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Pereira ED, Moreira TR, Cruz-Leite VRM, Tomazett MV, Souza Silva LO, Graziani D, Martins JA, Amaral AC, Weber SS, Parente-Rocha JA, Soares CMDA, Borges CL. Paracoccidioides lutzii Infects Galleria mellonella Employing Formamidase as a Virulence Factor. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012452. [PMID: 39226308 PMCID: PMC11398694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The formamidase (FMD) enzyme plays an important role in fungal thriving by releasing a secondary nitrogen source as a product of its activity. In Paracoccidioides species, previous studies have demonstrated the upregulation of this enzyme in a wide range of starvation and infective-like conditions. However, Paracoccidioides lutzii formamidase has not yet been defined as a virulence factor. Here, by employing in vivo infections using an fmd-silenced strain in Galleria mellonella larvae model, we demonstrate the influence of formamidase in P. lutzii's immune stimulation and pathogenicity. The formamidase silencing resulted in improper arrangement of the nodules, poor melanogenesis and decreased fungal burden. Thus, we suggest that formamidase may be a piece composing the process of molecular recognition by Galleria immune cells. Furthermore, formamidase silencing doubled the observed survival rate of the larvae, demonstrating its importance in fungal virulence in vivo. Therefore, our findings indicate that formamidase contributes to Galleria's immune incitement and establishes the role of this enzyme as a P. lutzii virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Dias Pereira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences II, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Thalison Rodrigues Moreira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences II, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Vieira Tomazett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences II, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Lana O'Hara Souza Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences II, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Daniel Graziani
- Multiuser Laboratory for the Evaluation of Molecules, Cells and Tissues, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Juliana Assis Martins
- Laboratory of Nano&Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - André Corrêa Amaral
- Laboratory of Nano&Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Simone Schneider Weber
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alves Parente-Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences II, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences II, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences II, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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Wangsanut T, Amsri A, Kalawil T, Sukantamala P, Jeenkeawpieam J, Andrianopoulos A, Pongpom M. AcuM and AcuK: The global regulators controlling multiple cellular metabolisms in a dimorphic fungus Talaromyces marneffei. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012145. [PMID: 39231117 PMCID: PMC11373862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Talaromycosis is a fungal infection caused by an opportunistic dimorphic fungus Talaromyces marneffei. During infection, T. marneffei resides inside phagosomes of human host macrophages where the fungus encounters nutrient scarcities and host-derived oxidative stressors. Previously, we showed that the deletion of acuK, a gene encoding Zn(2)Cys(6) transcription factor, caused a decreased ability for T. marneffei to defend against macrophages, as well as a growth impairment in T. marneffei on both low iron-containing medium and gluconeogenic substrate-containing medium. In this study, a paralogous gene acuM was deleted and characterized. The ΔacuM mutant showed similar defects with the ΔacuK mutant, suggesting their common role in gluconeogenesis and iron homeostasis. Unlike the pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus, the ΔacuK and ΔacuM mutants unexpectedly exhibited normal siderophore production and did not show lower expression levels of genes involved in iron uptake and siderophore synthesis. To identify additional target genes of AcuK and AcuM, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed in the ΔacuK and ΔacuM strains growing in a synthetic dextrose medium with 1% glucose at 25 °C for 36 hours. Downregulated genes in both mutants participated in iron-consuming processes, especially in mitochondrial metabolism and anti-oxidative stress. Importantly, the ΔacuM mutant was sensitive to the oxidative stressors menadione and hydrogen peroxide while the ΔacuK mutant was sensitive to only hydrogen peroxide. The yeast form of both mutants demonstrated a more severe defect in antioxidant properties than the mold form. Moreover, ribosomal and ribosomal biogenesis genes were expressed at significantly lower levels in both mutants, suggesting that AcuK and AcuM could affect the protein translation process in T. marneffei. Our study highlighted the role of AcuK and AcuM as global regulators that control multiple cellular adaptations under various harsh environmental conditions during host infection. These transcription factors could be potentially exploited as therapeutic targets for the treatment of this neglected infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanaporn Wangsanut
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Artid Amsri
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Thitisuda Kalawil
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Juthatip Jeenkeawpieam
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Alex Andrianopoulos
