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Li Z, Zhu Z, Qian K, Tang B, Han B, Zhong Z, Fu T, Zhou P, Stukenbrock EH, Martin FM, Yuan Z. Intraspecific diploidization of a halophyte root fungus drives heterosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5872. [PMID: 38997287 PMCID: PMC11245560 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49468-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
How organisms respond to environmental stress is a key topic in evolutionary biology. This study focused on the genomic evolution of Laburnicola rhizohalophila, a dark-septate endophytic fungus from roots of a halophyte. Chromosome-level assemblies were generated from five representative isolates from structured subpopulations. The data revealed significant genomic plasticity resulting from chromosomal polymorphisms created by fusion and fission events, known as dysploidy. Analyses of genomic features, phylogenomics, and macrosynteny have provided clear evidence for the origin of intraspecific diploid-like hybrids. Notably, one diploid phenotype stood out as an outlier and exhibited a conditional fitness advantage when exposed to a range of abiotic stresses compared with its parents. By comparing the gene expression patterns in each hybrid parent triad under the four growth conditions, the mechanisms underlying growth vigor were corroborated through an analysis of transgressively upregulated genes enriched in membrane glycerolipid biosynthesis and transmembrane transporter activity. In vitro assays suggested increased membrane integrity and lipid accumulation, as well as decreased malondialdehyde production under optimal salt conditions (0.3 M NaCl) in the hybrid. These attributes have been implicated in salinity tolerance. This study supports the notion that hybridization-induced genome doubling leads to the emergence of phenotypic innovations in an extremophilic endophyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, 100091, Beijing, China
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, 311400, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, 100091, Beijing, China
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, 311400, China
- Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 100071, China
| | - Kun Qian
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Boping Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, School of Wetlands, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, 224002, China
| | - Baocai Han
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100093, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhui Zhong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Tao Fu
- Shenzhen Zhuoyun Haizhi Medical Research Center Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518063, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100081, Beijing, China.
| | - Eva H Stukenbrock
- Environmental Genomics, Christian-Albrechts University, 24118, Kiel, Germany
- Max Planck Fellow Group Environmental Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306, Plön, Germany
| | - Francis M Martin
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, 311400, China.
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, UMR Interactions Arbres/Microorganisms, Centre INRAE Grand Est-Nancy, 54280, Champenoux, France.
| | - Zhilin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Chinese Academy of Forestry, 100091, Beijing, China.
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, 311400, China.
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2
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Zhang C, Cheng Y, Qin Y, Wang C, Wang H, Ablimit A, Sun Q, Dong H, Wang B, Wang C. Occurrence, Risk Implications, Prevention and Control of CIT in Monascus Cheese: A Review. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:9567-9580. [PMID: 38627202 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Monascus is a filamentous fungus that has been used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. When used as an auxiliary fermenting agent in the manufacturing of cheese, Monascus cheese is obtained. Citrinin (CIT) is a well-known hepatorenal toxin produced by Monascus that can harm the kidneys structurally and functionally and is frequently found in foods. However, CIT contamination in Monascus cheese is exacerbated by the metabolic ability of Monascus to product CIT, which is not lost during fermentation, and by the threat of contamination by Penicillium spp. that may be introduced during production and processing. Considering the safety of consumption and subsequent industrial development, the CIT contamination of Monascus cheese products needs to be addressed. This review aimed to examine its occurrence in Monascus cheese, risk implications, traditional control strategies, and new research advances in prevention and control to guide the application of biotechnology in the control of CIT contamination, providing more possibilities for the application of Monascus in the cheese industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Zhang
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), No. 11 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Manufacturing and Biosynthesis of Food Bioactive Substances, China General Chamber of Commerce, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yuhui Qin
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Haijiao Wang
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Arzugul Ablimit
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qing Sun
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Huijun Dong
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Bei Wang
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), No. 11 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
| | - Chengtao Wang
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), No. 11 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China
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3
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Kumar V, Huang J, Dong Y, Hao GF. Targeting Fks1 proteins for novel antifungal drug discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:366-384. [PMID: 38493014 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.007] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a major threat to human health. The limited availability of antifungal drugs, the emergence of drug resistance, and a growing susceptible population highlight the critical need for novel antifungal agents. The enzymes involved in fungal cell wall synthesis offer potential targets for antifungal drug development. Recent studies have enhanced our focus on the enzyme Fks1, which synthesizes β-1,3-glucan, a critical component of the cell wall. These studies provide a deeper understanding of Fks1's function in cell wall biosynthesis, pathogenicity, structural biology, evolutionary conservation across fungi, and interaction with current antifungal drugs. Here, we discuss the role of Fks1 in the survival and adaptation of fungi, guided by insights from evolutionary and structural analyses. Furthermore, we delve into the dynamics of Fks1 modulation with novel antifungal strategies and assess its potential as an antifungal drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinit Kumar
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; BMLT, Markham College of Commerce, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand 825301, India
| | - Juan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Yawen Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China.
| | - Ge-Fei Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
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4
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Anand R, Kashif M, Pandit A, Babu R, Singh AP. Reprogramming in Candida albicans Gene Expression Network under Butanol Stress Abrogates Hyphal Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17227. [PMID: 38139056 PMCID: PMC10743114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417227] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the causative agent of invasive fungal infections. Its hyphae-forming ability is regarded as one of the important virulence factors. To unravel the impact of butanol on Candida albicans, it was placed in O+ve complete human serum with butanol (1% v/v). The Candida transcriptome under butanol stress was then identified by mRNA sequencing. Studies including electron microscopy demonstrated the inhibition of hyphae formation in Candida under the influence of butanol, without any significant alteration in growth rate. The numbers of genes upregulated in the butanol in comparison to the serum alone were 1061 (20 min), 804 (45 min), and 537 (120 min). Candida cells exhibited the downregulation of six hypha-specific transcription factors and the induction of four repressor/regulator genes. Many of the hypha-specific genes exhibited repression in the medium with butanol. The genes related to adhesion also exhibited repression, whereas, among the heat-shock genes, three showed inductions in the presence of butanol. The fungal-specific genes exhibited induction as well as repression in the butanol-treated Candida cells. Furthermore, ten upregulated genes formed the core stress gene set in the presence of butanol. In the gene ontology analysis, enrichment of the processes related to non-coding RNA, ribosome biosynthesis, and metabolism was observed in the induced gene set. On the other side, a few GO biological process terms, including biofilm formation and filamentous growth, were enriched in the repressed gene set. Taken together, under butanol stress, Candida albicans is unable to extend hyphae and shows growth by budding. Many of the genes with perturbed expression may have fitness or virulence attributes and may provide prospective sites of antifungal targets against C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Anand
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India; (R.A.)
| | - Mohammad Kashif
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India; (R.A.)
| | - Awadhesh Pandit
- Next Generation Sequencing Facility, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ram Babu
- Department of Botany, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Agam P. Singh
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India; (R.A.)
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Yurchenko AN, Nesterenko LE, Popov RS, Kirichuk NN, Chausova VE, Chingizova EA, Isaeva MP, Yurchenko EA. The Metabolite Profiling of Aspergillus fumigatus KMM4631 and Its Co-Cultures with Other Marine Fungi. Metabolites 2023; 13:1138. [PMID: 37999234 PMCID: PMC10673247 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13111138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
An Aspergillus fumigatus KMM 4631 strain was previously isolated from a Pacific soft coral Sinularia sp. sample and was found to be a source of a number of bioactive secondary metabolites. The aims of this work are the confirmation of this strain' identification based on ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 regions/gene sequences and the investigation of secondary metabolite profiles of Aspergillus fumigatus KMM 4631 culture and its co-cultures with Penicillium hispanicum KMM 4689, Amphichorda sp. KMM 4639, Penicillium sp. KMM 4672, and Asteromyces cruciatus KMM 4696 from the Collection of Marine Microorganisms (PIBOC FEB RAS, Vladivostok, Russia). Moreover, the DPPH-radical scavenging activity, urease inhibition, and cytotoxicity of joint fungal cultures' extracts on HepG2 cells were tested. The detailed UPLC MS qTOF investigation resulted in the identification and annotation of indolediketopiperazine, quinazoline, and tryptoquivaline-related alkaloids as well as a number of polyketides (totally 20 compounds) in the extract of Aspergillus fumigatus KMM 4631. The metabolite profiles of the co-cultures of A. fumigatus with Penicillium hispanicum, Penicillium sp., and Amphichorda sp. were similar to those of Penicillium hispanicum, Penicillium sp., and Amphichorda sp. monocultures. The metabolite profile of the co-culture of A. fumigatus with Asteromyces cruciatus differed from that of each monoculture and may be more promising for the isolation of new compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton N. Yurchenko
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospect 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, 159, Vladivostok 690022, Russia; (L.E.N.); (R.S.P.); (N.N.K.); (V.E.C.); (E.A.C.); (M.P.I.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ekaterina A. Yurchenko
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospect 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, 159, Vladivostok 690022, Russia; (L.E.N.); (R.S.P.); (N.N.K.); (V.E.C.); (E.A.C.); (M.P.I.)
