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Böttcher B, Kienast SD, Leufken J, Eggers C, Sharma P, Leufken CM, Morgner B, Drexler HCA, Schulz D, Allert S, Jacobsen ID, Vylkova S, Leidel SA, Brunke S. A highly conserved tRNA modification contributes to C. albicans filamentation and virulence. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0425522. [PMID: 38587411 PMCID: PMC11064501 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04255-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
tRNA modifications play important roles in maintaining translation accuracy in all domains of life. Disruptions in the tRNA modification machinery, especially of the anticodon stem loop, can be lethal for many bacteria and lead to a broad range of phenotypes in baker's yeast. Very little is known about the function of tRNA modifications in host-pathogen interactions, where rapidly changing environments and stresses require fast adaptations. We found that two closely related fungal pathogens of humans, the highly pathogenic Candida albicans and its much less pathogenic sister species, Candida dubliniensis, differ in the function of a tRNA-modifying enzyme. This enzyme, Hma1, exhibits species-specific effects on the ability of the two fungi to grow in the hypha morphology, which is central to their virulence potential. We show that Hma1 has tRNA-threonylcarbamoyladenosine dehydratase activity, and its deletion alters ribosome occupancy, especially at 37°C-the body temperature of the human host. A C. albicans HMA1 deletion mutant also shows defects in adhesion to and invasion into human epithelial cells and shows reduced virulence in a fungal infection model. This links tRNA modifications to host-induced filamentation and virulence of one of the most important fungal pathogens of humans.IMPORTANCEFungal infections are on the rise worldwide, and their global burden on human life and health is frequently underestimated. Among them, the human commensal and opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans, is one of the major causative agents of severe infections. Its virulence is closely linked to its ability to change morphologies from yeasts to hyphae. Here, this ability is linked-to our knowledge for the first time-to modifications of tRNA and translational efficiency. One tRNA-modifying enzyme, Hma1, plays a specific role in C. albicans and its ability to invade the host. This adds a so-far unknown layer of regulation to the fungal virulence program and offers new potential therapeutic targets to fight fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Böttcher
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sandra D. Kienast
- Max Planck Research Group for RNA Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Research Group for Cellular RNA Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Leufken
- Max Planck Research Group for RNA Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Research Group for Cellular RNA Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cristian Eggers
- Max Planck Research Group for RNA Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Research Group for Cellular RNA Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Puneet Sharma
- Max Planck Research Group for RNA Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Research Group for Cellular RNA Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christine M. Leufken
- Max Planck Research Group for RNA Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Bianka Morgner
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Hannes C. A. Drexler
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Unit, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Daniela Schulz
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D. Jacobsen
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Slavena Vylkova
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian A. Leidel
- Max Planck Research Group for RNA Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Research Group for Cellular RNA Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
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Jørgensen MR. Pathophysiological microenvironments in oral candidiasis. APMIS 2024. [PMID: 38571459 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Oral candidiasis (OC), a prevalent opportunistic infection of the oral mucosa, presents a considerable health challenge, particularly in individuals with compromised immune responses, advanced age, and local predisposing conditions. A considerable part of the population carries Candida in the oral cavity, but only few develop OC. Therefore, the pathogenesis of OC may depend on factors other than the attributes of the fungus, such as host factors and other predisposing factors. Mucosal trauma and inflammation compromise epithelial integrity, fostering a conducive environment for fungal invasion. Molecular insights into the immunocompromised state reveal dysregulation in innate and adaptive immunity, creating a permissive environment for Candida proliferation. Detailed examination of Candida species (spp.) and their virulence factors uncovers a nuanced understanding beyond traditional C. albicans focus, which embrace diverse Candida spp. and their strategies, influencing adhesion, invasion, immune evasion, and biofilm formation. Understanding the pathophysiological microenvironments in OC is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. This review aims to unravel the diverse pathophysiological microenvironments influencing OC development focusing on microbial, host, and predisposing factors, and considers Candida resistance to antifungal therapy. The comprehensive approach offers a refined perspective on OC, seeking briefly to identify potential therapeutic targets for future effective management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Rose Jørgensen
- Section of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine, Department of Odontology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Chávez-Tinoco M, García-Ortega LF, Mancera E. Genetic modification of Candida maltosa, a non-pathogenic CTG species, reveals EFG1 function. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001447. [PMID: 38456839 PMCID: PMC10999747 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Candida maltosa is closely related to important pathogenic Candida species, especially C. tropicalis and C. albicans, but it has been rarely isolated from humans. For this reason, through comparative studies, it could be a powerful model to understand the genetic underpinnings of the pathogenicity of Candida species. Here, we generated a cohesive assembly of the C. maltosa genome and developed genetic engineering tools that will facilitate studying this species at a molecular level. We used a combination of short and long-read sequencing to build a polished genomic draft composed of 14 Mbp, 45 contigs and close to 5700 genes. This assembly represents a substantial improvement from the currently available sequences that are composed of thousands of contigs. Genomic comparison with C. albicans and C. tropicalis revealed a substantial reduction in the total number of genes in C. maltosa. However, gene loss seems not to be associated to the avirulence of this species given that most genes that have been previously associated with pathogenicity were also present in C. maltosa. To be able to edit the genome of C. maltosa we generated a set of triple auxotrophic strains so that gene deletions can be performed similarly to what has been routinely done in pathogenic Candida species. As a proof of concept, we generated gene knockouts of EFG1, a gene that encodes a transcription factor that is essential for filamentation and biofilm formation in C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Characterization of these mutants showed that Efg1 also plays a role in biofilm formation and filamentous growth in C. maltosa, but it seems to be a repressor of filamentation in this species. The genome assembly and auxotrophic mutants developed here are a key step forward to start using C. maltosa for comparative and evolutionary studies at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Chávez-Tinoco
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Unidad Irapuato, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Luis F. García-Ortega
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Unidad Irapuato, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Eugenio Mancera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Unidad Irapuato, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Irapuato, Mexico
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4
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Das S, Konwar BK. Inhibiting pathogenicity of vaginal Candida albicans by lactic acid bacteria and MS analysis of their extracellular compounds. APMIS 2024; 132:161-186. [PMID: 38168754 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining healthy vaginal microflora post-puberty is critical. In this study we explore the potential of vaginal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their extracellular metabolites against the pathogenicity of Candida albicans. The probiotic culture free supernatant (PCFS) from Lactobacillus crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. vaginalis exhibit an inhibitory effect on budding, hyphae, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. LGPCFS manifested the best potential among the LAB PCFS, inhibiting budding for 24 h and restricting hyphae formation post-stimulation. LGPCFS also pre-eminently inhibited biofilm formation. Furthermore, L. gasseri itself grew under RPMI 1640 stimulation suppressing the biofilm formation of C. albicans. The PCFS from the LAB downregulated the hyphal genes of C. albicans, inhibiting the yeast transformation to fungi. Hyphal cell wall proteins HWP1, ALS3, ECE1, and HYR1 and transcription factors BCR1 and CPH1 were downregulated by the metabolites from LAB. Finally, the extracellular metabolome of the LAB was studied by LC-MS/MS analysis. L.gasseri produced the highest antifungal compounds and antibiotics, supporting its best activity against C. albicans. Vaginal LAB and their extracellular metabolites perpetuate C. albicans at an avirulent state. The metabolites produced by these LAB in vitro have been identified, and can be further exploited as a preventive measure against vaginal candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreaya Das
- Department of MBBT, Tezpur University, Napaam, Assam, India
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5
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Templeton GB, Fefer G, Case BC, Roach J, Azcarate-Peril MA, Gruen ME, Callahan BJ, Olby NJ. Longitudinal Analysis of Canine Oral Microbiome Using Whole Genome Sequencing in Aging Companion Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3846. [PMID: 38136883 PMCID: PMC10740535 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aged companion dogs have a high prevalence of periodontal disease and canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) and the two disorders are correlated. Similarly, periodontal disease and Alzheimer's Disease are correlated in people. However, little is known about the oral microbiota of aging dogs. The goal of this project was to characterize the longitudinal changes in oral microbiota in aged dogs. Oral swabs were taken from ten senior client-owned dogs on 2-3 occasions spanning 24 months and they underwent whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing. Cognitive status was established at each sampling time. A statistically significant increase in alpha diversity for bacterial and fungal species was observed between the first and last study visits. Bacteroidetes and proteobacteria were the most abundant bacterial phyla. Porphyromonas gulae was the most abundant bacterial species (11.6% of total reads). The species Lactobacillus gasseri had a statistically significant increase in relative abundance with age whereas Leptotrichia sp. oral taxon 212 had a statistically significant positive longitudinal association with cognition score. There is an increased fungal and bacterial alpha diversity in aging dogs over time and nearly universal oral dysbiosis. The role of the oral microbiota, particularly Leptotrichia and P. gulae and P. gingivalis, in aging and CCDS warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginger B. Templeton
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (M.E.G.)
| | - Gilad Fefer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (M.E.G.)
| | - Beth C. Case
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (M.E.G.)
| | - Jeff Roach
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and UNC Microbiome Core, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (J.R.)
| | - M. Andrea Azcarate-Peril
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and UNC Microbiome Core, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (J.R.)
| | - Margaret E. Gruen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (M.E.G.)
| | - Benjamin J. Callahan
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA;
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Natasha J. Olby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (M.E.G.)
