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Kolipakala R, Basu S, Sarkar S, Biju BM, Salazar D, Reddy L, Pradeep P, Yuvapriya MK, Nath S, Gall R, Samprathi AH, Balaji H, Koundinya EAB, Shetye A, Nagarajan D. Fungal Peptidomelanin: A Novel Biopolymer for the Chelation of Heavy Metals. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:36353-36370. [PMID: 39220543 PMCID: PMC11359623 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Melanin is an amorphous, highly heterogeneous polymer found across all kingdoms of life. Although the properties of melanin can greatly vary, most forms are insoluble and strongly absorb light, appearing dark brown to black. Here, we describe a water-soluble form of melanin (peptidomelanin) secreted by the spores of Aspergillus niger (strain: melanoliber) during germination. Peptidomelanin is composed of an insoluble L-DOPA core polymer that is solubilized via short, copolymerized heterogeneous peptide chains forming a "corona" with a mean amino acid length of 2.6 ± 2.3. Based on in vitro experiments, we propose a biochemical copolymerization mechanism involving the hydroxylation of tyrosynylated peptides. Peptidomelanin is capable of chelating heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and uranium (as uranyl) in large quantities. Preliminary data indicates that peptidomelanin may have applications for the remediation of heavy metals in situ, including in agricultural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suranjana Basu
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
| | - Senjuti Sarkar
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
| | - Beneta Merin Biju
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
| | - Daniela Salazar
- Ecology
and Genetics Research Unit, University of
Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland
| | - Likhit Reddy
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
| | - Pushya Pradeep
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
| | - Muniraj Krishnaveni Yuvapriya
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
| | - Shrijita Nath
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
| | - Riley Gall
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
| | - Anish Hemanth Samprathi
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
- Department
of Biotechnology, Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune 411004, India
| | - Harshitha Balaji
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
| | - Eeshaan A. B. Koundinya
- Department
of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology,
Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Aparna Shetye
- Department
of Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai 400001, India
| | - Deepesh Nagarajan
- Department
of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University
of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, India
- Department
of Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai 400001, India
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Medina-Armijo C, Yousef I, Berná A, Puerta A, Esteve-Núñez A, Viñas M, Prenafeta-Boldú FX. Characterization of melanin from Exophiala mesophila with the prospect of potential biotechnological applications. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1390724. [PMID: 38812984 PMCID: PMC11134573 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1390724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Introducion Fungal melanin is an underexplored natural biomaterial of great biotechnological interest in different areas. This study investigated the physical, chemical, electrochemical, and metal-binding properties of melanin extracted from the metallotolerant black fungus Exophiala mesophila strain IRTA-M2-F10. Materials and methods Specific inhibitory studies with tricyclazole and biochemical profiling of whole cells by synchrotron radiation-based Fourier-transform infrared spectral microscopy (SR-FTIRM) were performed. An optimized extraction protocol was implemented, and purified fungal melanin was characterized using an array of spectrophotometric techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR, and EPR) and by cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments. The metal-binding capacity of melanin extracts was also assessed by using Cr(VI) as a model heavy metal. Results Inhibitory studies indicated that 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene may be the main precursor molecule of E. mesophila melanin (DHN-melanin). The biochemical characterization of fungal melanin extracts were benchmarked against those from two melanins comprising the precursor molecule L-3,4-dihydroxiphenylalanine (DOPA-melanin): extracts from the ink of the cephalopod Sepia officinalis and DOPA-melanin synthesized in the laboratory. The CV results of melanin extracts incubated with and without cell suspensions of the electroconductive bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens were indicative of novel semiquinone/hydroquinone redox transformations specific for each melanin type. These interactions may play an important role in cation exchange for the adsorption of metals and in microbial interspecies electron transfer processes. Discussion The obtained results provided further evidence for the DHN-nature of E. mesophila melanin. The FTIR profiling of melanin extracts exposed to Cr(VI), compared to unexposed melanin, resulted in useful information on the distinct surface-binding properties of fungal melanin. The parameters of the Langmuir and Freundlicht isotherms for the adsorption of Cr(VI) were determined and compared to bibliographic data. Altogether, the inherent properties of fungal melanin suggest its promising potential as a biomaterial for environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy Medina-Armijo
- Program of Sustainability in Biosystems, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, Catalonia, Spain
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ibraheem Yousef
- MIRAS Beamline, ALBA Synchrotron Light Source, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Anna Puerta
- Program of Sustainability in Biosystems, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Abraham Esteve-Núñez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Viñas
- Program of Sustainability in Biosystems, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francesc X. Prenafeta-Boldú
- Program of Sustainability in Biosystems, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, Catalonia, Spain
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3
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Abd-El-Aziz AS, Abed NN, Mahfouz AY, Fathy RM. Production and characterization of melanin pigment from black fungus Curvularia soli AS21 ON076460 assisted gamma rays for promising medical uses. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:68. [PMID: 38408972 PMCID: PMC10895916 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02335-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Owing to the growing need for natural materials in different fields, studying melanin production from biological sources is imperative. In the current study, the extracellular melanin pigment was produced by the fungus Curvularia soli AS21 ON076460. The factors that affect the production of melanin were optimized by the Plackett-Burman design (P-BD). The effect of gamma irradiation on melanin productivity was investigated. The maximum melanin yield (3.376 mg/L) was elicited by a stimulus of gamma irradiation at 1.0 kGy. The results evoked that, Curvularia soli AS21 ON076460 melanin exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria and fungi. Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883 and P. digitatum were mostly affected by melanin registering the inhibition zone diameters of 37.51 ± 0.012 and 44.25 ± 0.214 mm, respectively. Moreover, Curvularia soli AS21 ON076460 melanin indicated a significant antiviral efficacy (77% inhibition) of Herpes simplex virus (HSV1). The melanin pigment showed antioxidant activities with IC50 of 42 ± 0.021 and 17 ± 0.02 µg/mL against DPPH and NO, respectively. Melanin had cytotoxic action against human breast cancer and skin cancer cell lines (Mcf7and A431) as well as exerting a low percentage of cell death against normal skin cell lines (Hfb4). Melanin was effective in wound management of human skin cells by 63.04 ± 1.83% compared with control (68.67 ± 1.10%). The novelty in the study is attributed to the possibility of using gamma rays as a safe method in small economic doses to stimulate melanin production from the fungi that have been isolated. In summary, melanin produced from fungi has significant biological activities that encourage its usage as a supportive medical route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira S Abd-El-Aziz
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermine N Abed
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira Y Mahfouz
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Rasha Mohammad Fathy
- Drug Radiation Research Department, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Cairo, Egypt.
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Guruceaga X, Perez-Cuesta U, Martin-Vicente A, Pelegri-Martinez E, Thorn HI, Cendon-Sanchez S, Xie J, Nywening AV, Ramirez-Garcia A, Fortwendel JR, Rementeria A. The Aspergillus fumigatus maiA gene contributes to cell wall homeostasis and fungal virulence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1327299. [PMID: 38343890 PMCID: PMC10853476 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1327299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, two distinct in vitro infection models of Aspergillus fumigatus, using murine macrophages (RAW264.7) and human lung epithelial cells (A549), were employed to identify the genes important for fungal adaptation during infection. Transcriptomic analyses of co-incubated A. fumigatus uncovered 140 fungal genes up-regulated in common between both models that, when compared with a previously published in vivo transcriptomic study, allowed the identification of 13 genes consistently up-regulated in all three infection conditions. Among them, the maiA gene, responsible for a critical step in the L-phenylalanine degradation pathway, was identified. Disruption of maiA resulted in a mutant strain unable to complete the Phe degradation pathway, leading to an excessive production of pyomelanin when this amino acid served as the sole carbon source. Moreover, the disruption mutant exhibited noticeable cell wall abnormalities, with reduced levels of β-glucans within the cell wall but did not show lack of chitin or mannans. The maiA-1 mutant strain induced reduced inflammation in primary macrophages and displayed significantly lower virulence in a neutropenic mouse model of infection. This is the first study linking the A. fumigatus maiA gene to fungal cell wall homeostasis and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Guruceaga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Uxue Perez-Cuesta
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Eduardo Pelegri-Martinez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Harrison I. Thorn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Healths Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Saioa Cendon-Sanchez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Jinhong Xie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Healths Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ashley V. Nywening
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Jarrod R. Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Aitor Rementeria
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Pandey S, Meshram V, Yehia HM, Alzahrani A, Akhtar N, Sur A. Efficient production and characterization of melanin from Thermothelomyces hinnuleus SP1, isolated from the coal mines of Chhattisgarh, India. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1320116. [PMID: 38293558 PMCID: PMC10826702 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1320116] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, fungi were isolated and screened from barren land in south-eastern Coalfields limited (SECL) in Chhattisgarh, India. Out of 14 isolated fungi, only three fungal isolates exhibited pigmentation in screening studies. The isolated fungal strain SP1 exhibited the highest pigmentation, which was further utilized for in vivo production, purification, and characterization of melanin pigment. The physical and chemical properties of the fungal pigment showed insolubility in organic solvents and water, solubility in alkali, precipitation in acid, and decolorization with oxidizing agents. The physiochemical characterization and analytical studies of the extracted pigment using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed it as a melanin pigment. The melanin-producing fungus SP1 was identified as Thermothelomyces hinnuleus based on 18S-rRNA sequence analysis. Furthermore, to enhance melanin production, a response surface methodology (RSM) was employed, specifically utilizing the central composite design (CCD). This approach focused on selecting efficient growth as well as progressive yield parameters such as optimal temperature (34.4°C), pH (5.0), and trace element concentration (56.24 mg). By implementing the suggested optimal conditions, the production rate of melanin increased by 62%, resulting in a yield of 28.3 mg/100 mL, which is comparatively higher than the actual yield (17.48 ± 2.19 mg/100 mL). Thus, T. hinnuleus SP1 holds great promise as a newly isolated fungal strain that could be used for the industrial production of melanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Pandey
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Vineet Meshram
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Anjaneya University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Hany M. Yehia
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Home Economics, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdulhakeem Alzahrani
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadeem Akhtar
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Arunima Sur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
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Fu R, Sun W, Liu B, Sun J, Wu Q, Liu X, Xiang M. Genome and transcriptome reveal lithophilic adaptation of Cladophialophora brunneola, a new rock-inhabiting fungus. Mycology 2024; 14:326-343. [PMID: 38187882 PMCID: PMC10769131 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2023.2256764] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rock-inhabiting fungi (RIF) are slow-growing microorganisms that inhabit rocks and exhibit exceptional stress tolerance owing to their thick melanised cell walls. This study reports the identification of a novel rock-inhabiting fungus, Cladophialophora brunneola sp. nov. which was isolated from a karst landform in Guizhou, China, using a combination of morphological and phylogenetic analyses. The genome of C. brunneola was sequenced and assembled, with a total size of approximately 33.8 Mb, encoding 14,168 proteins and yielding an N50 length of 1.88 Mb. C. brunneola possessed a larger proportion of species-specific genes, and phylogenomic analysis positioned it in an early diverged lineage within Chaetothyriales. In comparison to non-RIF, C. brunneola displayed reduction in carbohydrate-active enzyme families (CAZymes) and secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Transcriptome analysis conducted under PEG-induced drought stress revealed elevated expression levels of genes associated with melanin synthesis pathways, cell wall biosynthesis, and lipid metabolism. This study contributes to our understanding of the genomic evolution and polyextremotolerance exhibited by rock-inhabiting fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bingjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingzu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meichun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Carr EC, Barton Q, Grambo S, Sullivan M, Renfro CM, Kuo A, Pangilinan J, Lipzen A, Keymanesh K, Savage E, Barry K, Grigoriev IV, Riekhof WR, Harris SD. Characterization of a novel polyextremotolerant fungus, Exophiala viscosa, with insights into its melanin regulation and ecological niche. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad110. [PMID: 37221014 PMCID: PMC10411609 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Black yeasts are polyextremotolerant fungi that contain high amounts of melanin in their cell wall and maintain a primar yeast form. These fungi grow in xeric, nutrient depletes environments which implies that they require highly flexible metabolisms and have been suggested to contain the ability to form lichen-like mutualisms with nearby algae and bacteria. However, the exact ecological niche and interactions between these fungi and their surrounding community are not well understood. We have isolated 2 novel black yeasts from the genus Exophiala that were recovered from dryland biological soil crusts. Despite notable differences in colony and cellular morphology, both fungi appear to be members of the same species, which has been named Exophiala viscosa (i.e. E. viscosa JF 03-3 Goopy and E. viscosa JF 03-4F Slimy). A combination of whole genome sequencing, phenotypic experiments, and melanin regulation experiments have been performed on these isolates to fully characterize these fungi and help decipher their fundamental niche within the biological soil crust consortium. Our results reveal that E. viscosa is capable of utilizing a wide variety of carbon and nitrogen sources potentially derived from symbiotic microbes, can withstand many forms of abiotic stresses, and excretes melanin which can potentially provide ultraviolet resistance to the biological soil crust community. Besides the identification of a novel species within the genus Exophiala, our study also provides new insight into the regulation of melanin production in polyextremotolerant fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C Carr
