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Zhou X, Chen X, Pan Q, Wang S, Li J, Yang Y. Exploring the role of candidalysin in the pathogenicity of Candida albicans by gene set enrichment analysis and evolutionary dynamics. Am J Transl Res 2024; 16:3191-3210. [PMID: 39114682 PMCID: PMC11301511 DOI: 10.62347/izym9087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the pathogenic mechanisms of Candida albicans (C. albicans), focusing on its impact on human health, particularly through invasive infections in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the demographic and clinical profiles of 7 pneumonia patients. Meanwhile, we used Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Evolutionary Dynamics method to analyze the role of candidalysin in C. albicans pathogenicity. RESULTS By analyzing genomic data and conducting biomedical text mining, we identified novel mutation sites in the candidalysin coding gene ECE1-III, shedding light into the genetic diversity within C. albicans strains and their potential implications for antifungal resistance. Our results revealed significant associations between C. albicans and respiratory as well as gastrointestinal diseases, emphasizing the fungus's role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Additionally, we identified a new mutation site in the C. albicans strain YF2-5, isolated from patients with pneumonia. This mutation may be associated with its heightened pathogenicity. CONCLUSION Our research advances the understanding of C. albicans pathogenicity and opens new avenues for developing targeted antifungal therapies. By focusing on the molecular basis of fungal virulence, we aim to contribute to the development of more effective treatment strategies, addressing the challenge of multidrug resistance in invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchen Zhou
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing Key Laboratory of New Molecular Diagnosis Technologies for Infectious DiseasesBeijing 100850, China
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianglong Pan
- Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengqi Wang
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing Key Laboratory of New Molecular Diagnosis Technologies for Infectious DiseasesBeijing 100850, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing Key Laboratory of New Molecular Diagnosis Technologies for Infectious DiseasesBeijing 100850, China
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2
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McCrory C, Verma J, Tucey TM, Turner R, Weerasinghe H, Beilharz TH, Traven A. The short-chain fatty acid crotonate reduces invasive growth and immune escape of Candida albicans by regulating hyphal gene expression. mBio 2023; 14:e0260523. [PMID: 37929941 PMCID: PMC10746253 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02605-23] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Macrophages curtail the proliferation of the pathogen Candida albicans within human body niches. Within macrophages, C. albicans adapts its metabolism and switches to invasive hyphal morphology. These adaptations enable fungal growth and immune escape by triggering macrophage lysis. Transcriptional programs regulate these metabolic and morphogenetic adaptations. Here we studied the roles of chromatin in these processes and implicate lysine crotonylation, a histone mark regulated by metabolism, in hyphal morphogenesis and macrophage interactions by C. albicans. We show that the short-chain fatty acid crotonate increases histone crotonylation, reduces hyphal formation within macrophages, and slows macrophage lysis and immune escape of C. albicans. Crotonate represses hyphal gene expression, and we propose that C. albicans uses diverse acylation marks to regulate its cell morphology in host environments. Hyphal formation is a virulence property of C. albicans. Therefore, a further importance of our study stems from identifying crotonate as a hyphal inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher McCrory
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jiyoti Verma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Timothy M. Tucey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Rachael Turner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Stem Cells and Development Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Harshini Weerasinghe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Traude H. Beilharz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Stem Cells and Development Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ana Traven
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Song S, Zhao S, Sun X, Meng L, Wang Z, Tan H, Liu J, Zhang M, Deng Y. Anti-virulence strategy of diaryl chalcogenide compounds against Candida albicans infection. Virulence 2023; 14:2265012. [PMID: 37771181 PMCID: PMC10549196 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2265012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogenic fungus that frequently causes serious systemic infection in humans. Due to the vital roles of biofilm formation and the yeast-to-hypha transition in the infection process, we have selected a series of diaryl chalcogenides and tested their efficacy against C. albicans SC5314 pathogenicity by the inhibition of biofilm formation and the yeast-to-hypha transition. The compounds 5-sulfenylindole and 5-selenylindole were found to have excellent abilities to inhibit both biofilm formation and hyphal formation in C. albicans SC5314. Intriguingly, the two leading compounds also markedly attenuated C. albicans SC5314 virulence in human cell lines and mouse infection models at micromolar levels. Furthermore, our results showed that the presence of the compounds at 100 µM resulted in a marked decrease in the expression of genes involved in the cAMP-PKA and MAPK pathways in C. albicans SC5314. Intriguingly, the compounds 5-sulfenylindole and 5-selenylindole not only attenuated the cytotoxicity of Candida species strains but also showed excellent synergistic effects with antifungal agents against the clinical drug-resistant C. albicans strain HCH12. The compound 5-sulfenylindole showed an obvious advantage over fluconazole as it could also restore the composition and richness of the intestinal microbiota in mice infected by C. albicans. Together, these results suggest that diaryl chalcogenides can potentially be designed as novel clinical therapeutic agents against C. albicans infection. The diaryl chalcogenides of 5-sulfenylindole and 5-selenylindole discovered in this study can provide new direction for developing antifungal agents against C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Song
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuo Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Lili Meng
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Huihui Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingyun Liu
- Integrative Microbiology Research Center, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Zhengzhou Shuqing Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinyue Deng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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4
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Prasad P, Tippana M. Morphogenic plasticity: the pathogenic attribute of Candida albicans. Curr Genet 2023; 69:77-89. [PMID: 36947241 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-023-01263-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal organism of the human gastrointestinal tract and a prevalent opportunistic pathogen. It exhibits different morphogenic forms to survive in different host niches with distinct environmental conditions (pH, temperature, oxidative stress, nutrients, serum, chemicals, radiation, etc.) and genetic factors (transcription factors and genes). The different morphogenic forms of C. albicans are yeast, hyphal, pseudohyphal, white, opaque, and transient gray cells, planktonic and biofilm forms of cells. These forms differ in the parameters like cellular phenotype, colony morphology, adhesion to solid surfaces, gene expression profile, and the virulent traits. Each form is functionally distinct and responds discretely to the host immune system and antifungal drugs. Hence, morphogenic plasticity is the key to virulence. In this review, we address the characteristics, the pathogenic potential of the different morphogenic forms and the conditions required for morphogenic transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Prasad
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, Telangana, India.
| | - Meena Tippana
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, Telangana, India
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5
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Singha R, Aggarwal R, Sanyal K. Negative regulation of biofilm development by the CUG-Ser1 clade-specific histone H3 variant is dependent on the canonical histone chaperone CAF-1 complex in Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2023; 119:574-585. [PMID: 36855815 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
The CUG-Ser1 clade-specific histone H3 variant (H3VCTG ) has been reported to be a negative regulator of planktonic to biofilm growth transition in Candida albicans. The preferential binding of H3VCTG at the biofilm gene promoters makes chromatin repressive for the biofilm mode of growth. The two evolutionarily conserved chaperone complexes involved in incorporating histone H3 are CAF-1 and HIRA. In this study, we sought to identify the chaperone complex(es) involved in loading H3VCTG . We demonstrate that C. albicans cells lacking either Cac1 or Cac2 subunit of the CAF-1 chaperone complex, exhibit a hyper-filamentation phenotype on solid surfaces and form more robust biofilms than wild-type cells, thereby mimicking the phenotype of the H3VCTG null mutant. None of the subunits of the HIRA chaperone complex shows any significant difference in biofilm growth as compared to the wild type. The occupancy of H3VCTG is found to be significantly reduced at the promoters of biofilm genes in the absence of CAF-1 subunits. Hence, we provide evidence that CAF-1, a chaperone known to load canonical histone H3 in mammalian cells, is involved in chaperoning of variant histone H3VCTG at the biofilm gene promoters in C. albicans. Our findings also illustrate the acquisition of an unconventional role of the CAF-1 chaperone complex in morphogenesis in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Singha
- Molecular Mycology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Rashi Aggarwal
- Molecular Mycology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Kaustuv Sanyal
- Molecular Mycology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India
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6
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Fenley JDC, de Barros PP, do Carmo PHF, Garcia MT, Rossoni RD, Junqueira JC. Repurposing HIV Protease Inhibitors Atazanavir and Darunavir as Antifungal Treatments against Candida albicans Infections: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:5379-5389. [PMID: 36354676 PMCID: PMC9688711 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44110364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the chief etiological agent of candidiasis, a mycosis prevalent in individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In recent years, the introduction of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (HIV-PI) has reduced the prevalence of candidiasis in these patients. Seeking new therapeutic strategies based on the perspective of drug repositioning, we evaluated the effects of two second-generation HIV-PIs, atazanavir (ATV) and darunavir (DRV), on virulence factors of C. albicans and experimental candidiasis. For this, clinical strains of C. albicans were subjected to in vitro and in vivo treatments with ATV or DRV. As a result, ATV and DRV exhibited antifungal activity against fungal cells at 512 μg/mL, reduced the viability and biomass of biofilms, and inhibited filamentation of C. albicans. In addition, these HIV-PIs downregulated the expression of SAP2 and BRC1 genes of C. albicans. In an in vivo study, prophylactic use of ATV and DRV prolonged the survival rate of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with C. albicans. Therefore, ATV and DRV showed activity against C. albicans by reducing cell growth, biofilm formation, filamentation, and expression of virulence genes. Furthermore, ATV and DRV decreased experimental candidiasis, suggesting the repurposing of HIV-PIs as antifungal treatments for C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana de C. Fenley
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Patrícia P. de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
- Multicampi School of Medical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte 59300-000, Brazil
| | - Paulo H. F. do Carmo
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Maíra T. Garcia
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Rodnei D. Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana C. Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil
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7