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6
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Lu J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Wang L, Zhao R, Liu XY, Liu X, Zhuang W, Chen L, Cai L, Wang J. Nanopore sequencing of full rRNA operon improves resolution in mycobiome analysis and reveals high diversity in both human gut and environments. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:6330-6344. [PMID: 35593386 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing has substantially improved our understanding of fungal diversity. However, the short read (<500 bp) length of current second-generation sequencing approaches provides limited taxonomic and phylogenetic resolution for species discrimination. Longer sequences containing more information are highly desired to provide greater taxonomic resolution. Here, we amplified full-length rRNA operons (~5.5 kb) and established a corresponding fungal rRNA operon database for ONT sequences (FRODO), which contains ONT sequences representing eight phyla, 41 classes, 109 orders, 256 families, 524 genera and 1116 species. We also benchmarked the optimal method for sequence classification and determined that the RDP classifier based on our FRODO database was capable of improving the classification of ONT reads, with an average of 98%-99% reads correctly classified at the genus or species level. We investigated the applicability of our approach in three representative mycobiomes, namely, the soil, marine and human gut mycobiomes, and found that the gut contains the largest number of unknown species (over 90%), followed by the marine (42%) and soil (33.8%) mycobiomes. We also observed a distinct difference in the composition of the marine and soil mycobiomes, with the highest richness and diversity detected in soils. Overall, our study provides a systematic approach for mycobiome studies and revealed that the previous methods might have underestimated the diversity of mycobiome species. Future application of this method will lead to a better understanding of the taxonomic and functional diversity of fungi in environmental and health-related mycobiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linqi Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruilin Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Yong Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinzhan Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenying Zhuang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Cai
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Silao FGS, Jiang T, Bereczky-Veress B, Kühbacher A, Ryman K, Uwamohoro N, Jenull S, Nogueira F, Ward M, Lion T, Urban CF, Rupp S, Kuchler K, Chen C, Peuckert C, Ljungdahl PO. Proline catabolism is a key factor facilitating Candida albicans pathogenicity. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011677. [PMID: 37917600 PMCID: PMC10621835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, the primary etiology of human mycoses, is well-adapted to catabolize proline to obtain energy to initiate morphological switching (yeast to hyphal) and for growth. We report that put1-/- and put2-/- strains, carrying defective Proline UTilization genes, display remarkable proline sensitivity with put2-/- mutants being hypersensitive due to the accumulation of the toxic intermediate pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C), which inhibits mitochondrial respiration. The put1-/- and put2-/- mutations attenuate virulence in Drosophila and murine candidemia models and decrease survival in human neutrophils and whole blood. Using intravital 2-photon microscopy and label-free non-linear imaging, we visualized the initial stages of C. albicans cells infecting a kidney in real-time, directly deep in the tissue of a living mouse, and observed morphological switching of wildtype but not of put2-/- cells. Multiple members of the Candida species complex, including C. auris, are capable of using proline as a sole energy source. Our results indicate that a tailored proline metabolic network tuned to the mammalian host environment is a key feature of opportunistic fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fitz Gerald S. Silao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tong Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Biborka Bereczky-Veress
- Intravital Microscopy Facility, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Kühbacher
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Kicki Ryman
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Uwamohoro
- Clinical Microbiology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Jenull
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories GmbH, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Filomena Nogueira
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories GmbH, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Meliza Ward
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Thomas Lion
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung e.V., Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Constantin F. Urban
- Clinical Microbiology and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University Umeå, Sweden
| | - Steffen Rupp
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories GmbH, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Vienna, Austria
| | - Changbin Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Christiane Peuckert
- Intravital Microscopy Facility, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per O. Ljungdahl
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
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8
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Wang T, Liu J, Luo Y, Yu B, Kong X, Zheng P, Huang Z, Mao X, Yu J, Luo J, Yan H, He J. Combined effects of host genetics and diet on porcine intestinal fungi and their pathogenic genes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1192288. [PMID: 37822749 PMCID: PMC10563851 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1192288] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As research on gut microbes progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that a small family of microbiota--fungi, plays a crucial role in animal health. However, little is known about the fungal composition in the pig intestine, especially after a dietary fiber diet and hybrid genetics, and the changes in host pathogenicity-associated genes they carry. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of diet and genetics on the diversity and structure of porcine intestinal fungi and to describe, for the first time, the host pathogenicity-related genes carried by porcine intestinal fungi. Samples of colonic contents were collected for metagenomic analysis using a 3 × 2 parsing design, where three pig breeds (Taoyuan, Duroc, and crossbred Xiangcun) were fed high or low fiber diets (n = 10). In all samples, we identified a total of 281 identifiable fungal genera, with Ascomycota and Microsporidia being the most abundant fungi. Compared to Duroc pigs, Taoyuan and Xiangcun pigs had higher fungal richness. Interestingly, the fiber diet significantly reduced the abundance of the pathogenic fungus Mucor and significantly increased the abundance of the fiber digestion-associated fungus Neocallimastix. Pathogenic fungi exert their pathogenicity through the genes they carry that are associated with host pathogenicity. Therefore, we obtained 839 pathogenicity genes carried by the spectrum of fungi in the pig intestine by comparing the PHI-base database. Our results showed that fungi in the colon of Taoyuan pigs carried the highest abundance of different classes of host pathogenicity-related genes, and the lowest in Duroc pigs. Specifically, Taoyuan pigs carried high abundance of animal pathogenicity-related genes (CaTUP1, CPAR2_106400, CaCDC35, Tfp1, CaMNT2), and CaTUP1 was the key gene for Candida pathogenicity. The intestinal fungal composition of crossbred Xiangcun pigs and the abundance of host pathogenicity-associated genes they carried exhibited a mixture of characteristics of Taoyuan and Duroc pigs. In conclusion, our results provide the first comprehensive report on the effects of dietary fiber and genetics on the composition of intestinal fungi and the host-associated pathogenicity genes they carry in pigs. These findings provide a reference for subsequent pig breeding and development of anti-pathogenic fungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiahao Liu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuheng Luo
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Bing Yu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangfeng Kong
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiqing Huang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangbing Mao
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Junqiu Luo
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Yan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun He
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, China
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9
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Larcombe DE, Bohovych IM, Pradhan A, Ma Q, Hickey E, Leaves I, Cameron G, Avelar GM, de Assis LJ, Childers DS, Bain JM, Lagree K, Mitchell AP, Netea MG, Erwig LP, Gow NAR, Brown AJP. Glucose-enhanced oxidative stress resistance-A protective anticipatory response that enhances the fitness of Candida albicans during systemic infection. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011505. [PMID: 37428810 PMCID: PMC10358912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Most microbes have developed responses that protect them against stresses relevant to their niches. Some that inhabit reasonably predictable environments have evolved anticipatory responses that protect against impending stresses that are likely to be encountered in their niches-termed "adaptive prediction". Unlike yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis and Yarrowia lipolytica and other pathogenic Candida species we examined, the major fungal pathogen of humans, Candida albicans, activates an oxidative stress response following exposure to physiological glucose levels before an oxidative stress is even encountered. Why? Using competition assays with isogenic barcoded strains, we show that "glucose-enhanced oxidative stress resistance" phenotype enhances the fitness of C. albicans during neutrophil attack and during systemic infection in mice. This anticipatory response is dependent on glucose signalling rather than glucose metabolism. Our analysis of C. albicans signalling mutants reveals that the phenotype is not dependent on the sugar receptor repressor pathway, but is modulated by the glucose repression pathway and down-regulated by the cyclic AMP-protein kinase A pathway. Changes in catalase or glutathione levels do not correlate with the phenotype, but resistance to hydrogen peroxide is dependent on glucose-enhanced trehalose accumulation. The data suggest that the evolution of this anticipatory response has involved the recruitment of conserved signalling pathways and downstream cellular responses, and that this phenotype protects C. albicans from innate immune killing, thereby promoting the fitness of C. albicans in host niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Larcombe
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Iryna M. Bohovych
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Arnab Pradhan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Qinxi Ma
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Emer Hickey
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Leaves
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Cameron
- Rowett Institute, School of Medicine Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela M. Avelar
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro J. de Assis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Delma S. Childers
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Judith M. Bain
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Lagree
- Department of Microbiology, Biosciences Building, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Aaron P. Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology, Biosciences Building, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department for Immunology & Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lars P. Erwig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Johnson-Johnson Innovation, EMEA Innovation Centre, One Chapel Place, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair J. P. Brown
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, United Kingdom
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10
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Alvarado M, Gómez-Navajas JA, Blázquez-Muñoz MT, Gómez-Molero E, Berbegal C, Eraso E, Kramer G, De Groot PWJ. Integrated post-genomic cell wall analysis reveals floating biofilm formation associated with high expression of flocculins in the pathogen Pichia kudriavzevii. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011158. [PMID: 37196016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic yeast Pichia kudriavzevii, previously known as Candida krusei, is more distantly related to Candida albicans than clinically relevant CTG-clade Candida species. Its cell wall, a dynamic organelle that is the first point of interaction between pathogen and host, is relatively understudied, and its wall proteome remains unidentified to date. Here, we present an integrated study of the cell wall in P. kudriavzevii. Our comparative genomic studies and experimental data indicate that the general structure of the cell wall in P. kudriavzevii is similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and C. albicans and is comprised of β-1,3-glucan, β-1,6-glucan, chitin, and mannoproteins. However, some pronounced differences with C. albicans walls were observed, for instance, higher mannan and protein levels and altered protein mannosylation patterns. Further, despite absence of proteins with high sequence similarity to Candida adhesins, protein structure modeling identified eleven proteins related to flocculins/adhesins in S. cerevisiae or C. albicans. To obtain a proteomic comparison of biofilm and planktonic cells, P. kudriavzevii cells were grown to exponential phase and in static 24-h cultures. Interestingly, the 24-h static cultures of P. kudriavzevii yielded formation of floating biofilm (flor) rather than adherence to polystyrene at the bottom. The proteomic analysis of both conditions identified a total of 33 cell wall proteins. In line with a possible role in flor formation, increased abundance of flocculins, in particular Flo110, was observed in the floating biofilm compared to exponential cells. This study is the first to provide a detailed description of the cell wall in P. kudriavzevii including its cell wall proteome, and paves the way for further investigations on the importance of flor formation and flocculins in the pathogenesis of P. kudriavzevii.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alvarado
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research, Castilla-La Mancha Science & Technology Park, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Jesús Alberto Gómez-Navajas
