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Jafarlou M. Unveiling the menace: a thorough review of potential pandemic fungal disease. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1338726. [PMID: 38711422 PMCID: PMC11071163 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1338726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Fungal diseases have emerged as a significant global health threat, with the potential to cause widespread outbreaks and significant morbidity and mortality. Anticipating future pandemic fungal diseases is essential for effective preparedness and response strategies. This comprehensive literature review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing research on this topic. Through an extensive examination of scholarly articles, this review identifies potential fungal pathogens that have the potential to become pandemics in the future. It explores the factors contributing to the emergence and spread of these fungal diseases, including climate change, globalization, and antimicrobial resistance. The review also discusses the challenges in diagnosing and treating these diseases, including limited access to diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies. Furthermore, it examines the strategies and interventions that can be employed to mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases, such as improved surveillance systems, public health education, and research advancements. The findings of this literature review contribute to our understanding of the potential risks posed by fungal diseases and provide valuable insights for public health professionals and policymakers in effectively preparing for and responding to future pandemic outbreaks. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts to anticipate and mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases.
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Nasiri-Jahrodi A, Barati M, Namdar Ahmadabad H, Badali H, Morovati H. A comprehensive review on the role of T cell subsets and CAR-T cell therapy in Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110763. [PMID: 38350795 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus, a common cause of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in immunocompromised individuals, is critical for developing effective treatments. Tcells play a critical role in the immune response to A. fumigatus, with different subsets having distinct functions. Th1 cells are important for controlling fungal growth, while Th2 cells can exacerbate infection. Th17 cells promote the clearance of fungi indirectly by stimulating the production of various antimicrobial peptides from epithelial cells and directly by recruiting and activating neutrophils. Regulatory T cells have varied functions in A.fumigatus infection. They expand after exposure to A. fumigatus conidia and prevent organ injury and fungal sepsis by downregulating inflammation and inhibiting neutrophils or suppressing Th17 cells. Regulatory T cells also block Th2 cells to stop aspergillosis allergies. Immunotherapy with CAR T cells is a promising treatment for fungal infections, including A. fumigatus infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the immune response to A. fumigatus and to develop effective immunotherapies with CAR-T cells for this infection. This literature review explores the role of Tcell subsets in A.fumigatus infection, and the effects of CAR-T cell therapy on this fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abozar Nasiri-Jahrodi
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Barati
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hamid Morovati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Chen W, Ji Y, Hong X, Zhu Y, Gou X, Chen M, Lv H, Ge Y. Pacemaker Associated Aspergillus fumigatus Endocarditis: A Case Report. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:329-335. [PMID: 36704772 PMCID: PMC9871031 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s393917] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus endocarditis (AE) is a highly fatal infection that can occur in heart valve replacement, pacemaker implantation and other heart surgeries, and early recognition and sufficient diagnosis are challenging. Here, we report the case of a 68-year-old male with a history of dilated cardiomyopathy and pacemaker implantation who had a repeated fever with failed antibacterial treatment and sterile blood culture. He developed endocarditis, and the culture and biopsy of vegetation tissue showed the abundant presence of septate hyphae, which was subsequently identified as Aspergillus fumigatus by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Although the patient had serious side effects from voriconazole, he had a good prognosis following surgery and prolonged caspofungin antifungal therapy of 42 consecutive days. We discuss the diagnosis and treatment strategy of AE, and recommend galactomannan assays and next-generation sequencing for a timely diagnosis. Early surgical intervention combined with prompt antifungal therapy appears significant for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyuan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youqi Ji
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Hong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongze Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Gou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengyuan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huoyang Lv
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yumei Ge
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China,Key Laboratory of Biomarkers and in vitro Diagnosis Translation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310063, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Yumei Ge, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 158, Shang-Tang Road, Gong-Shu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0571-85893264, Email
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Liu H, Zhang K, Jang YO, Qiao Z, Jin J, Thi Dao TN, Koo B, Park CO, Shin Y. Homobifunctional imidoester-modified zinc nano-spindle attenuated hyphae growth of Aspergillus against hypersensitivity responses. iScience 2023; 26:105922. [PMID: 36866037 PMCID: PMC9971823 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105922] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi cause various forms of invasive fungal disease (IFD), and fungal sensitization can contribute to the development of asthma, asthma severity, and other hypersensitivity diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we introduce a facile and controllable approach, using homobifunctional imidoester-modified zinc nano-spindle (HINS), for attenuating hyphae growth of fungi and reducing the hypersensitivity response complications in fungi-infected mice. To extend the study of the specificity and immune mechanisms, we used HINS-cultured Aspergillus extract (HI-AsE) and common agar-cultured Aspergillus extract (Con-AsE) as the refined mouse models. HINS composites within the safe concentration range inhibited the hyphae growth of fungi but also reduce the number of fungal pathogens. Through the evaluation of lung and skin tissues from the mice, asthma pathogenesis (lung) and the hypersensitivity response (skin) to invasive aspergillosis were least severe in HI-AsE-infected mice. Therefore, HINS composites attenuate asthma and the hypersensitivity response to invasive aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - KeLun Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Ok Jang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhen Qiao