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Razzaq I, Berg MD, Jiang Y, Genereaux J, Uthayakumar D, Kim GH, Agyare-Tabbi M, Halder V, Brandl CJ, Lajoie P, Shapiro RS. The SAGA and NuA4 component Tra1 regulates Candida albicans drug resistance and pathogenesis. Genetics 2021; 219:iyab131. [PMID: 34849885 PMCID: PMC8633099 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common cause of death from fungal infections. The emergence of resistant strains reducing the efficacy of first-line therapy with echinocandins, such as caspofungin calls for the identification of alternative therapeutic strategies. Tra1 is an essential component of the SAGA and NuA4 transcriptional co-activator complexes. As a PIKK family member, Tra1 is characterized by a C-terminal phosphoinositide 3-kinase domain. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the assembly and function of SAGA and NuA4 are compromised by a Tra1 variant (Tra1Q3) with three arginine residues in the putative ATP-binding cleft changed to glutamine. Whole transcriptome analysis of the S. cerevisiae tra1Q3 strain highlights Tra1's role in global transcription, stress response, and cell wall integrity. As a result, tra1Q3 increases susceptibility to multiple stressors, including caspofungin. Moreover, the same tra1Q3 allele in the pathogenic yeast C. albicans causes similar phenotypes, suggesting that Tra1 broadly mediates the antifungal response across yeast species. Transcriptional profiling in C. albicans identified 68 genes that were differentially expressed when the tra1Q3 strain was treated with caspofungin, as compared to gene expression changes induced by either tra1Q3 or caspofungin alone. Included in this set were genes involved in cell wall maintenance, adhesion, and filamentous growth. Indeed, the tra1Q3 allele reduces filamentation and other pathogenesis traits in C. albicans. Thus, Tra1 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Razzaq
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Matthew D Berg
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Yuwei Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Julie Genereaux
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Deeva Uthayakumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Grace H Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Michelle Agyare-Tabbi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Viola Halder
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Christopher J Brandl
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Patrick Lajoie
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
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8
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Bauer I, Graessle S. Fungal Lysine Deacetylases in Virulence, Resistance, and Production of Small Bioactive Compounds. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1470. [PMID: 34680865 PMCID: PMC8535771 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing number of immunocompromised patients begs for efficient therapy strategies against invasive fungal infections. As conventional antifungal treatment is increasingly hampered by resistance to commonly used antifungals, development of novel therapy regimens is required. On the other hand, numerous fungal species are industrially exploited as cell factories of enzymes and chemicals or as producers of medically relevant pharmaceuticals. Consequently, there is immense interest in tapping the almost inexhaustible fungal portfolio of natural products for potential medical and industrial applications. Both the pathogenicity and production of those small metabolites are significantly dependent on the acetylation status of distinct regulatory proteins. Thus, classical lysine deacetylases (KDACs) are crucial virulence determinants and important regulators of natural products of fungi. In this review, we present an overview of the members of classical KDACs and their complexes in filamentous fungi. Further, we discuss the impact of the genetic manipulation of KDACs on the pathogenicity and production of bioactive molecules. Special consideration is given to inhibitors of these enzymes and their role as potential new antifungals and emerging tools for the discovery of novel pharmaceutical drugs and antibiotics in fungal producer strains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Graessle
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
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9
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DNA Methylation on N6-Adenine Regulates the Hyphal Development during Dimorphism in the Early-Diverging Fungus Mucor lusitanicus. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090738. [PMID: 34575776 PMCID: PMC8470550 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic modifications control the pathogenicity of human pathogenic fungi, which have been poorly studied in Mucorales, causative agents of mucormycosis. This order belongs to a group referred to as early-diverging fungi that are characterized by high levels of N6-methyldeoxy adenine (6mA) in their genome with dense 6mA clusters associated with actively expressed genes. AlkB enzymes can act as demethylases of 6mA in DNA, with the most remarkable eukaryotic examples being mammalian ALKBH1 and Caenorhabditis elegans NMAD-1. The Mucor lusitanicus (formerly M. circinelloides f. lusitanicus) genome contains one gene, dmt1, and two genes, dmt2 and dmt3, encoding proteins similar to C. elegans NMAD-1 and ALKBH1, respectively. The function of these three genes was analyzed by the generation of single and double deletion mutants for each gene. Multiple processes were studied in the mutants, but defects were only found in single and double deletion mutants for dmt1. In contrast to the wild-type strain, dmt1 mutants showed an increase in 6mA levels during the dimorphic transition, suggesting that 6mA is associated with dimorphism in M. lusitanicus. Furthermore, the spores of dmt1 mutants challenged with macrophages underwent a reduction in polar growth, suggesting that 6mA also has a role during the spore–macrophage interaction that could be important in the infection process.
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de Barros PP, Rossoni RD, Garcia MT, Kaminski VDL, Loures FV, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Junqueira JC. The Anti-Biofilm Efficacy of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) In Vitro and a Murine Model of Oral Candidiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:700305. [PMID: 34408988 PMCID: PMC8366685 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.700305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the main fungal species associated with the development of oral candidiasis. Currently, therapeutic options for these infections are limited by the adverse effects of antifungal drugs and by the emergence of drug resistant strains. Thus, the development of new antifungal agents is needed for the prevention and treatment of oral Candida infections. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural compound from propolis polyphenolic groups that exhibits many pharmacological properties. In this study, we investigated whether CAPE can have antifungal and immunomodulatory effects on oral candidiasis. Preliminary tests to assess the antifungal activity of CAPE were performed using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay that demonstrated inhibition in a range from 16 to 32 μg/mL, confirming its antifungal activity on several C. albicans strains isolated from the oral cavity. Subsequently, we analyzed Candida spp biofilms formed in vitro, in which CAPE treatment at 5 x MIC caused a reduction of 68.5% in the total biomass and ~2.60 Log in the viable cell count (CFU/mL) in relation to the untreated biofilm (p<0.0001). Next, RNA was extracted from untreated and CAPE-treated biofilms and analyzed by real-time qPCR. A series of genes analyzed (ALS1, ECE1, EPA1, HWP1, YWP1, BCR1, BGR1, CPH1, EFG1, NDT80, ROB1, TEC1, UME6, SAP2, SAP5, PBL2, and LIP9) were downregulated by CAPE compared to the untreated control group (p<0.0001). In in vivo studies using Galleria mellonella, the treatment with CAPE prolonged survival of larvae infected by C. albicans by 44.5% (p < 0.05) and accompanied by a 2.07-fold increase in the number of hemocytes. Flow cytometry revealed the most prominent increases were in types P2 and P3 hemocytes, granular cells, which phagocytize pathogens. In addition, CAPE treatment decreased the fungal load in the hemolymph and stimulated the expression of antifungal peptide genes such as galiomicin and gallerimycin. The antifungal and immunomodulatory activities observed in G. mellonella were extended to a murine model of oral candidiasis, in which CAPE decreased the levels of C. albicans colonization (~2 log CFU/mL) in relation to the untreated control group. In addition, CAPE treatment significantly reduced pseudomembranous lesions, invasion of hyphae on epithelium surfaces, tissue damage and inflammatory infiltrate (p < 0.05). CAPE was also able to increase the expression of β-defensin 3 compared to the infected and untreated group by 3.91-fold (p < 0.0001). Taken together, these results show that CAPE has both antifungal and immunomodulatory effects, making it a promising natural antifungal agent for the treatment and prevention of candidiasis and shows impact to oral candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil.,Multicampi School of Medical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Caico, Brazil
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Maíra Terra Garcia
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Valéria de Lima Kaminski
- Applied Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Flávio Vieira Loures
- Applied Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
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11
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Fourie R, Albertyn J, Sebolai O, Gcilitshana O, Pohl CH. Candida albicans SET3 Plays a Role in Early Biofilm Formation, Interaction With Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:680732. [PMID: 34178723 PMCID: PMC8223063 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.680732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Candida albicans exhibits multiple morphologies dependent on environmental cues. Candida albicans biofilms are frequently polymicrobial, enabling interspecies interaction through proximity and contact. The interaction between C. albicans and the bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is antagonistic in vitro, with P. aeruginosa repressing the yeast-to-hyphal switch in C. albicans. Previous transcriptional analysis of C. albicans in polymicrobial biofilms with P. aeruginosa revealed upregulation of genes involved in regulation of morphology and biofilm formation, including SET3, a component of the Set3/Hos2 histone deacetylase complex (Set3C). This prompted the question regarding the involvement of SET3 in the interaction between C. albicans and P. aeruginosa, both in vitro and in vivo. We found that SET3 may influence early biofilm formation by C. albicans and the interaction between C. albicans and P. aeruginosa. In addition, although deletion of SET3 did not alter the morphology of C. albicans in the presence of P. aeruginosa, it did cause a reduction in virulence in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, even in the presence of P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruan Fourie
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Jacobus Albertyn
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Olihile Sebolai
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Onele Gcilitshana
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Carolina H Pohl
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Abstract
Candida albicans is a major human fungal pathogen that encounters varied host environments during infection. In response to environmental cues, C. albicans switches between ovoid yeast and elongated hyphal growth forms, and this morphological plasticity contributes to virulence. Environmental changes that alter the cell's metabolic state could be sensed by sirtuins, which are NAD+-dependent deacetylases. Here, we studied the roles of three sirtuin deacetylases-Sir2, Hst1, and Hst2-in the hyphal growth of C. albicans We made single, double, and triple sirtuin knockout strains and tested their ability to switch from yeast to hyphae. We found that true hypha formation was significantly reduced by the deletion of SIR2 but not HST1 or HST2 Moreover, the expression of hypha-specific genes HWP1, ALS3, and ECE1 decreased in the sir2Δ/Δ mutant compared to the wild type. This regulation of hypha formation was likely dependent on the deacetylase activity of Sir2, as a similar defect in hypha formation was observed when an asparagine known to be required for deacetylation was mutated. Finally, we found that Sir2 and Hst1 were localized to the nucleus, with Sir2 specifically focused in the nucleolus. This nuclear localization suggests a role for Sir2 and Hst1 in regulating gene expression. In contrast, Hst2 was localized to the cytoplasm. In conclusion, our results suggest that Sir2 plays a critical and nonredundant role in hyphal growth of C. albicans IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is one of the most common causes of hospital-acquired systemic fungal infections in the United States. It can switch between ovoid yeast and elongated hyphal growth forms in response to environmental cues. This morphological transition is essential for its survival in the host. Thus, identifying regulators involved in this process can lead to new therapies. In this study, we examined the contribution of three regulators called sirtuins (Sir2, Hst1, and Hst2) to the yeast-to-hypha transition of C. albicans We found that loss of Sir2 but not Hst1 or Hst2 hampered hypha formation. Moreover, the defect was caused by the loss of the catalytic activity of Sir2. Our study may lay the groundwork for discovering novel targets for antifungal therapies.
