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Katsipoulaki M, Stappers MHT, Malavia-Jones D, Brunke S, Hube B, Gow NAR. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata: global priority pathogens. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0002123. [PMID: 38832801 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00021-23] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA significant increase in the incidence of Candida-mediated infections has been observed in the last decade, mainly due to rising numbers of susceptible individuals. Recently, the World Health Organization published its first fungal pathogen priority list, with Candida species listed in medium, high, and critical priority categories. This review is a synthesis of information and recent advances in our understanding of two of these species-Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Of these, C. albicans is the most common cause of candidemia around the world and is categorized as a critical priority pathogen. C. glabrata is considered a high-priority pathogen and has become an increasingly important cause of candidemia in recent years. It is now the second most common causative agent of candidemia in many geographical regions. Despite their differences and phylogenetic divergence, they are successful as pathogens and commensals of humans. Both species can cause a broad variety of infections, ranging from superficial to potentially lethal systemic infections. While they share similarities in certain infection strategies, including tissue adhesion and invasion, they differ significantly in key aspects of their biology, interaction with immune cells, host damage strategies, and metabolic adaptations. Here we provide insights on key aspects of their biology, epidemiology, commensal and pathogenic lifestyles, interactions with the immune system, and antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Katsipoulaki
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark H T Stappers
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Dhara Malavia-Jones
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Neil A R Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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2
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Pinsky M, Kornitzer D. Genetic Analysis of Candida albicans Filamentation by the Iron Chelator BPS Reveals a Role for a Conserved Kinase-WD40 Protein Pair. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:83. [PMID: 38276029 PMCID: PMC10820326 DOI: 10.3390/jof10010083] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major human pathogenic fungus that is distinguished by its capability to switch from a yeast to a hyphal morphology under different conditions. Here, we analyze the cellular effects of high concentrations of the iron chelator bathophenanthroline disulfonate (BPS). BPS inhibits cellular growth by withholding iron, but when iron chelation is overcome by the addition of hemoglobin as an iron source, the cells resume growth as hyphae. The BPS hyphal induction pathway was characterized by identifying the hyphal-specific transcription factors that it requires and by a forward genetic screen for mutants that fail to form hyphae in BPS using a transposon library generated in a haploid strain. Among the mutants identified are the DYRK1-like kinase Yak1 and Orf19.384, a homolog of the DYRK1-associated protein WDR68/DCAF7. Orf19.384 nuclear localization depends on Yak1, similar to their mammalian counterparts. We identified the hyphal suppressor transcription factor Sfl1 as a candidate target of Yak1-Orf19.384 and show that Sfl1 modification is similarly affected in the yak1 and orf19.384 mutant strains. These results suggest that DYRK1/Yak1 and WDR68/Orf19.384 represent a conserved protein pair that regulates cell differentiation from fungi to animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Kornitzer
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—I.I.T., Haifa 31096, Israel;
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3
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Vandermeulen MD, Cullen PJ. Ecological inducers of the yeast filamentous growth pathway reveal environment-dependent roles for pathway components. mSphere 2023; 8:e0028423. [PMID: 37732804 PMCID: PMC10597418 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00284-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling modules, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, are evolutionarily conserved drivers of cell differentiation and stress responses. In many fungal species including pathogens, MAPK pathways control filamentous growth, where cells differentiate into an elongated cell type. The convenient model budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergoes filamentous growth by the filamentous growth (fMAPK) pathway; however, the inducers of the pathway remain unclear, perhaps because pathway activity has been mainly studied in laboratory conditions. To address this knowledge gap, an ecological framework was used, which uncovered new fMAPK pathway inducers, including pectin, a material found in plants, and the metabolic byproduct ethanol. We also show that induction by a known inducer of the pathway, the non-preferred carbon source galactose, required galactose metabolism and induced the pathway differently than glucose limitation or other non-preferred carbon sources. By exploring fMAPK pathway function in fruit, we found that induction of the pathway led to visible digestion of fruit rind through a known target, PGU1, which encodes a pectolytic enzyme. Combinations of inducers (galactose and ethanol) stimulated the pathway to near-maximal levels, which showed dispensability of several fMAPK pathway components (e.g., mucin sensor, p21-activated kinase), but not others (e.g., adaptor, MAPKKK) and required the Ras2-protein kinase A pathway. This included a difference between the transcription factor binding partners for the pathway, as Tec1p, but not Ste12p, was partly dispensable for fMAPK pathway activity. Thus, by exploring ecologically relevant stimuli, new modes of MAPK pathway signaling were uncovered, perhaps revealing how a pathway can respond differently to specific environments. IMPORTANCE Filamentous growth is a cell differentiation response and important aspect of fungal biology. In plant and animal fungal pathogens, filamentous growth contributes to virulence. One signaling pathway that regulates filamentous growth is an evolutionarily conserved MAPK pathway. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a convenient model to study MAPK-dependent regulation of filamentous growth, although the inducers of the pathway are not clear. Here, we exposed yeast cells to ecologically relevant compounds (e.g., plant compounds), which identified new inducers of the MAPK pathway. In combination, the inducers activated the pathway to near-maximal levels but did not cause detrimental phenotypes associated with previously identified hyperactive alleles. This context allowed us to identify conditional bypass for multiple pathway components. Thus, near-maximal induction of a MAPK pathway by ecologically relevant inducers provides a powerful tool to assess cellular signaling during a fungal differentiation response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul J. Cullen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Alabi PE, Gautier C, Murphy TP, Gu X, Lepas M, Aimanianda V, Sello JK, Ene IV. Small molecules restore azole activity against drug-tolerant and drug-resistant Candida isolates. mBio 2023; 14:e0047923. [PMID: 37326546 PMCID: PMC10470600 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00479-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Each year, fungi cause more than 1.5 billion infections worldwide and have a devastating impact on human health, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or patients in intensive care units. The limited antifungal arsenal and emerging multidrug-resistant species necessitate the development of new therapies. One strategy for combating drug-resistant pathogens is the administration of molecules that restore fungal susceptibility to approved drugs. Accordingly, we carried out a screen to identify small molecules that could restore the susceptibility of pathogenic Candida species to azole antifungals. This screening effort led to the discovery of novel 1,4-benzodiazepines that restore fluconazole susceptibility in resistant isolates of Candida albicans, as evidenced by 100-1,000-fold potentiation of fluconazole activity. This potentiation effect was also observed in azole-tolerant strains of C. albicans and in other pathogenic Candida species. The 1,4-benzodiazepines selectively potentiated different azoles, but not other approved antifungals. A remarkable feature of the potentiation was that the combination of the compounds with fluconazole was fungicidal, whereas fluconazole alone is fungistatic. Interestingly, the potentiators were not toxic to C. albicans in the absence of fluconazole, but inhibited virulence-associated filamentation of the fungus. We found that the combination of the potentiators and fluconazole significantly enhanced host survival in a Galleria mellonella model of systemic fungal infection. Taken together, these observations validate a strategy wherein small molecules can restore the activity of highly used anti-infectives that have lost potency. IMPORTANCE In the last decade, we have been witnessing a higher incidence of fungal infections, due to an expansion of the fungal species capable of causing disease (e.g., Candida auris), as well as increased antifungal drug resistance. Among human fungal pathogens, Candida species are a leading cause of invasive infections and are associated with high mortality rates. Infections by these pathogens are commonly treated with azole antifungals, yet the expansion of drug-resistant isolates has reduced their clinical utility. In this work, we describe the discovery and characterization of small molecules that potentiate fluconazole and restore the susceptibility of azole-resistant and azole-tolerant Candida isolates. Interestingly, the potentiating 1,4-benzodiazepines were not toxic to fungal cells but inhibited their virulence-associated filamentous growth. Furthermore, combinations of the potentiators and fluconazole decreased fungal burdens and enhanced host survival in a Galleria mellonella model of systemic fungal infections. Accordingly, we propose the use of novel antifungal potentiators as a powerful strategy for addressing the growing resistance of fungi to clinically approved drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E. Alabi
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Cécile Gautier
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Fungal Heterogeneity Group, Paris, France
| | - Thomas P. Murphy
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Xilin Gu
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mathieu Lepas
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR2000, Molecular Mycology Unit, Paris, France
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR2000, Molecular Mycology Unit, Paris, France
| | - Jason K. Sello
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Iuliana V. Ene
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Fungal Heterogeneity Group, Paris, France
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Bonafé ACF, Oliveira DFLM, Fernandes EE, Garcia MT, Bressane A, de Oliveira W, de Mello Rode S. Microbiological evaluation in invisible aligner chemical cleaning methods against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2023:S0889-5406(23)00272-X. [PMID: 37294233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to assess the efficacy of chemical agents in removing Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans biofilm from invisible aligners. METHODS The samples were made of EX30 Invisalign trays, biofilm was cultured by standardized suspensions of C. albicans ATCC strain and S. mutans clinical strain on the sample. The treatments used were 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) (20 minutes), 1% NaClO (10 minutes), chlorhexidine (5 minutes), peroxide (15 minutes), and orthophosphoric acid (15 seconds). The control group received phosphate-buffered saline for 10 minutes. The colony-forming units per milliliter of each microorganism were determined by serial dilutions seeded in plates with selective culture mediums for each one. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Conover-Iman tests at an α of 0.05. RESULTS For the C. albicans biofilm group, the control group had 9.7 Log10 of microorganism growth, and all treatment groups had statistically significant biofilm reduction, in which chlorhexidine presented the highest inhibition of 3 Log10, followed by alkaline peroxide and orthophosphoric acid both with 2.6 Log10, 1% NaClO (2.5 Log10), and 0.5% NaClO (2 Log10). As for S. mutans, the control group had 8.9 Log10 of growth, and a total microorganism inhibition was reached by chlorhexidine, 1% NaClO, and orthophosphoric acid, whereas alkaline peroxide inhibited growth to 7.9 Log10 and 0.5% NaClO 5.1 Log10. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations, chlorhexidine and orthophosphoric acid had greater efficacy in both biofilms. In addition, 1% NaClO and alkaline peroxide also had significant effects; therefore, their incorporation aligners disinfection protocols are valid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Ferreira Bonafé
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil.