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6
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Liang J, Tang H, Snyder LF, Youngstrom CE, He BZ. Divergence of TORC1-mediated stress response leads to novel acquired stress resistance in a pathogenic yeast. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011748. [PMID: 37871123 PMCID: PMC10621968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired stress resistance (ASR) enables organisms to prepare for environmental changes that occur after an initial stressor. However, the genetic basis for ASR and how the underlying network evolved remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that a short phosphate starvation induces oxidative stress response (OSR) genes in the pathogenic yeast C. glabrata and protects it against a severe H2O2 stress; the same treatment, however, provides little benefit in the low pathogenic-potential relative, S. cerevisiae. This ASR involves the same transcription factors (TFs) as the OSR, but with different combinatorial logics. We show that Target-of-Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) is differentially inhibited by phosphate starvation in the two species and contributes to the ASR via its proximal effector, Sch9. Therefore, evolution of the phosphate starvation-induced ASR involves the rewiring of TORC1's response to phosphate limitation and the repurposing of TF-target gene networks for the OSR using new regulatory logics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinye Liang
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Hanxi Tang
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Lindsey F. Snyder
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | | | - Bin Z. He
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
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7
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Liang J, Tang H, Snyder LF, Youngstrom CE, He BZ. Divergence of TORC1-mediated Stress Response Leads to Novel Acquired Stress Resistance in a Pathogenic Yeast. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.20.545716. [PMID: 37781605 PMCID: PMC10541095 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.20.545716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Acquired stress resistance (ASR) enables organisms to prepare for environmental changes that occur after an initial stressor. However, the genetic basis for ASR and how the underlying network evolved remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that a short phosphate starvation induces oxidative stress response (OSR) genes in the pathogenic yeast C. glabrata and protects it against a severe H2O2 stress; the same treatment, however, provides little benefit in the low pathogenic-potential relative, S. cerevisiae. This ASR involves the same transcription factors (TFs) as the OSR, but with different combinatorial logics. We show that Target-of-Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) is differentially inhibited by phosphate starvation in the two species and contributes to the ASR via its proximal effector, Sch9. Therefore, evolution of the phosphate starvation-induced ASR involves the rewiring of TORC1's response to phosphate limitation and the repurposing of TF-target gene networks for the OSR using new regulatory logics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinye Liang
- Biology Department, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Hanxi Tang
- Biology Department, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Lindsey F. Snyder
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | | | - Bin Z. He
- Biology Department, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
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Bákány B, Antal R, Szentesi P, Emri T, Leiter É, Csernoch L, Keller NP, Pócsi I, Dienes B. The bZIP-type transcription factors NapA and RsmA modulate the volumetric ratio and the relative superoxide ratio of mitochondria in Aspergillus nidulans. Biol Futur 2023; 74:337-346. [PMID: 37814124 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-023-00184-1] [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: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are crucial components of differentiation, cellular homeostasis and the environmental stress defense of eukaryotes. In this work, we further studied the consequence of gene deletion and overexpression of two bZIP transcription factors, NapA and RsmA, on superoxide production, mitochondrial morphology and hyphal diameter of Aspergillus nidulans. We have found that reactive oxygen species production was influenced by both gene deletion and overexpression of napA under tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBOOH) elicited oxidative stress. Furthermore, gene expression of napA negatively correlated with mitochondrial volumetric ratio as well as sterigmatocystin production of A. nidulans. High rsmA expression was accompanied with elevated relative superoxide ratio in the second hyphal compartment. A negative correlation between the expression of rsmA and catalase enzyme activity or mitochondrial volumetric ratio was also confirmed by statistical analysis. Hyphal diameter was independent on either rsmA and napA expression as well as 0.2 mM tBOOH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett Bákány
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Réka Antal
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Péter Szentesi
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELRN-UD Cell Physiology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Emri
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELRN-UD Fungal Stress Biology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Leiter
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
- ELRN-UD Fungal Stress Biology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - László Csernoch
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELRN-UD Cell Physiology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELRN-UD Fungal Stress Biology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Beatrix Dienes
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELRN-UD Cell Physiology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
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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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Muñoz-Megías ML, Sánchez-Fresneda R, Solano F, Maicas S, Martínez-Esparza M, Argüelles JC. The antifungal effect induced by itraconazole in Candida parapsilosis largely depends on the oxidative stress generated at the mitochondria. Curr Genet 2023; 69:165-173. [PMID: 37119267 PMCID: PMC10163099 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-023-01269-z] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
In Candida parapsilosis, homozygous disruption of the two genes encoding trehalase activity increased the susceptibility to Itraconazole compared with the isogenic parental strain. The fungicidal effect of this azole can largely be counteracted by preincubating growing cells with rotenone and the protonophore 2,4-Dinitrophenol. In turn, measurement of endogenous reactive oxygen species formation by flow cytometry confirmed that Itraconazole clearly induced an internal oxidative stress, which can be significantly abolished in rotenone-exposed cells. Analysis of the antioxidant enzymatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase pointed to a moderate decrease of catalase in trehalase-deficient mutant cells compared to the wild type, with an additional increase upon addition of rotenone. These enzymatic changes were imperceptible in the case of superoxide dismutase. Alternative assays with Voriconazole led to a similar profile in the results regarding cell growth and antioxidant activities. Collectively, our data suggest that the antifungal action of Itraconazole on C. parapsilosis is dependent on a functional mitochondrial activity. They also suggest that the central metabolic pathways in pathogenic fungi should be considered as preferential antifungal targets in new research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mª Luz Muñoz-Megías
- Facultad de Biología, Área de Microbiología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ruth Sánchez-Fresneda
- Facultad de Biología, Área de Microbiología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Solano
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular B & Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Campus de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Murcia, 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sergi Maicas
- Departamento de Microbiología & Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universitat de València, Burjassot, 46100, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Esparza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular B & Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Campus de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad de Murcia, 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan-Carlos Argüelles
- Facultad de Biología, Área de Microbiología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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11
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Bodnár V, Király A, Orosz E, Miskei M, Emri T, Karányi Z, Leiter É, de Vries RP, Pócsi I. Species-specific effects of the introduction of Aspergillus nidulans gfdB in osmophilic aspergilli. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:2423-2436. [PMID: 36811707 PMCID: PMC10033484 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12384-9] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Industrial fungi need a strong environmental stress tolerance to ensure acceptable efficiency and yields. Previous studies shed light on the important role that Aspergillus nidulans gfdB, putatively encoding a NAD+-dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, plays in the oxidative and cell wall integrity stress tolerance of this filamentous fungus model organism. The insertion of A. nidulans gfdB into the genome of Aspergillus glaucus strengthened the environmental stress tolerance of this xerophilic/osmophilic fungus, which may facilitate the involvement of this fungus in various industrial and environmental biotechnological processes. On the other hand, the transfer of A. nidulans gfdB to Aspergillus wentii, another promising industrial xerophilic/osmophilic fungus, resulted only in minor and sporadic improvement in environmental stress tolerance and meanwhile partially reversed osmophily. Because A. glaucus and A. wentii are phylogenetically closely related species and both fungi lack a gfdB ortholog, these results warn us that any disturbance of the stress response system of the aspergilli may elicit rather complex and even unforeseeable, species-specific physiological changes. This should be taken into consideration in any future targeted industrial strain development projects aiming at the fortification of the general stress tolerance of these fungi. KEY POINTS: • A. wentii c' gfdB strains showed minor and sporadic stress tolerance phenotypes. • The osmophily of A. wentii significantly decreased in the c' gfdB strains. • Insertion of gfdB caused species-specific phenotypes in A. wentii and A. glaucus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Bodnár
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anita Király
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Orosz
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Márton Miskei
- ELRN-UD Fungal Stress Biology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Emri
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELRN-UD Fungal Stress Biology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Karányi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Leiter
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- ELRN-UD Fungal Stress Biology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ronald P de Vries
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute & Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
- ELRN-UD Fungal Stress Biology Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary.
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12
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Brown AJP. Fungal resilience and host-pathogen interactions: Future perspectives and opportunities. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12946. [PMID: 35962618 PMCID: PMC10078341 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We are constantly exposed to the threat of fungal infection. The outcome-clearance, commensalism or infection-depends largely on the ability of our innate immune defences to clear infecting fungal cells versus the success of the fungus in mounting compensatory adaptive responses. As each seeks to gain advantage during these skirmishes, the interactions between host and fungal pathogen are complex and dynamic. Nevertheless, simply compromising the physiological robustness of fungal pathogens reduces their ability to evade antifungal immunity, their virulence, and their tolerance against antifungal therapy. In this article I argue that this physiological robustness is based on a 'Resilience Network' which mechanistically links and controls fungal growth, metabolism, stress resistance and drug tolerance. The elasticity of this network probably underlies the phenotypic variability of fungal isolates and the heterogeneity of individual cells within clonal populations. Consequently, I suggest that the definition of the fungal Resilience Network represents an important goal for the future which offers the clear potential to reveal drug targets that compromise drug tolerance and synergise with current antifungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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13
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Branco S, Schauster A, Liao HL, Ruytinx J. Mechanisms of stress tolerance and their effects on the ecology and evolution of mycorrhizal fungi. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 235:2158-2175. [PMID: 35713988 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Stress is ubiquitous and disrupts homeostasis, leading to damage, decreased fitness, and even death. Like other organisms, mycorrhizal fungi evolved mechanisms for stress tolerance that allow them to persist or even thrive under environmental stress. Such mechanisms can also protect their obligate plant partners, contributing to their health and survival under hostile conditions. Here we review the effects of stress and mechanisms of stress response in mycorrhizal fungi. We cover molecular and cellular aspects of stress and how stress impacts individual fitness, physiology, growth, reproduction, and interactions with plant partners, along with how some fungi evolved to tolerate hostile environmental conditions. We also address how stress and stress tolerance can lead to adaptation and have cascading effects on population- and community-level diversity. We argue that mycorrhizal fungal stress tolerance can strongly shape not only fungal and plant physiology, but also their ecology and evolution. We conclude by pointing out knowledge gaps and important future research directions required for both fully understanding stress tolerance in the mycorrhizal context and addressing ongoing environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Branco
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Annie Schauster
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Hui-Ling Liao
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Quincy, FL, 32351, USA
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Joske Ruytinx
- Research Groups Microbiology and Plant Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Role of ROX1, SKN7, and YAP6 Stress Transcription Factors in the Production of Secondary Metabolites in Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169282. [PMID: 36012547 PMCID: PMC9409151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous is a natural source of astaxanthin and mycosporines. This yeast has been isolated from high and cold mountainous regions around the world, and the production of these secondary metabolites may be a survival strategy against the stress conditions present in its environment. Biosynthesis of astaxanthin is regulated by catabolic repression through the interaction between MIG1 and corepressor CYC8–TUP1. To evaluate the role of the stress-associated transcription factors SKN7, ROX1, and YAP6, we employed an omic and phenotypic approach. Null mutants were constructed and grown in two fermentable carbon sources. The yeast proteome and transcriptome were quantified by iTRAQ and RNA-seq, respectively. The total carotenoid, sterol, and mycosporine contents were determined and compared to the wild-type strain. Each mutant strain showed significant metabolic changes compared to the wild type that were correlated to its phenotype. In a metabolic context, the principal pathways affected were glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate (PP) pathway, and the citrate (TCA) cycle. Additionally, fatty acid synthesis was affected. The absence of ROX1 generated a significant decline in carotenoid production. In contrast, a rise in mycosporine and sterol synthesis was shown in the absence of the transcription factors SKN7 and YAP6, respectively.
