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Liu F, Zeng M, Zhou X, Huang F, Song Z. Aspergillus fumigatus escape mechanisms from its harsh survival environments. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:53. [PMID: 38175242 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12952-z] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogenic mold and causes several diseases, including mycotoxicosis, allergic reactions, and systemic diseases (invasive aspergillosis), with high mortality rates. In its ecological niche, the fungus has evolved and mastered many reply strategies to resist and survive against negative threats, including harsh environmental stress and deficiency of essential nutrients from natural environments, immunity responses and drug treatments in host, and competition from symbiotic microorganisms. Hence, treating A. fumigatus infection is a growing challenge. In this review, we summarized A. fumigatus reply strategies and escape mechanisms and clarified the main competitive or symbiotic relationships between A. fumigatus, viruses, bacteria, or fungi in host microecology. Additionally, we discussed the contemporary drug repertoire used to treat A. fumigatus and the latest evidence of potential resistance mechanisms. This review provides valuable knowledge which will stimulate further investigations and clinical applications for treating and preventing A. fumigatus infections. KEY POINTS: • Harsh living environment was a great challenge for A. fumigatus survival. • A. fumigatus has evolved multiple strategies to escape host immune responses. • A. fumigatus withstands antifungal drugs via intrinsic escape mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 402160, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
- Molecular Biotechnology Platform, Public Center of Experimental Technology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Mbuya B, Plante S, Ammar F, Brault A, Labbé S. The Schizosaccharomyces pombe ornithine-N 5-oxygenase Sib2 interacts with the N 5-transacetylase Sib3 in the ferrichrome biosynthetic pathway. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1467397. [PMID: 39328910 PMCID: PMC11424930 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1467397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe produces the hydroxamate-type siderophore ferrichrome (Fc). The biosynthesis of Fc requires the Fc synthase Sib1, the ornithine-N5-oxygenase Sib2, and the N5-hydroxyornithine-N5-transacetylase Sib3. In this study, we demonstrate the critical importance of the His248 residue of Sib3 in Fc production. Cells expressing a sib3H248A mutant allele fail to grow in iron-poor media without Fc supplementation. These sib3H248A mutant cells are consistently unable to promote Fc-dependent growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in cross-feeding experiments. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged wild-type Sib3 and mutant Sib3H248A exhibit a pancellular distribution. Coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed that both wild-type and Sib3H248A physically interact with Sib2. Further analysis identified a minimal C-terminal region from amino acids 290-334 of Sib3 that is required for interaction with Sib2. Deletion mapping analysis identified two regions of Sib2 as being required for its association with Sib3. The first region encompasses amino acids 1-135, and the second region corresponds to amino acids 281-358 of Sib2. Taken together, these results describe the first example of a physical interaction between an ornithine-N5-oxygenase and an N5-hydroxyornithine-N5-transacetylase controlling the biosynthesis of a hydroxamate-type siderophore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthy Mbuya
- Département de Biochimie et de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Samuel Plante
- Département de Biochimie et de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Farouk Ammar
- Département de Biochimie et de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Ariane Brault
- Département de Biochimie et de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Labbé
- Département de Biochimie et de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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3
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Choi S, Kronstad JW, Jung WH. Siderophore Biosynthesis and Transport Systems in Model and Pathogenic Fungi. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1551-1562. [PMID: 38881181 PMCID: PMC11380514 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2405.05020] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Fungi employ diverse mechanisms for iron uptake to ensure proliferation and survival in iron-limited environments. Siderophores are secondary metabolite small molecules with a high affinity specifically for ferric iron; these molecules play an essential role in iron acquisition in fungi and significantly influence fungal physiology and virulence. Fungal siderophores, which are primarily hydroxamate types, are synthesized via non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) or NRPS-independent pathways. Following synthesis, siderophores are excreted, chelate iron, and are transported into the cell by specific cell membrane transporters. In several human pathogenic fungi, siderophores are pivotal for virulence, as inhibition of their synthesis or transport significantly reduces disease in murine models of infection. This review briefly highlights siderophore biosynthesis and transport mechanisms in fungal pathogens as well the model fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Understanding siderophore biosynthesis and transport in pathogenic fungi provides valuable insights into fungal biology and illuminates potential therapeutic targets for combating fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyeong Choi
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - James W Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Won Hee Jung
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
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Will V, Frey C, Normant V, Kuhn L, Chicher J, Volck F, Schalk IJ. The role of FoxA, FiuA, and FpvB in iron acquisition via hydroxamate-type siderophores in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18795. [PMID: 39138320 PMCID: PMC11322547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69152-6] [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: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Siderophores are specialized molecules produced by bacteria and fungi to scavenge iron, a crucial nutrient for growth and metabolism. Catecholate-type siderophores are mainly produced by bacteria, while hydroxamates are mostly from fungi. This study investigates the capacity of nine hydroxamate-type siderophores from fungi and Streptomyces to facilitate iron acquisition by the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Growth assays under iron limitation and 55Fe incorporation tests showed that all nine siderophores promoted bacterial growth and iron transport. The study also aimed to identify the TonB-dependent transporters (TBDTs) involved in iron import by these siderophores. Using mutant strains lacking specific TBDT genes, it was found that iron is imported into P. aeruginosa cells by FpvB for coprogen, triacetylfusarinine, fusigen, ferrirhodin, and ferrirubin. Iron complexed by desferioxamine G is transported by FpvB and FoxA, ferricrocin-Fe and ferrichrycin-Fe by FpvB and FiuA, and rhodotoluric acid-Fe by FpvB, FiuA, and another unidentified TBDT. These findings highlight the effectiveness of hydroxamate-type siderophores in iron transport into P. aeruginosa and provide insights into the complex molecular mechanisms involved, which are important for understanding microbial interactions and ecological balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Will
- CNRS, UMR7242, UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
- UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Frey
- CNRS, UMR7242, UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
- UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Normant
- CNRS, UMR7242, UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
- UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lauriane Kuhn
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire, CNRS, UAR1589, Plateforme Proteomique Strasbourg - Esplanade, 2 Allée Konrad Roentgen, 67084, Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Johana Chicher
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire Et Cellulaire, CNRS, UAR1589, Plateforme Proteomique Strasbourg - Esplanade, 2 Allée Konrad Roentgen, 67084, Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Florian Volck
- CNRS, UMR7242, UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
- UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Isabelle J Schalk
- CNRS, UMR7242, UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France.
- UMR7242, ESBS, University of Strasbourg, Bld Sébastien Brant, 67412, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France.
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Curtis A, Dobes P, Marciniak J, Hurychova J, Hyrsl P, Kavanagh K. Characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus secretome during sublethal infection of Galleria mellonella larvae. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73:001844. [PMID: 38836745 PMCID: PMC11261830 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001844] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. The fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus can induce prolonged colonization of the lungs of susceptible patients, resulting in conditions such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.Hypothesis. Analysis of the A. fumigatus secretome released during sub-lethal infection of G. mellonella larvae may give an insight into products released during prolonged human colonisation.Methodology. Galleria mellonella larvae were infected with A. fumigatus, and the metabolism of host carbohydrate and proteins and production of fungal virulence factors were analysed. Label-free qualitative proteomic analysis was performed to identify fungal proteins in larvae at 96 hours post-infection and also to identify changes in the Galleria proteome as a result of infection.Results. Infected larvae demonstrated increasing concentrations of gliotoxin and siderophore and displayed reduced amounts of haemolymph carbohydrate and protein. Fungal proteins (399) were detected by qualitative proteomic analysis in cell-free haemolymph at 96 hours and could be categorized into seven groups, including virulence (n = 25), stress response (n = 34), DNA repair and replication (n = 39), translation (n = 22), metabolism (n = 42), released intracellular (n = 28) and cellular development and cell cycle (n = 53). Analysis of the Gallerial proteome at 96 hours post-infection revealed changes in the abundance of proteins associated with immune function, metabolism, cellular structure, insect development, transcription/translation and detoxification.Conclusion. Characterizing the impact of the fungal secretome on the host may provide an insight into how A. fumigatus damages tissue and suppresses the immune response during long-term pulmonary colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Curtis
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Pavel Dobes
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jacek Marciniak
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hurychova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hyrsl
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Oberegger S, Misslinger M, Faserl K, Sarg B, Farhan H, Haas H. The cytosolic form of dual localized BolA family protein Bol3 is important for adaptation to iron starvation in Aspergillus fumigatus. Open Biol 2024; 14:240033. [PMID: 38919062 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.240033] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the predominant mould pathogen for humans. Adaption to host-imposed iron limitation has previously been demonstrated to be essential for its virulence. [2Fe-2S] clusters are crucial as cofactors of several metabolic pathways and mediate cytosolic/nuclear iron sensing in fungi including A. fumigatus. [2Fe-2S] cluster trafficking has been shown to involve BolA family proteins in both mitochondria and the cytosol/nucleus. Interestingly, both A. fumigatus homologues, termed Bol1 and Bol3, possess mitochondrial targeting sequences, suggesting the lack of cytosolic/nuclear versions. Here, we show by the combination of mutational, proteomic and fluorescence microscopic analyses that expression of the Bol3 encoding gene leads to dual localization of gene products to mitochondria and the cytosol/nucleus via alternative translation initiation downstream of the mitochondrial targeting sequence, which appears to be highly conserved in various Aspergillus species. Lack of either mitochondrial Bol1 or Bol3 was phenotypically inconspicuous while lack of cytosolic/nuclear Bol3 impaired growth during iron limitation but not iron sensing which indicates a particular importance of [2Fe-2S] cluster trafficking during iron limitation. Remarkably, cytosolic/nuclear Bol3 differs from the mitochondrial version only by N-terminal acetylation, a finding that was only possible by mutational hypothesis testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Oberegger
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Misslinger
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Faserl
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bettina Sarg
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hesso Farhan
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Caballero P, Yap A, Bromley MJ, Haas H. The Transcription Factors AcuK and AcuM Influence Siderophore Biosynthesis of Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:327. [PMID: 38786682 PMCID: PMC11121910 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The mold Aspergillus fumigatus employs two high-affinity uptake systems, reductive iron assimilation (RIA) and siderophore-mediated iron acquisition (SIA), for the acquisition of the essential trace element iron. SIA has previously been shown to be crucial for virulence in mammalian hosts. Here, we show that a lack of AcuK or AcuM, transcription factors required for the activation of gluconeogenesis, decreases the production of both extra- and intracellular siderophores in A. fumigatus. The lack of AcuM or AcuK did not affect the expression of genes involved in RIA and SIA, suggesting that these regulators do not directly regulate iron homeostasis genes, but indirectly affect siderophore production through their influence on metabolism. Consistent with this, acetate supplementation reversed the intracellular siderophore production defect of ΔacuM and ΔacuK. Moreover, ΔacuM and ΔacuK displayed a similar growth defect under iron limitation and iron sufficiency, which suggests they have a general role in carbon metabolism apart from gluconeogenesis. In agreement with a potential role of the glyoxylate cycle in adaptation to iron starvation, transcript levels of the malate synthase-encoding acuE were found to be upregulated by iron limitation that is partially dependent on AcuK and AcuM. Together, these data demonstrate the influence of iron availability on carbon metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Caballero
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (P.C.); (A.Y.)
| | - Annie Yap
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (P.C.); (A.Y.)
| | - Michael J. Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity, and Respiratory Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (P.C.); (A.Y.)
