1
|
Porollo A, Sayson SG, Ashbaugh A, Rebholz S, Landero Figueroa JA, Cushion MT. Insights into copper sensing and tolerance in Pneumocystis species. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1383737. [PMID: 38812685 PMCID: PMC11133566 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1383737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pneumocystis species are pathogenic fungi known to cause pneumonia in immunocompromised mammals. They are obligate to their host, replicate extracellularly in lung alveoli and thrive in the copper-enriched environment of mammalian lungs. In this study, we investigated the proteome of Pneumocystis murina, a model organism that infects mice, in the context of its copper sensing and tolerance. Methods and results The query for copper-associated annotations in FungiDB followed by a manual curation identified only 21 genes in P. murina, significantly fewer compared to other clinically relevant fungal pathogens or phylogenetically similar free-living fungi. We then employed instrumental analyses, including Size-Exclusion Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SEC-ICP-MS), Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC), and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), to isolate and identify copper-binding proteins from freshly extracted organisms, revealing 29 distinct cuproproteins. The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of P. murina exposed to various CuSO4 concentrations at three temporal intervals (0.5, 2, and 5 h) indicated that significant gene expression changes occurred only under the highest CuSO4 concentration probed (100 μM) and the longest exposure duration (5 h). This stimulus led to the upregulation of 43 genes and downregulation of 27 genes compared to untreated controls. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmed the expression of four out of eight selected upregulated genes, including three assumed transcription factors (PNEG_01236, PNEG_01675, and PNEG_01730) and a putative copper transporter (PNEG_02609). Notably, the three applied methodologies - homology-based annotation, SEC-ICP-MS/IMAC/LC-MS/MS, and RNA-seq - yielded largely distinct findings, with only four genes (PNEG_02587, PNEG_03319, PNEG_02584, and PNEG_02989) identified by both instrumental methods. Discussion The insights contribute to the broader knowledge of Pneumocystis copper homeostasis and provide novel facets of host-pathogen interactions for extracellular pathogens. We suggest that future studies of Pneumocystis pathogenicity and copper stress survival should consider the entire spectrum of identified genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksey Porollo
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Steven G. Sayson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Alan Ashbaugh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Sandra Rebholz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | | | - Melanie T. Cushion
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yona A, Fridman M. Poacic Acid, a Plant-Derived Stilbenoid, Augments Cell Wall Chitin Production, but Its Antifungal Activity Is Hindered by This Polysaccharide and by Fungal Essential Metals. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1051-1065. [PMID: 38533731 PMCID: PMC11025111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Climate and environmental changes have modified the habitats of fungal pathogens, inflicting devastating effects on livestock and crop production. Additionally, drug-resistant fungi are increasing worldwide, driving the urgent need to identify new molecular scaffolds for the development of antifungal agents for humans, animals, and plants. Poacic acid (PA), a plant-derived stilbenoid, was recently discovered to be a novel molecular scaffold that inhibits the growth of several fungi. Its antifungal activity has been associated with perturbation of the production/assembly of the fungal cell wall β-1,3-glucan, but its mode of action is not resolved. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of PA and its derivatives on a panel of yeast. PA had a fungistatic effect on S. cerevisiae and a fungicidal effect on plasma membrane-damaged Candida albicans mutants. Live cell fluorescence microscopy experiments revealed that PA increases chitin production and modifies its cell wall distribution. Chitin production and cell growth returned to normal after prolonged incubation. The antifungal activity of PA was reduced in the presence of exogenous chitin, suggesting that the potentiation of chitin production is a stress response that helps the yeast cell overcome the effect of this antifungal stilbenoid. Growth inhibition was also reduced by metal ions, indicating that PA affects the metal homeostasis. These findings suggest that PA has a complex antifungal mechanism of action that involves perturbation of the cell wall β-1,3-glucan production/assembly, chitin production, and metal homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adi Yona
- School of Chemistry, Raymond
& Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Micha Fridman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond
& Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Grechnikova M, Füssy Z, Sutak R. Copper in parasitic protists - a hitherto neglected virulence factor. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:5-9. [PMID: 37993308 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.10.003] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Copper plays a fundamental role in aerobic metabolism, but its role is double-edged, given its toxicity. Our understanding of copper metabolism in parasites remains rudimentary, despite its significance in virulence. Here we discuss how parasitic protists control copper homeostasis and show the potential key players identified by our bioinformatic analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grechnikova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Zoltán Füssy
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert Sutak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim JE, Jeon S, Lindahl PA. Discovery of an unusual copper homeostatic mechanism in yeast cells respiring on minimal medium and an unexpectedly diverse labile copper pool. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105435. [PMID: 37944620 PMCID: PMC10704325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105435] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper is essential for all eukaryotic cells but many details of how it is trafficked within the cell and how it is homeostatically regulated remain uncertain. Here, we characterized the copper content of cytosol and mitochondria using liquid chromatography with ICP-MS detection. Chromatograms of cytosol exhibited over two dozen peaks due to copper proteins and coordination complexes. Yeast cells respiring on minimal media did not regulate copper import as media copper concentration increased; rather, they imported copper at increasing rates while simultaneously increasing the expression of metallothionein CUP1 which then sequestered most of the excessive imported copper. Peak intensities due to superoxide dismutase SOD1, other copper proteins, and numerous coordination complexes also increased, but not as drastically. The labile copper pool was unexpectedly diverse and divided into two groups. One group approximately comigrated with copper-glutathione, -cysteine, and -histidine standards; the other developed only at high media copper concentrations and at greater elution volumes. Most cytosolic copper arose from copper-bound proteins, especially CUP1. Cytosol contained an unexpectedly high percentage of apo-copper proteins and apo-coordination complexes. Copper-bound forms of non-CUP1 proteins and complexes coexisted with apo-CUP1 and with the chelator BCS. Both experiments suggest unexpectedly stable-binding copper proteins and coordination complexes in cytosol. COX17Δ cytosol chromatograms were like those of WT cells. Chromatograms of soluble mitochondrial extracts were obtained, and mitoplasting helped distinguish copper species in the intermembrane space versus in the matrix/inner membrane. Issues involving the yeast copperome, copper homeostasis, labile copper pool, and copper trafficking are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Seoyoung Jeon
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Paul A Lindahl
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Smith AD, Tschirhart T, Compton J, Hennessa TM, VanArsdale E, Wang Z. Rapid, high-titer biosynthesis of melanin using the marine bacterium Vibrio natriegens. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1239756. [PMID: 37781538 PMCID: PMC10534004 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1239756] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanin is one of the most abundant natural biomolecules on Earth. These macromolecular biopolymers display several unique physical and chemical properties and have garnered interest as biomaterials for various commercial and industrial applications. To this end, extensive research has gone into refining methods for the synthesis and extraction of melanin from natural and recombinant sources. In this study, we developed and refined a procedure using a recombinant microbial system for the biosynthesis of melanin using the tyrosinase enzyme Tyr1 and tyrosine as a substrate. Using the emergent microbial chassis organisms Vibrio natriegens, we achieved maximal yields of 7.57 g/L, and one of the highest reported volumetric productivities of 473 mg L-1 h-1 with 100% conversion rates in an optimized, minimally defined medium. Additionally, we identified and investigated the use of a native copper responsive promoter in V. natriegens for stringent regulation of heterologous protein expression as a cost effective alternative to traditional IPTG-based induction. This research represents a promising advancement towards a green, rapid, and economical alternative for the biomanufacture of melanin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D. Smith
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Washington, DC, United States
- College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Tanya Tschirhart
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jaimee Compton
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tiffany M. Hennessa
- American Society for Engineering Education Postdoctoral Research Associate, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Eric VanArsdale
- National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associate, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Zheng Wang
- United States Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xue P, Hu G, Jung WH, Kronstad JW. Metals and the cell surface of Cryptococcus neoformans. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 74:102331. [PMID: 37257400 PMCID: PMC10513164 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies in pathogenic yeasts reinforce our appreciation of the influence of metal homeostasis on the fungal cell surface. To illustrate this influence, we focus on recent studies on Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal pathogen with a complex surface of a cell wall with embedded melanin and an attached polysaccharide capsule. Copper and iron are essential yet toxic metals, and current efforts demonstrate the importance of these metals for modulating the surface structure of C. neoformans cells in ways that contribute to fungal-host interactions during disease in vertebrate hosts. In this review, we briefly summarize mechanisms of acquisition and regulation for copper and iron, and then discuss recent insights into the connections between the metals and the cell surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xue
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Guanggan Hu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Won Hee Jung
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - James W Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moraes D, Rodrigues JGC, Silva MG, Soares LW, Soares CMDA, Bailão AM, Silva-Bailão MG. Copper acquisition and detoxification machineries are conserved in dimorphic fungi. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
8
|
Wangsanut T, Arnold SJY, Jilani SZ, Marzec S, Monsour RC, Rolfes RJ. Grf10 regulates the response to copper, iron, and phosphate in Candida albicans. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad070. [PMID: 36966423 PMCID: PMC10234403 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenic yeast, Candida albicans, and other microbes must be able to handle drastic changes in nutrient availability within the human host. Copper, iron, and phosphate are essential micronutrients for microbes that are sequestered by the human host as nutritional immunity; yet high copper levels are employed by macrophages to induce toxic oxidative stress. Grf10 is a transcription factor important for regulating genes involved in morphogenesis (filamentation, chlamydospore formation) and metabolism (adenylate biosynthesis, 1-carbon metabolism). The grf10Δ mutant exhibited resistance to excess copper in a gene dosage-dependent manner but grew the same as the wild type in response to other metals (calcium, cobalt, iron, manganese, and zinc). Point mutations in the conserved residues D302 and E305, within a protein interaction region, conferred resistance to high copper and induced hyphal formation similar to strains with the null allele. The grf10Δ mutant misregulated genes involved with copper, iron, and phosphate uptake in YPD medium and mounted a normal transcriptional response to high copper. The mutant accumulated lower levels of magnesium and phosphorus, suggesting that copper resistance is linked to phosphate metabolism. Our results highlight new roles for Grf10 in copper and phosphate homeostasis in C. albicans and underscore the fundamental role of Grf10 in connecting these with cell survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanaporn Wangsanut
