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Zheng F, Gao W, Wang Y, Chen Q, Zhang Q, Jiang X, Hou B, Zhang Z. Map of dimorphic switching‑related signaling pathways in Sporothrix schenckii based on its transcriptome. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:646. [PMID: 34278493 PMCID: PMC8299191 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii (S. schenckii) induces sporotrichosis, which has gained attention in recent years due to its worldwide prevalence. The dimorphic switching process is essential for the pathogenesis of S. schenckii. Previously, overexpression of several signal transduction genes, including SsDRK1 and SsSte20, was observed during the mycelium‑to‑yeast transition; these were necessary for asexual development, yeast‑phase cell formation, cell wall integrity and melanin synthesis. However, the mechanisms of the signaling pathways during dimorphic switching of S. schenckii remain unclear. In the present study, transcriptome sequencing of the 48‑h induced yeast forms and mycelium of S. schenckii was performed. In total, 24,904,510 high‑quality clean reads were obtained from mycelium samples and 22,814,406 from 48‑h induced yeast form samples. Following assembly, 31,779 unigene sequences were obtained with 52.98% GC content (The proportion of guanine G and cytosine C to all bases in nucleic acid). The results demonstrated that 12,217 genes, including genes involved in signal transduction and chitin synthesis, were expressed differentially between the two stages. According to these results, a map of the signaling pathways, including two‑component and heterotrimeric G‑protein signaling systems, Ras and MAPK cascades associated with the dimorphic switch, was drawn. Taken together, the transcriptome data and analysis performed in the present study lay the foundation for further research into the molecular mechanisms controlling the dimorphic switch of S. schenckii and support the development of anti‑S. schenckii strategies targeting genes associated with signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangliang Zheng
- Academy of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110036, P.R. China
| | - Wei Gao
- Academy of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110036, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Academy of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110036, P.R. China
| | - Qingyan Chen
- Academy of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110036, P.R. China
| | - Qiuling Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Shenzhen Shekou People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518067, P.R. China
| | - Xiuyan Jiang
- Academy of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110036, P.R. China
| | - Binbin Hou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116021, P.R. China
| | - Zhenying Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
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Mattoon ER, Casadevall A, Cordero RJB. Beat the heat: correlates, compounds, and mechanisms involved in fungal thermotolerance. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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3
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García-Carnero LC, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Salazar-García LM, Lozoya-Pérez NE, González-Hernández SE, Tamez-Castrellón AK. Recognition of Fungal Components by the Host Immune System. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:245-264. [PMID: 31889486 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666191231105546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
By being the first point of contact of the fungus with the host, the cell wall plays an important role in the pathogenesis, having many molecules that participate as antigens that are recognized by immune cells, and also that help the fungus to establish infection. The main molecules reported to trigger an immune response are chitin, glucans, oligosaccharides, proteins, melanin, phospholipids, and others, being present in the principal pathogenic fungi with clinical importance worldwide, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Sporothrix schenckii. Knowledge and understanding of how the immune system recognizes and responds to fungal antigens are relevant for the future research and development of new diagnostic tools and treatments for the control of mycosis caused by these fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C García-Carnero
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Luis M Salazar-García
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Nancy E Lozoya-Pérez
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Alma K Tamez-Castrellón
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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4
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Ghirardo A, Fochi V, Lange B, Witting M, Schnitzler JP, Perotto S, Balestrini R. Metabolomic adjustments in the orchid mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella calospora during symbiosis with Serapias vomeracea. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 228:1939-1952. [PMID: 32668507 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
All orchids rely on mycorrhizal fungi for organic carbon, at least during early development. In fact, orchid seed germination leads to the formation of a protocorm, a heterotrophic postembryonic structure colonized by intracellular fungal coils, thought to be the site of nutrient transfer. The molecular mechanisms underlying mycorrhizal interactions and metabolic changes induced by this symbiosis in both partners remain mostly unknown. We studied plant-fungus interactions in the mycorrhizal association between the Mediterranean orchid Serapias vomeracea and the basidiomycete Tulasnella calospora using nontargeted metabolomics. Plant and fungal metabolomes obtained from symbiotic structures were compared with those obtained under asymbiotic conditions. Symbiosis induced substantial metabolomic alterations in both partners. In particular, structural and signaling lipid compounds increased markedly in the external fungal mycelium growing near the symbiotic protocorms, whereas chito-oligosaccharides were identified uniquely in symbiotic protocorms. This work represents the first description of metabolic changes occurring in orchid mycorrhiza. These results - combined with previous transcriptomic data - provide novel insights on the mechanisms underlying the orchid mycorrhizal association and open intriguing questions on the role of fungal lipids in this symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ghirardo
