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Tang G, Li H, Liang C, Chen E. Cryptococcal endophthalmitis and meningitis in an immunocompetent middle-aged woman: A case report. IDCases 2024; 37:e02022. [PMID: 39100729 PMCID: PMC11295950 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e02022] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a global invasive mycosis that is known to cause significant morbidity and mortality. It is commonly observed that individuals with compromised immune systems are more prone to developing cryptococcal meningitis. Although ocular involvement is rare, previous studies have indicated that ocular lesions precede symptomatic meningitis in only 27 % of patients with central nervous system involvement. Intraocular infections typically manifest as chorioretinopathy and vitreous inflammation, often leading to severe vision loss. In this case, we present the clinical details of a 57-year-old immunocompetent woman who visited the ophthalmology department of West China Hospital of Sichuan University with a progressive loss of vision in her right eye. After a thorough evaluation, she was diagnosed with fungal endophthalmitis, and subsequently initiated on appropriate induction anti-fungal therapy for cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment, which can potentially improve the prognosis for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Tang
- Emergency Departments of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Cheng Du, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Nephrology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Cheng Du, Sichuan, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Cheng Du, Sichuan, China
| | - Enqiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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2
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Cohen DG, Wingert RA. Caught red feathered: infection from cockatoo to human and mice reveals genetic plasticity of Cryptococcus neoformans during mammalian passage. Tissue Barriers 2024:2309717. [PMID: 38282267 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2024.2309717] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is pervasive in our environment and causes the infectious disease cryptococcosis in humans, most commonly in immunocompromised patients. In addition to corroborating the avian origins of a case of cryptococcosis in an immunocompromised patient in 2000, a fascinating recent report has now characterized the genetic and phenotypic changes that occur in this C. neoformans during passage in mammalian hosts. Interestingly, mouse-passaged isolates showed differences in virulence factors ranging from capsule size, melanization, nonlytic macrophage exocytosis, and amoeba predation resistance as compared to the patient strain. Taken together, these results provide new insights about the relationship between mutations acquired during an infection and changes in virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorrian G Cohen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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3
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Alanazi AH, Chastain DB, Rudraraju M, Parvathagiri V, Shan S, Lin X, Henao-Martínez AF, Franco-Paredes C, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. A multi-arm, parallel, preclinical study investigating the potential benefits of acetazolamide, candesartan, and triciribine in combination with fluconazole for the treatment of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176177. [PMID: 37931839 PMCID: PMC10985624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176177] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, primarily infects immunodeficient patients frequently causing cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM). Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a serious complication responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in CM patients. Non-invasive pharmacological agents that mitigate ICP could be beneficial in treating CM patients. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of acetazolamide (AZA), candesartan (CAN), and triciribine (TCBN), in combination with the antifungal fluconazole, on C. neoformans-induced endothelial, brain, and lung injury in an experimental mouse model of CM. Our study shows that C. neoformans increases the expression of brain endothelial cell (BEC) junction proteins Claudin-5 (Cldn5) and VE-Cadherin to induce pathological cell-barrier remodeling and gap formation associated with increased Akt and p38 MAPK activation. All three agents inhibited C. neoformans-induced endothelial gap formation, only CAN and TCBN significantly reduced C. neoformans-induced Cldn5 expression, and only TCBN was effective in inhibiting Akt and p38MAPK. Interestingly, although C. neoformans did not cause brain or lung edema in mice, it induced lung and brain injuries, which were significantly reversed by AZA, CAN, or TCBN. Our study provides novel insights into the direct effects of C. neoformans on BECs in vitro, and the potential benefits of using AZA, CAN, or TCBN in the management of CM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz H Alanazi
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Daniel B Chastain
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, SWGA Clinical Campus, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Albany, GA, 31701, USA
| | - Madhuri Rudraraju
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Varun Parvathagiri
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Shengshuai Shan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Andrés F Henao-Martínez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA; Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, México City, 06720, Mexico
| | - S Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30907, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA.
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4
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Madkhali OA. A comprehensive review on potential applications of metallic nanoparticles as antifungal therapies to combat human fungal diseases. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101733. [PMID: 37649674 PMCID: PMC10463261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pathogenic fungi are responsible for causing a range of infection types including mucosal, skin, and invasive infections. Life-threatening and invasive fungal infections (FIs) are responsible for mortality and morbidity, especially for individuals with compromised immune function. The number of currently available therapeutic agents against invasive FIs is limited compared to that against bacterial infections. In addition, the increased mortality and morbidity caused by FIs are linked to the limited number of available antifungal agents, antifungal resistance, and the increased toxicity of these agents. Currently available antifungal agents have several drawbacks in efficiency, efficacy, toxicity, activity spectrum, and selectivity. It has already been demonstrated with numerous metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) that these nanoparticles can serve as an effective and alternative solution as fungicidal agents. MNPs have great potential owing to their intrinsic antifungal properties and potential to deliver antifungal drugs. For instance, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have the capacity to disturb mitochondrial calcium homeostasis induced AuNP-mediated cell death in Candida albicans. In addition, both copper nanoparticles and copper oxide nanoparticles exerted significant suppressive properties against pathogenic fungi. Silver nanoparticles showed strong antifungal properties against numerous pathogenic fungi, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, Mortierella alpina, Chaetomium globosum, A. fumigatus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium brevicompactum, Trichophyton rubrum, C. tropicalis, and C. albicans. Iron oxide nanoparticles showed potent antifungal activities against A. niger and P. chrysogenum. It has also been reported that zinc oxide nanoparticles can significantly inhibit fungal growth. These NPs have already exerted potent antifungal properties against a number of pathogenic fungal species including Candida, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and many others. Several strategies are currently used for the research and development of antifungal NPs including chemical modification of NPs and combination with the available drugs. This review has comprehensively presented the current and innovative antifungal approach using MNPs. Moreover, different types of MNPs, their physicochemical characteristics, and production techniques have been summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama A. Madkhali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45124, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Ma Y, Yang L, Jiang M, Zhao X, Xue P. Connecting Cryptococcal Meningitis and Gut Microbiome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13515. [PMID: 37686320 PMCID: PMC10487799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex (C. neoformans SC) are a major cause of fungal meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. As with other melanotic microorganisms associated with human diseases, the cell-wall-associated melanin of C. neoformans SC is a major virulence factor that contributes to its ability to evade host immune responses. The levels of melanin substrate and the regulation of melanin formation could be influenced by the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Moreover, recent studies show that C. neoformans infections cause dysbiosis in the human gut microbiome. In this review, we discuss the potential association between cryptococcal meningitis and the gut microbiome. Additionally, the significant potential of targeting the gut microbiome in the diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating disease is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Ma
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (Y.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Mengna Jiang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (Y.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (Y.M.); (M.J.)
| | - Peng Xue
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (Y.M.); (M.J.)