| | | | - Ellen Eduarda Fernandes
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Maíra Terra Garcia
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Adriano Bressane
- Department of Environment Engineering, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Wagner de Oliveira
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Sigmar de Mello Rode
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, São José dos Campos, Brazil
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Evans B, Spell E, Bernstein D. Characterization of the role of Ume6 C-terminal tail in C. albicans morphological plasticity. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000827. [PMID: 37303960 PMCID: PMC10251201 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
C. albicans is an important human fungal pathogen and filamentation is essential for its virulence. Ume6 is a transcription factor critical for filamentation. Ume6 is composed of three domains, a long N terminal domain, Zn-finger domain, and a C-terminal domain. Previously, it was shown that the Zn-finger domain is essential for filamentation, as removal of this domain led to a lack of filamentation. However, the role for the C-terminal domain has not been defined. We find deletion of the C-terminal domain leads to a filamentation defect and the defect is not as severe as removal of the Zn-finger or ume6 deletion. We mutated a number of residues in the C-terminal domain to try to identify specific residues important for filamentation, but all of our mutants displayed wild type filamentation. Alpha fold predictions suggest the C-terminal domain forms a single alpha helix that is predicted to interact with the Zn-finger domain via hydrogen bond. Our data suggests the C-terminal domain binds the Zn-finger domain and through this interaction is important for filamentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Evans
- Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
| | - Evan Spell
- Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States
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7
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Harun WH, Zulaila CO, Fahim A, Allah NU. The synergistic effects of hydroxychavicol and amphotericin B towards yeast-hyphae transition and the germination of Candida albicans. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2023; 18:967-975. [PMID: 36866244 PMCID: PMC9972399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Dimorphic transformation from yeast cells to hyphae is considered one of the major virulence factors of candidal species. The development of antifungal resistance against several candida diseases has led researchers to find plant derived alternatives. We aimed to determine the effect of hydroxychavicol (HC), Amphotericin B (AMB), and their combination (HC + AMB) on the transition and germination of oral Candida species. Methods The antifungal susceptibility of hydroxychavicol (HC) and Amphotericin B (AMB) separately and in a mixture (HC + AMB) against Candida albicans ATCC 14053, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019, Candida tropicalis ATCC 13803, and Candida dubliniensis ATCC MYA-2975 was determined by broth microdilution technique. Minimal Inhibitory Concentration was calculated based on the CLSI protocols. The MIC50, fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index, and IC50 were also determined. The IC50 values were used as the treatment concentration of HC, AMB, and HC + AMB to study the effect of antifungal inhibition on yeast hypha transition (gemination). The germ tube formation percentage of candida species was calculated at several intervals using a colorimetric assay. Results The MIC50 range of HC alone against Candida species was between 120-240 µg per mL while that of AMB was between 2-8 µg per mL, respectively. The combination of HC + AMB at 1:1 and 2:1 demonstrated the strongest synergistic activity against C. albicans with an FIC index of 0.07. Moreover, within the first hour of treatment, the total percentage of germinating cells was significantly reduced by 79% (p < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of HC + AMB displayed synergism and inhibited C. albicans hyphal growth. HC + AMB combination slowed the germination process and exhibited consistent prolonged effect up to 3 h post-treatment. The results of this study will pave the way for potential in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan H.A.W. Harun
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Corresponding address: Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Che O.N. Zulaila
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ayesha Fahim
- Department of Oral Biology, University College of Dentistry, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nasar U.M. Allah
- Department of Periodontics, Foundation University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Du J, Dong Y, Zhao H, Peng L, Wang Y, Yu Q, Li M. Transcriptional regulation of autophagy, cell wall stress response and pathogenicity by Pho23 in C. albicans. FEBS J 2023; 290:855-871. [PMID: 36152022 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16636] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The modification of chromatin by histone deacetylases (HDACs) has critical roles in transcriptional regulation. In this study, we identified the Rpd3 HDAC complex component Pho23 in Candida albicans and explored its role in the transcriptional regulation of physiological processes. PHO23 deletion increased autophagic activity and upregulated the transcription of ATG genes. Moreover, the deletion of PHO23 severely impaired cell wall stress resistance and reduced the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway in response to cell wall stress. Furthermore, the pho23Δ/Δ mutant had partial defects in hyphal development and protease secretion, which were associated with the downregulation of genes involved in hyphal development (e.g. HWP1, ALS3 and ECE1) and genes encoding secreted aspartic proteases (e.g. SAP4, SAP5, SAP6 and SAP9). In addition, the deletion of PHO23 strongly attenuated systemic infection and kidney fungal burden in mice, demonstrating that Pho23 is required for the virulence of C. albicans. Together, our results revealed that Pho23 regulates many key physiological processes in C. albicans at the transcriptional level. These data also shed light on the potential for exploiting Rpd3 HDAC complex-related proteins as antifungal targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Du
