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Lim SJ, Noor NDM, Sabri S, Ali MSM, Salleh AB, Oslan SN. Extracellular BSA-degrading SAPs in the rare pathogen Meyerozyma guilliermondii strain SO as potential virulence factors in candidiasis. Microb Pathog 2024; 193:106773. [PMID: 38960213 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106773] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Meyerozyma guilliermondii (Candida guilliermondii) is one of the Candida species associated with invasive candidiasis. With the potential for expressing industrially important enzymes, M. guilliermondii strain SO possessed 99 % proteome similarity with the clinical ATCC 6260 isolate and showed pathogenicity towards zebrafish embryos. Recently, three secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAPs) were computationally identified as potential virulence factors in this strain without in vitro verification of SAP activity. The quantification of Candida SAPs activity in liquid broth were also scarcely reported. Thus, this study aimed to characterize M. guilliermondii strain SO's ability to produce SAPs (MgSAPs) in different conditions (morphology and medium) besides analyzing its growth profile. MgSAPs' capability to cleave bovine serum albumin (BSA) was also determined to propose that MgSAPs as the potential virulence factors compared to the avirulent Saccharomyces cerevisiae. M. guilliermondii strain SO produced more SAPs (higher activity) in yeast nitrogen base-BSA-dextrose broth compared to yeast extract-BSA-dextrose broth despite insignificantly different SAP activity in both planktonic and biofilm cells. FeCl3 supplementation significantly increased the specific protein activity (∼40 %). The BSA cleavage by MgSAPs at an acidic pH was proven through semi-quantitative SDS-PAGE, sharing similar profile with HIV-1 retropepsin. The presented work highlighted the MgSAPs on fungal cell wall and extracellular milieu during host infection could be corroborated to the quantitative production in different growth modes presented herein besides shedding lights on the potential usage of retropepsin's inhibitors in treating candidiasis. Molecular and expression analyses of MgSAPs and their deletion should be further explored to attribute their respective virulence effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Jie Lim
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Noor Dina Muhd Noor
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Suriana Sabri
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Abu Bakar Salleh
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Siti Nurbaya Oslan
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Kumar D, Kumar A. Molecular Determinants Involved in Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Regulation. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1640-1659. [PMID: 37410258 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00796-x] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is known for its pathogenicity, although it lives within the human body as a commensal member. The commensal nature of C. albicans is well controlled and regulated by the host's immune system as they live in the harmonized microenvironment. However, the development of certain unusual microhabitat conditions (change in pH, co-inhabiting microorganisms' population ratio, debilitated host-immune system) pokes this commensal fungus to transform into a pathogen in such a way that it starts to propagate very rapidly and tries to breach the epithelial barrier to enter the host's systemic circulations. In addition, Candida is infamous as a major nosocomial (hospital-acquired infection) agent because it enters the human body through venous catheters or medical prostheses. The hysterical mode of C. albicans growth builds its microcolony or biofilm, which is pathogenic for the host. Biofilms propose additional resistance mechanisms from host immunity or extracellular chemicals to aid their survival. Differential gene expressions and regulations within the biofilms cause altered morphology and metabolism. The genes associated with adhesiveness, hyphal/pseudo-hyphal growth, persister cell transformation, and biofilm formation by C. albicans are controlled by myriads of cell-signaling regulators. These genes' transcription is controlled by different molecular determinants like transcription factors and regulators. Therefore, this review has focused discussion on host-immune-sensing molecular determinants of Candida during biofilm formation, regulatory descriptors (secondary messengers, regulatory RNAs, transcription factors) of Candida involved in biofilm formation that could enable small-molecule drug discovery against these molecular determinants, and lead to disrupt the well-structured Candida biofilms effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dushyant Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India
| | - Awanish Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India.
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3
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Tseng KY, Huang YT, Huang YT, Su YT, Wang AN, Weng WY, Ke CL, Yeh YC, Wang JJ, Du SH, Gu ZQ, Chen WL, Lin CH, Tsai YH. Regulation of candidalysin underlies Candida albicans persistence in intravascular catheters by modulating NETosis. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012319. [PMID: 38885290 PMCID: PMC11213320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a leading cause of intravascular catheter-related infections. The capacity for biofilm formation has been proposed to contribute to the persistence of this fungal pathogen on catheter surfaces. While efforts have been devoted to identifying microbial factors that modulate C. albicans biofilm formation in vitro, our understanding of the host factors that may shape C. albicans persistence in intravascular catheters is lacking. Here, we used multiphoton microscopy to characterize biofilms in intravascular catheters removed from candidiasis patients. We demonstrated that, NETosis, a type of neutrophil cell death with antimicrobial activity, was implicated in the interaction of immune cells with C. albicans in the catheters. The catheter isolates exhibited reduced filamentation and candidalysin gene expression, specifically in the total parenteral nutrition culture environment. Furthermore, we showed that the ablation of candidalysin expression in C. albicans reduced NETosis and conferred resistance to neutrophil-mediated fungal biofilm elimination. Our findings illustrate the role of neutrophil NETosis in modulating C. albicans biofilm persistence in an intravascular catheter, highlighting that C. albicans can benefit from reduced virulence expression to promote its persistence in an intravascular catheter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Yao Tseng
- Laboratory of Host–Microbe Interactions and Cell Dynamics, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tsung Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Laboratory of Host–Microbe Interactions and Cell Dynamics, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Su
- Laboratory of Host–Microbe Interactions and Cell Dynamics, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - An-Ni Wang
- Laboratory of Host–Microbe Interactions and Cell Dynamics, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yen Weng
- Laboratory of Host–Microbe Interactions and Cell Dynamics, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cai-Ling Ke
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chiao Yeh
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jhih-Jie Wang
- Laboratory of Host–Microbe Interactions and Cell Dynamics, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Hei Du
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zi-Qi Gu
- Laboratory of Host–Microbe Interactions and Cell Dynamics, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lin Chen
- Laboratory of Host–Microbe Interactions and Cell Dynamics, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Huan Tsai
- Laboratory of Host–Microbe Interactions and Cell Dynamics, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Zhu X, Jin F, Yang G, Zhuang T, Zhang C, Zhou H, Niu X, Wang H, Wu D. Mitochondrial Protease Oct1p Regulates Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Influences Pathogenicity through Affecting Hyphal Growth and Biofilm Formation Activities in Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:391. [PMID: 38921377 PMCID: PMC11204688 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060391] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria, as the core metabolic organelles, play a crucial role in aerobic respiration/biosynthesis in fungi. Numerous studies have demonstrated a close relationship between mitochondria and Candida albicans virulence and drug resistance. Here, we report an octapeptide-aminopeptidase located in the mitochondrial matrix named Oct1p. Its homolog in the model fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the key proteins in maintaining mitochondrial respiration and protein stability. In this study, we utilized evolutionary tree analysis, gene knockout experiments, mitochondrial function detection, and other methods to demonstrate the impact of Oct1p on the mitochondrial function of C. albicans. Furthermore, through transcriptome analysis, real-time quantitative PCR, and morphological observation, we discovered that the absence of Oct1p results in functional abnormalities in C. albicans, affecting hyphal growth, cell adhesion, and biofilm formation. Finally, the in vivo results of the infection of Galleria mellonella larvae and vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice indicate that the loss of Oct1p led to the decreased virulence of C. albicans. In conclusion, this study provides a solid theoretical foundation for treating Candida diseases, developing new targeted drugs, and serves as a valuable reference for investigating the connection between mitochondria and virulence in other pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Guangyuan Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Tian Zhuang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Cangcang Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Hanjing Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Xiaojia Niu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Hongchen Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Daqiang Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230012, China
- Key Laboratory of Xin’an Medicine, Ministry of Education, College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, 350 Longzihu Road, Hefei 230038, China
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5
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Li X, Li Y, Xiong B, Qiu S. Progress of Antimicrobial Mechanisms of Stilbenoids. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:663. [PMID: 38794325 PMCID: PMC11124934 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050663] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial drugs have made outstanding contributions to the treatment of pathogenic infections. However, the emergence of drug resistance continues to be a major threat to human health in recent years, and therefore, the search for novel antimicrobial drugs is particularly urgent. With a deeper understanding of microbial habits and drug resistance mechanisms, various creative strategies for the development of novel antibiotics have been proposed. Stilbenoids, characterized by a C6-C2-C6 carbon skeleton, have recently been widely recognized for their flexible antimicrobial roles. Here, we comprehensively summarize the mode of action of stilbenoids from the viewpoint of their direct antimicrobial properties, antibiofilm and antivirulence activities and their role in reversing drug resistance. This review will provide an important reference for the future development and research into the mechanisms of stilbenoids as antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancai Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China;
| | - Yongqing Li
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China;
| | - Binghong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China;
| | - Shengxiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China;
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6
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Xiong L, Pereira De Sa N, Zarnowski R, Huang MY, Mota Fernandes C, Lanni F, Andes DR, Del Poeta M, Mitchell AP. Biofilm-associated metabolism via ERG251 in Candida albicans. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012225. [PMID: 38739655 PMCID: PMC11115363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans is the basis for its ability to infect medical devices. The metabolic gene ERG251 has been identified as a target of biofilm transcriptional regulator Efg1, and here we report that ERG251 is required for biofilm formation but not conventional free-living planktonic growth. An erg251Δ/Δ mutation impairs biofilm formation in vitro and in an in vivo catheter infection model. In both in vitro and in vivo biofilm contexts, cell number is reduced and hyphal length is limited. To determine whether the mutant defect is in growth or some other aspect of biofilm development, we examined planktonic cell features in a biofilm-like environment, which was approximated with sealed unshaken cultures. Under those conditions, the erg251Δ/Δ mutation causes defects in growth and hyphal extension. Overexpression in the erg251Δ/Δ mutant of the paralog ERG25, which is normally expressed more weakly than ERG251, partially improves biofilm formation and biofilm hyphal content, as well as growth and hyphal extension in a biofilm-like environment. GC-MS analysis shows that the erg251Δ/Δ mutation causes a defect in ergosterol accumulation when cells are cultivated under biofilm-like conditions, but not under conventional planktonic conditions. Overexpression of ERG25 in the erg251Δ/Δ mutant causes some increase in ergosterol levels. Finally, the hypersensitivity of efg1Δ/Δ mutants to the ergosterol inhibitor fluconazole is reversed by ERG251 overexpression, arguing that reduced ERG251 expression contributes to this efg1Δ/Δ phenotype. Our results indicate that ERG251 is required for biofilm formation because its high expression levels are necessary for ergosterol synthesis in a biofilm-like environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Xiong