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany
| | - Valeria Fochi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, Torino, 10125, Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Viale Mattioli 25, Torino, 10125, Italy
| | - Birgit Lange
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany
| | - Michael Witting
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany
| | - Jörg-Peter Schnitzler
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation (EUS), Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, Neuherberg, 85764, Germany
| | - Silvia Perotto
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, Torino, 10125, Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Viale Mattioli 25, Torino, 10125, Italy
| | - Raffaella Balestrini
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Viale Mattioli 25, Torino, 10125, Italy
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5
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Cruz ILR, Freitas DFS, de Macedo PM, Gutierrez-Galhardo MC, do Valle ACF, Almeida MDA, Coelho RA, Brito-Santos F, Figueiredo-Carvalho MHG, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Almeida-Paes R. Evolution of virulence-related phenotypes of Sporothrix brasiliensis isolates from patients with chronic sporotrichosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 52:5-18. [PMID: 32440844 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00297-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis in immunocompromised patients has a high morbidity and may cause deaths. Particularly, patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with low T CD4 counts develop a chronic disease, with severe and widespread forms. Recently, the ability of Sporothrix brasiliensis, the main agent of zoonotic sporotrichosis, to increase its virulence in a diabetic patient without HIV infection was described. Since it was a unique finding, it is not known how often this occurs in patients with chronic and refractory sporotrichosis. The aim of this study is to compare sequential Sporothrix isolates obtained from patients with sporotrichosis and AIDS in order to detect changes in virulence-related phenotypes and acquisition of antifungal resistance during the evolution of the disease. Fungal growth in different substrates, antifungal susceptibility, thermotolerance, resistance to oxidative stress, and production of hydrolytic enzymes were evaluated. Correlations were assessed between clinical and phenotypic variables. Sixteen isolates, all identified as S. brasiliensis, obtained from five patients were studied. They grew well on glucose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, but poorly on lactate. Except from isolates collected from two patients, which were non-wild type for terbinafine, they were considered wild type for the antifungal drugs tested. Thermotolerance of the isolates was moderate to high. Except for phytase and phospholipase, isolates were able to produce virulence-related enzymes on different levels. Changes in all studied phenotypes were observed during the course of the disease in some patients. The results show that the HIV-driven immunosuppression is more relevant than fungal phenotypes on the unfavorable outcomes of disseminated sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Ludmila Rodrigues Cruz
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Dayvison Francis Saraiva Freitas
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Priscila Marques de Macedo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara Gutierrez-Galhardo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Francesconi do Valle
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos de Abreu Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Rowena Alves Coelho
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Fábio Brito-Santos
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Helena Galdino Figueiredo-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil.
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Curtiellas-Piñol V, Ventura-Juárez J, Ruiz-Baca E, Romo-Lozano Y. Morphological changes and phagocytic activity during the interaction of human neutrophils with Sporothrix schenckii: An in vitro model. Microb Pathog 2019; 129:56-63. [PMID: 30710673 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.01.041] [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: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Histopathological studies of human sporotrichosis lesions show pyogenic and granulomatous processes in which polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a central role. Few studies regarding the events associated with the interaction of human PMNs with Sporothrix schenckii have been made despite their importance in the clinical manifestations of the disease. In this study, human PMNs were co-cultured with conidia or yeast cells of S. schenckii to compare the phagocytic activity and morphological changes that could provide a clearer insight into the role of these phagocytes in the initial phase of sporotrichosis. PMNs showed increased cell size and separation of the nuclear lobes after phagocytosis. Through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, an increase in cells with flattened filaments and vesicles on their surface was observed. Phagocytosed conidia showed a significant increase in width and size. The phagocytic activity was greater against yeasts than with conidia, but the viability of both S. schenckii cellular morphotypes was not drastically affected even after 2 h of co-culture. In conclusion, morphological changes in PMNs suggest that S. schenckii induces processes that may favor proinflammatory events. These phagocytes show a high ability to bind or ingest S. schenckii cells without affecting their viability. Morphological changes recorded in ingested conidia, suggest that this fungus could make the dimorphic switching in PMNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Curtiellas-Piñol
- Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad No. 940, Aguascalientes, AGS, Mexico
| | - Javier Ventura-Juárez
- Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad No. 940, Aguascalientes, AGS, Mexico
| | - Estela Ruiz-Baca
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Veterinaria S/N, 34120, Durango, DGO, Mexico
| | - Yolanda Romo-Lozano
- Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad No. 940, Aguascalientes, AGS, Mexico.