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6
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Carvajal SK, Melendres J, Escandón P, Firacative C. Reduced Susceptibility to Azoles in Cryptococcus gattii Correlates with the Substitution R258L in a Substrate Recognition Site of the Lanosterol 14-α-Demethylase. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0140323. [PMID: 37341584 PMCID: PMC10434158 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01403-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii cause cryptococcosis, a life-threatening fungal infection affecting mostly immunocompromised patients. In fact, cryptococcal meningitis accounts for about 19% of AIDS-related deaths in the world. Because of long-term azole therapies to treat this mycosis, resistance to fluconazole leading to treatment failure and poor prognosis has long been reported for both fungal species. Among the mechanisms implicated in resistance to azoles, mutations in the ERG11 gene, encoding the azole target enzyme lanosterol 14-α-demethylase, have been described. This study aimed to establish the amino acid composition of ERG11 of Colombian clinical isolates of C. neoformans and C. gattii and to correlate any possible substitution with the in vitro susceptibility profile of the isolates to fluconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole. Antifungal susceptibility testing results showed that C. gattii isolates are less susceptible to azoles than C. neoformans isolates, which could correlate with differences in the amino acid composition and structure of ERG11 of each species. In addition, in a C. gattii isolate with high MICs for fluconazole (64 μg/mL) and voriconazole (1 μg/mL), a G973T mutation resulting in the substitution R258L, located in substrate recognition site 3 of ERG11, was identified. This finding suggests the association of the newly reported substitution with the azole resistance phenotype in C. gattii. Further investigations are needed to determine the exact role that R258L plays in the decreased susceptibility to fluconazole and voriconazole, as well as to determine the participation of additional mechanisms of resistance to azole drugs. IMPORTANCE The fungal species Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii are human pathogens for which drug resistance or other treatment and management challenges exist. Here, we report differential susceptibility to azoles among both species, with some isolates displaying resistant phenotypes. Azoles are among the most commonly used drugs to treat cryptococcal infections. Our findings underscore the necessity of testing antifungal susceptibility in the clinical setting in order to assist patient management and beneficial outcomes. In addition, we report an amino acid change in the sequence of the target protein of azoles, which suggests that this change might be implicated in resistance to these drugs. Identifying and understanding possible mechanisms that affect drug affinity will eventually aid the design of new drugs that overcome the global growing concern of antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Melendres
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Patricia Escandón
- Group of Microbiology, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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7
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Qun T, Zhou T, Hao J, Wang C, Zhang K, Xu J, Wang X, Zhou W. Antibacterial activities of anthraquinones: structure-activity relationships and action mechanisms. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1446-1471. [PMID: 37593578 PMCID: PMC10429894 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00116d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of untreatable infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the discovery of new drugs from natural products has become a hot research topic. The antibacterial activity of anthraquinones widely distributed in traditional Chinese medicine has attracted much attention. Herein, the structure and activity relationships (SARs) of anthraquinones as bacteriostatic agents are reviewed and elucidated. The substituents of anthraquinone and its derivatives are closely related to their antibacterial activities. The stronger the polarity of anthraquinone substituents is, the more potent the antibacterial effects appear. The presence of hydroxyl groups is not necessary for the antibacterial activity of hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives. Substitution of di-isopentenyl groups can improve the antibacterial activity of anthraquinone derivatives. The rigid plane structure of anthraquinone lowers its water solubility and results in the reduced activity. Meanwhile, the antibacterial mechanisms of anthraquinone and its analogs are explored, mainly including biofilm formation inhibition, destruction of the cell wall, endotoxin inhibition, inhibition of nucleic acid and protein synthesis, and blockage of energy metabolism and other substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Qun
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences 200241 Shanghai China
| | - Tiantian Zhou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University 440113 Guangzhou China
| | - Jiongkai Hao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences 200241 Shanghai China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences 200241 Shanghai China
- Key laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Keyu Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences 200241 Shanghai China
- Key laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Jing Xu
- Huanghua Agricultural and Rural Development Bureau Bohai New Area 061100 Hebei China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences 200241 Shanghai China
- Key laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Wen Zhou
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences 200241 Shanghai China
- Key laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shanghai 200241 China
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8
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de Andrade IB, Corrêa-Junior D, Alves V, Figueiredo-Carvalho MHG, Santos MV, Almeida MA, Valdez AF, Nimrichter L, Almeida-Paes R, Frases S. Cyclosporine Affects the Main Virulence Factors of Cryptococcus neoformans In Vitro. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040487. [PMID: 37108941 PMCID: PMC10140927 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of cyclosporine on the morphology, cell wall structure, and secretion characteristics of Cryptococcus neoformans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cyclosporine was found to be 2 µM (2.4 µg/mL) for the H99 strain. Yeast cells treated with cyclosporine at half the MIC showed altered morphology, including irregular shapes and elongated projections, without an effect on cell metabolism. Cyclosporine treatment resulted in an 18-fold increase in chitin and an 8-fold increase in lipid bodies, demonstrating changes in the fungal cell wall structure. Cyclosporine also reduced cell body and polysaccharide capsule diameters, with a significant reduction in urease secretion in C. neoformans cultures. Additionally, the study showed that cyclosporine increased the viscosity of secreted polysaccharides and reduced the electronegativity and conductance of cells. The findings suggest that cyclosporine has significant effects on C. neoformans morphology, cell wall structure, and secretion, which could have implications for the development of new antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Vinicius Santos
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Marcos Abreu Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Fernandes Valdez
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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9
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Alves-Silva JM, Maccioni D, Cocco E, Gonçalves MJ, Porcedda S, Piras A, Cruz MT, Salgueiro L, Maxia A. Advances in the Phytochemical Characterisation and Bioactivities of Salvia aurea L. Essential Oil. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1247. [PMID: 36986933 PMCID: PMC10056036 DOI: 10.3390/plants12061247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Salvia L. genus (Lamiaceae) is largely used in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Several species of biological relevance are extensively employed in traditional medicine, including Salvia aurea L. (syn. S. africana-lutea L.), which is used as a traditional skin disinfectant and in wounds as a healing remedy; nevertheless, these properties have not been validated yet. The aim of the present study is to characterise S. aurea essential oil (EO), unveiling its chemical composition and validating its biological properties. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and subsequently analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Different biological activities were assessed: the antifungal effect on dermatophytes and yeasts and the anti-inflammatory potential by evaluating nitric oxide (NO) production and COX-2 and iNOS protein levels. Wound-healing properties were assessed using the scratch-healing test, and the anti-aging capacity was estimated through the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. S. aurea EO is mainly characterised by 1,8-cineole (16.7%), β-pinene (11.9%), cis-thujone (10.5%), camphor (9.5%), and (E)-caryophyllene (9.3%). The results showed an effective inhibition of the growth of dermatophytes. Furthermore, it significantly reduced protein levels of iNOS/COX-2 and simultaneously NO release. Additionally, the EO exhibited anti-senescence potential and enhanced wound healing. Overall, this study highlights the remarkable pharmacological properties of Salvia aurea EO, which should be further explored in order to develop innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly skin products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Miguel Alves-Silva
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Delia Maccioni
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Emma Cocco
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria José Gonçalves
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrea Maxia
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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10
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Alves-Silva JM, Gonçalves MJ, Silva A, Cavaleiro C, Cruz MT, Salgueiro L. Chemical Profile, Anti-Microbial and Anti-Inflammaging Activities of Santolina rosmarinifolia L. Essential Oil from Portugal. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12010179. [PMID: 36671380 PMCID: PMC9854695 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections and the accompanying inflammatory responses are associated with great morbidity and mortality due to the frequent relapses triggered by an increased resistance to antifungal agents. Furthermore, this inflammatory state can be exacerbated during inflammaging and cellular senescence. Essential oils (EO) are receiving increasing interest in the field of drug discovery due to their lipophilic nature and complex composition, making them suitable candidates in the development of new antifungal drugs and modulators of numerous molecular targets. This work chemically characterized the EO from Santolina rosmarinifolia L., collected in Setúbal (Portugal), and assessed its antifungal potential by determining its minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum lethal (MLC) concentration in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standard Guidelines (CLSI) guidelines, as well as its effect on several Candida albicans virulence factors. The anti-inflammatory effect was unveiled using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by assessing several pro-inflammatory mediators. The wound healing and anti-senescence potential of the EO was also disclosed. The EO was mainly characterized by β-pinene (29.6%), borneol (16.9%), myrcene (15.4%) and limonene (5.7%). It showed a strong antifungal effect against yeasts and filamentous fungi (MIC = 0.07-0.29 mg/mL). Furthermore, it inhibited dimorphic transition (MIC/16), decreased biofilm formation with a preeminent effect after 24 h (MIC/2) and disrupted preformed biofilms in C. albicans. Additionally, the EO decreased nitric oxide (NO) release (IC50 = 0.52 mg/mL) and pro-IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages, promoted wound healing (91% vs. 81% closed wound) and reduced cellular senescence (53% vs. 73% β-galactosidase-positive cells). Overall, this study highlights the relevant pharmacological properties of S. rosmarinifolia, opening new avenues for its industrial exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M. Alves-Silva
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria José Gonçalves
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Cavaleiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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11
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Alves-Silva JM, Cocco E, Piras A, Gonçalves MJ, Silva A, Falconieri D, Porcedda S, Cruz MT, Maxia A, Salgueiro L. Unveiling the Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Salvia cacaliifolia Benth. Essential Oil. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12020359. [PMID: 36679072 PMCID: PMC9867359 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Salvia is widely recognized for its therapeutic potential. However, the biological relevance of some species remains unknown, namely Salvia cacaliifolia Benth. Therefore, the aim of this study is to unveil the chemical composition and relevant properties to its essential oil (EO). The EO was characterized by GC and GC-MS and its antifungal effect was evaluated according to the CLSI guidelines on dermatophytes and yeasts. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, by assessing the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the effect on the protein levels of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 by western blot analysis. Wound healing capacity was determined using the scratch wound healing assay, and the anti-aging potential was assessed by evaluating the senescence marker β-galactosidase. The EO was mainly characterized by γ-curcumene, β-bisabolene, bicyclogermacrene and curzerenone. It is effective in inhibiting the growth of dermatophytes and C. neoformans. The EO significantly decreased iNOS and COX-2 protein levels and concomitantly reduced NO release. Additionally, it demonstrated anti-senescence potential and promoted wound healing. Overall, this study highlights relevant pharmacological properties of the EO of Salvia cacaliifolia, which should be further explored envisaging the development of sustainable, innovative, and environmentally friendly skin products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M. Alves-Silva
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Emma Cocco
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria José Gonçalves
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Danilo Falconieri
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrea Maxia
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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12
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Behind the Curtain: In Silico and In Vitro Experiments Brought to Light New Insights into the Anticryptococcal Action of Synthetic Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12010153. [PMID: 36671354 PMCID: PMC9854638 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is the pathogen responsible for cryptococcal pneumonia and meningitis, mainly affecting patients with suppressed immune systems. We have previously revealed the mechanism of anticryptococcal action of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs). In this study, computational and experimental analyses provide new insights into the mechanisms of action of SAMPs. Computational analysis revealed that peptides interacted with the PHO36 membrane receptor of C. neoformans. Additionally, ROS (reactive oxygen species) overproduction, the enzymes of ROS metabolism, interference in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, and decoupling of cytochrome c mitochondrial membrane were evaluated. Three of four peptides were able to interact with the PHO36 receptor, altering its function and leading to ROS overproduction. SAMPs-treated C. neoformans cells showed a decrease in scavenger enzyme activity, supporting ROS accumulation. In the presence of ascorbic acid, an antioxidant agent, SAMPs did not induce ROS accumulation in C. neoformans cells. Interestingly, two SAMPs maintained inhibitory activity and membrane pore formation in C. neoformans cells by a ROS-independent mechanism. Yet, the ergosterol biosynthesis and lactate dehydrogenase activity were affected by SAMPs. In addition, we noticed decoupling of Cyt c from the mitochondria, which led to apoptosis events in the cryptococcal cells. The results presented herein suggest multiple mechanisms imposed by SAMPs against C. neoformans interfering in the development of resistance, thus revealing the potential of SAMPs in treating infections caused by C. neoformans.
