast to CA1 and/or CA2 isolate, the CA3 isolate was characterized by a significant upregulation of genes encoding for cell wall proteins (HWP1, PGA13, PGA44, ALS3) and candidalysin (ECE1), as well as being involved in iron metabolism (FRE1, ALS3), sulfur metabolism (HAL21), the degradation of aromatic compounds (HQD2), and membrane transport (DIP5, PHO89, TNA1). In contrast, some genes (SCW11, FGR41, RBE1) in the CA3 were downregulated. We also observed the overexpression of a few genes over time-mainly FRE1, ATX1, CSA2 involved in iron metabolism. This is the first insight into the potential function of multiple genes in the hyperfilamentous biofilm formation in C. albicans, primarily isolated from host tissue, which may have an important clinical impact on cancer patients. Moreover, the presented data can lay the foundation for further research on novel pathogen-specific targets for antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Chudzik-Rząd
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Daniel Zalewski
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Martyna Kasela
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (A.M.); Tel.: +48-81448-7100 (M.K. & A.M.)
| | - Rafał Sawicki
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Szymańska
- Department of Comprehensive Paediatric and Adult Dentistry, Medical University of Lublin, 6 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Malm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (A.M.); Tel.: +48-81448-7100 (M.K. & A.M.)
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11
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Takács T, Németh MT, Bohner F, Vágvölgyi C, Jankovics F, Wilson D, Gácser A. Characterization and functional analysis of zinc trafficking in the human fungal pathogen Candida parapsilosis. Open Biol 2022; 12:220077. [PMID: 35857903 PMCID: PMC9277298 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc restriction and zinc toxicity are part of host defence, called nutritional immunity. The crucial role of zinc homeostasis in microbial survival within a host is established, but little is known about these processes in the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida parapsilosis. Our in silico predictions suggested the presence of at least six potential zinc transporters (ZnTs) in C. parapsilosis-orthologues of ZRC1, ZRT3 and ZRT101-but an orthologue of PRA1 zincophore was not found. In addition, we detected a species-specific gene expansion of the novel ZnT ZRT2, as we identified three orthologue genes in the genome of C. parapsilosis. Based on predictions, we created homozygous mutant strains of the potential ZnTs and characterized them. Despite the apparent gene expansion of ZRT2 in C. parapsilosis, only CpZRT21 was essential for growth in a zinc-depleted acidic environment, in addition we found that CpZrc1 is essential for zinc detoxification and also protects the fungi against the elimination of murine macrophages. Significantly, we demonstrated that C. parapsilosis forms zincosomes in a Zrc1-independent manner and zinc detoxification is mediated by the vacuolar importer CpZrc1. Our study defines the functions of C. parapsilosis ZnTs, including a species-specific survival and zinc detoxification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Takács
- HCEMM-USZ Fungal Pathogens Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mihály Tibor Németh
- HCEMM-USZ Fungal Pathogens Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Flóra Bohner
- HCEMM-USZ Fungal Pathogens Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Vágvölgyi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jankovics
- Department of Medical Biology, Szent-Györgyi Albert Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary,Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Duncan Wilson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Attila Gácser
- HCEMM-USZ Fungal Pathogens Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary,MTA-SZTE ‘Lendület’ Mycobiome Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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12
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Imre A, Kovács R, Tóth Z, Majoros L, Benkő Z, Pfliegler WP, Pócsi I. Heme Oxygenase-1 ( HMX1) Loss of Function Increases the In-Host Fitness of the Saccharomyces 'boulardii' Probiotic Yeast in a Mouse Fungemia Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050522. [PMID: 35628777 PMCID: PMC9146039 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of yeast-containing probiotics is on the rise; however, these products occasionally cause fungal infections and possibly even fungemia among susceptible probiotic-treated patients. The incidence of such cases is probably underestimated, which is why it is important to delve deeper into the pathomechanism and the adaptive features of S. ‘boulardii’. Here in this study, the potential role of the gene heme oxygenase-1 (HMX1) in probiotic yeast bloodstream-derived infections was studied by generating marker-free HMX1 deletion mutants with CRISPR/Cas9 technology from both commercial and clinical S. ‘boulardii’ isolates. The six commercial and clinical yeasts used here represented closely related but different genetic backgrounds as revealed by comparative genomic analysis. We compared the wild-type isolates against deletion mutants for their tolerance of iron starvation, hemolytic activity, as well as kidney burden in immunosuppressed BALB/c mice after lateral tail vein injection. Our results reveal that the lack of HMX1 in S. ‘boulardii’ significantly (p < 0.0001) increases the kidney burden of the mice in most genetic backgrounds, while at the same time causes decreased growth in iron-deprived media in vitro. These findings indicate that even a single-gene loss-of-function mutation can, surprisingly, cause elevated fitness in the host during an opportunistic systemic infection. Our findings indicate that the safety assessment of S. ‘boulardii’ strains should not only take strain-to-strain variation into account, but also avoid extrapolating in vitro results to in vivo virulence factor determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Imre
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.I.); (Z.B.); (W.P.P.)