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7
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Phospholipases play multiple cellular roles including growth, stress tolerance, sexual development, and virulence in fungi. Microbiol Res 2018; 209:55-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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8
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Yemelin A, Brauchler A, Jacob S, Laufer J, Heck L, Foster AJ, Antelo L, Andresen K, Thines E. Identification of factors involved in dimorphism and pathogenicity of Zymoseptoria tritici. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183065. [PMID: 28829795 PMCID: PMC5568738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A forward genetics approach was applied in order to investigate the molecular basis of morphological transition in the wheat pathogenic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. Z. tritici is a dimorphic plant pathogen displaying environmentally regulated morphogenetic transition between yeast-like and hyphal growth. Considering the infection mode of Z. tritici, the switching to hyphal growth is essential for pathogenicity allowing the fungus the host invasion through natural openings like stomata. We exploited a previously developed Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) to generate a mutant library by insertional mutagenesis including more than 10,000 random mutants. To identify genes involved in dimorphic switch, a plate-based screening system was established. With this approach eleven dimorphic switch deficient random mutants were recovered, ten of which exhibited a yeast-like mode of growth and one mutant predominantly growing filamentously, producing high amount of mycelium under different incubation conditions. Using genome walking approach previously established, the T-DNA integration sites were recovered and the disrupted genomic loci of corresponding mutants were identified and validated within reverse genetics approach. As prove of concept, two of the random mutants obtained were selected for further investigation using targeted gene inactivation. Both genes deduced were found to encode known factors, previously characterized in other fungi: Ssk1p being constituent of HOG pathway and Ade5,7p involved in de novo purine biosynthesis. The targeted mutant strains defective in these genes exhibit a drastically impaired virulence within infection assays on whole wheat plants. Moreover exploiting further physiological assays the predicted function for both gene products could be confirmed in concordance with conserved biological role of homologous proteins previously described in other fungal organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Yemelin
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Annamaria Brauchler
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Jacob
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Julian Laufer
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Larissa Heck
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Andrew J. Foster
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Luis Antelo
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Karsten Andresen
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eckhard Thines
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Hu QB, He Y, Zhou X. Construction and analysis of the cDNA subtraction library of yeast and mycelial phases of Sporothrix globosa isolated in China: identification of differentially expressed genes. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2015; 16:991-7. [PMID: 26642182 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1500151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Species included in the Sporothrix schenckii complex are temperature-dependent with dimorphic growth and cause sporotrichosis that is characterized by chronic and fatal lymphocutaneous lesions. The putative species included in the Sporothrix complex are S. brasiliensis, S. globosa, S. mexicana, S. pallida, S. schenckii, and S. lurei. S. globosa is the causal agent of sporotrichosis in China, and its pathogenicity appears to be closely related to the dimorphic transition, i.e. from the mycelial to the yeast phase, it adapts to changing environmental conditions. To determine the molecular mechanisms of the switching process that mediates the dimorphic transition of S. globosa, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to prepare a complementary DNA (cDNA) subtraction library from the yeast and mycelial phases. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to profile the relationship between differently expressed genes and the dimorphic transition. Two genes that were expressed at higher levels by the yeast form were selected, and their differential expression levels were verified using a quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). It is believed that these differently expressed genes are involved in the pathogenesis of S. globosa infection in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-bi Hu
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xun Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400021, China
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10
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Mora-Montes HM, Dantas ADS, Trujillo-Esquivel E, de Souza Baptista AR, Lopes-Bezerra LM. Current progress in the biology of members of the Sporothrix schenckii complex following the genomic era. FEMS Yeast Res 2015; 15:fov065. [PMID: 26260509 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fov065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis has been attributed for more than a century to one single etiological agent, Sporothrix schencki. Only eight years ago, it was described that, in fact, the disease is caused by several pathogenic cryptic species. The present review will focus on recent advances to understand the biology and virulence of epidemiologically relevant pathogenic species of the S. schenckii complex. The main subjects covered are the new clinical and epidemiological aspects including diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, the development of molecular tools, the genome database and the perspectives for study of virulence of emerging Sporothrix species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, CP 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., México