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Zhou J, Wang D, Wu Q, Jiang Y, Yan J, Wu L, Li S, Niu X. Rare NRPS Gene Cluster for Desferriferrichrome Biosynthesis Controls the Conflict between Trap Formation and Nematicidal Activity in Arthrobotrys oligospora. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:3560-3571. [PMID: 38340066 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The formation of the trapping device induced by nematodes has been assumed as an indicator for a switch from saprophytic to predacious lifestyles for nematode-trapping fungi. However, fungal nematocidal activity is not completely synonymous with fungal trap formation. We found that the predominant nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora harbored a rare NRPS (Ao415) gene cluster that was mainly distributed in nematode-trapping fungi. The gene Ao415 putatively encodes a protein with a unique domain organization, distinct from other NRPSs in other fungi. Mutation of the two key biosynthetic genes Ao415 and Ao414 combined with nontarget metabolic analysis revealed that the Ao415 gene cluster was responsible for the biosynthesis of a hydroxamate siderophore, desferriferrichrome (1). Lack of desferriferrichrome (1) and its hydroxamate precursor (3) could lead to significantly increased Fe3+ content, which induced fungal trap formation without a nematode inducer. Furthermore, the addition of Fe3+ strongly improved fungal trap formation but deleteriously caused broken traps. The addition of 1 significantly attenuated trap formation but enhanced fungal nematicidal activity. Our findings indicate that iron is a key factor for trap formation and provide a new insight into the underlying mechanism of siderophores in nematode-trapping fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - DongLou Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - QunFu Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Yang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - JunXian Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Li Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - ShuHong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - XueMei Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
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Hussein SM, Sofoluwe A, Paleja A, Duhme-Klair A, Thomas MS. Identification of a system for hydroxamate xenosiderophore-mediated iron transport in Burkholderia cenocepacia. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001425. [PMID: 38189440 PMCID: PMC10866019 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001425] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
One of the mechanisms employed by the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia to acquire the essential element iron is the production and release of two ferric iron chelating compounds (siderophores), ornibactin and pyochelin. Here we show that B. cenocepacia is also able to take advantage of a range of siderophores produced by other bacteria and fungi ('xenosiderophores') that chelate iron exclusively by means of hydroxamate groups. These include the tris-hydroxamate siderophores ferrioxamine B, ferrichrome, ferricrocin and triacetylfusarinine C, the bis-hydroxamates alcaligin and rhodotorulic acid, and the monohydroxamate siderophore cepabactin. We also show that of the 24 TonB-dependent transporters encoded by the B. cenocepacia genome, two (FhuA and FeuA) are involved in the uptake of hydroxamate xenosiderophores, with FhuA serving as the exclusive transporter of iron-loaded ferrioxamine B, triacetylfusarinine C, alcaligin and rhodotorulic acid, while both FhuA and FeuA are able to translocate ferrichrome-type siderophores across the outer membrane. Finally, we identified FhuB, a putative cytoplasmic membrane-anchored ferric-siderophore reductase, as being obligatory for utilization of all of the tested bis- and tris-hydroxamate xenosiderophores apart from alcaligin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syakira Mohammed Hussein
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Aderonke Sofoluwe
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Ameya Paleja
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Anne Duhme-Klair
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Mark S. Thomas
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
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10
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Tian B, Chen Z, Yu Y, Yang Y, Fang A, Bi C, Qu Z, Fu Y, Mehmood MA, Zhou C, Jiang D. Transcriptional plasticity of schizotrophic Sclerotinia sclerotiorum responds to symptomatic rapeseed and endophytic wheat hosts. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0261223. [PMID: 37905914 PMCID: PMC10714719 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02612-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The broad host range of fungi with differential fungal responses leads to either a pathogenic or an endophytic lifestyle in various host plants. Yet, the molecular basis of schizotrophic fungal responses to different plant hosts remains unexplored. Here, we observed a general increase in the gene expression of S. sclerotiorum associated with pathogenicity in symptomatic rapeseed, including small protein secretion, appressorial formation, and oxalic acid toxin production. Conversely, in wheat, many carbohydrate metabolism and transport-associated genes were induced, indicating a general increase in processes associated with carbohydrate acquisition. Appressorium is required for S. sclerotiorum during colonization in symptomatic hosts but not in endophytic wheat. These findings provide new clues for understanding schizotrophic fungi, fungal evolution, and the emergence pathways of new plant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binnian Tian
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziyang Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuheng Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Anfei Fang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaowei Bi
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanping Fu
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mirza Abid Mehmood
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Plant Protection, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Changyong Zhou
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daohong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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11
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Bhardwaj M, Kailoo S, Khan RT, Khan SS, Rasool S. Harnessing fungal endophytes for natural management: a biocontrol perspective. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1280258. [PMID: 38143866 PMCID: PMC10748429 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1280258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the ever-evolving realm of agriculture, the convoluted interaction between plants and microorganisms have assumed paramount significance. Fungal endophytes, once perceived as mere bystanders within plant tissues, have now emerged as dynamic defenders of plant health. This comprehensive review delves into the captivating world of fungal endophytes and their multifaceted biocontrol mechanisms. Exploring their unique ability to coexist with their plant hosts, fungal endophytes have unlocked a treasure trove of biological weaponry to fend off pathogens and enhance plant resilience. From the synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites to intricate signaling pathways these silent allies are masters of biological warfare. The world of fungal endophytes is quite fascinating as they engage in a delicate dance with the plant immune system, orchestrating a symphony of defense that challenges traditional notions of plant-pathogen interactions. The journey through the various mechanisms employed by these enigmatic endophytes to combat diseases, will lead to revelational understanding of sustainable agriculture. The review delves into cutting-edge research and promising prospects, shedding light on how fungal endophytes hold the key to biocontrol and the reduction of chemical inputs in agriculture. Their ecological significance, potential for bioprospecting and avenues for future research are also explored. This exploration of the biocontrol mechanisms of fungal endophytes promise not only to enrich our comprehension of plant-microbe relationships but also, to shape the future of sustainable and ecofriendly agricultural practices. In this intricate web of life, fungal endophytes are indeed the unsung heroes, silently guarding our crops and illuminating a path towards a greener, healthier tomorrow.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shafaq Rasool
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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12
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Potenciano da Silva KL, Moraes D, Lechner B, Lindner H, Haas H, Almeida Soares CM, Silva-Bailão MG, Bailão AM. Fonsecaea pedrosoi produces ferricrocin and can utilize different host iron sources. Fungal Biol 2023; 127:1512-1523. [PMID: 38097325 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The survival of living organisms depends on iron, one of the most abundant metals in the Earth's crust. Nevertheless, this micronutrient is poorly available in our aerobic atmosphere as well as inside the mammalian host. This problem is circumvented by the expression of high affinity iron uptake machineries, including the production of siderophores, in pathogenic fungi. Here we demonstrated that F. pedrosoi, the causative agent of the neglected tropical disease chromoblastomycosis, presents gene clusters for siderophore production. In addition, ten putative siderophore transporters were identified. Those genes are upregulated under iron starvation, a condition that induces the secretion of hydroxamates, as revealed by chrome azurol S assays. RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis allowed the identification of ferricrocin as an intra- and extracellular siderophore. F. pedrosoi can grow in different iron sources, including the bacterial ferrioxamine B and the host proteins ferritin, hemoglobin and holotransferrin. Of note, addition of hemoglobin, lactoferrin and holotransferrin to the growth medium of macrophages infected with F. pedrosoi enhanced significantly fungal survival. The ability to produce siderophores in iron limited conditions added to the versatility to utilize different sources of iron are strategies that certainly may contribute to fungal survival inside the host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dayane Moraes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Beatrix Lechner
- Institute of Molecular Biology/ Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Herbert Lindner
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry/Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology/ Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | | | | | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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13
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Pijuan J, Moreno DF, Yahya G, Moisa M, Ul Haq I, Krukiewicz K, Mosbah R, Metwally K, Cavalu S. Regulatory and pathogenic mechanisms in response to iron deficiency and excess in fungi. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:2053-2071. [PMID: 37804207 PMCID: PMC10616654 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential element for all eukaryote organisms because of its redox properties, which are important for many biological processes such as DNA synthesis, mitochondrial respiration, oxygen transport, lipid, and carbon metabolism. For this reason, living organisms have developed different strategies and mechanisms to optimally regulate iron acquisition, transport, storage, and uptake in different environmental responses. Moreover, iron plays an essential role during microbial infections. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been of key importance for decrypting iron homeostasis and regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes. Specifically, the transcription factors Aft1/Aft2 and Yap5 regulate the expression of genes to control iron metabolism in response to its deficiency or excess, adapting to the cell's iron requirements and its availability in the environment. We also review which iron-related virulence factors have the most common fungal human pathogens (Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans). These factors are essential for adaptation in different host niches during pathogenesis, including different fungal-specific iron-uptake mechanisms. While being necessary for virulence, they provide hope for developing novel antifungal treatments, which are currently scarce and usually toxic for patients. In this review, we provide a compilation of the current knowledge about the metabolic response to iron deficiency and excess in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Pijuan
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Molecular MedicineInstitut de Recerca Sant Joan de DéuBarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIIIMadridSpain
| | - David F. Moreno
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental BiologyYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Systems Biology InstituteYale UniversityWest HavenConnecticutUSA
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et CellulaireIllkirchFrance
| | - Galal Yahya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of PharmacyZagazig UniversityAl SharqiaEgypt
| | - Mihaela Moisa
- Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyUniversity of OradeaOradeaRomania
| | - Ihtisham Ul Haq
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Polymers TechnologySilesian University of TechnologyGliwicePoland
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Inovação TecnológicaUniversidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Katarzyna Krukiewicz
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Polymers TechnologySilesian University of TechnologyGliwicePoland
- Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid ElectronicsSilesian University of TechnologyGliwicePoland