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Sylvia J Y Arnold
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Safia Z Jilani
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Sarah Marzec
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Robert C Monsour
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Ronda J Rolfes
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Silva NMD, Reis GF, Costa FDF, Grisolia ME, Geraldo MR, Lustosa BPR, Lima BJFDS, Weiss VA, de Souza EM, Li R, Song Y, Nascimento MMF, Robl D, Gomes RR, de Hoog GS, Vicente VA. Genome sequencing of Cladophialophora exuberans, a novel candidate for bioremediation of hydrocarbon and heavy metal polluted habitats. Fungal Biol 2023; 127:1032-1042. [PMID: 37142362 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cladophialophora exuberans is a filamentous fungus related to black yeasts in the order Chaetothyriales. These melanized fungi are known for their 'dual ecology', often occurring in toxic environments and also being frequently involved in human infection. Particularly Cladophialophora exuberans, C. immunda, C. psammophila, and Exophiala mesophila have been described with a pronounced ability to degrade aromatic compounds and xenobiotic volatiles, such as benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylene, and are candidates for bioremediation applications. The objective of the present study is the sequencing, assembly, and description of the whole genome of C. exuberans focusing on genes and pathways related to carbon and toxin management, assessing the tolerance and bioremediation of lead and copper, and verifying the presence of genes for metal homeostasis. Genomic evaluations were carried out through a comparison with sibling species including clinical and environmental strains. Tolerance of metals was evaluated via a microdilution method establishing minimum inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal concentrations (MFC), and agar diffusion assays. Heavy metal bioremediation was evaluated via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). The final assembly of C. exuberans comprised 661 contigs, with genome size of 38.10 Mb, coverage of 89.9X and a GC content of 50.8%. In addition, inhibition of growth was shown at concentrations of 1250 ppm for copper and at 625 ppm for lead, using the MIC method. In the agar tests, the strain grew at 2500 ppm of copper and lead. In GFAAS tests, uptake capacities were observed of 89.2% and 95.7% for copper and lead, respectively, after 21 experimental days. This study enabled the annotation of genes involved in heavy metal homeostasis and also contributed to a better understanding of the mechanisms used in tolerance of and adaptation to extreme conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nickolas Menezes da Silva
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Guilherme Fonseca Reis
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Flávia de Fátima Costa
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Grisolia
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marlon Roger Geraldo
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Bruno Paulo Rodrigues Lustosa
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Bruna Jacomel Favoreto de Souza Lima
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Almir Weiss
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Maltempi de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ruoyu Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yinggai Song
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | | | - Diogo Robl
- Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Renata Rodrigues Gomes
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - G Sybren de Hoog
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Vania Aparecida Vicente
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang L, Yang X, Li S, Tang L, Chen T, Gu T, Chen G, Gadd GM, Li Z. A contrast of Pb(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II) toxicities to Aspergillus niger through biochemical, morphological, and genetic investigations. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 446:130691. [PMID: 36608576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of metals to microorganisms is highly correlated with the type of metal used. However, the differences in the resistance mechanisms of filamentous fungi to multiple metals remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the responses of Aspergillus niger to three toxic metals, i.e., Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+. Fungal growth and metabolism indices showed that A. niger had a higher tolerance to Pb2+ (>1000 mg L-1) than to Cu2+ (300 mg L-1) and Cd2+ (50 mg L-1). An appropriate Pb2+ concentration (<500 mg L-1) stimulated fungal growth and metabolic activity, whereas Cd2+ and Cu2+ stress showed continuously negative influences on fungal physiological parameters, such as biomass and secretion of oxalic acid. A. niger responded to Pb stress by constructing a new border layer around its cell wall. This pathway was also confirmed using RNA-seq analysis, i.e., the gene encoding cell wall α-1,3-glucan synthase was upregulated. This upregulation subsequently promoted the production of polysaccharides, which are the main components that support fungal cell walls. In contrast, the expression of genes encoding both AAA family ATPase and efflux pump antibiotic resistance proteins for Cd2+ and Cu2+ was significantly downregulated. Therefore, these findings elucidated the relatively complete fungal responses to different metal stresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China; College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Geomicrobiology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Sensen Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lingyi Tang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Tianyi Chen
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Tingting Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Genqiang Chen
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Geoffrey Michael Gadd
- Geomicrobiology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK; State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, Beijing Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Pollution Control, College of Chemical Engineering and Environment, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China.
| | - Zhen Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Organic Solid Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Identification and Analysis of Fungal-Specific Regions in the Aspergillus fumigatus Cu Exporter CrpA That Are Essential for Cu Resistance but Not for Virulence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043705. [PMID: 36835119 PMCID: PMC9966986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043705] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is the primary invasive mold pathogen in humans, and is responsible for an estimated 200,000 yearly deaths worldwide. Most fatalities occur in immunocompromised patients who lack the cellular and humoral defenses necessary to halt the pathogen's advance, primarily in the lungs. One of the cellular responses used by macrophages to counteract fungal infection is the accumulation of high phagolysosomal Cu levels to destroy ingested pathogens. A. fumigatus responds by activating high expression levels of crpA, which encodes a Cu+ P-type ATPase that actively transports excess Cu from the cytoplasm to the extracellular environment. In this study, we used a bioinformatics approach to identify two fungal-unique regions in CrpA that we studied by deletion/replacement, subcellular localization, Cu sensitivity in vitro, killing by mouse alveolar macrophages, and virulence in a mouse model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Deletion of CrpA fungal-unique amino acids 1-211 containing two N-terminal Cu-binding sites, moderately increased Cu-sensitivity but did not affect expression or localization to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cell surface. Replacement of CrpA fungal-unique amino acids 542-556 consisting of an intracellular loop between the second and third transmembrane helices resulted in ER retention of the protein and strongly increased Cu-sensitivity. Deleting CrpA N-terminal amino acids 1-211 or replacing amino acids 542-556 also increased sensitivity to killing by mouse alveolar macrophages. Surprisingly, the two mutations did not affect virulence in a mouse model of infection, suggesting that even weak Cu-efflux activity by mutated CrpA preserves fungal virulence.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kalayanamitra P, Kalayanamitra K, Nontajak S, Taylor PWJ, Jonglaekha N, Bussaban B. Identification, Characterization, and Control of Black Spot on Chinese Kale Caused by Sphaerobolus cuprophilus sp. nov. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:480. [PMID: 36771565 PMCID: PMC9920292 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra) is commonly grown and consumed throughout Asia and is often treated with chemicals to control pests and diseases. In Thailand, public standards, Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), and International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) programs were introduced for the cultivation of Chinese kale with minimum input of chemical treatments. Black spot caused by the fungus Sphaerobolus has been affecting the plants grown under IFOAM standards in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for several years. Strongly adhering glebal spore masses of the fungus on leaf and stem surfaces have adversely affected postharvest management, especially in the quality classification of the product. Both morphological and phylogenetic (combined ITS, mtSSU, and EF 1-α dataset) studies confirmed a novel species, S. cuprophilus. Pathogenicity tests involving inoculation of Chinese kale by non-wound and mulch inoculation bioassays resulted in the production of symptoms of black spot and the re-isolation of S. cuprophilus, indicating that the new fungal species is the causal agent of black spots. Inhibitory effects of antagonistic bacteria and chemical fungicides, both allowed for use in plant cultivation under either IFOAM or GAP standards, indicated that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains (PBT2 and YMB7), chlorothalonil (20 and 500 ppm) and thiophanate-methyl (500 and 1500 ppm) were the most effective in controlling the growth of the causal fungus by 83 to 93%. However, copper oxychloride (5 to 20 ppm), a recommended chemical in control of downy mildew of Chinese kale, showed hormetic effects on S. cuprophilus by promoting the growth and sporulation of the fungus. The findings of this study provide vital information regarding the association of S. cuprophilus and Chinese kale and will support decisions to manage fungal diseases of this vegetable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pancheewa Kalayanamitra
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Kal Kalayanamitra
- Program of Postharvest Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry, Maejo University, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand
| | - Sutasinee Nontajak
- Royal Project Agricultural Research and Development Center, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Paul W. J. Taylor
- Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Nuchnart Jonglaekha
- Royal Project Agricultural Research and Development Center, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Boonsom Bussaban
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mycosynthesis of Metal-Containing Nanoparticles-Fungal Metal Resistance and Mechanisms of Synthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214084. [PMID: 36430561 PMCID: PMC9696665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214084] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 21st century, nanomaterials play an increasingly important role in our lives with applications in many sectors, including agriculture, biomedicine, and biosensors. Over the last two decades, extensive research has been conducted to find ways to synthesise nanoparticles (NPs) via mediation with fungi or fungal extracts. Mycosynthesis can potentially be an energy-efficient, highly adjustable, environmentally benign alternative to conventional physico-chemical procedures. This review investigates the role of metal toxicity in fungi on cell growth and biochemical levels, and how their strategies of resistance, i.e., metal chelation, biomineral formation, biosorption, bioaccumulation, compartmentalisation, and efflux of metals from cells, contribute to the synthesis of metal-containing NPs used in different applications, e.g., biomedical, antimicrobial, catalytic, biosensing, and precision agriculture. The role of different synthesis conditions, including that of fungal biomolecules serving as nucleation centres or templates for NP synthesis, reducing agents, or capping agents in the synthesis process, is also discussed. The authors believe that future studies need to focus on the mechanism of NP synthesis, as well as on the influence of such conditions as pH, temperature, biomass, the concentration of the precursors, and volume of the fungal extracts on the efficiency of the mycosynthesis of NPs.