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research, Castilla-La Mancha Science & Technology Park, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - María Teresa Blázquez-Muñoz
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research, Castilla-La Mancha Science & Technology Park, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Emilia Gómez-Molero
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research, Castilla-La Mancha Science & Technology Park, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Carmen Berbegal
- ENOLAB, Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar (ERI) BioTecMed and Departament de Microbiologia i Ecología, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Elena Eraso
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Gertjan Kramer
- Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules, University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Piet W J De Groot
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research, Castilla-La Mancha Science & Technology Park, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
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11
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Klesiewicz K, Mrowiec P, Kania K, Skiba-Kurek I, Białecka J, Namysł M, Małek M. Prevalence of Closely Related Candida albicans Species among Patients with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Southern Poland Based on the hwp1 Gene Amplification. Pol J Microbiol 2023; 72:69-77. [PMID: 36929889 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2023-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans remains the most common species isolated from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. However, closely related species such as Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis may also occur, although they are often misidentified. The aim of the study was to confirm the phenotypic identification of C. albicans and its closely related species isolated from women with genital tract infections by amplification of the hwp1 (hyphal wall protein 1) gene in a PCR assay. We report a detailed molecular identification of C. albicans and its closely related species among 326 patients in the Małopolska region, Poland. Initial phenotypic identifications were confirmed by amplification of the hwp1 gene. Based on molecular analysis, we revealed 307 strains (94.17%) as C. albicans and 17 as C. dubliniensis (5.22%). No strain of C. africana was detected. Two patients h ad co-infection with C. albicans and C. dubliniensis (0.61%). A PCR assay targeting the hwp1 gene was reliable for correctly identifying species among the C. albicans complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Klesiewicz
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Paulina Mrowiec
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kania
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Iwona Skiba-Kurek
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Joanna Białecka
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
- 2Centre of Microbiological Research and Autovaccines, Cracow, Poland
| | | | - Marianna Małek
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
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12
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Harun WH, Zulaila CO, Fahim A, Allah NU. The synergistic effects of hydroxychavicol and amphotericin B towards yeast-hyphae transition and the germination of Candida albicans. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2023; 18:967-975. [PMID: 36866244 PMCID: PMC9972399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Dimorphic transformation from yeast cells to hyphae is considered one of the major virulence factors of candidal species. The development of antifungal resistance against several candida diseases has led researchers to find plant derived alternatives. We aimed to determine the effect of hydroxychavicol (HC), Amphotericin B (AMB), and their combination (HC + AMB) on the transition and germination of oral Candida species. Methods The antifungal susceptibility of hydroxychavicol (HC) and Amphotericin B (AMB) separately and in a mixture (HC + AMB) against Candida albicans ATCC 14053, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019, Candida tropicalis ATCC 13803, and Candida dubliniensis ATCC MYA-2975 was determined by broth microdilution technique. Minimal Inhibitory Concentration was calculated based on the CLSI protocols. The MIC50, fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index, and IC50 were also determined. The IC50 values were used as the treatment concentration of HC, AMB, and HC + AMB to study the effect of antifungal inhibition on yeast hypha transition (gemination). The germ tube formation percentage of candida species was calculated at several intervals using a colorimetric assay. Results The MIC50 range of HC alone against Candida species was between 120-240 µg per mL while that of AMB was between 2-8 µg per mL, respectively. The combination of HC + AMB at 1:1 and 2:1 demonstrated the strongest synergistic activity against C. albicans with an FIC index of 0.07. Moreover, within the first hour of treatment, the total percentage of germinating cells was significantly reduced by 79% (p < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of HC + AMB displayed synergism and inhibited C. albicans hyphal growth. HC + AMB combination slowed the germination process and exhibited consistent prolonged effect up to 3 h post-treatment. The results of this study will pave the way for potential in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan H.A.W. Harun
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Corresponding address: Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Che O.N. Zulaila
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ayesha Fahim
- Department of Oral Biology, University College of Dentistry, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nasar U.M. Allah
- Department of Periodontics, Foundation University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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13
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Seale E, Spurr A, Teo I, Glassman SJ. Cutaneous candidiasis mimicking acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: A case report. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2023; 11:2050313X231160949. [PMID: 37009549 PMCID: PMC10052466 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x231160949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Disseminated cutaneous candidiasis is a rare manifestation of candidiasis that arises most commonly from Candida albicans. It is described as a widespread erythematous papulopustular skin infection that typically affects premature newborns or immunocompromised patients. While candidal infections usually respond well to antifungal therapy, the clinical presentation of disseminated cutaneous candidiasis can often mimic a variety of other dermatologic conditions, that can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. We present a 67-year-old comorbid male patient with widespread erythema and superficial pustules resembling acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) that was actually an unexpected manifestation of disseminated cutaneous candidiasis. Prompt initiation of a topical and oral antifungal regimen contributed to marked improvement. Given the high frequency of drug eruptions in comorbid patients receiving multiple medications, alternate diagnoses like infections should be included in the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Seale
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alison Spurr
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Alison Spurr, Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, 737 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1J8, Canada.
| | - Iris Teo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Steven J Glassman
- Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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14
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Mochochoko BM, Pohl CH, O’Neill HG. Candida albicans-enteric viral interactions-The prostaglandin E 2 connection and host immune responses. iScience 2022; 26:105870. [PMID: 36647379 PMCID: PMC9839968 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The human microbiome comprises trillions of microorganisms residing within different mucosal cavities and across the body surface. The gut microbiota modulates host susceptibility to viral infections in several ways, and microbial interkingdom interactions increase viral infectivity within the gut. Candida albicans, a frequently encountered fungal species in the gut, produces highly structured biofilms and eicosanoids such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which aid in viral protection and replication. These biofilms encompass viruses and provide a shield from antiviral drugs or the immune system. PGE2 is a key modulator of active inflammation with the potential to regulate interferon signaling upon microbial invasion or viral infections. In this review, we raise the perspective of gut interkingdom interactions involving C. albicans and enteric viruses, with a special focus on biofilms, PGE2, and viral replication. Ultimately, we discuss the possible implications of C. albicans-enteric virus associations on host immune responses, particularly the interferon signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonang M. Mochochoko
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Carolina H. Pohl
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa,Corresponding author
| | - Hester G. O’Neill
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa,Corresponding author
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15
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Similarities and Differences among Species Closely Related to Candida albicans: C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris. Cell Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2599136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Although Candida species are widespread commensals of the microflora of healthy individuals, they are also among the most important human fungal pathogens that under certain conditions can cause diseases (candidiases) of varying severity ranging from mild superficial infections of the mucous membranes to life-threatening systemic infections. So far, the vast majority of research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of pathogenesis has been focused on the most common species—Candida albicans. Meanwhile, other closely related species belonging to the CTG clade, namely, Candida tropicalis and Candida dubliniensis, are becoming more important in clinical practice, as well as a relatively newly identified species, Candida auris. Despite the close relationship of these microorganisms, it seems that in the course of evolution, they have developed distinct biochemical, metabolic, and physiological adaptations, which they use to fit to commensal niches and achieve full virulence. Therefore, in this review, we describe the current knowledge on C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris virulence factors, the formation of a mixed species biofilm and mutual communication, the environmental stress response and related changes in fungal cell metabolism, and the effect of pathogens on host defense response and susceptibility to antifungal agents used, highlighting differences with respect to C. albicans. Special attention is paid to common diagnostic problems resulting from similarities between these species and the emergence of drug resistance mechanisms. Understanding the different strategies to achieve virulence, used by important opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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16
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Cvanova M, Ruzicka F, Kukletova M, Lipovy B, Gachova D, Izakovicova Holla L, Danek Z, Hola V, Bartosova M, Jarkovsky J, Dusek L, Borilova Linhartova P. Candida species and selected behavioral factors co-associated with severe early childhood caries: Case-control study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:943480. [PMID: 35959372 PMCID: PMC9357982 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.943480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Early Childhood Caries (sECC) is a multifactorial disease associated with the occurrence of specific oral microorganisms and other environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors. This study aimed to construct a multivariable model including the occurrence of Candida spp. and selected behavioral factors (length of breastfeeding, serving sweet beverages and beginning of brushing child's teeth) to determine their relationships to the occurrence of sECC. In this case-control study 164 children with sECC and 147 children without dental caries were included. MALDI-TOF MS and multiplex qPCR were used to identify Candida spp. and selected bacteria in dental plaque samples, respectively. A questionnaire on oral hygiene, diet, and children's health was filled in by the parents. The constructed multivariable logistic regression model showed an independent influence of the microbial and behavioral factors in sECC etiopathogenesis. The occurrence of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis was associated with higher odds of sECC development (odds ratio, OR: 9.62 and 16.93, respectively), together with breastfeeding of 6 months or less (OR: 2.71), exposure to sweet beverages (OR: 3.77), and starting to brush child's teeth after the 12th month of age (OR: 4.10), all statistically significant (p < 0.01). Considering the high occurrence of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis in dental plaque in children with sECC, we propose them as "keystone pathogens" and risk factors for sECC. The models showed that presence of specific species of Candida in dental plaque may be a better descriptor of sECC than the mentioned behavioral factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Cvanova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czechia
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Filip Ruzicka
- Clinic of Microbiology, Institution Shared with St. Anne´s University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Martina Kukletova
- Clinic of Stomatology, Institution Shared with St. Anne´s University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Bretislav Lipovy
- Clinic of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Institution shared with University Hospital Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Daniela Gachova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czechia
| | - Lydie Izakovicova Holla
- Clinic of Stomatology, Institution Shared with St. Anne´s University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Zdenek Danek
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czechia
- Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, Institution shared with the University Hospital Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Veronika Hola
- Clinic of Microbiology, Institution Shared with St. Anne´s University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Michaela Bartosova