| | - Rasha Mosbah
- Infection Control UnitHospitals of Zagazig UniversityZagazigEgypt
| | - Kamel Metwally
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of TabukTabukSaudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of PharmacyZagazig UniversityZagazigEgypt
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyUniversity of OradeaOradeaRomania
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14
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Stefanache A, Lungu II, Butnariu IA, Calin G, Gutu C, Marcu C, Grierosu C, Bogdan Goroftei ER, Duceac LD, Dabija MG, Popa F, Damir D. Understanding How Minerals Contribute to Optimal Immune Function. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:3355733. [PMID: 37946846 PMCID: PMC10632063 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3355733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sufficient mineral supply is vital not only for the innate immune system but also for the components of the adaptive immune defense, which encompass defense mechanisms against pathogens and the delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory regulation in the long term. Generally, a well-balanced diet is capable of providing the necessary minerals to support the immune system. Nevertheless, specific vulnerable populations should be cautious about obtaining adequate amounts of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium. Inadequate levels of these minerals can temporarily impair immune competence and disrupt the long-term regulation of systemic inflammation. Therefore, comprehending the mechanisms and sources of these minerals is crucial. In exceptional circumstances, mineral deficiencies may necessitate supplementation; however, excessive intake of supplements can have adverse effects on the immune system and should be avoided. Consequently, any supplementation should be approved by medical professionals and administered in recommended doses. This review emphasizes the crucial significance of minerals in promoting optimal functioning of the immune system. It investigates the indispensable minerals required for immune system function and the regulation of inflammation. Moreover, it delves into the significance of maintaining an optimized intake of minerals from a nutritional standpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Stefanache
- “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
| | - Ionut-Iulian Lungu
- “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
| | | | - Gabriela Calin
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, 11 Pacurari Street, Iasi 700511, Romania
| | - Cristian Gutu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Dunarea de Jos, 47 Domneasca Street, Galati 800008, Romania
| | - Constantin Marcu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Dunarea de Jos, 47 Domneasca Street, Galati 800008, Romania
| | - Carmen Grierosu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, 11 Pacurari Street, Iasi 700511, Romania
| | | | - Letitia-Doina Duceac
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Dunarea de Jos, 47 Domneasca Street, Galati 800008, Romania
| | | | - Florina Popa
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Dunarea de Jos, 47 Domneasca Street, Galati 800008, Romania
| | - Daniela Damir
- “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
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15
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Borges BM, Ramos RBC, Preite NW, Kaminski VDL, Alves de Castro P, Camacho M, Maximo MF, Fill TP, Calich VLG, Traynor AM, Sarikaya-Bayram Ö, Doyle S, Bayram Ö, de Campos CBL, Zelanis A, Goldman GH, Loures FV. Transcriptional profiling of a fungal granuloma reveals a low metabolic activity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts and an actively regulated host immune response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1268959. [PMID: 37868350 PMCID: PMC10585178 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1268959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Granulomas are important immunological structures in the host defense against the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the main etiologic agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a granulomatous systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. We have performed transcriptional and proteomic studies of yeasts present in the pulmonary granulomas of PCM aiming to identify relevant genes and proteins that act under stressing conditions. C57BL/6 mice were infected with 1x106 yeasts and after 8- and 12-weeks of infection, granulomatous lesions were obtained for extraction of fungal and murine RNAs and fungal proteins. Dual transcriptional profiling was done comparing lung cells and P. brasiliensis yeasts from granulomas with uninfected lung cells and the original yeast suspension used in the infection, respectively. Mouse transcripts indicated a lung malfunction, with low expression of genes related to muscle contraction and organization. In addition, an increased expression of transcripts related to the activity of neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes as well as an elevated expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17 transcripts were observed. The increased expression of transcripts for CTLA-4, PD-1 and arginase-1, provided evidence of immune regulatory mechanisms within the granulomatous lesions. Also, our results indicate iron as a key element for the granuloma to function, where a high number of transcripts related to fungal siderophores for iron uptake was observed, a mechanism of fungal virulence not previously described in granulomas. Furthermore, transcriptomics and proteomics analyzes indicated a low fungal activity within the granuloma, as demonstrated by the decreased expression of genes and proteins related to energy metabolism and cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Montanari Borges
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Berton Correia Ramos
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Nycolas Willian Preite
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Valéria de Lima Kaminski
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurício Camacho
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Taicia Pacheco Fill
- Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Garcia Calich
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aimee M. Traynor
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Özgür Bayram
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - André Zelanis
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science of Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávio Vieira Loures
- Institute of Science and Technology (ICT), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
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16
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Liu J, Hu X. Fungal extracellular vesicle-mediated regulation: from virulence factor to clinical application. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1205477. [PMID: 37779707 PMCID: PMC10540631 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1205477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) poses a significant threat to immunocompromised patients and remains a global challenge due to limited treatment options, high mortality and morbidity rates, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Despite advancements in antifungal agents and diagnostic techniques, the lack of effective vaccines, standardized diagnostic tools, and efficient antifungal drugs contributes to the ongoing impact of invasive fungal infections (IFI). Recent studies have highlighted the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by fungi carrying various components such as enzymes, lipids, nucleic acids, and virulence proteins, which play roles in both physiological and pathological processes. These fungal EVs have been shown to interact with the host immune system during the development of fungal infections whereas their functional role and potential application in patients are not yet fully understood. This review summarizes the current understanding of the biologically relevant findings regarding EV in host-pathogen interaction, and aim to describe our knowledge of the roles of EV as diagnostic tools and vaccine vehicles, offering promising prospects for the treatment of IFI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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17
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Happacher I, Aguiar M, Yap A, Decristoforo C, Haas H. Fungal siderophore metabolism with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus: impact on biotic interactions and potential translational applications. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:829-842. [PMID: 37313590 PMCID: PMC10500206 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220252] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential trace element that is limiting in most habitats including hosts for fungal pathogens. Siderophores are iron-chelators synthesized by most fungal species for high-affinity uptake and intracellular handling of iron. Moreover, virtually all fungal species including those lacking siderophore biosynthesis appear to be able to utilize siderophores produced by other species. Siderophore biosynthesis has been shown to be crucial for virulence of several fungal pathogens infecting animals and plants revealing induction of this iron acquisition system during virulence, which offers translational potential of this fungal-specific system. The present article summarizes the current knowledge on the fungal siderophore system with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus and its potential translational application including noninvasive diagnosis of fungal infections via urine samples, imaging of fungal infections via labeling of siderophores with radionuclides such as Gallium-68 for detection with positron emission tomography, conjugation of siderophores with fluorescent probes, and development of novel antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidor Happacher
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario Aguiar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annie Yap
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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18
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Rassbach J, Hilsberg N, Haensch VG, Dörner S, Gressler J, Sonnabend R, Semm C, Voigt K, Hertweck C, Gressler M. Non-canonical two-step biosynthesis of anti-oomycete indole alkaloids in Kickxellales. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2023; 10:19. [PMID: 37670394 PMCID: PMC10478498 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-023-00166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungi are prolific producers of bioactive small molecules of pharmaceutical or agricultural interest. The secondary metabolism of higher fungi (Dikarya) has been well-investigated which led to > 39,000 described compounds. However, natural product researchers scarcely drew attention to early-diverging fungi (Mucoro- and Zoopagomycota) as they are considered to rarely produce secondary metabolites. Indeed, only 15 compounds have as yet been isolated from the entire phylum of the Zoopagomycota. RESULTS Here, we showcase eight species of the order Kickxellales (phylum Zoopagomycota) as potent producers of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-derived compounds lindolins A and B. The compounds are produced both under laboratory conditions and in the natural soil habitat suggesting a specialized ecological function. Indeed, lindolin A is a selective agent against plant-pathogenic oomycetes such as Phytophthora sp. Lindolin biosynthesis was reconstituted in vitro and relies on the activity of two enzymes of dissimilar evolutionary origin: Whilst the IAA-CoA ligase LinA has evolved from fungal 4-coumaryl-CoA synthetases, the subsequently acting IAA-CoA:anthranilate N-indole-3-acetyltransferase LinB is a unique enzyme across all kingdoms of life. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report on bioactive secondary metabolites in the subphylum Kickxellomycotina and the first evidence for a non-clustered, two-step biosynthetic route of secondary metabolites in early-diverging fungi. Thus, the generally accepted "gene cluster hypothesis" for natural products needs to be reconsidered for early diverging fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Rassbach
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knöll-Institute, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Nathalie Hilsberg
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knöll-Institute, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Veit G Haensch
- Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knöll-Institute, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 23, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dörner
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knöll-Institute, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Gressler
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knöll-Institute, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Robin Sonnabend
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knöll-Institute, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Caroline Semm
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Neugasse 25, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Microbial Resource Collection (JMRC), Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 23, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Voigt
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Neugasse 25, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Jena Microbial Resource Collection (JMRC), Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 23, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knöll-Institute, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 23, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Neugasse 25, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Gressler
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany.