| | - Alessandra da Silva Dantas
- Laboratório de Micologia Celular e Proteômica, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), CEP 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elías Trujillo-Esquivel
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, CP 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., México
| | - Andrea R de Souza Baptista
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica e Molecular, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), CEP 24210-130 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leila M Lopes-Bezerra
- Laboratório de Micologia Celular e Proteômica, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), CEP 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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11
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Boyce KJ, Andrianopoulos A. Fungal dimorphism: the switch from hyphae to yeast is a specialized morphogenetic adaptation allowing colonization of a host. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2015; 39:797-811. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuv035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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12
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Téllez MD, Batista-Duharte A, Portuondo D, Quinello C, Bonne-Hernández R, Carlos IZ. Sporothrix
schenckii complex biology: environment and fungal pathogenicity. Microbiology (Reading) 2014; 160:2352-2365. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.081794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii is a complex of various species of fungus found in soils, plants, decaying vegetables and other outdoor environments. It is the aetiological agent of sporotrichosis in humans and several animals. Humans and animals can acquire the disease through traumatic inoculation of the fungus into subcutaneous tissue. Despite the importance of sporotrichosis, it being currently regarded as an emergent disease in several countries, the factors driving its increasing medical importance are still largely unknown. There have only been a few studies addressing the influence of the environment on the virulence of these pathogens. However, recent studies have demonstrated that adverse conditions in its natural habitats can trigger the expression of different virulence factors that confer survival advantages both in animal hosts and in the environment. In this review, we provide updates on the important advances in the understanding of the biology of Spor. schenckii and the modification of its virulence linked to demonstrated or putative environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. D. Téllez
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio Mesquita Filho, UNESP Rua Expedicionarios do Brasil 1621-CEP : 14801-902, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Oriente University, Ave Las Americas, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - A. Batista-Duharte
- Immunotoxicology Laboratory, Toxicology and Biomedicine Center (TOXIMED), Medical Science University, Autopista Nacional Km. 1 1/2 CP 90400, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio Mesquita Filho, UNESP Rua Expedicionarios do Brasil 1621-CEP : 14801-902, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - D. Portuondo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio Mesquita Filho, UNESP Rua Expedicionarios do Brasil 1621-CEP : 14801-902, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - C. Quinello
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio Mesquita Filho, UNESP Rua Expedicionarios do Brasil 1621-CEP : 14801-902, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | | | - I. Z. Carlos
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio Mesquita Filho, UNESP Rua Expedicionarios do Brasil 1621-CEP : 14801-902, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
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Yu Y, Zhang X, Hong S, Zhang M, Cai Q, Jiang W, Xu C. Epidermal growth factor induces platelet-activating factor production through receptors transactivation and cytosolic phospholipase A2 in ovarian cancer cells. J Ovarian Res 2014; 7:39. [PMID: 24721622 PMCID: PMC4005630 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-7-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Among the pro-inflammatory lipid mediators, platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a major primary and secondary messenger that binds to the PAF-receptor (PAFR). Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a polypeptide growth factor that binds to the EGF-receptor (EGFR). Evidence suggests that both PAF and EGF play a significant role in oncogenic transformation, tumor growth, neoangiogenesis and metastasis, including ovarian cancer. PAF has the potential to transactivate EGFR in ovarian cancer cells. This study explores the mechanisms involved in EGF-induced PAF production. Methods The effect of EGF on PAF production in ovarian cancer cells was observed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The receptors transactivation and the role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in modulating PAF production induced by EGF was assessed using pharmacological inhibitors, si-RNA knockdown, targeted gene overexpression and immunocytochemistry. The signaling pathways invovled in PAF production induced by EGF in ovarian cancer cells were assessed. Results We demonstrate that EGF increases the production of PAF in CAOV3 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell lines. EGF induces the transactivation of PAFR, which can be blocked by an EGFR inhibitor. Inhibition of EGFR and/or PAFR blocks PAF production in response to EGF. EGF-induced PAF production involves the phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). A cPLA2 inhibitor blocks EGF-induced PAF production as well as si-cPLA2, while