- Clinic of Stomatology, Institution Shared with St. Anne´s University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jiri Jarkovsky
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ladislav Dusek
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Petra Borilova Linhartova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czechia
- Clinic of Stomatology, Institution Shared with St. Anne´s University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, Institution shared with the University Hospital Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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17
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Stress- and metabolic responses of Candida albicans require Tor1 kinase N-terminal HEAT repeats. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010089. [PMID: 35687592 PMCID: PMC9223334 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether to commit limited cellular resources toward growth and proliferation, or toward survival and stress responses, is an essential determination made by Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) for a eukaryotic cell in response to favorable or adverse conditions. Loss of TORC1 function is lethal. The TORC1 inhibitor rapamycin that targets the highly conserved Tor kinase domain kills fungal pathogens like Candida albicans, but is also severely toxic to human cells. The least conserved region of fungal and human Tor kinases are the N-terminal HEAT domains. We examined the role of the 8 most N-terminal HEAT repeats of C. albicans Tor1. We compared nutritional- and stress responses of cells that express a message for N-terminally truncated Tor1 from repressible tetO, with cells expressing wild type TOR1 from tetO or from the native promoter. Some but not all stress responses were significantly impaired by loss of Tor1 N-terminal HEAT repeats, including those to oxidative-, cell wall-, and heat stress; in contrast, plasma membrane stress and antifungal agents that disrupt plasma membrane function were tolerated by cells lacking this Tor1 region. Translation was inappropriately upregulated during oxidative stress in cells lacking N-terminal Tor1 HEAT repeats despite simultaneously elevated Gcn2 activity, while activation of the oxidative stress response MAP kinase Hog1 was weak. Conversely, these cells were unable to take advantage of favorable nutritional conditions by accelerating their growth. Consuming oxygen more slowly than cells containing wild type TOR1 alleles during growth in glucose, cells lacking N-terminal Tor1 HEAT repeats additionally were incapable of utilizing non-fermentable carbon sources. They were also hypersensitive to inhibitors of specific complexes within the respiratory electron transport chain, suggesting that inefficient ATP generation and a resulting dearth of nucleotide sugar building blocks for cell wall polysaccharides causes cell wall integrity defects in these mutants. Genome-wide expression analysis of cells lacking N-terminal HEAT repeats showed dysregulation of carbon metabolism, cell wall biosynthetic enzymes, translational machinery biosynthesis, oxidative stress responses, and hyphal- as well as white-opaque cell type-associated genes. Targeting fungal-specific Tor1 N-terminal HEAT repeats with small molecules might selectively abrogate fungal viability, especially when during infection multiple stresses are imposed by the host immune system. Whether growing harmlessly on our mucous membranes in competition with bacterial multitudes, or invading our tissues and bloodstream, the fungus Candida albicans must be capable of rapid growth when it finds abundant nutrients and favorable conditions. It must also be able to switch to stress- and survival mode when encountering host immune cells and when starving for nutrients. Tor1 kinase is the central regulator at the heart of these cellular decisions. As an essential protein, it is an attractive drug target. But the Tor1 kinase domain is very similar to its human counterpart, rendering its inhibitors like rapamycin toxic for humans. We identified a region of helical protein-protein interaction domains, the N-terminal HEAT repeats, as the least conserved part of C. albicans Tor1. Using genetic- and genome-wide expression analysis, we found that 8 N-terminal HEAT repeats are required for growth acceleration in nutrient-rich environments and for decreased translation in starvation- and stress conditions. This Tor1 region contributes to oxidative-, cell wall- and heat stress reponses, to hyphal growth and to respiration, but apparently not to plasma membrane stress endurance or fermentation. Small molecules that disrupt the protein-protein interactions mediated by this region could become fungal-selective inhibitors of Tor kinase.
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18
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Emergence and evolution of virulence in human pathogenic fungi. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:693-704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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19
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Mishra A, Forche A, Anderson MZ. Parasexuality of Candida Species. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:796929. [PMID: 34966696 PMCID: PMC8711763 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.796929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
While most fungi have the ability to reproduce sexually, multiple independent lineages have lost meiosis and developed parasexual cycles in its place. Emergence of parasexual cycles is particularly prominent in medically relevant fungi from the CUG paraphyletic group of Candida species. Since the discovery of parasex in C. albicans roughly two decades ago, it has served as the model for Candida species. Importantly, parasex in C. albicans retains hallmarks of meiosis including genetic recombination and chromosome segregation, making it a potential driver of genetic diversity. Furthermore, key meiotic genes play similar roles in C. albicans parasex and highlights parallels between these processes. Yet, the evolutionary role of parasex in Candida adaptation and the extent of resulting genotypic and phenotypic diversity remain as key knowledge gaps in this facultative reproductive program. Here, we present our current understanding of parasex, the mechanisms governing its regulation, and its relevance to Candida biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mishra
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Anja Forche
- Department of Biology, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, United States
| | - Matthew Z Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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20
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Roode GJ, Bütow KW, Naidoo S. Microbial contamination profile change over a 4-year period in nonoperated cleft soft palate. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:665-674. [PMID: 34180558 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15193] [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: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Surgical site infection is a major concern in cleft soft palate. Knowledge of the type, number and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens present preoperatively contribute to treatment success. The aim of this study is to determine whether or not the microbial contamination (diversity) preoperatively has changed since 2015. METHODS AND RESULTS Swabs were taken from the surgical site in 103 consecutive patients who presented for primary repair of the soft palate cleft. These were sent for microscopy, culture and sensitivity testing. Swabs were taken before disinfecting the site. Results were tabled and compared with two previous studies from the same facility. Out of 103 patients, 100 patients showed positive cultures with 42 different pathogenic micro-organisms identified. Most dominant pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae, 45.6%, increased by 28% from the previous two studies, with 93.6% of these pathogens resistant to one or more antimicrobials. Most of the other identified pathogens showed an alarming increase in occurrence, with a wide resistance to antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS The increase in number and diversity of microbial contamination as well as their resistance to antimicrobials is a real concern. Ways of preventing postoperative infection in a natural way need to be explored. SIGNIFICANCE Surgeons need to be aware of constant changes in micro-organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kurt-Wilhelm Bütow
- Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgical Practice, Life-Wilgers Hospital, Lynnwood Ridge, South Africa
| | - Sharan Naidoo
- Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgical Practice, Mediclinic Midstream Hospital, Lyttelton, South Africa.,Department of Maxillofacial and Oral surgery, Facial Deformity Clinic, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Judan Cruz KG, Alfonso ED, Fernando SID, Watanabe K. Candida albicans Biofilm Inhibition by Ethnobotanicals and Ethnobotanically-Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:665113. [PMID: 34108950 PMCID: PMC8180598 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.665113] [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: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The virulence and drug resistance of globally prevalent Candida albicans has presented complications toward its control while advances in effective antivirulence drugs remain critical. Emerging methods are now being evaluated to facilitate development of novel therapeutic approaches against this pathogen. This study focuses on the biofilm formation inhibition of ethnobotanical crude extracts and the use of nanotechnology through the ethnobotanically-synthesized gold nanoparticles to control C. albicans. Control on biofilm formation was compared using crude extracts (CEs) and biologically synthesized gold nanoparticles (CEs + AuNPs). Significantly lower biofilm formation was exhibited in thirteen (13) CEs and fourteen (14) CEs + AuNPs. Biofilm-linked genes Bcr1 and HSP90 expression were consequently downregulated. Higher biofilm inhibition activity was noted in some CEs + AuNPs compared to its counterpart CEs. This study emphasizes the biofilm inhibition activity of ethnobotanicals and the use of nanoparticles to enhance delivery of compounds, and points to its prospects for developing anti-pathogenic drugs without evolving resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khristina G Judan Cruz
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Eleonor D Alfonso
- College of Agriculture, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Somar Israel D Fernando
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Kozo Watanabe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan.,Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
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Mancera E, Nocedal I, Hammel S, Gulati M, Mitchell KF, Andes DR, Nobile CJ, Butler G, Johnson AD. Evolution of the complex transcription network controlling biofilm formation in Candida species. eLife 2021; 10:e64682. [PMID: 33825680 PMCID: PMC8075579 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We examine how a complex transcription network composed of seven 'master' regulators and hundreds of target genes evolved over a span of approximately 70 million years. The network controls biofilm formation in several Candida species, a group of fungi that are present in humans both as constituents of the microbiota and as opportunistic pathogens. Using a variety of approaches, we observed two major types of changes that have occurred in the biofilm network since the four extant species we examined last shared a common ancestor. Master regulator 'substitutions' occurred over relatively long evolutionary times, resulting in different species having overlapping but different sets of master regulators of biofilm formation. Second, massive changes in the connections between the master regulators and their target genes occurred over much shorter timescales. We believe this analysis is the first detailed, empirical description of how a complex transcription network has evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mancera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad IrapuatoIrapuatoMexico
| | - Isabel Nocedal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Stephen Hammel
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, MercedMercedUnited States
| | - Kaitlin F Mitchell
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, MercedMercedUnited States
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Microbiome Initiative, Chan Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoUnited States
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Abstract
Of the many microbial species on earth, only a small number are able to thrive in humans and cause disease. Comparison of closely related pathogenic and nonpathogenic species can therefore be useful in identifying key features that contribute to virulence. We created interspecies hybrids between Candida albicans, a prevalent fungal pathogen of humans, and Candida dubliniensis, a close, but much less pathogenic, relative. By comparing genome-wide expression differences between the two genomes in the same cell, we surmised that since the two species diverged from a common ancestor, natural selection has acted upon the expression level of an ancient metabolic pathway, illustrating that pathogenicity traits can arise over evolutionary timescales through small expression changes in deeply conserved proteins. Candida albicans is the most common cause of systemic fungal infections in humans and is considerably more virulent than its closest known relative, Candida dubliniensis. To investigate this difference, we constructed interspecies hybrids and quantified mRNA levels produced from each genome in the hybrid. This approach systematically identified expression differences in orthologous genes arising from cis-regulatory sequence changes that accumulated since the two species last shared a common ancestor, some 10 million y ago. We documented many orthologous gene-expression differences between the two species, and we pursued one striking observation: All 15 genes coding for the enzymes of glycolysis showed higher expression from the C. albicans genome than the C. dubliniensis genome in the interspecies hybrid. This pattern requires evolutionary changes to have occurred at each gene; the fact that they all act in the same direction strongly indicates lineage-specific natural selection as the underlying cause. To test whether these expression differences contribute to virulence, we created a C. dubliniensis strain in which all 15 glycolysis genes were produced at modestly elevated levels and found that this strain had significantly increased virulence in the standard mouse model of systemic infection. These results indicate that small expression differences across a deeply conserved set of metabolism enzymes can play a significant role in the evolution of virulence in fungal pathogens.
