1
|
Pérez-Pérez WD, Carrasco-Navarro U, García‑Estrada C, Kosalková K, Gutiérrez-Ruíz MC, Barrios-González J, Fierro F. bZIP transcription factors PcYap1 and PcRsmA link oxidative stress response to secondary metabolism and development in Penicillium chrysogenum. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:50. [PMID: 35366869 PMCID: PMC8977021 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01765-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger different morphogenic processes in filamentous fungi and have been shown to play a role in the regulation of the biosynthesis of some secondary metabolites. Some bZIP transcription factors, such as Yap1, AtfA and AtfB, mediate resistance to oxidative stress and have a role in secondary metabolism regulation. In this work we aimed to get insight into the molecular basis of this regulation in the industrially important fungus Penicillium chrysogenum through the characterization of the role played by two effectors that mediate the oxidative stress response in development and secondary metabolism.
Results
In P. chrysogenum, penicillin biosynthesis and conidiation are stimulated by the addition of H2O2 to the culture medium, and this effect is mediated by the bZIP transcription factors PcYap1 and PcRsmA. Silencing of expression of both proteins by RNAi resulted in similar phenotypes, characterized by increased levels of ROS in the cell, reduced conidiation, higher sensitivity of conidia to H2O2 and a decrease in penicillin production. Both PcYap1 and PcRsmA are able to sense H2O2-generated ROS in vitro and change its conformation in response to this stimulus. PcYap1 and PcRsmA positively regulate the expression of brlA, the first gene of the conidiation central regulatory pathway. PcYap1 binds in vitro to a previously identified regulatory sequence in the promoter of the penicillin gene pcbAB: TTAGTAA, and to a TTACTAA sequence in the promoter of the brlA gene, whereas PcRsmA binds to the sequences TGAGACA and TTACGTAA (CRE motif) in the promoters of the pcbAB and penDE genes, respectively.
Conclusions
bZIP transcription factors PcYap1 and PcRsmA respond to the presence of H2O2-generated ROS and regulate oxidative stress response in the cell. Both proteins mediate ROS regulation of penicillin biosynthesis and conidiation by binding to specific regulatory elements in the promoters of key genes. PcYap1 is identified as the previously proposed transcription factor PTA1 (Penicillin Transcriptional Activator 1), which binds to the regulatory sequence TTAGTAA in the pcbAB gene promoter. This is the first report of a Yap1 protein directly regulating transcription of a secondary metabolism gene. A model describing the regulatory network mediated by PcYap1 and PcRsmA is proposed.
Collapse
|
2
|
Fierro F, Vaca I, Castillo NI, García-Rico RO, Chávez R. Penicillium chrysogenum, a Vintage Model with a Cutting-Edge Profile in Biotechnology. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030573. [PMID: 35336148 PMCID: PMC8954384 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030573] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of penicillin entailed a decisive breakthrough in medicine. No other medical advance has ever had the same impact in the clinical practise. The fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (reclassified as P. rubens) has been used for industrial production of penicillin ever since the forties of the past century; industrial biotechnology developed hand in hand with it, and currently P. chrysogenum is a thoroughly studied model for secondary metabolite production and regulation. In addition to its role as penicillin producer, recent synthetic biology advances have put P. chrysogenum on the path to become a cell factory for the production of metabolites with biotechnological interest. In this review, we tell the history of P. chrysogenum, from the discovery of penicillin and the first isolation of strains with high production capacity to the most recent research advances with the fungus. We will describe how classical strain improvement programs achieved the goal of increasing production and how the development of different molecular tools allowed further improvements. The discovery of the penicillin gene cluster, the origin of the penicillin genes, the regulation of penicillin production, and a compilation of other P. chrysogenum secondary metabolites will also be covered and updated in this work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Fierro
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09340, Mexico
- Correspondence:
| | - Inmaculada Vaca
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
| | - Nancy I. Castillo
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
| | - Ramón Ovidio García-Rico
- Grupo de Investigación GIMBIO, Departamento De Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Pamplona, Pamplona 543050, Colombia;
| | - Renato Chávez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170020, Chile;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
El Hajj Assaf C, Zetina-Serrano C, Tahtah N, Khoury AE, Atoui A, Oswald IP, Puel O, Lorber S. Regulation of Secondary Metabolism in the Penicillium Genus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9462. [PMID: 33322713 PMCID: PMC7763326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Penicillium, one of the most common fungi occurring in a diverse range of habitats, has a worldwide distribution and a large economic impact on human health. Hundreds of the species belonging to this genus cause disastrous decay in food crops and are able to produce a varied range of secondary metabolites, from which we can distinguish harmful mycotoxins. Some Penicillium species are considered to be important producers of patulin and ochratoxin A, two well-known mycotoxins. The production of these mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites is controlled and regulated by different mechanisms. The aim of this review is to highlight the different levels of regulation of secondary metabolites in the Penicillium genus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christelle El Hajj Assaf