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yixuan Dong
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - He Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liping Peng
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingchun Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Systematic Metabolic Profiling Identifies De Novo Sphingolipid Synthesis as Hypha Associated and Essential for Candida albicans Filamentation. mSystems 2022; 7:e0053922. [PMID: 36264075 PMCID: PMC9765226 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00539-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast-to-hypha transition is a key virulence attribute of the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, since it is closely tied to infection-associated processes such as tissue invasion and escape from phagocytes. While the nature of hypha-associated gene expression required for fungal virulence has been thoroughly investigated, potential morphotype-dependent activity of metabolic pathways remained unclear. Here, we combined global transcriptome and metabolome analyses for the wild-type SC5314 and the hypha-defective hgc1Δ and cph1Δefg1Δ strains under three hypha-inducing (human serum, N-acetylglucosamine, and alkaline pH) and two yeast-promoting conditions to identify metabolic adaptions that accompany the filamentation process. We identified morphotype-related activities of distinct pathways and a metabolic core signature of 26 metabolites with consistent depletion or enrichment during the yeast-to-hypha transition. Most strikingly, we found a hypha-associated activation of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis, indicating a connection of this pathway and filamentous growth. Consequently, pharmacological inhibition of this partially fungus-specific pathway resulted in strongly impaired filamentation, verifying the necessity of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis for proper hypha formation. IMPORTANCE The reversible switch of Candida albicans between unicellular yeast and multicellular hyphal growth is accompanied by a well-studied hypha-associated gene expression, encoding virulence factors like adhesins, toxins, or nutrient scavengers. The investigation of this gene expression consequently led to fundamental insights into the pathogenesis of this fungus. In this study, we applied this concept to hypha-associated metabolic adaptations and identified morphotype-dependent activities of distinct pathways and a stimulus-independent metabolic signature of hyphae. Most strikingly, we found the induction of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis as hypha associated and essential for the filamentation of C. albicans. These findings verified the presence of morphotype-specific metabolic traits in the fungus, which appear connected to the fungal virulence. Furthermore, the here-provided comprehensive description of the fungal metabolome will help to foster future research and lead to a better understanding of fungal physiology.
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van Wijlick L, Znaidi S, Hernández-Cervantes A, Basso V, Bachellier-Bassi S, d’Enfert C. Functional Portrait of Irf1 (Orf19.217), a Regulator of Morphogenesis and Iron Homeostasis in Candida albicans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:960884. [PMID: 36004328 PMCID: PMC9393397 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.960884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The alternate growth of Candida albicans between a unicellular yeast form and a multicellular hyphal form is crucial for its ability to cause disease. Interestingly, both morphological forms support distinct functions during proliferation in the human host. We previously identified ORF19.217 (C2_08890W_A), encoding a zinc-finger transcription factor of the C2H2 family, in a systematic screen of genes whose overexpression contributes to C. albicans' morphological changes. Conditional overexpression of ORF19.217 with the strong tetracycline-inducible promoter (P TET ) resulted in a hyperfilamentous phenotype. We examined growth of the orf19.217 knockout-mutant in different hypha-inducing conditions and found that the mutant still formed hyphae under standard hypha-inducing conditions. To further investigate the function of Orf19.217 in C. albicans, we combined genome-wide expression (RNA-Seq) and location (ChIP-Seq) analyses. We found that Orf19.217 is involved in regulatory processes comprising hyphal morphogenesis and iron acquisition. Comparative analysis with existing C. albicans hyphal transcriptomes indicates that Orf19.217-mediated filamentation is distinct from a true hyphal program. Further, the orf19.217 knockout-mutant did not show increased sensitivity to iron deprivation, but ORF19.217 overexpression was able to rescue the growth of a hap5-mutant, defective in a subunit of the CCAAT-complex, which is essential for iron acquisition. This suggested that Orf19.217 is involved in regulation of iron acquisition genes during iron deprivation and acts in a parallel pathway to the established CCAAT-complex. Interestingly, the orf19.217-mutant turned out to be defective in its ability to form filaments under iron-deficiency. Taken together our findings propose that the transcription factor Orf19.217 stimulates expression of the hyphal regulators EFG1 and BRG1 to promote filamentous growth under iron deprivation conditions, allowing the fungus to escape these iron-depleted conditions. The transcription factor therefore appears to be particularly important for adaptation of C. albicans to diverse environmental conditions in the human host. In regard to the newly identified functions, we have given the regulator the name Irf1, Iron-dependent Regulator of Filamentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse van Wijlick
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia
| | - Arturo Hernández-Cervantes
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Virginia Basso
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Bachellier-Bassi