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Nivea Pereira De Sa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Manning Y. Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Caroline Mota Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Frederick Lanni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - David R. Andes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Aaron P. Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Bras G, Satala D, Juszczak M, Kulig K, Wronowska E, Bednarek A, Zawrotniak M, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. Secreted Aspartic Proteinases: Key Factors in Candida Infections and Host-Pathogen Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4775. [PMID: 38731993 PMCID: PMC11084781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094775] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular proteases are key factors contributing to the virulence of pathogenic fungi from the genus Candida. Their proteolytic activities are crucial for extracting nutrients from the external environment, degrading host defenses, and destabilizing the internal balance of the human organism. Currently, the enzymes most frequently described in this context are secreted aspartic proteases (Saps). This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted roles of Saps, highlighting their importance in biofilm formation, tissue invasion through the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins and components of the coagulation cascade, modulation of host immune responses via impairment of neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage functions, and their contribution to antifungal resistance. Additionally, the diagnostic challenges associated with Candida infections and the potential of Saps as biomarkers were discussed. Furthermore, we examined the prospects of developing vaccines based on Saps and the use of protease inhibitors as adjunctive therapies for candidiasis. Given the complex biology of Saps and their central role in Candida pathogenicity, a multidisciplinary approach may pave the way for innovative diagnostic strategies and open new opportunities for innovative clinical interventions against candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Dorota Satala
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamila Kulig
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Ewelina Wronowska
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Aneta Bednarek
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
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8
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Wakade RS, Wellington M, Krysan DJ. Temporal dynamics of Candida albicans morphogenesis and gene expression reveals distinctions between in vitro and in vivo filamentation. mSphere 2024; 9:e0011024. [PMID: 38501830 PMCID: PMC11036811 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00110-24] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a common human fungal pathogen that is also a commensal of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. C. albicans pathogenesis is linked to its transition from budding yeast to filamentous morphologies including hyphae and pseudohyphae. The centrality of this virulence trait to C. albicans pathobiology has resulted in extensive characterization of a wide range of factors associated with filamentation with a strong focus on transcriptional regulation. The vast majority of these experiments have used in vitro conditions to induce the yeast-to-filament transition. Taking advantage of in vivo approaches to quantitatively characterize both morphology and gene expression during filamentation during mammalian infection, we have investigated the dynamics of these two aspects of filamentation in vivo and compared them to in vitro filament induction with "host-like" tissue culture media supplemented with serum at mammalian body temperature. Although filamentation shares many common features in the two conditions, we have found two significant differences. First, alternative carbon metabolism genes are expressed early during in vitro filamentation and late in vivo, suggesting significant differences in glucose availability. Second, C. albicans begins a hyphae-to-yeast transition after 4-h incubation while we find little evidence of hyphae-to-yeast transition in vivo up to 24 h post-infection. We show that the low rate of in vivo hyphae-to-yeast transition is likely due to the very low expression of PES1, a key driver of lateral yeast in vitro and that heterologous expression of PES1 is sufficient to trigger lateral yeast formation in vivo.IMPORTANCECandida albicans filamentation is correlated with virulence and is an intensively studied aspect of C. albicans biology. The vast majority of studies on C. albicans filamentation are based on in vitro induction of hyphae and pseudohyphae. Here we used an in vivo filamentation assay and in vivo expression profiling to compare the tempo of morphogenesis and gene expression between in vitro and in vivo filamentation. Although the hyphal gene expression profile is induced rapidly in both conditions, it remains stably expressed over a 12-h time course in vivo while it peaks after 4 h in vitro and is reduced. This reduced hyphal gene expression in vitro correlates with reduced hyphae and increased hyphae-to-yeast transition. By contrast, there is little evidence of hyphae-to-yeast transition in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan S. Wakade
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Melanie Wellington
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Damian J. Krysan
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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9
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Lax C, Nicolás FE, Navarro E, Garre V. Molecular mechanisms that govern infection and antifungal resistance in Mucorales. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0018822. [PMID: 38445820 PMCID: PMC10966947 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00188-22] [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] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThe World Health Organization has established a fungal priority pathogens list that includes species critical or highly important to human health. Among them is the order Mucorales, a fungal group comprising at least 39 species responsible for the life-threatening infection known as mucormycosis. Despite the continuous rise in cases and the poor prognosis due to innate resistance to most antifungal drugs used in the clinic, Mucorales has received limited attention, partly because of the difficulties in performing genetic manipulations. The COVID-19 pandemic has further escalated cases, with some patients experiencing the COVID-19-associated mucormycosis, highlighting the urgent need to increase knowledge about these fungi. This review addresses significant challenges in treating the disease, including delayed and poor diagnosis, the lack of accurate global incidence estimation, and the limited treatment options. Furthermore, it focuses on the most recent discoveries regarding the mechanisms and genes involved in the development of the disease, antifungal resistance, and the host defense response. Substantial advancements have been made in identifying key fungal genes responsible for invasion and tissue damage, host receptors exploited by the fungus to invade tissues, and mechanisms of antifungal resistance. This knowledge is expected to pave the way for the development of new antifungals to combat mucormycosis. In addition, we anticipate significant progress in characterizing Mucorales biology, particularly the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis and antifungal resistance, with the possibilities offered by CRISPR-Cas9 technology for genetic manipulation of the previously intractable Mucorales species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Lax
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco E. Nicolás
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eusebio Navarro
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Victoriano Garre
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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10
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Le PH, Linklater DP, Medina AA, MacLaughlin S, Crawford RJ, Ivanova EP. Impact of multiscale surface topography characteristics on Candida albicans biofilm formation: From cell repellence to fungicidal activity. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:20-36. [PMID: 38342192 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.006] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
While there has been significant research conducted on bacterial colonization on implant materials, with a focus on developing surface modifications to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms, the study of Candida albicans biofilms on implantable materials is still in its infancy, despite its growing relevance in implant-associated infections. C. albicans fungal infections represent a significant clinical concern due to their severity and associated high fatality rate. Pathogenic yeasts account for an increasing proportion of implant-associated infections, since Candida spp. readily form biofilms on medical and dental device surfaces. In addition, these biofilms are highly antifungal-resistant, making it crucial to explore alternative solutions for the prevention of Candida implant-associated infections. One promising approach is to modify the surface properties of the implant, such as the wettability and topography of these substrata, to prevent the initial Candida attachment to the surface. This review summarizes recent research on the effects of surface wettability, roughness, and architecture on Candida spp. attachment to implantable materials. The nanofabrication of material surfaces are highlighted as a potential method for the prevention of Candida spp. attachment and biofilm formation on medical implant materials. Understanding the mechanisms by which Candida spp. attach to surfaces will allow such surfaces to be designed such that the incidence and severity of Candida infections in patients can be significantly reduced. Most importantly, this approach could also substantially reduce the need to use antifungals for the prevention and treatment of these infections, thereby playing a crucial role in minimizing the possibility contributing to instances of antimicrobial resistance. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review we provide a systematic analysis of the role that surface characteristics, such as wettability, roughness, topography and architecture, play on the extent of C. albicans cells attachment that will occur on biomaterial surfaces. We show that exploiting bioinspired surfaces could significantly contribute to the prevention of antimicrobial resistance to antifungal and chemical-based preventive measures. By reducing the attachment and growth of C. albicans cells using surface structure approaches, we can decrease the need for antifungals, which are conventionally used to treat such infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuc H Le
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Denver P Linklater
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Graeme Clark Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Arturo Aburto Medina
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Shane MacLaughlin
- ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; BlueScope Steel Research, Port Kembla, NSW 2505, Australia
| | - Russell J Crawford
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Elena P Ivanova
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
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11
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Lim SJ, Muhd Noor ND, Sabri S, Mohamad Ali MS, Salleh AB, Oslan SN. Bibliometric analysis and thematic review of Candida pathogenesis: Fundamental omics to applications as potential antifungal drugs and vaccines. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myad126. [PMID: 38061839 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis caused by the pathogenic Candida yeast species has resulted in elevating global mortality. The pathogenicity of Candida spp. is not only originated from its primary invasive yeast-to-hyphal transition; virulence factors (transcription factors, adhesins, invasins, and enzymes), biofilm, antifungal drug resistance, stress tolerance, and metabolic adaptation have also contributed to a greater clinical burden. However, the current research theme in fungal pathogenicity could hardly be delineated with the increasing research output. Therefore, our study analysed the research trends in Candida pathogenesis over the past 37 years via a bibliometric approach against the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Based on the 3993 unique documents retrieved, significant international collaborations among researchers were observed, especially between Germany (Bernhard Hube) and the UK (Julian Naglik), whose focuses are on Candida proteinases, adhesins, and candidalysin. The prominent researchers (Neils Gow, Alistair Brown, and Frank Odds) at the University of Exeter and the University of Aberdeen (second top performing affiliation) UK contribute significantly to the mechanisms of Candida adaptation, tolerance, and stress response. However, the science mapping of co-citation analysis performed herein could not identify a hub representative of subsequent work since the clusters were semi-redundant. The co-word analysis that was otherwise adopted, revealed three research clusters; the cluster-based thematic analyses indicated the severeness of Candida biofilm and antifungal resistance as well as the elevating trend on molecular mechanism elucidation for drug screening and repurposing. Importantly, the in vivo pathogen adaptation and interactions with hosts are crucial for potential vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Jie Lim
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noor Dina Muhd Noor
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suriana Sabri
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abu Bakar Salleh
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nurbaya Oslan
- Enzyme Technology and X-ray Crystallography Laboratory, VacBio 5, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology (EMTech) Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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12
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Kumpakha R, Gordon DM. Occidiofungin inhibition of Candida biofilm formation on silicone elastomer surface. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0246023. [PMID: 37816202 PMCID: PMC10715079 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02460-23] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Candida are opportunistic fungal pathogens with medical relevance given their association with superficial to life-threatening infections. An important component of Candida virulence is the ability to form a biofilm. These structures are highly resistant to antifungal therapies and are often the cause of treatment failure. In this work, we evaluated the efficacy of the antifungal compound, occidiofungin, against Candida biofilms developed on a silicone surface. We demonstrate that occidiofungin eliminated cells at all stages of biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with our understanding of occidiofungin bioactivity, we noted alterations to actin organization and cell morphology following antifungal exposure. Given the challenges associated with the treatment of biofilm-associated infections, occidiofungin exhibits potential as a therapeutic antifungal agent in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabina Kumpakha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Donna M. Gordon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