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Al manasra ARA, Jadallah K, Aleshawi A, Al-Omari M, Elheis M, Reyad A, Fataftah J, Al-Domaidat H. Intractable Biliary Candidiasis in Patients with Obstructive Jaundice and Regional Malignancy: A Retrospective Case Series. Clin Exp Gastroenterol 2021; 14:83-89. [PMID: 33707962 PMCID: PMC7941053 DOI: 10.2147/ceg.s301340] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida species are infrequently grown in bile cultures. An association between biliary candidiasis and regional malignancy may exist. The role of fungus membranes in frequent biliary stent occlusion is also presented in this case series. METHODS We retrospectively identified patients who underwent percutaneous trans-hepatic cholangiogram (PTC) for obstructive jaundice between January 2014 and January 2019. The results of bile cultures - obtained by PTC - for all patients were analyzed, and patients with fungus growth were determined; their medical records were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 71 patients with obstructive jaundice underwent PTC between January 2015 and January 2019. Five patients (all male; mean age 55.8 years) had candida species growth in bile cultures. Two patients were diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, one with adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas, one with gallbladder cancer, and one with locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. Formation of fungal balls predisposed to frequent PTC drain clogging. Eradication of Candida was achieved in 4 patients after 10 days to 3 weeks of antifungal therapy. CONCLUSION We present a case series of biliary candidiasis in patients with obstructive jaundice and regional malignancy. We suggest that patients with obstructive jaundice and regional malignancy should be screened for biliary candidiasis. Persistent cholestasis may be caused by the recurrent formation of fungal membranes (balls).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel rahman A Al manasra
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khaled Jadallah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Abdelwahab Aleshawi
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mamoon Al-Omari
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mwaffaq Elheis
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Reyad
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Jehad Fataftah
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Hamzeh Al-Domaidat
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Tahir M, Peseski AM, Jordan SJ. Case Report: Candida dubliniensis as a Cause of Chronic Meningitis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:601242. [PMID: 33363510 PMCID: PMC7752766 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.601242] [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: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Candida dubliniensis is closely related to Candida albicans and rarely isolated in clinical specimens. C. dubliniensis is increasingly recognized as a pathogen in immunocompromised hosts. We present the third known case of Candida dubliniensis meningitis in a young immunocompetent host. Case Presentation: A 27-year-old female with a history of intravenous heroin use and chronic hepatitis C presented with a 10-month history of headaches and progressive bilateral vision loss. On physical examination, visual acuity was 20/20 in her right eye and grade II papilledema was noted. Examination of her left eye revealed complete loss of vision and grade IV papilledema. An MRI with and without contrast revealed increased leptomeningeal enhancement involving the posterior fossa and spinal cord. After multiple lumbar punctures, cerebrospinal fluid fungal cultures grew Candida dubliniensis. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of liposomal amphotericin and fluconazole for 6 weeks with complete resolution of her CNS symptoms, with the exception of irreversible vision loss. Conclusion: We report a case of chronic meningitis due to Candida dubliniensis in an immunocompetent woman with hepatitis C and a history of intravenous heroin use. Additional studies are needed to confirm risk factors for Candida dubliniensis colonization, which likely predisposes individuals to invasive candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Tahir
- The University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Plattsburgh, NY, United States
| | - Andrew M Peseski
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Stephen J Jordan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Soares LW, Bailão AM, Soares CMDA, Bailão MGS. Zinc at the Host-Fungus Interface: How to Uptake the Metal? J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040305. [PMID: 33233335 PMCID: PMC7711662 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc is an essential nutrient for all living organisms. However, firm regulation must be maintained since micronutrients also can be toxic in high concentrations. This notion is reinforced when we look at mechanisms deployed by our immune system, such as the use of chelators or membrane transporters that capture zinc, when threatened with pathogens, like fungi. Pathogenic fungi, on the other hand, also make use of a variety of transporters and specialized zinc captors to survive these changes. In this review, we sought to explain the mechanisms, grounded in experimental analysis and described to date, utilized by pathogenic fungi to maintain optimal zinc levels.
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Ayadi R, Sitterlé E, d’Enfert C, Dannaoui E, Bougnoux ME. Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis Show Different Trailing Effect Patterns When Exposed to Echinocandins and Azoles. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1286. [PMID: 32612593 PMCID: PMC7308431 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
When Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis isolates were tested for susceptibility to fluconazole and echinocandins using either EUCAST or Etest methods, differential patterns of growth were observed, independently of the methods used. For C. albicans, a trailing phenomenon (incomplete growth inhibition at supra-MICs) was observed with fluconazole in 90% and 93.3% for EUCAST and Etest, respectively, but not with echinocandins (<7% for EUCAST and 0% for Etest). In contrast, for C. dubliniensis, a trailing phenomenon was very rarely observed with fluconazole (20% for EUCAST and 0% for Etest), while the opposite pattern was observed with echinocandins (>50% for EUCAST and >86% for Etest). This suggests that the pathways involved in the trailing effect might be different between these two related species. Furthermore, clinical microbiologists must be aware of these species-specific patterns for a reliable MIC determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Ayadi
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine, APHP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Emilie Sitterlé
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine, APHP, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, Paris, France
| | - Christophe d’Enfert
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, Paris, France
| | - Eric Dannaoui
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine, APHP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
- Dynamyc Research Group, Paris Est Créteil University (UPEC, EnvA), Créteil, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine, APHP, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, Paris, France
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Rizkalla C, Ottombrino J, Malik F. Colovesicular fistula from Candida dubliniensis in an immunocompetent resulting in poor outcome. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2020; 10:242-244. [PMID: 32850072 PMCID: PMC7426985 DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2020.1760444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
is a rare fungal opportunistic infection originally isolated from the oral cavity of severely immunocompromised individuals. We present a case of a candidiasis infection in a patient with only decompensated liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus as his immunocompromising risk factors, resulting in severe fungemia and death within 5 days despite being on antifungal therapy.
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Gheshlaghi M, Helweg-Larsen J. Fatal chronic meningitis caused by Candida dubliniensis after liver transplantation. Med Mycol Case Rep 2020; 27:22-24. [PMID: 31890490 PMCID: PMC6926290 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of fatal chronic Candida dubliniensis meningitis complicated by severe hydrocephalus secondary to liver transplantation, in which diagnosis was considerably delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Gheshlaghi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jannik Helweg-Larsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
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30
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Anticandidal agent for multiple targets: the next paradigm in the discovery of proficient therapeutics/overcoming drug resistance. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:2955-2974. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a prominent human fungal pathogen. Current treatments are suffering a massive gap due to emerging resistance against available antifungals. Therefore, there is an ardent need for novel antifungal candidates that essentially have more than one target, as most antifungal repertoires are single-target drugs. Exploration of multiple-drug targeting in antifungal therapeutics is still pending. An extensive literature survey was performed to categorize and comprehend relevant studies and the current therapeutic scenario that led researchers to preferentially consider multitarget drug-based Candida infection therapy. With this article, we identified and compiled a few potent antifungal compounds that are directed toward multiple virulent targets in C. albicans. Such compound(s) provide an optimistic platform of multiple targeting and could leave a substantial impact on the development of effective antifungals.
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Emerging Fungal Infections in the Era of Antibiotic Stewardship. Case Rep Infect Dis 2019; 2019:5963143. [PMID: 31275675 PMCID: PMC6589272 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5963143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of infection seen worldwide and still remains one of the most common causes of mortality despite significant advancements in medicine. With the increase in immunosuppression and antimicrobial usage, emerging infectious agents have been isolated in patients with pneumonia. The authors present a case in which Nonomuraea solani, Candida glabrata, and Candida dubliniensis were isolated from a bronchoalveolar lavage from an immunosuppressed patient with pneumonia.