Collapse
|
14
|
Simulated Microgravity Accelerates Alloy Corrosion by Aspergillus sp. via the Enhanced Production of Organic Acids. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0091222. [PMID: 36098535 PMCID: PMC9552599 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00912-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal corrosion caused by Aspergillus sp. was shown to be significantly enhanced on a space station, but its mechanism is still unknown. To simulate this on earth, the corrosion capability of A. carbonarius on five metal sheets was investigated under simulated microgravity. Also, the effect of metal ions on growth and organic acid production was determined. Results showed that A. carbonarius could corrode all five types of metal, including Ti alloy, aluminum alloy, iron, and aluminum and copper sheet, and the corrosion was intensified under simulated microgravity. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analysis showed that metal ions enriched on A. carbonarius spores, especially iron, aluminum ions, and copper ions, indicating that A. carbonarius can use these metal ions. In particular, the content of oxalic acid was significantly increased after A. carbonarius cocultured with five metal materials under simulated microgravity. Al3+, Fe3+, and Cu2+ at the concentration of 0.3 mg/mL and Mg2+ at 0.8 mg/mL significantly promoted the growth and oxalic acid and citric acid production of A. carbonarius and A. niger under normal gravity and simulated microgravity. Comparing the impact of metal ions and metal sheets on the production of organic acids, it can be inferred that oxalic acid may dominate in the corrosion process of A. carbonarius. In summary, molds promoted metal corrosion by producing organic acids, and the released metal ions will further promote the growth of mold and the accumulation of organic acids. This may be an important reason for the intensification of mold corrosion under microgravity. IMPORTANCE The space station and other long-term manned spacecrafts will experience the risk of microbial corrosion, especially mold, which will be harmful to the platform system and astronauts. Aspergillus sp. has been widely reported to produce organic acids that corrode and destroy materials, and the ability of these crafts to fly through space can be significantly affected. Research on the mechanism that causes enhanced corrosion ability of fungi in space stations is important to control their growth. Our research focuses on the interaction between mold and metals. In particular, it is found that metal ions promote mold growth and produce organic acids, thus accelerating mold corrosion of metals. Our results provide a new perspective for the control of fungal corrosion under simulated microgravity.
Collapse
|
15
|
A novel Zn 2-Cys 6 transcription factor clcA contributes to copper homeostasis in Aspergillus fumigatus. Curr Genet 2022; 68:605-617. [PMID: 35972528 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-022-01250-2] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important pathogenic fungus among Aspergillus species associated with aspergillosis. A. fumigatus is exposed to diverse environmental stresses in the hosts during infection such as an excess of essential metal copper. To gain further insights into copper homeostasis, we generated an A. fumigatus laboratory evolved strain with increased fitness in copper stress, and identified the mutation in a Zn2-Cys6 type transcription factor clcA. We examined the role of clcA using the evolved and ∆clcA strains. The ∆clcA strain exhibited defective growth on minimal medium, PDA and copper-repleted medium, and defective conidiogenesis and conidial pigmentation. We found that clcA was required for the expressions of genes involved in conidiogenesis, conidial pigmentation, and transporters cdr1B and mfsB related to azole resistance. clcA was dispensable for the virulence in silkworm infection model. We report here that clcA plays an important role in hyphal growth, conidiogenesis, and copper adaptation.
Collapse
|
16
|
Fekete E, Bíró V, Márton A, Bakondi-Kovács I, Németh Z, Sándor E, Kovács B, Fábián I, Kubicek CP, Tsang A, Karaffa L. Bioreactor as the root cause of the “manganese effect” during Aspergillus niger citric acid fermentations. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:935902. [PMID: 35992333 PMCID: PMC9386146 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.935902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
High-yield citric acid production by the filamentous Ascomycete fungus Aspergillus niger requires a combination of extreme nutritional conditions, of which maintaining a low manganese (II) ion concentration (<5 μg L−1) is a key feature. Technical-scale production of citric acid predominantly uses stainless-steel tank fermenters, but glass bioreactors used for strain improvement and manufacturing process development also contain stainless steel components, in which manganese is an essential alloying element. We show here that during citric acid fermentations manganese (II) ions were leaching from the bioreactor into the growth media, resulting in altered fungal physiology and morphology, and significant reduction of citric acid yields. The leaching of manganese (II) ions was dependent on the fermentation time, the acidity of the culture broth and the sterilization protocol applied. Manganese (II) ion leaching was partially mitigated by electrochemical polishing of stainless steel components of the bioreactor. High concentrations of manganese (II) ions during early cultivation led to a reduction in citric acid yield. However, the effect of manganese (II) ions on the reduction of citric acid yield diminished towards the second half of the fermentation. Since maintaining low concentrations of manganese (II) ions is costly, the results of this study can potentially be used to modify protocols to reduce the cost of citric acid production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erzsébet Fekete
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Vivien Bíró
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Juhász-Nagy Pál Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Márton
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Juhász-Nagy Pál Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Bakondi-Kovács
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Juhász-Nagy Pál Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Németh
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Sándor
- Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Béla Kovács
- Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Fábián
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Redox and Homogeneous Catalytic Reaction Mechanism Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Christian P. Kubicek
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adrian Tsang
- Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Levente Karaffa
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Metagenomics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Levente Karaffa,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Comparative Copper Resistance Strategies of Rhodonia placenta and Phanerochaete chrysosporium in a Copper/Azole-Treated Wood Microcosm. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070706. [PMID: 35887462 PMCID: PMC9320278 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper-based formulations of wood preservatives are widely used in industry to protect wood materials from degradation caused by fungi. Wood treated with preservatives generate toxic waste that currently cannot be properly recycled. Despite copper being very efficient as an antifungal agent against most fungi, some species are able to cope with these high metal concentrations. This is the case for the brown-rot fungus Rhodonia placenta and the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium, which are able to grow efficiently in pine wood treated with Tanalith E3474. Here, we aimed to test the abilities of the two fungi to cope with copper in this toxic environment and to decontaminate Tanalith E-treated wood. A microcosm allowing the growth of the fungi on industrially treated pine wood was designed, and the distribution of copper between mycelium and wood was analysed within the embedded hyphae and wood particles using coupled X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrate the copper biosorption capacities of P. chrysosporium and the production of copper-oxalate crystals by R. placenta. These data coupled to genomic analysis suggest the involvement of additional mechanisms for copper tolerance in these rot fungi that are likely related to copper transport (import, export, or vacuolar sequestration).
Collapse
|
18
|
Interactions between copper homeostasis and the fungal cell wall affect copper stress resistance. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010195. [PMID: 35737716 PMCID: PMC9258870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010195] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper homeostasis mechanisms are essential for microbial adaption to changing copper levels within the host during infection. In the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn), the Cn Cbi1/Bim1 protein is a newly identified copper binding and release protein that is highly induced during copper limitation. Recent studies demonstrated that Cbi1 functions in copper uptake through the Ctr1 copper transporter during copper limitation. However, the mechanism of Cbi1 action is unknown. The fungal cell wall is a dynamic structure primarily composed of carbohydrate polymers, such as chitin and chitosan, polymers known to strongly bind copper ions. We demonstrated that Cbi1 depletion affects cell wall integrity and architecture, connecting copper homeostasis with adaptive changes within the fungal cell wall. The cbi1Δ mutant strain possesses an aberrant cell wall gene transcriptional signature as well as defects in chitin / chitosan deposition and exposure. Furthermore, using Cn strains defective in chitosan biosynthesis, we demonstrated that cell wall chitosan modulates the ability of the fungal cell to withstand copper stress. Given the previously described role for Cbi1 in copper uptake, we propose that this copper-binding protein could be involved in shuttling copper from the cell wall to the copper transporter Ctr1 for regulated microbial copper uptake.