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13
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Ajetunmobi OH, Badali H, Romo JA, Ramage G, Lopez-Ribot JL. Antifungal therapy of Candida biofilms: Past, present and future. Biofilm 2023; 5:100126. [PMID: 37193227 PMCID: PMC10182175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Virtually all Candida species linked to clinical candidiasis are capable of forming highly resistant biofilms on different types of surfaces, which poses an additional significant threat and further complicates therapy of these infections. There is a scarcity of antifungal agents, and their effectiveness, particularly against biofilms, is limited. Here we provide a historical perspective on antifungal agents and therapy of Candida biofilms. As we reflect upon the past, consider the present, and look towards the future of antifungal therapy of Candida biofilms, we believe that there are reasons to remain optimistic, and that the major challenges of Candida biofilm therapy can be conquered within a reasonable timeframe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olabayo H. Ajetunmobi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jesus A. Romo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Jose L. Lopez-Ribot
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
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14
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Ganser C, Staples MI, Dowell M, Frazer C, Dainis J, Sircaik S, Bennett RJ. Filamentation and biofilm formation are regulated by the phase-separation capacity of network transcription factors in Candida albicans. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011833. [PMID: 38091321 PMCID: PMC10718430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of the fungus Candida albicans to filament and form biofilms contributes to its burden as a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. Biofilm development involves an interconnected transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) consisting of nine transcription factors (TFs) that bind both to their own regulatory regions and to those of the other network TFs. Here, we show that seven of the nine TFs in the C. albicans biofilm network contain prion-like domains (PrLDs) that have been linked to the ability to form phase-separated condensates. Construction of PrLD mutants in four biofilm TFs reveals that these domains are essential for filamentation and biofilm formation in C. albicans. Moreover, biofilm PrLDs promote the formation of phase-separated condensates in the nuclei of live cells, and PrLD mutations that abolish phase separation (such as the removal of aromatic residues) also prevent biofilm formation. Biofilm TF condensates can selectively recruit other TFs through PrLD-PrLD interactions and can co-recruit RNA polymerase II, implicating condensate formation in the assembly of active transcriptional complexes. Finally, we show that PrLD mutations that block the phase separation of biofilm TFs also prevent filamentation in an in vivo model of gastrointestinal colonization. Together, these studies associate transcriptional condensates with the regulation of filamentation and biofilm formation in C. albicans, and highlight how targeting of PrLD-PrLD interactions could prevent pathogenesis by this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin Ganser
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Mae I. Staples
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Maureen Dowell
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Corey Frazer
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Joseph Dainis
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Shabnam Sircaik
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Bennett
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
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15
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Alhameed RA, Semreen MH, Hamad M, Giddey AD, Sulaiman A, Al Bataineh MT, Al-Hroub HM, Bustanji Y, Alzoubi KH, Soares NC. Multi-Omics Profiling of Candida albicans Grown on Solid Versus Liquid Media. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2831. [PMID: 38137975 PMCID: PMC10745582 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122831] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a common pathogenic fungus that presents a challenge to healthcare facilities. It can switch between a yeast cell form that diffuses through the bloodstream to colonize internal organs and a filamentous form that penetrates host mucosa. Understanding the pathogen's strategies for environmental adaptation and, ultimately, survival, is crucial. As a complementary study, herein, a multi-omics analysis was performed using high-resolution timsTOF MS to compare the proteomes and metabolomes of Wild Type (WT) Candida albicans (strain DK318) grown on agar plates versus liquid media. Proteomic analysis revealed a total of 1793 proteins and 15,013 peptides. Out of the 1403 identified proteins, 313 proteins were significantly differentially abundant with a p-value < 0.05. Of these, 156 and 157 proteins were significantly increased in liquid and solid media, respectively. Metabolomics analysis identified 192 metabolites in total. The majority (42/48) of the significantly altered metabolites (p-value 0.05 FDR, FC 1.5), mainly amino acids, were significantly higher in solid media, while only 2 metabolites were significantly higher in liquid media. The combined multi-omics analysis provides insight into adaptative morphological changes supporting Candida albicans' life cycle and identifies crucial virulence factors during biofilm formation and bloodstream infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouba Abdulsalam Alhameed
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates; (R.A.A.); (M.H.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.-H.); (Y.B.); (K.H.A.)
| | - Mohammad H. Semreen
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates; (R.A.A.); (M.H.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.-H.); (Y.B.); (K.H.A.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamad Hamad
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates; (R.A.A.); (M.H.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.-H.); (Y.B.); (K.H.A.)
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alexander D. Giddey
- Center for Applied and Translational Genomics, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ashna Sulaiman
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates; (R.A.A.); (M.H.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.-H.); (Y.B.); (K.H.A.)
| | - Mohammad T. Al Bataineh
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Hamza M. Al-Hroub
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates; (R.A.A.); (M.H.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.-H.); (Y.B.); (K.H.A.)
| | - Yasser Bustanji
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates; (R.A.A.); (M.H.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.-H.); (Y.B.); (K.H.A.)
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates; (R.A.A.); (M.H.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.-H.); (Y.B.); (K.H.A.)
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson C. Soares
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates; (R.A.A.); (M.H.); (A.S.); (H.M.A.-H.); (Y.B.); (K.H.A.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27227, United Arab Emirates
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), Faculdade de Lisboa, NOVA School, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
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16
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Bonincontro G, Scuderi SA, Marino A, Simonetti G. Synergistic Effect of Plant Compounds in Combination with Conventional Antimicrobials against Biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida spp. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1531. [PMID: 38004397 PMCID: PMC10675371 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111531] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and fungal biofilm has increased antibiotic resistance and plays an essential role in many persistent diseases. Biofilm-associated chronic infections are difficult to treat and reduce the efficacy of medical devices. This global problem has prompted extensive research to find alternative strategies to fight microbial chronic infections. Plant bioactive metabolites with antibiofilm activity are known to be potential resources to alleviate this problem. The phytochemical screening of some medicinal plants showed different active groups, such as stilbenes, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, polyphenolics, flavonoids, lignans, quinones, and coumarins. Synergistic effects can be observed in the interaction between plant compounds and conventional drugs. This review analyses and summarises the current knowledge on the synergistic effects of plant metabolites in combination with conventional antimicrobials against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The synergism of conventional antimicrobials with plant compounds can modify and inhibit the mechanisms of acquired resistance, reduce undesirable effects, and obtain an appropriate therapeutic effect at lower doses. A deeper knowledge of these combinations and of their possible antibiofilm targets is needed to develop next-generation novel antimicrobials and/or improve current antimicrobials to fight drug-resistant infections attributed to biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Bonincontro
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Sarah Adriana Scuderi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Andreana Marino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Simonetti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy;
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17
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Malinovská Z, Čonková E, Váczi P. Biofilm Formation in Medically Important Candida Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:955. [PMID: 37888211 PMCID: PMC10607155 DOI: 10.3390/jof9100955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, the number of infections caused by biofilm-forming fungal pathogens is very high. In human medicine, there is an increasing proportion of immunocompromised patients with prolonged hospitalization, and patients with long-term inserted drains, cannulas, catheters, tubes, or other artificial devices, that exhibit a predisposition for colonization by biofilm-forming yeasts. A high percentage of mortality is due to candidemia caused by medically important Candida species. Species of major clinical significance include C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and C. auris. The association of these pathogenic species in the biofilm structure is a serious therapeutic problem. Candida cells growing in the form of a biofilm are able to resist persistent therapy thanks to a combination of their protective mechanisms and their ability to disseminate to other parts of the body, thus representing a threat from the perspective of a permanent source of infection. The elucidation of the key mechanisms of biofilm formation is essential to progress in the understanding and treatment of invasive Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Malinovská
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (E.Č.); (P.V.)
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18
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Watchaputi K, Jayasekara LACB, Ratanakhanokchai K, Soontorngun N. Inhibition of cell cycle-dependent hyphal and biofilm formation by a novel cytochalasin 19,20‑epoxycytochalasin Q in Candida albicans. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9724. [PMID: 37322086 PMCID: PMC10272203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36191-4] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-mediated drug resistance is a key virulence factor of pathogenic microbes that cause a serious global health threat especially in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we investigated the antihyphal and antibiofilm activity of 19,20‑epoxycytochalasin Q (ECQ), a cytochalasin actin inhibitor isolated from medicinal mushroom Xylaria sp. BCC1067 against Candida albicans. Remarkably, 256 µg/ml of ECQ inhibited over 95% of C. albicans hyphal formation after 24 h-treatment. Combined ECQ and lipid-based biosurfactant effectively enhanced the antihyphal activity, lowering required ECQ concentrations. Hyphal fragmentation and reduction of biofilm biomass, shown by SEM and AFM visualization of ECQ-treated biofilms, were well corelated to the reduced metabolic activities of young and 24 h-preformed C. albicans biofilms. Induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) also occurred in accompany with the leakage of shrunken cell membrane and defective cell wall at increasing ECQ concentrations. Transcriptomic analyses via RNA-sequencing revealed a massive change (> 1300 genes) in various biological pathways, following ECQ-treatment. Coordinated expression of genes, associated with cellular response to drugs, filamentous growth, cell adhesion, biofilm formation, cytoskeleton organization, cell division cycle, lipid and cell wall metabolisms was confirmed via qRT-PCR. Protein-protein association tool identified coupled expression between key regulators of cell division cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdc19/28) and a gamma-tubulin (Tub4). They coordinated ECQ-dependent hyphal specific gene targets of Ume6 and Tec1 during different phases of cell division. Thus, we first highlight the antihyphal and antibiofilm property of the novel antifungal agent ECQ against one of the most important life-threatening fungal pathogens by providing its key mechanistic detail in biofilm-related fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwanrutai Watchaputi
- Excellent Research Laboratory for Yeast Innovation, Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - L A Channa Bhathiya Jayasekara
- Excellent Research Laboratory for Yeast Innovation, Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Khanok Ratanakhanokchai
- Excellent Center of Enzyme Technology and Microbial Utilization, Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Nitnipa Soontorngun
- Excellent Research Laboratory for Yeast Innovation, Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand.