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Alonso GC, Klein MI, Jordão CC, Carmello JC, Pavarina AC. Gene expression of Candida albicans strains isolates from patients with denture stomatitis submitted to treatments with photodynamic therapy and nystatin. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021; 35:102292. [PMID: 33857598 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The study evaluated the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and nystatin (NYS) in the expression of genes (ACT1, ALS1, CAP1, CAT1, EFG1, HWP1, LIP3, PLB1, SAP1, and SOD1) involved in the virulence of Candida albicans strains recovered from patients with denture stomatitis (DS). These strains were isolated from the patients before (initial) and after treatment (final), and 45 days after the treatments (follow-up). For gene expression analyses, RNA was isolated from the clinical strains, followed by cDNA synthesis and qPCR using specific primers for each target gene. The samples that present integrity were pooled to increase the RNA yield. In the end, four patients treated with aPDT and five patients treated with NYS had the clinical isolates of C. albicans submitted to gene expression evaluation. The data demonstrated a statistical difference in the expression of PLB1 and ACT1 for the different therapies (aPDT versus NYS). Also, there was a statistical difference in the expression of CAT1, SOD1, and LIP3 at the time intervals assessed (initial, final, and follow-up). In contrast, no statistical difference was found in the expression of ALS1, HWP1, EFG1, CAP1, CAT1, SOD1, LIP3, and SAP1 between the therapies, while no significant difference was detected at the time intervals evaluated for ALS1, HWP1, EFG1, CAP1, and SAP1. Therefore, the topical treatments for DS with aPDT or NYS did not effect the expression of most C. albicans virulence genes evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Caroline Alonso
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Univ Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Rua Humaitá, 1680, 14801-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Marlise Inêz Klein
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Univ Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Rua Humaitá, 1680, 14801-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Carolina Jordão
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Univ Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Rua Humaitá, 1680, 14801-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Cabrini Carmello
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Univ Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Rua Humaitá, 1680, 14801-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia Pavarina
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Univ Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Rua Humaitá, 1680, 14801-903, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Fourie R, Cason ED, Albertyn J, Pohl CH. Transcriptional response of Candida albicans to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a polymicrobial biofilm. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6134339. [PMID: 33580263 PMCID: PMC8049422 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is frequently co-isolated with the Gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In vitro, the interaction is complex, with both species influencing each other. Not only does the bacterium kill hyphal cells of C. albicans through physical interaction, it also affects C. albicans biofilm formation and morphogenesis, through various secreted factors and cell wall components. The present study sought to expand the current knowledge regarding the interaction between C. albicans and P. aeruginosa, using transcriptome analyses of early static biofilms. Under these conditions, a total of 2,537 open reading frames (approximately 40% of the C. albicans transcriptome) was differentially regulated in the presence of P. aeruginosa. Upon deeper analyses it became evident that the response of C. albicans toward P. aeruginosa was dominated by a response to hypoxia, and included those associated with stress as well as iron and zinc homeostasis. These conditions may also lead to the observed differential regulation of genes associated with cell membrane synthesis, morphology, biofilm formation and phenotypic switching. Thus, C. albicans in polymicrobial biofilms with P. aeruginosa have unique transcriptional profiles that may influence commensalism as well as pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruan Fourie
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Errol D Cason
- Department of Animal Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Jacobus Albertyn
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Carolina H Pohl
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
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15
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Sá NPD, Barros PPD, Junqueira JC, Valério AD, Lino CI, Oliveira RBD, Rosa CA, Johann S. Antivirulence activity and in vivo efficacy of a thiazole derivative against candidiasis. J Mycol Med 2021; 31:101134. [PMID: 33862540 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a pathogen equipped with a variety of commensal and virulence traits that help it colonize the microbiota and invade host tissue during infection. In this study, we investigated the potential anticandidal activity of 3-[2-(4-(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazol-2-yl)hydrazino)]butan-1-ol (MT), a thiazolylhydrazone compound synthesized by our group, and identified it as a promising antifungal agent. The activity of MT was evaluated in vitro and in vivo against C. albicans as well as its ability to inhibit virulence factors. For this, the ability of MT to inhibit the adhesion of C. albicans to human buccal epithelial cells and biofilm formation and filamentation was tested. In addition, the potential in vivo activity of MT was evaluated in murine models of oral candidiasis. Our results confirmed the antifungal activity of MT, with a minimal inhibitory concentration range of 0.5-2 µg/mL. Indeed, MT treatment in vitro decreased the expression of C. albicans genes involved in biofilm formation and morphogenesis and encoding hydrolytic enzymes, which was also confirmed through phenotypic observations. In addition, MT promoted a decrease in the colony forming units recovered from the tongues of mice with oral candidiasis. In this work, we present a potent antivirulence compound that shows potential for candidiasis therapy, especially for topical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nívea Pereira de Sá
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, PO Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Departamento de Biociências e Diagnóstico Bucal, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Nursing, University of Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Departamento de Biociências e Diagnóstico Bucal, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Dias Valério
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, PO Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cleudiomar Inácio Lino
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renata Barbosa de Oliveira
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Augusto Rosa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, PO Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Susana Johann
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, PO Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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16
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Consecutive treatments with photodynamic therapy and nystatin altered the expression of virulence and ergosterol biosynthesis genes of a fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans in vivo. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021; 33:102155. [PMID: 33444787 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.102155] [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: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This investigation assessed the effect of five consecutive daily topical treatments of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), nystatin (NYS), and an association of treatments on a fluconazole-resistant strain of Candida albicans colonizing the tongues of mice. After the last treatments application, colonies of C. albicans were recovered from the tongues and used to determine their fluconazole susceptibility. After 24 hours of the last treatment, the mice tongues were processed to evaluate the expression of C. albicans genes related to the virulence and ergosterol production. The fluconazole susceptibility test yielded a resistance profile similar for all treatment groups and the control group (no treatment). The treatments aPDT, NYS, NYS+aPDT, and aPDT+NYS promoted a reduction in ALS1, EFG1, CAP1, SOD1, SAP1, and LIP3 expression. The expression of HWP1 was higher in the three groups containing nystatin. In contrast, the treatments produced a significative increase in CAT1 gene expression, mainly in the groups in which aPDT was performed. The expression of genes related to ergosterol production was significantly reduced by the treatments evaluated (aPDT, NYS, NYS+aPDT, and aPDT+NYS). Thus, the consecutive topical treatments performed on mice tongues promoted a reduction in the expression of virulence and ergosterol biosynthesis genes of a fluconazole-resistant C. albicans.
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Qasim MN, Valle Arevalo A, Nobile CJ, Hernday AD. The Roles of Chromatin Accessibility in Regulating the Candida albicans White-Opaque Phenotypic Switch. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:37. [PMID: 33435404 PMCID: PMC7826875 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, a diploid polymorphic fungus, has evolved a unique heritable epigenetic program that enables reversible phenotypic switching between two cell types, referred to as "white" and "opaque". These cell types are established and maintained by distinct transcriptional programs that lead to differences in metabolic preferences, mating competencies, cellular morphologies, responses to environmental signals, interactions with the host innate immune system, and expression of approximately 20% of genes in the genome. Transcription factors (defined as sequence specific DNA-binding proteins) that regulate the establishment and heritable maintenance of the white and opaque cell types have been a primary focus of investigation in the field; however, other factors that impact chromatin accessibility, such as histone modifying enzymes, chromatin remodelers, and histone chaperone complexes, also modulate the dynamics of the white-opaque switch and have been much less studied to date. Overall, the white-opaque switch represents an attractive and relatively "simple" model system for understanding the logic and regulatory mechanisms by which heritable cell fate decisions are determined in higher eukaryotes. Here we review recent discoveries on the roles of chromatin accessibility in regulating the C. albicans white-opaque phenotypic switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad N. Qasim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (M.N.Q.); (A.V.A.); (C.J.N.)