Collapse
|
19
|
Kong L, Price NM. Light Stimulates Copper-Limited Growth of an Oceanic Diatom by Increasing Cellular Copper(II) Reduction─A Rate-Determining Step in Copper Uptake. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:9103-9111. [PMID: 35549243 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Uptake of Cu by Thalassiosira oceanica requires that Cu(II) is reduced to Cu(I) prior to transport across the cell membrane. The reduction step is mediated biochemically by cellular reductases active with a broad range of Cu chemical species. Here, we report on the cellular Cu(II) reduction and Cu(I) uptake of a diatom under saturating and subsaturating irradiance. An increase in growth irradiance, from 50 to 400 μmol photons m-2 s-1, increased the rate of extracellular Cu(II) reduction and steady-state Cu uptake. Under these conditions, Cu-limited cells acquired Cu more efficiently and maintained faster rates of growth than Cu-limited cells in low light. Pseudo-first-order reaction rate constants were about 70-fold faster for Cu(I) uptake than for Cu(II) reduction so that reduction was the rate-determining step in Cu acquisition. Accordingly, steady-state Cu uptake rates predicted from the reduction rate constants agreed well with measured rates of Cu uptake obtained from cultures growing at low nanomolar Cu concentrations. Transcript abundance of putative Cu(II) reductases followed a similar pattern to cupric reductase activity, increasing in Cu-limited cells and with increasing growth irradiance. The results are significant in showing Cu(II) reduction as the rate-determining step in Cu uptake: they suggest that biologically mediated Cu(II) reduction may be an important part of the Cu cycle in surface waters of the open sea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Kong
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1, Canada
- College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266001, Shandong, China
| | - Neil M Price
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
He X, Guo X, Du Z, Liu X, Jing J, Zhou C, Cheng Y, Wang Z, He XP. Enhancement of Intracellular Accumulation of Copper by Biogenesis of Lipid Droplets in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Revealed by Transcriptomic Analysis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:7170-7179. [PMID: 35657321 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Copper is an essential micronutrient for life, whose homeostasis is rigorously regulated to meet the demands of normal biological processes and to minimize the potential toxicity. Copper enriched by yeast is regarded as a safe and bioavailable form of copper supplements. Here, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant strain H247 with expanded storage capability of copper was obtained through atmospheric and room-temperature plasma treatment. Transcriptomic analyses found that transcriptional upregulation of DGA1 might be the major contributor to the enhancement of intracellular copper accumulation in strain H247. The positive correlation between biogenesis of lipid droplets and intracellular accumulation of copper was confirmed by overexpression of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase encoding genes DGA1 and LRO1 or knockout of DGA1. Lipid droplets are not only the storage pool of copper but might prompt the copper trafficking to mitochondria, vacuoles, and Golgi apparatus. These results provide new insights into the sophisticated copper homeostatic mechanisms and the biological functions of lipid droplets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxian He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xuena Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhengda Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xuelian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Direct-Fed Microbial Engineering, Beijing DaBeiNong Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd. (DBN), Beijing 100192, China
| | - Junnian Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Direct-Fed Microbial Engineering, Beijing DaBeiNong Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd. (DBN), Beijing 100192, China
| | - Chenyao Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanfei Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhaoyue Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiu-Ping He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gaspar-Cordeiro A, Amaral C, Pobre V, Antunes W, Petronilho A, Paixão P, Matos AP, Pimentel C. Copper Acts Synergistically With Fluconazole in Candida glabrata by Compromising Drug Efflux, Sterol Metabolism, and Zinc Homeostasis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:920574. [PMID: 35774458 PMCID: PMC9237516 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.920574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The synergistic combinations of drugs are promising strategies to boost the effectiveness of current antifungals and thus prevent the emergence of resistance. In this work, we show that copper and the antifungal fluconazole act synergistically against Candida glabrata, an opportunistic pathogenic yeast intrinsically tolerant to fluconazole. Analyses of the transcriptomic profile of C. glabrata after the combination of copper and fluconazole showed that the expression of the multidrug transporter gene CDR1 was decreased, suggesting that fluconazole efflux could be affected. In agreement, we observed that copper inhibits the transactivation of Pdr1, the transcription regulator of multidrug transporters and leads to the intracellular accumulation of fluconazole. Copper also decreases the transcriptional induction of ergosterol biosynthesis (ERG) genes by fluconazole, which culminates in the accumulation of toxic sterols. Co-treatment of cells with copper and fluconazole should affect the function of proteins located in the plasma membrane, as several ultrastructural alterations, including irregular cell wall and plasma membrane and loss of cell wall integrity, were observed. Finally, we show that the combination of copper and fluconazole downregulates the expression of the gene encoding the zinc-responsive transcription regulator Zap1, which possibly, together with the membrane transporters malfunction, generates zinc depletion. Supplementation with zinc reverts the toxic effect of combining copper with fluconazole, underscoring the importance of this metal in the observed synergistic effect. Overall, this work, while unveiling the molecular basis that supports the use of copper to enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, paves the way for the development of new metal-based antifungal strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gaspar-Cordeiro
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Amaral
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Vânia Pobre
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Wilson Antunes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação da Academia Militar (CINAMIL), Unidade Militar Laboratorial de Defesa Biológica e Química (UMLDBQ), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Petronilho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paulo Paixão
- Unidade de Infeção, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Chronic Diseases Research Centre – CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica – SYNLAB, Hospital da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António P. Matos
- Egas Moniz Interdisciplinary Research Centre, Egas Moniz Higher Education Cooperative, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pimentel
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Catarina Pimentel,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yuan S, Korolnek T, Kim BE. Oral Elesclomol Treatment Alleviates Copper Deficiency in Animal Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:856300. [PMID: 35433682 PMCID: PMC9010564 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.856300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for key biochemical reactions. Dietary or genetic copper deficiencies are associated with anemia, cardiomyopathy, and neurodegeneration. The essential requirement for copper in humans is illustrated by Menkes disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder of early childhood caused by mutations in the ATP7A copper transporter. Recent groundbreaking studies have demonstrated that a copper delivery small molecule compound, elesclomol (ES), is able to substantially ameliorate pathology and lethality in a mouse model of Menkes disease when injected as an ES-Cu2+ complex. It is well appreciated that drugs administered through oral means are more convenient with better efficacy than injection methods. Here we show, using genetic models of copper-deficient C. elegans and mice, that dietary ES supplementation fully rescues copper deficiency phenotypes. Worms lacking either the homolog of the CTR1 copper importer or the ATP7 copper exporter showed normal development when fed ES. Oral gavage with ES rescued intestine-specific Ctr1 knockout mice from early postnatal lethality without additional copper supplementation. Our findings reveal that ES facilitates copper delivery from dietary sources independent of the intestinal copper transporter CTR1 and provide insight into oral administration of ES as an optimal therapeutic for Menkes disease and possibly other disorders of copper insufficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sai Yuan
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Tamara Korolnek
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Byung-Eun Kim
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program, College Park, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Byung-Eun Kim,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Enhancement of Copper Uptake of Yeast Through Systematic Optimization of Medium and the Cultivation Process of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:1857-1870. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-021-03775-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
24
|
Newsome L, Falagán C. The Microbiology of Metal Mine Waste: Bioremediation Applications and Implications for Planetary Health. GEOHEALTH 2021; 5:e2020GH000380. [PMID: 34632243 PMCID: PMC8490943 DOI: 10.1029/2020gh000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Mine wastes pollute the environment with metals and metalloids in toxic concentrations, causing problems for humans and wildlife. Microorganisms colonize and inhabit mine wastes, and can influence the environmental mobility of metals through metabolic activity, biogeochemical cycling and detoxification mechanisms. In this article we review the microbiology of the metals and metalloids most commonly associated with mine wastes: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel and zinc. We discuss the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria, archaea, and fungi interact with contaminant metals and the consequences for metal fate in the environment, focusing on long-term field studies of metal-impacted mine wastes where possible. Metal contamination can decrease the efficiency of soil functioning and essential element cycling due to the need for microbes to expend energy to maintain and repair cells. However, microbial communities are able to tolerate and adapt to metal contamination, particularly when the contaminant metals are essential elements that are subject to homeostasis or have a close biochemical analog. Stimulating the development of microbially reducing conditions, for example in constructed wetlands, is beneficial for remediating many metals associated with mine wastes. It has been shown to be effective at low pH, circumneutral and high pH conditions in the laboratory and at pilot field-scale. Further demonstration of this technology at full field-scale is required, as is more research to optimize bioremediation and to investigate combined remediation strategies. Microbial activity has the potential to mitigate the impacts of metal mine wastes, and therefore lessen the impact of this pollution on planetary health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Newsome
- Camborne School of Mines and Environment and Sustainability InstituteUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | - Carmen Falagán
- Camborne School of Mines and Environment and Sustainability InstituteUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kang S, Seo H, Lee MG, Yun CW. Regulation of Copper Metabolism by Nitrogen Utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090756. [PMID: 34575794 PMCID: PMC8469692 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090756] [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] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the relationship between carbon or nitrogen utilization and iron homeostasis, we performed an iron uptake assay with several deletion mutants with partial defects in carbon or nitrogen metabolism. Among them, some deletion mutants defective in carbon metabolism partially and the MEP2 deletion mutant showed lower iron uptake activity than the wild type. Mep2 is known as a high-affinity ammonia transporter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Interestingly, we found that nitrogen starvation resulted in lower iron uptake activity than that of wild-type cells without downregulation of the genes involved in the high-affinity iron uptake system FET3/FTR1. However, the gene expression of FRE1 and CTR1 was downregulated by nitrogen starvation. The protein level of Ctr1 was also decreased by nitrogen starvation, and addition of copper to the nitrogen starvation medium partially restored iron uptake activity. However, the expression of MAC1, which is a copper-responsive transcriptional activator, was not downregulated by nitrogen starvation at the transcriptional level but was highly downregulated at the translational level. Mac1 was downregulated dramatically under nitrogen starvation, and treatment with MG132, which is an inhibitor of proteasome-dependent protein degradation, partially attenuated the downregulation of Mac1. Taken together, these results suggest that nitrogen starvation downregulates the high-affinity iron uptake system by degrading Mac1 in a proteasome-dependent manner and eventually downregulates copper metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cheol-Won Yun
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-3290-3456; Fax: +82-2-927-9028