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15
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Yaakoub H, Mina S, Calenda A, Bouchara JP, Papon N. Oxidative stress response pathways in fungi. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:333. [PMID: 35648225 PMCID: PMC11071803 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04353-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Fungal response to any stress is intricate, specific, and multilayered, though it employs only a few evolutionarily conserved regulators. This comes with the assumption that one regulator operates more than one stress-specific response. Although the assumption holds true, the current understanding of molecular mechanisms that drive response specificity and adequacy remains rudimentary. Deciphering the response of fungi to oxidative stress may help fill those knowledge gaps since it is one of the most encountered stress types in any kind of fungal niche. Data have been accumulating on the roles of the HOG pathway and Yap1- and Skn7-related pathways in mounting distinct and robust responses in fungi upon exposure to oxidative stress. Herein, we review recent and most relevant studies reporting the contribution of each of these pathways in response to oxidative stress in pathogenic and opportunistic fungi after giving a paralleled overview in two divergent models, the budding and fission yeasts. With the concept of stress-specific response and the importance of reactive oxygen species in fungal development, we first present a preface on the expanding domain of redox biology and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Yaakoub
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Sara Mina
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000, Angers, France.
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16
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Yun B, King M, Draz MS, Kline T, Rodriguez-Palacios A. Oxidative reactivity across kingdoms in the gut: Host immunity, stressed microbiota and oxidized foods. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 178:97-110. [PMID: 34843918 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species play a major role in the induction of programmed cell death and numerous diseases. Production of reactive oxygen species is ubiquitous in biological systems such as humans, bacteria, fungi/yeasts, and plants. Although reactive oxygen species are known to cause diseases, little is known about the importance of the combined oxidative stress burden in the gut. Understanding the dynamics and the level of oxidative stress 'reactivity' across kingdoms could help ascertain the combined consequences of free radical accumulation in the gut lumen. Here, we present fundamental similarities of oxidative stress derived from the host immune cells, bacteria, yeasts, plants, and the therein-derived diets, which often accentuate the burden of free radicals by accumulation during storage and cooking conditions. Given the described similarities, oxidative stress could be better understood and minimized by monitoring the levels of oxidative stress in the feces to identify pro-inflammatory factors. However, we illustrate that dietary studies rarely monitor oxidative stress markers in the feces, and therefore our knowledge on fecal oxidative stress monitoring is limited. A more holistic approach to understanding oxidative stress 'reactivity' in the gut could help improve strategies to use diet and microbiota to prevent intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahda Yun
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Disease, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Maria King
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Disease, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mohamed S Draz
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Terence Kline
- Veterinary Technology Program, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alex Rodriguez-Palacios
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Disease, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Germ-free and Gut Microbiome Core, Digestive Health Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; University Hospitals Research and Education Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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17
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Yaakoub H, Sanchez NS, Ongay-Larios L, Courdavault V, Calenda A, Bouchara JP, Coria R, Papon N. The high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway in fungi †. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 48:657-695. [PMID: 34893006 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.2011834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
While fungi are widely occupying nature, many species are responsible for devastating mycosis in humans. Such niche diversity explains how quick fungal adaptation is necessary to endow the capacity of withstanding fluctuating environments and to cope with host-imposed conditions. Among all the molecular mechanisms evolved by fungi, the most studied one is the activation of the phosphorelay signalling pathways, of which the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway constitutes one of the key molecular apparatus underpinning fungal adaptation and virulence. In this review, we summarize the seminal knowledge of the HOG pathway with its more recent developments. We specifically described the HOG-mediated stress adaptation, with a particular focus on osmotic and oxidative stress, and point out some lags in our understanding of its involvement in the virulence of pathogenic species including, the medically important fungi Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, compared to the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Finally, we also highlighted some possible applications of the HOG pathway modifications to improve the fungal-based production of natural products in the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Yaakoub
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, GEIHP, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Norma Silvia Sanchez
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Ongay-Larios
- Unidad de Biología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vincent Courdavault
- EA2106 "Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales", Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | | | - Roberto Coria
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, GEIHP, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
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18
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Liao B, Ye X, Chen X, Zhou Y, Cheng L, Zhou X, Ren B. The two-component signal transduction system and its regulation in Candida albicans. Virulence 2021; 12:1884-1899. [PMID: 34233595 PMCID: PMC8274445 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1949883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, which can cause superficial and life-threatening systemic infections, is the most common opportunistic fungal pathogen in the human microbiome. The two-component system is one of the most important C. albicans signal transduction pathways, regulating the response to oxidative and osmotic stresses, adhesion, morphogenesis, cell wall synthesis, virulence, drug resistance, and the host-pathogen interactions. Notably, some components of this signaling pathway have not been found in the human genome, indicating that the two-component system of C. albicans can be a potential target for new antifungal agents. Here, we summarize the composition, signal transduction, and regulation of the two-component system of C. albicans to emphasize its essential roles in the pathogenesis of C. albicans and the new therapeutic target for antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biaoyou Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases& West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingchen Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases& West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases& West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases& West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases& West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases& West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Biao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases& West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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19
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Chen X, Li P, Liu H, Chen X, Huang J, Luo C, Li G, Hsiang T, Collinge DB, Zheng L. A novel transcription factor UvCGBP1 regulates development and virulence of rice false smut fungus Ustilaginoidea virens. Virulence 2021; 12:1563-1579. [PMID: 34348597 PMCID: PMC8344781 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1936768] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ustilaginoidea virens, causing rice false smut (RFS) is an economically important ascomycetous fungal pathogen distributed in rice-growing regions worldwide. Here, we identified a novel transcription factor UvCGBP1 (Cutinase G-box binding protein) from this fungus, which is unique to ascomycetes. Deletion of UvCGBP1 affected development and virulence of U. virens. A total of 865 downstream target genes of UvCGBP1 was identified using ChIP-seq and the most significant KEGG enriched functional pathway was the MAPK signaling pathway. Approximately 36% of target genes contain the AGGGG (G-box) motif in their promoter. Among the targets, deletion of UvCGBP1 affected transcriptional and translational levels of UvPmk1 and UvSlt2, both of which were important in virulence. ChIP-qPCR, yeast one-hybrid and EMSA confirmed that UvCGBP1 can bind the promoter of UvPmk1 or UvSlt2. Overexpression of UvPmk1 in the ∆UvCGBP1-33 mutant restored partially its virulence and hyphae growth, indicating that UvCGBP1 could function via the MAPK pathway to regulate fungal virulence. Taken together, this study uncovered a novel regulatory mechanism of fungal virulence linking the MAPK pathway mediated by a G-box binding transcription factor, UvCGBP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Pingping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Junbin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chaoxi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guotian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tom Hsiang
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - David B Collinge
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Lu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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20