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13
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Priest SJ, Yadav V, Roth C, Dahlmann TA, Kück U, Magwene PM, Heitman J. Uncontrolled transposition following RNAi loss causes hypermutation and antifungal drug resistance in clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1239-1251. [PMID: 35918426 PMCID: PMC10840647 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans infections cause approximately 15% of AIDS-related deaths owing to a combination of limited antifungal therapies and drug resistance. A collection of clinical and environmental C. neoformans isolates were assayed for increased mutation rates via fluctuation analysis, and we identified two hypermutator C. neoformans clinical isolates with increased mutation rates when exposed to the combination of rapamycin and FK506. Sequencing of drug target genes found that Cnl1 transposon insertions conferred the majority of resistance to rapamycin and FK506 and could also independently cause resistance to 5-fluoroorotic acid and the clinically relevant antifungal 5-flucytosine. Whole-genome sequencing revealed both hypermutator genomes harbour a nonsense mutation in the RNA-interference component ZNF3 and hundreds of Cnl1 elements organized into massive subtelomeric arrays on each of the fourteen chromosomes. Quantitative trait locus mapping in 28 progeny derived from a cross between a hypermutator and wild-type identified a locus associated with hypermutation that included znf3. CRISPR editing of the znf3 nonsense mutation abolished hypermutation and restored small-interfering-RNA production. We conclude that hypermutation and drug resistance in these clinical isolates result from RNA-interference loss and accumulation of Cnl1 elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby J Priest
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Vikas Yadav
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cullen Roth
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tim A Dahlmann
- Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kück
- Allgemeine und Molekulare Botanik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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14
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Zhang M, Zhou Z, Wang D, Zhou A, Song G, Chen X, Guo J, Wu W. OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6517704. [PMID: 35099022 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyi Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongjiang Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiping Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Guobin Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingchun Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jian Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120, Shanghai, China
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15
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Recent Advances in Cryptococcus and Cryptococcosis. Microorganisms 2021; 10:microorganisms10010013. [PMID: 35056462 PMCID: PMC8779235 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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16
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Piras A, Maccioni A, Falconieri D, Porcedda S, Gonçalves MJ, Alves-Silva JM, Silva A, Cruz MT, Salgueiro L, Maxia A. Chemical composition and biological activity of essential oil of Teucrium scordium L. subsp. scordioides (Schreb.) Arcang. (Lamiaceae) from Sardinia Island (Italy). Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:5828-5835. [PMID: 34930083 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.2018432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to demonstrate the antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-migratory potential of the essential oil of Teucrium scordium subsp. scordioides (Schreb.) Arcang, a plant widely used in traditional medicine in Sardinia. The oil was rich in germacrene D (25.1%), δ-cadinene (12.9%) and alloaromadendrene (11.3%). The yeast Cryptococcus neoformans and the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale and Epidermophyton floccosum were the most susceptible fungi to the action of the oil. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, the oil was able to decrease nitric oxide production by ca. 30% at 1.25 μL/mL, without affecting cell viability. In the scratch wound assay, it allowed for ca. 36% of wound closure after 18 h, thus showing anti-migratory properties. Overall, this study highlights the potential of this species to mitigate fungal infections associated with an inflammatory response. Furthermore, we also reported for the first time its anti-migratory capacity, thus suggesting anticancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Alfredo Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Botany section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Danilo Falconieri
- State Institute of Higher Education "Michele Giua", via Montecassino, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Maria José Gonçalves
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Product Research Center, Coimbra, Portugalv
| | - Jorge M Alves-Silva
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Silva
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ligia Salgueiro
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Product Research Center, Coimbra, Portugalv
| | - Andrea Maxia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Botany section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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17
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The Antimicrobial Peptide MK58911-NH 2 Acts on Planktonic, Biofilm, and Intramacrophage Cells of Cryptococcus neoformans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0090421. [PMID: 34516241 PMCID: PMC8597745 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00904-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, especially in AIDS patients. Its treatment is carried out by combining amphotericin B and azoles or flucytosine, which causes unavoidable toxicity issues in the host. Thus, the urgency in obtaining new antifungals drives the search for antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This study aimed to extend the understanding of the mechanism of action of an AMP analog from wasp peptide toxins, MK58911-NH2, on Cryptococcus neoformans. We also evaluated if MK58911-NH2 can act on cryptococcal cells in macrophages, biofilms, and an immersion zebrafish model of infection. Finally, we investigated the structure-antifungal action and the toxicity relationship of MK58911-NH2 fragments and a derivative of this peptide (MH58911-NH2). The results demonstrated that MK58911-NH2 did not alter the fluorescence intensity of the cell wall-binding dye calcofluor white or the capsule-binding dye 18b7 antibody-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) in C. neoformans but rather reduced the number and size of fungal cells. This activity reduced the fungal burden of C. neoformans in both macrophages and zebrafish embryos as well as within biofilms. Three fragments of the MK58911-NH2 peptide showed no activity against Cryptococcus and not toxicity in lung cells. The derivative peptide MH58911-NH2, in which the lysine residues of MK58911-NH2 were replaced by histidines, reduced the activity against extracellular and intracellular C. neoformans. On the other hand, it was active against biofilms and showed reduced toxicity. In summary, these results showed that peptide MK58911-NH2 could be a promising agent against cryptococcosis. This work also opens a perspective for the verification of the antifungal activity of other derivatives.
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18
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Zhang K, Li H, Zhang L, Liao W, Cai L, Li X, Pan W, Zhang Q. The Change in the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts the Prognosis of Patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:857-862. [PMID: 34467475 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00553-1] [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: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been studied in many diseases. However, their roles in cryptococcal meningitis (CM) are unclear. The purpose of this article was to analyse the roles of the PLR and NLR in CM patients during treatment. METHODS 139 newly diagnosed CM patients were enrolled. We divided patients into two groups: the successful group (n = 121) and the failure group (n = 18) based on the prognosis of patients. Then, we analyzed changes in clinical data of two groups, which were measured at the time of admission, after 2 weeks and 4 weeks in the hospital. Then the patients were divided into HIV group (n = 26) and non-HIV group (n = 113) to determine whether HIV status had an impact on the prognosis and clinical data of patients. RESULTS Most patients were male living in rural areas; headache was the most common symptom before admission. In the subgroup analysis based on HIV status, there were significantly fewer patients with HIV (26 individuals) than without HIV (113 individuals), and 40.7% non-HIV CM patients had no underlying diseases. There was no significant difference in prognosis (p = 0.746), lymphocytes (p = 0.109) or neutrophils (p = 0.269) between patients with and without HIV. A mixed-effect model indicated that there was no difference (p = 0.171) in PLR between successful group and failure group. However, the change of NLR was statistically significant (p = 0.004 < 0.05) between successful group and failure group. CONCLUSION An increase in the NLR during treatment may be used as an indicator of treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keming Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China.,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China.,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China.,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanqing Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China.,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangqi Cai
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinhua Li
- Taiyuan Central Hospital, Taiyuan, 030009, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihua Pan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qilong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Chest Hospital, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
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19
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de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco D, Dos Santos Araújo G, Fonseca XMQC, de Melo Guedes GM, da Rocha MG, Brilhante RSN, de Aguiar Cordeiro R, Sidrim JJC, Pereira-Neto WA, Rocha MFG. Anthraquinones from Aloe spp. inhibit Cryptococcus neoformans sensu stricto: effects against growing and mature biofilms. BIOFOULING 2021; 37:809-817. [PMID: 34634964 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1958793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of aloe emodin, barbaloin and chrysophanol on growing and mature biofilms of Cryptococcus neoformans sensu stricto. The compounds were added at the moment of inducing biofilm growth or after growth for 72 h to evaluate their effects on growing and mature biofilms, respectively. Then, biofilm biomass was evaluated by crystal violet staining and metabolic activity by the XTT reduction assay. Morphological alterations were also evaluated by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Aloe emodin and barbaloin affected growing biofilms and disrupted mature biofilms, reducing metabolic activity by > 60% and biomass by > 70%. Chrysophanol only inhibited mature biofilms, but to a lesser extent. In conclusion, anthraquinones, especially aloe emodin and barbaloin, show a relevant effect against growing and mature biofilms of C. neoformans sensu stricto.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Géssica Dos Santos Araújo
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Xhaulla Maria Quariguasi Cunha Fonseca
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Morgana de Melo Guedes
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Maria Gleiciane da Rocha
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Waldemiro Aquino Pereira-Neto
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fábio Gadelha Rocha
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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20
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Firacative C, Escandón P. Antifungal susceptibility of clinical Cryptococcus gattii isolates from Colombia varies among molecular types. Med Mycol 2021; 59:1122-1125. [PMID: 34264298 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis by Cryptococcus gattii is endemic in Colombia, affecting mostly immunocompetent hosts. Since antifungal susceptibility differs between molecular types of cryptococcal isolates, as reported elsewhere, the aim of this study was to determine if 42 Colombian clinical isolates, VGI, VGII and VGIII, differ in the susceptibility to commonly used antifungals, using Sensititre plates. Among the molecular types, six non-wild type isolates to fluconazole, voriconazole and 5-flucytosine, were identified. Besides, VGI and VGII were less susceptible to 5-flucytosine and azoles, respectively, than other molecular types. These findings support the applicability of practicing susceptibility testing, which could better guide treatment in cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Patricia Escandón
- Group of Microbiology, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogota, Colombia
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21