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sun T, Li Y, Li Y, Li H, Gong Y, Wu J, Ning Y, Ding C, Xu Y. Proteomic Analysis of Copper Toxicity in Human Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:662404. [PMID: 34485169 PMCID: PMC8415117 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.662404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an invasive human fungal pathogen that causes more than 181,000 deaths each year. Studies have demonstrated that pulmonary C. neoformans infection induces innate immune responses involving copper, and copper detoxification in C. neoformans improves its fitness and pathogenicity during pulmonary C. neoformans infection. However, the molecular mechanism by which copper inhibits C. neoformans proliferation is unclear. We used a metallothionein double-knockout C. neoformans mutant that was highly sensitive to copper to demonstrate that exogenous copper ions inhibit fungal cell growth by inducing reactive oxygen species generation. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we found that copper down-regulated factors involved in protein translation, but up-regulated proteins involved in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. We propose that the down-regulation of protein synthesis and the up-regulation of protein degradation are the main effects of copper toxicity. The ubiquitin modification of total protein and proteasome activity were promoted under copper stress, and inhibition of the proteasome pathway alleviated copper toxicity. Our proteomic analysis sheds new light on the antifungal mechanisms of copper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Sun
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjian Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingxing Li
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hailong Li
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yiyi Gong
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yating Ning
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lorenzo-Gutiérrez D, Gómez-Gil L, Guarro J, Roncero MIG, Capilla J, López-Fernández L. Cu transporter protein CrpF protects against Cu-induced toxicity in Fusarium oxysporum. Virulence 2021; 11:1108-1121. [PMID: 32862758 PMCID: PMC7549990 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1809324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cu is an essential trace element for cell growth and proliferation. However, excess of Cu accumulation leads to cellular toxicity. Thus, precise and tight regulation of Cu homeostasis processes, including transport, delivery, storage, detoxification, and efflux machineries, is required. Moreover, the maintenance of Cu homeostasis is critical for the survival and virulence of fungal pathogens. Cu homeostasis has been extensively studied in mammals, bacteria, and yeast, but it has not yet been well documented in filamentous fungi. In the present work, we investigated Cu tolerance in the filamentous fungus Fusarium oxysporum by analysing the Cu transporter coding gene crpF, previously studied in Aspergillus fumigatus. The expression studies demonstrated that crpF is upregulated in the presence of Cu and its deletion leads to severe sensitivity to low levels of CuSO4 in F. oxysporum. Targeted deletion of crpF did not significantly alter the resistance of the fungus to macrophage killing, nor its pathogenic behaviour on the tomato plants. However, the targeted deletion mutant ΔcrpF showed increased virulence in a murine model of systemic infection compared to wild-type strain (wt).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damaris Lorenzo-Gutiérrez
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut and Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Reus, Spain
| | - Lucía Gómez-Gil
- Departamento de Genetica, Facultad de Ciencias and Campus De Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario ceiA3, Universidad de Cordoba , Cordoba, Spain
| | - Josep Guarro
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut and Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Reus, Spain
| | - M Isabel G Roncero
- Departamento de Genetica, Facultad de Ciencias and Campus De Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario ceiA3, Universidad de Cordoba , Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier Capilla
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut and Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Reus, Spain
| | - Loida López-Fernández
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut and Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Reus, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Turning Inside Out: Filamentous Fungal Secretion and Its Applications in Biotechnology, Agriculture, and the Clinic. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070535. [PMID: 34356914 PMCID: PMC8307877 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are found in virtually every marine and terrestrial habitat. Vital to this success is their ability to secrete a diverse range of molecules, including hydrolytic enzymes, organic acids, and small molecular weight natural products. Industrial biotechnologists have successfully harnessed and re-engineered the secretory capacity of dozens of filamentous fungal species to make a diverse portfolio of useful molecules. The study of fungal secretion outside fermenters, e.g., during host infection or in mixed microbial communities, has also led to the development of novel and emerging technological breakthroughs, ranging from ultra-sensitive biosensors of fungal disease to the efficient bioremediation of polluted environments. In this review, we consider filamentous fungal secretion across multiple disciplinary boundaries (e.g., white, green, and red biotechnology) and product classes (protein, organic acid, and secondary metabolite). We summarize the mechanistic understanding for how various molecules are secreted and present numerous applications for extracellular products. Additionally, we discuss how the control of secretory pathways and the polar growth of filamentous hyphae can be utilized in diverse settings, including industrial biotechnology, agriculture, and the clinic.
Collapse
|
29
|
The Role of Metal Ions in Fungal Organic Acid Accumulation. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061267. [PMID: 34200938 PMCID: PMC8230503 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061267] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic acid accumulation is probably the best-known example of primary metabolic overflow. Both bacteria and fungi are capable of producing various organic acids in large amounts under certain conditions, but in terms of productivity-and consequently, of commercial importance-fungal platforms are unparalleled. For high product yield, chemical composition of the growth medium is crucial in providing the necessary conditions, of which the concentrations of four of the first-row transition metal elements, manganese (Mn2+), iron (Fe2+), copper (Cu2+) and zinc (Zn2+) stand out. In this paper we critically review the biological roles of these ions, the possible biochemical and physiological consequences of their influence on the accumulation of the most important mono-, di- and tricarboxylic as well as sugar acids by fungi, and the metal ion-related aspects of submerged organic acid fermentations, including the necessary instrumental analytics. Since producing conditions are associated with a cell physiology that differs strongly to what is observed under “standard” growth conditions, here we consider papers and patents only in which organic acid accumulation levels achieved at least 60% of the theoretical maximum yield, and the actual trace metal ion concentrations were verified.
Collapse
|
30
|
Sándor E, Kolláth IS, Fekete E, Bíró V, Flipphi M, Kovács B, Kubicek CP, Karaffa L. Carbon-Source Dependent Interplay of Copper and Manganese Ions Modulates the Morphology and Itaconic Acid Production in Aspergillus terreus. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:680420. [PMID: 34093503 PMCID: PMC8173074 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.680420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of the interplay of copper(II) and manganese(II) ions on growth, morphology and itaconic acid formation was investigated in a high-producing strain of Aspergillus terreus (NRRL1960), using carbon sources metabolized either mainly via glycolysis (D-glucose, D-fructose) or primarily via the pentose phosphate shunt (D-xylose, L-arabinose). Limiting Mn2+ concentration in the culture broth is indispensable to obtain high itaconic acid yields, while in the presence of higher Mn2+ concentrations yield decreases and biomass formation is favored. However, this low yield in the presence of high Mn2+ ion concentrations can be mitigated by increasing the Cu2+ concentration in the medium when D-glucose or D-fructose is the growth substrate, whereas this effect was at best modest during growth on D-xylose or L-arabinose. A. terreus displays a high tolerance to Cu2+ which decreased when Mn2+ availability became increasingly limiting. Under such conditions biomass formation on D-glucose or D-fructose could be sustained at concentrations up to 250 mg L–1 Cu2+, while on D-xylose- or L-arabinose biomass formation was completely inhibited at 100 mg L–1. High (>75%) specific molar itaconic acid yields always coincided with an “overflow-associated” morphology, characterized by small compact pellets (<250 μm diameter) and short chains of “yeast-like” cells that exhibit increased diameters relative to the elongated cells in growing filamentous hyphae. At low concentrations (≤1 mg L–1) of Cu2+ ions, manganese deficiency did not prevent filamentous growth. Mycelial- and cellular morphology progressively transformed into the typical overflow-associated one when external Cu2+ concentrations increased, irrespective of the available Mn2+. Our results indicate that copper ions are relevant for overflow metabolism and should be considered when optimizing itaconic acid fermentation in A. terreus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erzsébet Sándor
- Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István S Kolláth
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Fekete
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Vivien Bíró
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Juhász-Nagy Pál Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Michel Flipphi
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Béla Kovács
- Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Christian P Kubicek
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Levente Karaffa
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Robinson JR, Isikhuemhen OS, Anike FN. Fungal-Metal Interactions: A Review of Toxicity and Homeostasis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:225. [PMID: 33803838 PMCID: PMC8003315 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal nanoparticles used as antifungals have increased the occurrence of fungal-metal interactions. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how these interactions cause genomic and physiological changes, which can produce fungal superbugs. Despite interest in these interactions, there is limited understanding of resistance mechanisms in most fungi studied until now. We highlight the current knowledge of fungal homeostasis of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and silver to comprehensively examine associated mechanisms of resistance. Such mechanisms have been widely studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but limited reports exist in filamentous fungi, though they are frequently the subject of nanoparticle biosynthesis and targets of antifungal metals. In most cases, microarray analyses uncovered resistance mechanisms as a response to metal exposure. In yeast, metal resistance is mainly due to the down-regulation of metal ion importers, utilization of metallothionein and metallothionein-like structures, and ion sequestration to the vacuole. In contrast, metal resistance in filamentous fungi heavily relies upon cellular ion export. However, there are instances of resistance that utilized vacuole sequestration, ion metallothionein, and chelator binding, deleting a metal ion importer, and ion storage in hyphal cell walls. In general, resistance to zinc, copper, iron, and manganese is extensively reported in yeast and partially known in filamentous fungi; and silver resistance lacks comprehensive understanding in both.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Omoanghe S. Isikhuemhen
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA; (J.R.R.); (F.N.A.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Smith AD, Garcia-Santamarina S, Ralle M, Loiselle DR, Haystead TA, Thiele DJ. Transcription factor-driven alternative localization of Cryptococcus neoformans superoxide dismutase. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100391. [PMID: 33567338 PMCID: PMC7961099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen whose pathogenic lifestyle is linked to its ability to cope with fluctuating levels of copper (Cu), an essential metal involved in multiple virulence mechanisms, within distinct host niches. During lethal cryptococcal meningitis in the brain, C. neoformans senses a Cu-deficient environment and is highly dependent on its ability to scavenge trace levels of Cu from its host and adapt to Cu scarcity to successfully colonize this niche. In this study, we demonstrate for this critical adaptation, the Cu-sensing transcription factor Cuf1 differentially regulates the expression of the SOD1 and SOD2 superoxide dismutases in novel ways. Genetic and transcriptional analysis reveals Cuf1 specifies 5’-truncations of the SOD1 and SOD2 mRNAs through specific binding to Cu responsive elements within their respective promoter regions. This results in Cuf1-dependent repression of the highly abundant SOD1 and simultaneously induces expression of two isoforms of SOD2, the canonical mitochondrial targeted isoform and a novel alternative cytosolic isoform, from a single alternative transcript produced specifically under Cu limitation. The generation of cytosolic Sod2 during Cu limitation is required to maintain cellular antioxidant defense against superoxide stress both in vitro and in vivo. Further, decoupling Cuf1 regulation of Sod2 localization compromises the ability of C. neoformans to colonize organs in murine models of cryptococcosis. Our results provide a link between transcription factor–mediated alteration of protein localization and cell proliferation under stress, which could impact tissue colonization by a fungal pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Martina Ralle
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David R Loiselle
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Timothy A Haystead
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dennis J Thiele