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Ashley Valle Arevalo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (M.N.Q.); (A.V.A.); (C.J.N.)
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Clarissa J. Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (M.N.Q.); (A.V.A.); (C.J.N.)
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Aaron D. Hernday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (M.N.Q.); (A.V.A.); (C.J.N.)
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
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Jenull S, Tscherner M, Mair T, Kuchler K. ATAC-Seq Identifies Chromatin Landscapes Linked to the Regulation of Oxidative Stress in the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030182. [PMID: 32967096 PMCID: PMC7559329 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fungal pathogens often encounter fungicidal stress upon host invasion, but they can swiftly adapt by transcriptional reprogramming that enables pathogen survival. Fungal immune evasion is tightly connected to chromatin regulation. Hence, fungal chromatin modifiers pose alternative treatment options to combat fungal infections. Here, we present an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) protocol adapted for the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans to gain further insight into the interplay of chromatin accessibility and gene expression mounted during fungal adaptation to oxidative stress. The ATAC-seq workflow not only facilitates the robust detection of genomic regions with accessible chromatin but also allows for the precise modeling of nucleosome positions in C. albicans. Importantly, the data reveal genes with altered chromatin accessibility in upstream regulatory regions, which correlate with transcriptional regulation during oxidative stress. Interestingly, many genes show increased chromatin accessibility without change in gene expression upon stress exposure. Such chromatin signatures could predict yet unknown regulatory factors under highly dynamic transcriptional control. Additionally, de novo motif analysis in genomic regions with increased chromatin accessibility upon H2O2 treatment shows significant enrichment for Cap1 binding sites, a major factor of oxidative stress responses in C. albicans. Taken together, the ATAC-seq workflow enables the identification of chromatin signatures and highlights the dynamics of regulatory mechanisms mediating environmental adaptation of C. albicans.
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19
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Chromatin Structure and Drug Resistance in Candida spp. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030121. [PMID: 32751495 PMCID: PMC7559719 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is currently one of the most serious threats to global human health and, appropriately, research to tackle AMR garnishes significant investment and extensive attention from the scientific community. However, most of this effort focuses on antibiotics, and research into anti-fungal resistance (AFR) is vastly under-represented in comparison. Given the growing number of vulnerable, immunocompromised individuals, as well as the positive impact global warming has on fungal growth, there is an immediate urgency to tackle fungal disease, and the disturbing rise in AFR. Chromatin structure and gene expression regulation play pivotal roles in the adaptation of fungal species to anti-fungal stress, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue to tackle AFR. In this review we discuss both the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms by which chromatin structure can dictate AFR mechanisms and will present evidence of how pathogenic yeast, specifically from the Candida genus, modify chromatin structure to promote survival in the presence of anti-fungal drugs. We also discuss the mechanisms by which anti-chromatin therapy, specifically lysine deacetylase inhibitors, influence the acquisition and phenotypic expression of AFR in Candida spp. and their potential as effective adjuvants to mitigate against AFR.
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20
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Dos Santos JD, Fugisaki LRDO, Medina RP, Scorzoni L, Alves MDS, de Barros PP, Ribeiro FC, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Silva DHS, Junqueira JC. Streptococcus mutans Secreted Products Inhibit Candida albicans Induced Oral Candidiasis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1605. [PMID: 32760375 PMCID: PMC7374982 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the oral cavity, Candida species form mixed biofilms with Streptococcus mutans, a pathogenic bacterium that can secrete quorum sensing molecules with antifungal activity. In this study, we extracted and fractioned culture filtrate of S. mutans, seeking antifungal agents capable of inhibiting the biofilms, filamentation, and candidiasis by Candida albicans. Active S. mutans UA159 supernatant filtrate components were extracted via liquid-liquid partition and fractionated on a C-18 silica column to resolve S. mutans fraction 1 (SM-F1) and fraction 2 (SM-F2). We found anti-biofilm activity for both SM-F1 and SM-F2 in a dose dependent manner and fungal growth was reduced by 2.59 and 5.98 log for SM-F1 and SM-F2, respectively. The SM-F1 and SM-F2 fractions were also capable of reducing C. albicans filamentation, however statistically significant differences were only observed for the SM-F2 (p = 0.004). SM-F2 efficacy to inhibit C. albicans was confirmed by its capacity to downregulate filamentation genes CPH1, EFG1, HWP1, and UME6. Using Galleria mellonella as an invertebrate infection model, therapeutic treatment with SM-F2 prolonged larvae survival. Examination of the antifungal capacity was extended to a murine model of oral candidiasis that exhibited a reduction in C. albicans colonization (CFU/mL) in the oral cavity when treated with SM-F1 (2.46 log) and SM-F2 (2.34 log) compared to the control (3.25 log). Although both SM-F1 and SM-F2 fractions decreased candidiasis in mice, only SM-F2 exhibited significant quantitative differences compared to the non-treated group for macroscopic lesions, hyphae invasion, tissue lesions, and inflammatory infiltrate. Taken together, these results indicate that the SM-F2 fraction contains antifungal components, providing a promising resource in the discovery of new inhibitors for oral candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Diane Dos Santos
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Luciana Ruano de Oliveira Fugisaki
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Previate Medina
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Mariana de Sá Alves
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Felipe Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Dulce Helena Siqueira Silva
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
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21
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Su S, Li X, Yang X, Li Y, Chen X, Sun S, Jia S. Histone acetylation/deacetylation in Candida albicans and their potential as antifungal targets. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:1075-1090. [PMID: 32854542 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the incidence of invasive fungal infections has significantly increased. Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common opportunistic fungal pathogen that infects humans. The limited number of available antifungal agents and the emergence of drug resistance pose difficulties to treatment, thus new antifungals are urgently needed. Through their functions in DNA replication, DNA repair and transcription, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) perform essential functions relating to growth, virulence, drug resistance and stress responses of C. albicans. Here, we summarize the physiological and pathological functions of HATs/HDACs, potential antifungal targets and underlying antifungal compounds that impact histone acetylation and deacetylation. We anticipate this review will stimulate the identification of new HAT/HDAC-related antifungal targets and antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuyun Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Children’s Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Xinmei Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiman Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueqi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Jia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China
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22
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Song S, Sun X, Meng L, Wu Q, Wang K, Deng Y. Antifungal activity of hypocrellin compounds and their synergistic effects with antimicrobial agents against Candida albicans. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 14:430-443. [PMID: 32510867 PMCID: PMC7936304 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a common human fungal pathogen. The previous study revealed that quinone compounds showed antimicrobial activity against C. albicans by inhibiting cell growth. However, it was unclear whether quinones have other antifungal effects against C. albicans in addition to fungicidal effects. In this study, we assessed the inhibitory activity of a total of 25 quinone compounds against C. albicans morphological transition, which is essential for the pathogenicity of C. albicans. Several quinones exhibited strong inhibition of mycelium formation by C. albicans SC5314. Three leading compounds, namely hypocrellins A, B and C, also exhibited marked attenuation of C. albicans SC5314 virulence in both human cell lines and mouse infection models. These three compounds significantly suppressed the proliferation of C. albicans SC5314 cells in a mouse mucosal infection model. Intriguingly, hypocrellins not only attenuated the cytotoxicity of a nystatin-resistant C. albicans strain but also showed excellent synergistic effects with antifungal agents against both wild-type C. albicans SC5314 and the drug-resistant mutant strains. In addition, hypocrellins A, B and C interfered with the biological functions and virulence of various clinical Candida species, suggesting the promising potential of these compounds for development as new therapeutic agents against infections caused by Candida pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.,College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lili Meng
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qianhua Wu
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yinyue Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.,College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
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de Barros PP, Rossoni RD, de Souza CM, Scorzoni L, Fenley JDC, Junqueira JC. Candida Biofilms: An Update on Developmental Mechanisms and Therapeutic Challenges. Mycopathologia 2020; 185:415-424. [PMID: 32277380 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00445-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fungi of the genus Candida are important etiological agents of superficial and life-threatening infections in individuals with a compromised immune system. One of the main characteristics of Candida is its ability to form highly drug tolerance biofilms in the human host. Biofilms are a dynamic community of multiple cell types whose formation over time is orchestrated by a network of transcription regulators. In this brief review, we provide an update of the processes involved in biofilm formation by Candida spp. (formation, treatment, and control), as well as the transcriptional circuitry that regulates its development and interactions with other microorganisms. Candida albicans is known to build mixed species biofilms with other Candida species and with various other bacterial species in different host niches. Taken together, these properties play a key role in Candida pathogenesis. In addition, this review gathers recent studies with new insights and perspectives for the treatment and control of Candida biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos, Avenida Engenheiro Francisco José Longo 777, São Dimas, São José dos Campos, SP, CEP 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos, Avenida Engenheiro Francisco José Longo 777, São Dimas, São José dos Campos, SP, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Cheyenne Marçal de Souza
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos, Avenida Engenheiro Francisco José Longo 777, São Dimas, São José dos Campos, SP, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos, Avenida Engenheiro Francisco José Longo 777, São Dimas, São José dos Campos, SP, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana De Camargo Fenley
