1
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Tanveer R, Neale PA, Melvin SD, Leusch FDL. Application of in vitro bioassays to monitor pharmaceuticals in water: A synthesis of chronological analysis, mode of action, and practical insights. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142255. [PMID: 38729441 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater have emerged as a significant concern for the aquatic environment. The use of in vitro bioassays represents a sustainable and cost-effective approach for assessing the potential toxicological risks of these biologically active compounds in wastewater and aligns with ethical considerations in research. It facilitates high-throughput analysis, captures mixture effects, integrates impacts of both known and unknown chemicals, and reduces reliance on animal testing. The core aim of the current review was to explore the practical application of in vitro bioassays in evaluating the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals in wastewater. This comprehensive review strives to achieve several key objectives. First, it provides a summary categorisation of pharmaceuticals based on their mode of action, providing a structured framework for understanding their ecological significance. Second, a chronological analysis of pharmaceutical research aims to document their prevalence and trends over time, shedding light on evolving environmental challenges. Third, the review critically analyses existing bioassay applications in wastewater, while also examining bioassay coverage of representative compounds within major pharmaceutical classes. Finally, it explores the potential for developing innovative bioassays tailored for water quality monitoring of pharmaceuticals, paving the way for more robust environmental monitoring and risk assessment. Overall, adopting effect-based methods for pharmaceutical monitoring in water holds significant promise. It encompasses a broad spectrum of biological impacts, promotes standardized protocols, and supports a bioassay test battery approach indicative of different endpoints, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameesha Tanveer
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
| | - Peta A Neale
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
| | - Steven D Melvin
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
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2
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Gomes do Nascimento L, Castro de Morais M, Klidenberg de Oliveira Júnior J, de Oliveira Lima E, de Sousa DP. Synthetic 2-Nitrocinnamates: Investigation of the Antifungal Action against Candida Species. J CHEM-NY 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/8525145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Derivatives of cinnamic acid have several pharmacological actions, such as antimicrobial activity. Therefore, in the present study, a series of fourteen alkyl and aryl derivatives from (E)-2-nitrocinnamic acid were obtained using Fischer esterification, nucleophilic substitution with halides, and Mitsunobu reaction. Esters were evaluated for antifungal activity against several strains of Candida spp. using nystatin as a positive control. Among the synthetic derivatives obtained, nine are compounds unprecedented in the literature. The characterization of chemical structures was carried out using the techniques of IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Isopropyl 2-nitrocinnamate (4) was the compound that showed the best antifungal activity (MIC = 513.52 μM) against all fungal strains, followed by compound perillyl 2-nitrocinnamate (14) with MIC = 390.99–781.98 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lázaro Gomes do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Mayara Castro de Morais
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | | | | | - Damião Pergentino de Sousa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
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3
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Scariot FJ, Pansera MS, Longaray Delamare AP, Echeverrigaray S. Antifungal activity of monoterpenes against the model yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J FOOD PROCESS PRES 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.15433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Joel Scariot
- Laboratory of Enology and Applied Microbiology University of Caxias do Sul Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas, 1130 Caxias do Sul95070‐560Brazil
| | - Mariliza Salete Pansera
- Laboratory of Enology and Applied Microbiology University of Caxias do Sul Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas, 1130 Caxias do Sul95070‐560Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Longaray Delamare
- Laboratory of Enology and Applied Microbiology University of Caxias do Sul Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas, 1130 Caxias do Sul95070‐560Brazil
| | - Sergio Echeverrigaray
- Laboratory of Enology and Applied Microbiology University of Caxias do Sul Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas, 1130 Caxias do Sul95070‐560Brazil
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4
