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Bras G, Satala D, Juszczak M, Kulig K, Wronowska E, Bednarek A, Zawrotniak M, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. Secreted Aspartic Proteinases: Key Factors in Candida Infections and Host-Pathogen Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4775. [PMID: 38731993 PMCID: PMC11084781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094775] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular proteases are key factors contributing to the virulence of pathogenic fungi from the genus Candida. Their proteolytic activities are crucial for extracting nutrients from the external environment, degrading host defenses, and destabilizing the internal balance of the human organism. Currently, the enzymes most frequently described in this context are secreted aspartic proteases (Saps). This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted roles of Saps, highlighting their importance in biofilm formation, tissue invasion through the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins and components of the coagulation cascade, modulation of host immune responses via impairment of neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage functions, and their contribution to antifungal resistance. Additionally, the diagnostic challenges associated with Candida infections and the potential of Saps as biomarkers were discussed. Furthermore, we examined the prospects of developing vaccines based on Saps and the use of protease inhibitors as adjunctive therapies for candidiasis. Given the complex biology of Saps and their central role in Candida pathogenicity, a multidisciplinary approach may pave the way for innovative diagnostic strategies and open new opportunities for innovative clinical interventions against candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Dorota Satala
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamila Kulig
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Ewelina Wronowska
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Aneta Bednarek
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
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Yang J, Ma Y, Li B, Xi Z, Zhang L, Wang Y, Feng W. Roles of Nucleolar Factor RCL1 in Itraconazole Resistance of Clinical Candida albicans Under Different Stress Conditions. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:769-777. [PMID: 38433785 PMCID: PMC10908289 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s431024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose RNA terminal phosphate cyclase like 1 (RCL1) undergoes overexpression during the immune response of Candida albicans following drug treatment. This study aims to investigate the expression levels of RCL1 in C. albicans under various stress conditions. Methods Fifteen itraconazole (ITR)-resistant strains of clinical C. albicans, and one standard strain were employed for RCL1 sequencing, and mutations in RCL1 were analyzed. Subsequently, 14 out of the 15 ITR-resistant clinical strains and 14 clinical strains sensitive to ITR, fluconazole (FCA) as well as voriconazole (VRC) were cultured under diverse conditions. The expression of RCL1 ITR-resistant and sensitive C. albicans was then assessed using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays. Results Compared to the standard strain, three missense mutations (C6A, G10A, and A11T) were identified in the RCL1 gene of ITR-resistant C. albicans through successful forward sequencing. Additionally, using successful reverse sequencing, one synonymous mutation (C1T) and four missense mutations (C1T, A3T, A7G, and T8G) were found in the RCL1 gene of ITR-resistant C. albicans. RCL1 expression was significantly higher in ITR-resistant C. albicans than in sensitive strains under standard conditions (37°C, 0.03% CO2, pH 4.0). Low temperature (25°C) increased RCL1 expression in sensitive C. albicans while decreasing it in ITR-resistant strains. Elevated CO2 concentrations (5% CO2) had a negligible effect on RCL1 expression in sensitive C. albicans, but effectively reduced RCL1 level in ITR-resistant strains. Furthermore, a medium with a pH of 7 decreased the expression of RCL1 in both resistant and sensitive C. albicans. Conclusion This study demonstrated that RCL1 mutations in ITR-resistant C. albicans, and variations in culture conditions significantly influence RCL1 expression in both ITR-resistant and sensitive C. albicans, thereby inducing alterations in the dimorphism of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Xi
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenli Feng
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People’s Republic of China
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Feng W, Yang J, Ma Y, Zhang L, Yin R, Qiao Z, Ji Y, Zhou Y. Relationships between Secreted Aspartyl Proteinase 2 and General Control Nonderepressible 4 gene in the Candida albicans resistant to itraconazole under planktonic and biofilm conditions. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:619-627. [PMID: 37087512 PMCID: PMC10235319 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00961-z] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the roles of SAP2 and GCN4 in itraconazole (ITR) resistance of C. albicans under different conditions, and their correlations. A total of 20 clinical strains of C. albicans, including 10 ITR resistant strains and 10 sensitive strains, were used. Then, SAP2 sequencing and GCN4 sequencing were performed, and the biofilm formation ability of different C. albicans strains was determined. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of SAP2 and GCN4 in C. albicans under planktonic and biofilm conditions, as well as their correlation was also analyzed. No missense mutations and three synonymous mutation sites, including T276A, G543A, and A675C, were found in SAP2 sequencing. GCN4 sequencing showed one missense mutation site (A106T (T36S)) and six synonymous mutation sites (A147C, C426T, T513C, T576A, G624A and C732T). The biofilm formation ability of drug-resistant C. albicans strains was significantly higher than that of sensitive strains (P < 0.05). Additionally, SAP2 and GCN4 were up-regulated in the ITR-resistant strains, and were both significantly higher in C. albicans under biofilm condition. The mRNA expression levels of SAP2 and GCN4 had significantly positive correlation. The higher expression levels of SAP2 and GCN4 were observed in the ITR-resistant strains of C. albicans under planktonic and biofilm conditions, as well as there was a positive correlation between SAP2 and GCN4 mRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Feng
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, NO.382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, NO.382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Yan Ma
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, NO.382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Luwen Zhang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, NO.382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Rong Yin
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, NO.382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Zusha Qiao
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, NO.382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Ying Ji
- The Department of Bluttranfusion, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yong'an Zhou
- The Department of Bluttranfusion, The Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
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Satala D, Bras G, Kozik A, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. More than Just Protein Degradation: The Regulatory Roles and Moonlighting Functions of Extracellular Proteases Produced by Fungi Pathogenic for Humans. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010121. [PMID: 36675942 PMCID: PMC9865821 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular proteases belong to the main virulence factors of pathogenic fungi. Their proteolytic activities plays a crucial role in the acquisition of nutrients from the external environment, destroying host barriers and defenses, and disrupting homeostasis in the human body, e.g., by affecting the functions of plasma proteolytic cascades, and playing sophisticated regulatory roles in various processes. Interestingly, some proteases belong to the group of moonlighting proteins, i.e., they have additional functions that contribute to successful host colonization and infection development, but they are not directly related to proteolysis. In this review, we describe examples of such multitasking of extracellular proteases that have been reported for medically important pathogenic fungi of the Candida, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cryptococcus, Rhizopus, and Pneumocystis genera, as well as dermatophytes and selected endemic species. Additional functions of proteinases include supporting binding to host proteins, and adhesion to host cells. They also mediate self-aggregation and biofilm formation. In addition, fungal proteases affect the host immune cells and allergenicity, understood as the ability to stimulate a non-standard immune response. Finally, they play a role in the proper maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Knowledge about the multifunctionality of proteases, in addition to their canonical roles, greatly contributes to an understanding of the mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Satala
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Molecular Mechanisms of Antifungal Resistance in Mucormycosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6722245. [PMID: 36277891 PMCID: PMC9584669 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6722245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mucormycosis is one among the life-threatening fungal infections with high morbidity and mortality. It is an uncommon and rare infection targeting people with altered immunity. This lethal infection induced by fungi belonging to the Mucorales family is very progressive in nature. The incidence has increased in recent decades owing to the rise in immunocompromised patients. Disease management involves a multimodal strategy including early administration of drugs and surgical removal of infected tissues. Among the antifungals, azoles and amphotericin B remain the gold standard drugs of choice for initial treatment. The order Mucorales are developing a high level of resistance to the available systemic antifungal drugs, and the efficacy still remains below par. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms behind the antifungal resistance in Mucormycosis would add vital information to our available antifungal armamentarium and design novel therapies. Therefore, in this review, we have discussed the mechanisms behind Mucormycosis antifungal resistance. Moreover, this review also highlights the basic mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs and the resistance landscape which is expected to augment future treatment strategies.