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Pathirana RU, McCall AD, Norris HL, Edgerton M. Filamentous Non- albicans Candida Species Adhere to Candida albicans and Benefit From Dual Biofilm Growth. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1188. [PMID: 31231324 PMCID: PMC6558389 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-albicans Candida species (NACS) are often isolated along with Candida albicans in cases of oropharyngeal candidiasis. C. albicans readily forms biofilms in conjunction with other oral microbiota including both bacteria and yeast. Adhesion between species is important to the establishment of these mixed biofilms, but interactions between C. albicans and many NACS are not well-characterized. We adapted a real-time flow biofilm model to study adhesion interactions and biofilm establishment in C. albicans and NACS in mono- and co-culture. Out of five NACS studied, only the filamenting species C. tropicalis and C. dubliniensis were capable of adhesion with C. albicans, while C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae, and C. krusei were not. Over the early phase (0-4 h) of biofilm development, both mono- and co-culture followed similar kinetics of attachment and detachment events, indicating that initial biofilm formation is not influenced by inter-species interactions. However, the NACS showed a preference for inter-species cell-cell interactions with C. albicans, and at later time points (5-11 h) we found that dual-species interactions impacted biofilm surface coverage. Dual-species biofilms of C. tropicalis and C. albicans grew more slowly than C. albicans alone, but achieved higher surface coverage than C. tropicalis alone. Biofilms of C. dubliniensis with C. albicans increased surface coverage more rapidly than either species alone. We conclude that dual culture biofilm of C. albicans with C. tropicalis or C. dubliniensis offers a growth advantage for both NACS. Furthermore, the growth and maintenance, but not initial establishment, of dual-species biofilms is likely facilitated by interspecies cell-cell adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruvini U Pathirana
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Andrew D McCall
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Hannah L Norris
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Mira Edgerton
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Regulatory mechanisms controlling morphology and pathogenesis in Candida albicans. Curr Opin Microbiol 2019; 52:27-34. [PMID: 31129557 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans, a major human fungal pathogen, can cause a wide variety of both mucosal and systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Multiple lines of evidence suggest a strong association between virulence and the ability of C. albicans to undergo a reversible morphological transition from yeast to filamentous cells in response to host environmental cues. Most previous studies on mechanisms important for controlling the C. albicans morphological transition have focused on signaling pathways and sequence-specific transcription factors. However, in recent years a variety of novel mechanisms have been reported, including those involving global transcriptional regulation and translational control. A large-scale functional genomics screen has also revealed new roles in filamentation for certain key biosynthesis pathways. This review article will highlight several of these exciting recent discoveries and discuss how they are relevant to the development of novel antifungal strategies. Ultimately, components of mechanisms that control C. albicans morphogenesis and pathogenicity could potentially serve as viable antifungal targets.
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Bac ND, Anh LT, Quang LB, Luc NK, Nga TTT, Nagi M, Yoshitsugu M, Ha HTT, Anh DD, Quyet D, Anh DN. Prevalence of Candida bloodstream isolates from patients in two hospitals in Vietnam. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2019; 11:108-113. [PMID: 31341564 PMCID: PMC6635319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Identification of yeasts provides helpful information for appropriate administration of anti-fungal treatments; however, few reports from the Vietnam have been published. This study has been performed to find the prevalence of Candida blood stream isolates from patients in two hospitals in Vietnam. MATERIALS AND METHODS Candida spp. were isolated from blood cultures in two hospitals, Vietnam between May 2013 and May 2015. Participating hospitals were 103 Military Hospital, Ha Noi city (550 beds) and Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh city (1800 beds). All the bloodstream isolates were identified to species level by the germ tube test and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In addition, unknown isolates were subjected to PCR sequencing. RESULTS A total of 93 Candida isolates were isolated from blood cultures during the study period. The results of this study showed that C. tropicalis (n = 47, 50.54%) was the most common agent, followed by Candida albicans/dubliniensis (n = 18, 19.35%), C. parapsilosis (n = 16, 17.20%), C. glabrata (n = 6, 6.45%), C. mesorugosa (n = 5, 5.38%) and C. krusei (n = 1, 1.08%), respectively. CONCLUSION The frequency of the non-albicans Candida species in blood is increasing, especially C. tropicalis. Additional investigations should be made to clarify the epidemiological profile of invasive Candida bloodstream in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Duy Bac
- Department of Genetics and Cytogenetics, Institute for Military Medical Research, Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Le Tran Anh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Le Bach Quang
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Khac Luc
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Tran Thi Thanh Nga
- Department of Medical Bacteriology, Choray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Minoru Nagi
- Department of Chemotherapy and Mycoses, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyazaki Yoshitsugu
- Department of Chemotherapy and Mycoses, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hoang Thi Thu Ha
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Hygiene Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Dang Duc Anh
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Hygiene Epidemiology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Do Quyet
- Department of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 103 Military Hospital, Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Do Ngoc Anh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam
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Mancera E, Frazer C, Porman AM, Ruiz-Castro S, Johnson AD, Bennett RJ. Genetic Modification of Closely Related Candida Species. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:357. [PMID: 30941104 PMCID: PMC6433835 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Species from the genus Candida are among the most important human fungal pathogens. Several of them are frequent commensals of the human microbiota but are also able to cause a variety of opportunistic infections, especially when the human host becomes immunocompromised. By far, most of the research to understand the molecular underpinnings of the pathogenesis of these species has focused on Candida albicans, the most virulent member of the genus. However, epidemiological data indicates that related Candida species are also clinically important. Here, we describe the generation of a set of strains and plasmids to genetically modify C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis, the two pathogenic species most closely related to C. albicans. C. dubliniensis is an ideal model to understand C. albicans pathogenesis since it is the closest species to C. albicans but considerably less virulent. On the other hand, C. tropicalis is ranked among the four most common causes of infections by Candida species. Given that C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis are obligate diploids with no known conventional sexual cycle, we generated strains that are auxotrophic for at least two amino acids which allows the tandem deletion of both alleles of a gene by complementing the two auxotrophies. The strains were generated in two different genetic backgrounds for each species — one for which the genomic sequence is available and a second clinically important one. In addition, we have adapted plasmids developed to delete genes and epitope/fluorophore tag proteins in C. albicans so that they can be employed in C. tropicalis. The tools generated here allow for efficient genetic modification of C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis, and thus facilitate the study of the molecular basis of pathogenesis in these medically relevant fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mancera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Irapuato, Irapuato, Mexico.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Corey Frazer
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Allison M Porman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Susana Ruiz-Castro
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Irapuato, Irapuato, Mexico
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Richard J Bennett
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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Singla RK, Dubey AK. Molecules and Metabolites from Natural Products as Inhibitors of Biofilm in Candida spp. pathogens. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2567-2578. [PMID: 31654510 PMCID: PMC7403689 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666191025154834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biofilm is a critical virulence factor associated with the strains of Candida spp. pathogens as it confers significant resistance to the pathogen against antifungal drugs. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was undertaken by focusing on natural products, which have been reported to inhibit biofilms produced by Candida spp. The databases explored were from PubMed and Google Scholar. The abstracts and full text of the manuscripts from the literature were analyzed and included if found significant. RESULTS Medicinal plants from the order Lamiales, Apiales, Asterales, Myrtales, Sapindales, Acorales, Poales and Laurales were reported to inhibit the biofilms formed by Candida spp. From the microbiological sources, lactobacilli, Streptomyces chrestomyceticus and Streptococcus thermophilus B had shown the strong biofilm inhibition potential. Further, the diverse nature of the compounds from classes like terpenoids, phenylpropanoid, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenol, naphthoquinone and saponin was found to be significant in inhibiting the biofilm of Candida spp. CONCLUSION Natural products from both plant and microbial origins have proven themselves as a goldmine for isolating the potential biofilm inhibitors with a specific or multi-locus mechanism of action. Structural and functional characterization of the bioactive molecules from active extracts should be the next line of approach along with the thorough exploration of the mechanism of action for the already identified bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashok K. Dubey
- Address correspondence to this author at the Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi-110078, India; Emails: ;
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Up-Regulation of Antimicrobial Peptides Gallerimycin and Galiomicin in Galleria mellonella Infected with Candida Yeasts Displaying Different Virulence Traits. Mycopathologia 2018; 183:935-940. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-018-0300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Day AM, McNiff MM, da Silva Dantas A, Gow NAR, Quinn J. Hog1 Regulates Stress Tolerance and Virulence in the Emerging Fungal Pathogen Candida auris. mSphere 2018; 3:e00506-18. [PMID: 30355673 PMCID: PMC6200985 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00506-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has recently emerged as an important, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen of humans. Comparative studies indicate that despite high levels of genetic divergence, C. auris is as virulent as the most pathogenic member of the genus, Candida albicans However, key virulence attributes of C. albicans, such as morphogenetic switching, are not utilized by C. auris, indicating that this emerging pathogen employs alternative strategies to infect and colonize the host. An important trait required for the pathogenicity of many fungal pathogens is the ability to adapt to host-imposed stresses encountered during infection. Here, we investigated the relative resistance of C. auris and other pathogenic Candida species to physiologically relevant stresses and explored the role of the evolutionarily conserved Hog1 stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) in promoting stress resistance and virulence. In comparison to C. albicans, C. auris is relatively resistant to hydrogen peroxide, cationic stress, and cell-wall-damaging agents. However, in contrast to other Candida species examined, C. auris was unable to grow in an anaerobic environment and was acutely sensitive to organic oxidative-stress-inducing agents. An analysis of C. aurishog1Δ cells revealed multiple roles for this SAPK in stress resistance, cell morphology, aggregation, and virulence. These data demonstrate that C. auris has a unique stress resistance profile compared to those of other pathogenic Candida species and that the Hog1 SAPK has pleiotropic roles that promote the virulence of this emerging pathogen.IMPORTANCE The rapid global emergence and resistance of Candidaauris to current antifungal drugs highlight the importance of understanding the virulence traits exploited by this human fungal pathogen to cause disease. Here, we characterize the stress resistance profile of C. auris and the role of the Hog1 stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) in stress resistance and virulence. Our findings that C. auris is acutely sensitive to certain stresses may facilitate control measures to prevent persistent colonization in hospital settings. Furthermore, our observation that the Hog1 SAPK promotes C. auris virulence akin to that reported for many other pathogenic fungi indicates that antifungals targeting Hog1 signaling would be broad acting and effective, even on emerging drug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Day