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Christophe d’Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
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Candida albicans Filamentation Does Not Require the cAMP-PKA Pathway In Vivo. mBio 2022; 13:e0085122. [PMID: 35475642 PMCID: PMC9239198 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00851-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is one of the most prevalent human fungal pathogens. Its ability to transition between budding yeast and filamentous morphological forms (pseudohyphae and hyphae) is tightly associated with its pathogenesis. Based on in vitro studies, the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway is a key regulator of C. albicans morphogenesis. Using an intravital imaging approach, we investigated the role of the cAMP-PKA pathway during infection. Consistent with their roles in vitro, the downstream effectors of the cAMP-PKA pathway Efg1 and Nrg1 function, respectively, as an activator and a repressor of in vivo filamentation. Surprisingly, strains lacking the adenylyl cyclase, CYR1, showed only slightly reduced filamentation in vivo despite being completely unable to filament in RPMI + 10% serum at 37°C. Consistent with these findings, deletion of the catalytic subunits of PKA (Tpk1 and Tpk2), either singly or in combination, generated strains that also filamented in vivo but not in vitro. In vivo transcription profiling of C. albicans isolated from both ear and kidney tissue showed that the expression of a set of 184 environmentally responsive genes correlated well with in vitro filamentation (R2, 0.62 to 0.68) genes. This concordance suggests that the in vivo and in vitro transcriptional responses are similar but that the upstream regulatory mechanisms are distinct. As such, these data emphatically emphasize that C. albicans filamentation is a complex phenotype that occurs in different environments through an intricate network of distinct regulatory mechanisms. IMPORTANCE The fungus Candida albicans causes a wide range of disease in humans from common diaper rash to life-threatening infections in patients with compromised immune systems. As such, the mechanisms for its ability to cause disease are of wide interest. An intensely studied virulence property of C. albicans is its ability to switch from a round yeast form to filament-like forms (hyphae and pseudohyphae). Surprisingly, we have found that a key signaling pathway that regulates this transition in vitro, the protein kinase A pathway, is not required for filamentation during infection of the host. Our work not only demonstrates that the regulation of filamentation depends upon the specific environment C. albicans inhabits but also underscores the importance of studying these mechanisms during infection.
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Bignoumba M, Mbombe Moghoa KH, Muandze-Nzambe JU, Kassa Kassa RF, Mouanga Ndzime Y, Gafou A, Longo Pendy NM, Onanga R, Kumulungui BS. Vaginal Infections' Etiologies in South-Eastern Gabon - An Overview. Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:505-515. [PMID: 35437354 PMCID: PMC9013257 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s349754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Discomfort in women of childbearing age associated with vaginal infections, namely bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis (AV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis (TV), represent a serious and ongoing gynecological complication throughout the world. Objective This study aimed to investigate the etiologies of vaginal infections among outpatients in south-eastern Gabon. Methodology A cross-sectional study was designed using participants referred directly by their treating doctor for a vaginal swab. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Microscopic examinations were used for TV and BV diagnostic. All vaginal swabs were cultured for AV and VVC isolates using standard microbiology methods. Results A total of 573 women of reproductive age participated in the study. The most common identified vaginal infections were BV (62.8%) and AV (51.1%) followed by VVC (34.1%). No significant difference was observed for each etiology compared to socio-demographic data. Streptococcus B (23.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (17.7%), Klebsiella spp. (11.6%), and E. coli (5.8%) were the bacteria most associated with AV. A high incidence of non-C. albicans Candida (NCAC) strains causing vulvovaginitis were found. The prevalence of TV (2.1%) was low. Mixed infections had been common among participants. No association was found with TV and other vaginal infections, unlike others studies. The present study identified BV 228 (83.5%) and AV 227 (83.2%) as the main cause of mixed infections. The mixed infection AV-BV 113 (41.4%) was the most represented. Conclusion Also that simultaneous AV-BV-VVC represented 69 (25.3%) of mixed infections. Molecular analyses would be needed to identify the key species commonly associated with these vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Bignoumba
- Medical Analysis Research Unit (URAM)/Bacteriology, International Center for Medical Research (CIRMF), Franceville, BP 769, Gabon.,Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Masuku University of Science and Technology (USTM), Franceville, BP 067, Gabon
| | - Kelly H Mbombe Moghoa
- Medical Analysis Research Unit (URAM)/Bacteriology, International Center for Medical Research (CIRMF), Franceville, BP 769, Gabon.,Central African Regional Doctoral School in Tropical Infectiology (ECODRAC), Masuku University of Science and Technology (USTM), Franceville, BP 876, Gabon
| | - Jean Ulrich Muandze-Nzambe
- Medical Analysis Research Unit (URAM)/Bacteriology, International Center for Medical Research (CIRMF), Franceville, BP 769, Gabon.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Applied Immunology (LABIA), Department de Biochimie-Microbiologie, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, Ouagadougou 03, 03 BP 7021, Burkina Faso
| | - Roland Fabrice Kassa Kassa
- Medical Analysis Research Unit (URAM)/Bacteriology, International Center for Medical Research (CIRMF), Franceville, BP 769, Gabon
| | - Yann Mouanga Ndzime