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Targeting Virulence Factors of Candida albicans with Natural Products. Foods 2022; 11:foods11192951. [PMID: 36230026 PMCID: PMC9562657 DOI: 10.3390/foods11192951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products derived from natural resources, including nutritional functional food, play an important role in human health. In recent years, the study of anti-fungal and other properties of agri-foods and derived functional compounds has been a hot research topic. Candida albicans is a parasitic fungus that thrives on human mucosal surfaces, which are colonized through opportunistic infection. It is the most prevalent cause of invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised individuals, resulting in a wide variety of clinical symptoms. Moreover, the efficacy of classical therapeutic medications such as fluconazole is often limited by the development of resistance. There is an ongoing need for the development of novel and effective antifungal therapy and medications. Infection of C. albicans is influenced by a great quantity of virulence factors, like adhesion, invasion-promoting enzymes, mycelial growth, and phenotypic change, and among others. Furthermore, various natural products especially from food sources that target C. albicans virulence factors have been researched, providing promising prospects for C. albicans prevention and treatment. In this review, we discuss the virulence factors of C. albicans and how functional foods and derived functional compounds affect them. Our hope is that this review will stimulate additional thoughts and suggestions regarding nutritional functional food and therapeutic development for patients afflicted with C. albicans.
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Faria-Gonçalves P, Oliveira AS, Gaspar C, Rodrigues L, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Gonçalves T, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A, Rolo J. Vulvovaginal Candida albicans Clinical Isolates’ Resistance to Phagocytosis In-Vitro. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12060838. [PMID: 35743869 PMCID: PMC9225182 DOI: 10.3390/life12060838] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that Candida albicans isolates involved in chronic vulvovaginal candidosis (cVVC) phenotypically express less virulent traits than clinical isolates involved in sporadic infections. In this study, we aimed to further explore this finding by studying the behaviour of those same clinical isolates in in-vitro models of infection. Eighteen clinical Candida albicans isolates were collected from women suffering sporadic (eight isolates) or chronic infections (ten isolates). Adhesion to HeLa cells (human cervical cancer epithelial cell line) and resistance to phagocytosis by RAW 264.7 cells (murine macrophages cell line) were tested in-vitro. In addition, phenotypic expression of virulence factors related with either adhesion or resistance to phagocytosis was tested in-vitro. Results indicated that yeast isolates involved in sporadic infection adhered in a higher proportion of HeLa cells than those of chronic infections, which was related with their ability to produce biofilm (p < 0.05). The ability to evade phagocytosis was related to an elevated production of proteases (p < 0.05) by chronic isolates, while sporadic isolates’ resistance to phagocytosis was related to a higher hydrophobicity of cell walls (p < 0.05). We conclude that the evasion of macrophage-mediated phagocytosis related to the production of proteases might be an important factor involved in the recurrence of vulvovaginal candidosis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Faria-Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FMUMN—Faculty of Medicine, University Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, Lubango 3FJP+27X, Angola
| | - Ana Sofia Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carlos Gaspar
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Labfit-HPRD—Health Products Research and Development Lda, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (T.G.)
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Labfit-HPRD—Health Products Research and Development Lda, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Martinez-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (T.G.)
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Labfit-HPRD—Health Products Research and Development Lda, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Rolo
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- Correspondence:
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Feng W, Yang J, Ma Y, Xi Z, Zhao X, Zhao X, Zhao M. The effects of secreted aspartyl proteinase inhibitor ritonavir on azoles-resistant strains of Candida albicans as well as regulatory role of SAP2 and ERG11. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2021; 9:667-680. [PMID: 33951330 PMCID: PMC8342201 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans, the main human fungal pathogen, can cause fungal infection and seriously affect people's health and life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ritonavir (RIT) on C. albicans and the correlation between SAP2 as well as ERG11 and drug resistance. RESULTS Secreted aspartyl proteinases (Saps) activities and pathogenicity of C. albicans with different drug resistance were measured. M27-A4 broth microdilution method was used to analyze the drug sensitivity of RIT combined with fluconazole (FCA) on C. albicans. After that, SAP2 and ERG11 mutations were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, and quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to determine the expression of the two genes. By analyzing pz values, the Saps activity of cross-resistant strains was the highest, followed by voriconazole (VRC)-resistant strains, FCA-resistant strains, itraconazole (ITR)-resistant strains, and sensitive strains. The pathogenicity of C. albicans in descending order was as follows: cross-resistant strains, VRC-resistant strains, ITR-resistant strains, FCA-resistant strains, and sensitive strains. With the increase of RIT concentrations, the Saps activity was gradually inhibited. Drug sensitivity results showed that there was no synergistic effect between RIT and FCA. Additionally, no gene mutation sites were found in SAP2 sequencing, and 17 synonymous mutations and 6 missense mutations occurred in ERG11 sequencing. Finally, the expression of SAP2 and ERG11 was significantly higher in the resistant strains compared with the sensitive strains, and there was a positive liner correlation between SAP2 and ERG11 messenger RNA expression (r = .6655, p < .001). CONCLUSION These findings may help to improve our understanding of azole-resistant mechanisms of C. albicans and provide a novel direction for clinical therapeutics of C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Feng