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19
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Benedito Machado G, Montovam Monteiro C, Gonçalves JMLA, Pavani C. Enhancing Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy with Phenothiazinium Dyes and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Against Candida Albicans at Various Growth Stages. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023:103628. [PMID: 37230408 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eradication of C. albicans is difficult due to the organization of the yeast in biofilms. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proposed as an alternative to antifungals. Phenothiazinium dyes, e.g. methylene blue (MB), have been proposed as photosensitizing agents (PS), and their association with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has recently been shown to improve the effectiveness of PDT in planktonic culture. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of PDT with phenothiazinium dyes associated to SDS in biofilms at the different stages of growth. METHODS Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of PDT on biofilm formation and on established biofilms of C. albicans ATCC 10231. Samples were exposed to PS 50 mg/L (MB, Azure A - AA, Azure B - AB and dimethyl methylene blue - DMMB) dissolved in water or 0.25% SDS, for 5 minutes in the dark. After irradiation at 660 nm, 37.3mW/cm2 for 27 minutes, 60.4J/cm2 colony forming units count assay (CFU/mL) was performed. One or two irradiations were applied. Statistical methods were used to assess effectiveness. RESULTS PSs showed low toxicity in the dark. An application of PDT irradiation was not able to reduce the CFU/mL both in mature biofilms (24h) and in biofilms in the dispersion phase (48h), only in the adherence phase did PDT prevent the formation of biofilms. With two successive applications of PDT irradiation in the dispersion phase, PDT with MB, AA, and DMMB completely inactivated C. albicans. The similar was not observed with mature biofilms. CONCLUSIONS Different stages of biofilm growth respond differently to PDT, with the greatest inhibitory effect found in the adhesion stage. Mature and dispersed biofilms are less susceptible to PDT. The use of two successive applications of PDT with PSs associated with SDS may be a useful approach to inactivate C. albicans biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Benedito Machado
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carolina Montovam Monteiro
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - José Marcelo Lacerda Alves Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Christiane Pavani
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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20
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Mello TP, Barcellos IC, Branquinha MH, Santos AL. Cell dispersion during biofilm formation by Scedosporium apiospermum, Scedosporium aurantiacum, Scedosporium minutisporum and Lomentospora prolificans. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2023; 4:100191. [PMID: 37229517 PMCID: PMC10203734 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dispersion is an essential step in the lifecycle of biofilms, since it enables the dissemination of microbial cells and, consequently, the potential colonization of new sites. Filamentous fungi belonging to the Scedosporium/Lomentospora genera are opportunistic human pathogens able to form multidrug-resistant biofilms on surfaces of different chemical compositions, environments and nutritional conditions. Despite the rising understanding of how biofilms are formed by Scedosporium/Lomentospora species, the cell dispersal step has not yet been explored. In the present study, the cell dispersion was investigated during biofilm formation by S. apiospermum, S. minutisporum, S. aurantiacum and L. prolificans cells. The results revealed that conidia were the major type of dispersed cells, which were detected throughout biofilm development (from 24 to 72 h). Dispersion was not influenced by increased glucose concentration (the main source for energetic metabolism) neither the presence of voriconazole (the most common antifungal used to treat scedosporiosis); however, the presence of mucin (a component of mucous, present in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients, who are usually affected by these filamentous fungi) triggered cell dispersion. Contrarily, a poor nutritional environment (e.g., phosphate-buffered saline) inhibited this step. Overall, our study reveals new insights into the biofilm development of Scedosporium/Lomentospora species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís P. Mello
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Iuri C. Barcellos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marta H. Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ – Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L.S. Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ – Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
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21
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Transcript profiling reveals the role of PDB1, a subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, in Candida albicans biofilm formation. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104014. [PMID: 36535619 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2022.104014] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans, the most prevalent fungal pathogen in the human microbiota can form biofilms on implanted medical devices. These biofilms are tolerant to conventional antifungal drugs and the host immune system as compared to the free-floating planktonic cells. Several in vitro models of biofilm formation have been used to determine the C. albicans biofilm-forming process, regulatory networks, and their properties. Here, we performed a genome-wide transcript profiling with C. albicans cells grown in YPD medium both in planktonic and biofilm condition. Transcript profiling of YPD-grown biofilms was further compared with published Spider medium-grown biofilm transcriptome data. This comparative analysis highlighted the differentially expressed genes and the pathways altered during biofilm formation. In addition, we demonstrated that overexpression of the PDB1 gene encoding a subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase resulted in defective biofilm formation. Altogether, this comparative analysis of transcript profiles from two different studies provides a robust reading on biofilm-altered genes and pathways during C. albicans biofilm development.
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22
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Khari A, Biswas B, Gangwar G, Thakur A, Puria R. Candida auris biofilm: a review on model to mechanism conservation. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:295-308. [PMID: 36755419 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2179036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida auris is included in the fungal infection category 'critical' by WHO because of associated high drug tolerance and spread at an alarming rate which if remains untouched may result in serious outbreaks. Since its discovery in 2009, several assiduous efforts by mycologists across the world have deciphered its biology including growth physiology, drug tolerance, biofilm formation, etc. The differential response of various strains from different clades poses a hurdle in drawing a final conclusion. AREAS COVERED This review provides brief insights into the understanding of C. auris biofilm. It includes information on various models developed to understand the biofilms and conservation of different signaling pathways. Significant development has been made in the recent past with the generation of relevant in vivo and ex vivo models. The role of signaling pathways in the development of biofilm is largely unknown. EXPERT OPINION The selection of an appropriate model system is a must for the accuracy and reproducibility of results. The conservation of major signaling pathways in C. auris with respect to C. albicans and S. cerevisiae highlights that initial inputs acquired from orthologs will be valuable in getting insights into the mechanism of biofilm formation and associated pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsha Khari
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | | | | | - Anil Thakur
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Rekha Puria
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
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23
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do Rosário Esteves Guimarães C, de Freitas HF, Barros TF. Candida albicans antibiofilm molecules: analysis based on inhibition and eradication studies. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:37-52. [PMID: 36576671 PMCID: PMC9944165 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00876-1] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are communities of microbial cells surrounded by an extracellular polysaccharide matrix, recognized as a fungal source for local and systemic infections and less susceptible to antifungal drugs. Thus, treatment of biofilm-related Candida spp. infections with popular antifungals such as fluconazole is limited and species-dependent and alternatively demands the use of expensive and high toxic drugs. In this sense, molecules with antibiofilm activity have been studied but without care regarding the use of important criteria such as antibiofilm concentration lower than antifungal concentration when considering the process of inhibition of formation and concentrations equal to or lower than 300 µM. Therefore, this review tries to gather the most promising molecules regarding the activity against the C. albicans biofilm described in the last 10 years, considering the activity of inhibition and eradication. From January 2011 to July 2021, articles were searched on Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct, combining the keywords "antibiofilm," "candida albicans," "compound," and "molecule" with AND and OR operators. After 3 phases of selection, 21 articles describing 42 molecules were discussed in the review. Most of them were more promising for the inhibition of biofilm formation, with SM21 (24) being an interesting molecule for presenting inhibitory and eradication activity in biofilms with 24 and 48 h, as well as alizarin (26) and chrysazine (27), with concentrations well below the antifungal concentration. Despite the detection of these molecules and the attempts to determine the mechanisms of action by microscopic analysis and gene expression, no specific target has been determined. Thus, a gap is signaled, requiring further studies such as proteomic analyses to clarify it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina do Rosário Esteves Guimarães
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmacy, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Geremoabo Street, 147, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia CEP, 40170115, Brazil
| | - Humberto Fonseca de Freitas
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmacy, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Geremoabo Street, 147, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia CEP, 40170115, Brazil
| | - Tânia Fraga Barros
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmacy, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Geremoabo Street, 147, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia CEP, 40170115, Brazil.