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Quin Barton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Sarah Grambo
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Mitchell Sullivan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Cecile M Renfro
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Alan Kuo
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jasmyn Pangilinan
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Anna Lipzen
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Keykhosrow Keymanesh
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Emily Savage
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kerrie Barry
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Igor V Grigoriev
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Wayne R Riekhof
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Steven D Harris
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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8
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Wong SSW, Dellière S, Schiefermeier-Mach N, Lechner L, Perkhofer S, Bomme P, Fontaine T, Schlosser AG, Sorensen GL, Madan T, Kishore U, Aimanianda V. Surfactant protein D inhibits growth, alters cell surface polysaccharide exposure and immune activation potential of Aspergillus fumigatus. Cell Surf 2022; 8:100072. [PMID: 35118215 PMCID: PMC8792412 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100072] [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: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Humoral immunity plays a defensive role against invading microbes. However, it has been largely overlooked with respect to Aspergillus fumigatus, an airborne fungal pathogen. Previously, we have demonstrated that surfactant protein D (SP-D), a major humoral component in human lung-alveoli, recognizes A. fumigatus conidial surface exposed melanin pigment. Through binding to melanin, SP-D opsonizes conidia, facilitates conidial phagocytosis, and induces the expression of protective pro-inflammatory cytokines in the phagocytic cells. In addition to melanin, SP-D also interacts with galactomannan (GM) and galactosaminogalactan (GAG), the cell wall polysaccharides exposed on germinating conidial surfaces. Therefore, we aimed at unravelling the biological significance of SP-D during the germination process. Here, we demonstrate that SP-D exerts direct fungistatic activity by restricting A. fumigatus hyphal growth. Conidial germination in the presence of SP-D significantly increased the exposure of cell wall polysaccharides chitin, α-1,3-glucan and GAG, and decreased β-1,3-glucan exposure on hyphae, but that of GM was unaltered. Hyphae grown in presence of SP-D showed positive immunolabelling for SP-D. Additionally, SP-D treated hyphae induced lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine, but increased IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) and IL-8 (a chemokine) secretion by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), compared to control hyphae. Moreover, germ tube surface modifications due to SP-D treatment resulted in an increased hyphal susceptibility to voriconazole, an antifungal drug. It appears that SP-D exerts its anti-A. fumigatus functions via a range of mechanisms including hyphal growth-restriction, hyphal surface modification, masking of hyphal surface polysaccharides and thus altering hyphal immunostimulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sze Wah Wong
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, UMR2000, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Sarah Dellière
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, UMR2000, F-75015 Paris, France
- Department of Mycology & Parasitologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | | | - Lukas Lechner
- Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol/FH Gesundheit Tirol, Innrain 98, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Susanne Perkhofer
- Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol/FH Gesundheit Tirol, Innrain 98, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Perrine Bomme
- Ultrastructural Bio Imaging Unit, C2RT, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INREA, USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Anders G. Schlosser
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Grith L. Sorensen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Taruna Madan
- Department of Innate Immunity, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, UMR2000, F-75015 Paris, France
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9
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de Pádua APSL, Koehler A, Pagani DM, Bezerra JDP, de Souza-Motta CM, Scroferneker ML. Antifungal susceptibility of the endophytic fungus Rhinocladiella similis (URM 7800) isolated from the Caatinga dry forest in Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:2093-2100. [PMID: 36152271 PMCID: PMC9679080 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00825-y] [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: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study reports a new occurrence of Rhinocladiella similis isolated as an endophytic fungus in the Caatinga dry tropical forest in Brazil and describes its antifungal susceptibility. The isolate R. similis URM 7800 was obtained from leaves of the medicinal plant Myracrodruon urundeuva. Its morphological characterization was performed on potato dextrose agar medium and molecular analysis using the ITS rDNA sequence. The antifungal susceptibility profile was defined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) protocol M38-A2. The colony of isolate URM 7800 showed slow growth, with an olivaceous-gray color and powdery mycelium; in microculture, it showed the typical features of R. similis. In the antifungal susceptibility test, isolate URM 7800 showed high minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for amphotericin B (>16 μg/mL), voriconazole (16 μg/mL), terbinafine (>0.5 μg/mL), and caspofungin (>8 μg/mL), among other antifungal drugs. Pathogenic melanized fungi are frequently isolated in environments where humans may be exposed, and these data show that it is essential to know if these isolates possess antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Koehler
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Danielle Machado Pagani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jadson Diogo Pereira Bezerra
- Setor de Micologia, Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235, s/n, Setor Universitário, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Lúcia Scroferneker
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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10
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Rudrappa M, Kumar M S, Kumar RS, Almansour AI, Perumal K, Nayaka S. Bioproduction, purification and physicochemical characterization of melanin from Streptomyces sp. strain MR28. Microbiol Res 2022; 263:127130. [PMID: 35870343 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Melanin has been produced and extracted from various microorganisms because of its therapeutic nature and diverse applications in various fields. Hence we isolated actinomycetes from soil which is capable of producing melanin pigment from L-tyrosine and it was identified as Streptomyces sp. strain MR28 on the basis of biochemical, morphological characterization, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Production of melanin pigment was achieved by using standardized tyrosine broth. The melanin pigment was purified, and characterized by using various techniques such as Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), 1H NMR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Elemental analysis (EDX), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The pigment exhibit maximum UV-Vis absorption spectrum at 299 nm, FTIR peaks confirm the occurrence of C-H, C-N, C-O, and CC functional groups which are key functional groups in indole/pyrrole structure. TLC analysis showed a single band with a significant Retardation factor (Rf) of 0.68, Resonance peaks at 6.66, 7.18, and 7.28 ppm exhibit aromatic hydrogen in the indole/pyrole system in 1H NMR. The EDX reports the presence of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur which are key elements in melanin structure, and TGA exhibits the thermal stability of the melanin. Overall, the successful production and extraction of melanin was achieved by using soil actinomycetes Streptomyces sp. strain MR28, and its characterization confirms the nature of the melanin pigment which has significant value in the industrial and biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthuraj Rudrappa
- P.G. Department of Studies in Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad 580003, Karnataka, India
| | - Santosh Kumar M
- Department of Biochemistry, Davanagere University, 577007 Karnataka, India
| | - Raju Suresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman I Almansour
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Karthikeyan Perumal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 151 W. Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sreenivasa Nayaka
- P.G. Department of Studies in Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad 580003, Karnataka, India.
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11
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Lenz AR, Balbinot E, de Abreu FP, de Oliveira NS, Fontana RC, de Avila E Silva S, Park MS, Lim YW, Houbraken J, Camassola M, Dillon AJP. Taxonomy, comparative genomics and evolutionary insights of Penicillium ucsense: a novel species in series Oxalica. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2022; 115:1009-1029. [PMID: 35678932 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-022-01746-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The genomes of two Penicillium strains were sequenced and studied in this study: strain 2HH was isolated from the digestive tract of Anobium punctatum beetle larva in 1979 and the cellulase hypersecretory strain S1M29, derived from strain 2HH by a long-term mutagenesis process. With these data, the strains were reclassified and insight is obtained on molecular features related to cellulase hyperproduction and the albino phenotype of the mutant. Both strains were previously identified as Penicillium echinulatum and this investigation indicated that these should be reclassified. Phylogenetic and phenotype data showed that these strains represent a new Penicillium species in series Oxalica, for which the name Penicillium ucsense is proposed here. Six additional strains (SFC101850, SFCP10873, SFCP10886, SFCP10931, SFCP10932 and SFCP10933) collected from the marine environment in the Republic of Korea were also classified as this species, indicating a worldwide distribution of this new taxon. Compared to the closely related strain Penicillium oxalicum 114-2, the composition of cell wall-associated proteins of P. ucsense 2HH shows five fewer chitinases, considerable differences in the number of proteins related to β-D-glucan metabolism. The genomic comparison of 2HH and S1M29 highlighted single amino-acid substitutions in two major proteins (BGL2 and FlbA) that can be associated with the hyperproduction of cellulases. The study of melanin pathways shows that the S1M29 albino phenotype resulted from a single amino-acid substitution in the enzyme ALB1, a precursor of the 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin biosynthesis. Our study provides important knowledge towards understanding species distribution, molecular mechanisms, melanin production and cell wall biosynthesis of this new Penicillium species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Rafael Lenz
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Caxias Do Sul, Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street 1130, Caxias do Sul, RS, 95070-560, Brazil. .,Bahia State University, Silveira Martins Street 2555, Salvador, BA, 41150-000, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Balbinot
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Caxias Do Sul, Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street 1130, Caxias do Sul, RS, 95070-560, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Pessi de Abreu
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Caxias Do Sul, Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street 1130, Caxias do Sul, RS, 95070-560, Brazil
| | - Nikael Souza de Oliveira
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Caxias Do Sul, Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street 1130, Caxias do Sul, RS, 95070-560, Brazil
| | - Roselei Claudete Fontana
- Laboratory of Enzymes and Biomass, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Caxias Do Sul, Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street 1130, Caxias do Sul, RS, 95070-560, Brazil
| | - Scheila de Avila E Silva
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Caxias Do Sul, Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street 1130, Caxias do Sul, RS, 95070-560, Brazil
| | - Myung Soo Park
- School of Biological Sciences and Institution of Microbiology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Young Woon Lim
- School of Biological Sciences and Institution of Microbiology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marli Camassola
- Laboratory of Enzymes and Biomass, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Caxias Do Sul, Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street 1130, Caxias do Sul, RS, 95070-560, Brazil
| | - Aldo José Pinheiro Dillon
- Laboratory of Enzymes and Biomass, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Caxias Do Sul, Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street 1130, Caxias do Sul, RS, 95070-560, Brazil
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12
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Lino V, Manini P. Dihydroxynaphthalene-Based Allomelanins: A Source of Inspiration for Innovative Technological Materials. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:15308-15314. [PMID: 35571811 PMCID: PMC9096960 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Melanins are a wide class of natural pigments biosynthesized by different kinds of living organisms throughout all of the life domains, from bacteria to fungi, plants, and mammals. The biological functions played by these natural pigments are different (i.e., camouflage, radioprotection, thermoregulation) and ascribable to a peculiar set of physical-chemical properties making melanins a unique class of biopolymers. Among these, allomelanins from 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (1,8-DHNmel) produced by some Ascomycetes have recently attracted particular interest for their robustness and ability to protect fungi against both hostile (i.e., attack from fungicidal agents) and extreme (i.e., high energy radiations) environments. Starting from this background, in this mini-review we offer a panorama of the recent advances on the oxidative chemistry of 1,8-DHN leading to the formation of allomelanin mimics with tailored structural and functional properties for technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lino
- Scuola
Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli
Federico II, via Cintia
4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Manini
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli
Federico II, via Cintia
4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
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13
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Bojanović M, Ignjatović A, Stalević M, Arsić-Arsenijević V, Ranđelović M, Gerginić V, Stojanović-Radić Z, Stojković O, Živković-Marinkov E, Otašević S. Clinical Presentations, Cluster Analysis and Laboratory-Based Investigation of Aspergillus Otomycosis—A Single Center Experience. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030315. [PMID: 35330316 PMCID: PMC8948793 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Species of Aspergillus (A.) niger complex and A. flavus complex are predominant molds that are causative agents of otomycoses. The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical presentation, diagnostic procedure, and appearance of relapse in patients with Aspergillus-otomycosis, as well as to determine the biofilm production ability of species isolated in relapse. Thirty patients with laboratory evidenced Aspergillus-otomycosis followed by two check-ups (30 and 60 days after initiation of treatment with antimycotics for local application) were included in the study. For isolation and identification of Aspergillus spp. the standard mycological procedure was applied. Results showed very high sensitivity of microscopy, but 16.7% Aspergillus species required the optimal temperature of 27–28 °C for cultivation. Applied statistical cluster analysis showed a defined specific cluster/group of patients with A. niger complex-otomycosis. Sixty days after diagnosis and treatment initiation, six patients had a relapse, with the same species of Aspergillus genus being the cause. To establish the ability of biofilm production, the modified method described by Pierce and Kvasničková was performed, and all six species isolated in the relapse episode had the ability to produce biofilm. Official criteria and recommendations are needed due to the possibility of misdiagnosis, which leads to the prolongation and complication of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mila Bojanović
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.I.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (E.Ž.-M.)
- Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, University Clinical Center Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatović
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.I.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (E.Ž.-M.)
- Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Marko Stalević
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.I.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (E.Ž.-M.)
| | | | - Marina Ranđelović
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.I.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (E.Ž.-M.)
- Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Gerginić
- Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.A.-A.); (V.G.)
| | - Zorica Stojanović-Radić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (Z.S.-R.); (O.S.)
| | - Ognjen Stojković
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (Z.S.-R.); (O.S.)
| | - Emilija Živković-Marinkov
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.I.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (E.Ž.-M.)
- Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, University Clinical Center Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Suzana Otašević
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.I.); (M.S.); (M.R.); (E.Ž.-M.)
- Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-184-226-384
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14
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Surendirakumar K, Pandey RR, Muthukumar T, Sathiyaseelan A, Loushambam S, Seth A. Characterization and biological activities of melanin pigment from root endophytic fungus, Phoma sp. RDSE17. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:171. [PMID: 35157131 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-02788-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Melanins are high molecular weight hydrophobic pigments which have gained popularity for their role in virulence against different pathogens. In the present study, we isolated and characterized the melanin pigment produced by a dark septate endophyte fungus Phoma sp. RDSE17, which was associated with the roots of an indigenous Oryza sativa cv. 'Chakhao amubi' in Manipur, Northeast India. The biological properties of purified melanin from the fungus were evaluated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancerous activities. The pigment was extracted from Phoma sp. by alkaline-acid hydrolysis method and confirmed as melanin through physico-chemical tests and spectral (UV, FTIR, and EPR) analysis. The analyses of the elemental composition indicated that the pigment possessed a low percentage of nitrogen (N) contents, and therefore, would not fall under DOPA class of melanin. Exposure of the fungus to melanin pathway inhibitors revealed a positive melanin inhibition by tricyclazole, but not by kojic acid. Thus, the melanin from Phoma sp. may be a member of the DHN family. Moreover, the purified melanin showed high DPPH (1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical-scavenging activity with an EC50 of 69 µg/mL and inhibited human lung cancer cell (A549 cells) proliferation at 80 µg/mL. The present study demonstrates that melanin from Phoma sp. RDSE17 could be employed as a potential biological (antioxidant) and antimicrobial agent for inhibiting the growth of humans and phytopathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannaiah Surendirakumar
- Department of Biotechnology, JJ College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), Tamil Nadu, Pudukkottai, 622 422, India. .,Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, 795 003, Manipur, India.
| | - Radha Raman Pandey
- Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, 795 003, Manipur, India
| | | | - Anbazhagan Sathiyaseelan
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - Surbala Loushambam
- Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, 795 003, Manipur, India
| | - Amit Seth
- Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, 795 003, Manipur, India
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15
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Gao X, Wang Q, Feng Q, Zhang B, He C, Luo H, An B. Heat Shock Transcription Factor CgHSF1 Is Required for Melanin Biosynthesis, Appressorium Formation, and Pathogenicity in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020175. [PMID: 35205929 PMCID: PMC8876323 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) are a family of transcription regulators. Although HSFs’ functions in controlling the transcription of the molecular chaperone heat shock proteins and resistance to stresses are well established, their effects on the pathogenicity of plant pathogenic fungi remain unknown. In this study, we analyze the role of CgHSF1 in the pathogenicity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and investigate the underlying mechanism. Failure to generate the Cghsf1 knock-out mutant suggested that the gene is essential for the viability of the fungus. Then, genetic depletion of the Cghsf1 was achieved by inserting the repressive promoter of nitrite reductase gene (PniiA) before its coding sequence. The mutant showed significantly decrease in the pathogenicity repression of appressorium formation, and severe defects in melanin biosynthesis. Moreover, four melanin synthetic genes were identified as direct targets of CgHSF1. Taken together, this work highlights the role of CgHSF1 in fungal pathogenicity via the transcriptional activation of melanin biosynthesis. Our study extends the understanding of fungal HSF1 proteins, especially their involvement in pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesheng Gao
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Qiannan Wang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Qingdeng Feng
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Bei Zhang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Chaozu He
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Hongli Luo
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Bang An
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (B.A.)
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16
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Costes LH, Lippi Y, Naylies C, Jamin EL, Genthon C, Bailly S, Oswald IP, Bailly JD, Puel O. The Solvent Dimethyl Sulfoxide Affects Physiology, Transcriptome and Secondary Metabolism of Aspergillus flavus. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7121055. [PMID: 34947037 PMCID: PMC8703953 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121055] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DSMO) is a simple molecule widely used because of its great solvating ability, but this solvent also has little-known biological effects, especially on fungi. Aspergillus flavus is a notorious pathogenic fungus which may contaminate a large variety of crops worldwide by producing aflatoxins, endangering at the same time food safety and international trade. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of DMSO on A. flavus including developmental parameters such as germination and sporulation, as well as its transcriptome profile using high-throughput RNA-sequencing assay and its impact on secondary metabolism (SM). After DMSO exposure, A. flavus displayed depigmented conidia in a dose-dependent manner. The four-day exposition of cultures to two doses of DMSO, chosen on the basis of depigmentation intensity (35 mM “low” and 282 mM “high”), led to no significant impact on fungal growth, germination or sporulation. However, transcriptomic data analysis showed that 4891 genes were differentially regulated in response to DMSO (46% of studied transcripts). A total of 4650 genes were specifically regulated in response to the highest dose of DMSO, while only 19 genes were modulated upon exposure to the lowest dose. Secondary metabolites clusters genes were widely affected by the DMSO, with 91% of clusters impacted at the highest dose. Among these, aflatoxins, cyclopiazonic acid and ustiloxin B clusters were totally under-expressed. The genes belonging to the AFB1 cluster were the most negatively modulated ones, the two doses leading to 63% and 100% inhibition of the AFB1 production, respectively. The SM analysis also showed the disappearance of ustiloxin B and a 10-fold reduction of cyclopiazonic acid level when A. flavus was treated by the higher DMSO dose. In conclusion, the present study showed that DMSO impacted widely A. flavus’ transcriptome, including secondary metabolism gene clusters with the aflatoxins at the head of down-regulated ones. The solvent also inhibits conidial pigmentation, which could illustrate common regulatory mechanisms between aflatoxins and fungal pigment pathways. Because of its effect on major metabolites synthesis, DMSO should not be used as solvent especially in studies testing anti-aflatoxinogenic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H. Costes
- TOXALIM (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, Toulouse 31027, France; (L.H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.N.); (E.L.J.); (S.B.); (I.P.O.); (O.P.)
| | - Yannick Lippi
- TOXALIM (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, Toulouse 31027, France; (L.H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.N.); (E.L.J.); (S.B.); (I.P.O.); (O.P.)
| | - Claire Naylies
- TOXALIM (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, Toulouse 31027, France; (L.H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.N.); (E.L.J.); (S.B.); (I.P.O.); (O.P.)
| | - Emilien L. Jamin
- TOXALIM (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, Toulouse 31027, France; (L.H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.N.); (E.L.J.); (S.B.); (I.P.O.); (O.P.)
- Metatoul-AXIOM Platform, MetaboHUB, National Infrastructure for Metabolomics and Fluxomics, Toulouse 31000, France
| | - Clémence Genthon
- INRAE, US1426, GeT-PlaGe, Genotoul, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France;
| | - Sylviane Bailly
- TOXALIM (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, Toulouse 31027, France; (L.H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.N.); (E.L.J.); (S.B.); (I.P.O.); (O.P.)
| | - Isabelle P. Oswald
- TOXALIM (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, Toulouse 31027, France; (L.H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.N.); (E.L.J.); (S.B.); (I.P.O.); (O.P.)
| | - Jean-Denis Bailly
- TOXALIM (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, Toulouse 31027, France; (L.H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.N.); (E.L.J.); (S.B.); (I.P.O.); (O.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Olivier Puel
- TOXALIM (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, EI-Purpan, Toulouse 31027, France; (L.H.C.); (Y.L.); (C.N.); (E.L.J.); (S.B.); (I.P.O.); (O.P.)
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The Ground-Based BIOMEX Experiment Verification Tests for Life Detection on Mars. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111212. [PMID: 34833088 PMCID: PMC8619271 DOI: 10.3390/life11111212] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of an astrobiological search for life campaign on Mars, or other planetary bodies in the Solar System, relies on the detectability of past or present microbial life traces, namely, biosignatures. Spectroscopic methods require little or no sample preparation, can be repeated almost endlessly, and can be performed in contact or even remotely. Such methods are therefore ideally suited to use for the detection of biosignatures, which can be confirmed with supporting instrumentation. Here, we discuss the use of Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies for the detection and characterization of biosignatures from colonies of the fungus Cryomyces antarcticus, grown on Martian analogues and exposed to increasing doses of UV irradiation under dried conditions. The results report significant UV-induced DNA damage, but the non-exceeding of thresholds for allowing DNA amplification and detection, while the spectral properties of the fungal melanin remained unaltered, and pigment detection and identification was achieved via complementary analytical techniques. Finally, this work found that fungal cell wall compounds, likely chitin, were not degraded, and were still detectable even after high UV irradiation doses. The implications for the preservation and detection of biosignatures in extraterrestrial environments are discussed.