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knöll-Institute, Winzerlaer Strasse 2, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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19
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Brechting PJ, Shah C, Rakotondraibe L, Shen Q, Rappleye CA. Histoplasma capsulatum requires peroxisomes for multiple virulence functions including siderophore biosynthesis. mBio 2023; 14:e0328422. [PMID: 37432032 PMCID: PMC10470777 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03284-22] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisomes are versatile eukaryotic organelles essential for many functions in fungi, including fatty acid metabolism, reactive oxygen species detoxification, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. A suite of Pex proteins (peroxins) maintains peroxisomes, while peroxisomal matrix enzymes execute peroxisome functions. Insertional mutagenesis identified peroxin genes as essential components supporting the intraphagosomal growth of the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum. Disruption of the peroxins Pex5, Pex10, or Pex33 in H. capsulatum prevented peroxisome import of proteins targeted to the organelle via the PTS1 pathway. This loss of peroxisome protein import limited H. capsulatum intracellular growth in macrophages and attenuated virulence in an acute histoplasmosis infection model. Interruption of the alternate PTS2 import pathway also attenuated H. capsulatum virulence, although only at later time points of infection. The Sid1 and Sid3 siderophore biosynthesis proteins contain a PTS1 peroxisome import signal and localize to the H. capsulatum peroxisome. Loss of either the PTS1 or PTS2 peroxisome import pathway impaired siderophore production and iron acquisition in H. capsulatum, demonstrating compartmentalization of at least some biosynthetic steps for hydroxamate siderophore biosynthesis. However, the loss of PTS1-based peroxisome import caused earlier virulence attenuation than either the loss of PTS2-based protein import or the loss of siderophore biosynthesis, indicating additional PTS1-dependent peroxisomal functions are important for H. capsulatum virulence. Furthermore, disruption of the Pex11 peroxin also attenuated H. capsulatum virulence independently of peroxisomal protein import and siderophore biosynthesis. These findings demonstrate peroxisomes contribute to H. capsulatum pathogenesis by facilitating siderophore biosynthesis and another unidentified role(s) for the organelle during fungal virulence. IMPORTANCE The fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum infects host phagocytes and establishes a replication-permissive niche within the cells. To do so, H. capsulatum overcomes and subverts antifungal defense mechanisms which include the limitation of essential micronutrients. H. capsulatum replication within host cells requires multiple distinct functions of the fungal peroxisome organelle. These peroxisomal functions contribute to H. capsulatum pathogenesis at different times during infection and include peroxisome-dependent biosynthesis of iron-scavenging siderophores to enable fungal proliferation, particularly after activation of cell-mediated immunity. The multiple essential roles of fungal peroxisomes reveal this organelle as a potential but untapped target for the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandan Shah
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Liva Rakotondraibe
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chad A. Rappleye
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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20
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Kurbessoian T, Murante D, Crocker A, Hogan DA, Stajich JE. In host evolution of Exophiala dermatitidis in cystic fibrosis lung micro-environment. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad126. [PMID: 37293838 PMCID: PMC10484061 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to chronic lung infections that lead to inflammation and irreversible lung damage. While most respiratory infections that occur in CF are caused by bacteria, some are dominated by fungi such as the slow-growing black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis. Here, we analyze isolates of E. dermatitidis cultured from two samples, collected from a single subject 2 years apart. One isolate genome was sequenced using long-read Nanopore technology as an in-population reference to use in comparative single nucleotide polymorphism and insertion-deletion variant analyses of 23 isolates. We then used population genomics and phylo-genomics to compare the isolates to each other as well as the reference genome strain E. dermatitidis NIH/UT8656. Within the CF lung population, three E. dermatitidis clades were detected, each with varying mutation rates. Overall, the isolates were highly similar suggesting that they were recently diverged. All isolates were MAT 1-1, which was consistent with their high relatedness and the absence of evidence for mating or recombination between isolates. Phylogenetic analysis grouped sets of isolates into clades that contained isolates from both early and late time points indicating there are multiple persistent lineages. Functional assessment of variants unique to each clade identified alleles in genes that encode transporters, cytochrome P450 oxidoreductases, iron acquisition, and DNA repair processes. Consistent with the genomic heterogeneity, isolates showed some stable phenotype heterogeneity in melanin production, subtle differences in antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations, and growth on different substrates. The persistent population heterogeneity identified in lung-derived isolates is an important factor to consider in the study of chronic fungal infections, and the analysis of changes in fungal pathogens over time may provide important insights into the physiology of black yeasts and other slow-growing fungi in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Kurbessoian
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Daniel Murante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Alex Crocker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Deborah A Hogan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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21
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Han W, Wu Z, Zhong Z, Williams J, Jacobsen SE, Sun Z, Tang Y. Assessing the Biosynthetic Inventory of the Biocontrol Fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum T22. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37471583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural products biosynthesized from biocontrol fungi in the rhizosphere can have both beneficial and deleterious effects on plants. Herein, we performed a comprehensive analysis of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) from the widely used biocontrol fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum T22 (ThT22). This fungus encodes at least 64 BGCs, yet only seven compounds and four BGCs were previously characterized or mined. We correlated 21 BGCs of ThT22 with known primary and secondary metabolites through homologous BGC comparison and characterized one unknown BGC involved in the biosynthesis of eujavanicol A using heterologous expression. In addition, we performed untargeted transcriptomics and metabolic analysis to demonstrate the activation of silent ThT22 BGCs via the "one strain many compound" (OSMAC) approach. Collectively, our analysis showcases the biosynthetic capacity of ThT22 and paves the way for fully exploring the roles of natural products of ThT22.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Han
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Zhongshou Wu
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Zhenhui Zhong
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Jason Williams
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Steven E Jacobsen
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Zuodong Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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22
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Bailão AM, Silva KLPD, Moraes D, Lechner B, Lindner H, Haas H, Soares CMA, Silva-Bailão MG. Iron Starvation Induces Ferricrocin Production and the Reductive Iron Acquisition System in the Chromoblastomycosis Agent Cladophialophora carrionii. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:727. [PMID: 37504717 PMCID: PMC10382037 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is a micronutrient required by almost all living organisms. Despite being essential, the availability of this metal is low in aerobic environments. Additionally, mammalian hosts evolved strategies to restrict iron from invading microorganisms. In this scenario, the survival of pathogenic fungi depends on high-affinity iron uptake mechanisms. Here, we show that the production of siderophores and the reductive iron acquisition system (RIA) are employed by Cladophialophora carrionii under iron restriction. This black fungus is one of the causative agents of chromoblastomycosis, a neglected subcutaneous tropical disease. Siderophore biosynthesis genes are arranged in clusters and, interestingly, two RIA systems are present in the genome. Orthologs of putative siderophore transporters were identified as well. Iron starvation regulates the expression of genes related to both siderophore production and RIA systems, as well as of two transcription factors that regulate iron homeostasis in fungi. A chrome azurol S assay demonstrated the secretion of hydroxamate-type siderophores, which were further identified via RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry as ferricrocin. An analysis of cell extracts also revealed ferricrocin as an intracellular siderophore. The presence of active high-affinity iron acquisition systems may surely contribute to fungal survival during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | | | - Dayane Moraes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Beatrix Lechner
- Institute of Molecular Biology/Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 795J+RF Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Lindner
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry/Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 795J+RF Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology/Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 795J+RF Innsbruck, Austria
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23
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Schalamun M, Molin EM, Schmoll M. RGS4 impacts carbohydrate and siderophore metabolism in Trichoderma reesei. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:372. [PMID: 37400774 PMCID: PMC10316542 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09467-2] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adaptation to complex, rapidly changing environments is crucial for evolutionary success of fungi. The heterotrimeric G-protein pathway belongs to the most important signaling cascades applied for this task. In Trichoderma reesei, enzyme production, growth and secondary metabolism are among the physiological traits influenced by the G-protein pathway in a light dependent manner. RESULTS Here, we investigated the function of the SNX/H-type regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) protein RGS4 of T. reesei. We show that RGS4 is involved in regulation of cellulase production, growth, asexual development and oxidative stress response in darkness as well as in osmotic stress response in the presence of sodium chloride, particularly in light. Transcriptome analysis revealed regulation of several ribosomal genes, six genes mutated in RutC30 as well as several genes encoding transcription factors and transporters. Importantly, RGS4 positively regulates the siderophore cluster responsible for fusarinine C biosynthesis in light. The respective deletion mutant shows altered growth on nutrient sources related to siderophore production such as ornithine or proline in a BIOLOG phenotype microarray assay. Additionally, growth on storage carbohydrates as well as several intermediates of the D-galactose and D-arabinose catabolic pathway is decreased, predominantly in light. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that RGS4 mainly operates in light and targets plant cell wall degradation, siderophore production and storage compound metabolism in T. reesei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schalamun
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Bioresources Unit, Center for Health & Bioresources, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 24, Tulln, 3430 Austria
| | - Eva Maria Molin
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Bioresources Unit, Center for Health & Bioresources, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 24, Tulln, 3430 Austria
| | - Monika Schmoll
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Bioresources Unit, Center for Health & Bioresources, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 24, Tulln, 3430 Austria
- Division of Terrestrial Ecosystem Research, Centre of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, Vienna, 1030 Austria
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24
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Yap A, Volz R, Paul S, Moye-Rowley WS, Haas H. Regulation of High-Affinity Iron Acquisition, Including Acquisition Mediated by the Iron Permease FtrA, Is Coordinated by AtrR, SrbA, and SreA in Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2023; 14:e0075723. [PMID: 37093084 PMCID: PMC10294635 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00757-23] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron acquisition is crucial for virulence of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Previous studies indicated that this mold regulates iron uptake via both siderophores and reductive iron assimilation by the GATA factor SreA and the SREBP regulator SrbA. Here, characterization of loss of function as well as hyperactive alleles revealed that transcriptional activation of iron uptake depends additionally on the Zn2Cys6 regulator AtrR, most likely via cooperation with SrbA. Mutational analysis of the promoter of the iron permease-encoding ftrA gene identified a 210-bp sequence, which is both essential and sufficient to impart iron regulation. Further studies located functional sequences, densely packed within 75 bp, that largely resemble binding motifs for SrbA, SreA, and AtrR. The latter, confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis, is the first one not fully matching the 5'-CGGN12CCG-3' consensus sequence. The results presented here emphasize for the first time the direct involvement of SrbA, AtrR, and SreA in iron regulation. The essential role of both AtrR and SrbA in activation of iron acquisition underlines the coordination of iron homeostasis with biosynthesis of ergosterol and heme as well as adaptation to hypoxia. The rationale is most likely the iron dependence of these pathways along with the enzymatic link of biosynthesis of ergosterol and siderophores. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common filamentous fungal pathogen infecting humans. Iron acquisition via siderophores has previously been shown to be essential for virulence of this mold species. Here, we demonstrate that AtrR, a transcription factor previously shown to control ergosterol biosynthesis, azole resistance, and adaptation to hypoxia, is essential for activation of iron acquisition, including siderophore biosynthesis and uptake. Dissection of an iron-regulated promoter identified binding motifs for AtrR and the two previously identified regulators of iron acquisition, SrbA and SreA. Altogether, this study identified a new regulator required for maintenance of iron homeostasis, revealed insights into promoter architecture for iron regulation, and emphasized the coordinated regulation of iron homeostasis ergosterol biosynthesis and adaptation to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Yap
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ricarda Volz
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sanjoy Paul
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - W. Scott Moye-Rowley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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25
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Happacher I, Aguiar M, Alilou M, Abt B, Baltussen TJH, Decristoforo C, Melchers WJG, Haas H. The Siderophore Ferricrocin Mediates Iron Acquisition in Aspergillus fumigatus. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0049623. [PMID: 37199664 PMCID: PMC10269809 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00496-23] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus utilizes two high-affinity iron uptake mechanisms, termed reductive iron assimilation (RIA) and siderophore-mediated iron acquisition (SIA). The latter has been shown to be crucial for virulence of this fungus and is a target for development of novel strategies for diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections. So far, research on SIA in this mold focused mainly on the hyphal stage, revealing the importance of extracellular fusarinine-type siderophores in iron acquisition as well as of the siderophore ferricrocin in intracellular iron handling. The current study aimed to characterize iron acquisition during germination. High expression of genes involved in biosynthesis and uptake of ferricrocin in conidia and during germination, independent of iron availability, suggested a role of ferricrocin in iron acquisition during germination. In agreement, (i) bioassays indicated secretion of ferricrocin during growth on solid media during both iron sufficiency and limitation, (ii) ferricrocin was identified in the supernatant of conidia germinating in liquid media during both iron sufficiency and limitation, (iii) in contrast to mutants lacking all siderophores, mutants synthesizing ferricrocin but lacking fusarinine-type siderophores were able to grow under iron limitation in the absence of RIA, and (iv) genetic inactivation of the ferricrocin transporter Sit1 decreased germination in the absence of RIA. Taken together, this study revealed that ferricrocin has not only an intracellular role but also functions as an extracellular siderophore to support iron acquisition. The iron availability-independent ferricrocin secretion and uptake during early germination indicate developmental, rather than iron regulation. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common airborne fungal pathogens for humans. Low-molecular-mass iron chelators, termed siderophores, have been shown to play a central role in iron homeostasis and, consequently, virulence of this mold. Previous studies demonstrated the crucial role of secreted fusarinine-type siderophores, such as triacetylfusarinine C, in iron acquisition, as well as of the ferrichrome-type siderophore ferricrocin in intracellular iron storage and transport. Here, we demonstrate that ferricrocin is also secreted to mediate iron acquisition during germination together with reductive iron assimilation. During early germination, ferricrocin secretion and uptake were not repressed by iron availability, indicating developmental regulation of this iron acquisition system in this growth phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidor Happacher
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario Aguiar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mostafa Alilou
- Institute of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beate Abt
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tim J. H. Baltussen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Willem J. G. Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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26
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Jenner M, Hai Y, Nguyen HH, Passmore M, Skyrud W, Kim J, Garg NK, Zhang W, Ogorzalek Loo RR, Tang Y. Elucidating the molecular programming of a nonlinear non-ribosomal peptide synthetase responsible for fungal siderophore biosynthesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2832. [PMID: 37198174 PMCID: PMC10192304 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38484-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Siderophores belonging to the ferrichrome family are essential for the viability of fungal species and play a key role for virulence of numerous pathogenic fungi. Despite their biological significance, our understanding of how these iron-chelating cyclic hexapeptides are assembled by non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) enzymes remains poorly understood, primarily due to the nonlinearity exhibited by the domain architecture. Herein, we report the biochemical characterization of the SidC NRPS, responsible for construction of the intracellular siderophore ferricrocin. In vitro reconstitution of purified SidC reveals its ability to produce ferricrocin and its structural variant, ferrichrome. Application of intact protein mass spectrometry uncovers several non-canonical events during peptidyl siderophore biosynthesis, including inter-modular loading of amino acid substrates and an adenylation domain capable of poly-amide bond formation. This work expands the scope of NRPS programming, allows biosynthetic assignment of ferrichrome NRPSs, and sets the stage for reprogramming towards novel hydroxamate scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Jenner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre (WISB), University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Yang Hai
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.