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24
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Branco J, Miranda IM, Rodrigues AG. Candida parapsilosis Virulence and Antifungal Resistance Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Review of Key Determinants. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010080. [PMID: 36675901 PMCID: PMC9862255 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is the second most common Candida species isolated in Asia, Southern Europe, and Latin America and is often involved in invasive infections that seriously impact human health. This pathogen is part of the psilosis complex, which also includes Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis. C. parapsilosis infections are particularly prevalent among neonates with low birth weights, individuals who are immunocompromised, and patients who require prolonged use of a central venous catheter or other indwelling devices, whose surfaces C. parapsilosis exhibits an enhanced capacity to adhere to and form biofilms. Despite this well-acknowledged prevalence, the biology of C. parapsilosis has not been as extensively explored as that of Candida albicans. In this paper, we describe the molecular mechanistic pathways of virulence in C. parapsilosis and show how they differ from those of C. albicans. We also describe the mode of action of antifungal drugs used for the treatment of Candida infections, namely, polyenes, echinocandins, and azoles, as well as the resistance mechanisms developed by C. parapsilosis to overcome them. Finally, we stress the importance of the ongoing search for species-specific features that may aid the development of effective control strategies and thus reduce the burden on patients and healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Branco
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research—CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +351-225513662
| | - Isabel M. Miranda
- Cardiovascular Research & Development Centre—UnIC@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Acácio G. Rodrigues
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research—CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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25
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Gamaletsou MN, Rammaert B, Brause B, Bueno MA, Dadwal SS, Henry MW, Katragkou A, Kontoyiannis DP, McCarthy MW, Miller AO, Moriyama B, Pana ZD, Petraitiene R, Petraitis V, Roilides E, Sarkis JP, Simitsopoulou M, Sipsas NV, Taj-Aldeen SJ, Zeller V, Lortholary O, Walsh TJ. Osteoarticular Mycoses. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0008619. [PMID: 36448782 PMCID: PMC9769674 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00086-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarticular mycoses are chronic debilitating infections that require extended courses of antifungal therapy and may warrant expert surgical intervention. As there has been no comprehensive review of these diseases, the International Consortium for Osteoarticular Mycoses prepared a definitive treatise for this important class of infections. Among the etiologies of osteoarticular mycoses are Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Mucorales, dematiaceous fungi, non-Aspergillus hyaline molds, and endemic mycoses, including those caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Coccidioides species. This review analyzes the history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, inflammatory biomarkers, diagnostic imaging modalities, treatments, and outcomes of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by these organisms. Candida osteomyelitis and Candida arthritis are associated with greater events of hematogenous dissemination than those of most other osteoarticular mycoses. Traumatic inoculation is more commonly associated with osteoarticular mycoses caused by Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus molds. Synovial fluid cultures are highly sensitive in the detection of Candida and Aspergillus arthritis. Relapsed infection, particularly in Candida arthritis, may develop in relation to an inadequate duration of therapy. Overall mortality reflects survival from disseminated infection and underlying host factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N. Gamaletsou
- Laiko General Hospital of Athens and Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Blandine Rammaert
- Université de Poitiers, Faculté de médecine, CHU de Poitiers, INSERM U1070, Poitiers, France
| | - Barry Brause
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marimelle A. Bueno
- Far Eastern University-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Manilla, Philippines
| | | | - Michael W. Henry
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aspasia Katragkou
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Matthew W. McCarthy
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andy O. Miller
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Zoi Dorothea Pana
- Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ruta Petraitiene
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Roilides
- Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Maria Simitsopoulou
- Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V. Sipsas
- Laiko General Hospital of Athens and Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Valérie Zeller
- Groupe Hospitalier Diaconesses-Croix Saint-Simon, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, APHP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, CNRS UMR 2000, Paris, France
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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26
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Extracellular Vesicles Contribute to Mixed-Fungal Species Competition during Biofilm Initiation. mBio 2022; 13:e0298822. [PMID: 36377868 PMCID: PMC9765065 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02988-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles commonly modulate interactions among cellular communities. Recent studies demonstrate that biofilm maturation features, including matrix production, drug resistance, and dispersion, require the delivery of a core protein and carbohydrate vesicle cargo in Candida species. The function of the vesicle cargo for these advanced-phase biofilm characteristics appears to be conserved across Candida species. Mixed-species interactions in mature biofilms indicate that vesicle cargo serves a cooperative role in preserving the community. Here, we define the function of biofilm-associated vesicles for biofilm initiation both within and among five species across the Candida genus. We found similar vesicle cargo functions for several conserved proteins across species, based on the behavior of mutants. Repletion of the adhesion environment with wild-type vesicles returned the community phenotype toward reference levels in intraspecies experiments. However, cross-species vesicle complementation did not restore the wild-type biology and in fact drove the phenotype in the opposite direction for most cross-species interactions. Further study of mixed-species biofilm adhesion and exogenous wild-type vesicle administration similarly demonstrated competitive interactions. Our studies indicate that similar vesicle cargoes contribute to biofilm initiation. However, vesicles from disparate species serve an interference competitive role in mixed-Candida species scenarios. IMPORTANCE Candida species commonly form mixed-species biofilms with other Candida species and bacteria. In the established biofilm state, vesicle cargo delivers public goods to support the mature community. At biofilm initiation, however, vesicles play a negative role in cross-species interactions, presumably to allow species to gain a survival advantage. These observations and recent reports reveal that vesicle cargo has both cooperative and competitive roles among Candida species, depending on the needs of the community biofilm formation.
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27
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Styková E, Nemcová R, Maďar M, Bujňáková D, Mucha R, Gancarčíková S, Requena Domenech F. Antibiofilm Activity of Weissella spp. and Bacillus coagulans Isolated from Equine Skin against Staphylococcus aureus. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:2135. [PMID: 36556500 PMCID: PMC9787530 DOI: 10.3390/life12122135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of Weissella cibaria, Weissella hellenica and Bacillus coagulans, isolated from equine skin, against biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus CCM 4223 and clinical isolate methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Non-neutralized cell-free supernatants (nnCFS) of tested skin isolates completely inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of S. aureus strains and caused dispersion of the 24 h preformed biofilm in the range of 21-90%. The majority of the pH-neutralized cell-free supernatants (nCFS) of skin isolates inhibited the biofilm formation of both S. aureus strains in the range of 20-100%. The dispersion activity of B. coagulans nCFS ranged from 17 to 77% and was significantly lower than that of nnCFS, except for B. coagulans 3T27 against S. aureus CCM 4223. Changes in the growth of S. aureus CCM 4223 in the presence of catalase- or trypsin-treated W. hellenica 4/2D23 and W. cibaria 4/8D37 nCFS indicated the role of peroxides and/or bacteriocin in their antimicrobial activities. For the first time, the presence of the fenD gene, associated with biosurfactants production, was detected in B. coagulans. The results of this study showed that selected isolates may have the potential for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-forming S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Styková
- Clinic of Horses, University Veterinary Hospital, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Radomíra Nemcová
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Marián Maďar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Dobroslava Bujňáková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Rastislav Mucha
- Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Soňa Gancarčíková
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
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28
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Nikolic DM, Dimitrijevic-Sreckovic V, Ranin LT, Stojanovic MM, Ilic ID, Gostiljac DM, Soldatovic IA. Homeostatic microbiome disruption as a cause of insulin secretion disorders. Candida albicans, a new factor in pathogenesis of diabetes: A STROBE compliant cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31291. [PMID: 36397429 PMCID: PMC9666105 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to test the hypothesis that homeostatic microbiome (HM) disorders lead to the increased indirect influence of certain microorganisms (MO) in the gastrointestinal tract, causing a disorder of insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and diabetes. We highlighted Candida and certain types of bacteria since previous in vitro research showed they significantly affect insulin secretion and can cause insulin resistance in obese patients with metabolic syndrome. After determining the type of MO present in the throat swab and the stool, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) test, and analysis of glucose and insulin secretion were performed in patients (n = 38) who were positive for certain types of MO compared to negative patients. Finally, all patients were divided into two groups: overweight patients (body mass index [BMI] < 30) and obese patients (BMI > 30). These two groups were compared for the percentage of certain types of MO to determine which MO can affect an increase in obesity and BMI. The presence of Diphtheroids in the throat (60.5%) reduces insulin secretion in patients compared with the negative group (194.5: 332.4) and the difference was statistically significant (P = .030). The presence of Candida in the throat (10%) increases insulin secretion, but the difference was statistically insignificant. The presence of Candida in the stool (28.9%) also increases insulin secretion and the difference was statistically significant (P = .038). Cumulative results (throat + stool) were similar (180: 332, P = .022). Analysis of BMI showed that the percentage of Diphtheroids in the throat decreases with increased body weight (53.8: 75%) while the percentage of Candida (38.5: 8.3%) and Enterobacter (61.5: 25%) increases, but these differences were statistically insignificant (P > .05). Diphtheroids in the throat can reduce insulin secretion by synthesizing their metabolites. Candida albicans is a conditional pathogen and as a significant indirect factor induces increased insulin secretion and insulin resistance. There are indications that elevated levels of Candida in the intestinal system can cause increased body weight of patients. C albicans should be considered a new factor in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragan M. Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Dragan Nikolic, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases-Laboratory for Human Pancreatic Islets Culture, Dr. Subotica 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia (e-mail: )
| | - Vesna Dimitrijevic-Sreckovic
- Faculty of Medicine Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lazar T. Ranin
- Faculty of Medicine Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milos M. Stojanovic
- Faculty of Medicine Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iva D. Ilic
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia “Dr. Milan Jovanovic Batut”, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Drasko M. Gostiljac
- Faculty of Medicine Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan A. Soldatovic
- Faculty of Medicine Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Belgrade, Serbia
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29
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Macias-Paz IU, Pérez-Hernández S, Tavera-Tapia A, Luna-Arias JP, Guerra-Cárdenas JE, Reyna-Beltrán E. Candida albicans the main opportunistic pathogenic fungus in humans. Rev Argent Microbiol 2022:S0325-7541(22)00084-0. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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30
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Salvador A, Veiga FF, Svidzinski TIE, Negri M. In vitro ability of Fusarium keratoplasticum to form biofilms in venous catheter. Microb Pathog 2022; 173:105868. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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31
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Pokhrel S, Boonmee N, Tulyaprawat O, Pharkjaksu S, Thaipisutikul I, Chairatana P, Ngamskulrungroj P, Mitrpant C. Assessment of Biofilm Formation by Candida albicans Strains Isolated from Hemocultures and Their Role in Pathogenesis in the Zebrafish Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101014. [PMID: 36294579 PMCID: PMC9605499 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogen, has the ability to form biofilms in the host or within medical devices in the body. Biofilms have been associated with disseminated/invasive disease with increased severity of infection by disrupting the host immune response and prolonging antifungal treatment. In this study, the in vivo virulence of three strains with different biofilm formation strengths, that is, non-, weak-, and strong biofilm formers, was evaluated using the zebrafish model. The survival assay and fungal tissue burden were measured. Biofilm-related gene expressions were also investigated. The survival of zebrafish, inoculated with strong biofilms forming C. albicans,, was significantly shorter than strains without biofilms forming C. albicans. However, there were no statistical differences in the burden of viable colonogenic cell number between the groups of the three strains tested. We observed that the stronger the biofilm formation, the higher up-regulation of biofilm-associated genes. The biofilm-forming strain (140 and 57), injected into zebrafish larvae, possessed a higher level of expression of genes associated with adhesion, attachment, filamentation, and cell proliferation, including eap1, als3, hwp1, bcr1, and mkc1 at 8 h. The results suggested that, despite the difference in genetic background, biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for the pathogenesis of C. albicans. However, the association between biofilm formation strength and in vivo virulence is controversial and needs to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabi Pokhrel
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Nawarat Boonmee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Orawan Tulyaprawat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sujiraphong Pharkjaksu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Iyarit Thaipisutikul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Phoom Chairatana
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Popchai Ngamskulrungroj
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chalermchai Mitrpant
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Candida species are commensal organisms commonly interacting in the same host niche. In the pathogenic state, they frequently grow as a biofilm, often in mixed infections. The present studies observe a reliance upon common extracellular vesicle cargo for biofilm structure and function supporting interactions among species. The results reveal a vesicle cargo-driven coordination among Candida species during biofilm formation. Extracellular vesicles mediate community interactions among cells ranging from unicellular microbes to complex vertebrates. Extracellular vesicles of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans are vital for biofilm communities to produce matrix, which confers environmental protection and modulates community dispersion. Infections are increasingly due to diverse Candida species, such as the emerging pathogen Candida auris, as well as mixed Candida communities. Here, we define the composition and function of biofilm-associated vesicles among five species across the Candida genus. We find similarities in vesicle size and release over the biofilm lifespan. Whereas overall cargo proteomes differ dramatically among species, a group of 36 common proteins is enriched for orthologs of C. albicans biofilm mediators. To understand the function of this set of proteins, we asked whether mutants in select components were important for key biofilm processes, including drug tolerance and dispersion. We found that the majority of these cargo components impact one or both biofilm processes across all five species. Exogenous delivery of wild-type vesicle cargo returned mutant phenotypes toward wild type. To assess the impact of vesicle cargo on interspecies interactions, we performed cross-species vesicle addition and observed functional complementation for both biofilm phenotypes. We explored the biologic relevance of this cross-species biofilm interaction in mixed species and mutant studies examining the drug-resistance phenotype. We found a majority of biofilm interactions among species restored the community’s wild-type behavior. Our studies indicate that vesicles influence the development of protective monomicrobial and mixed microbial biofilm communities.