- Kálmán Laki Doctoral School of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.K.); (Z.T.); (L.M.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.K.); (Z.T.); (L.M.)
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.K.); (Z.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Zsigmond Benkő
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.I.); (Z.B.); (W.P.P.)
| | - Walter P. Pfliegler
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.I.); (Z.B.); (W.P.P.)
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.I.); (Z.B.); (W.P.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-52-512-900 (ext. 62337)
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13
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Tu Y, Zhou Z, Shu C, Zhou Y, Zhou X. The Crosstalk Between Saliva Bacteria and Fungi in Early Childhood Caries. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:845738. [PMID: 35237536 PMCID: PMC8884336 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.845738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most prevalent oral disease in children, which greatly affects the quality of life and health condition of the patients. Although co-infection of oral streptococci and fungi has been well recognized in the development of ECC, the correlation between other core members of oral mycobiome and ECC progression remains unclear. In the current study, saliva samples obtained from severe ECC (SECC), ECC, and caries-free children were collected, and both V3–V4 16S rRNA and ITS1 rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were performed to investigate the salivary bacterial and fungal profiles. Significant alteration of salivary fungal community in SECC/ECC children was observed compared with the caries-free control. The typing analysis determined the fungal community into five fungal types, which influenced the structure of salivary bacteria. By performing Spearman correlation analysis, carious phenotypes were positively related to Fusobacterium but negatively linked to Neocosmospora, and a significant correlation of cross-kingdom taxonomic pairs was identified. Our work demonstrated the interactions between oral bacteria and fungi at the community level, which may advance our knowledge on the etiological role of bacteria/fungi in the development of ECC and promote better management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiyan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chang Shu
- Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Zhou, ; Xuedong Zhou,
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Zhou, ; Xuedong Zhou,
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14
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Pekmezovic M, Kaune AK, Austermeier S, Hitzler SUJ, Mogavero S, Hovhannisyan H, Gabaldón T, Gresnigt MS, Hube B. Human albumin enhances the pathogenic potential of Candida glabrata on vaginal epithelial cells. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010037. [PMID: 34710198 PMCID: PMC8577789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Candida glabrata is the second most frequent causative agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a disease that affects 70–75% of women at least once during their life. However, C. glabrata is almost avirulent in mice and normally incapable of inflicting damage to vaginal epithelial cells in vitro. We thus proposed that host factors present in vivo may influence C. glabrata pathogenicity. We, therefore, analyzed the impact of albumin, one of the most abundant proteins of the vaginal fluid. The presence of human, but not murine, albumin dramatically increased the potential of C. glabrata to damage vaginal epithelial cells. This effect depended on macropinocytosis-mediated epithelial uptake of albumin and subsequent proteolytic processing. The enhanced pathogenicity of C. glabrata can be explained by a combination of beneficial effects for the fungus, which includes an increased access to iron, accelerated growth, and increased adhesion. Screening of C. glabrata deletion mutants revealed that Hap5, a key regulator of iron homeostasis, is essential for the albumin-augmented damage potential. The albumin-augmented pathogenicity was reversed by the addition of iron chelators and a similar increase in pathogenicity was shown by increasing the iron availability, confirming a key role of iron. Accelerated growth not only led to higher cell numbers, but also to increased fungal metabolic activity and oxidative stress resistance. Finally, the albumin-driven enhanced damage potential was associated with the expression of distinct C. glabrata virulence genes. Transcriptional responses of the epithelial cells suggested an unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER-stress responses combined with glucose starvation induced by fast growing C. glabrata cells as potential mechanisms by which cytotoxicity is mediated.Collectively, we demonstrate that albumin augments the pathogenic potential of C. glabrata during interaction with vaginal epithelial cells. This suggests a role for albumin as a key player in the pathogenesis of VVC. Candida glabrata is the overall second causative species of candidiasis in humans, but little is known about the pathogenicity mechanisms of this yeast. C. glabrata is capable of causing lethal systemic candidiasis mostly in elderly immunocompromised patients, but is also a frequent cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis. These clinical insights suggest that C. glabrata has a high virulence potential, yet little pathogenicity is observed in both in vitro and in vivo infection models. The finding that human albumin, the most abundant protein in the human body, is boosting C. glabrata pathogenicity in vitro provides novel insights into C. glabrata pathogenicity mechanisms and shows that the presence of distinct human factors can have a significant influence on the virulence potential of a pathogenic microbe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pekmezovic
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Kaune
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sophie Austermeier
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sophia U. J. Hitzler
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Selene Mogavero
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Hrant Hovhannisyan