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos, Avenida Engenheiro Francisco José Longo 777, São Dimas, São José dos Campos, SP, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos, Avenida Engenheiro Francisco José Longo 777, São Dimas, São José dos Campos, SP, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
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Lan H, Wu L, Sun R, Keller NP, Yang K, Ye L, He S, Zhang F, Wang S. The HosA Histone Deacetylase Regulates Aflatoxin Biosynthesis Through Direct Regulation of Aflatoxin Cluster Genes. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2019; 32:1210-1228. [PMID: 30986121 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-01-19-0033-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) always function as corepressors and sometimes as coactivators in the regulation of fungal development and secondary metabolite production. However, the mechanism through which HDACs play positive roles in secondary metabolite production is still unknown. Here, classical HDAC enzymes were identified and analyzed in Aspergillus flavus, a fungus that produces one of the most carcinogenic secondary metabolites, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Characterization of the HDACs revealed that a class I family HDAC, HosA, played crucial roles in growth, reproduction, the oxidative stress response, AFB1 biosynthesis, and pathogenicity. To a lesser extent, a class II family HDAC, HdaA, was also involved in sclerotia formation and AFB1 biosynthesis. An in vitro analysis of HosA revealed that its HDAC activity was considerably diminished at nanomolar concentrations of trichostatin A. Notably, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that HosA bound directly to AFB1 biosynthesis cluster genes to regulate their expression. Finally, we found that a transcriptional regulator, SinA, interacts with HosA to regulate fungal development and AFB1 biosynthesis. Overall, our results reveal a novel mechanism by which classical HDACs mediate the induction of secondary metabolite genes in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahui Lan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lianghuan Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ruilin Sun
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Departments of Bacteriology, Medical Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, U.S.A
| | - Kunlong Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Liuqing Ye
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shuibin He
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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Shivarathri R, Tscherner M, Zwolanek F, Singh NK, Chauhan N, Kuchler K. The Fungal Histone Acetyl Transferase Gcn5 Controls Virulence of the Human Pathogen Candida albicans through Multiple Pathways. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9445. [PMID: 31263212 PMCID: PMC6603162 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal virulence is regulated by a tight interplay of transcriptional control and chromatin remodelling. Despite compelling evidence that lysine acetylation modulates virulence of pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans, the underlying mechanisms have remained largely unexplored. We report here that Gcn5, a paradigm lysyl-acetyl transferase (KAT) modifying both histone and non-histone targets, controls fungal morphogenesis - a key virulence factor of C. albicans. Our data show that genetic removal of GCN5 abrogates fungal virulence in mice, suggesting strongly diminished fungal fitness in vivo. This may at least in part arise from increased susceptibility to killing by macrophages, as well as by other phagocytes such as neutrophils or monocytes. Loss of GCN5 also causes hypersensitivity to the fungicidal drug caspofungin. Caspofungin hypersusceptibility requires the master regulator Efg1, working in concert with Gcn5. Moreover, Gcn5 regulates multiple independent pathways, including adhesion, cell wall-mediated MAP kinase signaling, hypersensitivity to host-derived oxidative stress, and regulation of the Fks1 glucan synthase, all of which play critical roles in virulence and antifungal susceptibility. Hence, Gcn5 regulates fungal virulence through multiple mechanisms, suggesting that specific inhibition of Gcn5 could offer new therapeutic strategies to combat invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Shivarathri
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Tscherner
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Zwolanek
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, A-1030, Vienna, Austria.
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Lan H, Wu L, Fan K, Sun R, Yang G, Zhang F, Yang K, Lin X, Chen Y, Tian J, Wang S. Set3 Is Required for Asexual Development, Aflatoxin Biosynthesis, and Fungal Virulence in Aspergillus flavus. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:530. [PMID: 31001207 PMCID: PMC6455067 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus for both plant and animal that produces carcinogenic toxins termed aflatoxins (AFs). To identify possible genetic targets to reduce AF contamination, in this study, we have characterized a novel A. flavus Set3, and it shares sequence homology with the yeast protein Set3. The set3 deletion mutants present no difference in growth rate but alterations in asexual development and secondary metabolite production when compared to the A. flavus wild type. Specifically, deletion of set3 gene decreases conidiophore formation and conidial production through downregulating expression of brlA and abaA genes. In addition, normal levels of set3 are required for sclerotial development and expression of sclerotia-related genes nsdC and sclR. Further analyses demonstrated that Set3 negatively regulates AF production as well as the concomitant expression of genes in the AF gene cluster. Importantly, our results also display that A. flavus Set3 is involved in crop kernel colonization. Taking together, these results reveal that a novel Set3 plays crucial roles in morphological development, secondary metabolism, and fungal virulence in A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahui Lan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lianghuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kun Fan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruilin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kunlong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,College of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Lin
- Longyan City Corporation of Fujian Tobacco Corporation, Longyan, China
| | - Yanhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Tian
- College of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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Influence of Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguinis on virulence of Candida albicans: in vitro and in vivo studies. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2018; 64:215-222. [PMID: 30232727 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-018-0645-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate in vitro possible interactions, gene expression, and biofilm formation in species of Candida albicans, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus sanguinis and their in vivo pathogenicity. The in vitro analysis evaluated the effects of S. mitis and S. sanguinis on C. albicans's biofilm formation by CFU count, filamentation capacity, and adhesion (ALS1, ALS3, HWP1) and transcriptional regulatory gene (BCR1, CPH1, EFG1) expression. In vivo studies evaluated the pathogenicity of the interaction of the microorganisms on Galleria mellonella, with analyses of the CFU per milliliter count and filamentation. In vitro results indicated that there was an observed decrease in CFU (79.4-71.5%) in multi-species biofilms. The interaction with S. mitis inhibited filamentation, which seems to increase its virulence factor with over-expression of genes ALS1, ALS3, and HWP1 as well the interaction with S. sanguinis as ALS3 and HWP1. S. mitis upregulated BRC1, CPH1, and EFG1. The histological images of in vivo study indicate an increase in the filamentation of C. albicans when in interaction with the other species. It was concluded that S. mitis interaction suggests increased virulence factors of C. albicans, with periods of lower virulence and proto-cooperation in the interaction with S. sanguinis.
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Cai Q, Tong SM, Shao W, Ying SH, Feng MG. Pleiotropic effects of the histone deacetylase Hos2 linked to H4-K16 deacetylation, H3-K56 acetylation, and H2A-S129 phosphorylation in Beauveria bassiana. Cell Microbiol 2018. [PMID: 29543404 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases maintain dynamics of lysine acetylation/deacetylation on histones and nonhistone substrates involved in gene regulation and cellular events. Hos2 is a Class I histone deacetylases that deacetylates unique histone H4-K16 site in yeasts. Here, we report that orthologous Hos2 deacetylates H4-K16 and is also involved in the acetylation of histone H3-K56 and the phosphorylation of histone H2A-S129 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 CDK1-Y15 in Beauveria bassiana, a filamentous fungal insect pathogen. These site-specific modifications are evidenced with hyperacetylated H4-K16, hypoacetylated H3-K56, and both hypophosphorylated H2A-S129 and CDK1-Y15 in absence of hos2. Consequently, the Δhos2 mutant suffered increased sensitivities to DNA-damaging and oxidative stresses, disturbed cell cycle, impeded cytokinesis, increased cell size or length, reduced conidiation capacity, altered conidial properties, and attenuated virulence. These phenotypic changes correlated well with dramatic repression of many genes that are essential for DNA damage repair, G1 /S transition and DNA synthesis, hyphal septation, and asexual development. The uncovered ability for Hos2 to directly deacetylate H4-K16 and to indirectly modify H3-K56, H2A-S129, and CDK1-Y15 provides novel insight into more subtle regulatory role for Hos2 in genomic stability and diverse cellular events in the fungal insect pathogen than those revealed previously in nonentomophathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Cai
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Sen-Miao Tong
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Shao
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Hua Ying
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Guang Feng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Photodynamic inactivation in the expression of the Candida albicans genes ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, TEC1, CPH1, and EFG1 in biofilms. Lasers Med Sci 2018; 33:1447-1454. [PMID: 29589176 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-018-2487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of photodynamic inactivation (PDI) on Candida albicans biofilms, evaluating its effects on gene expression of ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, TEC1, CPH1, and EFG1 by yeast. Three samples of C. albicans were used in this study: a clinical sample from a patient with HIV (39S), a clinical sample from a patient with denture stomatitis lesion (Ca30), and a standard strain ATCC 18804. The quantification of gene expression was related to the production of those genes in the samples referred above using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay in real time. The photosensitizer methylene blue at 300 uM and erythrosine at 400 uM, sensitized with low-power laser (visible red, 660 nm) and green LED (532 nm), respectively, were used for PDI. Four groups of each sample and PDI protocol were evaluated: (a) P+L+: sensitization with the photosensitizer and irradiation with light, (b) P+L-: only treatment with the photosensitizer, (c) P-L+: only irradiation with light, and (d) P-L-: without sensitization with the dye and absence of light. The results were analyzed by t test, with a significance level of 5%. The photodynamic inactivation was able to reduce the expression of all genes for both treatments, laser and LED. The fold-decrease for the genes ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, TEC1, CPH1, and EFG1 were 0.73, 0.39, 0.77, 0.71, 0.67, and 0.60 for laser, respectively, and 0.66, 0.61, .050, 0.43, 0.54, and 0.66 for LED, respectively. It could be concluded that PDI showed a reduction in the expression of C. albicans genes, suggesting its virulence decrease.