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d'Enfert C, Kaune AK, Alaban LR, Chakraborty S, Cole N, Delavy M, Kosmala D, Marsaux B, Fróis-Martins R, Morelli M, Rosati D, Valentine M, Xie Z, Emritloll Y, Warn PA, Bequet F, Bougnoux ME, Bornes S, Gresnigt MS, Hube B, Jacobsen ID, Legrand M, Leibundgut-Landmann S, Manichanh C, Munro CA, Netea MG, Queiroz K, Roget K, Thomas V, Thoral C, Van den Abbeele P, Walker AW, Brown AJP. The impact of the Fungus-Host-Microbiota interplay upon Candida albicans infections: current knowledge and new perspectives. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa060. [PMID: 33232448 PMCID: PMC8100220 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans. It exists as a commensal in the oral cavity, gut or genital tract of most individuals, constrained by the local microbiota, epithelial barriers and immune defences. Their perturbation can lead to fungal outgrowth and the development of mucosal infections such as oropharyngeal or vulvovaginal candidiasis, and patients with compromised immunity are susceptible to life-threatening systemic infections. The importance of the interplay between fungus, host and microbiota in driving the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity is widely appreciated. However, the complexity of these interactions, and the significant impact of fungal, host and microbiota variability upon disease severity and outcome, are less well understood. Therefore, we summarise the features of the fungus that promote infection, and how genetic variation between clinical isolates influences pathogenicity. We discuss antifungal immunity, how this differs between mucosae, and how individual variation influences a person's susceptibility to infection. Also, we describe factors that influence the composition of gut, oral and vaginal microbiotas, and how these affect fungal colonisation and antifungal immunity. We argue that a detailed understanding of these variables, which underlie fungal-host-microbiota interactions, will present opportunities for directed antifungal therapies that benefit vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe d'Enfert
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Ann-Kristin Kaune
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Leovigildo-Rey Alaban
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sayoni Chakraborty
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Neugasse 25, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Nathaniel Cole
- Gut Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Margot Delavy
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Daria Kosmala
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Benoît Marsaux
- ProDigest BV, Technologiepark 94, B-9052 Gent, Belgium
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Fróis-Martins
- Immunology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Moran Morelli
- Mimetas, Biopartner Building 2, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diletta Rosati
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marisa Valentine
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Zixuan Xie
- Gut Microbiome Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119–129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoan Emritloll
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Peter A Warn
- Magic Bullet Consulting, Biddlecombe House, Ugbrook, Chudleigh Devon, TQ130AD, UK
| | - Frédéric Bequet
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Stephanie Bornes
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF0545, 20 Côte de Reyne, 15000 Aurillac, France
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mélanie Legrand
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Salomé Leibundgut-Landmann
- Immunology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Chaysavanh Manichanh
- Gut Microbiome Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119–129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carol A Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karla Queiroz
- Mimetas, Biopartner Building 2, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karine Roget
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Thomas
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Claudia Thoral
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Alan W Walker
- Gut Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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21
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Lima DMCG, Costa TPC, Emri T, Pócsi I, Pupin B, Rangel DEN. Fungal tolerance to Congo red, a cell wall integrity stress, as a promising indicator of ecological niche. Fungal Biol 2021; 125:646-657. [PMID: 34281658 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Differential sensitivities to the cell wall stress caused by Congo red (CR) have been observed in many fungal species. In this study, the tolerances and sensitivities to CR was studied with an assorted collection of fungal species from three phylogenetic classes: Sordariomycetes, Dothideomycetes, and Eurotiomycetes, three orders, and eight families. These grouped into different ecological niches, such as insect pathogens, plant pathogens, saprotrophs, and mycoparasitics. The saprotroph Aspergillus niger and the mycoparasite Trichoderma atroviride stood out as the most resistant species to cell wall stress caused by CR, followed by the plant pathogenic fungi, a mycoparasite, and other saprotrophs. The insect pathogens had low tolerance to CR. The insect pathogens Metarhizium acridum and Cordyceps fumosorosea were the most sensitive to CR. In conclusion, Congo red tolerance may reflect ecological niche, accordingly, the tolerances of the fungal species to Congo red were closely aligned with their ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tamás Emri
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Breno Pupin
- Centro de Ciência do Sistema Terrestre, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa Especiais - INPE, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
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22
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Stępień Ł, Lalak-Kańczugowska J. Signaling pathways involved in virulence and stress response of plant-pathogenic Fusarium species. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Lahue C, Madden AA, Dunn RR, Smukowski Heil C. History and Domestication of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Bread Baking. Front Genet 2020; 11:584718. [PMID: 33262788 PMCID: PMC7686800 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.584718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been instrumental in the fermentation of foods and beverages for millennia. In addition to fermentations like wine, beer, cider, sake, and bread, S. cerevisiae has been isolated from environments ranging from soil and trees, to human clinical isolates. Each of these environments has unique selection pressures that S. cerevisiae must adapt to. Bread dough, for example, requires S. cerevisiae to efficiently utilize the complex sugar maltose; tolerate osmotic stress due to the semi-solid state of dough, high salt, and high sugar content of some doughs; withstand various processing conditions, including freezing and drying; and produce desirable aromas and flavors. In this review, we explore the history of bread that gave rise to modern commercial baking yeast, and the genetic and genomic changes that accompanied this. We illustrate the genetic and phenotypic variation that has been documented in baking strains and wild strains, and how this variation might be used for baking strain improvement. While we continue to improve our understanding of how baking strains have adapted to bread dough, we conclude by highlighting some of the remaining open questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Lahue
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Anne A. Madden
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Robert R. Dunn
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caiti Smukowski Heil
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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24
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Longer Ubiquinone Side Chains Contribute to Enhanced Farnesol Resistance in Yeasts. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111641. [PMID: 33114039 PMCID: PMC7690737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquinones (UQ) are intrinsic lipid components of many membranes. Besides their role in electron-transfer reactions there is evidence for them acting as free radical scavengers, yet their other roles in biological systems have received little study. The dimorphic fungal pathogen Candida albicans secretes farnesol as both a virulence factor and a quorum-sensing molecule. Thus, we were intrigued by the presence of UQ9 isoprenologue in farnesol-producing Candida species while other members of this genera harbor UQ7 as their major electron carrier. We examined the effect of UQ side chain length in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and C. albicans with a view towards identifying the mechanisms by which C. albicans protects itself from the high levels of farnesol it secretes, levels that are toxic to many other fungi including S. cerevisiae. In this study, we identify UQ9 as the major UQ isoprenoid in C. albicans, regardless of growth conditions or cell morphology. A S. cerevisiae model yeast engineered to make UQ9 instead of UQ6 was 4-5 times more resistant to exogenous farnesol than the parent yeast and this resistance was accompanied by greatly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The resistance provided by UQ9 is specific for farnesol in that it does not increase resistance to high salt (1M NaCl) or other oxidants (5 mM H2O2 or 1 mM menadione). Additionally, the protection provided by UQ9 appears to be structural rather than transcriptional; UQ9 does not alter key transcriptional responses to farnesol stress. Here, we propose a model in which the longer UQ side chains are more firmly embedded in the mitochondrial membrane making them harder to pry out, so that in the presence of farnesol they remain functional without producing excess ROS. C. albicans and Candida dubliniensis evolved to use UQ9 rather than UQ7 as in other Candida species or UQ6 as in S. cerevisiae. This adaptive mechanism highlights the significance of UQ side chains in farnesol production and resistance quite apart from being an electron carrier in the respiratory chain.
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25
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What do we know about the biology of the emerging fungal pathogen of humans Candida auris? Microbiol Res 2020; 242:126621. [PMID: 33096325 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2020.126621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris is a worrisome fungal pathogen of humans which emerged merely about a decade ago. Ever since then the scientific community worked hard to understand clinically relevant traits, such as virulence factors, antifungal resistance mechanisms, and its ability to adhere to human skin and medical devices. Whole-genome sequencing of clinical isolates and epidemiological studies outlining the path of nosocomial outbreaks have been the focus of research into this pathogenic and multidrug-resistant yeast since its first description in 2009. More recently, work was started by several laboratories to explore the biology of C. auris. Here, we review the insights of studies characterizing the mechanisms underpinning antifungal drug resistance, biofilm formation, morphogenetic switching, cell aggregation, virulence, and pathogenicity of C. auris. We conclude that, although some progress has been made, there is still a long journey ahead of us, before we fully understand this novel pathogen. Critically important is the development of molecular tools for C. auris to make this fungus genetically tractable and traceable. This will allow an in-depth molecular dissection of the life cycle of C. auris, of its characteristics while interacting with the human host, and the mechanisms it employs to avoid being killed by antifungals and the immune system.