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Human Corneal Epithelial Cells Internalize Aspergillus flavus Spores by Actin-Mediated Endocytosis. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00794-20. [PMID: 33753415 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00794-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells play a significant role in the innate immune response by secreting cytokines and antimicrobial peptides when they encounter fungal pathogens. But the detailed mechanism of attachment and engulfment of the fungal conidia by HCE cells is not well understood. Here, we show the phagocytosis of Aspergillus flavus conidia by RCB2280 cells and primary HCE cultures using confocal microscopy and proteomic analysis of conidium-containing phagosomes. Phalloidin staining showed actin polymerization, leading to an actin ring around engulfed conidia. Cytochalasin D inhibited the actin-mediated endocytosis of the conidia. Immunolabeling of the early endosomal markers CD71 and early endosomal antigen (EEA1) and the late endosomal markers lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), Rab7, and cathepsin G showed that endosomal proteins were recruited to the site of conidia and showed maturation of the conidium-containing phagosomes. Lysotracker red DND 99 labeling showed the acidification of the phagosomes containing conidia. Phagosome-specific proteome analysis confirmed the recruitment of various phagosomal and endosomal proteins to the conidium-containing phagosomes. These results show that the ocular surface epithelium contributes actively to antifungal defense by the phagocytosis of invading fungal conidia.
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Genomic Analysis and Assessment of Melanin Synthesis in Amorphotheca resinae KUC3009. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040289. [PMID: 33921255 PMCID: PMC8069745 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040289] [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: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the draft genome of Amorphotheca resinae KUC30009, a fungal isolate with promising industrial-scale melanin production potential. The mechanisms for melanin or melanin-related pigment formation of this strain were examined through bioinformatic and biochemical strategies. The 30.11 Mb genome of A. resinae contains 9638 predicted genes. Genomic-based discovery analyses identified 14 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) associated with secondary metabolite production. Moreover, genes encoding a specific type 1 polyketide synthase and 4-hydroxynaphthalene reductase were identified and predicted to produce intermediate metabolites of dihydroxy naphthalene (DHN)-melanin biosynthesis pathway, but not to DHN-melanin. These findings were further supported by the detection of increased flaviolin concentrations in mycelia and almost unchanged morphologies of the culture grown with tricyclazole. Apart from this, the formation of melanin in the culture filtrate appeared to depend on the laccase-like activity of multi-copper oxidases. Simultaneously, concentrations of nitrogen-containing sources decreased when the melanin formed in the media. Interestingly, melanin formation in the culture fluid was proportional to laccase-like activity. Based on these findings, we proposed novel strategies for the enhancement of melanin production in culture filtrates. Therefore, our study established a theoretical and methodological basis for synthesizing pigments from fungal isolates using genomic- and biochemical-based approaches.
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Mandal V, Adhikary R, Maiti PK, Mandal S, Mandal V. Morpho-biochemical and molecular characterization of two new strains of Aspergillus fumigatus nHF-01 and A. fumigatus PPR-01 producing broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:905-917. [PMID: 33715141 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00439-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of the study is to characterize two new strains of Aspergillus fumigatus through morphometric, biochemical, molecular methods, and to evaluate their antimicrobial potentiality. The micro-morphotaxonomy, growth, and metabolic behavior of the strains, nHF-01 and PPR-01, were studied in different growth conditions and compared with standard strain. The molecular characterization was done by sequencing the ncrDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and D1-D2 domains of the nc 28S rDNA region and compared with a secondary structure-based phylogenetic tree. The secretory antimicrobials and pigments were characterized by TLC, UV-Vis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. Both the strains showed distinct growth patterns in different nutritional media and could assimilate a wide range of carbohydrates with distinctive biochemical properties. The molecular characterization revealed the strains, nHF-01 and PPR-01, as Aspergillus fumigatus (GenBank Accession No. MN190286 and MN190284, respectively). It was observed that the strain nHF-01 produces red to brownish pigments having mild antimicrobial activity while the strain PPR-01 does not represent such transformations. The extractable compounds had a significant antimicrobial potentiality against the human pathogenic bacteria. From this analysis, it can be concluded that the nHF-01 and PPR-01 strains are distinct from other A. fumigatus by their unique characters. Large-scale production and detailed molecular elucidation of the antimicrobial compounds may lead to the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds from these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivekananda Mandal
- Plant and Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Gour Banga, P.O. - Mokdumpur, Malda, WB, 732 103, India
| | - Rajsekhar Adhikary
- Plant and Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Gour Banga, P.O. - Mokdumpur, Malda, WB, 732 103, India
| | - Pulak Kumar Maiti
- Department of Microbiology, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700 019, India
| | - Sukhendu Mandal
- Department of Microbiology, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700 019, India
| | - Vivekananda Mandal
- Plant and Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Gour Banga, P.O. - Mokdumpur, Malda, WB, 732 103, India.
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21
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Margalit A, Carolan JC, Kavanagh K. Bacterial Interactions with Aspergillus fumigatus in the Immunocompromised Lung. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020435. [PMID: 33669831 PMCID: PMC7923216 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunocompromised airways are susceptible to infections caused by a range of pathogens which increases the opportunity for polymicrobial interactions to occur. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are the predominant causes of pulmonary infection for individuals with respiratory disorders such as cystic fibrosis (CF). The spore-forming fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, is most frequently isolated with P. aeruginosa, and co-infection results in poor outcomes for patients. It is therefore clinically important to understand how these pathogens interact with each other and how such interactions may contribute to disease progression so that appropriate therapeutic strategies may be developed. Despite its persistence in the airways throughout the life of a patient, A. fumigatus rarely becomes the dominant pathogen. In vitro interaction studies have revealed remarkable insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive agonistic and antagonistic interactions that occur between A. fumigatus and pulmonary bacterial pathogens such as P. aeruginosa. Crucially, these studies demonstrate that although bacteria may predominate in a competitive environment, A. fumigatus has the capacity to persist and contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-1-708-3859; Fax: +353-1-708-3845
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22
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Strycker BD, Han Z, Duan Z, Commer B, Wang K, Shaw BD, Sokolov AV, Scully MO. Identification of toxic mold species through Raman spectroscopy of fungal conidia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242361. [PMID: 33227000 PMCID: PMC7682877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We use a 785 nm shifted excitation Raman difference (SERDS) technique to measure the Raman spectra of the conidia of 10 mold species of especial toxicological, medical, and industrial importance, including Stachybotrys chartarum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, and others. We find that both the pure Raman and fluorescence signals support the hypothesis that for an excitation wavelength of 785 nm the Raman signal originates from the melanin pigments bound within the cell wall of the conidium. In addition, the major features of the pure Raman spectra group into profiles that we hypothesize may be due to differences in the complex melanin biosynthesis pathways. We then combine the Raman spectral data with neural network models to predict species classification with an accuracy above 99%. Finally, the Raman spectral data of all species investigated is made freely available for download and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Strycker
- Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Zehua Han
- Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Zheng Duan
- Center for Optical and Electromagnetic Research, South China Academy of Advanced, Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Blake Commer
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Brian D. Shaw
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexei V. Sokolov
- Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Marlan O. Scully
- Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
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23
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Production of Bio-Based Pigments from Food Processing Industry By-Products (Apple, Pomegranate, Black Carrot, Red Beet Pulps) Using Aspergillus c arbonarius. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040240. [PMID: 33105686 PMCID: PMC7712229 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Food processing industry by-products (apple, pomegranate, black carrot, and red beet pulps) were evaluated as raw materials in pigment production by the filamentous fungi Aspergillus carbonarius. The effect of fermentation conditions (solid and submerged-state), incubation period (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 d), initial substrate pH (4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5), and pulp particle size (<1.4, 1.4–2.0, 2–4, and >4 mm) on fungal pigment production were tested to optimize the conditions. Pigment extraction analysis carried out under solid-state fermentation conditions showed that the maximum pigment production was determined as 9.21 ± 0.59 absorbance unit at the corresponding wavelength per gram (AU/g) dry fermented mass (dfm) for pomegranate pulp (PP) by A. carbonarius for 5 d. Moreover, the highest pigment production was obtained as 61.84 ± 2.16 AU/g dfm as yellowish brown at initial pH 6.5 with < 1.4 mm of substrate particle size for 15-d incubation period. GC×GC-TOFMS results indicate that melanin could be one of the main products as a pigment. SEM images showed that melanin could localize on the conidia of A. carbonarius.