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Perpetuini G, Tittarelli F, Perla C, Tofalo R. Influence of Different Aggregation States on Volatile Organic Compounds Released by Dairy Kluyveromyces marxianus Strains. Foods 2022; 11:foods11182910. [PMID: 36141037 PMCID: PMC9498923 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182910] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Kluyveromyces marxianus has the ability to contribute to the aroma profile of foods and beverages since it is able to produce several volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, 8 dairy K. marxianus strains, previously selected for their adhesion properties, were tested for VOCs production when grown in different conditions: planktonic, biofilm-detached, and MATS forming-cells. It was shown that biofilm-detached cells were mainly able to produce higher alcohols (64.57 mg/L), while esters were mainly produced by planktonic and MATS forming-cells (117.86 and 94.90 mg/L, respectively). Moreover, K. marxianus biofilm-detached cells were able to produce VOCs with flavor and odor impacts, such as ketons, phenols, and terpenes, which were not produced by planktonic cells. In addition, specific unique compounds were associated to the different conditions tested. Biofilm-detached cells were characterized by the production of 9 unique compounds, while planktonic and MATS forming-cells by 7 and 12, respectively. The obtained results should be exploited to modulate the volatilome of foods and beverages and improve the production of certain compounds at the industrial level. Further studies will be carried out to better understand the genetic mechanisms underlying the metabolic pathways activated under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Perpetuini
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Tittarelli
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Carlo Perla
- Dalton Biotecnologie s.r.l., 65010 Spoltore, Italy
| | - Rosanna Tofalo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0861266943
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Zhang D, Shen J, Peng X, Gao S, Wang Z, Zhang H, Sun W, Niu H, Ying H, Zhu C, Chen Y, Liu D. Physiological changes and growth behavior of Corynebacterium glutamicum cells in biofilm. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:983545. [PMID: 36110303 PMCID: PMC9468548 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.983545] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm cells are well-known for their increased survival and metabolic capabilities and have been increasingly implemented in industrial and biotechnological processes. Corynebacterium glutamicum is one of the most widely used microorganisms in the fermentation industry. However, C. glutamicum biofilm has been rarely reported and little is known about its cellular basis. Here, the physiological changes and characteristics of C. glutamicum biofilm cells during long-term fermentation were studied for the first time. Results showed that the biofilm cells maintained stable metabolic activity and cell size was enlarged after repeated-batch of fermentation. Cell division was slowed, and chromosome content and cell proliferation efficiency were reduced during long-term fermentation. Compared to free cells, more biofilm cells were stained by the apoptosis indicator dyes Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI). Overall, these results suggested slow-growing, long-lived cells of C. glutamicum biofilm during fermentation, which could have important industrial implications. This study presents first insights into the physiological changes and growth behavior of C. glutamicum biofilm cell population, which would be valuable for understanding and developing biofilm-based processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiawen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shansong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huifang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huanqing Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanjie Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenjie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Dong Liu,
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Barros ILE, Veiga FF, Jarros IC, Corrêa JL, Santos RSD, Bruschi ML, Negri M, Svidzinski TIE. Promising effect of propolis and a by-product on planktonic cells and biofilm formation by the main agents of human fungal infections. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20210189. [PMID: 35830082 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Few antifungals available today are effective in treating biofilms. Thus, it is urgent to discover new compounds, such as natural products, that provide improvements to existing treatments or the development of new antifungal therapies. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis between the green propolis extract (PE) and its by-product, a waste of propolis extract (WPE) through a screening with Candida sp., Fusarium sp. and Trichophyton sp. The antifungal property of PE and WPE was assessed by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) determination in planktonic cells. The influence of both extracts on the inhibition of biofilm formation in these fungi was also tested. The WPE MIC and MFC values (68.75 to 275.0 µg/mL) were three to twelve times lower than the values obtained for PE (214.06 to 1712.5 µg/mL). PE was more efficient than WPE in inhibiting the biofilm initial phase, especially in C. albicans. Meanwhile, WPE had dose-dependent behavior for the three fungi, being more effective on filamentous ones. Both PE and WPE showed excellent antifungal activity on planktonic cells and demonstrated great efficacy for inhibiting biofilm formation in the three fungi evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella L E Barros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.,Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Laboratório de Micologia Médica, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Flávia F Veiga
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.,Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Laboratório de Micologia Médica, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Isabele C Jarros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.,Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Laboratório de Micologia Médica, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Jakeline L Corrêa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.,Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Laboratório de Micologia Médica, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Rafaela S Dos Santos
- Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Departamento de Farmácia, Laboratório de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Sistemas de Liberação de Medicamentos, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcos L Bruschi
- Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Departamento de Farmácia, Laboratório de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Sistemas de Liberação de Medicamentos, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Melyssa Negri
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.,Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Laboratório de Micologia Médica, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Terezinha I E Svidzinski
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.,Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Laboratório de Micologia Médica, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
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36
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Shariati A, Didehdar M, Razavi S, Heidary M, Soroush F, Chegini Z. Natural Compounds: A Hopeful Promise as an Antibiofilm Agent Against Candida Species. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:917787. [PMID: 35899117 PMCID: PMC9309813 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.917787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The biofilm communities of Candida are resistant to various antifungal treatments. The ability of Candida to form biofilms on abiotic and biotic surfaces is considered one of the most important virulence factors of these fungi. Extracellular DNA and exopolysaccharides can lower the antifungal penetration to the deeper layers of the biofilms, which is a serious concern supported by the emergence of azole-resistant isolates and Candida strains with decreased antifungal susceptibility. Since the biofilms’ resistance to common antifungal drugs has become more widespread in recent years, more investigations should be performed to develop novel, inexpensive, non-toxic, and effective treatment approaches for controlling biofilm-associated infections. Scientists have used various natural compounds for inhibiting and degrading Candida biofilms. Curcumin, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, carvacrol, thymol, terpinen-4-ol, linalool, geraniol, cineole, saponin, camphor, borneol, camphene, carnosol, citronellol, coumarin, epigallocatechin gallate, eucalyptol, limonene, menthol, piperine, saponin, α-terpineol, β–pinene, and citral are the major natural compounds that have been used widely for the inhibition and destruction of Candida biofilms. These compounds suppress not only fungal adhesion and biofilm formation but also destroy mature biofilm communities of Candida. Additionally, these natural compounds interact with various cellular processes of Candida, such as ABC-transported mediated drug transport, cell cycle progression, mitochondrial activity, and ergosterol, chitin, and glucan biosynthesis. The use of various drug delivery platforms can enhance the antibiofilm efficacy of natural compounds. Therefore, these drug delivery platforms should be considered as potential candidates for coating catheters and other medical material surfaces. A future goal will be to develop natural compounds as antibiofilm agents that can be used to treat infections by multi-drug-resistant Candida biofilms. Since exact interactions of natural compounds and biofilm structures have not been elucidated, further in vitro toxicology and animal experiments are required. In this article, we have discussed various aspects of natural compound usage for inhibition and destruction of Candida biofilms, along with the methods and procedures that have been used for improving the efficacy of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Shariati
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
- *Correspondence: Aref Shariati, ; Zahra Chegini,
| | - Mojtaba Didehdar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Shabnam Razavi
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Heidary
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Soroush
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Zahra Chegini
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Aref Shariati, ; Zahra Chegini,
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Didehdar M, Chegini Z, Tabaeian SP, Razavi S, Shariati A. Cinnamomum: The New Therapeutic Agents for Inhibition of Bacterial and Fungal Biofilm-Associated Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:930624. [PMID: 35899044 PMCID: PMC9309250 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.930624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the potent antibacterial properties of Cinnamomum and its derivatives, particularly cinnamaldehyde, recent studies have used these compounds to inhibit the growth of the most prevalent bacterial and fungal biofilms. By inhibiting flagella protein synthesis and swarming motility, Cinnamomum could suppress bacterial attachment, colonization, and biofilm formation in an early stage. Furthermore, by downregulation of Cyclic di‐guanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP), biofilm-related genes, and quorum sensing, this compound suppresses intercellular adherence and accumulation of bacterial cells in biofilm and inhibits important bacterial virulence factors. In addition, Cinnamomum could lead to preformed biofilm elimination by enhancing membrane permeability and the disruption of membrane integrity. Moreover, this substance suppresses the Candida species adherence to the oral epithelial cells, leading to the cell wall deformities, damage, and leakages of intracellular material that may contribute to the established Candida’s biofilm elimination. Therefore, by inhibiting biofilm maturation and destroying the external structure of biofilm, Cinnamomum could boost antibiotic treatment success in combination therapy. However, Cinnamomum has several disadvantages, such as poor solubility in aqueous solution, instability, and volatility; thus, the use of different drug-delivery systems may resolve these limitations and should be further considered in future investigations. Overall, Cinnamomum could be a promising agent for inhibiting microbial biofilm-associated infection and could be used as a catheter and other medical materials surface coatings to suppress biofilm formation. Nonetheless, further in vitro toxicology analysis and animal experiments are required to confirm the reported molecular antibiofilm effect of Cinnamomum and its derivative components against microbial biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Didehdar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Zahra Chegini
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seidamir Pasha Tabaeian
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Razavi
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aref Shariati
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
- *Correspondence: Aref Shariati,
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Abdulghani M, Iram R, Chidrawar P, Bhosle K, Kazi R, Patil R, Kharat K, Zore G. Proteomic profile of Candida albicans biofilm. J Proteomics 2022; 265:104661. [PMID: 35728770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans biofilms are characterized by structural and cellular heterogeneity that confers antifungal resistance and immune evasion. Despite this, biofilm formation remains poorly understood. In this study, we used proteomic analysis to understand biofilm formation in C. albicans related to morphophysiological and architectural features. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that 64 proteins were significantly modulated, of which 31 were upregulated and 33 were downregulated. The results indicate that metabolism (25 proteins), gene expression (13 proteins), stress response (7 proteins), and cell wall (5 proteins) composition are modulated. The rate of oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) and biosynthesis of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, vitamin B6, and thiamine increased, while the rate of methionine biosynthesis decreased. There was a significant modification of the cell wall architecture due to higher levels of Sun41, Pir1 and Csh1 and increased glycosylation of proteins. It was observed that C. albicans induces hyphal growth by upregulating the expression of genes involved in cAMP-PKA and MAPK pathways. This study is significant in that it suggests an increase in OxPhos and alteration of cell wall architecture that could be contributing to the recalcitrance of C. albicans cells growing in biofilms. Nevertheless, a deeper investigation is needed to explore it further. SIGNIFICANCE: Candida sps is included in the list of pathogens with potential drug resistance threat due to the increased frequency especially colonization of medical devices, and tissues among the patients, in recent years. Significance of our study is that we are reporting traits like modulation in cell wall composition, amino acid and vitamin biosynthesis and importantly energy generation (OxPhos) etc. These traits could be conferring antifungal resistance, host immune evasion etc. and thus survival, in addition to facilitating biofilm formation. These findings are expected to prime the further studies on devising potent strategy against biofilm growth among the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Abdulghani
- School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded 431606, MS, India
| | - Rasiqua Iram
- School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded 431606, MS, India
| | - Priti Chidrawar
- School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded 431606, MS, India
| | - Kajal Bhosle
- School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded 431606, MS, India
| | - Rubina Kazi
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-NCL, Pune 8, MS, India
| | - Rajendra Patil
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, MS, India
| | - Kiran Kharat
- Department of Biotechnology, Deogiri College, Aurangabad, MS, India
| | - Gajanan Zore
- School of Life Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded 431606, MS, India.