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Thuy Nguyen Thi Dao
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Bonhan Koo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ook Park
- Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Corresponding author
| | - Yong Shin
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author
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Yin M, Li C, Zhang L, Zhang L, Lin J, Jiang N, Wang Q, Xu Q, Zheng H, Gu L, Jia Y, Yu B, Zhao G. Mechanism of antifungal activity and therapeutic action of β-ionone on Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis via suppressing LOX1 and JNK/p38 MAPK activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108992. [PMID: 35810488 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antifungal role of β-ionone (BI) in fungal keratitis (FK). METHODS In vitro antifungal activity of BI against Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) was evaluated by using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), crystal violet staining, biofilm biomass measurement, propidium iodide uptake test, and adherence assay. And RT-PCR was carried out to measure the levels of RodA, RodB, Rho, FKs, CshA-D, RlmA, Cyp51A-B and Cdr1B. Network pharmacology analysis was applied to predict the relationship between BI and FK. Cell Count Kit-8 (CCK8) assay was utilized to detect the cytotoxicity of BI to RAW264.7 and immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). The underlying mechanism of BI at regulating the level of inflammatory factors in FK was assessed by RT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic effect of BI has investigated in A. fumigatus keratitis by employing the clinical score, pathological examination, plate count, immunofluorescence and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. We also used the slit-lamp microscopy, clinical scores, and HE staining to assess the effect of natamycin compared with BI treatment in vivo. RESULTS BI suppressed the growth of A. fumigatus and had a significant effect on A. fumigatus biofilms and membrane permeability. RT-PCR demonstrated that exposure of A. fumigatus to BI inhibited the expression of genes that function in hydrophobin (RodA, RodB), cell wall integrity (Rho, FKs, CshA-D, RlmA), azole susceptibility (Cyp51A-B, Cdr1B). Network pharmacology showed that the effects of BI in FK implicate with C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway. In vivo, after A. fumigatus infection, BI treatment markedly reduced the severity of FK by decreasing clinical score, neutrophil recruitment, and fungal load. And BI treatment also obviously reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1), phosphorylation of p38MAPK and p-JNK versus the DMSO-treated group. BI and natamycin both significantly increased corneal transparency and decreased inflammatory cell recruitment in the FK in the mice model. CONCLUSION These results indicated that BI had fungicidal activities against A. fumigatus. It also ameliorated FK in mice by reducing inflammation, which was regulated by LOX-1, p-p38MAPK and p-JNK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Leyuan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qain Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hengrui Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yiyi Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Bing Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Thermotolerance and Adaptation to Climate Change. Fungal Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89664-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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7
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Understanding the fundamental role of virulence determinants to combat Aspergillus fumigatus infections: exploring beyond cell wall. Mycol Prog 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11557-021-01677-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Wang H, Yang X, Wei S, Wang Y. Proteomic Analysis of Mycelial Exudates of Ustilaginoidea virens. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030364. [PMID: 33803797 PMCID: PMC8003167 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rice false smut (RFS) disease, which is caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, has been widespread all over the world in recent years, causing irreversible losses. Under artificial culture conditions, exudates will appear on colonies of U. virens during the growth of the hyphae. Exudation of droplets is a common feature in many fungi, but the functions of exudates are undetermined. As the executors of life functions, proteins can intuitively reflect the functions of exudates. Shotgun proteomics were used in this study. A total of 650 proteins were identified in the exudate of U. virens, and the raw data were made available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD019861. There were 57 subcategories and 167 pathways annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, respectively. Through protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, it was found that 20 proteins participated in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Two separate PPI analyses were performed for carbon metabolism and microbial metabolism in diverse environments. After comparing and annotating the functions of proteins of the exudate, it was speculated that the exudate was involved in the construction and remodeling of the fungal cell wall. Pathogenicity, sporulation, and antioxidant effects might all be affected by the exudate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China;
| | - Xiaohe Yang
- Jiamusi Branch of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jiamusi 154007, China;
| | - Songhong Wei
- Department of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China;
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China;
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (Y.W.)