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ohno KM, Bishell AB, Stanosz GR. Gene Expression Analysis of Three Putative Copper-Transporting ATPases in Copper-Tolerant Fibroporia radiculosa. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:586940. [PMID: 33343526 PMCID: PMC7746681 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.586940] [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] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper tolerance of brown-rot basidiomycete decay fungi can lessen the efficacy of copper-containing wood preservatives for wood products in-service. The purpose of this study was to evaluate wood mass loss and differential expression of three genes that have putative annotations for copper-transporting ATPase pumps (FIBRA_00974, FIBRA_04716, and FIBRA_01430). Untreated southern pine (SP) and SP treated with three concentrations of ammoniacal copper citrate (CC, 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4%) were exposed to two copper-tolerant Fibroporia radiculosa isolates (FP-90848-T and L-9414-SP) and copper-sensitive Gloeophyllum trabeum isolate (MAD 617) in a 4-week-long standard decay test (AWPA E10-19). Decay of copper-treated wood was inhibited by G. trabeum (p = 0.001); however, there was no inhibition of decay with increasing copper concentrations by both F. radiculosa isolates. Initially, G. trabeum and one F. radiculosa isolate (L-9414-SP) highly upregulated FIBRA_00974 and FIBRA_04716 on copper-treated wood at week 1 (p = 0.005), but subsequent expression was either not detected or was similar to expression on untreated wood (p = 0.471). The other F. radiculosa isolate (FP-90848-T) downregulated FIBRA_00974 (p = 0.301) and FIBRA_04716 (p = 0.004) on copper-treated wood. FIBRA_01430 expression by G. trabeum was not detected, but was upregulated by both F. radiculosa FP-90848-T (p = 0.481) and L-9414-SP (p = 0.392). Results from this study suggest that all three test fungi utilized different mechanisms when decaying copper-treated wood. Additionally, results from this study do not provide support for the involvement of these putative gene annotations for copper-transporting ATPase pumps in the mechanism of copper-tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie M Ohno
- USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Amy B Bishell
- USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Glen R Stanosz
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Khatami M. Deceptology in cancer and vaccine sciences: Seeds of immune destruction-mini electric shocks in mitochondria: Neuroplasticity-electrobiology of response profiles and increased induced diseases in four generations - A hypothesis. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e215. [PMID: 33377661 PMCID: PMC7749544 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.215] [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] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
From Rockefeller's support of patent medicine to Gates' patent vaccines, medical establishment invested a great deal in intellectual ignorance. Through the control over medical education and research it has created a public illusion to prop up corporate profit and encouraged the lust for money and power. An overview of data on cancer and vaccine sciences, the status of Americans' health, a survey of repeated failed projects, economic toxicity, and heavy drug consumption or addiction among young and old provide compelling evidence that in the twentieth century nearly all classic disease categories (congenital, inheritance, neonatal, or induced) shifted to increase induced diseases. Examples of this deceptology in ignoring or minimizing, and mocking fundamental discoveries and theories in cancer and vaccine sciences are attacks on research showing that (a), effective immunity is responsible for defending and killing pathogens and defective cancerous cells, correcting and repairing genetic mutations; (b) viruses cause cancer; and (c), abnormal gene mutations are often the consequences of (and secondary to) disturbances in effective immunity. The outcomes of cancer reductionist approaches to therapies reveal failure rates of 90% (+/-5) for solid tumors; loss of over 50 million lives and waste of $30-50 trillions on too many worthless, out-of-focus, and irresponsible projects. Current emphasis on vaccination of public with pathogen-specific vaccines and ingredients seems new terms for drugging young and old. Cumulative exposures to low level carcinogens and environmental hazards or high energy electronic devices (EMF; 5G) are additional triggers to vaccine toxicities (antigen-mitochondrial overload) or "seeds of immune destruction" that create mini electrical shocks (molecular sinks holes) in highly synchronized and regulated immune network that retard time-energy-dependent biorhythms in organs resulting in causes, exacerbations or consequences of mild, moderate or severe immune disorders. Four generations of drug-dependent Americans strongly suggest that medical establishment has practiced decades of intellectual deception through its claims on "war on cancer"; that cancer is 100, 200, or 1000 diseases; identification of "individual" genetic mutations to cure diseases; "vaccines are safe". Such immoral and unethical practices, along with intellectual harassment and bullying, censoring or silencing of independent and competent professionals ("Intellectual Me Too") present grave concerns, far greater compared with the sexual harassment of 'Me Too' movement that was recently spearheaded by NIH. The principal driving forces behind conducting deceptive and illogical medical/cancer and vaccine projects seem to be; (a) huge return of investment and corporate profit for selling drugs and vaccines; (b) maintenance of abusive power over public health; (c) global control of population growth via increased induction of diseases, infertility, decline in life-span, and death. An overview of accidental discoveries that we established and extended since 1980s, on models of acute and chronic ocular inflammatory diseases, provides series of the first evidence for a direct link between inflammation and multistep immune dysfunction in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Results are relevant to demonstrate that current emphasis on vaccinating the unborn, newborn, or infant would induce immediate or long-term immune disorders (eg, low birth weight, preterm birth, fatigue, autism, epilepsy/seizures, BBB leakage, autoimmune, neurodegenerative or digestive diseases, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, or cancers). Vaccination of the unborn is likely to disturb trophoblast-embryo-fetus-placenta biology and orderly growth of embryo-fetus, alter epithelial-mesenchymal transition or constituent-inducible receptors, damage mitochondria, and diverse function of histamine-histidine pathways. Significant increased in childhood illnesses are likely due to toxicities of vaccine and incipient (eg, metals [Al, Hg], detergents, fetal tissue, DNA/RNA) that retard bioenergetics of mitochondria, alter polarization-depolarization balance of tumoricidal (Yin) and tumorigenic (Yang) properties of immunity. Captivated by complex electobiology of immunity, this multidisciplinary perspective is an attempt to initiate identifying bases for increased induction of immune disorders in three to four generations in America. We hypothesize that (a) gene-environment-immune biorhythms parallel neuronal function (brain neuroplasticity) with super-packages of inducible (adaptive or horizontal) electronic signals and (b) autonomic sympathetic and parasympathetic circuitry that shape immunity (Yin-Yang) cannot be explained by limited genomics (innate, perpendicular) that conventionally explain certain inherited diseases (eg, sickle cell anemia, progeria). Future studies should focus on deep learning of complex electrobiology of immunity that requires differential bioenergetics from mitochondria and cytoplasm. Approaches to limit or control excessive activation of gene-environment-immunity are keys to assess accurate disease risk formulations, prevent inducible diseases, and develop universal safe vaccines that promote health, the most basic human right.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Khatami
- Inflammation, Aging and Cancer, National Cancer Institute (NCI)the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Retired)BethesdaMarylandUSA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Antsotegi-Uskola M, Markina-Iñarrairaegui A, Ugalde U. Copper Homeostasis in Aspergillus nidulans Involves Coordinated Transporter Function, Expression and Cellular Dynamics. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:555306. [PMID: 33281756 PMCID: PMC7705104 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.555306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper ion homeostasis involves a finely tuned and complex multi-level response system. This study expands on various aspects of the system in the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. An RNA-seq screen in standard growth and copper toxicity conditions revealed expression changes in key copper response elements, providing an insight into their coordinated functions. The same study allowed for the deeper characterization of the two high-affinity copper transporters: AnCtrA and AnCtrC. In mild copper deficiency conditions, the null mutant of AnctrC resulted in secondary level copper limitation effects, while deletion of AnctrA resulted in primary level copper limitation effects under extreme copper scarcity conditions. Each transporter followed a characteristic expression and cellular localization pattern. Although both proteins partially localized at the plasma membrane, AnCtrC was visible at membranes that resembled the ER, whilst a substantial pool of AnCtrA accumulated in vesicular structures resembling endosomes. Altogether, our results support the view that AnCtrC plays a major role in covering the nutritional copper requirements and AnCtrA acts as a specific transporter for extreme copper deficiency scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martzel Antsotegi-Uskola
- Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Ane Markina-Iñarrairaegui
- Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Unai Ugalde
- Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Harata K, Daimon H, Okuno T. Trade-Off Relation between Fungicide Sensitivity and Melanin Biosynthesis in Plant Pathogenic Fungi. iScience 2020; 23:101660. [PMID: 33117970 PMCID: PMC7582099 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101660] [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] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Circumventing the emergence of fungicide-resistant strains is a crucial issue for robust disease management in agriculture. The agricultural fungicide ferimzone has been used for the control of rice diseases including rice blast. The emergence of ferimzone-resistant strains in rice fields has not been reported. Here, we identified the copper transport CoICT1 gene as the ferimzone sensitivity gene in Colletotrichum orbiculare and the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Genetic and cytological analyses showed that functional defects in the copper transport pathways, consisting of CoIct1 and P-type ATPase CoCcc2, led to the low sensitivity to ferimzone and the pathogenicity defect due to attenuated melanization in the appressorium. Importantly, the presence of CuSO4 induced high sensitivity to ferimzone even in the coict1 mutant. Our study shows that there is a trade-off relation between the sensitivity to ferimzone and fungal pathogenicity. Fungal copper transporters, Ict1 and Ccc2, are involved in ferimzone sensitivity Melanin biosynthesis requires a laccase activity instigated by Ict1-mediated copper A metal-binding site in Ict1 is crucial for ferimzone sensitivity and pathogenicity CuSO4 has an enhancing effect on ferimzone sensitivity
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Harata
- Department of Plant Life Science, Ryukoku University, Seta, Shiga 520-2194, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Daimon
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Ryukoku University, Seta, Shiga 520-2194, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Okuno
- Department of Plant Life Science, Ryukoku University, Seta, Shiga 520-2194, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Grechnikova M, Ženíšková K, Malych R, Mach J, Sutak R. Copper detoxification machinery of the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri involves copper-translocating ATPase and the antioxidant system. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 14:126-135. [PMID: 33096396 PMCID: PMC7578549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Copper is a trace metal that is necessary for all organisms but toxic when present in excess. Different mechanisms to avoid copper toxicity have been reported to date in pathogenic organisms such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. However, little if anything is known about pathogenic protozoans despite their importance in human and veterinary medicine. Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that occurs naturally in warm fresh water and can cause a rapid and deadly brain infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Here, we describe the mechanisms employed by N. fowleri to tolerate high copper concentrations, which include various strategies such as copper efflux mediated by a copper-translocating ATPase and upregulation of the expression of antioxidant enzymes and obscure hemerythrin-like and protoglobin-like proteins. The combination of different mechanisms efficiently protects the cell and ensures its high copper tolerance, which can be advantageous both in the natural environment and in the host. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that copper ionophores are potent antiamoebic agents; thus, copper metabolism may be considered a therapeutic target. N. fowleri employs the combination of copper efflux and antioxidant system to ensure a high copper tolerance. Copper efflux in N. fowleri is mediated by a copper-translocating P-type ATPase. Copper ionophores have amoebicidal effect against N. fowleri and thus may be potentially used as antiamoebic agents. Iron-binding proteins hemerythrin and protoglobin are highly upregulated in N. fowleri under copper overload.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grechnikova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Ženíšková
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ronald Malych
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mach
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Sutak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
What Role Does COA6 Play in Cytochrome C Oxidase Biogenesis: A Metallochaperone or Thiol Oxidoreductase, or Both? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21196983. [PMID: 32977416 PMCID: PMC7582641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21196983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase; COX) is the terminal complex of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Copper is essential for COX assembly, activity, and stability, and is incorporated into the dinuclear CuA and mononuclear CuB sites. Multiple assembly factors play roles in the biogenesis of these sites within COX and the failure of this intricate process, such as through mutations to these factors, disrupts COX assembly and activity. Various studies over the last ten years have revealed that the assembly factor COA6, a small intermembrane space-located protein with a twin CX9C motif, plays a role in the biogenesis of the CuA site. However, how COA6 and its copper binding properties contribute to the assembly of this site has been a controversial area of research. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which COA6 participates in COX biogenesis.