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), member of Food2Know, Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Chrystian Zetina-Serrano
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
| | - Nadia Tahtah
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
- Centre D’analyse et de Recherche, Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisations Agro-Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, P.O. Box 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut 1104, Lebanon;
| | - André El Khoury
- Centre D’analyse et de Recherche, Unité de Recherche Technologies et Valorisations Agro-Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph, P.O. Box 17-5208, Mar Mikhael, Beirut 1104, Lebanon;
| | - Ali Atoui
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath Campus, P.O. Box 5, Beirut 1104, Lebanon;
| | - Isabelle P. Oswald
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
| | - Olivier Puel
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
| | - Sophie Lorber
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (C.E.H.A.); (C.Z.-S.); (N.T.); (I.P.O.); (S.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
García-Estrada C, Martín JF, Cueto L, Barreiro C. Omics Approaches Applied to Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillin Production: Revealing the Secrets of Improved Productivity. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E712. [PMID: 32604893 PMCID: PMC7348727 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Penicillin biosynthesis by Penicillium chrysogenum is one of the best-characterized biological processes from the genetic, molecular, biochemical, and subcellular points of view. Several omics studies have been carried out in this filamentous fungus during the last decade, which have contributed to gathering a deep knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying improved productivity in industrial strains. The information provided by these studies is extremely useful for enhancing the production of penicillin or other bioactive secondary metabolites by means of Biotechnology or Synthetic Biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos García-Estrada
- INBIOTEC (Instituto de Biotecnología de León). Avda. Real 1—Parque Científico de León, 24006 León, Spain; (L.C.); (C.B.)
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Juan F. Martín
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Laura Cueto
- INBIOTEC (Instituto de Biotecnología de León). Avda. Real 1—Parque Científico de León, 24006 León, Spain; (L.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Carlos Barreiro
- INBIOTEC (Instituto de Biotecnología de León). Avda. Real 1—Parque Científico de León, 24006 León, Spain; (L.C.); (C.B.)
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de León, Campus de Ponferrada, Avda. Astorga s/n, 24401 Ponferrada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Penicillium roqueforti: an overview of its genetics, physiology, metabolism and biotechnological applications. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
6
|
Barreiro C, García-Estrada C. Proteomics and Penicillium chrysogenum: Unveiling the secrets behind penicillin production. J Proteomics 2018; 198:119-131. [PMID: 30414515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Discovery, industrial production and clinical applications of penicillin, together with scientific findings on penicillin biosynthesis and its complex regulation, are model milestones of the historical evolution of the most recognized 'magic bullet' against microbial infections available in the worldwide market. Thousands of tons of penicillin produced nowadays are the result of a huge number of technical, industrial and scientific tackled and solved challenges. This combination of, sometimes unsuspected, findings has given Proteomics the chance to support the understanding of the physiology of the high-producing fungal strains and the development of enhanced mutants by means of inverse engineering. Thus, this review, which is part of the special issue entitled "A Tribute to J. Proteomics on its 10th Anniversary", describes how Proteomics has contributed to characterize different aspects related to penicillin production in Penicillium chrosogenum. It covers from global proteome characterizations (intracellular, extracellular and microbodies) to proteome-wide comparative analyses between different penicillin-producing mutant strains and conditions, paying special attention to the methodologies used, as well as to the most important outcomes. As a result, a guide of Proteomics approaches applied to the characterization of penicillin production by P. chrysogenum is detailed in the birthday of the Fleming's most relevant finding. SIGNIFICANCE: Although the discovery of penicillin is celebrating the 90th birthday and its clinical application is worldwide recognized, in fact, semisynthetic penicillins are still one of the most prescribed antibiotics, only the arrival of the post-genomic era during the first decade of the 21st century, and more precisely the Proteomics approaches, have contributed to unveil the industrial secrets behind penicillin production. This review provides relevant information, based on proteomics studies, about the molecular mechanisms responsible for increased penicillin titres, and therefore, may represent a clear model of inverse engineering in microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Barreiro
- INBIOTEC (Instituto de Biotecnología de León), Avda. Real 1 - Parque Científico de León, 24006 León, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de León, Campus de Ponferrada, Avda. Astorga s/n, 24401 Ponferrada, Spain.