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24
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Pacelli C, Cassaro A, Maturilli A, Timperio AM, Gevi F, Cavalazzi B, Stefan M, Ghica D, Onofri S. Multidisciplinary characterization of melanin pigments from the black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6385-6395. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10666-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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25
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Hoda S, Gupta L, Shankar J, Gupta AK, Vijayaraghavan P. cis-9-Hexadecenal, a Natural Compound Targeting Cell Wall Organization, Critical Growth Factor, and Virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:10077-10088. [PMID: 32391495 PMCID: PMC7203908 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus causes several nosocomial pulmonary infections and accounts for high morbidity and mortality rate globally. Among various virulence factors, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-melanin plays an important role in the survival during unfavorable conditions both in vivo and in vitro, masks various molecular patterns associated with A. fumigatus, and protects it from the host immune system. In the present study, we aim to understand the potential of cis-9-hexadecenal as an antimelanogenic compound and its role in modulating other associated virulence factors in A. fumigatus. cis-9-Hexadecenal is a bioactive compound that belongs to C16 mono-unsaturated fatty-aldehyde groups. Minimum effective concentration of cis-9-hexadecenal affecting A. fumigatus melanin biosynthesis was determined using broth microdilution method. The spectrophotometric analysis revealed reduced melanin content (91%) and hydrophobicity (59%) at 0.293 mM of cis-9-hexadecenal. Cell surface organizational changes using electron microscopy showed altered demelanized smooth A. fumigatus conidial surface without any protrusions after cis-9-hexadecenal treatment. The transcript analysis of polyketide synthase (PKS) pksP/alb1 gene was quantified through qRT-PCR which revealed an upregulated expression. Total proteome profiling conducted through LC-MS-MS showed upregulated PKS enzyme but other downstream proteins involved in the 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-melanin biosynthesis pathway were absent. The homology modeling of PKS using Expasy's web server predicted that PKS is stable at varied conditions and is hydrophilic in nature. The Ramachandran plot by PROCHECK confirmed the 3-D structure of PKS to be reliable. Docking analysis using AutoDock-4.2.6 predicted the binding of cis-9-hexadecenal and PKS at Thr-264 and Ser-171 residue via hydrogen bonding at a low binding energy of -4.95 kcal/mol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanu Hoda
- Antimycotic
and Drug Susceptibility Laboratory, J3 Block, Amity Institute of Biotechnology,
Sector-125, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201301, India
| | - Lovely Gupta
- Antimycotic
and Drug Susceptibility Laboratory, J3 Block, Amity Institute of Biotechnology,
Sector-125, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201301, India
| | - Jata Shankar
- Genomic
Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Alok Kumar Gupta
- Antimycotic
and Drug Susceptibility Laboratory, J3 Block, Amity Institute of Biotechnology,
Sector-125, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201301, India
| | - Pooja Vijayaraghavan
- Antimycotic
and Drug Susceptibility Laboratory, J3 Block, Amity Institute of Biotechnology,
Sector-125, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201301, India
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26
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Berthelot C, Zegeye A, Gaber DA, Chalot M, Franken P, Kovács GM, Leyval C, Blaudez D. Unravelling the Role of Melanin in Cd and Zn Tolerance and Accumulation of Three Dark Septate Endophytic Species. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E537. [PMID: 32276491 PMCID: PMC7232325 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) are often trace element (TE)-tolerant fungi and are abundant in TE-polluted environments. The production of melanin, a black polymer found in cell walls, was hypothesized by several authors to play a role in the TE tolerance of DSEs. To test this hypothesis, we established a series of experiments using albino strains and melanin inhibitors and examined the responses to Cd and Zn. Six DSEs belonging to genera Cadophora sp., Leptodontidium sp. and Phialophora mustea, were evaluated. The strains mainly produced 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin whereas 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanin melanin was also synthetized. Cd and Zn decreased melanin synthesis in most of the strains. A reduction in melanin concentration in hyphae through the use of tricyclazole, an inhibitor of DHN-melanin synthesis, did not reduce the tolerance of the strains to Cd and Zn. Similarly, albino mutants of Leptodontidium sp. were not more sensitive to Cd and Zn than the WT strain. Moreover, tricyclazole-treated colonies accumulated less Cd but more Zn compared to untreated colonies. The Cd and Zn contents of Leptodontidium albino strains were variable and similar to that of the WT. The results suggest that melanin production is not an important functional trait that contributes to Cd and Zn tolerance, but might contribute to Cd accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Berthelot
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-54000 Nancy, France
- CTIFL, Centre de Carquefou, F-44483 Carquefou, France
| | - Asfaw Zegeye
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Dalia A. Gaber
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
- Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, 14979 Groβbeeren, Germany
| | - Michel Chalot
- Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, CNRS, Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement, F-25211 Montbéliard, France
- Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Philipp Franken
- Leibniz Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, 14979 Groβbeeren, Germany
- Erfurt Research Centre for Horticultural Crops, University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, 99090 Erfurt, Germany
| | - Gábor M. Kovács
- Department of Plant Anatomy, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Corinne Leyval
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Damien Blaudez
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-54000 Nancy, France
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27
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Anti-melanogenic activity of Myristica fragrans extract against Aspergillus fumigatus using phenotypic based screening. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:67. [PMID: 32122336 PMCID: PMC7076743 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-2859-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus fumigatus, an opportunistic fungal pathogen is associated with a wide array of diseases. It produces 1, 8-dihydroxy naphthalene (DHN) melanin that imparts greenish grey color to conidia and is an important virulence factor. It masks various molecular patterns associated with A. fumigatus and protects the fungus from host immune system. Myristica fragrans, enriched with secondary metabolites has been traditionally used for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. The present study was aimed to explore the anti-melanogenic effect of M. fragrans extracts on A. fumigatus. Methods M. fragrans extracts (hexane, chloroform, methanol and ethanol) were prepared through polarity guided extraction. Phytochemical analysis was performed to detect the chemical constituents of the extracts. The minimum effective concentration (MEC) of the extracts against A. fumigatus melanin was determined by broth micro-dilution assay. Various virulence factors were assayed by spectrophotometric methods. Electron microscopic studies were performed to evaluate the effect of the hexane extract of M. fragrans on A. fumigatus cell surface morphology. The major active compounds of the extract were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Docking was performed to study the interaction between the major identified compounds and the ketosynthase domain of polyketide synthase protein. Results The results indicated that the hexane extract of M. fragrans inhibited melanin production (76.09%), reduced ergosterol content (83.63%) and hydrophobicity of the cell (72.2%) at the MEC of 0.078 mg/mL. Altered conidial surface, disappearance of protrusions and absence of melanin layer on outer cell surface was observed in electron microscopy. Forty-two compounds were identified by GC-MS. The main constituents were identified as sabinene (12.2%), linoleic acid (11.7%), hexadecanoic acid (10.5%), safrole (8.1%) and elemicin (7.8%). Docking studies revealed that hexadecanoic acid, its derivative compound cis-9-hexadecenal and isoeugenol have lower binding energy forming proper hydrogen bond with ketosynthase domain of polyketide synthase protein. Conclusion The study concludes that the extract of M. fragrans has potential antifungal properties that can be explored in combination with available antifungals. This combination approach may be helpful for large number of patients suffering with A. fumigatus infections.
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28
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Chang PK, Cary JW, Lebar MD. Biosynthesis of conidial and sclerotial pigments in Aspergillus species. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:2277-2286. [PMID: 31974722 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Fungal pigments, which are classified as secondary metabolites, are polymerized products derived mostly from phenolic precursors with remarkable structural diversity. Pigments of conidia and sclerotia serve myriad functions. They provide tolerance against various environmental stresses such as ultraviolet light, oxidizing agents, and ionizing radiation. Some pigments even play a role in fungal pathogenesis. This review gathers available research and discusses current knowledge on the formation of conidial and sclerotial pigments in aspergilli. It examines organization of genes involved in pigment production, biosynthetic pathways, and biological functions and reevaluates some of the current dogma, especially with respect to the DHN-melanin pathway, on the production of these enigmatic polymers. A better understanding of the structure and biosynthesis of melanins and other pigments could facilitate strategies to mitigate fungal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perng-Kuang Chang
- Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Southern Regional Research Center, 1100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans, LA, 70124, USA.
| | - Jeffrey W Cary
- Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Southern Regional Research Center, 1100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans, LA, 70124, USA.
| | - Matthew D Lebar
- Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Southern Regional Research Center, 1100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans, LA, 70124, USA
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29
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Challacombe JF, Hesse CN, Bramer LM, McCue LA, Lipton M, Purvine S, Nicora C, Gallegos-Graves LV, Porras-Alfaro A, Kuske CR. Genomes and secretomes of Ascomycota fungi reveal diverse functions in plant biomass decomposition and pathogenesis. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:976. [PMID: 31830917 PMCID: PMC6909477 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6358-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dominant fungi in arid grasslands and shrublands are members of the Ascomycota phylum. Ascomycota fungi are important drivers in carbon and nitrogen cycling in arid ecosystems. These fungi play roles in soil stability, plant biomass decomposition, and endophytic interactions with plants. They may also form symbiotic associations with biocrust components or be latent saprotrophs or pathogens that live on plant tissues. However, their functional potential in arid soils, where organic matter, nutrients and water are very low or only periodically available, is poorly characterized. RESULTS Five Ascomycota fungi were isolated from different soil crust microhabitats and rhizosphere soils around the native bunchgrass Pleuraphis jamesii in an arid grassland near Moab, UT, USA. Putative genera were Coniochaeta, isolated from lichen biocrust, Embellisia from cyanobacteria biocrust, Chaetomium from below lichen biocrust, Phoma from a moss microhabitat, and Aspergillus from the soil. The fungi were grown in replicate cultures on different carbon sources (chitin, native bunchgrass or pine wood) relevant to plant biomass and soil carbon sources. Secretomes produced by the fungi on each substrate were characterized. Results demonstrate that these fungi likely interact with primary producers (biocrust or plants) by secreting a wide range of proteins that facilitate symbiotic associations. Each of the fungal isolates secreted enzymes that degrade plant biomass, small secreted effector proteins, and proteins involved in either beneficial plant interactions or virulence. Aspergillus and Phoma expressed more plant biomass degrading enzymes when grown in grass- and pine-containing cultures than in chitin. Coniochaeta and Embellisia expressed similar numbers of these enzymes under all conditions, while Chaetomium secreted more of these enzymes in grass-containing cultures. CONCLUSIONS This study of Ascomycota genomes and secretomes provides important insights about the lifestyles and the roles that Ascomycota fungi likely play in arid grassland, ecosystems. However, the exact nature of those interactions, whether any or all of the isolates are true endophytes, latent saprotrophs or opportunistic phytopathogens, will be the topic of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean F Challacombe
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
- Present address: Colorado State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, 301 University Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
| | - Cedar N Hesse
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
- Horticultural Crops Research, USDA ARS, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lisa M Bramer
- Applied Statistics & Computational Modeling, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Lee Ann McCue
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, 99352, USA
| | - Mary Lipton
- Applied Statistics & Computational Modeling, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Samuel Purvine
- Applied Statistics & Computational Modeling, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Carrie Nicora
- Applied Statistics & Computational Modeling, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Cheryl R Kuske
- Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
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Suwannarach N, Kumla J, Watanabe B, Matsui K, Lumyong S. Characterization of melanin and optimal conditions for pigment production by an endophytic fungus, Spissiomyces endophytica SDBR-CMU319. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222187. [PMID: 31498821 PMCID: PMC6733467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin is a natural pigment that is produced by filamentous fungi. In this study, the endophytic species, Spissiomyces endophytica (strain SDBR-CMU319), produced a brown-black pigment in the mycelia. Consequently, the pigment was extracted from the dried fungal biomass. This was followed by pigment purification, characterization and identification. Physical and chemical characteristics of the pigment showed acid precipitation, alkali solubilization, decolorization with oxidizing agents, and insolubility in most organic solvents and water. The pigment was confirmed as melanin based on ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra analyses. The analyses of the elemental composition indicated that the pigment possessed a low percentage of nitrogen, and therefore, was not 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine melanin. Inhibition studies involving specific inhibitors, both tricyclazole and phthalide, and suggest that fungal melanin could be synthesized through the 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene pathway. The optimum conditions for fungal pigment production from this species were investigated. The highest fungal pigment yield was observed in glucose yeast extract peptone medium at an initial pH value of 6.0 and at 25°C over three weeks of cultivation. This is the first report on the production and characterization of melanin obtained from the genus Spissiomyces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nakarin Suwannarach
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jaturong Kumla
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Bunta Watanabe
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsui
- Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation (Agriculture), Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Saisamorn Lumyong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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Transcriptome analysis reveals molecular mechanisms of sclerotial development in the rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA. Funct Integr Genomics 2019; 19:743-758. [PMID: 31054140 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-019-00677-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA is a soil-borne necrotrophic pathogen that causes devastating rice sheath blight disease in rice-growing regions worldwide. Sclerotia play an important role in the life cycle of R. solani AG1-IA. In this study, RNA sequencing was used to investigate the transcriptomic dynamics of sclerotial development (SD) of R. solani AG1-IA. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed to investigate the functions and pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Six cDNA libraries were generated, and more than 300 million clean reads were obtained and assembled into 15,100 unigenes. In total, 12,575 differentially expressed genes were identified and 34.62% (4353) were significantly differentially expressed with a FDR ≤ 0.01 and |log2Ratio| ≥ 1, which were enriched into eight profiles using Short Time-series Expression Miner. Furthermore, KEGG and gene ontology analyses suggest the DEGs were significantly enriched in several biological processes and pathways, including binding and catalytic functions, biosynthesis of ribosomes, and other biological functions. Further annotation of the DEGs using the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) database found most DEGs were involved in amino acid transport and metabolism, as well as energy production and conversion. Furthermore, DEGs relevant to SD of R. solani AG1-IA were involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, melanin biosynthesis, ubiquitin processes, autophagy, and reactive oxygen species metabolism. The gene expression profiles of 10 randomly selected DEGs were validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR and were consistent with the dynamics in transcript abundance identified by RNA sequencing. The data provide a high-resolution map of gene expression during SD, a key process contributing to the pathogenicity of this devastating pathogen. In addition, this study provides a useful resource for further studies on the genomics of R. solani AG1-IA and other Rhizoctonia species.