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Megan M McNiff
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra da Silva Dantas
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A R Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Quinn
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Chupácová J, Borghi E, Morace G, Los A, Bujdáková H. Anti-biofilm activity of antibody directed against surface antigen complement receptor 3-related protein-comparison of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:4791528. [PMID: 29315379 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans and C. dubliniensis are related yeasts that differ in the expression of virulence-associated proteins involved in adherence and biofilm development. CR3-RP (complement receptor 3-related protein) is one of the surface antigens expressed by Candida species. The main objective of this research was to elucidate the effect of the polyclonal anti-CR3-RP antibody (Ab) on adherence and the biofilm formed by C. albicans SC5314 and C. dubliniensis CBS 7987 and two clinical isolates in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. A comparison of species, and of treated vs. non-treated with the anti-CR3-RP Ab showed a reduction in adherence (22%-41%) that was dependent on the time point of evaluation (60, 90 or 120 min), but did not prove to be species-dependent. Confocal microscopy revealed a decreased thickness in biofilms formed by both species after pre-treatment with the anti-CR3-RP Ab. This observation was confirmed ex vivo by immunohistochemistry analysis of biofilms formed on mouse tongues. Moreover, anti-CR3-RP Ab administration, 1 h post-infection, has been shown to promote larval survival compared to the control group in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Our data suggest a potential activity of the anti-CR3-RP Ab relevant to immunotherapy or vaccine development against biofilm-associated Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslava Chupácová
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ilkovicova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Medical School, Via A. di Rudini 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Morace
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Medical School, Via A. di Rudini 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Agata Los
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ilkovicova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Helena Bujdáková
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ilkovicova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Fukui K, Nakamura K, Kuwashima H, Majima T. White-to-opaque switching is involved in the phospholipase B production of Candida dubliniensis on Price's egg yolk agar. Odontology 2018; 107:174-185. [PMID: 30083973 DOI: 10.1007/s10266-018-0382-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Measuring the production of Candida dubliniensis (C. dubliniensis) phospholipase B (PLase B) by the Price's method has long been considered to be unattainable because the levels of PLase produced are undetectable. In this study, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis were shown to produce PLase B and form clear white zones around their colonies when peptone, a component of the original Price's egg yolk (OP) agar, is replaced with a yeast nitrogen base (YNB). This new medium is named modified Price's (MP) agar. Based on this finding, we propose a new modified Price's (NMP) agar containing 0.75% peptone and 0.25% YNB, which enabled measurement of PLase B production by C. dubliniensis and C. albicans with results consistent with those obtained for C. albicans grown on OP agar. We strongly believe that the MP and NMP agars are very useful for screening PLase B production by C. dubliniensis and non-albicans Candida spp. Moreover, the addition of several bioactive agents (the proteinase inhibitors pepstatin A and saquinavir, the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine A and tacrolimus, the cell-permeable cAMP analog dBcAMP, and the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol) to the OP agar enhanced PLase B production by C. dubliniensis. During the course of our study to clarify the reason why PLase B was not produced, we found that C. dubliniensis cells grown on OP agar undergo a white-to-opaque transition, which may explain why they showed minimal production of PLase B on this medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Fukui
- Department of Pharmacology, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Niigata, 1-8 Hamaura-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8580, Japan
| | - Kenjirou Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Niigata, 1-8 Hamaura-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8580, Japan.
| | - Haruhiro Kuwashima
- Department of Pharmacology, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Niigata, 1-8 Hamaura-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8580, Japan
| | - Toshiro Majima
- Department of Pharmacology, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Niigata, 1-8 Hamaura-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8580, Japan
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Flanagan PR, Fletcher J, Boyle H, Sulea R, Moran GP, Sullivan DJ. Expansion of the TLO gene family enhances the virulence of Candida species. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200852. [PMID: 30028853 PMCID: PMC6054389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The TLO genes are a family of subtelomeric ORFs in the fungal pathogens Candida albicans and C. dubliniensis encoding a subunit of the Mediator complex homologous to Med2. The more virulent pathogen C. albicans has 15 copies of the gene whereas the less pathogenic species C. dubliniensis has only two. To investigate if expansion of the TLO repertoire in C. dubliniensis has an effect on phenotype and virulence we expressed three representative C. albicans TLO genes (TLOβ2, TLOγ11 and TLOα12) in a wild type C. dubliniensis background, under the control of either their native or the ACT1 promoter. Expression of TLOβ2 resulted in a hyperfilamentous phenotype, while overexpression of TLOγ11 and TLOα12 resulted in enhanced resistance to oxidative stress. Expression of all three TLO genes from the ACT1 promoter resulted in increased virulence in the Galleria infection model. In order to further investigate if individual TLO genes exhibit differences in function we expressed six representative C. albicans TLO genes in a C. dubliniensis Δtlo1/Δtlo2 double mutant. Differences were observed in the ability of the expressed CaTLOs to complement the various phenotypes of the mutant. All TLO genes with the exception of TLOγ7 could restore filamentation, however only TLOα9, γ11 and α12 could restore chlamydospore formation. Differences in the ability of CaTLO genes to restore growth in the presence of H2O2, calcofluor white, Congo red and at 42°C were observed. Only TLOα3 restored wild-type levels of virulence in the Galleria infection model. These data show that expansion of the TLO gene family in C. dubliniensis results in gain of function and that there is functional diversity amongst members of the gene family. We propose that this expansion of the TLO family contributes to the success of C. albicans as a commensal and opportunistic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R. Flanagan
- Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jessica Fletcher
- Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hannah Boyle
- Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Razvan Sulea
- Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gary P. Moran
- Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail: (DJS); (GPM)
| | - Derek J. Sullivan
- Microbiology Research Unit, Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail: (DJS); (GPM)
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Gene flow contributes to diversification of the major fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2253. [PMID: 29884848 PMCID: PMC5993739 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04787-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidating population structure and levels of genetic diversity and recombination is necessary to understand the evolution and adaptation of species. Candida albicans is the second most frequent agent of human fungal infections worldwide, causing high-mortality rates. Here we present the genomic sequences of 182 C. albicans isolates collected worldwide, including commensal isolates, as well as ones responsible for superficial and invasive infections, constituting the largest dataset to date for this major fungal pathogen. Although, C. albicans shows a predominantly clonal population structure, we find evidence of gene flow between previously known and newly identified genetic clusters, supporting the occurrence of (para)sexuality in nature. A highly clonal lineage, which experimentally shows reduced fitness, has undergone pseudogenization in genes required for virulence and morphogenesis, which may explain its niche restriction. Candida albicans thus takes advantage of both clonality and gene flow to diversify. The fungal pathogen Candida albicans can undergo a parasexual process that may contribute to genetic diversity, but its actual relevance is unclear. Here, Ropars et al. analyse the genomic sequences of 182 C. albicans isolates collected worldwide and find evidence of gene flow and thus parasexuality in nature.
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Defosse TA, Le Govic Y, Courdavault V, Clastre M, Vandeputte P, Chabasse D, Bouchara JP, Giglioli-Guivarc'h N, Papon N. [Yeasts from the CTG clade (Candida clade): Biology, impact in human health, and biotechnological applications]. J Mycol Med 2018; 28:257-268. [PMID: 29545121 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Among the subdivision of Saccharomycotina (ascomycetes budding yeasts), the CTG clade (formerly the Candida clade) includes species that display a particular genetic code. In these yeasts, the CTG codon is predominantly translated as a serine instead of a leucine residue. It is now well-known that some CTG clade species have a major impact on human and its activities. Some of them are recognized as opportunistic agents of fungal infections termed candidiasis. In addition, another series of species belonging to the CTG clade draws the attention of some research groups because they exhibit a strong potential in various areas of biotechnology such as biological control, bioremediation, but also in the production of valuable biocompounds (biofuel, vitamins, sweeteners, industrial enzymes). Here we provide an overview of recent advances concerning the biology, clinical relevance, and currently tested biotechnological applications of species of the CTG clade. Future directions for scientific research on these particular yeasts are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Defosse
- Groupe d'étude des interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), SFR interactions cellulaires et applications thérapeutiques, université d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France; EA 2106, université de Tours, biomolécules et biotechnologies végétales, Tours, France
| | - Y Le Govic
- Groupe d'étude des interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), SFR interactions cellulaires et applications thérapeutiques, université d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France; Laboratoire de parasitologie - mycologie, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - V Courdavault
- EA 2106, université de Tours, biomolécules et biotechnologies végétales, Tours, France
| | - M Clastre
- EA 2106, université de Tours, biomolécules et biotechnologies végétales, Tours, France
| | - P Vandeputte
- Groupe d'étude des interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), SFR interactions cellulaires et applications thérapeutiques, université d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France; Laboratoire de parasitologie - mycologie, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - D Chabasse
- Groupe d'étude des interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), SFR interactions cellulaires et applications thérapeutiques, université d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France; Laboratoire de parasitologie - mycologie, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - J-P Bouchara
- Groupe d'étude des interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), SFR interactions cellulaires et applications thérapeutiques, université d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France; Laboratoire de parasitologie - mycologie, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - N Giglioli-Guivarc'h
- EA 2106, université de Tours, biomolécules et biotechnologies végétales, Tours, France
| | - N Papon
- Groupe d'étude des interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), SFR interactions cellulaires et applications thérapeutiques, université d'Angers, 49933 Angers, France.