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Jamzivar F, Shams-Ghahfarokhi M, Khoramizadeh M, Yousefi N, Gholami-Shabani M, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M. Unraveling the importance of molecules of natural origin in antifungal drug development through targeting ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2019; 11:448-459. [PMID: 32148676 PMCID: PMC7048963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, the incidence of life-threatening fungal infections has increased dramatically in particular among patients with hampered immune function. Fungal infections cause around 1.5 million deaths annually, superior to malaria and tuberculosis. With respect to high toxicity, narrow spectrum of activity and drug resistance to current antifungals, there is an urgent need to discover novel leads from molecules of natural origin especially those derived from plants and microorganisms for antifungal drug discovery. Among antifungal drugs introduced into the clinic, those affecting ergosterol biosynthesis are still superior to other classes and the vital role of ergosterol in fungal growth and development. This review highlights current knowledge about available antifungal agents and further issues on antifungal drug discovery from compounds of natural origin which affect ergosterol biosynthesis. Special attention is made to the fungal sterol C24-methyltransferase (SMT), a crucial enzyme in ergosterol biosynthesis pathway as a novel target for rational drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mansoor Khoramizadeh
- School of Iranian Traditional Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mehdi Razzaghi-Abyaneh
- Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author: Mehdi Razzaghi-Abyaneh, PhD, Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran., Tel: +98 21 64112804, Fax: +98 21 64112804, &
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5
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Phenylpyrrole fungicides act on triosephosphate isomerase to induce methylglyoxal stress and alter hybrid histidine kinase activity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5047. [PMID: 30911085 PMCID: PMC6433957 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41564-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fludioxonil, a natural product of pyrrolnitrin, is a potent fungicide used on crops worldwide. Drug action requires the presence of a group III hybrid histidine kinase (HHK) and the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway. We have reported that the drug does not act directly on HHK, but triggers the conversion of the kinase to a phosphatase, which dephosphorylates Ypd1 to constitutively activate HOG signaling. Still, the direct drug target remains unknown and mode of action ill defined. Here, we heterologously expressed a group III HHK, dimorphism-regulating kinase 1 (Drk1) in Saccharomyces cerevisae to delineate fludioxonil’s target and action. We show that the drug interferes with triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) causing release of methylglyoxal (MG). MG activates the group III HHK and thus the HOG pathway. Drug action involved Drk1 cysteine 392, as a C392S substitution increased drug resistance in vivo. Drug sensitivity was reversed by dimedone treatment, indicating Drk1 responds in vivo to an aldehydic stress. Fludioxonil treatment triggered elevated cytosolic methylglyoxal. Likewise, methylglyoxal treatment of Drk1-expressing yeast phenocopied treatment with fludioxonil. Fludioxonil directly inhibited TPI and also caused it to release methylglyoxal in vitro. Thus, TPI is a drug target of the phenylpyrrole class of fungicides, inducing elevated MG which alters HHK activity, likely converting the kinase to a phosphatase that acts on Ypd1 to trigger HOG pathway activation and fungal cell death.
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6
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Can Saccharomyces cerevisiae keep up as a model system in fungal azole susceptibility research? Drug Resist Updat 2019; 42:22-34. [PMID: 30822675 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The difficulty of manipulation and limited availability of genetic tools for use in many pathogenic fungi hamper fast and adequate investigation of cellular metabolism and consequent possibilities for antifungal therapies. S. cerevisiae is a model organism that is used to study many eukaryotic systems. In this review, we analyse the potency and relevance of this model system in investigating fungal susceptibility to azole drugs. Although many of the concepts apply to multiple pathogenic fungi, for the sake of simplicity, we will focus on the validity of using S. cerevisiae as a model organism for two Candida species, C. albicans and C. glabrata. Apart from the general benefits, we explore how S. cerevisiae can specifically be used to improve our knowledge on azole drug resistance and enables fast and efficient screening for novel drug targets in combinatorial therapy. We consider the shortcomings of the model system, yet conclude that it is still opportune to use S. cerevisiae as a model system for pathogenic fungi in this era.