| | - Hong H Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Transmed Co., Ltd., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Munro Passmore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Will Skyrud
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA
- Arzeda, 3421 Thorndyke Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Junyong Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Neil K Garg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | | | - Yi Tang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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27
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Obar JJ, Shepardson KM. Coinfections in the lung: How viral infection creates a favorable environment for bacterial and fungal infections. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011334. [PMID: 37141196 PMCID: PMC10159189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Obar
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Kelly M Shepardson
- University of California, Merced, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Merced, California, United States of America
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28
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Toopaang W, Panyawicha K, Srisuksam C, Hsu WC, Lin CC, Tanticharoen M, Yang YL, Amnuaykanjanasin A. Metabolomic Analysis Demonstrates the Impacts of Polyketide Synthases PKS14 and PKS15 on the Production of Beauvericins, Bassianolide, Enniatin A, and Ferricrocin in Entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030425. [PMID: 36984865 PMCID: PMC10057652 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana is a globally distributed entomopathogenic fungus that produces various secondary metabolites to support its pathogenesis in insects. Two polyketide synthase genes, pks14 and pks15, are highly conserved in entomopathogenic fungi and are important for insect virulence. However, understanding of their mechanisms in insect pathogenicity is still limited. Here, we overexpressed these two genes in B. bassiana and compared the metabolite profiles of pks14 and pks15 overexpression strains to those of their respective knockout strains in culture and in vivo using tandem liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS). The pks14 and pks15 clusters exhibited crosstalk with biosynthetic clusters encoding insect-virulent metabolites, including beauvericins, bassianolide, enniatin A, and the intracellular siderophore ferricrocin under certain conditions. These secondary metabolites were upregulated in the pks14-overexpressing strain in culture and the pks15-overexpressing strain in vivo. These data suggest that pks14 and pks15, their proteins or their cluster components might be directly or indirectly associated with key pathways in insect pathogenesis of B. bassiana, particularly those related to secondary metabolism. Information about interactions between the polyketide clusters and other biosynthetic clusters improves scientific understanding about crosstalk among biosynthetic pathways and mechanisms of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wachiraporn Toopaang
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Paholyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Kullyanee Panyawicha
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chettida Srisuksam
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Paholyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Wei-Chen Hsu
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711010, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chih Lin
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711010, Taiwan
| | - Morakot Tanticharoen
- School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Yu-Liang Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711010, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-L.Y.); (A.A.)
| | - Alongkorn Amnuaykanjanasin
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Paholyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Correspondence: (Y.-L.Y.); (A.A.)
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29
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Narh Mensah DL, Wingfield BD, Coetzee MPA. Nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene clusters and characteristics of predicted NRPS-dependent siderophore synthetases in Armillaria and other species in the Physalacriaceae. Curr Genet 2023; 69:7-24. [PMID: 36369495 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-022-01256-w] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungal secondary metabolites are often pathogenicity or virulence factors synthesized by genes contained in secondary metabolite gene clusters (SMGCs). Nonribosomal polypeptide synthetase (NRPS) clusters are SMGCs which produce peptides such as siderophores, the high affinity ferric iron chelating compounds required for iron uptake under aerobic conditions. Armillaria spp. are mostly facultative necrotrophs of woody plants. NRPS-dependent siderophore synthetase (NDSS) clusters of Armillaria spp. and selected Physalacriaceae were investigated using a comparative genomics approach. Siderophore biosynthesis by strains of selected Armillaria spp. was evaluated using CAS and split-CAS assays. At least one NRPS cluster and other clusters were detected in the genomes studied. No correlation was observed between the number and types of SMGCs and reported pathogenicity of the species studied. The genomes contained one NDSS cluster each. All NDSSs were multi-modular with the domain architecture (ATC)3(TC)2. NDSS clusters of the Armillaria spp. showed a high degree of microsynteny. In the genomes of Desarmillaria spp. and Guyanagaster necrorhizus, NDSS clusters were more syntenic with NDSS clusters of Armillaria spp. than to those of the other Physalacriaceae species studied. Three A-domain orthologous groups were identified in the NDSSs, and atypical Stachelhaus codes were predicted for the A3 orthologous group. In vitro biosynthesis of mainly hydroxamate and some catecholate siderophores was observed. Hence, Armillaria spp. generally contain one highly conserved, NDSS cluster although some interspecific variations in the products of these clusters is expected. Results from this study lays the groundwork for future studies to elucidate the molecular biology of fungal phyto-pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Narh Mensah
- Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Food Research Institute (CSIR-FRI), P. O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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30
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Luptáková D, Patil RH, Dobiáš R, Stevens DA, Pluháček T, Palyzová A, Káňová M, Navrátil M, Vrba Z, Hubáček P, Havlíček V. Siderophore-Based Noninvasive Differentiation of Aspergillus fumigatus Colonization and Invasion in Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0406822. [PMID: 36719229 PMCID: PMC10100950 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04068-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Germination from conidia to hyphae and hyphal propagation of Aspergillus fumigatus are the key pathogenic steps in the development of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). By applying in vitro observations in a clinical study of 13 patients diagnosed with probable IPA, here, we show that the transition from colonization to the A. fumigatus invasive stage is accompanied by the secretion of triacetylfusarinine C (TafC), triacetylfusarinine B (TafB), and ferricrocin (Fc) siderophores into urine, with strikingly better sensitivity performance than serum sampling. The best-performing index, the TafC/creatinine index, with a median value of 17.2, provided 92.3% detection sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.0 to 99.8%) and 100% specificity (95% CI, 84.6 to 100%), i.e., substantially better than the corresponding indications provided by galactomannan (GM) and β-d-glucan (BDG) serology. For the same patient cohort, the serum GM and BDG sensitivities were 46.2 and 76.9%, respectively, and their specificities were 86.4 and 63.6%, respectively. The time-dependent specific appearance of siderophores in the host's urine represents an impactful clinical diagnostic advantage in the early discrimination of invasive aspergillosis from colonization. A favorable concentration of TafC in a clinical specimen distant from a deep infection site enables the noninvasive sampling of patients suffering from IPA. IMPORTANCE The importance of this research lies in the demonstration that siderophore analysis can distinguish between asymptomatic colonization and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. We found clear associations between phases of fungal development, from conidial germination to the proliferative stage of invasive aspergillosis, and changes in secondary metabolite secretion. The critical extracellular fungal metabolites triacetylfusarinines C and B are produced during the polarized germination or postpolarized growth phase and reflect the morphological status of the proliferating pathogen. False positivity in Aspergillus diagnostics is minimized as mammalian cells do not synthesize Aspergillus siderophore or mycotoxin molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Luptáková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Rutuja H. Patil
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Radim Dobiáš
- Department of Bacteriology and Mycology, Public Health Institute in Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Tomáš Pluháček
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Andrea Palyzová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marcela Káňová
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Forensic Studies, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Milan Navrátil
- Department of Hematooncology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Zbyněk Vrba
- Lung Department, Krnov Combined Medical Facility, Krnov, Czechia
| | - Petr Hubáček
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vladimír Havlíček
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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Wang J, Qian XQ, Yang T, Hou DB, Zhang GL, Li GY. Chaetomadramines A-E, a class of siderophores with potent neuroprotective activity from the fungus Chaetomium madrasense cib-1. Fitoterapia 2023; 164:105351. [PMID: 36375689 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2022.105351] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Five hydroxamate siderophores, chaetomadramines A-E (1-5), along with seven known compounds were isolated from the fermented rice culture of the fungus Chaetomium madrasense cib-1. Compounds 1-5 were structurally elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, which were a group of unusual hydroxamate siderophores, bearing a long fatty acyl on the α-NH2 of the Nδ-hydroxylated ornithine. Compounds 2-5 were new. The structural elucidation and spectroscopic data of 1 were reported for the first time. Compounds 2-4 significantly improved the survival rates of PC12 cells in the neuroprotective activity assay at the concentration of 40 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Xue-Qing Qian
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Da-Bin Hou
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China.
| | - Guo-Lin Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China; Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Guo-You Li
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Genetic Engineering of Talaromyces marneffei to Enhance Siderophore Production and Preliminary Testing for Medical Application Potential. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8111183. [DOI: 10.3390/jof8111183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Siderophores are compounds with low molecular weight with a high affinity and specificity for ferric iron, which is produced by bacteria and fungi. Fungal siderophores have been characterized and their feasibility for clinical applications has been investigated. Fungi may be limited in slow growth and low siderophore production; however, they have advantages of high diversity and affinity. Hence, the purpose of this study was to generate a genetically modified strain in Talaromyces marneffei that enhanced siderophore production and to identify the characteristics of siderophore to guide its medical application. SreA is a transcription factor that negatively controls iron acquisition mechanisms. Therefore, we deleted the sreA gene to enhance the siderophore production and found that the null mutant of sreA (ΔsreA) produced a high amount of extracellular siderophores. The produced siderophore was characterized using HPLC-MS, HPLC-DAD, FTIR, and 1H- and 13C-NMR techniques and identified as a coprogen B. The compound showed a powerful iron-binding activity and could reduce labile iron pool levels in iron-loaded hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh7) cells. In addition, the coprogen B showed no toxicity to the Huh7 cells, demonstrating its potential to serve as an ideal iron chelator. Moreover, it inhibits the growth of Candida albicans and Escherichia coli in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, we have generated the siderophore-enhancing strain of T. marneffei, and the coprogen B isolated from this strain could be useful in the development of a new iron-chelating agent or other medical applications.