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Alonso GC, Pavarina AC, Sousa TV, Klein MI. A quest to find good primers for gene expression analysis of Candida albicans from clinical samples. J Microbiol Methods 2018; 147:1-13. [PMID: 29454005 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm production contributes to several human diseases, including oral candidiasis. Among the Candida species, Candida albicans is the most prevalent. The expression of virulence genes is implicated in the pathogenic potential of Candida biofilms. However, the evaluation of microbial gene expression from in vivo biofilm samples is not trivial, specifically, assessment via quantitative PCR (qPCR) can be a challenge because of several species present in clinical samples. Hence, the necessity of primers specificity. The aim of this study was to evaluate through in silico and in vitro analyses the specificity of published primers and newly designed primers for C. albicans virulence genes: ALS1, CAP1, CAT1, EFG1, HWP1, LIP3, PLB1, SAP1, SAP4, SOD1, SOD5 and ACT1 (normalizing gene). In silico analysis was performed through a PubMed search of articles with primer sequences that evaluated gene expression of C. albicans. Then, the sequence similarity of twenty-eight primers was checked through BLASTn and ClustalW2. The analysis of secondary structures was performed using mfold. When the primers did not present satisfactory characteristics (absence of secondary structures, not discrepant Tm of forward and reverse sequences and specificity) following in vitro analysis (i.e., end point PCR), new primers were designed using Beacon Designer™ and sequences obtained from the "Candida Genome Database". The selected primers were tested in vitro by end point PCR using a panel of genomic DNA from five different Candida species (C. albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis). The resulting PCR products were visualized on agarose gel. qPCR reactions were performed to determine primers' optimal concentration and PCR efficiency. End point PCR demonstrated that published primers for the SAP1 and HWP1 were specific for C. albicans and the one for SOD1 reacted with C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. The sequence of primers designed for ACT1, ALS1 and HWP1 genes were specific for C. albicans, while the ones for CAP1, CAT1, EFG1, LIP3, and PLB1 were detected in C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. After optimization, all primers presented a single peak on melt curves, correlation coefficient of ≅1 and qPCR reaction efficiency of 90-110%, with slope of ≅-3.3. Therefore, these primers should be suitable for future gene expression analyses from clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela C Alonso
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Pavarina
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Tábata V Sousa
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marlise I Klein
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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Asadzadeh M, Ahmad S, Al-Sweih N, Khan Z. Rapid and Accurate Identification of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis by Real-Time PCR and Melting Curve Analysis. Med Princ Pract 2018; 27:543-548. [PMID: 30176672 PMCID: PMC6422113 DOI: 10.1159/000493426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis are germ tube-positive pathogenic yeast species. Accurate identification of these two species is warranted since C. albicans is a highly pathogenic species while C. dubliniensis exhibits increased adherence to buccal epithelial cells, reduced susceptibility to azoles and resistance to flucytosine. We have developed a duplex real-time PCR assay for rapid detection and differentiation between clinical C. albicans and C. dubliniensis isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS A duplex real-time PCR assay was developed by using two species-specific primer pairs and SYBR Green dye to differentiate C. albicans and C. dubliniensis isolates via melting curve analysis of real-time PCR amplicons. Amplification products were also analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis to confirm real-time PCR results. RESULTS Melting temperatures (Tm) for reference strains of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis were 86.55 and 82.75°C, respectively. No amplicon was obtained with DNA from reference strains of 8 other common Candida spp. When real-time PCR was applied on 226 clinical isolates previously identified by the Vitek 2 system and/or PCR sequencing of rDNA, Tm values for C. albicans (n = 113) and C. dubliniensis (n = 98) were 86.68 ± 0.529 and 82.616 ± 0.535°C, respectively. The results were confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. No amplicon was obtained from 15 isolates belonging to 9 other Candida spp. CONCLUSIONS The real-time PCR assay described here does not require prior identification of clinical yeast isolates as C. albicans/C. dubliniensis by germ tube formation and accurately reports results within 2 h. Detection of amplicons by agarose gel electrophoresis is also suitable for resource-poor settings devoid of real-time PCR facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asadzadeh
- *Mohammad Asadzadeh, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110 (Kuwait), E-Mail
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Boral H, Metin B, Döğen A, Seyedmousavi S, Ilkit M. Overview of selected virulence attributes in Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Exophiala dermatitidis. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 111:92-107. [PMID: 29102684 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of fungal diseases has been increasing since 1980, and is associated with excessive morbidity and mortality, particularly among immunosuppressed patients. Of the known 625 pathogenic fungal species, infections caused by the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, and Trichophyton are responsible for more than 300 million estimated episodes of acute or chronic infections worldwide. In addition, a rather neglected group of opportunistic fungi known as black yeasts and their filamentous relatives cause a wide variety of recalcitrant infections in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts. This article provides an overview of selected virulence factors that are known to suppress host immunity and enhance the infectivity of these fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazal Boral
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Banu Metin
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aylin Döğen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Mersin, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Seyedmojtaba Seyedmousavi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Invasive Fungi Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Center of Excellence for Infection Biology and Antimicrobial Pharmacology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey.
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Jafari M, Salari S, Pakshir K, Zomorodian K. Exoenzyme activity and possibility identification of Candida dubliniensis among Candida albicans species isolated from vaginal candidiasis. Microb Pathog 2017. [PMID: 28642006 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) or vaginal candidiasis is a common fungal infection of the genitals causing inflammation, irritation, itching, and vaginal discharge. Common yeast infections are caused by the yeast species C. albicans. However, there are other species of Candida such as C. dubliniensis which are considered as the causative agents of this infection. Hydrolytic enzymes such as proteinase and coagulase are known as virulence factors. The aim of this study was the molecular confirmation and differentiation of C. dubliniensis among C. albicans strains isolated from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and the evaluation of proteinase and coagulase activities. METHODS A total of 100 C. albicans strains isolated from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis referred to Shiraz medical clinics were enrolled in the study. All the isolates were primarily identified by conventional methods. PCR-RFLP method was used for the confirmation and identification of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. Moreover, in vitro proteinase and coagulase activities of these isolates were evaluated using bovine serum albumin media and classical rabbit plasma tube test. RESULTS As a result, PCR-RFLP identified 100% of the isolates as C. albicans, and no C. dubliniensis could be identified in this study. 84% of the isolates showed proteinase activity, whereas coagulase activity was only detected in 5% of the isolates. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that C. dubliniensis plays no role in vaginal candidiasis in Iranian patients. Proteinase production could be an essential virulence factor in C. albicans pathogenicity, but coagulase activity has less potential in this matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jafari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Salari
- Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Medical University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Keyvan Pakshir
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Kamiar Zomorodian
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Ortega-Riveros M, De-la-Pinta I, Marcos-Arias C, Ezpeleta G, Quindós G, Eraso E. Usefulness of the Non-conventional Caenorhabditis elegans Model to Assess Candida Virulence. Mycopathologia 2017; 182:785-795. [PMID: 28523422 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis is caused mainly by Candida albicans, but other Candida species have increasing etiologies. These species show different virulence and susceptibility levels to antifungal drugs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the usefulness of the non-conventional model Caenorhabditis elegans to assess the in vivo virulence of seven different Candida species and to compare the virulence in vivo with the in vitro production of proteinases and phospholipases, hemolytic activity and biofilm development capacity. One culture collection strain of each of seven Candida species (C. albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida metapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida parapsilosis) was studied. A double mutant C. elegans AU37 strain (glp-4;sek-1) was infected with Candida by ingestion, and the analysis of nematode survival was performed in liquid medium every 24 h until 120 h. Candida establishes a persistent lethal infection in the C. elegans intestinal tract. C. albicans and C. krusei were the most pathogenic species, whereas C. dubliniensis infection showed the lowest mortality. C. albicans was the only species with phospholipase activity, was the greatest producer of aspartyl proteinase and had a higher hemolytic activity. C. albicans and C. krusei caused higher mortality than the rest of the Candida species studied in the C. elegans model of candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Ortega-Riveros
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Unidad de formación e investigación multidisciplinar 'Microbios y Salud' (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Iker De-la-Pinta
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Unidad de formación e investigación multidisciplinar 'Microbios y Salud' (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Cristina Marcos-Arias
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Unidad de formación e investigación multidisciplinar 'Microbios y Salud' (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Guillermo Ezpeleta
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain.,Servicio de Medicina Preventiva e Higiene Hospitalaria, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Quindós
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Unidad de formación e investigación multidisciplinar 'Microbios y Salud' (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Elena Eraso
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Unidad de formación e investigación multidisciplinar 'Microbios y Salud' (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain.
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49
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Methods of Candida dubliniensis identification and its occurrence in human clinical material. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2017; 62:401-408. [DOI: 10.1007/s12223-017-0510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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50
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Graham CE, Cruz MR, Garsin DA, Lorenz MC. Enterococcus faecalis bacteriocin EntV inhibits hyphal morphogenesis, biofilm formation, and virulence of Candida albicans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:4507-4512. [PMID: 28396417 PMCID: PMC5410809 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1620432114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive bacterium, and Candida albicans, a fungus, occupy overlapping niches as ubiquitous constituents of the gastrointestinal and oral microbiome. Both species also are among the most important and problematic, opportunistic nosocomial pathogens. Surprisingly, these two species antagonize each other's virulence in both nematode infection and in vitro biofilm models. We report here the identification of the E. faecalis bacteriocin, EntV, produced from the entV (ef1097) locus, as both necessary and sufficient for the reduction of C. albicans virulence and biofilm formation through the inhibition of hyphal formation, a critical virulence trait. A synthetic version of the mature 68-aa peptide potently blocks biofilm development on solid substrates in multiple media conditions and disrupts preformed biofilms, which are resistant to current antifungal agents. EntV68 is protective in three fungal infection models at nanomolar or lower concentrations. First, nematodes treated with the peptide at 0.1 nM are completely resistant to killing by C. albicans The peptide also protects macrophages and augments their antifungal activity. Finally, EntV68 reduces epithelial invasion, inflammation, and fungal burden in a murine model of oropharyngeal candidiasis. In all three models, the peptide greatly reduces the number of fungal cells present in the hyphal form. Despite these profound effects, EntV68 has no effect on C. albicans viability, even in the presence of significant host-mimicking stresses. These findings demonstrate that EntV has potential as an antifungal agent that targets virulence rather than viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E Graham
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Melissa R Cruz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Danielle A Garsin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030;
- The University of Texas Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Genomics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Michael C Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030;
- The University of Texas Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Genomics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
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