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7
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Zimmermann A, Hofer S, Pendl T, Kainz K, Madeo F, Carmona-Gutierrez D. Yeast as a tool to identify anti-aging compounds. FEMS Yeast Res 2018; 18:4919731. [PMID: 29905792 PMCID: PMC6001894 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the search for interventions against aging and age-related diseases, biological screening platforms are indispensable tools to identify anti-aging compounds among large substance libraries. The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has emerged as a powerful chemical and genetic screening platform, as it combines a rapid workflow with experimental amenability and the availability of a wide range of genetic mutant libraries. Given the amount of conserved genes and aging mechanisms between yeast and human, testing candidate anti-aging substances in yeast gene-deletion or overexpression collections, or de novo derived mutants, has proven highly successful in finding potential molecular targets. Yeast-based studies, for example, have led to the discovery of the polyphenol resveratrol and the natural polyamine spermidine as potential anti-aging agents. Here, we present strategies for pharmacological anti-aging screens in yeast, discuss common pitfalls and summarize studies that have used yeast for drug discovery and target identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Zimmermann
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Sebastian Hofer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Tobias Pendl
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Katharina Kainz
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Frank Madeo
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
- BioTechMed Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
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8
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McBride JA, Gauthier GM, Klein BS. Turning on virulence: Mechanisms that underpin the morphologic transition and pathogenicity of Blastomyces. Virulence 2018. [PMID: 29532714 PMCID: PMC6779398 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1449506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review article focuses on the mechanisms underlying temperature adaptation and virulence of the etiologic agents of blastomycosis, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Blastomyces gilchristii, and Blastomyces percursus. In response to temperature, Blastomyces undergoes a reversible morphologic switch between hyphae and yeast known as the phase transition. The conversion to yeast for Blastomyces and related thermally dimorphic fungi is essential for virulence. In the yeast phase, Blastomyces upregulates the essential virulence factor, BAD1, which promotes attachment to host cells, impairs activation of immune cells, and blunts cytokine release. Blastomyces yeast also secrete dipeptidyl-peptidase IVA (DPPIVA), a serine protease that blunts the action of cytokines released from host immune cells. In vivo transcriptional profiling of Blastomyces yeast has uncovered genes such as PRA1 and ZRT1 involved in zinc scavenging that contribute to virulence during murine pulmonary infection. The discovery and characterization of genes important for virulence has led to advances at the bedside regarding novel diagnostics, vaccine development, and new targets for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A McBride
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , 600 Highland Avenue, Madison , WI , USA.,Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , 1675 Highland Avenue, Madison , WI , USA
| | - Gregory M Gauthier
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , 600 Highland Avenue, Madison , WI , USA
| | - Bruce S Klein
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , 600 Highland Avenue, Madison , WI , USA.,Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , 1675 Highland Avenue, Madison , WI , USA.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , 1550 Linden Drive, Madison , WI , USA
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9
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Geddes-McAlister J, Shapiro RS. New pathogens, new tricks: emerging, drug-resistant fungal pathogens and future prospects for antifungal therapeutics. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1435:57-78. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology; University of Guelph; Guelph Ontario Canada
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction; Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry; Munich Germany
| | - Rebecca S. Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology; University of Guelph; Guelph Ontario Canada
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10
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Increasing the Fungicidal Action of Amphotericin B by Inhibiting the Nitric Oxide-Dependent Tolerance Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:4064628. [PMID: 29129987 PMCID: PMC5654257 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4064628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Amphotericin B (AmB) induces oxidative and nitrosative stresses, characterized by production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, in fungi. Yet, how these toxic species contribute to AmB-induced fungal cell death is unclear. We investigated the role of superoxide and nitric oxide radicals in AmB's fungicidal activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, using a digital microfluidic platform, which enabled monitoring individual cells at a spatiotemporal resolution, and plating assays. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME was used to interfere with nitric oxide radical production. L-NAME increased and accelerated AmB-induced accumulation of superoxide radicals, membrane permeabilization, and loss of proliferative capacity in S. cerevisiae. In contrast, the nitric oxide donor S-nitrosoglutathione inhibited AmB's action. Hence, superoxide radicals were important for AmB's fungicidal action, whereas nitric oxide radicals mediated tolerance towards AmB. Finally, also the human pathogens Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were more susceptible to AmB in the presence of L-NAME, pointing to the potential of AmB-L-NAME combination therapy to treat fungal infections.