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Li A, Zhu W, Yin J, Huang X, Sun L, Hua W, Wang W, Zhang T, Dai L, Wu H. A preliminary study on the characteristics of Th1/Th2 immune response in cerebrospinal fluid of AIDS patients with cryptococcal meningitis. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:500. [PMID: 34051748 PMCID: PMC8164222 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06138-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM) is a common opportunistic infection in the late stage of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite the wide use of effective antiretroviral and antifungal therapy in AIDS patients, CM is still a major morbidity and mortality cause. Understanding the immune response in cryptococcal infection may help to improve the treatment strategies. METHODS We established a prospective cohort of twelve AIDS patients with CM (HIV + CM+) admitted to the hospital from 2019 to 2020. All patients were examined at the baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks thereafter. The level of 19 cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were recorded to analyze the characteristics and dynamic changes of Th1/Th2 immune response. Meanwhile, six AIDS patients without CM (HIV + CM-) and seventeen healthy subjects (HIV-CM-) were included as control groups for CSF assessment. RESULTS The HIV+ CM+ group had higher CSF IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 (P40), IL-15, IL-18, CCL2 levels but lower IL-4 when compared with the HIV-CM- group at baseline. And they also had a higher level of IL-12 (P40) and IL-17A compared with HIV + CM- patients. Except one patient dropped out of the study, eleven HIV + CM+ patients received induction antifungal therapy and regular CSF testing, and the mortality rate was 9.1% (1/11) and 18.2% (2/11) respectively at week 2 and week 4. Compared with baseline CSF cytokines, IL-2, IL-13, IL-17A, and VEGF-A decreased in week 2, and the VEGF-A levels further decreased in week 4. But there was no difference in the levels of all cytokines between survivors and the dead. CONCLUSION No evidence of Th1/Th2 imbalance was found in AIDS patients with CM. However, the CSF cytokine network may provide new clues for the treatment of AIDS patients with CM. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was prospectively registered in 2019.7.16. The registered number is ChiCTR1900024565 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixin Li
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wenjiao Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Jiming Yin
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lijun Sun
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wei Hua
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lili Dai
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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22
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Silva VKA, May RC, Rodrigues ML. Pyrifenox, an ergosterol inhibitor, differentially affects Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Med Mycol 2021; 58:928-937. [PMID: 31915833 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz132] [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: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening fungal infection. New therapeutic approaches are necessary to combat cryptococcosis, as the currently available therapeutic protocols are expensive and generally result in deleterious side effects. Pyrifenox is an antifungal compound that affects phytopathogens by inhibiting the biosynthesis of ergosterol. In this study, we investigated the effects of pyrifenox on Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii growth, capsule architecture and export of the major capsule component, glucuroxylomannan (GXM). Pyrifenox inhibited the growth of C. neoformans, but was significantly less effective against C. gattii. The resistance of C. gattii to pyrifenox was associated with the expression of efflux pump genes, particularly AFR1 and AFR2, since mutant cells lacking expression of these genes became sensitive to pyrifenox. Analysis of the cryptococcal capsule by India ink counterstaining, immunofluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy showed that pyrifenox affected capsular dimensions in both species. However, GXM fibers were shorter and uniformly distributed in C. neoformans, whereas in C. gattii the number of fibers was reduced. Pyrifenox-treated C. gattii developed unusually long chains of undivided cells. The secretion of GXM was markedly reduced in both species after treatment with pyrifenox. Altogether, the results indicated that pyrifenox differently affects C. neoformans and C. gattii. In addition, it highlights a potential role for pyrifenox as an inhibitor of GXM export in experimental models involving pathogenic cryptococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa K A Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Robin C May
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Marcio L Rodrigues
- Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil.,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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23
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Carlson T, Lupinacci E, Moseley K, Chandrasekaran S. Effects of environmental factors on sensitivity of Cryptococcus neoformans to fluconazole and amphotericin B. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2021; 368:6240154. [PMID: 33877319 PMCID: PMC8093136 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a leading cause of fungal meningitis in immunocompromized populations. Amphotericin B (AMB) and fluconazole (FLC) are common anticryptococcal agents. AMB treatment leads to severe side-effects. In contrast, FLC-based therapy is relatively safe, although C. neoformans often develops resistance to this drug. C. neoformans must adapt to the challenging environment of the human host. Environmental effects on potency of AMB and FLC and development of drug resistance remain poorly characterized. Here, the effects of nutrients, temperature and antioxidants on susceptibility of C. neoformans towards FLC and AMB were investigated. Limited nutrients led to a decrease and an increase of sensitivity towards FLC and AMB, respectively. Co-treatment with various antioxidants also demonstrated reciprocal effects on susceptibility towards FLC and AMB. In contrast, elevated temperature increased the efficacy of both drugs, although the effect on FLC was more drastic as compared to that of AMB. In addition, temperatures of 37°C and above prevented development of FLC resistance. Our study pointed to a critical role of the environment on susceptibility towards AMB and FLC and revealed reciprocal effects towards these antifungal drugs, reflecting contrasting modes of action of AMB and FLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Carlson
- Department of Biology, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Townes 171-G, Greenville SC 29613, USA
| | - Emily Lupinacci
- Department of Biology, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Townes 171-G, Greenville SC 29613, USA
| | - Katie Moseley
- Department of Biology, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Townes 171-G, Greenville SC 29613, USA
| | - Srikripa Chandrasekaran
- Department of Biology, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Townes 171-G, Greenville SC 29613, USA
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24
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Firacative C, Meyer W, Castañeda E. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Species Complexes in Latin America: A Map of Molecular Types, Genotypic Diversity, and Antifungal Susceptibility as Reported by the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040282. [PMID: 33918572 PMCID: PMC8069395 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal mycosis, is caused by members of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. In Latin America, cryptococcal meningitis is still an important health threat with a significant clinical burden. Analysis of publicly available molecular data from 5686 clinical, environmental, and veterinary cryptococcal isolates from member countries of the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group showed that, as worldwide, C. neoformans molecular type VNI is the most common cause of cryptococcosis (76.01%) in HIV-infected people, followed by C. gattii molecular type VGII (12.37%), affecting mostly otherwise healthy hosts. These two molecular types also predominate in the environment (68.60% for VNI and 20.70% for VGII). Among the scarce number of veterinary cases, VGII is the predominant molecular type (73.68%). Multilocus sequence typing analysis showed that, in Latin America, the C. neoformans population is less diverse than the C. gattii population (D of 0.7104 vs. 0.9755). Analysis of antifungal susceptibility data showed the presence of non-wild-type VNI, VGI, VGII, and VGIII isolates in the region. Overall, the data presented herein summarize the progress that has been made towards the molecular epidemiology of cryptococcal isolates in Latin America, contributing to the characterization of the genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of these globally spreading pathogenic yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-1-297-0200 (ext. 3404)
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Research and Education Network Westmead Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School-Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia;
| | - Elizabeth Castañeda
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogota 111321, Colombia;
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25
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Araújo GRDS, Alcantara CDL, Rodrigues N, de Souza W, Pontes B, Frases S. Ultrastructural Study of Cryptococcus neoformans Surface During Budding Events. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:609244. [PMID: 33732220 PMCID: PMC7957021 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.609244] [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: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals. It is surrounded by three concentric structures that separate the cell from the extracellular space: the plasma membrane, the cell wall and the polysaccharide (PS) capsule. Although several studies have revealed the chemical composition of these structures, little is known about their ultrastructural organization and remodeling during C. neoformans budding events. Here, by combining the latest and most accurate light and electron microscopy techniques, we describe the morphological remodeling that occurs among the capsule, cell wall and plasma membrane during budding in C. neoformans. Our results show that the cell wall deforms to generate a specialized region at one of the cell’s poles. This region subsequently begins to break into layers that are slightly separated from each other and with thick tips. We also observe a reorganization of the capsular PS around the specialized regions. While daughter cells present their PS fibers aligned in the direction of budding, mother cells show a similar pattern but in the opposite direction. Also, daughter cells form multilamellar membrane structures covering the continuous opening between both cells. Together, our findings provide compelling ultrastructural evidence for C. neoformans surface remodeling during budding, which may have important implications for future studies exploring these remodeled specialized regions as drug-targets against cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glauber R de S Araújo
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina de L Alcantara
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Noêmia Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (CENABIO), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Pontes
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (CENABIO), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Pinças Óticas (LPO-COPEA), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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26
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Oliveira RKDM, Hurtado FA, Gomes PH, Puglia LL, Ferreira FF, Ranjan K, Albuquerque P, Poças-Fonseca MJ, Silva-Pereira I, Fernandes L. Base Excision Repair AP-Endonucleases-Like Genes Modulate DNA Damage Response and Virulence of the Human Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020133. [PMID: 33673204 PMCID: PMC7917787 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic microbes are exposed to a number of potential DNA-damaging stimuli during interaction with the host immune system. Microbial survival in this situation depends on a fine balance between the maintenance of DNA integrity and the adaptability provided by mutations. In this study, we investigated the association of the DNA repair response with the virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans, a basidiomycete that causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals. We focused on the characterization of C. neoformansAPN1 and APN2 putative genes, aiming to evaluate a possible role of the predicted Apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonucleases 1 and 2 of the base excision repair (BER) pathway on C. neoformans response to stress conditions and virulence. Our results demonstrated the involvement of the putative AP-endonucleases Apn1 and Apn2 in the cellular response to DNA damage induced by alkylation and by UV radiation, in melanin production, in tolerance to drugs and in virulence of C. neoformans in vivo. We also pointed out the potential use of DNA repair inhibitor methoxy-amine in combination with conventional antifungal drugs, for the development of new therapeutic approaches against this human fungal pathogen. This work provides new information about the DNA damage response of the highly important pathogenic fungus C. neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayssa Karla de Medeiros Oliveira
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (R.K.d.M.O.); (F.A.H.); (P.H.G.); (L.L.P.)