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A GATA-type transcription factor SreA affects manganese susceptibility by regulating the expression of iron uptake-related genes. Fungal Genet Biol 2022; 163:103731. [PMID: 36087858 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2022.103731] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
SreA has been identified as a GATA-type transcription factor that represses iron uptake to avoid iron excess during iron sufficiency. However, knowledge about whether SreA also affects the homeostasis of other divalent metal ions is limited. In this study, by screening Aspergillus fumigatus transcription factor deletion mutant libraries, we demonstrate that the sreA deletion mutant shows the greatest tolerance to MnCl2 among the tested divalent metal ions. Fe and Mn stimuli are able to enhance the expression of SreA with the different time-dependent manner, while the expression of SreA contributes to Mn2+ tolerance. Lack of SreA results in abnormally increased expression of a series of siderophore biosynthesis genes and iron transport-related genes, especially under MnCl2 treatment. Further mechanistic exploration indicated that lack of SreA exacerbates abnormal iron uptake, and iron excess inhibits cellular Mn content; thus, deletion of sreA results in Mn tolerance. Thus, findings in this study have demonstrated a new unexplored function for the transcription factor SreA in regulation of the Mn2+ tolerance.
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Chiu PC, Nakamura Y, Nishimura S, Tabuchi T, Yashiroda Y, Hirai G, Matsuyama A, Yoshida M. Ferrichrome, a fungal-type siderophore, confers high ammonium tolerance to fission yeast. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17411. [PMID: 36302945 PMCID: PMC9613971 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22108-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms and plants produce siderophores, which function to transport environmental iron into cells as well as participate in cellular iron use and deposition. Their biological functions are diverse although their role in primary metabolism is poorly understood. Ferrichrome is a fungal-type siderophore synthesized by nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS). Herein we show that ferrichrome induces adaptive growth of fission yeast on high ammonium media. Ammonium is a preferred nitrogen source as it suppresses uptake and catabolism of less preferred nitrogen sources such as leucine through a mechanism called nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR). Therefore, the growth of fission yeast mutant cells with leucine auxotrophy is suppressed in the presence of high concentrations of ammonium. This growth suppression was canceled by ferrichrome in a manner dependent on the amino acid transporter Cat1. Additionally, growth retardation of wild-type cells by excess ammonium was exacerbated by deleting the NRPS gene sib1, which is responsible for the biosynthesis of ferrichrome, suggesting that intrinsically produced ferrichrome functions in suppressing the metabolic action of ammonium. Furthermore, ferrichrome facilitated the growth of both wild-type and sib1-deficient cells under low glucose conditions. These results suggest that intracellular iron regulates primary metabolism, including NCR, which is mediated by siderophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chang Chiu
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
| | - Yuri Nakamura
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
| | - Shinichi Nishimura
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XCollaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
| | - Toshitsugu Tabuchi
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan
| | - Yoko Yashiroda
- grid.509461.f0000 0004 1757 8255RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Go Hirai
- grid.509461.f0000 0004 1757 8255RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198 Japan ,grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582 Japan
| | - Akihisa Matsuyama
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan ,grid.509461.f0000 0004 1757 8255RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XCollaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan ,grid.509461.f0000 0004 1757 8255RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198 Japan
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Aguiar M, Orasch T, Shadkchan Y, Caballero P, Pfister J, Sastré-Velásquez LE, Gsaller F, Decristoforo C, Osherov N, Haas H. Uptake of the Siderophore Triacetylfusarinine C, but Not Fusarinine C, Is Crucial for Virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2022; 13:e0219222. [PMID: 36125294 PMCID: PMC9600649 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02192-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Siderophores play an important role in fungal virulence, serving as trackers for in vivo imaging and as biomarkers of fungal infections. However, siderophore uptake is only partially characterized. As the major cause of aspergillosis, Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common airborne fungal pathogens of humans. Here, we demonstrate that this mold species mediates the uptake of iron chelated by the secreted siderophores triacetylfusarinine C (TAFC) and fusarinine C by the major facilitator-type transporters MirB and MirD, respectively. In a murine aspergillosis model, MirB but not MirD was found to be crucial for virulence, indicating that TAFC-mediated uptake plays a dominant role during infection. In the absence of MirB, TAFC becomes inhibitory by decreasing iron availability because the mutant is not able to recognize iron that is chelated by TAFC. MirB-mediated transport was found to tolerate the conjugation of fluorescein isothiocyanate to triacetylfusarinine C, which might aid in the development of siderophore-based antifungals in a Trojan horse approach, particularly as the role of MirB in pathogenicity restrains its mutational inactivation. Taken together, this study identified the first eukaryotic siderophore transporter that is crucial for virulence and elucidated its translational potential as well as its evolutionary conservation. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for thousands of cases of invasive fungal disease annually. For iron uptake, A. fumigatus secretes so-called siderophores, which are taken up after the binding of environmental iron. Moreover, A. fumigatus can utilize siderophore types that are produced by other fungi or bacteria. Fungal siderophores raised considerable interest due to their role in virulence and their potential for the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections. Here, we demonstrate that the siderophore transporter MirB is crucial for the virulence of A. fumigatus, which reveals that its substrate, triacetylfusarinine C, is the most important siderophore during infection. We found that in the absence of MirB, TAFC becomes inhibitory by decreasing the availability of environmental iron and that MirB-mediated transport tolerates the derivatization of its substrate, which might aid in the development of siderophore-based antifungals. This study significantly improved the understanding of fungal iron homeostasis and the role of siderophores in interactions with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Aguiar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Orasch
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Yana Shadkchan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Patricia Caballero
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joachim Pfister
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Fabio Gsaller
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nir Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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36
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Tao J, Wu W, Lin D, Yang K. Microbial degradation of nondesorbable organic compounds on biochars by extracellular reactive oxygen species. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129625. [PMID: 35905607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of microbial degradation of biochar-adsorbed organic pollutants is essential for recovering adsorption performance of biochars and reducing secondary pollution in soil remediation. In previous study, desorption of organic compounds from biochars was perceived as a prerequisite for the microbial degradation. However, microbial degradation of the nondesorbable organic compounds on biochars has not been studied. Therefore, degradation of nondesorbable naphthalene (NAPH), phenanthrene (PHEN) and pyrene (PYR) on a wood chip-derived biochar (WBC700) by Sphingobium yanoikuyae B1 was investigated. Significant microbial degradations of nondesorbable organic compounds were observed and followed the order of NAPH < PHEN < PYR. It was newly observed in this study that the microbial degradation of nondesorbable organic compounds on WBC700 was mainly attributed to the •OH in extracellular fluid of Sphingobium yanoikuyae B1. The extracellular •OH was produced through a Fenton-like reaction involved siderophore, H2O2 and iron ions, which could be significantly enhanced by WBC700. Microbial degradation was higher for larger organic compound (e.g., PYR), because larger molecules were adsorbed in relatively larger micropores of WBC700 and thus could be accessible to more extracellular •OH for degradation. The obtained results could provide a new insight into the microbial degradation of biochar-adsorbed organic pollutants in soil remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Tao
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Ecological Health of Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenhao Wu
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Ecological Health of Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Daohui Lin
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Ecological Health of Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang University-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou 311200, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Ecological Health of Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Online Biomass Monitoring Enables Characterization of the Growth Pattern of Aspergillus fumigatus in Liquid Shake Conditions. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101013. [PMID: 36294578 PMCID: PMC9605507 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous filamentous fungal species are extensively studied due to their role as model organisms, workhorses in biotechnology, or as pathogens for plants, animals, and humans. Growth studies are mainly carried out on solid media. However, studies concerning gene expression, biochemistry, or metabolism are carried out usually in liquid shake conditions, which do not correspond to the growth pattern on solid media. The reason for this practice is the problem of on-line growth monitoring of filamentous fungal species, which usually form pellets in liquid shake cultures. Here, we compared the time-consuming and tedious process of dry-weight determination of the mold Aspergillus fumigatus with online monitoring of biomass in liquid shake culture by the parallelizable CGQ (“cell growth quantifier”), which implements dynamic biomass determination by backscattered light measurement. The results revealed a strong correlation of CGQ-mediated growth monitoring and classical biomass measurement of A. fumigatus grown over a time course. Moreover, CGQ-mediated growth monitoring displayed the difference in growth of A. fumigatus in response to the limitation of iron or nitrogen as well as the growth defects of previously reported mutant strains (ΔhapX, ΔsrbA). Furthermore, the frequently used wild-type strain Af293 showed largely decreased and delayed growth in liquid shake cultures compared to other strains (AfS77, A1160p+, AfS35). Taken together, the CGQ allows for robust, automated biomass monitoring of A. fumigatus during liquid shake conditions, which largely facilitates the characterization of the growth pattern of filamentous fungal species.
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From Glaciers to Refrigerators: the Population Genomics and Biocontrol Potential of the Black Yeast Aureobasidium subglaciale. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0145522. [PMID: 35880866 PMCID: PMC9430960 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01455-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Apples are affected by numerous fungi known as storage rots, which cause significant losses before and after harvest. Concerns about increasing antimicrobial resistance, bans on various fungicides, and changing consumer preferences are motivating the search for safer means to prevent fruit rot. The use of antagonistic microbes has been shown to be an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional phytopharmaceuticals. Here, we investigate the potential of Aureobasidium subglaciale for postharvest rot control. We tested the antagonistic activity of 9 strains of A. subglaciale and 7 closely related strains against relevant phytopathogenic fungi under conditions simulating low-temperature storage: Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Colletotrichum acutatum. We also investigated a selection of phenotypic traits of all strains and sequenced their whole genomes. The tested strains significantly reduced postharvest rot of apples at low temperatures caused by B. cinerea, C. acutatum (over 60%), and P. expansum (about 40%). Several phenotypic traits were observed that may contribute to this biocontrol capacity: growth at low temperatures, tolerance to high temperatures and elevated solute concentrations, and strong production of several extracellular enzymes and siderophores. Population genomics revealed that 7 of the 15 strains originally identified as A. subglaciale most likely belong to other, possibly undescribed species of the same genus. In addition, the population structure and linkage disequilibrium of the species suggest that A. subglaciale is strictly clonal and therefore particularly well suited for use in biocontrol. Overall, these data suggest substantial biological control potential for A. subglaciale, which represents another promising biological agent for disease control in fresh fruit. IMPORTANCE After harvest, fruits are often stored at low temperatures to prolong their life. However, despite the low temperatures, much of the fruit is lost to rot caused by a variety of fungi, resulting in major economic losses and food safety risks. An increasingly important environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods of mitigating the effects of plant diseases is the use of microorganisms that act similarly to probiotics—occupying the available space, producing antimicrobial compounds, and consuming the nutrients needed by the rot-causing species. To find a new microorganism for biological control that is particularly suitable for cold storage of fruit, we tested different isolates of the cold-loving yeast Aureobasidium subglaciale and studied their phenotypic characteristics and genomes. We demonstrated that A. subglaciale can significantly reduce rotting of apples caused by three rot-causing molds at low temperatures and thus has great potential for preventing fruit rot during cold storage.