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections continue to appear in record numbers as the immunocompromised population of the world increases, owing partially to the increased number of individuals who are infected with HIV and partially to the successful treatment of serious underlying diseases. The effectiveness of current antifungal therapies - polyenes, flucytosine, azoles and echinocandins (as monotherapies or in combinations for prophylaxis, or as empiric, pre-emptive or specific therapies) - in the management of these infections has plateaued. Although these drugs are clinically useful, they have several limitations, such as off-target toxicity, and drug-resistant fungi are now emerging. New antifungals are therefore needed. In this Review, I discuss the robust and dynamic antifungal pipeline, including results from preclinical academic efforts through to pharmaceutical industry products, and describe the targets, strategies, compounds and potential outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Perfect
- Duke University Medical Center, 200 Trent Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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12
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Fludioxonil Induces Drk1, a Fungal Group III Hybrid Histidine Kinase, To Dephosphorylate Its Downstream Target, Ypd1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.01414-16. [PMID: 27872062 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01414-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel antifungal drugs and targets are urgently needed. Group III hybrid histidine kinases (HHKs) represent an appealing new therapeutic drug target because they are widely expressed in fungi but absent from humans. We investigated the mode of action of the widely utilized, effective fungicide fludioxonil. The drug acts in an HHK-dependent manner by constitutive activation of the HOG (high-osmolarity glycerol) pathway, but its mechanism of action is poorly understood. Here, we report a new mode of drug action that entails conversion of the HHK from a kinase into a phosphatase. We expressed Drk1 (dimorphism-regulating kinase), which is an intracellular group III HHK from the fungal pathogen Blastomyces dermatitidis, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Drk1 engendered drug sensitivity in B. dermatitidis and conferred sensitivity upon S. cerevisiae In response to fludioxonil, Drk1 behaved as a phosphatase rather than as a kinase, leading to dephosphorylation of its downstream target, Ypd1, constitutive activation of the HOG pathway, and yeast cell death. Aspartic acid residue 1140 in the Drk1 receiver domain was required for in vivo phosphatase activity on Ypd1, and Hog1 was required for drug effect, indicating fidelity in HHK-dependent drug action. In in vitro assays with purified protein, intact Drk1 demonstrated intrinsic kinase activity, and the Drk1 receiver domain exhibited intrinsic phosphatase activity. However, fludioxonil failed to induce intact Drk1 to dephosphorylate Ypd1. We conclude that fludioxonil treatment in vivo likely acts on an upstream target that triggers HHK to become a phosphatase, which dephosphorylates its downstream target, Ypd1.
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A Genetic Screen for Fission Yeast Gene Deletion Mutants Exhibiting Hypersensitivity to Latrunculin A. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2016; 6:3399-3408. [PMID: 27466272 PMCID: PMC5068959 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.032664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Fission yeast cells treated with low doses of the actin depolymerizing drug, latrunculin A (LatA), delay entry into mitosis via a mechanism that is dependent on both the Clp1p and Rad24p proteins. During this delay, cells remain in a cytokinesis-competent state that is characterized by continuous repair and/or reestablishment of the actomyosin ring. In this manner, cells ensure the faithful completion of the preceding cytokinesis in response to perturbation of the cell division machinery. To uncover other genes with a role in this response, or simply genes with roles in adapting to LatA-induced stress, we carried out a genome-wide screen and identified a group of 38 gene deletion mutants that are hyper-sensitive to the drug. As expected, we found genes affecting cytokinesis and/or the actin cytoskeleton within this set (ain1, acp2, imp2). We also identified genes with roles in histone modification (tra1, ngg1), intracellular transport (apl5, aps3), and glucose-mediated signaling (git3, git5, git11, pka1, cgs2). Importantly, while the identified gene deletion mutants are prone to cytokinesis failure in the presence of LatA, they are nevertheless fully capable of cell division in the absence of the drug. These results indicate that fission yeast cells make use of a diverse set of regulatory modules to counter abnormal cytoskeletal perturbations, and furthermore, that these modules act redundantly to ensure cell survival and proliferation.