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de Barros PP, Rossoni RD, Freire F, Ribeiro FDC, Lopes LADC, Junqueira JC, Jorge AOC. Candida tropicalis affects the virulence profile of Candida albicans: an in vitro and in vivo study. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:4898016. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Freire
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe de Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Lucas Alexandre das Chagas Lopes
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
| | - Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, CEP 12245-000, Brazil
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Alonso GC, Pavarina AC, Sousa TV, Klein MI. A quest to find good primers for gene expression analysis of Candida albicans from clinical samples. J Microbiol Methods 2018; 147:1-13. [PMID: 29454005 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm production contributes to several human diseases, including oral candidiasis. Among the Candida species, Candida albicans is the most prevalent. The expression of virulence genes is implicated in the pathogenic potential of Candida biofilms. However, the evaluation of microbial gene expression from in vivo biofilm samples is not trivial, specifically, assessment via quantitative PCR (qPCR) can be a challenge because of several species present in clinical samples. Hence, the necessity of primers specificity. The aim of this study was to evaluate through in silico and in vitro analyses the specificity of published primers and newly designed primers for C. albicans virulence genes: ALS1, CAP1, CAT1, EFG1, HWP1, LIP3, PLB1, SAP1, SAP4, SOD1, SOD5 and ACT1 (normalizing gene). In silico analysis was performed through a PubMed search of articles with primer sequences that evaluated gene expression of C. albicans. Then, the sequence similarity of twenty-eight primers was checked through BLASTn and ClustalW2. The analysis of secondary structures was performed using mfold. When the primers did not present satisfactory characteristics (absence of secondary structures, not discrepant Tm of forward and reverse sequences and specificity) following in vitro analysis (i.e., end point PCR), new primers were designed using Beacon Designer™ and sequences obtained from the "Candida Genome Database". The selected primers were tested in vitro by end point PCR using a panel of genomic DNA from five different Candida species (C. albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis). The resulting PCR products were visualized on agarose gel. qPCR reactions were performed to determine primers' optimal concentration and PCR efficiency. End point PCR demonstrated that published primers for the SAP1 and HWP1 were specific for C. albicans and the one for SOD1 reacted with C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. The sequence of primers designed for ACT1, ALS1 and HWP1 genes were specific for C. albicans, while the ones for CAP1, CAT1, EFG1, LIP3, and PLB1 were detected in C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. After optimization, all primers presented a single peak on melt curves, correlation coefficient of ≅1 and qPCR reaction efficiency of 90-110%, with slope of ≅-3.3. Therefore, these primers should be suitable for future gene expression analyses from clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela C Alonso
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Pavarina
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Tábata V Sousa
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marlise I Klein
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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de Barros PP, Scorzoni L, Ribeiro FDC, Fugisaki LRDO, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Jorge AOC, Junqueira JC, Rossoni RD. Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 reduces in vitro hyphae formation of Candida albicans and prevents the filamentation in an experimental model of Caenorhabditis elegans. Microb Pathog 2018; 117:80-87. [PMID: 29432910 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of microbe-microbe interactions to identify a strain of Lactobacillus that could reduce the filamentation of Candida albicans ATCC 18804 using in vitro and in vivo models. Thus presenting a probiotic effect against the fungal pathogen. First, we analyzed the ability of 25 clinical isolates of Lactobacillus to reduce filamentation in C. albicans in vitro. We found that L. paracasei isolate 28.4 exhibited the greatest reduction of C. albicans hyphae (p = 0.0109). This reduction was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The influence of C. albicans filamentation was found to be contributed through reduced gene expression of filament associated genes (TEC1 and UME6). In an in vivo study, prophylactic provisions with L. paracasei increased the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans worms infected with C. albicans (p = 0.0001) by 29%. Prolonged survival was accompanied by the prevention of cuticle rupture of 27% of the worms by filamentation of C. albicans, a phenotype that is characteristic of C. albicans killing of nematodes, compared to the control group. Lactobacillus paracasei isolate 28.4 reduced the filamentation of C. albicans in vitro by negatively regulating the TEC1 and UME6 genes that are essential for the production of hyphae. Prophylactic provision of Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 protected C. elegans against candidiasis in vivo. L. paracasei 28.4 has the potential to be employed as an alternative method to control candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Felipe de Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Ruano de Oliveira Fugisaki
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Francisco Jose Longo 777, Sao Dimas, Sao Jose dos Campos, CEP: 12245-000, SP, Brazil.
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Rossoni RD, de Barros PP, de Alvarenga JA, Ribeiro FDC, Velloso MDS, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Jorge AOC, Junqueira JC. Antifungal activity of clinical Lactobacillus strains against Candida albicans biofilms: identification of potential probiotic candidates to prevent oral candidiasis. BIOFOULING 2018; 34:212-225. [PMID: 29380647 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2018.1425402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study isolated Lactobacillus strains from caries-free subjects and evaluated the inhibitory effects directly on three strains of C. albicans, two clinical strains and one reference strain. Thirty Lactobacillus strains were isolated and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against in vitro C. albicans biofilms. L. paracasei 28.4, L. rhamnosus 5.2 and L. fermentum 20.4 isolates exhibited the most significant inhibitory activity against C. albicans. Co-incubation between these microorganisms resulted in deterrence of biofilm development and retardation of hyphal formation. The hindrance of biofilm development was characterized by the downregulated expression of C. albicans biofilm-specific genes (ALS3, HWP1, EFG1 and CPH1). L. paracasei 28.4, L. rhamnosus 5.2 and L. fermentum 20.4 demonstrated the ability to exert antifungal activity through the inhibition of C. albicans biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- a Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology , UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista , Sao Jose dos Campos , Brazil
| | - Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- a Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology , UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista , Sao Jose dos Campos , Brazil
| | - Janaina Araújo de Alvarenga
- a Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology , UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista , Sao Jose dos Campos , Brazil
| | - Felipe de Camargo Ribeiro
- a Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology , UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista , Sao Jose dos Campos , Brazil
| | - Marisol Dos Santos Velloso
- a Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology , UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista , Sao Jose dos Campos , Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- b Division of Infectious Diseases , Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence, RI , USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- b Division of Infectious Diseases , Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence, RI , USA
| | - Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge
- a Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology , UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista , Sao Jose dos Campos , Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- a Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology , UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista , Sao Jose dos Campos , Brazil
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Rai LS, Singha R, Brahma P, Sanyal K. Epigenetic determinants of phenotypic plasticity in Candida albicans. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Basso V, d'Enfert C, Znaidi S, Bachellier-Bassi S. From Genes to Networks: The Regulatory Circuitry Controlling Candida albicans Morphogenesis. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2018; 422:61-99. [PMID: 30368597 DOI: 10.1007/82_2018_144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal yeast of most healthy individuals, but also one of the most prevalent human fungal pathogens. During adaptation to the mammalian host, C. albicans encounters different niches where it is exposed to several types of stress, including oxidative, nitrosative (e.g., immune system), osmotic (e.g., kidney and oral cavity) stresses and pH variation (e.g., gastrointestinal (GI) tract and vagina). C. albicans has developed the capacity to respond to the environmental changes by modifying its morphology, which comprises the yeast-to-hypha transition, white-opaque switching, and chlamydospore formation. The yeast-to-hypha transition has been very well characterized and was shown to be modulated by several external stimuli that mimic the host environment. For instance, temperature above 37 ℃, serum, alkaline pH, and CO2 concentration are all reported to enhance filamentation. The transition is characterized by the activation of an intricate regulatory network of signaling pathways, involving many transcription factors. The regulatory pathways that control either the stress response or morphogenesis are required for full virulence and promote survival of C. albicans in the host. Many of these transcriptional circuitries have been characterized, highlighting the complexity and the interconnections between the different pathways. Here, we present the major signaling pathways and the main transcription factors involved in the yeast-to-hypha transition. Furthermore, we describe the role of heat shock transcription factors in the morphogenetic transition, providing an edifying example of the complex cross talk between pathways involved in morphogenesis and stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Basso
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.,Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, Paris, France.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France. .,Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique, 13 Place Pasteur, 1002, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia.
| | - Sophie Bachellier-Bassi
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Institut Pasteur, INRA, 25 Rue Du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
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Abstract
Candida albicans is among the most prevalent fungal species of the human microbiota and asymptomatically colonizes healthy individuals. However, it is also an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe, and often fatal, bloodstream infections. The medical impact of C. albicans typically depends on its ability to form biofilms, which are closely packed communities of cells that attach to surfaces, such as tissues and implanted medical devices. In this Review, we provide an overview of the processes involved in the formation of C. albicans biofilms and discuss the core transcriptional network that regulates biofilm development. We also consider some of the advantages that biofilms provide to C. albicans in comparison with planktonic growth and explore polymicrobial biofilms that are formed by C. albicans and certain bacterial species.