| | - Carlos García-Estrada
- INBIOTEC (Instituto de Biotecnología de León), Avda. Real 1 - Parque Científico de León, 24006 León, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Torrent C, Gil-Durán C, Rojas-Aedo JF, Medina E, Vaca I, Castro P, García-Rico RO, Cotoras M, Mendoza L, Levicán G, Chávez R. Role of sfk1 Gene in the Filamentous Fungus Penicillium roqueforti. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2424. [PMID: 29270163 PMCID: PMC5723657 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The sfk1 (suppressor of four kinase) gene has been mainly studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where it was shown to be involved in growth and thermal stress resistance. This gene is widely conserved within the phylum Ascomycota. Despite this, to date sfk1 has not been studied in any filamentous fungus. Previously, we found that the orthologous of sfk1 was differentially expressed in a strain of Penicillium roqueforti with an altered phenotype. In this work, we have performed a functional characterization of this gene by using RNAi-silencing technology. The silencing of sfk1 in P. roqueforti resulted in decreased apical growth and the promotion of conidial germination, but interesting, it had no effect on conidiation. In addition, the attenuation of the sfk1 expression sensitized the fungus to osmotic stress, but not to thermal stress. RNA-mediated gene-silencing of sfk1 also affected cell wall integrity in the fungus. Finally, the silencing of sfk1 depleted the production of the main secondary metabolites of P. roqueforti, namely roquefortine C, andrastin A, and mycophenolic acid. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study of the sfk1 gene in filamentous fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Torrent
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Gil-Durán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan F Rojas-Aedo
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Exequiel Medina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Inmaculada Vaca
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulo Castro
- Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ramón O García-Rico
- GIMBIO Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad de Pamplona, Pamplona, Colombia
| | - Milena Cotoras
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonora Mendoza
- Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gloria Levicán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Renato Chávez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
García-Rico RO, Gil-Durán C, Rojas-Aedo JF, Vaca I, Figueroa L, Levicán G, Chávez R. Heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunit controls growth, stress response, extracellular protease activity, and cyclopiazonic acid production in Penicillium camemberti. Fungal Biol 2017; 121:754-762. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
9
|
García-Rico RO, Fierro F. [Role of G-protein alpha sub-units in the morphogenic processes of filamentous Ascomycota fungi]. Rev Iberoam Micol 2017; 34:1-9. [PMID: 28169110 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The phylum Ascomycota comprises about 75% of all the fungal species described, and includes species of medical, phytosanitary, agricultural, and biotechnological importance. The ability to spread, explore, and colonise new substrates is a feature of critical importance for this group of organisms. In this regard, basic processes such as conidial germination, the extension of hyphae and sporulation, make up the backbone of development in most filamentous fungi. These processes require specialised morphogenic machinery, coordinated and regulated by mechanisms that are still being elucidated. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in understanding the role of the signalling pathway mediated by heterotrimericG proteins in basic biological processes of many filamentous fungi. This review focuses on the role of the alpha subunits of heterotrimericG proteins in the morphogenic processes of filamentous Ascomycota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón O García-Rico
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Pamplona, Pamplona, Norte de Santander, Colombia.