| | - Fabián Andrés Hurtado
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (R.K.d.M.O.); (F.A.H.); (P.H.G.); (L.L.P.)
| | - Pedro Henrique Gomes
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (R.K.d.M.O.); (F.A.H.); (P.H.G.); (L.L.P.)
| | - Luiza Lassi Puglia
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (R.K.d.M.O.); (F.A.H.); (P.H.G.); (L.L.P.)
| | - Fernanda Fonsêca Ferreira
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (F.F.F.); (K.R.)
| | - Kunal Ranjan
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (F.F.F.); (K.R.)
| | | | - Márcio José Poças-Fonseca
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (F.F.F.); (K.R.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.P.-F.); (I.S.-P.); (L.F.)
| | - Ildinete Silva-Pereira
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (R.K.d.M.O.); (F.A.H.); (P.H.G.); (L.L.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.P.-F.); (I.S.-P.); (L.F.)
| | - Larissa Fernandes
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília 72.220-275, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (M.J.P.-F.); (I.S.-P.); (L.F.)
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27
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Smith AD, Garcia-Santamarina S, Ralle M, Loiselle DR, Haystead TA, Thiele DJ. Transcription factor-driven alternative localization of Cryptococcus neoformans superoxide dismutase. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100391. [PMID: 33567338 PMCID: PMC7961099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen whose pathogenic lifestyle is linked to its ability to cope with fluctuating levels of copper (Cu), an essential metal involved in multiple virulence mechanisms, within distinct host niches. During lethal cryptococcal meningitis in the brain, C. neoformans senses a Cu-deficient environment and is highly dependent on its ability to scavenge trace levels of Cu from its host and adapt to Cu scarcity to successfully colonize this niche. In this study, we demonstrate for this critical adaptation, the Cu-sensing transcription factor Cuf1 differentially regulates the expression of the SOD1 and SOD2 superoxide dismutases in novel ways. Genetic and transcriptional analysis reveals Cuf1 specifies 5’-truncations of the SOD1 and SOD2 mRNAs through specific binding to Cu responsive elements within their respective promoter regions. This results in Cuf1-dependent repression of the highly abundant SOD1 and simultaneously induces expression of two isoforms of SOD2, the canonical mitochondrial targeted isoform and a novel alternative cytosolic isoform, from a single alternative transcript produced specifically under Cu limitation. The generation of cytosolic Sod2 during Cu limitation is required to maintain cellular antioxidant defense against superoxide stress both in vitro and in vivo. Further, decoupling Cuf1 regulation of Sod2 localization compromises the ability of C. neoformans to colonize organs in murine models of cryptococcosis. Our results provide a link between transcription factor–mediated alteration of protein localization and cell proliferation under stress, which could impact tissue colonization by a fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Martina Ralle
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David R Loiselle
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Timothy A Haystead
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dennis J Thiele
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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28
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Yoon HA, Felsen U, Wang T, Pirofski LA. Cryptococcus neoformans infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-uninfected patients at an inner-city tertiary care hospital in the Bronx. Med Mycol 2021; 58:434-443. [PMID: 31342058 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is the most significant predisposing condition, but persons with other immunodeficiency states as well as phenotypically normal persons develop cryptococcosis. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of cryptococcosis between 2005 and 2017 at our inner-city medical center in the Bronx, an epicenter of AIDS in New York City, and analyzed demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment, and mortality for these patients. In sum, 63% of the cases over this 12-year period occurred in HIV-infected patients. And 61% of the HIV-infected patients were non-adherent with antiretroviral therapy, 10% were newly diagnosed with AIDS, and 4% had unmasking cryptococcus-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. The majority were Hispanic or black in ethnicity/race. HIV-uninfected patients (47/126) were older (P < .0001), and the majority had an immunocompromising condition. They were less likely to have a headache (P = .0004) or fever (P = .03), had prolonged time to diagnosis (P = .04), higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose levels (P = .001), less CSF culture positivity (P = .03), and a higher 30-day mortality (P = .03). Cases in HIV-uninfected patients were often unsuspected during their initial evaluation, leading to a delay in infectious diseases consultation, which was associated with mortality (P = .03). Our study indicates that HIV infection remains the most important predisposing factor for cryptococcosis despite availability of antiretroviral therapy and highlights potential missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis and differences in clinical and prognostic factors between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ah Yoon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Uriel Felsen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Liise-Anne Pirofski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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29
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Roth C, Murray D, Scott A, Fu C, Averette AF, Sun S, Heitman J, Magwene PM. Pleiotropy and epistasis within and between signaling pathways defines the genetic architecture of fungal virulence. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009313. [PMID: 33493169 PMCID: PMC7861560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal disease is estimated to affect nearly a quarter of a million people annually. Environmental isolates of Cryptococcus deneoformans, which make up 15 to 30% of clinical infections in temperate climates such as Europe, vary in their pathogenicity, ranging from benign to hyper-virulent. Key traits that contribute to virulence, such as the production of the pigment melanin, an extracellular polysaccharide capsule, and the ability to grow at human body temperature have been identified, yet little is known about the genetic basis of variation in such traits. Here we investigate the genetic basis of melanization, capsule size, thermal tolerance, oxidative stress resistance, and antifungal drug sensitivity using quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in progeny derived from a cross between two divergent C. deneoformans strains. Using a "function-valued" QTL analysis framework that exploits both time-series information and growth differences across multiple environments, we identified QTL for each of these virulence traits and drug susceptibility. For three QTL we identified the underlying genes and nucleotide differences that govern variation in virulence traits. One of these genes, RIC8, which encodes a regulator of cAMP-PKA signaling, contributes to variation in four virulence traits: melanization, capsule size, thermal tolerance, and resistance to oxidative stress. Two major effect QTL for amphotericin B resistance map to the genes SSK1 and SSK2, which encode key components of the HOG pathway, a fungal-specific signal transduction network that orchestrates cellular responses to osmotic and other stresses. We also discovered complex epistatic interactions within and between genes in the HOG and cAMP-PKA pathways that regulate antifungal drug resistance and resistance to oxidative stress. Our findings advance the understanding of virulence traits among diverse lineages of Cryptococcus, and highlight the role of genetic variation in key stress-responsive signaling pathways as a major contributor to phenotypic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cullen Roth
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Debra Murray
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alexandria Scott
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ci Fu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anna F. Averette
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Magwene
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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30
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Serraj K, Alaoui H, El Oumri AA, Barrimi M, Bachir H. Effective Voriconazole in an Immunocompetent Patient With Amphotericin B Resistant Systemic Cryptococcal Granulomatosis. Cureus 2020; 12:e11101. [PMID: 33240697 PMCID: PMC7681776 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11101] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnostic management of systemic granulomatosis is a difficult clinical exercise. The most frequent etiologies are tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. However, it is important to search as well for the other causes of granulomas, especially infections and malignancies, the prognosis of which can be poor without adequate treatment. A 67-year-old immunocompetent patient presented with granulomatous adenitis without caseous necrosis. The etiological evaluation had revealed neurological, pulmonary and lymph node systemic cryptococcosis. Conventional antifungal therapy with the triple combination Amphotericin B - Flucytosine - Fluconazole has not been effective, indicating administration of voriconazole. The evolution was rapidly favorable with apyrexia after 48 hours, disappearance of clinical symptoms, normalization of biological parameters of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and major improvement of radiological abnormalities. This clinical case is original by the disseminated involvement, the patient's non-immunocompromised status and the primary resistance to amphotericin B. Our findings underline the importance of carrying out an exhaustive evaluation, reflecting on cryptococcosis in any systemic granulomatosis and knowing the various therapeutic alternatives, in particular, voriconazole if primary response to amphotericin B has not been obtained.