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26
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Usher J, Chaudhari Y, Attah V, Ho HL, Haynes K. Functional Characterization of a Novel Oxidative Stress Protection Protein in the Pathogenic Yeast Candida glabrata. Front Genet 2020; 11:530915. [PMID: 33101372 PMCID: PMC7545072 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.530915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are important pathogens of humans and the fourth most commonly isolated pathogen from nosocomial blood stream infections. Although Candida albicans is the principle causative agent of invasive candidosis, the incidence of Candida glabrata infections has rapidly grown. The reason for this increase is not fully understood, but it is clear that the species has a higher innate tolerance to commonly administered azole antifungals, in addition to being highly tolerant to stresses especially oxidative stress. Taking the approach that using the model organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with its intrinsic sensitivity to oxidative stress, we hypothesized that by expressing mediators of stress resistance from C. glabrata in S. cerevisiae, it would result in induced resistance. To test this we transformed, en-masse, the C. glabrata ORFeome library into S. cerevisiae. This resulted in 1,500 stress resistant colonies and the recovered plasmids of 118 ORFs. Sequencing of these plasmids revealed a total of 16 different C. glabrata ORFs. The recovery of genes encoding known stress protectant proteins such as GPD1, GPD2 and TRX3 was predicted and validated the integrity of the screen. Through this screen we identified a C. glabrata unique ORF that confers oxidative stress resistance. We set to characterise this gene herein, examining expression in oxidative stress sensitive strains, comet assays to measure DNA damage and synthetic genetic array analysis to identify genetic interaction maps in the presence and absence of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Usher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Yogesh Chaudhari
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Victoria Attah
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Hsueh-lui Ho
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ken Haynes
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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27
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Heaney H, Laing J, Paterson L, Walker AW, Gow NAR, Johnson EM, MacCallum DM, Brown AJP. The environmental stress sensitivities of pathogenic Candida species, including Candida auris, and implications for their spread in the hospital setting. Med Mycol 2020; 58:744-755. [PMID: 31912151 PMCID: PMC7398771 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging pathogenic yeast of significant clinical concern because of its frequent intrinsic resistance to fluconazole and often other antifungal drugs and the high mortality rates associated with systemic infections. Furthermore, C. auris has a propensity for persistence and transmission in health care environments. The reasons for this efficient transmission are not well understood, and therefore we tested whether enhanced resistance to environmental stresses might contribute to the ability of C. auris to spread in health care environments. We compared C. auris to other pathogenic Candida species with respect to their resistance to individual stresses and combinations of stresses. Stress resistance was examined using in vitro assays on laboratory media and also on hospital linen. In general, the 17 C. auris isolates examined displayed similar degrees of resistance to oxidative, nitrosative, cationic and cell wall stresses as clinical isolates of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, C. lusitaniae and C. kefyr. All of the C. auris isolates examined were more sensitive to low pH (pH 2, but not pH 4) compared to C. albicans, but were more resistant to high pH (pH 13). C. auris was also sensitive to low pH, when tested on contaminated hospital linen. Most C. auris isolates were relatively thermotolerant, displaying significant growth at 47°C. Furthermore, C. auris was relatively resistant to certain combinations of combinatorial stress (e.g., pH 13 plus 47°C). Significantly, C. auris was sensitive to the stress combinations imposed by hospital laundering protocol (pH > 12 plus heat shock at >80°C), suggesting that current laundering procedures are sufficient to limit the transmission of this fungal pathogen via hospital linen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Heaney
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Juliette Laing
- NHS Grampian Central Decontamination Unit, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Linda Paterson
- NHS Grampian Central Decontamination Unit, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alan W Walker
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Neil A R Gow
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Johnson
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, PHE South West Laboratory, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Donna M MacCallum
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, School of Biosciences, Exeter, UK
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28
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Jo YS, Park HB, Kim JY, Choi SM, Lee DS, Kim DH, Lee YH, Park CJ, Jeun YC, Hong JK. Menadione Sodium Bisulfite-Protected Tomato Leaves against Grey Mould via Antifungal Activity and Enhanced Plant Immunity. THE PLANT PATHOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 36:335-345. [PMID: 32788892 PMCID: PMC7403521 DOI: 10.5423/ppj.oa.06.2020.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Tomato grey mould has been one of the destructive fungal diseases during tomato production. Ten mM of menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB) was applied to tomato plants for eco-friendly control of the grey mould. MSB-reduced tomato grey mould in the 3rd true leaves was prolonged at least 7 days prior to the fungal inoculation of two inoculum densities (2 × 104 and 2 × 105 conidia/ml) of Botrytis cinerea. Protection efficacy was significantly higher in the leaves inoculated with the lower disease pressure of conidial suspension compared to the higher one. MSB-pretreatment was not effective to arrest oxalic acid-triggered necrosis on tomato leaves. Plant cell death and hydrogen peroxide accumulation were restricted in necrotic lesions of the B. cinereainoculated leaves by the MSB-pretreatment. Decreased conidia number and germ-tube elongation of B. cinerea were found at 10 h, and mycelial growth was also impeded at 24 h on the MSB-pretreated leaves. MSBmediated disease suppressions were found in cotyledons and different positions (1st to 5th) of true leaves inoculated with the lower conidial suspension, but only 1st to 3rd true leaves showed decreases in lesion sizes by the higher inoculum density. Increasing MSB-pretreatment times more efficiently decreased the lesion size by the higher disease pressure. MSB led to inducible expressions of defence-related genes SlPR1a, SlPR1b, SlPIN2, SlACO1, SlChi3, and SlChi9 in tomato leaves prior to B. cinerea infection. These results suggest that MSB pretreatment can be a promising alternative to chemical fungicides for environment-friendly management of tomato grey mould.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn Sook Jo
- Department of Horticultural Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTech), Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Hye Bin Park
- Department of Horticultural Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTech), Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Ji Yun Kim
- Department of Horticultural Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTech), Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Seong Min Choi
- Department of Horticultural Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTech), Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Da Sol Lee
- Department of Horticultural Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTech), Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Do Hoon Kim
- Department of Horticultural Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTech), Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Young Hee Lee
- Department of Horticultural Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTech), Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Chang-Jin Park
- Department of Bioresources Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea
| | - Yong-Chull Jeun
- College of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Bioscience and Industry, The Research Institute for Subtropical Agriculture and Biotechnology, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Jeum Kyu Hong
- Department of Horticultural Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology (GNTech), Jinju 52725, Korea
- Corresponding author. Phone) +82-55-751-3251, FAX) +82-55-751-3257, E-mail) , ORCID, Jeum Kyu Hong, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9161-511X
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29
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Athanasopoulos A, André B, Sophianopoulou V, Gournas C. Fungal plasma membrane domains. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 43:642-673. [PMID: 31504467 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane (PM) performs a plethora of physiological processes, the coordination of which requires spatial and temporal organization into specialized domains of different sizes, stability, protein/lipid composition and overall architecture. Compartmentalization of the PM has been particularly well studied in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where five non-overlapping domains have been described: The Membrane Compartments containing the arginine permease Can1 (MCC), the H+-ATPase Pma1 (MCP), the TORC2 kinase (MCT), the sterol transporters Ltc3/4 (MCL), and the cell wall stress mechanosensor Wsc1 (MCW). Additional cortical foci at the fungal PM are the sites where clathrin-dependent endocytosis occurs, the sites where the external pH sensing complex PAL/Rim localizes, and sterol-rich domains found in apically grown regions of fungal membranes. In this review, we summarize knowledge from several fungal species regarding the organization of the lateral PM segregation. We discuss the mechanisms of formation of these domains, and the mechanisms of partitioning of proteins there. Finally, we discuss the physiological roles of the best-known membrane compartments, including the regulation of membrane and cell wall homeostasis, apical growth of fungal cells and the newly emerging role of MCCs as starvation-protective membrane domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Athanasopoulos
- Microbial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research 'Demokritos,' Patr. Grigoriou E & 27 Neapoleos St. 15341, Agia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Bruno André
- Molecular Physiology of the Cell laboratory, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires, rue des Pr Jeener et Brachet 12, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Vicky Sophianopoulou
- Microbial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research 'Demokritos,' Patr. Grigoriou E & 27 Neapoleos St. 15341, Agia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Christos Gournas
- Microbial Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research 'Demokritos,' Patr. Grigoriou E & 27 Neapoleos St. 15341, Agia Paraskevi, Greece
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30
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Guhr A, Kircher S. Drought-Induced Stress Priming in Two Distinct Filamentous Saprotrophic Fungi. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2020; 80:27-33. [PMID: 31950228 PMCID: PMC7338827 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01481-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Sessile organisms constantly face environmental fluctuations and especially drought is a common stressor. One adaptive mechanism is "stress priming," the ability to cope with a severe stress ("triggering") by retaining information from a previous mild stress event ("priming"). While plants have been extensively investigated for drought-induced stress priming, no information is available for saprotrophic filamentous fungi, which are highly important for nutrient cycles. Here, we investigated the potential for drought-induced stress priming of one strain each of two ubiquitous species, Neurospora crassa and Penicillium chrysogenum. A batch experiment with 4 treatments was conducted on a sandy soil: exposure to priming and/or triggering as well as non-stressed controls. A priming stress was caused by desiccation to pF 4. The samples were then rewetted and after 1-, 7-, or 14-days of recovery triggered (pF 6). After triggering, fungal biomass, respiration, and β-glucosidase activity were quantified. P. chrysogenum showed positive stress priming effects. After 1 day of recovery, biomass as well as β-glucosidase activity and respiration were 0.5 to 5 times higher during triggering. Effects on biomass and activity decreased with prolonged recovery but lasted for 7 days and minor effects were still detectable after 14 days. Without triggering, stress priming had a temporary negative impact on biomass but this reversed after 14 days. For N. crassa, no stress priming effect was observed on the tested variables. The potential for drought-induced stress priming seems to be species specific with potentially high impact on composition and activity of fungal communities considering the expected increase of drought events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Guhr
- Department of Soil Ecology, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Dr.-Hans-Frisch-Straße 1-3, 95448, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Sophia Kircher
- Department of Soil Ecology, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Dr.-Hans-Frisch-Straße 1-3, 95448, Bayreuth, Germany
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31
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Lotlikar N, Damare S, Meena RM, Jayachandran S. Variable protein expression in marine-derived filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum in response to varying copper concentrations and salinity. Metallomics 2020; 12:1083-1093. [PMID: 32301940 DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00316a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Copper is one of the essential trace dietary minerals for all living organisms, but is potentially toxic at higher concentrations, mainly due to the redox reactions in its transition state. Tolerance of microbes towards copper is primarily attributed to chelation and biosorption. In this study, marine-derived filamentous fungi were evaluated for their ability to remove Cu(ii) from a culture medium. Further, the cellular response of a select isolate to salinity stress (0, 35 and 100 PSU) and Cu(ii) stress (0, 100, and 500 ppm) was studied using the peptide mass fingerprinting technique, which revealed expression of 919 proteins, of which 55 proteins were commonly expressed across all conditions. Housekeeping proteins such as citrate synthase, pyruvate carboxylase, ribosomal proteins, ATP synthases, and more were expressed across all conditions. Reactive oxygen species scavenging proteins such as glutaredoxin, mitochondrial peroxiredoxins and thioredoxins were expressed under Cu(ii) and salinity stresses individually as well as in combination. Up-regulation of glutaredoxin under Cu(ii) stress with fold change values of 18.3 and 13.9 under 100 ppm and 500 ppm of Cu(ii) indicated active scavenging of free radicals to combat oxidative damage. The common mechanisms reported were enzymatic scavenging of free radicals, activation of DNA damage and repair proteins and probable intracellular metal chelation. This indicated multiple stress mechanisms employed by the isolate to combat the singular and synergistic effects of Cu(ii) and salinity stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Lotlikar
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa - 403004, India.