Collapse
|
39
|
Gudekar N, Shanbhag V, Wang Y, Ralle M, Weisman GA, Petris MJ. Metallothioneins regulate ATP7A trafficking and control cell viability during copper deficiency and excess. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7856. [PMID: 32398691 PMCID: PMC7217913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is an essential, yet potentially toxic nutrient, as illustrated by inherited diseases of copper deficiency and excess. Elevated expression of the ATP7A Cu exporter is known to confer copper tolerance, however, the contribution of metal-binding metallothioneins is less clear. In this study, we investigated the relative contributions of ATP7A and the metallothioneins MT-I and MT-II to cell viability under conditions of Cu excess or deficiency. Although the loss of ATP7A increased sensitivity to low Cu concentrations, the absence of MTs did not significantly affect Cu tolerance. However, the absence of all three proteins caused a synthetic lethal phenotype due to extreme Cu sensitivity, indicating that MTs are critical for Cu tolerance only in the absence of ATP7A. A lack of MTs resulted in the trafficking of ATP7A from the trans-Golgi complex in a Cu-dependent manner, suggesting that MTs regulate the delivery of Cu to ATP7A. Under Cu deficiency conditions, the absence of MTs and / or ATP7A enhanced cell proliferation compared to wild type cells, suggesting that these proteins compete with essential Cu-dependent pathways when Cu is scarce. These studies reveal new roles for ATP7A and metallothioneins under both Cu deficiency and excess.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Gudekar
- The Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- The Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Vinit Shanbhag
- The Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- The Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Yanfang Wang
- The Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- The Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Martina Ralle
- The Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Gary A Weisman
- The Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- The Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Michael J Petris
- The Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- The Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- The Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- The Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Garcia-Santamarina S, Probst C, Festa RA, Ding C, Smith AD, Conklin SE, Brander S, Kinch LN, Grishin NV, Franz KJ, Riggs-Gelasco P, Lo Leggio L, Johansen KS, Thiele DJ. A lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase-like protein functions in fungal copper import and meningitis. Nat Chem Biol 2020; 16:337-344. [PMID: 31932719 PMCID: PMC7036007 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-019-0437-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Infection by the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans causes lethal meningitis, primarily in immune-compromised individuals. Colonization of the brain by C. neoformans is dependent on copper (Cu) acquisition from the host, which drives critical virulence mechanisms. While C. neoformans Cu+ import and virulence are dependent on the Ctr1 and Ctr4 proteins, little is known concerning extracellular Cu ligands that participate in this process. We identified a C. neoformans gene, BIM1, that is strongly induced during Cu limitation and which encodes a protein related to lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). Surprisingly, bim1 mutants are Cu deficient, and Bim1 function in Cu accumulation depends on Cu2+ coordination and cell-surface association via a glycophosphatidyl inositol anchor. Bim1 participates in Cu uptake in concert with Ctr1 and expression of this pathway drives brain colonization in mouse infection models. These studies demonstrate a role for LPMO-like proteins as a critical factor for Cu acquisition in fungal meningitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarela Garcia-Santamarina
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Genome Biology Unit, Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Corinna Probst
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Richard A Festa
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, CA, USA
| | - Chen Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Aaron D Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steven E Conklin
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Søren Brander
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisa N Kinch
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nick V Grishin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Leila Lo Leggio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katja Salomon Johansen
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dennis J Thiele
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Baksh KA, Zamble DB. Allosteric control of metal-responsive transcriptional regulators in bacteria. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:1673-1684. [PMID: 31857375 PMCID: PMC7008368 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev119.011444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many transition metals are essential trace nutrients for living organisms, but they are also cytotoxic in high concentrations. Bacteria maintain the delicate balance between metal starvation and toxicity through a complex network of metal homeostasis pathways. These systems are coordinated by the activities of metal-responsive transcription factors-also known as metal-sensor proteins or metalloregulators-that are tuned to sense the bioavailability of specific metals in the cell in order to regulate the expression of genes encoding proteins that contribute to metal homeostasis. Metal binding to a metalloregulator allosterically influences its ability to bind specific DNA sequences through a variety of intricate mechanisms that lie on a continuum between large conformational changes and subtle changes in internal dynamics. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of how metal sensor proteins respond to intracellular metal concentrations. In particular, we highlight the allosteric mechanisms used for metal-responsive regulation of several prokaryotic single-component metalloregulators, and we briefly discuss current open questions of how metalloregulators function in bacterial cells. Understanding the regulation and function of metal-responsive transcription factors is a fundamental aspect of metallobiochemistry and is important for gaining insights into bacterial growth and virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Baksh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Deborah B Zamble
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Yu D, Peng Y, Min H, Lai Z. Copper Ions are Required for Cochliobolus heterostrophus in Appressorium Formation and Virulence on Maize. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2020; 110:494-504. [PMID: 31464158 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-07-19-0254-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cochliobolus heterostrophus is the causal agent of southern corn leaf blight, a destructive disease on maize worldwide. However, how it regulates virulence on maize is still largely unknown. Here, we report that two copper transporter genes, ChCTR1 and ChCTR4, are required for its virulence. chctr1 and chctr4 mutants showed attenuated virulence on maize compared with the wild-type strain TM17 but development phenotypes of those mutants on media with or without infection-related stress agents were the same as the wild-type strain. Moreover, ChCTR1 and ChCTR4 play critical roles in appressorium formation and mutation of ChCTR1 or ChCTR4 suppresses the appressorium formation. Furthermore, copper-chelating agent ammonium tetrathiomolybdate suppressed the appressorium formation and virulence of C. heterostrophus on maize, whereas copper ions enhanced the appressorium formation and virulence on maize. The results indicate that copper ions are required for appressorium formation and virulence of C. heterostrophus on maize and are acquired from the environment by two copper transporters: ChCTR1 and ChCTR4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Ecology College, Lishui University, Lishui, China
| | - Dandan Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujiao Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoxuan Min
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhibing Lai
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Green CM, Li Z, Smith AD, Novikova O, Bacot-Davis VR, Gao F, Hu S, Banavali NK, Thiele DJ, Li H, Belfort M. Spliceosomal Prp8 intein at the crossroads of protein and RNA splicing. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000104. [PMID: 31600193 PMCID: PMC6805012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The spliceosome is a large ribonucleoprotein complex that removes introns from pre-mRNAs. At its functional core lies the essential pre-mRNA processing factor 8 (Prp8) protein. Across diverse eukaryotes, this protein cofactor of RNA catalysis harbors a self-splicing element called an intein. Inteins in Prp8 are extremely pervasive and are found at 7 different sites in various species. Here, we focus on the Prp8 intein from Cryptococcus neoformans (Cne), a human fungal pathogen. We solved the crystal structure of this intein, revealing structural homology among protein splicing sequences in eukaryotes, including the Hedgehog C terminus. Working with the Cne Prp8 intein in a reporter assay, we find that the biologically relevant divalent metals copper and zinc inhibit intein splicing, albeit by 2 different mechanisms. Copper likely stimulates reversible modifications on a catalytically important cysteine, whereas zinc binds at the terminal asparagine and the same critical cysteine. Importantly, we also show that copper treatment inhibits Prp8 protein splicing in Cne. Lastly, an intein-containing Prp8 precursor model is presented, suggesting that metal-induced protein splicing inhibition would disturb function of both Prp8 and the spliceosome. These results indicate that Prp8 protein splicing can be modulated, with potential functional implications for the spliceosome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen M. Green
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Zhong Li
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Aaron D. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Olga Novikova
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Valjean R. Bacot-Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Fengshan Gao
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Saiyang Hu
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Nilesh K. Banavali
- Division of Translational Medicine, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America,Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Dennis J. Thiele
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America,Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hongmin Li
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America,Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America,* E-mail: (MB); (HL)
| | - Marlene Belfort
- Department of Biological Sciences and RNA Institute, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America,Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America,* E-mail: (MB); (HL)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Biochemistry of Copper Site Assembly in Heme-Copper Oxidases: A Theme with Variations. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153830. [PMID: 31387303 PMCID: PMC6696091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential cofactor for aerobic respiration, since it is required as a redox cofactor in Cytochrome c Oxidase (COX). This ancient and highly conserved enzymatic complex from the family of heme-copper oxidase possesses two copper sites: CuA and CuB. Biosynthesis of the oxidase is a complex, stepwise process that requires a high number of assembly factors. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art in the assembly of COX, with special emphasis in the assembly of copper sites. Assembly of the CuA site is better understood, being at the same time highly variable among organisms. We also discuss the current challenges that prevent the full comprehension of the mechanisms of assembly and the pending issues in the field.