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Department, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Department, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark S. Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- * E-mail: (MSG); (BH)
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- * E-mail: (MSG); (BH)
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15
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Csonka K, Tasi Z, Vedelek V, Vágvölgyi C, Sinka R, Gácser A. Deciphering of Candida parapsilosis induced immune response in Drosophila melanogaster. Virulence 2021; 12:2571-2582. [PMID: 34569900 PMCID: PMC8477938 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1980989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida infections are the most prevalent cause of serious human mycoses and are the third most common pathogens isolated from bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients. C. parapsilosis is a member of the non-albicans spp., which have a predilection for causing life-threatening disease in neonates and hospitalized pediatric patients. In this study, we utilized a Drosophila melanogaster infection model to analyze the immunological responses to C. parapsilosis. Our results demonstrate that the Toll pathway in Drosophila controls C. parapsilosis proliferation as the Toll signaling mutant MyD88-/- flies are highly susceptible to C. parapsilosis. We also confirmed that the MyD88-/- fly is a convenient invertebrate animal model to analyze virulence properties of different species and strains from the C. parapsilosis sensu lato complex as C. orthopsilosis, C. metapsilosis proved to be less virulent than C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and the N-mannan deficient C. parapsilosis och1Δ/Δ strain showed attenuated pathogenicity in this immunodeficient Drosophila background. We also found that Persephone protease is not required for detection and activation of Toll pathway during C. parapsilosis infection. Furthermore, we observed that Drosophila β-glucan receptor deficient flies where more sensitive to C. parapsilosis compared to wild-type flies; however, we could not find a clear dependence on the recognition of this receptor and the cell wall β-glucan exposure-induced host response. These studies establish this D. melanogaster infection model as an efficient tool in deciphering immune responses to C. parapsilosis as well as for assessing virulence factors produced by this emerging fungal predator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Csonka
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Tasi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Viktor Vedelek
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Vágvölgyi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rita Sinka
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Gácser
- HCEMM-USZ, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Lendület Mycobiome Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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16
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Zolin GVS, da Fonseca FH, Zambom CR, Garrido SS. Histatin 5 Metallopeptides and Their Potential against Candida albicans Pathogenicity and Drug Resistance. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081209. [PMID: 34439875 PMCID: PMC8391865 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Usually caused by Candida albicans, buccal candidiasis begins with the morphological transition between yeast and hyphal cells. Over time and without the correct treatment, it can be disseminated through the bloodstream becoming a systemic infection with high mortality rates. C. albicans already shows resistance against antifungals commonly used in treatments. Therefore, the search for new drugs capable of overcoming antifungal resistance is essential. Histatin 5 (Hst5) is an antimicrobial peptide of the Histatin family, that can be found naturally in human saliva. This peptide presents high antifungal activity against C. albicans. However, Hst5 action can be decreased for interaction with enzymes and metal ions present in the oral cavity. The current work aims to bring a brief review of relevant aspects of the pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms already reported for C. albicans. In addition, are also reported here the main immune responses of the human body and the most common antifungal drugs. Finally, the most important aspects regarding Histatin 5 and the benefits of its interaction with metals are highlighted. The intention of this review is to show the promising use of Hst5 metallopeptides in the development of effective drugs.
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17
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Candida parapsilosis Colony Morphotype Forecasts Biofilm Formation of Clinical Isolates. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010033. [PMID: 33430377 PMCID: PMC7827155 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is a frequent cause of fungal bloodstream infections, especially in critically ill neonates or immunocompromised patients. Due to the formation of biofilms, the use of indwelling catheters and other medical devices increases the risk of infection and complicates treatment, as cells embedded in biofilms display reduced drug susceptibility. Therefore, biofilm formation may be a significant clinical parameter, guiding downstream therapeutic choices. Here, we phenotypically characterized 120 selected isolates out of a prospective collection of 215 clinical C. parapsilosis isolates, determining biofilm formation, major emerging colony morphotype, and antifungal drug susceptibility of the isolates and their biofilms. In our isolate set, increased biofilm formation capacity was independent of body site of isolation and not predictable using standard or modified European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) drug susceptibility testing protocols. In contrast, biofilm formation was strongly correlated with the appearance of non-smooth colony morphotypes and invasiveness into agar plates. Our data suggest that the observation of non-smooth colony morphotypes in cultures of C. parapsilosis may help as an indicator to consider the initiation of anti-biofilm-active therapy, such as the switch from azole- to echinocandin- or polyene-based strategies, especially in case of infections by potent biofilm-forming strains.
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