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Sánchez Espinosa KC, Almaguer Chávez M, Duarte-Escalante E, Rojas Flores TI, Frías-De-León MG, Reyes-Montes MDR. Phylogenetic Identification, Diversity, and Richness of Aspergillus from Homes in Havana, Cuba. Microorganisms 2021; 9:115. [PMID: 33418970 PMCID: PMC7825327 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus is one of the most common fungal genera found indoors; it is important because it can cause a wide range of diseases in humans. Aspergillus species identification is based on a combination of morphological, physiological, and molecular methods. However, molecular methodologies have rarely been used for the identification of environmental isolates of Aspergillus in Cuba. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify the species of the genus Aspergillus obtained from houses in Havana, Cuba, through the construction of phylogeny from a partial sequence of the benA gene region, and to analyze the diversity and richness of Aspergillus in the studied municipalities. Isolates of Aspergillus spp. included in this study presented the typical macro- and micromorphology described for the genus. According to this polyphasic characterization, A. niger, A. flavus, A. welwitschiae, A. heteromorphus, A. sydowii, A. tamarii, A. fumigatus, A. clavatus, and A. tubingensis were the most abundant species. Most of the identified species constitute new records for outdoor and indoor environments in Cuba and contribute to the knowledge of fungal biodiversity in the country. These results constitute an alert for the health authorities of the country, since prolonged exposure of the inhabitants to Aspergillus spores can cause severe persistent asthma, among other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenia C. Sánchez Espinosa
- Departamento de Microbiología y Virología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana, 25, Número 455, Entre I y J, La Habana 10400, Cuba; (K.C.S.E.); (M.A.C.); (T.I.R.F.)
| | - Michel Almaguer Chávez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Virología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana, 25, Número 455, Entre I y J, La Habana 10400, Cuba; (K.C.S.E.); (M.A.C.); (T.I.R.F.)
| | - Esperanza Duarte-Escalante
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Teresa Irene Rojas Flores
- Departamento de Microbiología y Virología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana, 25, Número 455, Entre I y J, La Habana 10400, Cuba; (K.C.S.E.); (M.A.C.); (T.I.R.F.)