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monsicha Pongpom
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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3
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de Matos Silva S, Echeverri CR, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Fusco-Almeida AM, Gonzalez A. Common virulence factors between Histoplasma and Paracoccidioides: Recognition of Hsp60 and Enolase by CR3 and plasmin receptors in host cells. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 7:100246. [PMID: 39022313 PMCID: PMC11253281 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, the incidence of Invasive Fungal Infections (IFIs) globally has risen, posing a considerable challenge despite available antifungal therapies. Addressing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) prioritized research on specific fungi, notably Histoplasma spp. and Paracoccidioides spp. These dimorphic fungi have a mycelial life cycle in soil and a yeast phase associated with tissues of mammalian hosts. Inhalation of conidia and mycelial fragments initiates the infection, crucially transforming into the yeast form within the host, influenced by factors like temperature, host immunity, and hormonal status. Survival and multiplication within alveolar macrophages are crucial for disease progression, where innate immune responses play a pivotal role in overcoming physical barriers. The transition to pathogenic yeast, triggered by increased temperature, involves yeast phase-specific gene expression, closely linked to infection establishment and pathogenicity. Cell adhesion mechanisms during host-pathogen interactions are intricately linked to fungal virulence, which is critical for tissue colonization and disease development. Yeast replication within macrophages leads to their rupture, aiding pathogen dissemination. Immune cells, especially macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, are key players during infection control, with macrophages crucial for defense, tissue integrity, and pathogen elimination. Recognition of common virulence molecules such as heat- shock protein-60 (Hsp60) and enolase by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), mainly via the complement receptor 3 (CR3) and plasmin receptor pathways, respectively, could be pivotal in host-pathogen interactions for Histoplasma spp. and Paracoccidioides spp., influencing adhesion, phagocytosis, and inflammatory regulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamic of these two IFIs between host and pathogen. Further research into these fungi's virulence factors promises insights into pathogenic mechanisms, potentially guiding the development of effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta de Matos Silva
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Paulista State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
- Nucleous of Proteomics, Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Paulista State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Carolina Rodriguez Echeverri
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Paulista State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
- Nucleous of Proteomics, Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Paulista State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Paulista State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
- Nucleous of Proteomics, Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Paulista State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Paulista State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
- Nucleous of Proteomics, Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Paulista State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Angel Gonzalez
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
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Moraes D, Tristão GB, Rappleye CA, Ray SC, Ribeiro-Dias F, Gomes RS, Assunção LDP, Paccez JD, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Silva-Bailão MG, Soares CMDA, Bailão AM. The influence of a copper efflux pump in Histoplasma capsulatum virulence. FEBS J 2024; 291:744-760. [PMID: 37950580 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16999] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
During the infectious process, pathogenic microorganisms must obtain nutrients from the host in order to survive and proliferate. These nutritional sources include the metallic nutrient copper. Despite its essentiality, copper in large amounts is toxic. Host defense mechanisms use high copper poisoning as a fungicidal strategy to control infection. Transcriptional analyses showed that yeast cultured in the presence of copper or inside macrophages (24 h) had elevated expression of CRP1, a copper efflux pump, suggesting that Histoplasma capsulatum could be exposed to a high copper environment in macrophages during the innate immune stage of infection. Accordingly, macrophages cultured in high copper are more efficient in controlling H. capsulatum growth. Also, silencing of ATP7a, a copper pump that promotes the copper influx in phagosomes, increases fungal survival in macrophages. The rich copper environment faced by the fungus is not dependent on IFN-γ, since fungal CRP1 expression is induced in untreated macrophages. Appropriately, CRP1 knockdown fungal strains are more susceptible to macrophage control than wild-type yeasts. Additionally, CRP1 silencing decreases fungal burden in mice during the phase of innate immune response (4-day postinfection) and CRP1 is required for full virulence in a macrophage cell lines (J774 A.1 and RAW 264.7), as well as primary cells (BMDM). Thus, induction of fungal copper detoxifying genes during innate immunity and the attenuated virulence of CRP1-knockdown yeasts suggest that H. capsulatum is exposed to a copper-rich environment at early infection, but circumvents this condition to establish infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayane Moraes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Brum Tristão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Chad A Rappleye