overexpression of cPLA2 increases PAF production. Conclusions These results indicate that EGF stimulates PAF production in ovarian cancer cells in a manner that requires cPLA2. We have also determined that crosstalk can occur bidirectionally between EGFR and PAFR, suggesting that EGF-induced PAF production could result in positive feedback that acts on the PAF-receptor to promote ovarian cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419 Fang-Xie Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, No.138 Yi-Xueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China ; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, No. 413 Zhao-Jiabang Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419 Fang-Xie Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, No.138 Yi-Xueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China ; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, No. 413 Zhao-Jiabang Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Hong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419 Fang-Xie Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, No.138 Yi-Xueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China ; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, No. 413 Zhao-Jiabang Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxing Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419 Fang-Xie Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, No.138 Yi-Xueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China ; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, No. 413 Zhao-Jiabang Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Cai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419 Fang-Xie Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, No.138 Yi-Xueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China ; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, No. 413 Zhao-Jiabang Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419 Fang-Xie Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, No.138 Yi-Xueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China ; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, No. 413 Zhao-Jiabang Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Congjian Xu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No.419 Fang-Xie Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, No.138 Yi-Xueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China ; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, No. 413 Zhao-Jiabang Road, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China ; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, No.138 Yi-Xueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
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Oliveira MME, Almeida-Paes R, Gutierrez-Galhardo MC, Zancope-Oliveira RM. Molecular identification of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. Rev Iberoam Micol 2013; 31:2-6. [PMID: 24270070 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii, an ascomycetous dimorphic organism that for over a century was recognized as the sole agent of sporotrichosis, a subcutaneous mycosis with a worldwide distribution. However, it has been proposed, based on physiologic and molecular aspects, that S. schenckii is a complex of distinct species: Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix mexicana, Sporothrix globosa, S. schenckii sensu strictu, Sporothrix luriei, and Sporothrix albicans (formerly Sporothrix pallida). Human disease has a broad range of clinical manifestations and can be classified into fixed cutaneous, lymphocutaneous, disseminated cutaneous, and extracutaneous sporotrichosis. The gold standard for the diagnosis of sporotrichosis is the culture; however, serologic, histopathologic and molecular approaches have been recently adopted for the diagnosis of this mycosis. Few molecular methods have been applied to the diagnosis of sporotrichosis to detect S. schenckii DNA from clinical specimens, and to identify Sporothrix spp. in culture. Until now, Sporothrix is the unique clinically relevant dimorphic fungus without an elucidated genome sequence, thus limiting molecular knowledge about the cryptic species of this complex, and the sexual form of all S. schenckii complex species. In this review we shall focus on the current diagnosis of the sporotrichosis, and discuss the current molecular tools applied to the diagnosis and identification of the Sporothrix complex species. This manuscript is part of the series of works presented at the "V International Workshop: Molecular genetic approaches to the study of human pathogenic fungi" (Oaxaca, Mexico, 2012).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara Gutierrez-Galhardo
- Laboratório de Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosely M Zancope-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Isolation of Sporothrix schenckii GDA1 and functional characterization of the encoded guanosine diphosphatase activity. Arch Microbiol 2013; 195:499-506. [PMID: 23715619 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-013-0901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii is a fungal pathogen of humans and the etiological agent of sporotrichosis. In fungi, proper protein glycosylation is usually required for normal composition of cell wall and virulence. Upon addition of precursor oligosaccharides to nascent proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, glycans are further modified by Golgi-glycosyl transferases. In order to add sugar residues to precursor glycans, nucleotide diphosphate sugars are imported from the cytosol to the Golgi lumen, the sugar is transferred to glycans, and the resulting nucleoside diphosphate is dephosphorylated by the nucleoside diphosphatase Gda1 before returning to cytosol. Here, we isolated the open reading frame SsGDA1 from a S. schenckii genomic DNA library. In order to confirm the function of SsGda1, we performed complementation assays in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gda1∆ null mutant. Our results indicated that SsGDA1 restored the nucleotide diphosphatase activity to wild-type levels and therefore is a functional ortholog of S. cerevisiae GDA1.