| | - María Guadalupe Frías-De-León
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico;
| | - María del Rocío Reyes-Montes
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
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Lin L, Xu J. Fungal Pigments and Their Roles Associated with Human Health. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E280. [PMID: 33198121 PMCID: PMC7711509 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi can produce myriad secondary metabolites, including pigments. Some of these pigments play a positive role in human welfare while others are detrimental. This paper reviews the types and biosynthesis of fungal pigments, their relevance to human health, including their interactions with host immunity, and recent progresses in their structure-activity relationships. Fungal pigments are grouped into carotenoids, melanin, polyketides, and azaphilones, etc. These pigments are phylogenetically broadly distributed. While the biosynthetic pathways for some fungal pigments are known, the majority remain to be elucidated. Understanding the genes and metabolic pathways involved in fungal pigment synthesis is essential to genetically manipulate the production of both the types and quantities of specific pigments. A variety of fungal pigments have shown wide-spectrum biological activities, including promising pharmacophores/lead molecules to be developed into health-promoting drugs to treat cancers, cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases, Alzheimer's diseases, and so on. In addition, the mechanistic elucidation of the interaction of fungal pigments with the host immune system provides valuable clues for fighting fungal infections. The great potential of fungal pigments have opened the avenues for academia and industries ranging from fundamental biology to pharmaceutical development, shedding light on our endeavors for disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Department of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases (MOE), Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, Jiangsu, China;
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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Frawley D, Stroe MC, Oakley BR, Heinekamp T, Straßburger M, Fleming AB, Brakhage AA, Bayram Ö. The Pheromone Module SteC-MkkB-MpkB-SteD-HamE Regulates Development, Stress Responses and Secondary Metabolism in Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:811. [PMID: 32457716 PMCID: PMC7223695 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In order for eukaryotes to efficiently detect and respond to environmental stimuli, a myriad of protein signaling pathways are utilized. An example of highly conserved signaling pathways in eukaryotes are the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. In fungi, MAPK pathways have been shown to regulate a diverse array of biological processes, such as asexual and sexual development, stress responses and the production of secondary metabolites (SMs). In the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans, a MAPK pathway known as the pheromone module is utilized to regulate both development and SM production. This signaling cascade consists of the three kinases SteC, MkkB, and MpkB, as well as the SteD adaptor protein and the HamE scaffold. In this study, homologs of each of these proteins have been identified in the opportunistic human pathogen A. fumigatus. By performing epitope tagging and mass spectrometry experiments, we have shown that these proteins form a pentameric complex, similar to what is observed in A. nidulans. This complex has been shown to assemble in the cytoplasm and MpkB enters the nucleus, where it would presumably interact with various transcription factors. Pheromone module mutant strains exhibit drastic reductions in asexual sporulation, vegetative growth rate and production of SMs, such as gliotoxin. Mutants also display increased sensitivity to cell wall and oxidative stress agents. Overall, these data provide evidence of the existence of a conserved MAP kinase signaling pathway in Aspergillus species and suggest that this pathway is critical for the regulation of fungal development and secondary metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Frawley
- Department of Biology, Fungal Genetics and Secondary Metabolism Laboratory, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Maria C Stroe
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Berl R Oakley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Thorsten Heinekamp
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Straßburger
- Transfer Group Antiinfectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Alastair B Fleming
- Department of Microbiology, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Özgür Bayram
- Department of Biology, Fungal Genetics and Secondary Metabolism Laboratory, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
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12
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Zaman NR, Kumar B, Nasrin Z, Islam MR, Maiti TK, Khan H. Proteome Analyses Reveal Macrophomina phaseolina's Survival Tools When Challenged by Burkholderia contaminans NZ. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:1352-1362. [PMID: 32010805 PMCID: PMC6990438 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
A phytopathogenic fungus, Macrophomina phaseolina, which infects a wide range of plants, is an important consideration in agronomy. A jute endophytic bacterium, Burkholderia contaminans NZ, was found to have a promising effect in controlling the fungus in in vitro culture conditions. Using the iTRAQ LC-MS/MS method for quantitative proteomics study, an analysis of the whole proteome of Macrophomina phaseolina with or without B. contaminans NZ challenge identified 2204 different proteins, of which 137 were found to have significant deviation in expression. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis identified most of the upregulated proteins to be functionally related to energy production (26.11%), as well as defense and stress response (23.45%), while there was significant downregulation in oxidative stress protection pathways (42.61%), growth and cell wall integrity (30.95%), and virulence (23.81%). Findings of this study suggest the development of a battle when the phytopathogen encounters the bacterium. B. contaminans NZ manages to arrest the growth of the fungus and decrease its pathogenicity, but the fungus apparently survives under "hibernating" conditions by upregulating its energy metabolism. This first ever proteomic study of M. phaseolina will go a long way in understanding and developing strategies for its effective control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazia R. Zaman
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Regional
Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Bhoj Kumar
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Regional
Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Zulia Nasrin
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad R. Islam
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Tushar K. Maiti
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Regional
Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
- E-mail: (T.K.M.)
| | - Haseena Khan
- Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
- E-mail: (H.K.)