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Jenull S, Tscherner M, Gulati M, Nobile CJ, Chauhan N, Kuchler K. The Candida albicans HIR histone chaperone regulates the yeast-to-hyphae transition by controlling the sensitivity to morphogenesis signals. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8308. [PMID: 28814742 PMCID: PMC5559454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08239-9] [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: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphological plasticity such as the yeast-to-hyphae transition is a key virulence factor of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Hyphal formation is controlled by a multilayer regulatory network composed of environmental sensing, signaling, transcriptional modulators as well as chromatin modifications. Here, we demonstrate a novel role for the replication-independent HIR histone chaperone complex in fungal morphogenesis. HIR operates as a crucial modulator of hyphal development, since genetic ablation of the HIR complex subunit Hir1 decreases sensitivity to morphogenetic stimuli. Strikingly, HIR1-deficient cells display altered transcriptional amplitudes upon hyphal initiation, suggesting that Hir1 affects transcription by establishing transcriptional thresholds required for driving morphogenetic cell-fate decisions. Furthermore, ectopic expression of the transcription factor Ume6, which facilitates hyphal maintenance, rescues filamentation defects of hir1Δ/Δ cells, suggesting that Hir1 impacts the early phase of hyphal initiation. Hence, chromatin chaperone-mediated fine-tuning of transcription is crucial for driving morphogenetic conversions in the fungal pathogen C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Jenull
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr.-Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Tscherner
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr.-Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Medical University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr.-Bohr-Gasse 9/2, A-1030, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
The unicellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects warm-blooded animals and humans, and it is highly prevalent throughout the world. Infection of immunocompetent hosts is usually asymptomatic or benign but leads to long-term parasite persistence mainly within neural and muscular tissues. The transition from acute primary infection towards chronic toxoplasmosis is accompanied by a developmental switch from fast replicating and metabolically highly active tachyzoites to slow replicating and largely dormant bradyzoites within tissue cysts. Such developmental differentiation is critical for T. gondii in order to complete its life cycle and for pathogenesis. Herein, we summarize accumulating evidence indicating a major impact of the host cell physiology on stage conversion between the tachyzoite and the bradyzoite stage of the parasite. Withdrawal from cell cycle progression, proinflammatory responses, reduced availability of nutrients and extracellular adenosine can indeed induce tachyzoite-to-bradyzoite differentiation and tissue cyst formation. In contrast, high glycolytic activity as indicated by increased lactate secretion can inhibit bradyzoite formation. These examples argue for the intriguing possibility that after dissemination within its host, T. gondii can sense its cellular microenvironment to initiate the developmental program towards the bradyzoite stage in distinct cells. This may also explain the predominant localization of T. gondii in neural and muscular tissues during chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten G K Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Taibur Rahman
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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The Paralogous Histone Deacetylases Rpd3 and Rpd31 Play Opposing Roles in Regulating the White-Opaque Switch in the Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans. mBio 2016; 7:mBio.01807-16. [PMID: 27935838 PMCID: PMC5111407 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01807-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modifications affect gene regulation in response to environmental stimuli in numerous biological processes. For example, N-acetyl-glucosamine and CO2 induce a morphogenetic conversion between white (W) and opaque (O) cells in MTL (mating-type locus) homozygous and heterozygous (a/α) strains of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Here, we identify 8 histone-modifying enzymes playing distinct roles in the regulation of W/O switching in MTL homozygous and heterozygous strains. Most strikingly, genetic removal of the paralogous genes RPD3 and RPD31, both of which encode almost identical orthologues of the yeast histone deacetylase (HDAC) Rpd3, reveals opposing roles in W/O switching of MTLa/α strains. We show that Rpd3 and Rpd31 functions depend on MTL genotypes. Strikingly, we demonstrate that Rpd3 and Rpd31, which are almost identical except for a divergent C-terminal extension present in Rpd31, exert their functions in distinct regulatory complexes referred to as CaRpd3L and CaRpd31S complexes. Moreover, we identify the Candida orf19.7185 product Ume1, the orthologue of yeast Ume1, as a shared core subunit of CaRpd3L and CaRpd31S. Mechanistically, we show that the opposing roles of Rpd3 and Rpd31 require their deacetylase activities. Importantly, CaRpd3L interacts with the heterodimeric transcriptional repressor a1/α2, thus controlling expression of WOR1 encoding the master regulator of W/O switching. Thus, our work provides novel insight about regulation mechanisms of W/O switching in MTLa/α strains. This is the first example of two highly conserved HDACs exerting opposing regulatory functions in the same process in a eukaryotic cell. RPD3-like histone deacetylases (also called class I HDACs) are conserved from unicellular eukaryotes to mammals. Specifically, the genome of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, the most frequent cause of invasive fungal infections of high morbidity and mortality, harbors two almost identical paralogous HDACs, Rpd3 and Rpd31. We show here for the first time that Rpd3 and Rpd31 acquired functional divergence related to a distinct C-terminal domain. Rpd3 and Rpd31 associate with different complexes in the control regions of the master regulator gene WOR1, which is required for white-opaque (W/O) morphogenesis, respectively. The ability to switch is important for fungal pathogenesis, since it enables distinct host niche colonization. This work is to the best of our knowledge the first description of two paralogous HDACs playing opposing functional roles in the same developmental process. Our work adds a new angle concerning the molecular understanding of HDACs in the regulation of cell fate decisions.
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Ribeiro FC, de Barros PP, Rossoni RD, Junqueira JC, Jorge AOC. Lactobacillus rhamnosus inhibits Candida albicans virulence factors in vitro and modulates immune system in Galleria mellonella. J Appl Microbiol 2016; 122:201-211. [PMID: 27727499 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential anti-Candida effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 on Candida albicans ATCC 18804 using in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS AND RESULTS The in vitro analysis evaluated the effects of L. rhamnosus on C. albicans's biofilm formation by CFU count and metabolic activity, filamentation capacity, and adhesion (ALS3 and HWP1) and transcriptional regulatory gene (BCR1 and CPH1) expression. The in vitro results showed that both the L. rhamnosus cells and supernatant reduced C. albicans biofilm formation, filamentation and gene expression. In the in vivo study, the treatment with L. rhamnosus supernatant increased 80% the survival of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with C. albicans. Furthermore, the supernatant of L. rhamnosus recruited haemocytes into the haemolymph (2·1-fold increase). CONCLUSIONS Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduced the biofilm formation and filamentation of C. albicans in vitro by negatively regulating all studied C. albicans genes. Lactobacillus rhamnosus protected G. mellonella against experimental candidiasis in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study is the first study to report the anti-Candida properties of L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595. The supernatant of this strain has immunomodulatory effects on the G. mellonella model and protects the larvae against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
| | - P P de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
| | - R D Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
| | - J C Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
| | - A O C Jorge
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil
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42
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Temporal Profile of Biofilm Formation, Gene Expression and Virulence Analysis in Candida albicans Strains. Mycopathologia 2016; 182:285-295. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-016-0088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Yu Y, Zhou H, Deng X, Wang W, Lu H. Set3 contributes to heterochromatin integrity by promoting transcription of subunits of Clr4-Rik1-Cul4 histone methyltransferase complex in fission yeast. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31752. [PMID: 27538348 PMCID: PMC4990937 DOI: 10.1038/srep31752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin formation in fission yeast depends on RNAi machinery and histone-modifying enzymes. One of the key histone-modifying complexes is Clr4-Rik1-Cul4 methyltransferase complex (CLRC), which mediates histone H3K9 methylation, a hallmark for heterochromatin. CLRC is composed of the Clr4 histone methyltransferase, Rik1, Raf1, Raf2 and Pcu4. However, transcriptional regulation of the CLRC subunits is not well understood. In this study, we identified Set3, a core subunit of the Set3/Hos2 histone deacetylase complex (Set3C), as a contributor to the integrity and silencing of heterochromatin at centromeres, telomeres and silent mating-type locus. This novel role of Set3 relies on its PHD finger, but is independent of deacetylase activity or structural integrity of Set3C. Set3 is not located to the centromeric region. Instead, Set3 is targeted to the promoters of clr4+ and rik1+, probably through its PHD finger. Set3 promotes transcription of clr4+ and rik1+. Consistently, the protein levels of Clr4 and Rik1 were reduced in the set3Δ mutant. The heterochromatin silencing defect in the set3Δ mutant could be rescued by overexpressing of clr4+ or rik1+. Our study suggests transcriptional activation of essential heterochromatin factors underlies the tight regulation of heterochromatin integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center Of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Huan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center Of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xiaolong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center Of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wenchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center Of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Hong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center Of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
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Garnaud C, Champleboux M, Maubon D, Cornet M, Govin J. Histone Deacetylases and Their Inhibition in Candida Species. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1238. [PMID: 27547205 PMCID: PMC4974301 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi are generally benign members of the human mucosal flora or live as saprophytes in the environment. However, they can become pathogenic, leading to invasive and life threatening infections in vulnerable patients. These invasive fungal infections are regarded as a major public health problem on a similar scale to tuberculosis or malaria. Current treatment for these infections is based on only four available drug classes. This limited therapeutic arsenal and the emergence of drug-resistant strains are a matter of concern due to the growing number of patients to be treated, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Adaptation of fungi to drug pressure involves transcriptional regulation, in which chromatin dynamics and histone modifications play a major role. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove acetyl groups from histones and actively participate in controlling stress responses. HDAC inhibition has been shown to limit fungal development, virulence, biofilm formation, and dissemination in the infected host, while also improving the efficacy of existing antifungal drugs toward Candida spp. In this article, we review the functional roles of HDACs and the biological effects of HDAC inhibitors on Candida spp., highlighting the correlations between their pathogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. We focus on how HDAC inhibitors could be used to treat invasive candidiasis while also reviewing recent developments in their clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Garnaud