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Menacing Mold: Recent Advances in Aspergillus Pathogenesis and Host Defense. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:4229-4246. [PMID: 30954573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The genus Aspergillus is ubiquitous in the environment and contains a number of species, primarily A. fumigatus, that cause mold-associated disease in humans. Humans inhale several hundred to several thousand Aspergillus conidia (i.e., vegetative spores) daily and typically clear these in an asymptomatic manner. In immunocompromised individuals, Aspergillus conidia can germinate into tissue-invasive hyphae, disseminate, and cause invasive aspergillosis. In this review, we first discuss novel concepts in host defense against Aspergillus infections and emphasize new insights in fungal recognition and signaling, innate immune activation, and fungal killing. Second, the review focuses on novel concepts of Aspergillus pathogenesis and highlights emerging knowledge regarding fungal strain heterogeneity, stress responses, and metabolic adaptations on infectious outcomes. Mechanistic insight into the host-pathogen interplay is thus critical to define novel druggable fungal targets and to exploit novel immune-based strategies to improve clinical outcomes associated with aspergillosis in vulnerable patient populations.
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Ribera J, Panzarasa G, Stobbe A, Osypova A, Rupper P, Klose D, Schwarze FWMR. Scalable Biosynthesis of Melanin by the Basidiomycete Armillaria cepistipes. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:132-139. [PMID: 30541276 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b05071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural melanin features many interesting properties, including the ability to shield electromagnetic radiation, the ability to act as scavenger for radical and reactive oxygen species and the capacity to chelate different metal ions. For these reasons, melanin is becoming increasingly relevant for the development of functional materials with potential applications in cosmetics, drug delivery, and water purification. However, the extraction and purification of melanin from conventional sources (e.g., sepia ink, hair, and wool) is inefficient and not easily scalable, hence diverting its technological applications. Some fungal species, especially wood-decay basidiomycetes, can be regarded as promising sources of melanin. In the present study, we screened different fungi in regard to their melanin-biosynthesis abilities using l-tyrosine as a precursor, and we found that an Armillaria cepistipes strain (Empa 655) produced the highest yield of melanin (27.98 g L-1). Physicochemical characterization of the obtained fungal melanin revealed a typical eumelanin structure. The method for the biosynthesis of fungal melanin we propose is efficient, scalable, and sustainable and has the potential to provide support for further technological exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ribera
- Laboratory for Applied Wood Materials , Empa , Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 , St. Gallen 9014 , Switzerland
| | - Guido Panzarasa
- Laboratory for Soft and Living Materials, Department of Materials , ETH Zürich , Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 , Zürich 8093 , Switzerland
| | - Annika Stobbe
- Laboratory for Applied Wood Materials , Empa , Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 , St. Gallen 9014 , Switzerland
| | - Alina Osypova
- Innovative Sensor Technology, IST AG , Stegrütistrasse 14 , Ebnat-Kappel 9642 , Switzerland
| | - Patrick Rupper
- Laboratory for Advanced Fibers , Empa , Lerchenfeldstrase 5 , St. Gallen 9014 , Switzerland
| | - Daniel Klose
- Laboratory for Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences , ETH Zürich , Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 , Zürich 8093 , Switzerland
| | - Francis W M R Schwarze
- Laboratory for Applied Wood Materials , Empa , Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 , St. Gallen 9014 , Switzerland
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Medina R, Lucentini CG, Franco ME, Petroselli G, Rosso JA, Erra-Balsells R, Balatti PA, Saparrat MC. Identification of an intermediate for 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-melanin synthesis in a race-2 isolate of Fulvia fulva (syn. Cladosporium fulvum). Heliyon 2018; 4:e01036. [PMID: 30582052 PMCID: PMC6299106 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e01036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Fulvia fulva (syn. Cladosporium fulvum, Mycosphaerellaceae) is a dematiaceous fungus that causes tomato leaf mould. It is characterized by its biotrophic lifestyle and the synthesis of the bianthraquinone secondary metabolite, cladofulvin. The aim of the study was to characterize the dark pigment photochemically synthesized by F. fulva and to elucidate its biochemical pathway. We isolated a black pigment from in vitro cultures of the fungus. We determined the pigment to be 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin based on its chemical and photochemical characteristics, as well as the presence of flaviolin, when fungal reductases were inhibited by tricyclazole. Furthermore, the pks1 gene involved in pigment synthesis has a KS domain already associated with DHN-melanin. Our findings support the relevance of studying melanization in F. fulva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Medina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Fitopatologías, CIDEFI, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICBA), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 119, CC 31, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - César G. Lucentini
- Centro de Investigaciones en Fitopatologías, CIDEFI, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICBA), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 119, CC 31, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mario E.E. Franco
- Centro de Investigaciones en Fitopatologías, CIDEFI, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICBA), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 119, CC 31, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Petroselli
- Centro de Investigaciones en Hidratos de Carbono, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, 3 Ciudad Universitaria, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Janina A. Rosso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Diag. 113 y 64, CC 16 suc. 4, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Rosa Erra-Balsells
- Centro de Investigaciones en Hidratos de Carbono, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón II, 3 Ciudad Universitaria, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro A. Balatti
- Centro de Investigaciones en Fitopatologías, CIDEFI, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICBA), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 119, CC 31, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
- Cátedra de Microbiología Agrícola, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 119, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mario C.N. Saparrat
- Cátedra de Microbiología Agrícola, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 119, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología Vegetal (INFIVE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata CCT-La Plata, Diag. 113 y 61, CC 327, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
- Instituto de Botánica Carlos Spegazzini, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 53 # 477, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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Morphological differences between aerial and submerged sporidia of bio-fongicide Pseudozyma flocculosa CBS 16788. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201677. [PMID: 30067835 PMCID: PMC6070284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudozyma flocculosa is a fungus very useful and highly efficient as a biocontrol agent against powdery mildew. The reproduction of this fungus occurs exclusively by asexual production of conidia or sporidia that are the most suitable form for agricultural use and seems to be the most resistant to storage conditions. Despite the advantages offered by P. flocculosa in biological control, the use of this fungus use remains largely limited compared to that of chemical fungicides, at least partly due to the difficulty to obtain sporidia resistant to adverse environmental stresses in submerged culture conditions. Under solid-state and submerged-state cultivation, P. flocculosa strain CBS 16788 produced different types of sporidia. The submerged sporidia (SS) appeared relatively uniform in size, which was 15,4 ± 1,6 μm μm long, and 2,8 ± 0.8 μm wide. The aerial sporidia (AS) varied in shape and size, with a mean length of 8,2 ± 3 μm and width of 2,3 ± 0.6 μm. Under scanning and transmission electron microscopy, the cell wall of submerged sporidia was thinner than that of aerial spores, and the surface was smooth in contrast to the aerial sporidia that had a tendency to have verrucous, brittle surface characteristics. The thickness of the aerial sporidia wall is due to the presence of an outer layer rich in melanin. The sporidia germination was compared on YMPD (yeast extract, malt extract, soy peptone, dextrose and agar) coated coverslips. The aerial sporidia did not show germ tubes until 5 h of incubation, while the submerged sporidia showed many germ tubes after the same time. The resistance against the adverse environmental conditions in relation to the type of sporidia of P. flocculosa is discussed.
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Krishnan P, Meile L, Plissonneau C, Ma X, Hartmann FE, Croll D, McDonald BA, Sánchez-Vallet A. Transposable element insertions shape gene regulation and melanin production in a fungal pathogen of wheat. BMC Biol 2018; 16:78. [PMID: 30012138 PMCID: PMC6047131 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0543-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal plant pathogens pose major threats to crop yield and sustainable food production if they are highly adapted to their host and the local environment. Variation in gene expression contributes to phenotypic diversity within fungal species and affects adaptation. However, very few cases of adaptive regulatory changes have been reported in fungi and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Fungal pathogen genomes are highly plastic and harbor numerous insertions of transposable elements, which can potentially contribute to gene expression regulation. In this work, we elucidated how transposable elements contribute to variation in melanin accumulation, a quantitative trait in fungi that affects survival under stressful conditions. RESULTS We demonstrated that differential transcriptional regulation of the gene encoding the transcription factor Zmr1, which controls expression of the genes in the melanin biosynthetic gene cluster, is responsible for variation in melanin accumulation in the fungal plant pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. We show that differences in melanin levels between two strains of Z. tritici are due to two levels of transcriptional regulation: (1) variation in the promoter sequence of Zmr1 and (2) an insertion of transposable elements upstream of the Zmr1 promoter. Remarkably, independent insertions of transposable elements upstream of Zmr1 occurred in 9% of Z. tritici strains from around the world and negatively regulated Zmr1 expression, contributing to variation in melanin accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Our studies identified two levels of transcriptional control that regulate the synthesis of melanin. We propose that these regulatory mechanisms evolved to balance the fitness costs associated with melanin production against its positive contribution to survival in stressful environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvathy Krishnan
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Meile
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Clémence Plissonneau
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,UMR BIOGER, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Thiverval-Grignon, France
| | - Xin Ma
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fanny E Hartmann
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Univ. Paris-Sud, AgroParisTech, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Daniel Croll
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Bruce A McDonald
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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De Souza RA, Kamat NM, Nadkarni VS. Purification and characterisation of a sulphur rich melanin from edible mushroom Termitomyces albuminosus Heim. Mycology 2018; 9:296-306. [PMID: 30533254 PMCID: PMC6282441 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2018.1494060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Production, purification and characterisation of a black pigment from Termitomyces albuminosus as melanin is reported, for the first time, from shaken submerged culture condition using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis, ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and 13C (CP/MAS) NMR spectra. SEM results on T. albuminosus revealed nanogranular nature of melanin nanoparticles within size range of 400-100 nm with fractal dimension D = 1.195-1.73. Elemental analysis of melanin indicated 54.6% C, 3.5% H, 2.4% N, 26.9% O, and 12% S. UV-VIS and FTIR spectra confirmed to the characteristic of melanin and were identical to the reference commercial sepia melanin. Further validation of the identity of pigment as melanin was achieved by EPR analysis. Termitomyces albuminosus melanin is postulated to be DOPA-type melanin confirmed by 13C (CP/MAS) NMR spectral analysis showing chemical shift at 200-170 ppm carbonyl, 160-110 ppm aromatic region, and with high 40-30 ppm open chain aliphatic region. Chemical modification through oxidation and cysteinylation (Pheomelanin) is implied as indicated by relatively high sulphur content (12%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosy Agnes De Souza
- Mycological Laboratory, Department of Botany, Goa University, Taleigao, Goa, India
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Gerin D, González-Candelas L, Ballester AR, Pollastro S, De Miccolis Angelini RM, Faretra F. Functional Characterization of the alb1 Orthologue Gene in the Ochratoxigenic Fungus Aspergillus carbonarius (AC49 strain). Toxins (Basel) 2018. [PMID: 29534508 PMCID: PMC5869408 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10030120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus carbonarius, belonging to the group Nigri, is the main species responsible for contamination by ochratoxin A (OTA) in grapes and derivative products. OTA can accumulate in the mycelium and in black conidia of the fungus and released into the matrix. Here, we have deleted in A. carbonarius the alb1 orthologue gene of A. fumigatus, involved in melanin biosynthesis. Three A. carbonarius Δalb1 mutants were characterized for morphologic traits and OTA production on different media and temperatures. Δalb1 mutants showed a fawn color of conidia associated with a significant reduction of the conidiogenesis and a statistically significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) of total OTA production as compared to the wild type (WT) strain. The alb1 gene somehow affected OTA partitioning since in Δalb1 mutants OTA amount was lower in conidia and was more abundantly secreted into the medium as compared to the WT. On grape berries the Δalb1 mutants and the WT caused lesions with similar sizes but OTA amount in berry tissues was higher for the mutants. These results demonstrate that A. carbonarius conidia pigmentation is largely dependent on polyketide biosynthesis. The gene is not directly involved in virulence and its deletion affects morphological features and OTA production in the fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Gerin
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Luis González-Candelas
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos, IATA-CSIC, Calle Agustín Escardino 7, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ana-Rosa Ballester
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos, IATA-CSIC, Calle Agustín Escardino 7, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Stefania Pollastro
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy.