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Brault A, Mbuya B, Labbé S. Sib1, Sib2, and Sib3 proteins are required for ferrichrome-mediated cross-feeding interaction between Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:962853. [PMID: 35928155 PMCID: PMC9344042 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.962853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Saccharomyces cerevisiae is unable to produce siderophores, this fungal organism can assimilate iron bound to the hydroxamate-type siderophore ferrichrome (Fc) produced and secreted by other microbes. Fc can enter S. cerevisiae cells via Arn1. Unlike S. cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe synthesizes and secretes Fc. The sib1+ and sib2+ genes encode, respectively, a Fc synthetase and an ornithine-N5-oxygenase, which are required for Fc production. When both genes were expressed in S. pombe, cross-feeding experiments revealed that S. cerevisiae fet3Δ arn1-4Δ cells expressing Arn1 could grow in the vicinity of S. pombe under low-iron conditions. In contrast, deletion of sib1+ and sib2+ produced a defect in the ability of S. pombe to keep S. cerevisiae cells alive when Fc is used as the sole source of iron. Further analysis identified a gene designated sib3+ that encodes an N5-transacetylase required for Fc production in S. pombe. The sib3Δ mutant strain exhibited a severe growth defect in iron-poor media, and it was unable to promote Fc-dependent growth of S. cerevisiae cells. Microscopic analyses of S. pombe cells expressing a functional Sib3-GFP protein revealed that Sib3 was localized throughout the cells, with a proportion of Sib3 being colocalized with Sib1 and Sib2 within the cytosol. Collectively, these results describe the first example of a one-way cross-feeding interaction, with S. pombe providing Fc that enables S. cerevisiae to grow when Fc is used as the sole source of iron.
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Singh P, Chauhan PK, Upadhyay SK, Singh RK, Dwivedi P, Wang J, Jain D, Jiang M. Mechanistic Insights and Potential Use of Siderophores Producing Microbes in Rhizosphere for Mitigation of Stress in Plants Grown in Degraded Land. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:898979. [PMID: 35898908 PMCID: PMC9309559 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.898979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant growth performance under a stressful environment, notably in the agriculture field, is directly correlated with the rapid growth of the human population, which triggers the pressure on crop productivity. Plants perceived many stresses owing to degraded land, which induces low plant productivity and, therefore, becomes a foremost concern for the future to face a situation of food scarcity. Land degradation is a very notable environmental issue at the local, regional, and global levels for agriculture. Land degradation generates global problems such as drought desertification, heavy metal contamination, and soil salinity, which pose challenges to achieving many UN Sustainable Development goals. The plant itself has a varied algorithm for the mitigation of stresses arising due to degraded land; the rhizospheric system of the plant has diverse modes and efficient mechanisms to cope with stress by numerous root-associated microbes. The suitable root-associated microbes and components of root exudate interplay against stress and build adaptation against stress-mediated mechanisms. The problem of iron-deficient soil is rising owing to increasing degraded land across the globe, which hampers plant growth productivity. Therefore, in the context to tackle these issues, the present review aims to identify plant-stress status owing to iron-deficient soil and its probable eco-friendly solution. Siderophores are well-recognized iron-chelating agents produced by numerous microbes and are associated with the rhizosphere. These siderophore-producing microbes are eco-friendly and sustainable agents, which may be managing plant stresses in the degraded land. The review also focuses on the molecular mechanisms of siderophores and their chemistry, cross-talk between plant root and siderophores-producing microbes to combat plant stress, and the utilization of siderophores in plant growth on degraded land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratiksha Singh
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China
| | - Prabhat K. Chauhan
- Department of Environmental Science, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, India
| | - Sudhir K. Upadhyay
- Department of Environmental Science, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, India
- Sudhir K. Upadhyay
| | - Rajesh Kumar Singh
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Padmanabh Dwivedi
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Jing Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China
| | - Devendra Jain
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, India
| | - Mingguo Jiang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Mingguo Jiang
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41
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Skellam E. Subcellular localization of fungal specialized metabolites. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2022; 9:11. [PMID: 35614515 PMCID: PMC9134587 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-022-00140-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal specialized metabolites play an important role in the environment and have impacted human health and survival significantly. These specialized metabolites are often the end product of a series of sequential and collaborating biosynthetic enzymes that reside within different subcellular compartments. A wide variety of methods have been developed to understand fungal specialized metabolite biosynthesis in terms of the chemical conversions and the biosynthetic enzymes required, however there are far fewer studies elucidating the compartmentalization of the same enzymes. This review illustrates the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites where the localization of all, or some, of the biosynthetic enzymes have been determined and describes the methods used to identify the sub-cellular localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Skellam
- Department of Chemistry and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle, Denton, TX, 76201, USA.
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42
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Ninomiya A, Urayama SI, Hagiwara D. Antibacterial diphenyl ether production induced by co-culture of Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:4169-4185. [PMID: 35595930 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11964-5] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are a rich source of secondary metabolites with potent biological activities. Co-culturing a fungus with another microorganism has drawn much attention as a practical method for stimulating fungal secondary metabolism. However, in most cases, the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of secondary metabolite production in co-culture are poorly understood. To elucidate such a mechanism, in this study, we established a model fungal-fungal co-culture system, composed of Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus. In the co-culture of A. nidulans and A. fumigatus, production of antibacterial diphenyl ethers was enhanced. Transcriptome analysis by RNA-sequencing showed that the co-culture activated expression of siderophore biosynthesis genes in A. fumigatus and two polyketide biosynthetic gene clusters (the ors and cic clusters) in A. nidulans. Gene disruption experiments revealed that the ors cluster is responsible for diphenyl ether production in the co-culture. Interestingly, the ors cluster was previously reported to be upregulated by co-culture of A. nidulans with the bacterium Streptomyces rapamycinicus; orsellinic acid was the main product of the cluster in that co-culture. In other words, the main product of the ors cluster was different in fungal-fungal and bacterial-fungal co-culture. The genes responsible for biosynthesis of the bacterial- and fungal-induced polyketides were deduced using a heterologous expression system in Aspergillus oryzae. The molecular genetic mechanisms that trigger biosynthesis of two different types of compounds in A. nidulans in response to the fungus and the bacterium were demonstrated, which provides an insight into complex secondary metabolic response of fungi to microorganisms. KEY POINTS: • Co-culture of two fungal species triggered antibiotic diphenyl ether production. • The co-culture affected expression levels of several genes for secondary metabolism. • Gene cluster essential for induction of the antibiotics production was determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Ninomiya
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan.,Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Syun-Ichi Urayama
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan.,Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Daisuke Hagiwara
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan. .,Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan.
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43
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Ribeiro HA, Vieira LS, Scindia Y, Adhikari B, Wheeler M, Knapp A, Schroeder W, Mehrad B, Laubenbacher R. Multi-scale mechanistic modelling of the host defence in invasive aspergillosis reveals leucocyte activation and iron acquisition as drivers of infection outcome. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20210806. [PMID: 35414216 PMCID: PMC9006013 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species are ubiquitous environmental moulds, with spores inhaled daily by most humans. Immunocompromised hosts can develop an invasive infection resulting in high mortality. There is, therefore, a pressing need for host-centric therapeutics for this infection. To address it, we created a multi-scale computational model of the infection, focused on its interaction with the innate immune system and iron, a critical nutrient for the pathogen. The model, parameterized using published data, was found to recapitulate a wide range of biological features and was experimentally validated in vivo. Conidial swelling was identified as critical in fungal strains with high growth, whereas the siderophore secretion rate seems to be an essential prerequisite for the establishment of the infection in low-growth strains. In immunocompetent hosts, high growth, high swelling probability and impaired leucocyte activation lead to a high conidial germination rate. Similarly, in neutropenic hosts, high fungal growth was achieved through synergy between high growth rate, high swelling probability, slow leucocyte activation and high siderophore secretion. In summary, the model reveals a small set of parameters related to fungal growth, iron acquisition and leucocyte activation as critical determinants of the fate of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Al Ribeiro
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Luis Sordo Vieira
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yogesh Scindia
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bandita Adhikari
- Center for Quantitative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Matthew Wheeler
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Adam Knapp
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Borna Mehrad
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Reinhard Laubenbacher
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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44
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Fortinez CM, Bloudoff K, Harrigan C, Sharon I, Strauss M, Schmeing TM. Structures and function of a tailoring oxidase in complex with a nonribosomal peptide synthetase module. Nat Commun 2022; 13:548. [PMID: 35087027 PMCID: PMC8795117 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are large modular enzymes that synthesize secondary metabolites and natural product therapeutics. Most NRPS biosynthetic pathways include an NRPS and additional proteins that introduce chemical modifications before, during or after assembly-line synthesis. The bacillamide biosynthetic pathway is a common, three-protein system, with a decarboxylase that prepares an NRPS substrate, an NRPS, and an oxidase. Here, the pathway is reconstituted in vitro. The oxidase is shown to perform dehydrogenation of the thiazoline in the peptide intermediate while it is covalently attached to the NRPS, as the penultimate step in bacillamide D synthesis. Structural analysis of the oxidase reveals a dimeric, two-lobed architecture with a remnant RiPP recognition element and a dramatic wrapping loop. The oxidase forms a stable complex with the NRPS and dimerizes it. We visualized co-complexes of the oxidase bound to the elongation module of the NRPS using X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM. The three active sites (for adenylation, condensation/cyclization, and oxidation) form an elegant arc to facilitate substrate delivery. The structures enabled a proof-of-principle bioengineering experiment in which the BmdC oxidase domain is embedded into the NRPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Marie Fortinez
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
- Centre de recherche en biologie structurale, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Kristjan Bloudoff
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
- Centre de recherche en biologie structurale, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Connor Harrigan
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
- Centre de recherche en biologie structurale, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Itai Sharon
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
- Centre de recherche en biologie structurale, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Mike Strauss
- Centre de recherche en biologie structurale, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - T Martin Schmeing
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en biologie structurale, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 0B1, Canada.