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble AlpesGrenoble, France; Laboratoire TIMC-IMAG-TheREx, UMR 5525 CNRS-UGA, Université Grenoble AlpesGrenoble, France
| | - Morgane Champleboux
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1038, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Biosciences and Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble - Large Scale Biology Laboratory Grenoble, France
| | - Danièle Maubon
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble AlpesGrenoble, France; Laboratoire TIMC-IMAG-TheREx, UMR 5525 CNRS-UGA, Université Grenoble AlpesGrenoble, France
| | - Muriel Cornet
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble AlpesGrenoble, France; Laboratoire TIMC-IMAG-TheREx, UMR 5525 CNRS-UGA, Université Grenoble AlpesGrenoble, France
| | - Jérôme Govin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1038, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Biosciences and Biotechnology Institute of Grenoble - Large Scale Biology Laboratory Grenoble, France
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Abstract
In humans, microbial cells (including bacteria, archaea, and fungi) greatly outnumber host cells. Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal species of the human microbiota; this species asymptomatically colonizes many areas of the body, particularly the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of healthy individuals. Alterations in host immunity, stress, resident microbiota, and other factors can lead to C. albicans overgrowth, causing a wide range of infections, from superficial mucosal to hematogenously disseminated candidiasis. To date, most studies of C. albicans have been carried out in suspension cultures; however, the medical impact of C. albicans (like that of many other microorganisms) depends on its ability to thrive as a biofilm, a closely packed community of cells. Biofilms are notorious for forming on implanted medical devices, including catheters, pacemakers, dentures, and prosthetic joints, which provide a surface and sanctuary for biofilm growth. C. albicans biofilms are intrinsically resistant to conventional antifungal therapeutics, the host immune system, and other environmental perturbations, making biofilm-based infections a significant clinical challenge. Here, we review our current knowledge of biofilms formed by C. albicans and closely related fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, California 95343;
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143;
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Agustinho DP, de Oliveira MA, Tavares AH, Derengowski L, Stolz V, Guilhelmelli F, Mortari MR, Kuchler K, Silva-Pereira I. Dectin-1 is required for miR155 upregulation in murine macrophages in response to Candida albicans. Virulence 2016; 8:41-52. [PMID: 27294852 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2016.1200215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The commensal fungal pathogen Candida albicans is a leading cause of lethal systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. One of the main mechanisms of host immune evasion and virulence by this pathogen is the switch from yeast form to hyphal growth morphologies. Micro RNAs (miRNAs), a small regulatory non-coding RNA, has been identified as an important part of the immune response to a wide variety of pathogens. In general, miRNAs act by modulating the intensity of inflammatory responses. miRNAs act by base-paring binding to specific sequences of target mRNAs, generally causing their silencing through mRNA degradation or translational repression. To study the impact of C. albicans cell morphology upon host miRNA expression, we investigated the differential modulation of 9 different immune response-related miRNAs in primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) exposed to either yeasts or hyphal forms of Candida albicans. Here, we show that the different growth morphologies induce distinct miRNA expression patterns in BMDMs. Interestingly, our data suggest that the C-Type lectin receptor Dectin-1 is a major PRR that orchestrates miR155 upregulation in a Syk-dependent manner. Our results suggest that PRR-mediating signaling events are key drivers of miRNA-mediated gene regulation during fungal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Paiva Agustinho
- a Departamento de Biologia Celular , Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
| | - Marco Antônio de Oliveira
- a Departamento de Biologia Celular , Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
| | - Aldo Henrique Tavares
- b Departamento de Biologia Celular , Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
| | - Lorena Derengowski
- a Departamento de Biologia Celular , Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
| | - Valentina Stolz
- c Department of Molecular Genetics , Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Fernanda Guilhelmelli
- a Departamento de Biologia Celular , Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- d Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas , Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
| | - Karl Kuchler
- c Department of Molecular Genetics , Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Ildinete Silva-Pereira
- a Departamento de Biologia Celular , Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
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Tyc KM, Herwald SE, Hogan JA, Pierce JV, Klipp E, Kumamoto CA. The game theory of Candida albicans colonization dynamics reveals host status-responsive gene expression. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2016; 10:20. [PMID: 26927448 PMCID: PMC4772284 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-016-0268-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The fungal pathogen Candida albicans colonizes the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of mammalian hosts as a benign commensal. However, in an immunocompromised host, the fungus is capable of causing life-threatening infection. We previously showed that the major transcription factor Efg1p is differentially expressed in GI-colonizing C. albicans cells dependent on the host immune status. To understand the mechanisms that underlie this host-dependent differential gene expression, we utilized mathematical modeling to dissect host-pathogen interactions. Specifically, we used principles of evolutionary game theory to study the mechanism that governs dynamics of EFG1 expression during C. albicans colonization. Results Mathematical modeling predicted that down-regulation of EFG1 expression within individual fungal cells occurred at different average rates in different hosts. Rather than using relatively transient signaling pathways to adapt to a new environment, we demonstrate that C. albicans overcomes the host defense strategy by modulating the activity of diverse fungal histone modifying enzymes that control EFG1 expression. Conclusion Based on our modeling and experimental results we conclude that C. albicans cells sense the local environment of the GI tract and respond to differences by altering EFG1 expression to establish optimal survival strategies. We show that the overall process is governed via modulation of epigenetic regulators of chromatin structure. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12918-016-0268-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna M Tyc
- Theoretische Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstraße 42, D-10115, Berlin, Germany. .,Present address: Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Sanna E Herwald
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Hogan
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Jessica V Pierce
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA. .,Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Edda Klipp
- Theoretische Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstraße 42, D-10115, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Carol A Kumamoto
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA. .,Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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Gulati M, Nobile CJ. Candida albicans biofilms: development, regulation, and molecular mechanisms. Microbes Infect 2016; 18:310-21. [PMID: 26806384 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 372] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A major virulence attribute of Candida albicans is its ability to form biofilms, densely packed communities of cells adhered to a surface. These biofilms are intrinsically resistant to conventional antifungal therapeutics, the host immune system, and other environmental factors, making biofilm-associated infections a significant clinical challenge. Here, we review current knowledge on the development, regulation, and molecular mechanisms of C. albicans biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA.
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Amorim-Vaz S, Sanglard D. Novel Approaches for Fungal Transcriptomics from Host Samples. Front Microbiol 2016; 6:1571. [PMID: 26834721 PMCID: PMC4717316 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans adaptation to the host requires a profound reprogramming of the fungal transcriptome as compared to in vitro laboratory conditions. A detailed knowledge of the C. albicans transcriptome during the infection process is necessary in order to understand which of the fungal genes are important for host adaptation. Such genes could be thought of as potential targets for antifungal therapy. The acquisition of the C. albicans transcriptome is, however, technically challenging due to the low proportion of fungal RNA in host tissues. Two emerging technologies were used recently to circumvent this problem. One consists of the detection of low abundance fungal RNA using capture and reporter gene probes which is followed by emission and quantification of resulting fluorescent signals (nanoString). The other is based first on the capture of fungal RNA by short biotinylated oligonucleotide baits covering the C. albicans ORFome permitting fungal RNA purification. Next, the enriched fungal RNA is amplified and subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Here we detail these two transcriptome approaches and discuss their advantages and limitations and future perspectives in microbial transcriptomics from host material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Amorim-Vaz
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Sanglard
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center, University of Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
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Barros PP, Ribeiro FC, Rossoni RD, Junqueira JC, Jorge AOC. Influence of Candida krusei and Candida glabrata on Candida albicans gene expression in in vitro biofilms. Arch Oral Biol 2016; 64:92-101. [PMID: 26803674 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to evaluate the interactions between the species Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida glabrata in monotypic and mixed biofilm models formed in vitro as well as the relative expression of the ALS1, ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, EFG1, TEC1, SAP5, PLB2 and LIP9 genes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Mixed (C. albicans/C. krusei and C. albicans/C. glabrata) and monotypic biofilms were cultured for 0, 12 and 24h. Gene expression was analyzed in the same biofilm model in which the number of CFU/mL was counted. RESULTS The C. albicans CFU/mL values were lower at the 12 and 24h time points in the mixed biofilms compared with the monotypic biofilms, and decreases of 56.23% and 64.4% in C. albicans were observed when this species was associated with C. glabrata and C. krusei, respectively. In the presence of C. krusei, the expression of the ALS3, HWP1, BCR1, EFG1 and TEC1 genes of C. albicans was completely inhibited, indicating both transcriptome and the phenotypic antagonism between these two species, but genes related to the secretion of enzymes were stimulated. In the presence of C. glabrata, C. albicans showed a similar gene expression profile to that obtained in association with C. krusei, though it was altered to a lesser degree. CONCLUSION We conclude that C. krusei and C. glabrata may alter or inhibit the mechanisms involved in the in vitro adherence and formation of C. albicans biofilms, influencing the pathogenicity of this species and suggesting a competitive interaction with C. krusei and C. glabrata in biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pimentel Barros
- Departament of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ. Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, Brazil.
| | - Felipe Camargo Ribeiro
- Departament of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ. Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Departament of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ. Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Departament of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ. Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge
- Departament of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, UNESP-Univ. Estadual Paulista, São José dos Campos, Brazil
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