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31
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Brilhante RSN, Araújo GDS, Fonseca XMQC, Guedes GMDM, Aguiar LD, Castelo-Branco DDSCM, Cordeiro RDA, Sidrim JJC, Pereira Neto WA, Rocha MFG. Antifungal effect of anthraquinones against Cryptococcus neoformans: detection of synergism with amphotericin B. Med Mycol 2020; 59:myaa081. [PMID: 32926150 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of tolerant Cryptococcus neoformans strains to antifungals has been described. It has directed researchers to screen for new antimicrobial compounds. In this context, several plant-derived compounds, such as anthraquinones (aloe emodin, barbaloin, and chrysophanol), have been investigated for their antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of aloe emodin, barbaloin and chrysophanol on C. neoformans in vitro growth. In addition, the interaction between these anthraquinones and amphotericin B and itraconazole was evaluated. Initially, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of these compounds were determined against 17 strains of C. neoformans by the broth microdilution method and then pharmacological interaction assays were performed with 15 strains by the checkerboard method. Aloe emodin, barbaloin, and chrysophanol showed minimum inhibitory concentrations of 236.82-473.65 μM (64-128 μg/mL), 153-306 μM (64-128 μg/ml) and ≥1007 μM (≥256 μg/ml), respectively. Furthermore, aloe emodin (11/15), barbaloin (13/15), and chrysophanol (12/15) showed pharmacological synergism (FICI < 0.5) with amphotericin B at subinhibitory concentrations (MIC/4). The itraconazole-aloe emodin interaction was additive (1/15) (0.5 < FICI < 1.0). The itraconazole-barbaloin interaction were synergistic (2/15) and additive (5/15); whereas itraconazole-chrysophanol interactions were additive (2/15). Anthraquinones, especially aloe emodin and barbaloin, present in vitro antifungal activity against C. neoformans and potentiate the antifungal activity of amphotericin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Géssica Dos Santos Araújo
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Xhaulla Maria Quariguasi Cunha Fonseca
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Morgana de Melo Guedes
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lara de Aguiar
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Débora de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Waldemiro Aquino Pereira Neto
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fábio Gadelha Rocha
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Kischkel B, Rossi SA, Santos SR, Nosanchuk JD, Travassos LR, Taborda CP. Therapies and Vaccines Based on Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Systemic Fungal Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:463. [PMID: 33014889 PMCID: PMC7502903 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment modalities for systemic mycoses are still limited. Currently, the main antifungal therapeutics include polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins. However, even in the setting of appropriate administration of antifungals, mortality rates remain unacceptably high. Moreover, antifungal therapy is expensive, treatment periods can range from weeks to years, and toxicity is also a serious concern. In recent years, the increased number of immunocompromised individuals has contributed to the high global incidence of systemic fungal infections. Given the high morbidity and mortality rates, the complexity of treatment strategies, drug toxicity, and the worldwide burden of disease, there is a need for new and efficient therapeutic means to combat invasive mycoses. One promising avenue that is actively being pursued is nanotechnology, to develop new antifungal therapies and efficient vaccines, since it allows for a targeted delivery of drugs and antigens, which can reduce toxicity and treatment costs. The goal of this review is to discuss studies using nanoparticles to develop new therapeutic options, including vaccination methods, to combat systemic mycoses caused by Candida sp., Cryptococcus sp., Paracoccidioides sp., Histoplasma sp., Coccidioides sp., and Aspergillus sp., in addition to providing important information on the use of different types of nanoparticles, nanocarriers and their corresponding mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Kischkel
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology-Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo/LIM53/Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suélen A Rossi
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology-Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo/LIM53/Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel R Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology-Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo/LIM53/Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine [Division of Infectious Diseases], Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Luiz R Travassos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos P Taborda
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology-Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo/LIM53/Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Silva E Souza E, Barcellos VDA, Sbaraini N, Reuwsaat JCV, Schneider RDO, da Silva AC, Garcia AWA, von Poser GL, Barbosa EG, Lima JPMS, Vainstein MH. A Plumieridine-Rich Fraction From Allamanda polyantha Inhibits Chitinolytic Activity and Exhibits Antifungal Properties Against Cryptococcus neoformans. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2058. [PMID: 32983042 PMCID: PMC7483551 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02058] [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: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused mainly by the pathogenic yeasts Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. The infection initiates with the inhalation of propagules that are then deposited in the lungs. If not properly treated, cryptococci cells can disseminate and reach the central nervous system. The current recommended treatment for cryptococcosis employs a three-stage regimen, with the administration of amphotericin B, flucytosine and fluconazole. Although effective, these drugs are often unavailable worldwide, can lead to resistance development, and may display toxic effects on the patients. Thus, new drugs for cryptococcosis treatment are needed. Recently, an iridoid named plumieridine was found in Allamanda polyantha seed extract; it exhibited antifungal activity against C. neoformans with a MIC of 250 μg/mL. To address the mode of action of plumieridine, several in silico and in vitro experiments were performed. Through a ligand-based a virtual screening approach, chitinases were identified as potential targets. Confirmatory in vitro assays showed that C. neoformans cell-free supernatant incubated with plumieridine displayed reduced chitinase activity, while chitinolytic activity was not inhibited in the insoluble cell fraction. Additionally, confocal microscopy revealed changes in the distribution of chitooligomers in the cryptococcal cell wall, from a polarized to a diffuse cell pattern state. Remarkably, further assays have shown that plumieridine can also inhibit the chitinolytic activity from the supernatant and cell-free extracts of bacteria, insect and mouse-derived macrophage cells (J774.A1). Together, our results suggest that plumieridine can be a broad-spectrum chitinase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden Silva E Souza
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Nicolau Sbaraini
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adriana Corrêa da Silva
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Comparison of MIC Test Strip and Sensititre YeastOne with the CLSI and EUCAST Broth Microdilution Reference Methods for In Vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Cryptococcus neoformans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.02261-19. [PMID: 32015025 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02261-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared MIC test strip (MTS) and Sensititre YeastOne (SYO) methods with EUCAST and CLSI methods for amphotericin B, 5-fluocytosine, fluconazole, voriconazole, and isavuconazole against 106 Cryptococcus neoformans isolates. The overall essential agreement between the EUCAST and CLSI methods was >72% and >94% at ±1 and ±2 dilutions, respectively. The essential agreements between SYO and EUCAST/CLSI for amphotericin B, 5-flucytosine, fluconazole, and voriconazole were >89/>93% and between MTS and EUCAST/CLSI were >57/>75%. Very major error rates were low for amphotericin B and fluconazole (<3%) and a bit higher for the other drugs (<8%).
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Omar Faruk SM, Hazra I, Mondal S, Datta A, Moitra S, Das PK, Mishra R, Chaudhuri S. T11TS immunotherapy potentiates the repressed calcineurin-NFAT signalling pathway of T cells in Cryptococcus neoformans infected rats: a cue towards T-cell activation for antifungal immunity. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 129:753-767. [PMID: 32145053 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14631] [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: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the modulation of the interacting partners of the calcineurin (CaN)-NFAT pathway in T cells during Cryptococcus neoformans fungal infection and post-T11TS immunotherapy. METHODS AND RESULTS Wistar rats were infected with C. neoformans and followed by immunotherapy with immune-potentiator T11TS. T cells were analysed by flow cytometry, immunoblotting and nuclear translocation study. The signalling proteins LCK, FYN, LAT, PLCγ1 and CaN in T cells were regulated by C. neoformans infection resulting in reduced nuclear translocation of NFAT and IL-2 expression. Following T11TS immunotherapy, the expressions of the above-mentioned proteins were boosted and thus resulting in the clearance of C. neoformans from lung and spleen. CONCLUSIONS The precise mechanism of suppression of the T-cell function by C. neoformans is still unknown. Previously, we have shown that T11TS positively regulates the function of T cells to abrogate glioma and other immunosuppressive conditions. T11TS immunotherapy increased the expression of the above signalling partners of the CaN-NFAT pathway in T cells and improved nuclear retention of NFAT. As a result, an increased IL-2 expression leads to activation and proliferation of T cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Our results demonstrate the role of T11TS in restoring the CaN-NFAT signalling pathway in T cells. It identifies T11TS as an immunotherapeutic agent with potential clinical outcomes to counteract C. neoformans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Omar Faruk
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.,Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - I Hazra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - S Mondal
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - A Datta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - S Moitra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - P K Das
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - R Mishra
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - S Chaudhuri
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Folly MLC, Ferreira GF, Salvador MR, Sathler AA, da Silva GF, Santos JCB, Dos Santos JRA, Nunes Neto WR, Rodrigues JFS, Fernandes ES, da Silva LCN, de Freitas GJC, Denadai ÂM, Rodrigues IV, Mendonça LM, Monteiro AS, Santos DA, Cabrera GM, Siless G, Lang KL. Evaluation of in vitro Antifungal Activity of Xylosma prockia (Turcz.) Turcz. (Salicaceae) Leaves Against Cryptococcus spp. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3114. [PMID: 32117083 PMCID: PMC7015862 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus species are responsible for important systemic mycosis and are estimated to cause millions of new cases annually. The available therapy is limited due to the high toxicity and the increasing rates of yeast resistance to antifungal drugs. Popularly known as “sucará,” Xylosma prockia (Turcz.) Turcz. (Salicaceae) is a native plant from Brazil with little information on its pharmacological potential. In this work, we evaluated in vitro anticryptococcal effects of the leaf ethanolic extract of X. prockia and its fractions against Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans. We also evaluated phenotypic alterations caused by ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) (chosen according to its biological results). The liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of EAF demonstrated the presence of phenolic metabolites that belong to three structurally related groups as majority compounds: caffeoylquinic acid, coumaroyl-glucoside, and caffeoyl-glucoside/deoxyhexosyl-caffeoyl glucoside derivatives. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against C. gattii and C. neoformans ranged from 8 to 64 mg/L and from 0.5 to 8 mg/L, for ethanolic extract and EAF, respectively. The EAF triggered an oxidative burst and promoted lipid peroxidation. EAF also induced a reduction of ergosterol content in the pathogen cell membrane. These effects were not associated with alterations in the cell surface charge or in the thermodynamic fingerprint of the molecular interaction between EAF and the yeasts evaluated. Cytotoxic experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) demonstrated that EAF was more selective for yeasts than was PBMCs. The results may provide evidence that X. prockia leaf extract might indeed be a potential source of antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariany L C Folly