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32
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Ianutsevich EA, Danilova OA, Tereshina VM. Combinatorial Action of Different Stress Factors on the Composition of Membrane Lipids and Osmolytes of Aspergillus niger. Microbiology (Reading) 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261720040153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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33
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Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy reduces gene expression of Candida albicans in biofilms. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2020; 31:101825. [PMID: 32445962 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated whether the oxidative stress caused by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) affects the expression of C. albicans genes related to adhesion and biofilm formation (ALS1 and HPW1) and oxidative stress response (CAP1, CAT1, and SOD1). The aPDT was mediated by two photosensitizing agents (PSs) Photodithazine® (PDZ at 100 and 200 mg/L) or Curcumin (CUR at 40 and 80 μM) and LED (37.5 J/cm2 or 50 J/cm2). The quantification of the expression was performed by Reverse Transcription-Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) using specific primers for the target genes. The data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (α = 0.05), followed by Tukey's post-test. It was observed reduction in the expression of ALS1, HWP1, CAP1, CAT1, and SOD1 when aPDT was performed using 200 mg/L PDZ and 80 μM CUR associated to LED (37.7 and 50 J/cm2, respectively) and using 100 mg/L PDZ and 40 μM CUR with LED of 50 J/cm2 (versus control). Also, the expression of CAP1 and SOD1 genes was reduced after aPDT using 100 mg/L PDZ and LED of 37.5 J/cm2. There was a significant reduction in the expression of genes HWP1, CAP1, and SOD1 after aPDT using 40 μM CUR and 37.5 J/cm2 (versus the control group). The application of LED only at 37.5 and 50 J/cm2 promoted down-regulation of ALS1, CAP1, CAT1, and SOD1 genes (versus the control group). Therefore, aPDT mediated by LED -associated PSs PDZ and CUR promoted a reduction in the expression of the five C. albicans genes evaluated.
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Kange AM, Xia A, Si J, Li B, Zhang X, Ai G, He F, Dou D. The Fungal-Specific Transcription Factor VpFSTF1 Is Required for Virulence in Valsa pyri. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2945. [PMID: 31998257 PMCID: PMC6965324 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Valsa pyri is the causal agent of pear canker disease, which leads to enormous losses of pear production in eastern Asian, especially China. In this study, we identified a fungal-specific transcription factor 1 (termed as VpFSTF1) from V. pyri, which is highly conserved in fungi. To characterize its functions, we generated mutant and complementation strains in V. pyri and found that ΔVpFSTF1 mutants lost the ability to form fruiting bodies along with the reduced virulence. The radial growth of ΔVpFSTF1 mutant was sensitive to increasing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and salicylic acid (SA). Moreover, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of wild-type (WT) and ΔVpFSTF1 mutant strains was performed, and the results revealed 1,993 upregulated, and 2006 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the mutant. The DEGs were corresponding to the genes that are involved in amino acid metabolism, starch, and sucrose metabolism, gluconeogenesis, citrate cycle, and carbon metabolism. Interestingly, pathogen host interaction (PHI) analysis showed that 69 downregulated genes were related to virulence, suggesting that they might function downstream of VpFSTF1. Nine DEGs were further validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the results were consistent with RNA-seq analysis. Furthermore, promoter regions were predicted, and VpFSTF1 binding activity was assessed. We demonstrated that five promoters are directly or indirectly targeted by VpFSTF1, including catalase-related peroxidase (VPIG_01209) and P450 family genes. Taken together, these findings indicate that VpFSTF1 is crucial for the virulence of V. pyri via direct or indirect regulation of downstream genes expression and lay an important foundation for understanding the molecular mechanism of V. pyri infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Machio Kange
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ai Xia
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jierui Si
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingxin Li
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gan Ai
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng He
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| | - Daolong Dou
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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CgSTE11 mediates cross tolerance to multiple environmental stressors in Candida glabrata. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17036. [PMID: 31745168 PMCID: PMC6863853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is a human commensal and an opportunistic human fungal pathogen. It is more closely related to the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae than other Candida spp. Compared with S. cerevisiae, C. glabrata exhibits higher innate tolerance to various environmental stressors, including hyperthermal stress. Here we investigate the molecular mechanisms of C. glabrata adaptation to heat stress via adaptive laboratory evolution. We show that all parallel evolved populations readily adapt to hyperthermal challenge (from 47 °C to 50 °C) and exhibit convergence in evolved phenotypes with extensive cross-tolerance to various other environmental stressors such as oxidants, acids, and alcohols. Genome resequencing identified fixation of mutations in CgSTE11 in all parallel evolved populations. The CgSTE11 homolog in S. cerevisiae plays crucial roles in various mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, but its role is less understood in C. glabrata. Subsequent verification confirmed that CgSTE11 is important in hyperthermal tolerance and the observed extensive cross-tolerance to other environmental stressors. These results support the hypothesis that CgSTE11 mediates cross-talks between MAPK signaling pathways in C. glabrata in response to environmental challenges.
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Protein phosphatases regulate growth, development, cellulases and secondary metabolism in Trichoderma reesei. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10995. [PMID: 31358805 PMCID: PMC6662751 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47421-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichoderma reesei represents one of the most prolific producers of plant cell wall degrading enzymes. Recent research showed broad regulation by phosphorylation in T. reesei, including important transcription factors involved in cellulase regulation. To evaluate factors crucial for changes in these phosphorylation events, we studied non-essential protein phosphatases (PPs) of T. reesei. Viable deletion strains were tested for growth on different carbon sources, osmotic and oxidative stress response, asexual and sexual development, cellulase and protease production as well as secondary metabolism. Six PPs were found to be positive or negative regulators for cellulase production. A correlation of the effects of PPs on protease activities and cellulase activities was not detected. Hierarchical clustering of regulation patterns and phenotypes of deletion indicated functional specialization within PP classes and common as well as variable effects. Our results confirmed the central role of catalytic and regulatory subunits of PP2A which regulates several aspects of cell growth and metabolism. Moreover we show that the additional homologue of PPH5 in Trichoderma spp., PPH5-2 assumes distinct functions in metabolism, development and stress response, different from PPH5. The influence of PPs on both cellulase gene expression and secondary metabolite production support an interrelationship in the underlying regulation mechanisms.
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Day AM, Quinn J. Stress-Activated Protein Kinases in Human Fungal Pathogens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:261. [PMID: 31380304 PMCID: PMC6652806 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of fungal pathogens to survive hostile environments within the host depends on rapid and robust stress responses. Stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathways are conserved MAPK signaling modules that promote stress adaptation in all eukaryotic cells, including pathogenic fungi. Activation of the SAPK occurs via the dual phosphorylation of conserved threonine and tyrosine residues within a TGY motif located in the catalytic domain. This induces the activation and nuclear accumulation of the kinase and the phosphorylation of diverse substrates, thus eliciting appropriate cellular responses. The Hog1 SAPK has been extensively characterized in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we use this a platform from which to compare SAPK signaling mechanisms in three major fungal pathogens of humans, Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Despite the conservation of SAPK pathways within these pathogenic fungi, evidence is emerging that their role and regulation has significantly diverged. However, consistent with stress adaptation being a common virulence trait, SAPK pathways are important pathogenicity determinants in all these major human pathogens. Thus, the development of drugs which target fungal SAPKs has the exciting potential to generate broad-acting antifungal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Day
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Quinn
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Physiologically Relevant Alternative Carbon Sources Modulate Biofilm Formation, Cell Wall Architecture, and the Stress and Antifungal Resistance of Candida glabrata. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133172. [PMID: 31261727 PMCID: PMC6651560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Flexibility in carbon metabolism is pivotal for the survival and propagation of many human fungal pathogens within host niches. Indeed, flexible carbon assimilation enhances pathogenicity and affects the immunogenicity of Candida albicans. Over the last decade, Candida glabrata has emerged as one of the most common and problematic causes of invasive candidiasis. Despite this, the links between carbon metabolism, fitness, and pathogenicity in C. glabrata are largely unexplored. Therefore, this study has investigated the impact of alternative carbon metabolism on the fitness and pathogenic attributes of C. glabrata. We confirm our previous observation that growth on carbon sources other than glucose, namely acetate, lactate, ethanol, or oleate, attenuates both the planktonic and biofilm growth of C. glabrata, but that biofilms are not significantly affected by growth on glycerol. We extend this by showing that C. glabrata cells grown on these alternative carbon sources undergo cell wall remodeling, which reduces the thickness of their β-glucan and chitin inner layer while increasing their outer mannan layer. Furthermore, alternative carbon sources modulated the oxidative stress resistance of C. glabrata as well as the resistance of C. glabrata to an antifungal drug. In short, key fitness and pathogenic attributes of C. glabrata are shown to be dependent on carbon source. This reaffirms the perspective that the nature of the carbon sources available within specific host niches is crucial for C. glabrata pathogenicity during infection.