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jing Yang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Ma
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhiqin Xi
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhao
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhao
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Min Zhao
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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Yang J, Feng W, Xi Z, Yang L, Zhao X, Ma Y, Ma Y. Virulence of "white-gray-opaque" tri-stable transformation in clinical Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104825. [PMID: 33689812 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104825] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to induce the white-opaque-gray tri-stable transformation in clinical C. albicans and to explore their potential pathogenicity. Sixty-four clinical strains were used to induce the white, opaque and gray cells of C. albicans. Secreted aspartyl proteinases (Sap) activity of the three phenotypes was then measured, and a vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) animal model was constructed. Of the 64 clinical strains, only 3 strains successfully underwent white-gray-opaque tri-stable transformation, and the three strains all belonged to MTL homozygous strains. Pz values in white, opaque and gray phenotypes were 0.834 ± 0.012, 0.707 ± 0.036, and 0.628 ± 0.002, respectively, which indicated that the cells with gray phenotype had higher Sap activity. After inoculation of different fungal suspension, the fungal colony count in descending order was as follows: gray phenotype, opaque phenotype and white phenotype. After treated with fluconazole for 3 days or 10 days, the fungal colony counts were significantly decreased compared with that before treatment (P < 0.05). The Sap activity and pathogenicity of gray cells in C. albicans were the strongest, followed by opaque cells and white cells. Additionally, white, gray and opaque phenotypic cells were all susceptible to fluconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenli Feng
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Zhiqin Xi
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Lu Yang
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhao
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Ma
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- The Department of Dermatovenereology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
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Zhou Y, Cheng L, Liao B, Shi Y, Niu Y, Zhu C, Ye X, Zhou X, Ren B. Candida albicans CHK1 gene from two-component system is essential for its pathogenicity in oral candidiasis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:2485-2496. [PMID: 33635358 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The roles of Candida albicans CHK1, a key gene from two-component system, in oral mucosal infection are not clear. This study evaluated the key roles of CHK1 gene in vitro and in vivo. The expression of CHK1 and its regulated virulence factors were tested during the oral epithelial cell infection. The production of lactate dehydrogenase, ROS, and IL-1α combined with the confocal and scanning electron microscope observation was employed to identify the capability of CHK1 in damaging the epithelial cells. Both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice oropharyngeal infection models were involved to confirm the roles of CHK1 gene in vivo. The expression of CHK1 gene was significantly increased during the oral epithelial cell infection. The chk1Δ/Δ mutant failed to damage the epithelial cells or induce IL-α and ROS production. Interestingly, chk1Δ/Δ can also form the similar hyphae with WT and complementary strains. Accordingly, chk1Δ/Δ did not affect the adhesion and invasion rates of C. albicans to oral epithelial cells. However, chk1Δ/Δ significantly decreased the expression levels of the virulence factors, including ALS2, SAP6, and YWP1. The chk1Δ/Δ also failed to cause oral candidiasis in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice indicating that CHK1 gene from the two-component system is essential for the pathogenicity of C. albicans. KEY POINTS: • CHK1gene is essential for C. albicans in oral candidiasis • C. albicans without CHK1 gene can form "non-pathogenic" hyphae. • CHK1 gene regulates the virulence of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Binyou Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yangyang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yulong Niu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengguang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingchen Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Biao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Rodríguez-Cerdeira C, Martínez-Herrera E, Carnero-Gregorio M, López-Barcenas A, Fabbrocini G, Fida M, El-Samahy M, González-Cespón JL. Pathogenesis and Clinical Relevance of Candida Biofilms in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:544480. [PMID: 33262741 PMCID: PMC7686049 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.544480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of Candida spp. to form biofilms is crucial for its pathogenicity, and thus, it should be considered an important virulence factor in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent VVC (RVVC). Its ability to generate biofilms is multifactorial and is generally believed to depend on the site of infection, species and strain involved, and the microenvironment in which the infection develops. Therefore, both cell surface proteins, such as Hwp1, Als1, and Als2, and the cell wall-related protein, Sun41, play a critical role in the adhesion and virulence of the biofilm. Immunological and pharmacological approaches have identified the NLRP3 inflammasome as a crucial molecular factor contributing to host immunopathology. In this context, we have earlier shown that Candida albicans associated with hyphae-secreted aspartyl proteinases (specifically SAP4-6) contribute to the immunopathology of the disease. Transcriptome profiling has