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39
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Boahen A, Than LTL, Loke YL, Chew SY. The Antibiofilm Role of Biotics Family in Vaginal Fungal Infections. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:787119. [PMID: 35694318 PMCID: PMC9179178 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.787119] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
“Unity in strength” is a notion that can be exploited to characterize biofilms as they bestow microbes with protection to live freely, escalate their virulence, confer high resistance to therapeutic agents, and provide active grounds for the production of biofilms after dispersal. Naturally, fungal biofilms are inherently resistant to many conventional antifungals, possibly owing to virulence factors as their ammunitions that persistently express amid planktonic transition to matured biofilm state. These ammunitions include the ability to form polymicrobial biofilms, emergence of persister cells post-antifungal treatment and acquisition of resistance genes. One of the major disorders affecting vaginal health is vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and its reoccurrence is termed recurrent VVC (RVVC). It is caused by the Candida species which include Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The aforementioned Candida species, notably C. albicans is a biofilm producing pathogen and habitually forms part of the vaginal microbiota of healthy women. Latest research has implicated the role of fungal biofilms in VVC, particularly in the setting of treatment failure and RVVC. Consequently, a plethora of studies have advocated the utilization of probiotics in addressing these infections. Specifically, the excreted or released compounds of probiotics which are also known as postbiotics are being actively researched with vast potential to be used as therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of VVC and RVVC. These potential sources of postbiotics are harnessed due to their proven antifungal and antibiofilm. Hence, this review discusses the role of Candida biofilm formation in VVC and RVVC. In addition, we discuss the application of pro-, pre-, post-, and synbiotics either individually or in combined regimen to counteract the abovementioned problems. A clear understanding of the role of biofilms in VVC and RVVC will provide proper footing for further research in devising novel remedies for prevention and treatment of vaginal fungal infections.
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40
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Dowdy H, Kumar RS, Almansour AI, Arumugam N, IbrahimAlaqeel S, Thangamani S. Discovery of spirooxindole-pyrrolidine heterocyclic hybrids with potent antifungal activity against fungal pathogens. Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6581313. [PMID: 35512603 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac013] [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: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens mainly Candida and Cryptococcus species causes serious life-threating infections to humans, especially in individuals who are immunocompromised. Increasing frequency of antifungal drug resistance along with paucity of FDA-approved drugs suggest a dire need for new antifungal drugs. Our screening of newly synthesized spirooxindole heterocyclic hybrid compounds revealed that the novel small molecule, DPA-3, has potent antifungal activity without inducing mammalian cell cytotoxicity. Furthermore, DPA-3 significantly reduced hyphal and biofilm formation of Candida albicans ATCC 10231 strain, out-competing two FDA approved antifungal drugs. The results of our study conclude that DPA-3 is a compelling candidate for further development as an antifungal drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Dowdy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308
| | - Raju Suresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman I Almansour
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Natarajan Arumugam
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shatha IbrahimAlaqeel
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University (034), Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shankar Thangamani
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308.,Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA.,Purdue Institute for Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious Diseases (PI4D), IN 47906, USA
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Kalimuthu S, Alshanta OA, Krishnamoorthy AL, Pudipeddi A, Solomon AP, McLean W, Leung YY, Ramage G, Neelakantan P. Small molecule based anti-virulence approaches against Candida albicans infections. Crit Rev Microbiol 2022; 48:743-769. [PMID: 35232325 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.2025337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are considered "silent killers" due to the difficulty of, and delays in diagnosis of infections and lack of effective antifungals. This challenge is compounded by the fact that being eukaryotes, fungi share several similarities with human cellular targets, creating obstacles to drug discovery. Candida albicans, a ubiquitous microbe in the human body is well-known for its role as an opportunistic pathogen in immunosuppressed people. Significantly, C. albicans is resistant to all the three classes of antifungals that are currently clinically available. Over the past few years, a paradigm shift has been recommended in the management of C. albicans infections, wherein anti-virulence strategies are considered an alternative to the discovery of new antimycotics. Small molecules, with a molecular weight <900 Daltons, can easily permeate the cell membrane and modulate the signal transduction pathways to elicit desired virulence inhibitory actions against pathogens. This review dissects in-depth, the discoveries that have been made with small-molecule anti-virulence approaches to tackle C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Om Alkhir Alshanta
- Glasgow Endodontology Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Akshaya Lakshmi Krishnamoorthy
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Akhila Pudipeddi
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - William McLean
- Glasgow Endodontology Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yiu Yan Leung
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Glasgow Endodontology Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, UK
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Peng Z, Tang J. Intestinal Infection of Candida albicans: Preventing the Formation of Biofilm by C. albicans and Protecting the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:783010. [PMID: 35185813 PMCID: PMC8847744 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.783010] [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] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The large mortality and morbidity rate of C. albicans infections is a crucial problem in medical mycology. Because the generation of biofilms and drug resistance are growing concerns, the growth of novel antifungal agents and the looking for newer objectives are necessary. In this review, inhibitors of C. albicans biofilm generation and molecular mechanisms of intestinal epithelial barrier protection are elucidated. Recent studies on various transcription elements; quorum-sensing molecules; host responses to adherence; and changes in efflux pumps, enzymes, bud to hyphal transition, and lipid profiles have increased the knowledge of the intricate mechanisms underlying biofilm resistance. In addition, the growth of novel biomaterials with anti-adhesive nature, natural products, drugs, bioactive compounds, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are being researched. Recently, more and more attention has been given to various metal nanoparticles that have also appeared as antibiofilm agents in C. albicans. The intestinal epithelial obstacle exerts an crucial effect on keeping intestinal homeostasis and is increasingly associated with various disorders associated with the intestine such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic syndrome, allergies, hepatic inflammation, septic shock, etc. However, whether their involvement in the prevention of other intestinal disorders like IBD are useful in C. albicans remains unknown. Further studies must be carried out in order to validate their inhibition functions in intestinal C. albicans. This provides innovates ideas for intestinal C. albicans treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Peng
- Department of Trauma-Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianguo Tang
- Department of Trauma-Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Uppuluri P. A Simple 96-Well Plate-Based Method for Development of Candida Biofilms Under Static Conditions. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2542:225-231. [PMID: 36008668 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2549-1_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We describe a rapid and simple in vitro method for development of Candida biofilms under static growth conditions. This 96-well microtiter-based method measures metabolic activity of sessile cells and can also be easily adapted for antifungal susceptibility testing. The entire procedure takes 2-3 days to complete, reliably quantifies biofilms, and provides reproducible results that are imperative toward the standardization of antifungal susceptibility testing of biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Uppuluri
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Division of Infectious Disease, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA.