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Vamvakas SS, Kapolos J, Farmakis L, Koskorellou G, Genneos F. Ser625 of msn2 transcription factor is indispensable for ethanol tolerance and alcoholic fermentation process. Biotechnol Prog 2019; 35:e2837. [PMID: 31087774 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The genetic modification of yeast strains can be used as an approach for the improvement of ethanol fermentation. msn2p transcription factor is implicated in yeast stress response and its activation is controlled by protein kinase A (PKA). PKA activation inhibits the translocation of msn2p to the nucleus. An in silico analysis of msn2 protein sequence revealed serine residue at position 625 as a potent target of PKA. Thus, substitution of this serine residue with alanine increases the susceptibility of the cells to ethanol challenge reducing IC50 from 3% vol/vol to 2.42% vol/vol. Additionally, cells carrying this substitution were shown a significantly reduced fermentation rate at 30°C and 18°C increasing the total fermentation time by approximately two and three times, respectively. These results clearly indicate that Ser625 is absolutely necessary for yeast to retain its fermentation ability and ethanol tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Kapolos
- Deparment of Food Technology, Technological Educational Institute of Peloponnese, Kalamata, Greece
| | - Lambros Farmakis
- Deparment of Food Technology, Technological Educational Institute of Peloponnese, Kalamata, Greece
| | - Gregoria Koskorellou
- Deparment of Food Technology, Technological Educational Institute of Peloponnese, Kalamata, Greece
| | - Fotios Genneos
- Deparment of Food Technology, Technological Educational Institute of Peloponnese, Kalamata, Greece
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Llopis-Torregrosa V, Vaz C, Monteoliva L, Ryman K, Engstrom Y, Gacser A, Gil C, Ljungdahl PO, Sychrová H. Trk1-mediated potassium uptake contributes to cell-surface properties and virulence of Candida glabrata. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7529. [PMID: 31101845 PMCID: PMC6525180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43912-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of high-affinity potassium uptake in Candida glabrata, the consequence of the deletion of the TRK1 gene encoding the sole potassium-specific transporter, has a pleiotropic effect. Here, we show that in addition to changes in basic physiological parameters (e.g., membrane potential and intracellular pH) and decreased tolerance to various cell stresses, the loss of high affinity potassium uptake also alters cell-surface properties, such as an increased hydrophobicity and adherence capacity. The loss of an efficient potassium uptake system results in diminished virulence as assessed by two insect host models, Drosophila melanogaster and Galleria mellonella, and experiments with macrophages. Macrophages kill trk1Δ cells more effectively than wild type cells. Consistently, macrophages accrue less damage when co-cultured with trk1Δ mutant cells compared to wild-type cells. We further show that low levels of potassium in the environment increase the adherence of C. glabrata cells to polystyrene and the propensity of C. glabrata cells to form biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicent Llopis-Torregrosa
- Department of Membrane Transport, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Catarina Vaz
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid and IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Monteoliva
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid and IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kicki Ryman
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ylva Engstrom
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Attila Gacser
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE "Lendület" "Mycobiome" Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Concha Gil
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid and IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Per O Ljungdahl
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hana Sychrová
- Department of Membrane Transport, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
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Wu Y, Wu M, Wang Y, Chen Y, Gao J, Ying C. ERG11 couples oxidative stress adaptation, hyphal elongation and virulence in Candida albicans. FEMS Yeast Res 2019; 18:5040230. [PMID: 29931064 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal opportunistic pathogen for humans. In the treatment of C. albicans, azole drugs target the sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) encoded by ERG11 gene. Most studies have focused on the fact that the ERG11 mutant results in drug resistance, but its mechanism of action as a drug target has not been described yet. Our results showed that deletion of ERG11 reduced filamentous and invasive growth, and impaired hyphal elongation in sensing serum. Lack of ERG11 increased susceptibility to H2O2 and was defective in clearing reactive oxygen species. ERG11 may affect oxidative stress adaptation by specifically downregulating CAT1 expression. In addition, C. albicans cells lacking ERG11 were more efficiently killed by macrophages and became avirulent in vivo. This study is the first to indicate that ERG11 plays an essential role in hyphal elongation, oxidative stress adaptation and virulence in C. albicans. We speculated that azole drugs not only inhibit the growth of C. albicans, but also assist the host immune system in clearing the fungal organism. The new understanding of mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs should facilitate the development of treatment strategies for resistant fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- YongQin Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - MengYing Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - YuanYuan Wang
- Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection and Host Immunity, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - YiSheng Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - ChunMei Ying
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China
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Conceição PM, Chaves AFA, Navarro MV, Castilho DG, Calado JCP, Haniu AECJ, Xander P, Batista WL. Cross-talk between the Ras GTPase and the Hog1 survival pathways in response to nitrosative stress in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Nitric Oxide 2019; 86:1-11. [PMID: 30772503 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a temperature-dependent dimorphic fungus that cause paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the major systemic mycosis in Latin America. The capacity to evade the innate immune response of the host is due to P. brasiliensis ability to respond and to survive the nitrosative stress caused by phagocytic cells. However, the regulation of signal transduction pathways associated to nitrosative stress response are poorly understood. Ras GTPase play an important role in the various cellular events in many fungi. Ras, in its activated form (Ras-GTP), interacts with effector proteins and can initiate a kinase cascade. In this report, we investigated the role of Ras GTPase in P. brasiliensis after in vitro stimulus with nitric oxide (NO). We observed that low concentrations of NO induced cell proliferation in P. brasiliensis, while high concentrations promoted decrease in fungal viability, and both events were reversed in the presence of a NO scavenger. We observed that high levels of NO induced Ras activation and its S-nitrosylation. Additionally, we showed that Ras modulated the expression of antioxidant genes in response to nitrosative stress. We find that the Hog1 MAP kinase contributed to nitrosative stress response in P. brasiliensis in a Ras-dependent manner. Taken together, our data demonstrate the relationship between Ras-GTPase and Hog1 MAPK pathway allowing for the P. brasiliensis adaptation to nitrosative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palloma Mendes Conceição
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Alison Felipe Alencar Chaves
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Valente Navarro
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniele Gonçalves Castilho
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Cristina P Calado
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Eliza Coronel Janu Haniu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Xander
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Wagner L Batista
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, SP, Brazil; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Santomartino R, Camponeschi I, Polo G, Immesi A, Rinaldi T, Mazzoni C, Brambilla L, Bianchi MM. The hypoxic transcription factor KlMga2 mediates the response to oxidative stress and influences longevity in the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. FEMS Yeast Res 2019; 19:5365995. [DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Hypoxia is defined as the decline of oxygen availability, depending on environmental supply and cellular consumption rate. The decrease in O2 results in reduction of available energy in facultative aerobes. The response and/or adaptation to hypoxia and other changing environmental conditions can influence the properties and functions of membranes by modifying lipid composition. In the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis, the KlMga2 gene is a hypoxic regulatory factor for lipid biosynthesis—fatty acids and sterols—and is also involved in glucose signaling, glucose catabolism and is generally important for cellular fitness.
In this work we show that, in addition to the above defects, the absence of the KlMGA2 gene caused increased resistance to oxidative stress and extended lifespan of the yeast, associated with increased expression levels of catalase and SOD genes. We propose that KlMga2 might also act as a mediator of the oxidative stress response/adaptation, thus revealing connections among hypoxia, glucose signaling, fatty acid biosynthesis and ROS metabolism in K. lactis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Santomartino
- Department Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, University of Roma Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Camponeschi
- Department Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, University of Roma Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Germano Polo
- Department Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, University of Roma Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Immesi
- Department Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, University of Roma Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Teresa Rinaldi
- Department Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, University of Roma Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Cristina Mazzoni
- Department Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, University of Roma Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Brambilla
- Department Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Michele M Bianchi
- Department Biology and Biotechnology C. Darwin, University of Roma Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
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Candida glabrata: A Lot More Than Meets the Eye. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7020039. [PMID: 30704135 PMCID: PMC6407134 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7020039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen that causes superficial mucosal and life-threatening bloodstream infections in individuals with a compromised immune system. Evolutionarily, it is closer to the non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae than to the most prevalent Candida bloodstream pathogen, C. albicans. C. glabrata is a haploid budding yeast that predominantly reproduces clonally. In this review, we summarize interactions of C. glabrata with the host immune, epithelial and endothelial cells, and the ingenious strategies it deploys to acquire iron and phosphate from the external environment. We outline various attributes including cell surface-associated adhesins and aspartyl proteases, biofilm formation and stress response mechanisms, that contribute to the virulence of C. glabrata. We further discuss how, C. glabrata, despite lacking morphological switching and secreted proteolytic activity, is able to disarm macrophage, dampen the host inflammatory immune response and replicate intracellularly.
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45
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Disturbance in biosynthesis of arachidonic acid impairs the sexual development of the onion blight pathogen Stemphylium eturmiunum. Curr Genet 2019; 65:759-771. [PMID: 30649584 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-019-00930-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The formation of sexual fruiting bodies for plant pathogenic fungi is a key strategy to propagate their progenies upon environmental stresses. Stemphylium eturmiunum is an opportunistic plant pathogen fungus causing blight in onion. This self-fertilizing filamentous ascomycete persists in the soil by forming pseudothecia, the sexual fruiting body which helps the fungus survive in harsh environments. However, the regulatory mechanism of pseudothecial formation remains unknown. To uncover the mechanism for pseudothecial formation so as to find a practical measure to control the propagation of this onion pathogen, we tentatively used DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-AC) to treat S. eturmiunum. 5-AC treatment silenced the gene-encoding monoacylglycerol lipase (magl) concomitant with the presence of the inheritable fluffy phenotype and defectiveness in pseudothecial development. Moreover, the silence of magl also resulted in a reduction of arachidonic acid (AA) formation from 27 ± 3.1 µg/g to 9.5 ± 1.5 µg/g. To correlate the biosynthesis of AA and pseudothecial formation, we created magl knockdown and overexpression strains. Knockdown of magl reduced AA to 11 ± 2.4 µg/g, which subsequently disabled pseudothecial formation. In parallel, overexpression of magl increased AA to 37 ± 3.4 µg/g, which also impaired pseudothecial formation. Furthermore, exogenous addition of AA to the culture of magl-silenced or magl knockdown strains rescued the pseudothecial formation but failed in the gpr1 knockdown strain of S. eturmiunum, which implicates the involvement of AA in signal transduction via a putative G protein-coupled receptor 1. Thus, AA at a cellular level of 27 ± 3.1 µg/g is essential for sexual development of S. eturmiunum. Disturbance in the biosynthesis of AA by up- and down-regulating the expression of magl disables the pseudothecial development. The specific requirement for AA in pseudothecial development by S. eturmiunum provides a hint to curb this onion pathogen: to impede pseudothecial formation by application of AA.