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14
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Stress sensitivity of a fission yeast strain lacking histidine kinases is rescued by the ectopic expression of Chk1 from Candida albicans. Curr Genet 2016; 63:343-357. [PMID: 27613427 PMCID: PMC5383687 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-016-0644-9] [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: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of new drugs against the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans is compelling and the evolution of relevant bioassays is important to achieve this goal. Promising drug targets are proteins that lack human counterparts which are true for the His-to-Asp phosphorelay signal transduction systems, important for stress sensing in bacteria, fungi, and plants. In the pathogenic yeast, Candida albicans, the CaChk1 histidine kinase is a trigger of the pathway that leads to a switch from yeast to hyphal growth necessary for invasion. Intriguingly, the model yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has a similar phosphorelay system, with three histidine kinases named Mak1, Mak2, and Mak3, which are important for the prevention of aberrant mating and sporulation on rich media. This study uncovered distinct functions for the three histidine kinases; Mak1 alone or Mak2 and Mak3 together were sufficient for the repression of the meiotic cycle when nutrients were available. Moreover, strains lacking histidine kinase genes were sensitive to various types of stress conditions in an auxotrophic strain background, while the stress sensitivity was lost in prototrophic strains. Finally, the stress sensitivity of a S. pombe strain that lacks endogenous histidine kinases could be complemented by the ectopic expression of the CaChk1 histidine kinase from C. albicans. This finding opens up for the possibility to perform a drug screen with a biological read-out in S. pombe to find inhibitors of CaChk1.
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Moreno-Martinez E, Vallieres C, Holland SL, Avery SV. Novel, Synergistic Antifungal Combinations that Target Translation Fidelity. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16700. [PMID: 26573415 PMCID: PMC4648087 DOI: 10.1038/srep16700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an unmet need for new antifungal or fungicide treatments, as resistance to existing treatments grows. Combination treatments help to combat resistance. Here we develop a novel, effective target for combination antifungal therapy. Different aminoglycoside antibiotics combined with different sulphate-transport inhibitors produced strong, synergistic growth-inhibition of several fungi. Combinations decreased the respective MICs by ≥8-fold. Synergy was suppressed in yeast mutants resistant to effects of sulphate-mimetics (like chromate or molybdate) on sulphate transport. By different mechanisms, aminoglycosides and inhibition of sulphate transport cause errors in mRNA translation. The mistranslation rate was stimulated up to 10-fold when the agents were used in combination, consistent with this being the mode of synergistic action. A range of undesirable fungi were susceptible to synergistic inhibition by the combinations, including the human pathogens Candida albicans, C. glabrata and Cryptococcus neoformans, the food spoilage organism Zygosaccharomyces bailii and the phytopathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Zymoseptoria tritici. There was some specificity as certain fungi were unaffected. There was no synergy against bacterial or mammalian cells. The results indicate that translation fidelity is a promising new target for combinatorial treatment of undesirable fungi, the combinations requiring substantially decreased doses of active components compared to each agent alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Moreno-Martinez
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Cindy Vallieres
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Sara L Holland
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Simon V Avery
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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16
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Cairns TC, Studholme DJ, Talbot NJ, Haynes K. New and Improved Techniques for the Study of Pathogenic Fungi. Trends Microbiol 2015; 24:35-50. [PMID: 26549580 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens pose serious threats to human, plant, and ecosystem health. Improved diagnostics and antifungal strategies are therefore urgently required. Here, we review recent developments in online bioinformatic tools and associated interactive data archives, which enable sophisticated comparative genomics and functional analysis of fungal pathogens in silico. Additionally, we highlight cutting-edge experimental techniques, including conditional expression systems, recyclable markers, RNA interference, genome editing, compound screens, infection models, and robotic automation, which are promising to revolutionize the study of both human and plant pathogenic fungi. These novel techniques will allow vital knowledge gaps to be addressed with regard to the evolution of virulence, host-pathogen interactions and antifungal drug therapies in both the clinic and agriculture. This, in turn, will enable delivery of improved diagnosis and durable disease-control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Cairns
- Institut für Biotechnologie, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer Allee 22, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | - Ken Haynes
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Shor