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Mishra A, Forche A, Anderson MZ. Parasexuality of Candida Species. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:796929. [PMID: 34966696 PMCID: PMC8711763 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.796929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
While most fungi have the ability to reproduce sexually, multiple independent lineages have lost meiosis and developed parasexual cycles in its place. Emergence of parasexual cycles is particularly prominent in medically relevant fungi from the CUG paraphyletic group of Candida species. Since the discovery of parasex in C. albicans roughly two decades ago, it has served as the model for Candida species. Importantly, parasex in C. albicans retains hallmarks of meiosis including genetic recombination and chromosome segregation, making it a potential driver of genetic diversity. Furthermore, key meiotic genes play similar roles in C. albicans parasex and highlights parallels between these processes. Yet, the evolutionary role of parasex in Candida adaptation and the extent of resulting genotypic and phenotypic diversity remain as key knowledge gaps in this facultative reproductive program. Here, we present our current understanding of parasex, the mechanisms governing its regulation, and its relevance to Candida biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mishra
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Anja Forche
- Department of Biology, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, United States
| | - Matthew Z Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Rhodotorula sp. and Trichosporon sp. are more Virulent After a Mixed Biofilm. Mycopathologia 2021; 187:85-93. [PMID: 34855103 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00606-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Rhodotorula spp. and Trichosporon spp. are opportunistic pathogens, and although an association between these two species in the same infection appears to be uncommon, it has been reported. This is the first study that aimed to evaluate the pathogenesis of a co-infection by R. mucilaginosa and T. asahii, using a new in vivo model, the Zophobas morio larvae. Suspensions from planktonic and biofilm-recovered cells were injected in the larvae as in monospecies as mixed (a ratio of 1:1 for both agents of a of 105 inoculum). Individual and mixed biofilms of R. mucilaginosa and T. asahii were produced for 24 and 48 h, and they were partially characterized by crystal violet and reduction of tetrazolium salt. When evaluating the impact of the planktonic suspension in vivo we verified that the fungi in monoculture were more able to kill the larvae than those from planktonic mixed suspension. On the other hand, regarding biofilm-recovered cells, there was an increase in the death of larvae infected for mixed suspensions. Moreover, the death rate was more pronounced when the larvae were infected with 48 h biofilm-recovered cells than the 24 h ones. T. asahii was the best producer of total biomass, mainly in 48 h. The metabolic activity for both yeasts organized in biofilm maintained the same pattern between 24 and 48 h. The present study proves a synergistic interaction between R. mucilaginosa and T. asahii after an experience in a mixed biofilm. Our results suggest that both species were benefited from this interaction, acquiring a greater potential for virulence after passing through the biofilm and this ability was acquired by the cells released from the biofilm.
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Candida Spp. in Lower Respiratory Tract Secretions - A Ten Years Retrospective Study. J Crit Care Med (Targu Mures) 2021; 7:217-226. [PMID: 34722925 PMCID: PMC8519383 DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2021-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lower respiratory tract secretions (LRTS) like sputum and tracheal aspirates are frequently sent to the microbiology laboratory from patients with various respiratory pathologies. Improper collection techniques can lead to false-positive results, resulting in improper therapy. Aim of the study To determine the percentage of contaminated samples sent to the microbiology laboratory, to establish the prevalence of Candida spp. in non-contaminated samples and therefore, the presence of Candida spp. originating in lower respiratory tract infections. Material and Methods A 10-year data survey was conducted to assess the differences in Candida prevalence from contaminated versus non-contaminated samples, assessed and categorised by Bartlett grading system, and to emphasise the importance of quality control for potentially contaminated samples. The data were analysed according to gender, age, referring departments, and the species of Candida. For the statistical analysis, Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher tests were used, and the alpha value was set for 0.5. Results The prevalence of Candida spp. in all analysed samples was 31.60%. After excluding the contaminated samples, the actual prevalence was 27.66%. Of all sputum samples, 31.6% were contaminated. Patients aged more than 40 years old were more prone to provide contaminated sputum samples. C. albicans is more prevalent in non-contaminated sputum samples. In both sputum and tracheal aspirates, the chances of identifying a single species are higher than the chances of identifying multiple species. Conclusions The study emphasises the importance of assessing the quality of sputum samples because of the high number of improperly collected samples sent to the microbiology laboratory.
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Coordination of fungal biofilm development by extracellular vesicle cargo. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6235. [PMID: 34716343 PMCID: PMC8556236 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26525-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Candida albicans can form biofilms that protect it from drugs and the immune system. The biofilm cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that promote extracellular matrix formation and resistance to antifungal drugs. Here, we define functions for numerous EV cargo proteins in biofilm matrix assembly and drug resistance, as well as in fungal cell adhesion and dissemination. We use a machine-learning analysis of cargo proteomic data from mutants with EV production defects to identify 63 candidate gene products for which we construct mutant and complemented strains for study. Among these, 17 mutants display reduced biofilm matrix accumulation and antifungal drug resistance. An additional subset of 8 cargo mutants exhibit defects in adhesion and/or dispersion. Representative cargo proteins are shown to function as EV cargo through the ability of exogenous wild-type EVs to complement mutant phenotypic defects. Most functionally assigned cargo proteins have roles in two or more of the biofilm phases. Our results support that EVs provide community coordination throughout biofilm development in C. albicans. The fungal pathogen Candida albicans can release extracellular vesicles that promote biofilm formation and antifungal resistance. Here, Zarnowski et al. define functions for numerous vesicle cargo proteins in biofilm matrix assembly and drug resistance, as well as in fungal cell adhesion and dissemination.
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Miranda-Cadena K, Marcos-Arias C, Mateo E, Aguirre-Urizar JM, Quindós G, Eraso E. In vitro activities of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and thymol against Candida biofilms. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112218. [PMID: 34649348 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral candidiasis is frequently associated with Candida biofilms. Biofilms are microbial communities related to persistent, recalcitrant and difficult to-treat infections. Conventional treatments are not sufficient to overcome biofilm-associated candidiasis; thus, the search of new antifungal compounds is necessary. In the current study, we have evaluated the effect of three phytocompounds, carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and thymol, against Candida planktonic and sessile cells. Reduction in biofilm biomass and metabolic activity was assessed during adhesion and mature biofilm phases. Candida albicans was the most biofilm-producing Candida species. All phytocompounds tested were fungicidal against Candida planktonic cells. Cinnamaldehyde was the most active in inhibiting biofilm adhesion, but carvacrol and thymol significantly reduced both mature biofilm biomass and metabolic activity. These results highlight the role of cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol and thymol as promising alternatives for the treatment of candidiasis due to their antibiofilm capacities, and stress the necessity to continue studies on their safety, toxicity and pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Miranda-Cadena
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 699, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Cristina Marcos-Arias
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 699, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Estibaliz Mateo
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 699, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
| | - José Manuel Aguirre-Urizar
- Department of Stomatology II, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 699, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Guillermo Quindós
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 699, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Elena Eraso
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 699, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
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Prado A, Brito RO, Pereira ECA, Correa JL, Neto MG, Dayyeh BKA, Negri M, Svidzinski TIE. First Study of Naturally Formed Fungal Biofilms on the Surface of Intragastric Balloons. Obes Surg 2021; 31:5348-5357. [PMID: 34570305 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-021-05730-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intragastric balloon (IGB) is a medical device used in the endoscopic treatment of pre-obesity and obesity. The involvement of IGB with biofilms has been previously reported; however, little is still known. We determine the frequency of biofilms naturally formed on the external surface of IGB, as well as some variables related to IGB types and patients features, species of fungi involved, and biofilm evidence. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted based on endoscopies and medical records of patients with explanted IGB between 2015 and 2018, which had masses strongly adhered to the surface of the balloon, suspecting the presence of a biofilm. From 2018, the samples of those masses were investigated seeking biofilm characterization based on mycological and structural aspects. RESULTS A total of 149 endoscopies were surveyed; 27 IGBs (18.12%) showed signs suggesting biofilm formation. There was no significant difference between biofilm involvement in IGB and the anthropometric and demographic profile of the patients. On the other hand, there was a significant difference regarding the IGB type, 24.05% of the adjustable IGB were compromised by biofilm, while in non-adjustable IGB, it was 11.43% (p = 0.04; OR 2.45; 95% CI, 0.98-6.12). Candida glabrata was the most isolated fungal species from the well-organized fungal biofilm. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of fungal biofilm naturally formed on the external surface of IGB was elevated. The risk of biofilm formation was increased for the adjustable IGB, but it did not relate to the demographic data and anthropometric patient profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Prado
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Laboratory for Teaching and Research in Clinical Analysis, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil
| | - Rubens O Brito
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy, Mgastro Digestive Tract Medical Center, Maringa, Brazil
| | - Elton C A Pereira
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Laboratory for Teaching and Research in Clinical Analysis, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil
| | - Jakeline L Correa
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Laboratory for Teaching and Research in Clinical Analysis, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil
| | - Manoel G Neto
- Division of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, ABC Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Barham K A Dayyeh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Melyssa Negri
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Laboratory for Teaching and Research in Clinical Analysis, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil
| | - Terezinha I E Svidzinski
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Laboratory for Teaching and Research in Clinical Analysis, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil.
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50
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Jamiu AT, Albertyn J, Sebolai O, Gcilitshana O, Pohl CH. Inhibitory effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids alone or in combination with fluconazole on Candida krusei biofilms in vitro and in Caenorhabditis elegans. Med Mycol 2021; 59:1225-1237. [PMID: 34558629 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of infections by non-albicans Candida species, including Candida krusei, is increasing. Candida krusei exhibits intrinsic resistance to fluconazole and rapidly develops acquired resistance to other antifungals. Moreover, this yeast can form biofilm with increased resistance. Hence, there is a need to develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat infections caused by this pathogen. One such approach is through combination therapy with natural compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This study aims to investigate the effect of PUFAs on fluconazole susceptibility of C. krusei biofilms, as well as the conserved nature of these effects in the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model. C. krusei biofilms were exposed to various fatty acids as well as combinations of fluconazole and linoleic acid (LA) or gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The effect of these treatments on biofilm formation, cell ultrastructure, membrane integrity, oxidative stress and efflux pump activity was evaluated. In addition, the ability of the PUFAs to prolong survival and reduce the fungal burden of infected C. elegans, in the absence and presence of fluconazole, was assessed. Two P|UFAs, LA and GLA had he displayed significant inhibition of C. krusei biofilms and both of them increased the susceptibility of C. krusei biofilm to fluconazole in vitro via induction of oxidative stress, cell membrane damage, and disruption of efflux pump activity. These PUFAs also extended the lifespan of infected nematodes and displayed a potentiating effect with fluconazole in this model. This may pave the way for future studies into novel antifungal drug targets and treatment options. LAY ABSTRACT The pathogenic yeast, Candida krusei, is naturally resistant to the antifungal drug, fluconazole. This study finds that polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid, can inhibit C. krusei and overcome this resistance of in vitro biofilms, as well as in a nematode infection model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullahi Temitope Jamiu
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Jacobus Albertyn
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Olihile Sebolai
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Onele Gcilitshana
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Carolina H Pohl
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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