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13
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Złotko K, Wiater A, Waśko A, Pleszczyńska M, Paduch R, Jaroszuk-Ściseł J, Bieganowski A. A Report on Fungal (1→3)-α-d-glucans: Properties, Functions and Application. Molecules 2019; 24:E3972. [PMID: 31684030 PMCID: PMC6864487 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24213972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell walls of fungi are composed of glycoproteins, chitin, and α- and β-glucans. Although there are many reports on β-glucans, α-glucan polysaccharides are not yet fully understood. This review characterizes the physicochemical properties and functions of (1→3)-α-d-glucans. Particular attention has been paid to practical application and the effect of glucans in various respects, taking into account unfavourable effects and potential use. The role of α-glucans in plant infection has been proven, and collected facts have confirmed the characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus infection associated with the presence of glucan in fungal cell wall. Like β-glucans, there are now evidence that α-glucans can also stimulate the immune system. Moreover, α-d-glucans have the ability to induce mutanases and can thus decompose plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Złotko
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Adrian Wiater
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Adam Waśko
- Department of Biotechnology, Human Nutrition and Food Commodity Science, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Pleszczyńska
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Roman Paduch
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, ul. Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
- Department of General Ophthalmology, Medical University, Chmielna 1, 20-079 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Jolanta Jaroszuk-Ściseł
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Bieganowski
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland.
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14
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Abu Toamih Atamni H, Nashef A, Iraqi FA. The Collaborative Cross mouse model for dissecting genetic susceptibility to infectious diseases. Mamm Genome 2018; 29:471-487. [PMID: 30143822 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-018-9768-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases, also known as communicable diseases, refer to a full range of maladies caused by pathogen invasion to the host body. Host response towards an infectious pathogen varies between individuals, and can be defined by responses from asymptomatic to lethal. Host response to infectious pathogens is considered as a complex trait controlled by gene-gene (host-pathogen) and gene-environment interactions, leading to the extensive phenotypic variations between individuals. With the advancement of the human genome mapping approaches and tools, various genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed, aimed at mapping the genetic basis underlying host susceptibility towards infectious pathogens. In parallel, immense efforts were invested in enhancing the genetic mapping resolution and gene-cloning efficacy, using advanced mouse models including advanced intercross lines; outbred populations; consomic, congenic; and recombinant inbred lines. Notwithstanding the evident advances achieved using these mouse models, the genetic diversity was low and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping resolution was inadequate. Consequently, the Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse model was established by full-reciprocal mating of eight divergent founder strains of mice (A/J, C57BL/6J, 129S1/SvImJ, NOD/LtJ, NZO/HiLtJ, CAST/Ei, PWK/PhJ, and WSB/EiJ) generating a next-generation mouse genetic reference population (CC lines). Presently, the CC mouse model population comprises a set of about 200 recombinant inbred CC lines exhibiting a unique high genetic diversity and which are accessible for multidisciplinary studies. The CC mouse model efficacy was validated by various studies in our lab and others, accomplishing high-resolution (< 1 MB) QTL genomic mapping for a variety of complex traits, using about 50 CC lines (3-4 mice per line). Herein, we present a number of studies demonstrating the power of the CC mouse model, which has been utilized in our lab for mapping the genetic basis of host susceptibility to various infectious pathogens. These include Aspergillus fumigatus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum (causing oral mixed infection), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the bacterial toxins Lipopolysaccharide and Lipoteichoic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanifa Abu Toamih Atamni
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Aysar Nashef
- Department of Prosthodontics, Dental school, The Hebrew University, Hadassah Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Cranio-maxillofacial Surgery, Poria Medical Centre, The Azrieli School of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Fuad A Iraqi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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