| | - Francisco Fierro
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal, México
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Proteomic analysis of the signaling pathway mediated by the heterotrimeric Gα protein Pga1 of Penicillium chrysogenum. Microb Cell Fact 2016; 15:173. [PMID: 27716202 PMCID: PMC5053351 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-016-0564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The heterotrimeric Gα protein Pga1-mediated signaling pathway regulates the entire developmental program in Penicillium chrysogenum, from spore germination to the formation of conidia. In addition it participates in the regulation of penicillin biosynthesis. We aimed to advance the understanding of this key signaling pathway using a proteomics approach, a powerful tool to identify effectors participating in signal transduction pathways. Results Penicillium chrysogenum mutants with different levels of activity of the Pga1-mediated signaling pathway were used to perform comparative proteomic analyses by 2D-DIGE and LC–MS/MS. Thirty proteins were identified which showed differences in abundance dependent on Pga1 activity level. By modifying the intracellular levels of cAMP we could establish cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent pathways in Pga1-mediated signaling. Pga1 was shown to regulate abundance of enzymes in primary metabolic pathways involved in ATP, NADPH and cysteine biosynthesis, compounds that are needed for high levels of penicillin production. An in vivo phosphorylated protein containing a pleckstrin homology domain was identified; this protein is a candidate for signal transduction activity. Proteins with possible roles in purine metabolism, protein folding, stress response and morphogenesis were also identified whose abundance was regulated by Pga1 signaling. Conclusions Thirty proteins whose abundance was regulated by the Pga1-mediated signaling pathway were identified. These proteins are involved in primary metabolism, stress response, development and signal transduction. A model describing the pathways through which Pga1 signaling regulates different cellular processes is proposed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12934-016-0564-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gil-Durán C, Rojas-Aedo JF, Medina E, Vaca I, García-Rico RO, Villagrán S, Levicán G, Chávez R. The pcz1 gene, which encodes a Zn(II)2Cys6 protein, is involved in the control of growth, conidiation, and conidial germination in the filamentous fungus Penicillium roqueforti. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120740. [PMID: 25811807 PMCID: PMC4374774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing Zn(II)(2)Cys(6) domains are exclusively found in fungi and yeasts. Genes encoding this class of proteins are broadly distributed in fungi, but few of them have been functionally characterized. In this work, we have characterized a gene from the filamentous fungus Penicillium roqueforti that encodes a Zn(II)(2)Cys(6) protein, whose function to date remains unknown. We have named this gene pcz1. We showed that the expression of pcz1 is negatively regulated in a P. roqueforti strain containing a dominant active Gαi protein, suggesting that pcz1 encodes a downstream effector that is negatively controlled by Gαi. More interestingly, the silencing of pcz1 in P. roqueforti using RNAi-silencing technology resulted in decreased apical growth, the promotion of conidial germination (even in the absence of a carbon source), and the strong repression of conidiation, concomitant with the downregulation of the genes of the central conidiation pathway brlA, abaA and wetA. A model for the participation of pcz1 in these physiological processes in P. roqueforti is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gil-Durán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan F. Rojas-Aedo
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Exequiel Medina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Inmaculada Vaca
- Departmento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ramón O. García-Rico
- GIMBIO Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad de Pamplona, Pamplona, Colombia
| | - Sebastián Villagrán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gloria Levicán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Renato Chávez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail: (RC)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cepeda-García C, Domínguez-Santos R, García-Rico RO, García-Estrada C, Cajiao A, Fierro F, Martín JF. Direct involvement of the CreA transcription factor in penicillin biosynthesis and expression of the pcbAB gene in Penicillium chrysogenum. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:7113-24. [PMID: 24818689 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-5760-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor CreA is the main regulator responsible for carbon repression in filamentous fungi. CreA is a wide domain regulator that binds to regulatory elements in the promoters of target genes to repress their transcription. Penicillin biosynthesis and the expression of penicillin biosynthetic genes are subject to carbon repression. However, evidence of the participation of CreA in this regulation is still lacking, and previous studies on the promoter of the pcbC gene of Aspergillus nidulans indicated the lack of involvement of CreA in its regulation. Here we present clear evidence of the participation of CreA in carbon repression of penicillin biosynthesis and expression of the pcbAB gene, encoding the first enzyme of the pathway, in Penicillium chrysogenum. Mutations in cis of some of the putative CreA binding sites present in the pcbAB gene promoter fused to a reporter gene caused an important increase in the measured enzyme activity in glucose-containing medium, whereas activity in the medium with lactose was not affected. An RNAi strategy was used to attenuate the expression of the creA gene. Transformants expressing a small interfering RNA for creA showed higher penicillin production, and this increase was more evident when glucose was used as carbon source. These results confirm that CreA plays an important role in the regulation of penicillin biosynthesis in P. chrysogenum and opens the possibility of its utilization to improve the industrial production of this antibiotic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cepeda-García
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bosch DE, Willard FS, Ramanujam R, Kimple AJ, Willard MD, Naqvi NI, Siderovski DP. A P-loop mutation in Gα subunits prevents transition to the active state: implications for G-protein signaling in fungal pathogenesis. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002553. [PMID: 22383884 PMCID: PMC3285607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotrimeric G-proteins are molecular switches integral to a panoply of different physiological responses that many organisms make to environmental cues. The switch from inactive to active Gαβγ heterotrimer relies on nucleotide cycling by the Gα subunit: exchange of GTP for GDP activates Gα, whereas its intrinsic enzymatic activity catalyzes GTP hydrolysis to GDP and inorganic phosphate, thereby reverting Gα to its inactive state. In several genetic studies of filamentous fungi, such as the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, a G42R mutation in the phosphate-binding loop of Gα subunits is assumed to be GTPase-deficient and thus constitutively active. Here, we demonstrate that Gα(G42R) mutants are not GTPase deficient, but rather incapable of achieving the activated conformation. Two crystal structure models suggest that Arg-42 prevents a typical switch region conformational change upon Gαi1(G42R) binding to GDP·AlF4− or GTP, but rotameric flexibility at this locus allows for unperturbed GTP hydrolysis. Gα(G42R) mutants do not engage the active state-selective peptide KB-1753 nor RGS domains with high affinity, but instead favor interaction with Gβγ and GoLoco motifs in any nucleotide state. The corresponding Gαq(G48R) mutant is not constitutively active in cells and responds poorly to aluminum tetrafluoride activation. Comparative analyses of M. oryzae strains harboring either G42R or GTPase-deficient Q/L mutations in the Gα subunits MagA or MagB illustrate functional differences in environmental cue processing and intracellular signaling outcomes between these two Gα mutants, thus demonstrating the in vivo functional divergence of G42R and activating G-protein mutants. Heterotrimeric G-proteins function as molecular switches to convey cellular signals. When a G-protein coupled receptor encounters its ligand at the cellular membrane, it catalyzes guanine nucleotide exchange on the Gα subunit, resulting in a shift from an inactive to an active conformation. G-protein signaling pathways are conserved from mammals to plants and fungi, including the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. A mutation in the Gα subunit (G42R), previously thought to eliminate its GTPase activity, leading to constitutive activation, has been utilized to investigate roles of heterotrimeric G-protein signaling pathways in multiple species of filamentous fungi. Here, we demonstrate through structural, biochemical, and cellular approaches that G42R mutants are neither GTPase deficient nor constitutively active, but rather are unable to transition to the activated conformation. A direct comparison of M. oryzae fungal strains harboring either G42R or truly constitutively activating mutations in two Gα subunits, MagA and MagB, revealed markedly different phenotypes. Our results suggest that activation of MagB is critical for pathogenic development of M. oryzae in response to hydrophobic surfaces, such as plant leaves. Furthermore, the lack of constitutive activity by Gα(G42R) mutants prompts a re-evaluation of its use in previous genetic experiments in multiple fungal species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dustin E. Bosch
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Francis S. Willard
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (FSW); (DPS)
| | - Ravikrishna Ramanujam
- Fungal Patho-Biology Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Adam J. Kimple
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Melinda D. Willard
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Naweed I. Naqvi
- Fungal Patho-Biology Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - David P. Siderovski