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45
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Asai Y, Hiratsuka T, Ueda M, Kawamura Y, Asamizu S, Onaka H, Arioka M, Nishimura S, Yoshida M. Differential Biosynthesis and Roles of Two Ferrichrome-Type Siderophores, ASP2397/AS2488053 and Ferricrocin, in Acremonium persicinum. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:207-216. [PMID: 35000376 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ferrichromes are a family of fungal siderophores with cyclic hexapeptide structures. Most fungi produce one or two ferrichrome-type siderophores. Acremonium persicinum MF-347833 produces ferrichrome-like potent Trojan horse antifungal antibiotics ASP2397 and AS2488053, the aluminum- and iron-chelating forms of AS2488059, respectively. Here, we show by gene sequencing followed by gene deletion experiments that A. persicinum MF-347833 possesses two nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes responsible for AS2488059 and ferricrocin assembly. AS2488059 was produced under iron starvation conditions and excreted into the media to serve as a defense metabolite and probably an iron courier. In contrast, ferricrocin was produced under iron-replete conditions and retained inside the cells, likely serving as an iron-sequestering molecule. Notably, the phylogenetic analyses suggest the different evolutionary origin of AS2488059 from that of conventional ferrichrome-type siderophores. Harnessing two ferrichrome-type siderophores with distinct biological properties may give A. persicinum a competitive advantage for surviving the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Asai
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Tomoshige Hiratsuka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Miyu Ueda
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yumi Kawamura
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shumpei Asamizu
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Onaka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Manabu Arioka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shinichi Nishimura
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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46
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Colabardini AC, Wang F, Dong Z, Pardeshi L, Rocha MC, Costa JH, dos Reis TF, Brown A, Jaber QZ, Fridman M, Fill T, Rokas A, Malavazi I, Wong KH, Goldman GH. Heterogeneity in the transcriptional response of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus to the antifungal agent caspofungin. Genetics 2022; 220:iyab183. [PMID: 34718550 PMCID: PMC8733440 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the main causative agent of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), a severe disease that affects immunosuppressed patients worldwide. The fungistatic drug caspofungin (CSP) is the second line of therapy against IPA but has increasingly been used against clinical strains that are resistant to azoles, the first line antifungal therapy. In high concentrations, CSP induces a tolerance phenotype with partial reestablishment of fungal growth called CSP paradoxical effect (CPE), resulting from a change in the composition of the cell wall. An increasing number of studies has shown that different isolates of A. fumigatus exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity, including heterogeneity in their CPE response. To gain insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of CPE response heterogeneity, we analyzed the transcriptomes of two A. fumigatus reference strains, Af293 and CEA17, exposed to low and high CSP concentrations. We found that there is a core transcriptional response that involves genes related to cell wall remodeling processes, mitochondrial function, transmembrane transport, and amino acid and ergosterol metabolism, and a variable response related to secondary metabolite (SM) biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Specifically, we show here that the overexpression of a SM pathway that works as an iron chelator extinguishes the CPE in both backgrounds, whereas iron depletion is detrimental for the CPE in Af293 but not in CEA17. We next investigated the function of the transcription factor CrzA, whose deletion was previously shown to result in heterogeneity in the CPE response of the Af293 and CEA17 strains. We found that CrzA constitutively binds to and modulates the expression of several genes related to processes involved in CSP tolerance and that crzA deletion differentially impacts the SM production and growth of Af293 and CEA17. As opposed to the ΔcrzACEA17 mutant, the ΔcrzAAf293 mutant fails to activate cell wall remodeling genes upon CSP exposure, which most likely severely affects its macrostructure and extinguishes its CPE. This study describes how heterogeneity in the response to an antifungal agent between A. fumigatus strains stems from heterogeneity in the function of a transcription factor and its downstream target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Colabardini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo CEP 14040-903, Brazil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Zhiqiang Dong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Lakhansing Pardeshi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
- Genomics, Bioinformatics and Single Cell Analysis Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Marina Campos Rocha
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos CEP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Jonas Henrique Costa
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo CEP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo CEP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Alec Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Qais Z Jaber
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Micha Fridman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Taicia Fill
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo CEP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Iran Malavazi
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos CEP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Koon Ho Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Gustavo Henrique Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo CEP 14040-903, Brazil
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47
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Insuk C, Pongpamorn P, Forsythe A, Matsumoto A, Ōmura S, Pathom-aree W, Cheeptham N, Xu J. Taxonomic and Metabolite Diversities of Moss-Associated Actinobacteria from Thailand. Metabolites 2021; 12:metabo12010022. [PMID: 35050144 PMCID: PMC8777641 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Actinobacteria are a group of ecologically important bacteria capable of producing diverse bioactive compounds. However, much remains unknown about the taxonomic and metabolic diversities of actinobacteria from many geographic regions and ecological niches. In this study, we report the isolation of actinobacteria from moss and moss-associated rhizosphere soils in Thailand. Among the 89 isolates analyzed for their bioactivities, 86 strains produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA, ranging from 0.04 to 59.12 mg/L); 42 strains produced hydroxamate type of siderophore; 35 strains produced catecholate type of siderophore; 21 strains solubilized tricalcium phosphate; and many strains exhibited antagonistic activities against one to several of the seven selected plant, animal, and human pathogens. Overall, actinobacteria from the rhizosphere soil of mosses showed greater abilities to produce IAA and siderophores and to solubilize tricalcium phosphate than those from mosses. Among these 89 isolates, 37 were analyzed for their 16S rRNA gene sequences, which revealed their diverse phylogenetic distributions among seven genera, Streptomyces, Micromonospora, Nocardia, Actinoplanes, Saccharothrix, Streptosporangium, and Cryptosporangium. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of ethyl acetate crude extracts of three selected isolates with inhibitory effects against a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain revealed diverse metabolites with known antimicrobial activities. Together, our results demonstrate that actinobacteria from mosses in Thailand are taxonomically diverse and capable of producing a range of metabolites with plant-growth-promoting and microbial pathogen-inhibiting potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadabhorn Insuk
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (C.I.); (A.F.)
| | - Pornkanok Pongpamorn
- National Omics Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Adrian Forsythe
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (C.I.); (A.F.)
| | - Atsuko Matsumoto
- Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan; (A.M.); (S.Ō.)
| | - Satoshi Ōmura
- Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan; (A.M.); (S.Ō.)
| | - Wasu Pathom-aree
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Correspondence: (W.P.-a.); (N.C.); (J.X.)
| | - Naowarat Cheeptham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
- Correspondence: (W.P.-a.); (N.C.); (J.X.)
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (C.I.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: (W.P.-a.); (N.C.); (J.X.)
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48
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Inductive Production of the Iron-Chelating 2-Pyridones Benefits the Producing Fungus To Compete for Diverse Niches. mBio 2021; 12:e0327921. [PMID: 34903054 PMCID: PMC8669486 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03279-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse 2-pyridone alkaloids have been identified with an array of biological and pharmaceutical activities, including the development of drugs. However, the biosynthetic regulation and chemical ecology of 2-pyridones remain largely elusive. Here, we report the inductive activation of the silent polyketide synthase-nonribosomal peptide synthetase (PKS-NRPS) (tenS) gene cluster for the biosynthesis of the tenellin-type 2-pyridones in the insect-pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana when cocultured with its natural competitor fungus Metarhizium robertsii. A pathway-specific transcription factor, tenR, was identified, and the overexpression of tenR well expanded the biosynthetic mechanism of 15-hydroxytenellin (15-HT) and its derivatives. In particular, a tandemly linked glycosyltransferase-methyltransferase gene pair located outside the tenS gene cluster was verified to mediate the rare and site-specific methylglucosylation of 15-HT at its N-OH residue. It was evident that both tenellin and 15-HT can chelate iron, which could benefit B. bassiana to outcompete M. robertsii in cocultures and to adapt to iron-replete and -depleted conditions. Relative to the wild-type strain, the deletion of tenS had no obvious negative effect on fungal virulence, but the overexpression of tenR could substantially increase fungal pathogenicity toward insect hosts. The results of this study well advance the understanding of the biosynthetic machinery and chemical ecology of 2-pyridones.
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49
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Zhang J, Zhang P, Zeng G, Wu G, Qi L, Chen G, Fang W, Yin WB. Transcriptional Differences Guided Discovery and Genetic Identification of Coprogen and Dimerumic Acid Siderophores in Metarhizium robertsii. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:783609. [PMID: 34899665 PMCID: PMC8656255 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.783609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Siderophores are small molecular iron chelators and participate in the multiple cellular processes in fungi. In this study, biosynthesis gene clusters of coprogens and dimerumic acids were identified by transcriptional level differences of genes related to iron deficiency conditions in Metarhizium robertsii. This leads to the characterization of new coprogen metachelin C (1) and five known siderophores metachelin A (2), metachelin A-CE (3), metachelin B (4), dimerumic acid 11-mannoside (5), and dimerumic acid (6). The structure of metachelin C (1) was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS analysis. Genetic deletions of mrsidA, and mrsidD abolished the production of compounds 1–6 that implied their involvement in the biosynthesis of coprogen and dimerumic acid. Interestingly, NRPS gene mrsidD is responsible for biosynthesis of both coprogen and dimerumic acid, thus we proposed plausible biosynthetic pathways for the synthesis of coprogen and dimerumic acid siderophores. Therefore, our study provides the genetic basis for understanding the biosynthetic pathway of coprogen and dimerumic acid in Metarhizium robertsii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guohong Zeng
- College of Life Science, Institute of Microbiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangwei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Landa Qi
- Henan Academy of Science Institute of Biology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guocan Chen
- Henan Academy of Science Institute of Biology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weiguo Fang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Microbiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Bing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Moloney NM, Larkin A, Xu L, Fitzpatrick DA, Crean HL, Walshe K, Haas H, Decristoforo C, Doyle S. Generation and characterisation of a semi-synthetic siderophore-immunogen conjugate and a derivative recombinant triacetylfusarinine C-specific monoclonal antibody with fungal diagnostic application. Anal Biochem 2021; 632:114384. [PMID: 34543643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a severe life-threatening condition. Diagnosis of fungal disease in general, and especially that caused by Aspergillus fumigatus is problematic. A. fumigatus secretes siderophores to acquire iron during infection, which are also essential for virulence. We describe the chemoacetylation of ferrated fusarinine C to diacetylated fusarinine C (DAFC), followed by protein conjugation, which facilitated triacetylfusarinine C (TAFC)-specific monoclonal antibody production with specific recognition of the ferrated form of TAFC. A single monoclonal antibody sequence was ultimately elucidated by a combinatorial strategy involving protein LC-MS/MS, cDNA sequencing and RNAseq. The resultant murine IgG2a monoclonal antibody was secreted in, and purified from, mammalian cell culture (5 mg) and demonstrated to be highly specific for TAFC detection by competitive ELISA (detection limit: 15 nM) and in a lateral flow test system (detection limit: 3 ng), using gold nanoparticle conjugated- DAFC-bovine serum albumin for competition. Overall, this work reveals for the first time a recombinant TAFC-specific monoclonal antibody with diagnostic potential for IPA diagnosis in traditional and emerging patient groups (e.g., COVID-19) and presents a useful strategy for murine Ig sequence determination, and expression in HEK293 cells, to overcome unexpected limitations associated with aberrant or deficient murine monoclonal antibody production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Moloney
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - Annemarie Larkin
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Linan Xu
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - David A Fitzpatrick
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - Holly L Crean
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - Kieran Walshe
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Decristoforo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 5, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F2H6, Ireland.
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