- Medical Analysis Research Unit (URAM)/Bacteriology, International Center for Medical Research (CIRMF), Franceville, BP 769, Gabon
| | - Amahani Gafou
- Medical Analysis Research Unit (URAM)/Bacteriology, International Center for Medical Research (CIRMF), Franceville, BP 769, Gabon
| | - Neil Michel Longo Pendy
- Central African Regional Doctoral School in Tropical Infectiology (ECODRAC), Masuku University of Science and Technology (USTM), Franceville, BP 876, Gabon
| | - Richard Onanga
- Medical Analysis Research Unit (URAM)/Bacteriology, International Center for Medical Research (CIRMF), Franceville, BP 769, Gabon
| | - Brice Serge Kumulungui
- Medical Analysis Research Unit (URAM)/Bacteriology, International Center for Medical Research (CIRMF), Franceville, BP 769, Gabon.,Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Masuku University of Science and Technology (USTM), Franceville, BP 067, Gabon
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13
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Enhanced production of cordycepic acid from Cordyceps cicadae isolated from a wild environment. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:673-688. [PMID: 35122655 PMCID: PMC9151976 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00687-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps acid is an active component of Cordyceps cicadae and has a variety of medicinal uses, including anti-tumor effects, the prevention of cerebral hemorrhaging and myocardial infarction, and the inhibition of a wide range of bacteria. The objectives of this study were to identify C. cicadae fungi and optimize the culture conditions to obtain a high yield of cordycepic acid. First, a wild C. cicadae was identified by morphological observation and rDNA sequence analysis. Secondly, the optimal fermentation conditions were determined using a single-factor method, a Plackett-Burman design, and a Box-Behnken response surface. Finally, using the yield of fruit bodies and the content of cordyceps acid as indices, combined with a single-factor experiment and a response surface design, the best combination of conditions for cultivation was determined. The results showed that the best combination was as follows: sucrose 2%, tryptone 2%, KH2PO4 0.4%, MgSO4·7H2O 0.4%, an initial pH of the fermentation liquid of 7.0, 5% inoculum, fermentation for 4.5 d, a ratio of medium to liquid of 1:1.7, illumination intensity 150 Lux, illumination time 15 h per day, and 70% humidity. The content of cordycepic acid in the fruiting bodies developed in cultivation was 2.07-fold higher than that in the wild C. cicadae. This study provides a theoretical basis for the large-scale cultivation of C. cicadae with a high concentration of cordycepic acid.
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Henry M, Burgain A, Tebbji F, Sellam A. Transcriptional Control of Hypoxic Hyphal Growth in the Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:770478. [PMID: 35127551 PMCID: PMC8807691 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.770478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of Candida albicans, an important human fungal pathogen, to develop filamentous forms is a crucial determinant for host invasion and virulence. While hypoxia is one of the predominant host cues that promote C. albicans filamentous growth, the regulatory circuits that link oxygen availability to filamentation remain poorly characterized. We have undertaken a genetic screen and identified the two transcription factors Ahr1 and Tye7 as central regulators of the hypoxic filamentation. Both ahr1 and tye7 mutants exhibited a hyperfilamentous phenotype specifically under an oxygen-depleted environment suggesting that these transcription factors act as negative regulators of hypoxic filamentation. By combining microarray and ChIP-chip analyses, we have characterized the set of genes that are directly modulated by Ahr1 and Tye7. We found that both Ahr1 and Tye7 modulate a distinct set of genes and biological processes. Our genetic epistasis analysis supports our genomic finding and suggests that Ahr1 and Tye7 act independently to modulate hyphal growth in response to hypoxia. Furthermore, our genetic interaction experiments uncovered that Ahr1 and Tye7 repress the hypoxic filamentation via the Efg1 and Ras1/Cyr1 pathways, respectively. This study yielded a new and an unprecedented insight into the oxygen-sensitive regulatory circuit that control morphogenesis in a fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Henry
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anaïs Burgain
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Faiza Tebbji
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Adnane Sellam
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Adnane Sellam,
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15
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New Applications of Photodynamic Therapy in the Management of Candidiasis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7121025. [PMID: 34947007 PMCID: PMC8705304 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The most important aetiological agent of opportunistic mycoses worldwide is Candida spp. These yeasts can cause severe infections in the host, which may be fatal. Isolates of Candida albicans occur with greater frequency and variable resistance patterns. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recognised as an alternative treatment to kill pathogenic microorganisms. PDT utilises a photosensitizer, which is activated at a specific wavelength and oxygen concentration. Their reaction yields reactive oxygen species that kill the infectious microorganism. A systematic review of new applications of PDT in the management of candidiasis was performed. Of the 222 studies selected for in-depth screening, 84 were included in this study. All the studies reported the antifungal effectiveness, toxicity and dosimetry of treatment with antimicrobial PDT (aPDT) with different photosensitizers against Candida spp. The manuscripts that are discussed reveal the breadth of the new applications of aPDT against Candida spp., which are resistant to common antifungals. aPDT has superior performance compared to conventional antifungal therapies. With further studies, aPDT should prove valuable in daily clinical practice.