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Zhang Z, Hou B, Zheng F, Yu X, Liu X. Molecular cloning, characterization and differential expression of a Sporothrix schenckii STE20-like protein kinase SsSte20. Int J Mol Med 2013; 31:1343-8. [PMID: 23588744 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dimorphic switching requires fungal cells to undergo changes in polarized growth in response to environmental stimuli. The Ste20-related kinases are involved in signaling through mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and in morphogenesis through the regulation of cytokinesis and actin-dependent polarized growth. In this report, we isolated and characterized an Ste20 homologue gene, designated SsSte20, from yeast-form Sporothrix schenckii (S. schenckii). The full length SsSte20 cDNA sequence is 2846 bp in size, and contains an open reading frame of 2505 bp encoding 835 amino acids. The predicted molecular mass of SsSte20 is 91.31 kDa with an estimated theoretical isoelectric point of 5.76. SsSte20 kinase domain shows 63% identity with that of Don3, a germinal centre kinase (GCK) from Ustilago maydis. Two exons and one intron are identified within the 2578 bp SsSte20 genomic DNA sequence of S. schenckii. Differential expression of the SsSte20 was demonstrated by real-time RT-PCR. The expression of SsSte20 was much higher in the yeast stage compared with that in the mycelial stage, which indicated that the SsSte20 may be involved in the pathogenesis of the yeast phase of S. schenckii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenying Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China.
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Gonzalez-Velazquez W, Gonzalez-Mendez R, Rodriguez-del Valle N. Characterization and ligand identification of a membrane progesterone receptor in fungi: existence of a novel PAQR in Sporothrix schenckii. BMC Microbiol 2012; 12:194. [PMID: 22958375 PMCID: PMC3488014 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-12-194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adaptive responses in fungi result from the interaction of membrane receptors and extracellular ligands. Many different classes of receptors have been described in eukaryotic cells. Recently a new family of receptors classified as belonging to the progesterone-adiponectin receptor (PAQR) family has been identified. These receptors have the seven transmembrane domains characteristic of G-protein coupled receptors, but their activity has not been associated directly to G proteins. They share sequence similarity to the eubacterial hemolysin III proteins. Results A new receptor, SsPAQR1 (Sporothrixschenckiiprogesterone-adiponectinQ receptor1), was identified as interacting with Sporothrix schenckii G protein alpha subunit SSG-2 in a yeast two-hybrid assay. The receptor was identified as a member of the PAQR family. The cDNA sequence revealed a predicted ORF of 1542 bp encoding a 514 amino acids protein with a calculated molecular weight of 57.8 kDa. Protein domain analysis of SsPAQR1 showed the 7 transmembrane domains (TM) characteristic of G protein coupled receptors and the presence of the distinctive motifs that characterize PAQRs. A yeast-based assay specific for PAQRs identified progesterone as the agonist. S. schenckii yeast cells exposed to progesterone (0.50 mM) showed an increase in intracellular levels of 3′, 5′ cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within the first min of incubation with the hormone. Different progesterone concentrations were tested for their effect on the growth of the fungus. Cultures incubated at 35°C did not grow at concentrations of progesterone of 0.05 mM or higher. Cultures incubated at 25°C grew at all concentrations tested (0.01 mM-0.50 mM) with growth decreasing gradually with the increase in progesterone concentration. Conclusion This work describes a receptor associated with a G protein alpha subunit in S. schenckii belonging to the PAQR family. Progesterone was identified as the ligand. Exposure to progesterone increased the levels of cAMP in fungal yeast cells within the first min of incubation suggesting the connection of this receptor to the cAMP signalling pathway. Progesterone inhibited the growth of both the yeast and mycelium forms of the fungus, with the yeast form being the most affected by the hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleska Gonzalez-Velazquez
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan PR, USA
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Differential display of abundantly expressed genes of Trichoderma harzianum during colonization of tomato-germinating seeds and roots. Curr Microbiol 2012; 65:524-33. [PMID: 22810958 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-012-0189-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The identification of Trichoderma genes whose expression is altered during early stages of interaction with developing roots of germinated seeds is an important step toward understanding the rhizosphere competency of Trichoderma spp. The potential of 13 Trichoderma strains to colonize tomato root and promote plant growth has been evaluated. All used strains successfully propagated in spermosphere and continued their growth in rhizoplane simultaneously root enlargement while the strains T6 and T7 were the most abundant in the apical segment of roots. Root colonization in most strains associated with promoting the roots and shoots growth while they significantly increased up to 43 and 40 % roots and shoots dry weights, respectively. Differential display reverse transcriptase-PCR (DDRT-PCR) has been developed to detect differentially expressed genes in the previously selected strain, Trichoderma harzianum T7, during colonization stages of tomato-germinating seeds and roots. Amplified DDRT-PCR products were analyzed on gel agarose and 62 differential bands excised, purified, cloned, and sequenced. Obtained ESTs were submit-queried to NCBI database by BLASTx search and gene ontology hierarchy. Most of transcripts (29 EST) corresponds to known and hypothetical proteins such as secretion-related small GTPase, 40S ribosomal protein S3a, 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, DNA repair protein rad50, lipid phosphate phosphatase-related protein type 3, nuclear essential protein, phospholipase A2, fatty acid desaturase, nuclear pore complex subunit Nup133, ubiquitin-activating enzyme, and 60S ribosomal protein L40. Also, 13 of these sequences showed no homology (E > 0.05) with public databases and considered as novel genes. Some of these ESTs corresponded to genes encodes enzymes potentially involved in nutritional support of microorganisms which have obvious importance in the establishment of Trichoderma in spermosphere and rhizosphere, via potentially functioning in acquisition of nutrients from energy-rich carbon compounds leaked from the germinating seeds and roots.