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Defosse TA, Sharma A, Mondal AK, Dugé de Bernonville T, Latgé JP, Calderone R, Giglioli-Guivarc'h N, Courdavault V, Clastre M, Papon N. Hybrid histidine kinases in pathogenic fungi. Mol Microbiol 2015; 95:914-24. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A. Defosse
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales; EA 2106; Université François-Rabelais de Tours; Tours France
| | | | - Alok K. Mondal
- Institute of Microbial Technology; Chandigarh India
- School of Life Sciences; Jawaharlal Nehru University; New Delhi India
| | | | | | - Richard Calderone
- Georgetown University Medical Center; Department of Microbiology & Immunology; Washington DC USA
| | | | - Vincent Courdavault
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales; EA 2106; Université François-Rabelais de Tours; Tours France
| | - Marc Clastre
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales; EA 2106; Université François-Rabelais de Tours; Tours France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales; EA 2106; Université François-Rabelais de Tours; Tours France
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Spincemaille P, Chandhok G, Zibert A, Schmidt H, Verbeek J, Chaltin P, Cammue BP, Cassiman D, Thevissen K. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers increase tolerance of cells to copper and cisplatin. MICROBIAL CELL 2014; 1:352-364. [PMID: 28357214 PMCID: PMC5349125 DOI: 10.15698/mic2014.11.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The human pathology Wilson disease (WD) is characterized by toxic copper (Cu)
accumulation in brain and liver, resulting in, among other indications,
mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of hepatocytes. In an effort to identify
novel compounds that can alleviate Cu-induced toxicity, we screened the
Pharmakon 1600 repositioning library using a Cu-toxicity yeast screen. We
identified 2 members of the drug class of Angiotensin II Type 1 receptor
blockers (ARBs) that could increase yeast tolerance to Cu, namely Candesartan
and Losartan. Subsequently, we show that specific ARBs can increase yeast
tolerance to Cu and/or the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (Cp). The latter
also induces mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in mammalian cells. We
further demonstrate that specific ARBs can prevent the prevalence of Cu-induced
apoptotic markers in yeast, with Candesartan Cilexetil being the ARB which
demonstrated most pronounced reduction of apoptosis-related markers. Next, we
tested the sensitivity of a selection of yeast knockout mutants affected in
detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Cu for Candesartan Cilexetil
rescue in presence of Cu. These data indicate that Candesartan Cilexetil
increases yeast tolerance to Cu irrespectively of major ROS-detoxifying
proteins. Finally, we show that specific ARBs can increase mammalian cell
tolerance to Cu, as well as decrease the prevalence of Cu-induced apoptotic
markers. All the above point to the potential of ARBs in preventing Cu-induced
toxicity in yeast and mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Spincemaille
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Gursimran Chandhok
- Clinic for Transplantation Medicine, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A14, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andree Zibert
- Clinic for Transplantation Medicine, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A14, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schmidt
- Clinic for Transplantation Medicine, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A14, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jef Verbeek
- Department of Hepatology and Metabolic Center, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Chaltin
- CISTIM Leuven vzw, Bio-Incubator 2, Wetenschapspark Arenberg, Gaston Geenslaan 2, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium. ; Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3), KU Leuven R&D, Waaistraat 6, Box 5105, 3000 Leuven
| | - Bruno P Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium. ; Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Technologiepark 927, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - David Cassiman
- Department of Hepatology and Metabolic Center, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
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Corte L, Tiecco M, Roscini L, Germani R, Cardinali G. FTIR analysis of the metabolomic stress response induced by N-alkyltropinium bromide surfactants in the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2014; 116:761-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2014.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Reactive oxygen species-inducing antifungal agents and their activity against fungal biofilms. Future Med Chem 2014; 6:77-90. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.13.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are associated with very high mortality rates ranging from 20–90% for opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Fungal resistance to antimycotic treatment can be genotypic (due to resistant strains) as well as phenotypic (due to more resistant fungal lifestyles, such as biofilms). With regard to the latter, biofilms are considered to be critical in the development of invasive fungal infections. However, there are only very few antimycotics, such as miconazole (azoles), echinocandins and liposomal formulations of amphotericin B (polyenes), which are also effective against fungal biofilms. Interestingly, these antimycotics all induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in fungal (biofilm) cells. This review provides an overview of the different classes of antimycotics and novel antifungal compounds that induce ROS in fungal planktonic and biofilm cells. Moreover, different strategies to further enhance the antibiofilm activity of such ROS-inducing antimycotics will be discussed.