revealed that non-coding transcripts regulate protein synthesis post-transcriptionally, which is important for the growth of Candida spp. Other studies have employed RNA sequencing to identify differences in the 1,245 Candida genes involved in surface and invasive cellular metabolism regulation. In vitro systems allow the simultaneous processing of a large number of samples, making them an ideal screening technique for estimating various physicochemical parameters, testing the activity of antimicrobial agents, and analyzing genes involved in biofilm formation and regulation (in situ) in specific strains. Murine VVC models are used to study C. albicans infection, especially in trials of novel treatments and to understand the cause(s) for resistance to conventional therapeutics. This review on the clinical relevance of Candida biofilms in VVC focuses on important advances in its genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Moreover, recent experiments on the influence of biofilm formation on VVC or RVVC pathogenesis in laboratory animals have been discussed. A clear elucidation of one of the pathogenesis mechanisms employed by Candida biofilms in vulvovaginal candidiasis and its applications in clinical practice represents the most significant contribution of this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cerdeira
- Efficiency, Quality, and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Health Research Institute, SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, Hospital do Meixoeiro and University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain.,European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Psychodermatology Task Force of the Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology (CILAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Erick Martínez-Herrera
- Psychodermatology Task Force of the Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology (CILAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Ixtapaluca, Mexico
| | - Miguel Carnero-Gregorio
- Efficiency, Quality, and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Health Research Institute, SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain.,Department of Molecular Diagnosis (Array & NGS Division), Institute of Cellular and Molecular Studies, Lugo, Spain
| | - Adriana López-Barcenas
- European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Psychodermatology Task Force of the Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology (CILAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Section of Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Manuel Gea González hospital, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriella Fabbrocini
- European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Monika Fida
- European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine, Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - May El-Samahy
- European Women's Dermatologic and Venereologic Society, Tui, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - José Luís González-Cespón
- Efficiency, Quality, and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Health Research Institute, SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
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Wang Z, Yang K, Chen L, Yan R, Qu S, Li YX, Liu M, Zeng H, Tian J. Activities of Nerol, a natural plant active ingredient, against Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:5039-5052. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10559-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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13
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Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii Extract on SAP2 Gene Expression and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida albicans. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.59891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Liu X, Li T, Wang D, Yang Y, Sun W, Liu J, Sun S. Synergistic Antifungal Effect of Fluconazole Combined with Licofelone against Resistant Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2101. [PMID: 29163396 PMCID: PMC5681995 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is one of the important opportunistic fungal pathogens that is closely associated with disseminated or chronic infections. The objective of this study is to evaluate the synergistic antifungal effect of licofelone, which is dual microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase/lipoxygenase (mPGES-1/LOX) inhibitor in combination with fluconazole against C. albicans. Here our results showed that licofelone (16 μg/mL) can synergistically work with fluconazole (1 μg/mL) against planktonic cells of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans. The two-drug combination inhibited the C. albicans biofilm formation over 12 h, and reduced the expression of extracellular phospholipase genes, biofilm-specific genes and RAS/cAMP/PKA pathway related genes. In addition, the two-drug combination inhibited the transition from yeast to hyphal growth form, and decreased the secreted aspartyl proteinase activity, while not affecting the drug efflux pumps activity. Galleria mellonella model was also used to confirm the antifungal activity of the drug combination in vivo. This study first indicates that the combination of fluconazole and licofelone has synergistic effect against resistant C. albicans and could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the antifungal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinning Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Taishan Medical University, Taian, China.,Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Tao Li
- Intensive Care Unit, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Decai Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Taishan Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Yilei Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenwen Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Taishan Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Jianqiao Liu
- General Practice, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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A Case Report of Penile Infection Caused by Fluconazole- and Terbinafine-Resistant Candida albicans. Mycopathologia 2016; 182:397-402. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-016-0070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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