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Abstract
Sporotrichosis, which is caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, is currently distributed throughout the world, especially in tropical and subtropical zones. Infection generally occurs by traumatic inoculation of soil, plants, and organic matter contaminated with the fungus. Certain leisure and occupational activities, such as floriculture, agriculture, mining, and wood exploitation, are traditionally associated with the mycosis. Zoonotic transmission has been described in isolated cases or in small outbreaks. Since the end of the 1990s there has been an epidemic of sporotrichosis associated with transmission by cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than 2,000 human cases and 3,000 animal cases have been reported. In humans, the lesions are usually restricted to the skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue, and adjacent lymphatic vessels. In cats, the disease can evolve with severe clinical manifestations and frequent systemic involvement. The gold standard for sporotrichosis diagnosis is culture. However, serological, histopathological, and molecular approaches have been recently adopted as auxiliary tools for the diagnosis of this mycotic infection. The first-choice treatment for both humans and cats is itraconazole.
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Zhang Z, Hou B, Xin Y, Liu X. Protein profiling of the dimorphic pathogenic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii. Mycopathologia 2011; 173:1-11. [PMID: 21842181 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-011-9456-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a common cutaneous mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which exhibits a temperature-dependent dimorphic switch. At 25°C, it grows in a mycelial phase, while at 37°C, it forms unicellular yeast cells. The formation of yeast cells was thought to be a requisite for the pathogenicity of S. schenckii. To identify fragments that might be related to morphogenesis, whole-cell proteins from the mold and early yeast stages of S. schenckii were analyzed using 2DE. Among thousands of protein molecules displayed, more than 300 showed a differential expression between the two phases. In particular, 24 yeast-specific proteins were identified using MALDI-TOF/MS. One of the most interesting proteins was a hybrid histidine kinase, DRK1, a global regulator of dimorphism and virulence in Blastomyces dermatitidis and Histoplasma capsulatum that was abundant in the yeast phase. Our study introduced a new approach to study dimorphism in S. schenckii, and the data may help us better understand the molecular mechanisms of phase transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenying Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, 1st Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Zhongshan Road 222, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
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Rodriguez-Caban J, Gonzalez-Velazquez W, Perez-Sanchez L, Gonzalez-Mendez R, Rodriguez-del Valle N. Calcium/calmodulin kinase1 and its relation to thermotolerance and HSP90 in Sporothrix schenckii: an RNAi and yeast two-hybrid study. BMC Microbiol 2011; 11:162. [PMID: 21745372 PMCID: PMC3146815 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-11-162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sporothrix schenckii is a pathogenic dimorphic fungus of worldwide distribution. It grows in the saprophytic form with hyaline, regularly septated hyphae and pyriform conidia at 25°C and as the yeast or parasitic form at 35°C. Previously, we characterized a calcium/calmodulin kinase in this fungus. Inhibitors of this kinase were observed to inhibit the yeast cell cycle in S. schenckii. Results The presence of RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism in this fungus was confirmed by the identification of a Dicer-1 homologue in S. schenckii DNA. RNAi technology was used to corroborate the role of calcium/calmodulin kinase I in S. schenckii dimorphism. Yeast cells were transformed with the pSilent-Dual2G (pSD2G) plasmid w/wo inserts of the coding region of the calcium/calmodulin kinase I (sscmk1) gene. Transformants were selected at 35°C using resistance to geneticin. Following transfer to liquid medium at 35°C, RNAi transformants developed as abnormal mycelium clumps and not as yeast cells as would be expected. The level of sscmk1 gene expression in RNAi transformants at 35°C was less than that of cells transformed with the empty pSD2G at this same temperature. Yeast two-hybrid analysis of proteins that interact with SSCMK1 identified a homologue of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) as interacting with this kinase. Growth of the fungus similar to that of the RNAi transformants was observed in medium with geldanamycin (GdA, 10 μM), an inhibitor of HSP90. Conclusions Using the RNAi technology we silenced the expression of sscmk1 gene in this fungus. RNAi transformants were unable to grow as yeast cells at 35°C showing decreased tolerance to this temperature. The interaction of SSCMK1 with HSP90, observed using the yeast two-hybrid assay suggests that this kinase is involved in thermotolerance through its interaction with HSP90. SSCMK1 interacted with the C terminal domain of HSP90 where effector proteins and co-chaperones interact. These results confirmed SSCMK1 as an important enzyme involved in the dimorphism of S. schenckii, necessary for the development of the yeast phase of this fungus. Also this study constitutes the first report of the transformation of S. schenckii and the use of RNAi to study gene function in this fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Rodriguez-Caban
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067.