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Histidine phosphotransfer proteins in fungal two-component signal transduction pathways. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 12:1052-60. [PMID: 23771905 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00083-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The histidine phosphotransfer (HPt) protein Ypd1 is an important participant in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae multistep two-component signal transduction pathway and, unlike the expanded histidine kinase gene family, is encoded by a single gene in nearly all model and pathogenic fungi. Ypd1 is essential for viability in both S. cerevisiae and in Cryptococcus neoformans. These and other aspects of Ypd1 biology, combined with the availability of structural and mutational data in S. cerevisiae, suggest that the essential interactions between Ypd1 and response regulator domains would be a good target for antifungal drug development. The goal of this minireview is to summarize the wealth of data on S. cerevisiae Ypd1 and to consider the potential benefits of conducting related studies in pathogenic fungi.
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Cell wall perturbation sensitizes fungi to the antimalarial drug chloroquine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:3889-96. [PMID: 23733464 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00478-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chloroquine (CQ) has been a mainstay of antimalarial drug treatment for several decades. Additional therapeutic actions of CQ have been described, including some reports of fungal inhibition. Here we investigated the action of CQ in fungi, including the yeast model Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A genomewide yeast deletion strain collection was screened against CQ, revealing that bck1Δ and slt2Δ mutants of the cell wall integrity pathway are CQ hypersensitive. This phenotype was rescued with sorbitol, consistent with cell wall involvement. The cell wall-targeting agent caffeine caused hypersensitivity to CQ, as did cell wall perturbation by sonication. The phenotypes were not caused by CQ-induced changes to cell wall components. Instead, CQ accumulated to higher levels in cells with perturbed cell walls: CQ uptake was 2- to 3-fold greater in bck1Δ and slt2Δ mutants than in wild-type yeast. CQ toxicity was synergistic with that of the major cell wall-targeting antifungal drug, caspofungin. The MIC of caspofungin against the yeast pathogen Candida albicans was decreased 2-fold by 250 μM CQ and up to 8-fold at higher CQ concentrations. Similar effects were seen in Candida glabrata and Aspergillus fumigatus. The results show that the cell wall is critical for CQ resistance in fungi and suggest that combination treatments with cell wall-targeting drugs could have potential for antifungal treatment.
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Furukawa K, Hohmann S. Synthetic biology: lessons from engineering yeast MAPK signalling pathways. Mol Microbiol 2013; 88:5-19. [PMID: 23461595 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
All living cells respond to external stimuli and execute specific physiological responses through signal transduction pathways. Understanding the mechanisms controlling signalling pathways is important for diagnosing and treating diseases and for reprogramming cells with desired functions. Although many of the signalling components in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been identified by genetic studies, many features concerning the dynamic control of pathway activity, cross-talk, cell-to-cell variability or robustness against perturbation are still incompletely understood. Comparing the behaviour of engineered and natural signalling pathways offers insight complementary to that achievable with standard genetic and molecular studies. Here, we review studies that aim at a deeper understanding of signalling design principles and generation of novel signalling properties by engineering the yeast mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. The underlying approaches can be applied to other organisms including mammalian cells and offer opportunities for building synthetic pathways and functionalities useful in medicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Furukawa
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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