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- UNC Neuroscience Center and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (FSW); (DPS)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wakefield L, Gadoury DM, Seem RC, Milgroom MG, Sun Q, Cadle-Davidson L. Differential gene expression during conidiation in the grape powdery mildew pathogen, Erysiphe necator. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2011; 101:839-46. [PMID: 21405992 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-11-10-0295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Asexual sporulation (conidiation) is coordinately regulated in the grape powdery mildew pathogen Erysiphe necator but nothing is known about its genetic regulation. We hypothesized that genes required for conidiation in other fungi would be upregulated at conidiophore initiation or full conidiation (relative to preconidiation vegetative growth and development of mature ascocarps), and that the obligate biotrophic lifestyle of E. necator would necessitate some novel gene regulation. cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis with 45 selective primer combinations produced ≈1,600 transcript-derived fragments (TDFs), of which 620 (39%) showed differential expression. TDF sequences were annotated using BLAST analysis of GenBank and of a reference transcriptome for E. necator developed by 454-FLX pyrosequencing of a normalized cDNA library. One-fourth of the differentially expressed, annotated sequences had similarity to fungal genes of unknown function. The remaining genes had annotated function in metabolism, signaling, transcription, transport, and protein fate. As expected, a portion of orthologs known in other fungi to be involved in developmental regulation was upregulated immediately prior to or during conidiation; particularly noteworthy were several genes associated with the light-dependent VeA regulatory system, G-protein signaling (Pth11 and a kelch repeat), and nuclear transport (importin-β and Ran). This work represents the first investigation into differential gene expression during morphogenesis in E. necator and identifies candidate genes and hypotheses for characterization in powdery mildews. Our results indicate that, although control of conidiation in powdery mildews may share some basic elements with established systems, there are significant points of divergence as well, perhaps due, in part, to the obligate biotrophic lifestyle of powdery mildews.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Wakefield
- Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Geneva, NY 14456, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
García-Rico RO, Martín JF, Fierro F. Heterotrimeric Gα protein Pga1 from Penicillium chrysogenum triggers germination in response to carbon sources and affects negatively resistance to different stress conditions. Fungal Genet Biol 2010; 48:641-9. [PMID: 21146624 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2010.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Heterotrimeric Gα protein Pga1 of Penicillium chrysogenum controls vegetative growth, conidiation and secondary metabolite production. In this work we studied the role of Pga1 in spore germination and resistance to different stress conditions. Strains G203R-T (expressing the dominant inactivating pga1(G203R) allele) and Δpga1 (deleted pga1) showed a delayed and asynchronic germination pattern, and a decrease in the percentage of germination, which occurred in only 70-80% of the total conidia. In contrast, in strains expressing the dominant activating pga1(G42R) allele, germination occurred at earlier times and in 100% of conidia. In addition, strains with the pga1(G42R) allele were able to bypass the carbon source (glucose or sucrose) requirement for germination in about 64% of conidia. Thus Pga1 plays an important, but not essential, role in germination, mediating carbon source sensing. Regulation of germination by Pga1 is probably mediated by cAMP, as intracellular levels of this secondary messenger undergo a peak before the onset of germination only in strains with an active Pga1. Pga1 activity is also a determinant factor in the resistance to different stress conditions. Absence or inactivation of Pga1 allow growth on SDS-containing minimal medium, increase resistance of conidia to thermal and oxidative stress, and increase resistance of vegetative mycelium to thermal and osmotic stress. In contrast, constitutive activation of Pga1 causes a decrease in the resistance of conidia to thermal stress and of vegetative mycelium to thermal and osmotic stress. Together with our previously reported results, we show in this work that Pga1 plays a central role in the regulation of the whole growth-developmental program of this biotechnologically important fungus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Ovidio García-Rico