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Munaron L. Shuffling the cards in signal transduction: Calcium, arachidonic acid and mechanosensitivity. World J Biol Chem 2011; 2:59-66. [PMID: 21537474 PMCID: PMC3083947 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v2.i4.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell signaling is a very complex network of biochemical reactions triggered by a huge number of stimuli coming from the external medium. The function of any single signaling component depends not only on its own structure but also on its connections with other biomolecules. During prokaryotic-eukaryotic transition, the rearrangement of cell organization in terms of diffusional compartmentalization exerts a deep change in cell signaling functional potentiality. In this review I briefly introduce an intriguing ancient relationship between pathways involved in cell responses to chemical agonists (growth factors, nutrients, hormones) as well as to mechanical forces (stretch, osmotic changes). Some biomolecules (ion channels and enzymes) act as “hubs”, thanks to their ability to be directly or indirectly chemically/mechanically co-regulated. In particular calcium signaling machinery and arachidonic acid metabolism are very ancient networks, already present before eukaryotic appearance. A number of molecular “hubs”, including phospholipase A2 and some calcium channels, appear tightly interconnected in a cross regulation leading to the cellular response to chemical and mechanical stimulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Munaron
- Luca Munaron, Department of Animal and Human Biology, Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Centre of Excellence, Center for Complex Systems in Molecular Biology and Medicine, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy
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Pérez-Sánchez L, González E, Colón-Lorenzo EE, González-Velázquez W, González-Méndez R, Rodríguez-del Valle N. Interaction of the heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunit SSG-1 of Sporothrix schenckii with proteins related to stress response and fungal pathogenicity using a yeast two-hybrid assay. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:317. [PMID: 21143936 PMCID: PMC3018405 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Important biological processes require selective and orderly protein-protein interactions at every level of the signalling cascades. G proteins are a family of heterotrimeric GTPases that effect eukaryotic signal transduction through the coupling of cell surface receptors to cytoplasmic effector proteins. They have been associated with growth and pathogenicity in many fungi through gene knock-out studies. In Sporothrix schenckii, a pathogenic, dimorphic fungus, we previously identified a pertussis sensitive G alpha subunit, SSG-1. In this work we inquire into its interactions with other proteins. Results Using the yeast two-hybrid technique, we identified protein-protein interactions between SSG-1 and other important cellular proteins. The interactions were corroborated using co-immuneprecipitation. Using these techniques we identified a Fe/Mn superoxide dismutase (SOD), a glyceraldehyde-3-P dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and two ion transport proteins, a siderophore-iron transporter belonging to the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) and a divalent-cation transporter of the Nramp (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein) family as interacting with SSG-1. The cDNA's encoding these proteins were sequenced and bioinformatic macromolecular sequence analyses were used for the correct classification and functional assignment. Conclusions This study constitutes the first report of the interaction of a fungal G alpha inhibitory subunit with SOD, GAPDH, and two metal ion transporters. The identification of such important proteins as partners of a G alpha subunit in this fungus suggests possible mechanisms through which this G protein can affect pathogenicity and survival under conditions of environmental stress or inside the human host. The two ion transporters identified in this work are the first to be reported in S. schenckii and the first time they are identified as interacting with fungal G protein alpha subunits. The association of G protein alpha subunits to transport molecules reinforces the role of G proteins in the response to environmental signals and also highlights the involvement of fungal G protein alpha subunits in nutrient sensing in S. schenckii. These interactions suggest that these permeases could function as transceptors for G proteins in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizaida Pérez-Sánchez
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, USA
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