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Gabriella F Ferreira
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Maiara R Salvador
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Ana A Sathler
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Guilherme F da Silva
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ângelo M Denadai
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Ivanildes V Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Leonardo M Mendonça
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Assis Santos
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriela M Cabrera
- Department of Organic Chemistry, UMYMFOR-CONICET, FCEN, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gastón Siless
- Department of Organic Chemistry, UMYMFOR-CONICET, FCEN, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karen L Lang
- Multicentric Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
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Rodrigues ML, Nosanchuk JD. Fungal diseases as neglected pathogens: A wake-up call to public health officials. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007964. [PMID: 32078635 PMCID: PMC7032689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, Brazil
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Singulani JDL, Galeane MC, Ramos MD, Gomes PC, Dos Santos CT, de Souza BM, Palma MS, Fusco Almeida AM, Mendes Giannini MJS. Antifungal Activity, Toxicity, and Membranolytic Action of a Mastoparan Analog Peptide. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:419. [PMID: 31867293 PMCID: PMC6908851 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections, such as cryptococcosis and paracoccidioidomycosis are associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. Cryptococcosis, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, is distributed worldwide and has received much attention as a common complication in patients with HIV. Invasive fungal infections are usually treated with a combination of amphotericin B and azoles. In addition, 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) is applied in cryptococcosis, specifically to treat central nervous system infection. However, host toxicity, high cost, emerging number of resistant strains, and difficulty in developing new selective antifungals pose challenges. The need for new antifungals has therefore prompted a screen for inhibitory peptides, which have multiple mechanisms of action. The honeycomb moth Galleria mellonella has been widely used as a model system for evaluating efficacy of antifungal agents. In this study, a peptide analog from the mastoparan class of wasps (MK58911) was tested against Cryptococcus spp. and Paracoccidioides spp. In addition, peptide toxicity tests on lung fibroblasts (MRC5) and glioblastoma cells (U87) were performed. Subsequent tests related to drug interaction and mechanism of action were also performed, and efficacy and toxicity of the peptide were evaluated in vivo using the G. mellonella model. Our results reveal promising activity of the peptide, with an MIC in the range of 7.8-31.2 μg/mL, and low toxicity in MRC and U87 cells (IC50 > 500 μg/mL). Taken together, these results demonstrate that MK58911 is highly toxic in fungal cells, but not mammalian cells (SI > 16). The mechanism of toxicity involved disruption of the plasma membrane, leading to death of the fungus mainly by necrosis. In addition, no interaction with the drugs amphotericin B and fluconazole was found either in vitro or in vivo. Finally, the peptide showed no toxic effects on G. mellonella, and significantly enhanced survival rates of larvae infected with C. neoformans. Although not statistically significant, treatment of larvae with all doses of MK58911 showed a similar trend in decreasing the fungal burden of larvae. These effects were independent of any immunomodulatory activity. Overall, these results present a peptide with potential for use as a new antifungal drug to treat systemic mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya de Lacorte Singulani
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Mariana Cristina Galeane
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marina Dorisse Ramos
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Paulo César Gomes
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Claudia Tavares Dos Santos
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Bibiana Monson de Souza
- Department of Biology, Center for the Study of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Department of Biology, Center for the Study of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
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Alves-Silva JM, Zuzarte M, Gonçalves MJ, Cruz MT, Cavaleiro C, Salgueiro L. Unveiling the bioactive potential of the essential oil of a Portuguese endemism, Santolina impressa. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 244:112120. [PMID: 31352022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Santolina species are widely used in traditional medicine in the Mediterranean region for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, digestive, and analgesic properties. S. impressa, a Portuguese endemism, is traditionally recognized for its beneficial anti-inflammatory properties in several gastrointestinal affections and is also used in oropharyngeal infections. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aims to characterize the essential oil of S. impressa growing in Portugal and validate its traditional uses by assessing the anti-inflammatory potential of its essential oil at concentrations without toxicity. The antifungal properties of the oil are also addressed, as well as, the putative mechanism of action underlying these effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS The essential oil was obtained in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia and characterized by GC and GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory potential of the oil was assessed on LPS-stimulated macrophages, through the production of nitric oxide (NO) using the Griess reaction. Putative mechanisms of action included the role of the oil as a NO scavenger, as well as its effect on the expression of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 by Western blot analysis. The antifungal effect of the oil was evaluated according to the CLSI guidelines on several yeast and filamentous strains and on two major virulence factors in Candida albicans, namely germ tubes and biofilms. Ultrastructural modifications on dermatophytes were also unveiled by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS S. impressa essential oil was primarily characterized by the presence of monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes, being the main compounds β-pinene (22.5%), 1,8-cineole (10.0%), limonene (9.1%), camphor (8.1%) and β-phellandrene (8.0%). A significant decrease (ca 60.0%) in nitrite levels was observed in LPS-stimulated macrophages treated with the oil without affecting cell viability. This effect could be explained by a great reduction on iNOS expression (85.0% inhibition), thus underpinning the anti-inflammatory potential of the oil. The oil also showed a fungicidal effect, being more active against Cryptococcus neoformans, Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophytum rubrum. For these dermatophytes, significant ultrastructural modifications in cell wall structure were detected. Strikingly, for C. albicans, the oil showed a significant anti-infective potential (at 0.07 mg/mL for germ tube inhibition and 0.02 mg/mL for biofilm disruption) before fungal growth inhibition occurred. CONCLUSIONS Our results validate the main traditional use ascribed to S. impressa, namely its anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, an antifungal potential is pointed out, thus corroborating the antimicrobial uses and adding new value to an endemic species poorly recognized by the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Alves-Silva
- CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal; CIEPQPF and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - M Zuzarte
- CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - M J Gonçalves
- CIEPQPF and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - M T Cruz
- CNC.IBILI, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - C Cavaleiro
- CIEPQPF and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - L Salgueiro
- CIEPQPF and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Abstract
Melanins are dark green, brown, or black pigments that serve as antioxidant, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers that protect fungal pathogens from radiation and host immune responses. Cryptococcus neoformans, the major etiological agent of fungal meningoencephalitis, also utilizes melanin as a key virulence factor. In this basidiomycete pathogen, melanin production is regulated by the cAMP and high-osmolarity glycerol response (HOG) pathways, and yet its complex signaling networks remain poorly described. In this study, we uncovered novel melanin synthesis regulatory networks consisting of core transcription factors (TFs), including Bzp4, Usv101, Hob1, and Mbs1, and core kinases Gsk3 and Kic1. These networks were identified through coupling systematic analyses of the expression and epistatic relationships of TF and kinase mutant libraries in the presence of diverse melanin substrates with transcriptome profiling of the core TF mutants. Thus, this report provides comprehensive insight into the melanin-regulating pathways in C. neoformans and other fungal pathogens. Melanin is an antioxidant polyphenol pigment required for the pathogenicity of many fungal pathogens, but comprehensive regulatory mechanisms remain unidentified. In this study, we systematically analyzed melanin-regulating signaling pathways in Cryptococcus neoformans and identified four melanin-regulating core transcription factors (TFs), Bzp4, Usv101, Mbs1, and Hob1, required for induction of the laccase gene (LAC1). Bzp4, Usv101, and Mbs1 independently regulate LAC1 induction, whereas Hob1 controls Bzp4 and Usv101 expression. Both Bzp4 and Usv101 are localized in the cytoplasm under nutrient-rich conditions (i.e., in the presence of yeast extract-peptone-dextrose [YPD] medium) but translocate into the nucleus upon nutrient starvation (i.e., in the presence of yeast nitrogen base [YNB] medium without glucose), and Mbs1 is constitutively localized in the nucleus. Notably, the cAMP pathway is not involved in regulation of the four TFs, but the high-osmolarity glycerol response (HOG) pathway negatively regulates induction of BZP4 and LAC1. Next, we searched for potential kinases upstream of the core TFs and identified nine core kinases; their deletion led to defective melanin production and LAC1 induction. Deletion of GSK3 or KIC1 abolished induction of LAC1 and BZP4 and perturbed nuclear translocation of Bzp4. Notably, Gsk3 also regulated expression of HOB1, USV101, and MBS1, indicating that it is a critical melanin-regulating kinase. Finally, an RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis of the wild-type strain and of bzp4Δ, usv101Δ, hob1Δ, and mbs1Δ strains under nutrient-rich and nutrient-starved conditions revealed that the melanin-regulating core TFs govern redundant and distinct classes of genes involved in a variety of biological processes.
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Cryptococcus laurentii meningitis in a non-HIV patient. IDCases 2019; 18:e00612. [PMID: 31463196 PMCID: PMC6710230 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2019.e00612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus species (other than Cryptococcus neoformans) have been labeled as saprophytic and nonpathogenic in immunocompetent individuals in the past. In recent years, infections caused by non-neoformans Cryptococcus species have been recognized. Cryptococcus laurentii is known to be a rare human pathogen. In this case report, we present a 59-year-old man who did not have HIV infection with meningoencephalitis caused by Cryptococcus laurentii. No significant underlying immunosuppressive disorder was found. The only identifiable risk factors were that the patient was a farmer with previous exposure to pigeon droppings. Here, we describe what we believe to be the fifth reported case of meningitis caused by Cryptococcus laurentii.