Collapse
|
45
|
Hu YM, Boehm DM, Chung H, Wilson S, Bird AJ. Zinc-dependent activation of the Pho8 alkaline phosphatase in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12392-12404. [PMID: 31239353 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide analyses have revealed that during metal ion starvation, many cells undergo programmed changes in their transcriptome or proteome that lower the levels of abundant metalloproteins, conserving metal ions for more critical functions. Here we investigated how changes in cellular zinc status affect the expression and activity of the zinc-requiring Pho8 alkaline phosphatase from fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe). In S. pombe, Pho8 is a membrane-tethered and processed glycoprotein that resides in the vacuole. Using alkaline phosphatase activity assays along with various biochemical analyses, we found that Pho8 is active when zinc is plentiful and inactive when zinc is limited. Although Pho8 activity depended on zinc, we also found that higher levels of pho8 mRNAs and Pho8 protein accumulate in zinc-deficient cells. To gain a better understanding of the inverse relationship between pho8 mRNA levels and Pho8 activity, we examined the effects of zinc on the stability and processing of the Pho8 protein. We show that Pho8 is processed regardless of zinc status and that mature Pho8 accumulates under all conditions. We also noted that alkaline phosphatase activity is rapidly restored when zinc is resupplied to cells, even in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Our results suggest that S. pombe cells maintain inactive pools of Pho8 proteins under low-zinc conditions and that these pools facilitate rapid restoration of Pho8 activity when zinc ions become available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Mei Hu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Derek M Boehm
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Hak Chung
- Ohio State University Interdisciplinary Nutrition Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Stevin Wilson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Amanda J Bird
- Department of Human Nutrition, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210; Department of Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210; Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hunsaker EW, Franz KJ. Emerging Opportunities To Manipulate Metal Trafficking for Therapeutic Benefit. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:13528-13545. [PMID: 31247859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The indispensable requirement for metals in life processes has led to the evolution of sophisticated mechanisms that allow organisms to maintain dynamic equilibria of these ions. This dynamic control of the level, speciation, and availability of a variety of metal ions allows organisms to sustain biological processes while avoiding toxicity. When functioning properly, these mechanisms allow cells to return to their metal homeostatic set points following shifts in the metal availability or other stressors. These periods of transition, when cells are in a state of flux in which they work to regain homeostasis, present windows of opportunity to pharmacologically manipulate targets associated with metal-trafficking pathways in ways that could either facilitate a return to homeostasis and the recovery of cellular function or further push cells outside of homeostasis and into cellular distress. The purpose of this Viewpoint is to highlight emerging opportunities for chemists and chemical biologists to develop compounds to manipulate metal-trafficking processes for therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Hunsaker
- Department of Chemistry , Duke University , French Family Science Center, 124 Science Drive , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| | - Katherine J Franz
- Department of Chemistry , Duke University , French Family Science Center, 124 Science Drive , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Leonhardt T, Borovička J, Sácký J, Šantrůček J, Kameník J, Kotrba P. Zn overaccumulating Russula species clade together and use the same mechanism for the detoxification of excess Zn. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 225:618-626. [PMID: 30901655 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
It has been firmly established that macrofungi can accumulate large amounts of heavy metals in their sporocarps. However, the mechanisms of the accumulation and storage are being uncovered only recently. We have previously documented that Russula bresadolae can accumulate over 1 g Zn kg-1 dry weight and that sequestration of a substantial proportion of overaccumulated Zn involves binding with peptides, RaZBPs, seen so far only in this species. In this work we examined Zn contents of 360 sporocarp collections from unpolluted environments covering 114 species of the genus Russula. Whilst the concentrations of Zn in most analysed species were in the range of 50-150 mg kg-1, the species of subgenera Brevipes and Compactae accumulate very low Zn (< 50 mg kg-1). We further identified five new Zn-overaccumulating species of subgenus Russula, which form with R. bresadolae a separate phylogenetic subclade in which the sporocarp Zn concentrations ranged from 326 to 845 mg kg-1. We demonstrate that R. pumila and R. ochroleuca express at least one ZBP gene and when expressed in metal-sensitive S. cerevisiae, all ZBPs protected the yeasts against Zn (and Cd) toxicity equally well. The respective ZBPs were confirmed in the native Zn-complexes of R. pumila and R. ochroleuca, which represented 80% of Zn extracted from their sporocarps. This study is the first extensive genus-wide report of metal accumulation in macrofungi, which further demonstrates that the Zn binding with cytosolic ZBP peptides is not a trait restricted only to R. bresadolae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Leonhardt
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 3, 166 28, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Borovička
- Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic; Nuclear Physics Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Hlavní 130, 250 68, Husinec-Řež 130, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Sácký
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 3, 166 28, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Šantrůček
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 3, 166 28, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kameník
- Nuclear Physics Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Hlavní 130, 250 68, Husinec-Řež 130, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Kotrba
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 3, 166 28, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Gómez-Gallego T, Benabdellah K, Merlos MA, Jiménez-Jiménez AM, Alcon C, Berthomieu P, Ferrol N. The Rhizophagus irregularis Genome Encodes Two CTR Copper Transporters That Mediate Cu Import Into the Cytosol and a CTR-Like Protein Likely Involved in Copper Tolerance. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:604. [PMID: 31156674 PMCID: PMC6531763 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase fitness of their host plants under Cu deficient and toxic conditions. In this study, we have characterized two Cu transporters of the CTR family (RiCTR1 and RiCTR2) and a CTR-like protein (RiCTR3A) of Rhizophagus irregularis. Functional analyses in yeast revealed that RiCTR1 encodes a plasma membrane Cu transporter, RiCTR2 a vacuolar Cu transporter and RiCTR3A a plasma membrane protein involved in Cu tolerance. RiCTR1 was more highly expressed in the extraradical mycelia (ERM) and RiCTR2 in the intraradical mycelia (IRM). In the ERM, RiCTR1 expression was up-regulated by Cu deficiency and down-regulated by Cu toxicity. RiCTR2 expression increased only in the ERM grown under severe Cu-deficient conditions. These data suggest that RiCTR1 is involved in Cu uptake by the ERM and RiCTR2 in mobilization of vacuolar Cu stores. Cu deficiency decreased mycorrhizal colonization and arbuscule frequency, but increased RiCTR1 and RiCTR2 expression in the IRM, which suggest that the IRM has a high Cu demand. The two alternatively spliced products of RiCTR3, RiCTR3A and RiCTR3B, were more highly expressed in the ERM. Up-regulation of RiCTR3A by Cu toxicity and the yeast complementation assays suggest that RiCTR3A might function as a Cu receptor involved in Cu tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Gómez-Gallego
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Karim Benabdellah
- Genomic Medicine Department, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Merlos
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana M. Jiménez-Jiménez
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Carine Alcon
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Berthomieu
- Biochimie et Physiologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Nuria Ferrol
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y Sistemas Simbióticos, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Antsotegi-Uskola M, Markina-Iñarrairaegui A, Ugalde U. New insights into copper homeostasis in filamentous fungi. Int Microbiol 2019; 23:65-73. [PMID: 31093811 PMCID: PMC6981102 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-019-00081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Copper is a metal ion that is required as a micronutrient for growth and proliferation. However, copper accumulation generates toxicity by multiple mechanisms, potentially leading to cell death. Due to its toxic nature at high concentrations, different chemical variants of copper have been extensively used as antifungal agents in agriculture and medicine. Most studies on copper homeostasis have been carried out in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian organisms. However, knowledge on filamentous fungi is less well documented. This review summarizes the knowledge gathered in the last few years about copper homeostasis in the filamentous fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus nidulans: The mechanism of action of copper, the uptake and detoxification systems, their regulation at the transcriptional level, and the role of copper homeostasis in fungal pathogenicity are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martzel Antsotegi-Uskola
- Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Ane Markina-Iñarrairaegui
- Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Unai Ugalde
- Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Song J, Li R, Jiang J. Copper Homeostasis in Aspergillus fumigatus: Opportunities for Therapeutic Development. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:774. [PMID: 31031736 PMCID: PMC6473158 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus can cause severe invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. Copper, an essential but potentially toxic trace element for A. fumigatus, plays a critical role at the host-pathogen axis during infection. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the host utilizes copper compartmentalization within macrophages to combat A. fumigatus infection. To survive under host-imposed copper toxicity, A. fumigatus has evolved sophisticated machinery to regulate copper homeostasis. Thus, targeting molecular pathways critical for copper homeostasis regulation provides an opportunity to improve therapeutic options for aspergillosis caused by A. fumigatus. In this review, we describe the copper homeostatic mechanisms by which A. fumigatus acquires and controls copper levels and explores the responses of the pathogen to alter copper levels in the host. Finally, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms of copper homeostasis that could be targeted for antifungal drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Song
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Rongpeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jihong Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|