- SELGE Network of Public Research Laboratories, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Rita Milvia De Miccolis Angelini
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy.
- SELGE Network of Public Research Laboratories, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Faretra
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy.
- SELGE Network of Public Research Laboratories, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy.
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Host Soluble Mediators: Defying the Immunological Inertness of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 4:jof4010003. [PMID: 29371495 PMCID: PMC5872306 DOI: 10.3390/jof4010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus produce airborne spores (conidia), which are inhaled in abundant quantity. In an immunocompromised population, the host immune system fails to clear the inhaled conidia, which then germinate and invade, leading to pulmonary aspergillosis. In an immunocompetent population, the inhaled conidia are efficiently cleared by the host immune system. Soluble mediators of the innate immunity, that involve the complement system, acute-phase proteins, antimicrobial peptides and cytokines, are often considered to play a complementary role in the defense of the fungal pathogen. In fact, the soluble mediators are essential in achieving an efficient clearance of the dormant conidia, which is the morphotype of the fungus upon inhalation by the host. Importantly, harnessing the host soluble mediators challenges the immunological inertness of the dormant conidia due to the presence of the rodlet and melanin layers. In the review, we summarized the major soluble mediators in the lung that are involved in the recognition of the dormant conidia. This knowledge is essential in the complete understanding of the immune defense against A. fumigatus.
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Lee SG, Karadeniz F, Seo Y, Kong CS. Anti-Melanogenic Effects of Flavonoid Glycosides from Limonium tetragonum (Thunb.) Bullock via Inhibition of Tyrosinase and Tyrosinase-Related Proteins. Molecules 2017; 22:E1480. [PMID: 28872626 PMCID: PMC6151517 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22091480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Overproduction and stimulation of tyrosinase result in increased melanogenesis of which several skin disorders such as freckles, spots, and hyperpigmentation appear as complications. Limonium tetragonum is a halophyte well-known for its antioxidative properties. This study investigated the anti-melanogenic effects of solvent-partitioned L. tetragonum extracts (LTEs) and its bioactive constituents, two isolated flavonoid glycosides. Current study followed a set of experiments on B16-F10 mouse melanoma cell model with a focus on tyrosinase activity and production. The anti-melanogenic capacity of LTEs was confirmed by their tyrosinase inhibitory effects, prevention of DOPA oxidation, and suppression of melanin production. The inhibition of tyrosinase and DOPA oxidation by LTEs was suggested to be related with the downregulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1, and tyrosinase-related protein-2, verified with mRNA and protein expression levels. Among all tested LTEs, 85% aq. MeOH and n-BuOH were found to be the most active fractions which later yielded the two known compounds, myricetin 3-galactoside and quercetin 3-O-β-galactopyronaside. The anti-melanogenic potential of the compounds were confirmed by their tyrosinase inhibitory effects. These results suggested that L. tetragonum may serve as a potential source of bioactive substances with effective anti-melanogenesis properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul-Gi Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Medical and Life Sciences, Silla University, Baegyang-dero 700beon-gil 140, Sasang-gu, Busan 46958, Korea.
| | - Fatih Karadeniz
- Marine Biotechnology Center for Pharmaceuticals and Foods, Silla University, Baegyang-dero 700beon-gil 140, Sasang-gu, Busan 46958, Korea.
| | - Youngwan Seo
- Division of Marine Bioscience, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Korea.
- Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Ocean Science and Technology School, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Korea.
| | - Chang-Suk Kong
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Medical and Life Sciences, Silla University, Baegyang-dero 700beon-gil 140, Sasang-gu, Busan 46958, Korea.
- Marine Biotechnology Center for Pharmaceuticals and Foods, Silla University, Baegyang-dero 700beon-gil 140, Sasang-gu, Busan 46958, Korea.
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Raman NM, Ramasamy S. Genetic validation and spectroscopic detailing of DHN-melanin extracted from an environmental fungus. Biochem Biophys Rep 2017; 12:98-107. [PMID: 28955797 PMCID: PMC5613234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate characterization of melanin using analytical methodologies has proved to be difficult due to its heterogeneity, insolubility in wide pH and broad range of solvents. The present study was undertaken to characterize melanin extracted from an environmental Aspergillus fumigatus AFGRD105 by studying its genes, chemical properties and spectral data. A gene based approach to confirm the type of melanin carried out indicated the extracted melanin to be of the dihydroxynaphthalene type. On comparison with synthetic melanin, UV–Vis and IR spectra of the extracted melanin revealed characteristic peaks that can be further used for confirmation of DHN-melanin extracted from any source. Solid state 13C NMR spectroscopy established the presence of the hydroxyl-naphthalene moiety and validated the results obtained by genetic analysis. The correct assignment of the observed spectral frequency characteristic of functional groups can be further adapted in future works that deal with binding capacities and biomolecule systems involving melanin. DNA was extracted by a standardised protocol that can be adapted for environmental and clinically isolated fungi. The presence of genes was used to identify the type of melanin. Physico chemical characterization of the melanin extracted was performed. UV–Vis and IR spectra were used to confirm the type of melanin. Further, the chemical moieties were substantiated using 13C solid state NMR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitya Meenakshi Raman
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. G. R. Damodaran College of Science, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641014, India
| | - Suganthi Ramasamy
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. G. R. Damodaran College of Science, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641014, India
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Palonen EK, Raina S, Brandt A, Meriluoto J, Keshavarz T, Soini JT. Reply to the Comment on "Melanisation of Aspergillus terreus-Is Butyrolactone I Involved in the Regulation of Both DOPA and DHN Types of Pigments in Submerged Culture? Microorganisms 2017, 5, 22". Microorganisms 2017; 5:E36. [PMID: 28677647 PMCID: PMC5620627 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms5030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elina K Palonen
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, Åbo FI-20520, Finland.
| | - Sheetal Raina
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
| | - Annika Brandt
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, Åbo FI-20520, Finland.
| | - Jussi Meriluoto
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, Åbo FI-20520, Finland.
| | - Tajalli Keshavarz
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
| | - Juhani T Soini
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Business, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Lemminkäinengatan 30, Åbo FI-20520, Finland.
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Geib E, Brock M. Comment on: "Melanisation of Aspergillus terreus-Is Butyrolactone I Involved in the Regulation of Both DOPA and DHN Types of Pigments in Submerged Culture? Microorganisms 2017, 5, 22". Microorganisms 2017; 5:E34. [PMID: 28635676 PMCID: PMC5488105 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms5020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent article by Palonen et al. describes the effect of butyrolactone I on the expression of a secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene cluster from Aspergillus terreus that shows similarities to fusarubin biosynthesis gene clusters from Fusarium species. The authors claim that two different types of pigments are formed in Aspergillus terreus conidia, whereby one pigment is termed a DOPA-type melanin and the second a DHN-type melanin. Unfortunately, the terminology of the classification of melanin-types requires revision as Asp-melanin present in A. terreus conidia is clearly distinct from DOPA-melanins. In addition, some hypotheses in this manuscript are based on questionable data published previously, resulting in incorrect conclusions. Finally, as biochemical data are lacking and metabolite production is only deduced from bioinformatics and transcriptomic data, the production of a second pigment type in A. terreus conidia appears highly speculative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Geib
- Fungal Genetics and Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG72RD Nottingham, UK
| | - Matthias Brock
- Fungal Genetics and Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG72RD Nottingham, UK.
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Palonen EK, Raina S, Brandt A, Meriluoto J, Keshavarz T, Soini JT. Melanisation of Aspergillus terreus-Is Butyrolactone I Involved in the Regulation of Both DOPA and DHN Types of Pigments in Submerged Culture? Microorganisms 2017; 5:microorganisms5020022. [PMID: 28471414 PMCID: PMC5488093 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms5020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigments and melanins of fungal spores have been investigated for decades, revealing important roles in the survival of the fungus in hostile environments. The key genes and the encoded enzymes for pigment and melanin biosynthesis have recently been found in Ascomycota, including Aspergillus spp. In Aspergillus terreus, the pigmentation has remained mysterious with only one class of melanin biogenesis being found. In this study, we examined an intriguing, partially annotated gene cluster of A. terreus strain NIH2624, utilizing previously sequenced transcriptome and improved gene expression data of strain MUCL 38669, under the influence of a suggested quorum sensing inducing metabolite, butyrolactone I. The core polyketide synthase (PKS) gene of the cluster was predicted to be significantly longer on the basis of the obtained transcriptional data, and the surrounding cluster was positively regulated by butyrolactone I at the late growth phase of submerged culture, presumably during sporulation. Phylogenetic analysis of the extended PKS revealed remarkable similarity with a group of known pigments of Fusarium spp., indicating a similar function for this PKS. We present a hypothesis of this PKS cluster to biosynthesise a 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-type of pigment during sporulation with the influence of butyrolactone I under submerged culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina K Palonen
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, Åbo FI-20520, Finland.
| | - Sheetal Raina
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
| | - Annika Brandt
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, Åbo FI-20520, Finland.
| | - Jussi Meriluoto
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, Åbo FI-20520, Finland.
| | - Tajalli Keshavarz
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
| | - Juhani T Soini
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Business, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Lemminkäinengatan 30, Åbo FI-20520, Finland.