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Wilson D. The role of zinc in the pathogenicity of human fungal pathogens. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2021; 117:35-61. [PMID: 34742366 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens now account for an unprecedented burden on human health. Like all microorganisms, these fungi must successfully forage for essential micronutrients such as zinc in order to proliferate. However, pathogenic microbes face an additional hurdle in securing zinc from their environment: the action of host nutritional immunity which strictly manipulates microbial access to this essential, but also potentially toxic trace metal. This review introduces the relevant pathogenic species and goes on to cover the molecular mechanisms of zinc uptake by human fungal pathogens. Fungi scavenge zinc from their environment via two basic mechanisms: via a family of cellular zinc importers-the ZIP transporters; and via a unique secreted zinc binding protein-the zincophore. However the genetic requirement of these systems for fungal virulence is highly species-specific. As well as zinc scarcity, potential intoxification with this heavy metal can occur and, unlike bacteria, fungi deal with environmental insult this via intraorganellar compartmentalization. Zinc availability also modulates the morphogenic behavior of a subset of pathogenic yeast species. This chapter will cover these different aspects of zinc availability on the physiology of human fungal pathogens with emphasis on the major pathogenic species Candida albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Wilson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.
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17
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Zhang X, Liu X, Zhang Z, Zhao Y, Wang C. Atomic-Level Investigation of Reactant Recognition Mechanism and Thermodynamic Property in Glucosamine 6-Phosphate Deaminase Catalysis. Front Chem 2021; 9:737492. [PMID: 34414167 PMCID: PMC8369159 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.737492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase (NagB) influences the direction of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) metabolism, facilitating the conversion of D-glucosamine 6-phosphate (GlcN6P) to D-fructose 6-phosphate (Fru6P) with the release of ammonia. Here, extensive molecular dynamics simulations combined with various techniques were performed to study the recognition and delivery process of GlcN6P by SmuNagB, due to its guidance of subsequent enzymatic reaction. The key residues Lys194, His130, Arg127, Thr38, and Ser37 stabilize GlcN6P in the active site by hydrogen bond interactions, therein electrostatic and polar solvent effects provide the primary traction. Four delivery channels were identified, with GlcN6P most likely to enter the active site of NagB through a “door” comprising residues 6–10, 122–136, and 222–233. The corresponding mechanism and thermodynamic properties were investigated. An exothermic recognition and delivery process were detected, accompanied by the flipping of GlcN6P and changes in key direct and indirect hydrogen bond interactions, which provide the driving force for the chemical reaction to occur. Furthermore, “the lid motif” was identified that remain open in alkaline condition with different extent of opening at each stage of transfer that induced GlcN6P to move the active site of NagB. The work will assist in the elucidation of the catalytic mechanism of action of NagB, allowing inhibitors to be designed with superior dynamic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhiyang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Chaojie Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Min K, Jannace TF, Si H, Veeramah KR, Haley JD, Konopka JB. Integrative multi-omics profiling reveals cAMP-independent mechanisms regulating hyphal morphogenesis in Candida albicans. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009861. [PMID: 34398936 PMCID: PMC8389844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial pathogens grow in a wide range of different morphologies that provide distinct advantages for virulence. In the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, adenylyl cyclase (Cyr1) is thought to be a master regulator of the switch to invasive hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation. However, faster growing cyr1Δ/Δ pseudorevertant (PR) mutants were identified that form hyphae in the absence of cAMP. Isolation of additional PR mutants revealed that their improved growth was due to loss of one copy of BCY1, the negative regulatory subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) from the left arm of chromosome 2. Furthermore, hyphal morphogenesis was improved in some of PR mutants by multigenic haploinsufficiency resulting from loss of large regions of the left arm of chromosome 2, including global transcriptional regulators. Interestingly, hyphal-associated genes were also induced in a manner that was independent of cAMP. This indicates that basal protein kinase A activity is an important prerequisite to induce hyphae, but activation of adenylyl cyclase is not needed. Instead, phosphoproteomic analysis indicated that the Cdc28 cyclin-dependent kinase and the casein kinase 1 family member Yck2 play key roles in promoting polarized growth. In addition, integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data reveals hyphal stimuli induce increased production of key transcription factors that contribute to polarized morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghun Min
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University (SUNY), Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Thomas F. Jannace
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University (SUNY), Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Haoyu Si
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University (SUNY), Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Krishna R. Veeramah
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University (SUNY), Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - John D. Haley
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University (SUNY), Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- Biological Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University (SUNY), Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - James B. Konopka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University (SUNY), Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kowalewski GP, Wildeman AS, Bogliolo S, Besold AN, Bassilana M, Culotta VC. Cdc42 regulates reactive oxygen species production in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100917. [PMID: 34181946 PMCID: PMC8329510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Across eukaryotes, Rho GTPases such as Rac and Cdc42 play important roles in establishing cell polarity, which is a key feature of cell growth. In mammals and filamentous fungi, Rac targets large protein complexes containing NADPH oxidases (NOX) that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). In comparison, Rho GTPases of unicellular eukaryotes were believed to signal cell polarity without ROS, and it was unclear whether Rho GTPases were required for