- Institute of Biotechnology of León (INBIOTEC), Parque Científico de León, Av. Real 1, 24006 León, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Navarrete K, Roa A, Vaca I, Espinosa Y, Navarro C, Chávez R. Molecular characterization of the niaD and pyrG genes from Penicillium camemberti, and their use as transformation markers. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2009; 14:692-702. [PMID: 19562269 PMCID: PMC6276012 DOI: 10.2478/s11658-009-0028-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic manipulation of the filamentous fungus Penicillium camemberti has been limited by a lack of suitable genetics tools for this fungus. In particular, there is no available homologous transformation system. In this study, the nitrate reductase (niaD) and orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (pyrG) genes from Penicillium camemberti were characterized, and their suitability as metabolic molecular markers for transformation was evaluated. The genes were amplified using PCR-related techniques, and sequenced. The niaD gene is flanked by the nitrite reductase (niiA) gene in a divergent arrangement, being part of the putative nitrate assimilation cluster in P. camemberti. pyrG presents several polymorphisms compared with a previously sequenced pyrG gene from another P. camemberti strain, but almost all are silent mutations. Southern blot assays indicate that one copy of each gene is present in P. camemberti. Northern blot assays showed that the pyrG gene is expressed in minimal and rich media, and the niaD gene is expressed in nitrate, but not in reduced nitrogen sources. The functionality of the two genes as transformation markers was established by transforming A. nidulans pyrG- and niaD-deficient strains. Higher transformation efficiencies were obtained with a pyrG-containing plasmid. This is the first study yielding a molecular and functional characterization of P. camemberti genes that would be useful as molecular markers for transformation, opening the way for the future development of a non-antibiotic genetic transformation system for this fungus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherinne Navarrete
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Alameda 3363, Estación Central, 9170022 Santiago, Chile
| | - Amanda Roa
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Alameda 3363, Estación Central, 9170022 Santiago, Chile
| | - Inmaculada Vaca
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yeison Espinosa
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Alameda 3363, Estación Central, 9170022 Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Navarro
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Alameda 3363, Estación Central, 9170022 Santiago, Chile
| | - Renato Chávez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Alameda 3363, Estación Central, 9170022 Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
García-Rico RO, Fierro F, Mauriz E, Gómez A, Fernández-Bodega MÁ, Martín JF. The heterotrimeric Galpha protein pga1 regulates biosynthesis of penicillin, chrysogenin and roquefortine in Penicillium chrysogenum. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2008; 154:3567-3578. [PMID: 18957609 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2008/019091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the role of the pga1 gene of Penicillium chrysogenum, encoding the alpha subunit of a heterotrimeric G protein, in secondary metabolite production. The dominant activating pga1(G42R) mutation caused an increase in the production of the three secondary metabolites penicillin, the yellow pigment chrysogenin and the mycotoxin roquefortine, whereas the dominant inactivating pga1(G203R) allele and the deletion of the pga1 gene resulted in a decrease of the amount of produced penicillin and roquefortine. Chrysogenin is produced in solid medium as a yellow pigment, and its biosynthesis is clearly enhanced by the presence of the dominant activating pga1(G42R) allele. Roquefortine is produced associated with mycelium during the first 3 days in submerged cultures, and is released to the medium afterwards; dominant activating and inactivating pga1 mutations result in upregulation and downregulation of roquefortine biosynthesis recpectively. Pga1 regulates penicillin biosynthesis by controlling expression of the penicillin biosynthetic genes; the three genes pcbAB, pcbC and penDE showed elevated transcript levels in transformants expressing the pga1(G42R) allele, whereas in transformants with the inactivating pga1(G203R) allele and in the pga1-deleted mutant their transcript levels were lower than those in the parental strains. Increase of intracellular cAMP levels had no effect on penicillin production. In summary, the dominant activating pga1(G42R) allele upregulates the biosynthesis of three secondary metabolites in Penicillium chrysogenum to a different extent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón O García-Rico
- Área de Microbiología, Fac. CC. Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, León 24071, Spain.,Instituto de Biotecnología de León, INBIOTEC, Parque Científico de León, León 24006, Spain
| | - Francisco Fierro
- Área de Microbiología, Fac. CC. Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, León 24071, Spain.,Instituto de Biotecnología de León, INBIOTEC, Parque Científico de León, León 24006, Spain
| | - Elba Mauriz
- Instituto de Biotecnología de León, INBIOTEC, Parque Científico de León, León 24006, Spain
| | - Ana Gómez
- Instituto de Biotecnología de León, INBIOTEC, Parque Científico de León, León 24006, Spain
| | | | - Juan F Martín
- Área de Microbiología, Fac. CC. Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, León 24071, Spain.,Instituto de Biotecnología de León, INBIOTEC, Parque Científico de León, León 24006, Spain
| |
Collapse
|