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Paulussen C, Hallsworth JE, Álvarez‐Pérez S, Nierman WC, Hamill PG, Blain D, Rediers H, Lievens B. Ecology of aspergillosis: insights into the pathogenic potency of Aspergillus fumigatus and some other Aspergillus species. Microb Biotechnol 2017; 10:296-322. [PMID: 27273822 PMCID: PMC5328810 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi of the genus Aspergillus are widespread in the environment. Some Aspergillus species, most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus, may lead to a variety of allergic reactions and life-threatening systemic infections in humans. Invasive aspergillosis occurs primarily in patients with severe immunodeficiency, and has dramatically increased in recent years. There are several factors at play that contribute to aspergillosis, including both fungus and host-related factors such as strain virulence and host pulmonary structure/immune status, respectively. The environmental tenacity of Aspergilllus, its dominance in diverse microbial communities/habitats, and its ability to navigate the ecophysiological and biophysical challenges of host infection are attributable, in large part, to a robust stress-tolerance biology and exceptional capacity to generate cell-available energy. Aspects of its stress metabolism, ecology, interactions with diverse animal hosts, clinical presentations and treatment regimens have been well-studied over the past years. Here, we synthesize these findings in relation to the way in which some Aspergillus species have become successful opportunistic pathogens of human- and other animal hosts. We focus on the biophysical capabilities of Aspergillus pathogens, key aspects of their ecophysiology and the flexibility to undergo a sexual cycle or form cryptic species. Additionally, recent advances in diagnosis of the disease are discussed as well as implications in relation to questions that have yet to be resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Paulussen
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM)Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S)KU LeuvenCampus De NayerSint‐Katelijne‐WaverB‐2860Belgium
| | - John E. Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food SecuritySchool of Biological SciencesMedical Biology CentreQueen's University BelfastBelfastBT9 7BLUK
| | - Sergio Álvarez‐Pérez
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDepartment of Animal HealthUniversidad Complutense de MadridMadridE‐28040Spain
| | | | - Philip G. Hamill
- Institute for Global Food SecuritySchool of Biological SciencesMedical Biology CentreQueen's University BelfastBelfastBT9 7BLUK
| | - David Blain
- Institute for Global Food SecuritySchool of Biological SciencesMedical Biology CentreQueen's University BelfastBelfastBT9 7BLUK
| | - Hans Rediers
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM)Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S)KU LeuvenCampus De NayerSint‐Katelijne‐WaverB‐2860Belgium
| | - Bart Lievens
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM)Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S)KU LeuvenCampus De NayerSint‐Katelijne‐WaverB‐2860Belgium
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van Nieuwenhuijzen EJ, Houbraken JAMP, Punt PJ, Roeselers G, Adan OCG, Samson RA. The fungal composition of natural biofinishes on oil-treated wood. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2017; 4:2. [PMID: 28955471 PMCID: PMC5611603 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-017-0030-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biofinished wood is considered to be a decorative and protective material for outdoor constructions, showing advantages compared to traditional treated wood in terms of sustainability and self-repair. Natural dark wood staining fungi are essential to biofinish formation on wood. Although all sorts of outdoor situated timber are subjected to fungal staining, the homogenous dark staining called biofinish has only been detected on specific vegetable oil-treated substrates. Revealing the fungal composition of various natural biofinishes on wood is a first step to understand and control biofinish formation for industrial application. RESULTS A culture-based survey of fungi in natural biofinishes on oil-treated wood samples showed the common wood stain fungus Aureobasidium and the recently described genus Superstratomyces to be predominant constituents. A culture-independent approach, based on amplification of the internal transcribed spacer regions, cloning and Sanger sequencing, resulted in clone libraries of two types of biofinishes. Aureobasidium was present in both biofinish types, but was only predominant in biofinishes on pine sapwood treated with raw linseed oil. Most cloned sequences of the other biofinish type (pine sapwood treated with olive oil) could not be identified. In addition, a more in-depth overview of the fungal composition of biofinishes was obtained with Illumina amplicon sequencing that targeted the internal transcribed spacer region 1. All investigated samples, that varied in wood species, (oil) treatments and exposure times, contained Aureobasidium and this genus was predominant in the biofinishes on pine sapwood treated with raw linseed oil. Lapidomyces was the predominant genus in most of the other biofinishes and present in all other samples. Surprisingly, Superstratomyces, which was predominantly detected by the cultivation-based approach, could not be found with the Illumina sequencing approach, while Lapidomyces was not detected in the culture-based approach. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the culture-based approach and two culture-independent methods that were used in this study revealed that natural biofinishes were composed of multiple fungal genera always containing the common wood staining mould Aureobasidium. Besides Aureobasidium, the use of other fungal genera for the production of biofinished wood has to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jos A. M. P. Houbraken
- Applied and Industrial Mycology, CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J. Punt
- TNO, Microbiology and Systems Biology, Zeist, The Netherlands
- Dutch DNA Biotech BV, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Guus Roeselers
- TNO, Microbiology and Systems Biology, Zeist, The Netherlands
- Present Address: Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf C. G. Adan
- Department of Applied Physics, Section Transport in Permeable Media, University of Technology Eindhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A. Samson
- Applied and Industrial Mycology, CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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47
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Effect of Various Compounds Blocking the Colony Pigmentation on the Aflatoxin B1 Production by Aspergillus flavus. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8110313. [PMID: 27801823 PMCID: PMC5127110 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8110313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins and melanins are the products of a polyketide biosynthesis. In this study, the search of potential inhibitors of the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) biosynthesis was performed among compounds blocking the pigmentation in fungi. Four compounds—three natural (thymol, 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, compactin) and one synthetic (fluconazole)—were examined for their ability to block the pigmentation and AFB1 production in Aspergillus flavus. All compounds inhibited the mycelium pigmentation of a fungus growing on solid medium. At the same time, thymol, fluconazole, and 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde stimulated AFB1 accumulation in culture broth of A. flavus under submerged fermentation, whereas the addition of 2.5 μg/mL of compactin resulted in a 50× reduction in AFB1 production. Moreover, compactin also suppressed the sporulation of A. flavus on solid medium. In vivo treatment of corn and wheat grain with compactin (50 μg/g of grain) reduced the level of AFB1 accumulation 14 and 15 times, respectively. Further prospects of the compactin study as potential AFB1 inhibitor are discussed.
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48
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Escobar N, Ordonez SR, Wösten HAB, Haas PJA, de Cock H, Haagsman HP. Hide, Keep Quiet, and Keep Low: Properties That Make Aspergillus fumigatus a Successful Lung Pathogen. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:438. [PMID: 27092115 PMCID: PMC4821987 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Representatives of the genus Aspergillus are opportunistic fungal pathogens. Their conidia can reach the alveoli by inhalation and can give rise to infections in immunocompromised individuals. Aspergillus fumigatus is the causal agent of invasive aspergillosis in nearly 90% of the cases. It is not yet well-established what makes this fungus more pathogenic than other aspergilli such as A. niger. Here, we show that A. fumigatus and A. niger conidia adhere with similar efficiency to lung epithelial A549 cells but A. fumigatus conidia internalized 17% more efficiently. Conidia of both aspergilli were taken up in phagolysosomes 8 h after the challenge. These organelles only acidified in the case of A. niger, which is probably due to the type of melanin coating of the conidia. Viability of both types of conidia was not affected after uptake in the phagolysosomes. Germination of A. fumigatus and A. niger conidia in the presence of epithelial cells was delayed when compared to conidia in the medium. However, germination of A. niger conidia was still higher than that of A. fumigatus 10 h after exposure to A549 cells. Remarkably, A. fumigatus hyphae grew mainly parallel to the epithelium, while growth direction of A. niger hyphae was predominantly perpendicular to the plane of the cells. Neutrophils reduced germination and hyphal growth of A. niger, but not of A fumigatus, in presence of epithelial cells. Taken together, efficient internalization, delayed germination, and hyphal growth parallel to the epithelium gives a new insight into what could be the causes for the success of A. fumigatus compared to A. niger as an opportunistic pathogen in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Escobar
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Soledad R. Ordonez
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Division Molecular Host Defence, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Han A. B. Wösten
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pieter-Jan A. Haas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hans de Cock
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Henk P. Haagsman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Division Molecular Host Defence, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands
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Li XQ, Guo BL, Cai WY, Zhang JM, Huang HQ, Zhan P, Xi LY, Vicente VA, Stielow B, Sun JF, de Hoog GS. The role of melanin pathways in extremotolerance and virulence of Fonsecaea revealed by de novo assembly transcriptomics using illumina paired-end sequencing. Stud Mycol 2016; 83:1-18. [PMID: 27504027 PMCID: PMC4969264 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanisation has been considered to be an important virulence factor of Fonsecaea monophora. However, the biosynthetic mechanisms of melanisation remain unknown. We therefore used next generation sequencing technology to investigate the transcriptome and digital gene expression data, which are valuable resources to better understand the molecular and biological mechanisms regulating melanisation in F. monophora. We performed de novo transcriptome assembly and digital gene expression (DGE) profiling analyses of parent (CBS 122845) and albino (CBS 125194) strains using the Illumina RNA-seq system. A total of 17 352 annotated unigenes were found by BLAST search of NR, Swiss-Prot, Gene Ontology, Clusters of Orthologous Groups and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) (E-value <1e‒5). A total of 2 283 unigenes were judged to be the differentially expressed between the two genotypes. We identified most of the genes coding for key enzymes involved in melanin biosynthesis pathways, including polyketide synthase (pks), multicopper oxidase (mco), laccase, tyrosinase and homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (hmgA). DEG analysis showed extensive down-regulation of key genes in the DHN pathway, while up-regulation was noted in the DOPA pathway of the albino mutant. The transcript levels of partial genes were confirmed by real time RT-PCR, while the crucial role of key enzymes was confirmed by either inhibitor or substrate tests in vitro. Meanwhile, numbers of genes involved in light sensing, cell wall synthesis, morphology and environmental stress were identified in the transcriptome of F. monophora. In addition, 3 353 SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats) markers were identified from 21 600 consensus sequences. Blocking of the DNH pathway is the most likely reason of melanin deficiency in the albino strain, while the production of pheomelanin and pyomelanin were probably regulated by unknown transcription factors on upstream of both pathways. Most of genes involved in environmental tolerance to oxidants, irradiation and extreme temperatures were also assembled and annotated in transcriptomes of F. monophora. In addition, thousands of identified cSSR (combined SSR) markers will favour further genetic linkage studies. In conclusion, these data will contribute to understanding the regulation of melanin biosynthesis and help to improve the studies of pathogenicity of F. monophora.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Q Li
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - B L Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - W Y Cai
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J M Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - H Q Huang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - P Zhan
- Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China; CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L Y Xi
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - V A Vicente
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - B Stielow
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J F Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - G S de Hoog
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Dermatology, First Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China
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50
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van Nieuwenhuijzen EJ, Houbraken JAMP, Meijer M, Adan OCG, Samson RA. Aureobasidium melanogenum: a native of dark biofinishes on oil treated wood. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2016; 109:661-83. [PMID: 26920754 PMCID: PMC4819947 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-016-0668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The genus Aureobasidium, which is known as a wood staining mould, has been detected on oil treated woods in the specific stain formation called biofinish. This biofinish is used to develop a new protective, self-healing and decorative biotreatment for wood. In order to understand and control biofinish formation on oil treated wood, the occurrence of different Aureobasidium species on various wood surfaces was studied. Phenotypic variability within Aureobasidium strains presented limitations of morphological identification of Aureobasidium species. PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing of ITS and RPB2 were used to identify the culturable Aureobasidium species composition in mould stained wood surfaces with and without a biofinish. The analysed isolates showed that several Aureobasidium species were present and that Aureobasidium melanogenum was predominantly detected, regardless of the presence of a biofinish and the type of substrate. A.melanogenum was detected on wood samples exposed in the Netherlands, Cameroon, South Africa, Australia and Norway. ITS-specific PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of DNA extracted from biofinish samples confirmed results of the culturing based method: A. melanogenum is predominant within the Aureobasidium population of biofinishes on pine sapwood treated with raw linseed oil and the outdoor placement in the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jos A M P Houbraken
- CBS KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Meijer
- CBS KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf C G Adan
- Section Transport in Permeable Media, Department of Applied Physics, University of Technology Eindhoven, Den Dolech 2, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A Samson
- CBS KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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