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Walsh NM, Botts MR, McDermott AJ, Ortiz SC, Wüthrich M, Klein B, Hull CM. Infectious particle identity determines dissemination and disease outcome for the inhaled human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007777. [PMID: 31247052 PMCID: PMC6597114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of invasive human fungal pathogens gain access to their human hosts via the inhalation of spores from the environment into the lung, but relatively little is known about this infectious process. Among human fungal pathogens the most frequent cause of inhaled fatal fungal disease is Cryptococcus, which can disseminate from the lungs to other tissues, including the brain, where it causes meningoencephalitis. To determine the mechanisms by which distinct infectious particles of Cryptococcus cause disseminated disease, we evaluated two developmental cell types (spores and yeast) in mouse models of infection. We discovered that while both yeast and spores from several strains cause fatal disease, there was a consistently higher fungal burden in the brains of spore-infected mice. To determine the basis for this difference, we compared the pathogenesis of avirulent yeast strains with their spore progeny derived from sexual crosses. Strikingly, we discovered that spores produced by avirulent yeast caused uniformly fatal disease in the murine inhalation model of infection. We determined that this difference in outcome is associated with the preferential dissemination of spores to the lymph system. Specifically, mice infected with spores harbored Cryptococcus in their lung draining lymph nodes as early as one day after infection, whereas mice infected with yeast did not. Furthermore, phagocyte depletion experiments revealed this dissemination to the lymph nodes to be dependent on CD11c+ phagocytes, indicating a critical role for host immune cells in preferential spore trafficking. Taken together, these data support a model in which spores capitalize on phagocytosis by immune cells to escape the lung and gain access to other tissues, such as the central nervous system, to cause fatal disease. These previously unrealized insights into early interactions between pathogenic fungal spores and lung phagocytes provide new opportunities for understanding cryptococcosis and other spore-mediated fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi M. Walsh
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Botts
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Andrew J. McDermott
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sébastien C. Ortiz
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Marcel Wüthrich
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Bruce Klein
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Christina M. Hull
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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43
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Magnetic resonance imaging features of gelatinous pseudocysts in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Acta Neurol Belg 2019; 119:265-267. [PMID: 30374842 PMCID: PMC6534519 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-018-1033-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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44
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Shourian M, Qureshi ST. Resistance and Tolerance to Cryptococcal Infection: An Intricate Balance That Controls the Development of Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:66. [PMID: 30761136 PMCID: PMC6361814 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous environmental yeast and a leading cause of invasive fungal infection in humans. The most recent estimate of global disease burden includes over 200,000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis each year. Cryptococcus neoformans expresses several virulence factors that may have originally evolved to protect against environmental threats, and human infection may be an unintended consequence of these acquired defenses. Traditionally, C. neoformans has been viewed as a purely opportunistic pathogen that targets severely immune compromised hosts; however, during the past decade the spectrum of susceptible individuals has grown considerably. In addition, the closely related strain Cryptococcus gattii has recently emerged in North America and preferentially targets individuals with intact immunity. In parallel to the changing epidemiology of cryptococcosis, an increasing role for host immunity in the pathogenesis of severe disease has been elucidated. Initially, the HIV/AIDS epidemic revealed the capacity of C. neoformans to cause host damage in the absence of adaptive immunity. Subsequently, the development and clinical implementation of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) led to recognition of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in a subset of HIV+ individuals, demonstrating the pathological role of host immunity in disease. A post-infectious inflammatory syndrome (PIIRS) characterized by abnormal T cell-macrophage activation has also been documented in HIV-negative individuals following antifungal therapy. These novel clinical conditions illustrate the highly complex host-pathogen relationship that underlies severe cryptococcal disease and the intricate balance between tolerance and resistance that is necessary for effective resolution. In this article, we will review current knowledge of the interactions between cryptococci and mammalian hosts that result in a tolerant phenotype. Future investigations in this area have potential for translation into improved therapies for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Shourian
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Salman T Qureshi
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Calvete CL, Martho KF, Felizardo G, Paes A, Nunes JM, Ferreira CO, Vallim MA, Pascon RC. Amino acid permeases in Cryptococcus neoformans are required for high temperature growth and virulence; and are regulated by Ras signaling. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211393. [PMID: 30682168 PMCID: PMC6347259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an Invasive Fungal Infection (IFI) caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, mainly in immunocompromised patients. Therapeutic failure due to pathogen drug resistance, treatment inconstancy and few antifungal options is a problem. The study of amino acid biosynthesis and uptake represents an opportunity to explore possible development of novel antifungals. C. neoformans has 10 amino acids permeases, two of them (Aap3 and Aap7) not expressed at the conditions tested, and five were studied previously (Aap2, Aap4, Aap5, Mup1 and Mup3). Our previous results showed that Aap4 and Aap5 are major permeases with overlapping functions. The aap4Δ/aap5Δ double mutant fails to grow in amino acids as sole nitrogen source and is avirulent in animal model. Here, we deleted the remaining amino acid permeases (AAP1, AAP6, AAP8) that showed gene expression modulation by nutritional condition and created a double mutant (aap1Δ/aap2Δ). We studied the virulence attributes of these mutants and explored the regulatory mechanism behind amino acid uptake in C. neoformans. The aap1Δ/aap2Δ strain had reduced growth at 37°C in L-amino acids, reduced capsule production and was hypovirulent in the Galleria mellonella animal model. Our data, along with previous studies, (i) complement the analysis for all 10 amino acid permeases mutants, (ii) corroborate the idea that these transporters behave as global permeases, (iii) are required during heat and nutritional stress, and (iv) are important for virulence. Our study also indicates a new possible link between Ras1 signaling and amino acids uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crislaine Lambiase Calvete
- Universidade de São Paulo, Biotechnology Graduate Program, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Kevin Felipe Martho
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Felizardo
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Paes
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - João Miguel Nunes
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Oliveira Ferreira
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A. Vallim
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata C. Pascon
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Department of Biological Sciences, Diadema, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Zimbres ACG, Reuwsaat JCV, Barcellos VA, Joffe LS, Fonseca FL, Staats CC, Schrank A, Kmetzsch L, Vainstein MH, Rodrigues ML. Pharmacological inhibition of pigmentation inCryptococcus. FEMS Yeast Res 2018; 19:5173039. [DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia G Zimbres
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Julia C V Reuwsaat
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Vanessa A Barcellos
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Luna S Joffe
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Fernanda L Fonseca
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Charley C Staats
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Augusto Schrank
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Livia Kmetzsch
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Marilene H Vainstein
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Marcio L Rodrigues
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation (LabReg), Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, PR 81310-020, Brazil
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47
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Maintenance of Mitochondrial Morphology in Cryptococcus neoformans Is Critical for Stress Resistance and Virulence. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.01375-18. [PMID: 30401774 PMCID: PMC6222134 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01375-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
C. neoformans is a yeast that causes fatal brain infection in close to 200,000 people worldwide every year, mainly afflicting individuals with AIDS or others who are severely immunocompromised. One feature of this microbe that helps it cause disease is that it is able to withstand toxic molecules it encounters when host cells engulf it in their efforts to control the infection. Mitochondria are important organelles responsible for energy production and other key cellular processes. They typically exist in a complex network that changes morphology by fusing and dividing; these alterations also influence mitochondrial function. Using genetic approaches, we found that changes in mitochondrial morphology dramatically influence cryptococcal virulence. We showed that this occurs because the altered mitochondria are less able to eliminate the harmful molecules that host cells produce to kill invading microbes. These findings are important because they elucidate fundamental biology and virulence and may suggest avenues for therapy. Mitochondria are essential organelles that act in pathways including ATP production, β-oxidation, and clearance of reactive oxygen species. They occur as a complex reticular network that constantly undergoes fusion and fission, mediated by dynamin-related proteins (DRPs). DRPs include Fzo1, which mediates fusion, and Dnm1, Mdv1, and Fis1, which mediate fission. Mitochondrial morphology has been implicated in virulence in multiple fungi, as with the association between virulence and increased mitochondrial fusion in Cryptococcus gattii. This relationship, however, has not been studied in Cryptococcus neoformans, a related opportunistic pathogen. C. neoformans is an environmental yeast that can adapt to the human host environment, overcome the innate immune system, and eventually disseminate and cause lethal meningoencephalitis. We used gene deletion of key DRPs to study their role in mitochondrial morphology and pathogenesis of this yeast. Interestingly, increasing mitochondrial fusion did not increase resistance to oxidative stress, unlike in model yeast. Blocking mitochondrial fusion, however, yielded increased susceptibility to oxidative and nitrosative stresses as well as complete avirulence. This lack of virulence was not mediated by any effects of altered mitochondrial function on two major virulence factors, capsule and melanin. Instead, it was due to decreased survival within macrophages, which in turn was a consequence of increased susceptibility to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Supporting this conclusion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers rescued the ability of fusion mutants to survive intracellularly. These findings increase our understanding of cryptococcal biology and virulence and shed light on an important group of proteins and cellular processes in this pathogen.
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