ROS production in these organisms. We document here the first example of Rho GTPase-mediated post-transcriptional control of ROS in a unicellular microbe. Specifically, Cdc42 is required for ROS production by the NOX Fre8 of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans. During morphogenesis to a hyphal form, a filamentous growth state, C. albicans FRE8 mRNA is induced, which leads to a burst in ROS. Fre8-ROS is also induced during morphogenesis when FRE8 is driven by an ectopic promoter; hence, Fre8 ROS production is in addition controlled at the post-transcriptional level. Using fluorescently tagged Fre8, we observe that the majority of the protein is associated with the vacuolar system. Interestingly, much of Fre8 in the vacuolar system appears inactive, and Fre8-induced ROS is only produced at sites near the hyphal tip, where Cdc42 is also localized during morphogenesis. We observe that Cdc42 is necessary to activate Fre8-mediated ROS production during morphogenesis. Cdc42 regulation of Fre8 occurs without the large NOX protein complexes typical of higher eukaryotes and therefore represents a novel form of ROS control by Rho GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griffin P Kowalewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Asia S Wildeman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stéphanie Bogliolo
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Parc Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Angelique N Besold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Martine Bassilana
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Parc Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Valeria C Culotta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Gómez-Garzón M, Gutiérrez-Castañeda LD, Gil C, Escobar CH, Rozo AP, González ME, Sierra EV. Inhibition of the filamentation of Candida albicans by Borojoa patinoi silver nanoparticles. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-04103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCandida albicans is fungus capable of changing from yeast to filamentous form when it’s transformed from a normal commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. The development of alternatives that interfere with this transition could be an effective way to reduce candidiasis. In this regard, evaluate the inhibitory effect of two Borojoa patinoi silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by green synthesis at 5 °C and 25 °C on the process of filamentation of Candida albicans. The percentage of inhibition of filamentous forms of C. albicans ATCC10231 and C. albicans SC5314 with AgNPs was determined. Results showed that temperature of synthesis affected both the shape and size of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Borojoa patinoi extracts. The inhibition percentage of filamentous forms of Candida albicans ATCC10231 when treated with silver nanoparticles synthesized at 5 °C was 85.9% and at 25 °C it was 40%. C. albicans SC5314 when treated with AgNP synthesized at 5 °C was 97.2% and at 25 °C it was 64%. Cell toxicity assay showed that at 100ng/ml, AgNPs synthesized at 25 °C were safe in MES-OV CRL-3272 cell line. Our results showed that the silver nanoparticles obtained from Borojoa patinoi are inhibitors of the filamentous process of C. albicans.
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Engku Nasrullah Satiman EAF, Ahmad H, Ramzi AB, Abdul Wahab R, Kaderi MA, Wan Harun WHA, Dashper S, McCullough M, Arzmi MH. The role of Candida albicans candidalysin ECE1 gene in oral carcinogenesis. J Oral Pathol Med 2020; 49:835-841. [PMID: 32170981 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is associated with many known risk factors including tobacco smoking, chronic alcoholism, poor oral hygiene, unhealthy dietary habits and microbial infection. Previous studies have highlighted Candida albicans host tissue infection as a risk factor in the initiation and progression of oral cancer. C albicans invasion induces several cancerous hallmarks, such as activation of proto-oncogenes, induction of DNA damage and overexpression of inflammatory signalling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these responses remain unclear. A recently discovered fungal toxin peptide, candidalysin, has been reported as an essential molecule in epithelial damage and host recognition of C albicans infection. Candidalysin has a clear role in inflammasome activation and induction of cell damage. Several inflammatory molecules such as IL-6, IL-17, NLRP3 and GM-CSF have been linked to carcinogenesis. Candidalysin is encoded by the ECE1 gene, which has been linked to virulence factors of C albicans such as adhesion, biofilm formation and filamentation properties. This review discusses the recent epidemiological burden of oral cancer and highlights the significance of the ECE1 gene and the ECE1 protein breakdown product, candidalysin in oral malignancy. The immunological and molecular mechanisms behind oral malignancy induced by inflammation and the role of the toxic fungal peptide candidalysin in oral carcinogenesis are explored. With increasing evidence associating C albicans with oral carcinoma, identifying the possible fungal pathogenicity factors including the role of candidalysin can assist in efforts to understand the link between C albicans infection and carcinogenesis, and pave the way for research into therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engku Anis Fariha Engku Nasrullah Satiman
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia.,Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Hasna Ahmad
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia.,Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Bazli Ramzi
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Ridhwan Abdul Wahab
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Arifin Kaderi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | | | - Stuart Dashper
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael McCullough
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Arzmi
- Department of Fundamental Dental & Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
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22
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External signal-mediated polarized growth in fungi. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 62:150-158. [PMID: 31875532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As the majority of fungi are nonmotile, polarized growth in response to an external signal enables them to search for nutrients and mating partners, and hence is crucial for survival and proliferation. Although the mechanisms underlying polarization in response to external signals has commonalities with polarization during mitotic division, during budding, and fission growth, the importance of diverse feedback loops regulating external signal-mediated polarized growth is likely to be distinct and uniquely adapted to a dynamic environment. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that are crucial for polarity in response to external signals in fungi, with particular focus on the roles of membrane traffic, small GTPases, and lipids, as well as the interplay between cell shape and cell growth.
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