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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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Mancuso R, Chinnici J, Tsou C, Busarajan S, Munnangi R, Maddi A. Functions of Candida albicans cell wall glycosidases Dfg5p and Dcw1p in biofilm formation and HOG MAPK pathway. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5685. [PMID: 30280048 PMCID: PMC6166624 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Candida albicans is a commensal fungus that inhabits the oral mucosal surface and causes oral and systemic candidiasis. Oral candidiasis most commonly occurs in patients with AIDS, denture wearers and newborn children. Systemic candidiasis occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients and patients admitted to hospitals for prolonged periods. C. albicans homologous genes, DFG5 and DCW1, encode for two closely related cell wall proteins with putative glycosyltransferase enzyme activity and C-terminal GPI-anchors. Past studies have shown that individual DFG5 and DCW1 mutations are viable but simultaneous deletion of DFG5 and DCW1 in C. albicans results in lethality. However, the exact functions of these cell wall based enzymes, which represent potential drug targets, are not understood. Methods C. albicans DFG5/DCW1 heterologous and conditional double mutant strains were assessed for growth and biofilm formation in comparison to wild type and parental strains. Cell wall and heat stress susceptibility of the mutant and control strains were assessed using agar spotting assays. Growth was assessed under normal and osmotic stress conditions along with light microscopy imaging. Biofilm dry weight and microscopic imaging analysis of biofilms was performed. Hypha formation in response to serum was analyzed using light microscopy imaging. Western blot analysis of mutant strains and control strains was performed to assess Hog1 basal levels and phosphorylation status. Results Analysis of the heterologous mutants indicated that Dfg5p is more important for growth while Dcw1p appeared to play a role in cell wall integrity response. The conditional double mutant was observed to be less resistant to cell wall stress. However, growth of the mutants was similar under control and osmotic stress conditions. The mutants were also able to grow similar to wild type under heat stress. Biofilm formation was reduced in the mutants where DFG5 was deleted or suppressed. Hyphal morphogenesis was reduced although germ tube formation was observed in the biofilms of the mutant strains. Basal Hog1 protein levels were reduced or absent in the DFG5 and DCW1 mutants. However, osmotic stress was able to induce Hog1 protein levels comparable to wild type. Hog1 phosphorylation appeared to be slightly reduced although not significantly. In addition to biofilm assays, serum dose response imaging analysis indicated that hyphae formation in DFG5 and DCW1 mutants was defective. Conclusions These data indicate that DFG5 and DCW1 are required for hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation in C. albicans. These functions may be regulated via basal Hog1 MAPK which is required for transcriptional regulation of chitin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Mancuso
- Periodontics & Endodontics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Chinnici
- Periodontics & Endodontics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Charlene Tsou
- Periodontics & Endodontics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Sujay Busarajan
- Periodontics & Endodontics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Raveena Munnangi
- Periodontics & Endodontics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Abhiram Maddi
- Periodontics & Endodontics, Oral Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
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Huang M, Kao KC. Identifying novel genetic determinants for oxidative stress tolerance in Candida glabrata via adaptive laboratory evolution. Yeast 2018; 35:605-618. [PMID: 30141215 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata (C glabrata) is an important yeast of industrial and medical significance. Resistance to oxidative stress is an important trait affecting its robustness as a production host or virulence as a pathogenic agent, but current understanding of resistance mechanisms is still limited in this fungus. In this study, we rapidly evolved C glabrata population to adapt to oxidative challenge (from 80mM to 350mM of H2 O2 ) through short-term adaptive laboratory evolution. Adaptive mutants were isolated from evolved populations and subjected to phenotypic and omics analyses to identify potential mechanisms of tolerance to H2 O2 . Phenotypic characterizations revealed faster detoxification of H2 O2 and ability to initiate growth at a higher concentration of the oxidant in the isolated adaptive mutants compared with the wild type. Genome resequencing and genome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed multiple genetic determinants (eg, CAGL0E01243g, CAGL0F06831g, and CAGL0C00385g) that potentially contribute to enhanced H2 O2 resistance. Subsequent experimental verification confirmed that CgCth2 (CAGL0E01243g) and CgMga2 (CAGL0F06831g) are important in C glabrata tolerance to oxidative stress. Transcriptome profiling of adaptive mutants and bioinformatic analysis suggest that NADPH regeneration, modulation of membrane composition, cell wall remodeling, and/or global regulatory changes are involved in C glabrata tolerance to H2 O2 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Huang
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Katy C Kao
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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Emri T, Antal K, Riley R, Karányi Z, Miskei M, Orosz E, Baker S, Wiebenga A, de Vries R, Pócsi I. Duplications and losses of genes encoding known elements of the stress defence system of the Aspergilli contribute to the evolution of these filamentous fungi but do not directly influence their environmental stress tolerance. Stud Mycol 2018; 91:23-36. [PMID: 30425415 PMCID: PMC6231086 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of stress protein duplication and deletion events to the evolution of the Aspergilli was studied. We performed a large-scale homology analysis of stress proteins and generated and analysed three stress defence system models based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Aspergillus nidulans. Although both yeast-based and A. nidulans-based models were suitable to trace evolutionary changes, the A. nidulans-based model performed better in mapping stress protein radiations. The strong Mantel correlation found between the positions of species in the phylogenetic tree on the one hand and either in the A. nidulans-based or S. cerevisiae-based models on the other hand demonstrated that stress protein expansions and reductions contributed significantly to the evolution of the Aspergilli. Interestingly, stress tolerance attributes correlated well with the number of orthologs only for a few stress proteins. Notable examples are Ftr1 iron permease and Fet3 ferro-O2-oxidoreductase, elements of the reductive iron assimilation pathway, in the S. cerevisiae-based model, as well as MpkC, a HogA-like mitogen activated protein kinase in the A. nidulans-based model. In the case of the iron assimilation proteins, the number of orthologs showed a positive correlation with H2O2-induced stress tolerance while the number of MpkC orthologs correlated positively with Congo Red induced cell wall stress, sorbitol induced osmotic stress and H2O2 induced oxidative stress tolerances. For most stress proteins, changes in the number of orthologs did not correlate well with any stress tolerance attributes. As a consequence, stress tolerance patterns of the studied Aspergilli did not correlate with either the sets of stress response proteins in general or with the phylogeny of the species studied. These observations suggest that stress protein duplication and deletion events significantly contributed to the evolution of stress tolerance attributes of Aspergilli. In contrast, there are other processes, which may counterbalance the effects of stress gene duplications or deletions including (i) alterations in the structures of stress proteins leading to changes in their biological activities, (ii) varying biosynthesis of stress proteins, (iii) rewiring stress response regulatory networks or even (iv) acquiring new stress response genes by horizontal gene transfer. All these multilevel changes are indispensable for the successful adaptation of filamentous fungi to altering environmental conditions, especially when these organisms are entering new ecological niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Emri
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - K. Antal
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Eszterházy Károly University, Eszterházy tér 1., H-3300, Eger, Hungary
| | - R. Riley
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - Z. Karányi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - M. Miskei
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Momentum, Laboratory of Protein Dynamics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - E. Orosz
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - S.E. Baker
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Division, Earth and Biological Sciences, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, 99352, USA
| | - A. Wiebenga
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R.P. de Vries
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - I. Pócsi
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032, Debrecen, Hungary
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Lotlikar NP, Damare SR. Variability in Protein Expression in Marine-Derived Purpureocillium lilacinum Subjected to Salt and Chromium Stresses. Indian J Microbiol 2018; 58:360-371. [PMID: 30013281 PMCID: PMC6023812 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-018-0733-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abiotic factors can cause substantial limitation of growth of microbes. A combination of salinity stress along with chromium (Cr+6), one of the carcinogen, can pose an immediate threat to any living system. To understand how salinity (0, 35 and 100 PSU) and Cr(VI) stress (0, 100 and 500 ppm), affects cells at the molecular level, the cellular response of Purpureocillium lilacinum to the individual as well the combination of both the stresses were studied by peptide mass fingerprinting technique. The study reports 1412 proteins, of which 105 proteins were found to be present across all conditions. The most prevalent functional class expressed was genetic information processing. Proteins involved in free radical scavenging were up-regulated in response to the oxidative stress generated due to both the applied stresses while expression of metal chelators, transporters systems, indicated towards multiple stress tolerance mechanisms to combat synergistic effects of salt and Cr stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita P. Lotlikar
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Panaji, Goa 403004 India
- Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigão, Goa India
| | - Samir R. Damare
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Panaji, Goa 403004 India
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