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephanie C Ray
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Fátima Ribeiro-Dias
- Laboratório de Imunidade Natural (LIN), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Saar Gomes
- Laboratório de Imunidade Natural (LIN), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Leandro do Prado Assunção
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Juliano Domiraci Paccez
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mirelle Garcia Silva-Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular (LBM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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5
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Rappleye CA. Targeted gene deletions in the dimorphic fungal pathogen Histoplasma using an optimized episomal CRISPR/Cas9 system. mSphere 2023; 8:e0017823. [PMID: 37389430 PMCID: PMC10449496 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00178-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of CRISPR/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems has revolutionized the ability to produce genetic mutations in a desired locus, particularly in organisms with low rates of homologous recombination. Histoplasma is an important respiratory and systemic fungal pathogen that has few reverse genetic options. We describe an optimized CRISPR/Cas system for the efficient generation of mutations in desired genes. The limited requirements for CRISPR/Cas, namely a gene-targeting guide RNA (gRNA) and expression of a Cas endonuclease, enabled both the gRNA and the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 gene to be expressed from a single episomal vector. The gRNAs are expressed from a strong Pol(II) promoter, a critical parameter for increasing the recovery of mutated genes, and processed into the mature gRNA by ribozymes in the mRNA. Expression of dual-tandem gRNAs facilitates the generation of gene deletions at a good frequency which can be detected by PCR-based screening of pooled isolates resulting in the isolation of marker-less deletion mutants. The CRISPR/Cas system is encoded on an episomal telomeric vector facilitating curing strains of the CRISPR/Cas vector upon generation of the mutant. We demonstrate the successful application of this CRISPR/Cas system in diverse Histoplasma species and applicable for multiple genes. The optimized system shows promise for accelerating reverse genetic studies in Histoplasma spp. IMPORTANCE The ability to eliminate gene product functions is central to understanding molecular mechanisms. In the fungal pathogen Histoplasma, methods to inactivate or deplete gene products are inefficient, which hampers progress in defining Histoplasma's virulence mechanisms. We describe an efficient CRISPR/Cas-based system for generating gene deletions in Histoplasma and show its validation on multiple genes with selectable and non-selectable phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad A. Rappleye
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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6
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Huang S, Deepe GS. Notch regulates Histoplasma capsulatum clearance in mouse lungs during innate and adaptive immune response phases in primary infection. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:1137-1154. [PMID: 35603470 PMCID: PMC9613517 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4a1221-743r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The clearance of the pathogenic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, requires cooperation between innate and adaptive immunity. Since this organism is inhaled, lung macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are the first lines of defense. Moreover, DCs act as APCs to drive the education of type 1 Th cells to produce IFNγ, which contributes to the final elimination of H. capsulatum. In this study, we explored the importance of Notch signaling in host defenses using a mouse model of pulmonary histoplasmosis. We found up-regulation of Notch ligands (NLs) and Notch receptors (NRs) on phagocytes and IFNγ+ CD4+ T cells upon infection in lungs and lymph nodes. To ascertain the influence of Notch on the course of infection, we used a gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI), LY-411,575, which inhibits NR downstream signaling. This compound impaired fungal clearance when given at the time of infection or 7 days after infection. However, GSI did not impact fungal clearance in mice with preexisting immunity. The dampened host defenses were associated with reduced differentiation and maturation of monocyte-derived DCs and elevatmonocyte-derived macrophage and alveolar macrophage polarization to M2. Our study reveals the critical nature of Notch signaling in maintaining control of this infectious agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Pathology, Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine ProgramUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA234 Albert Sabin WayCincinnatiOH45267United States
| | - George S. Deepe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA234 Albert Sabin WayCincinnatiOH45267United States
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Valdez AF, Miranda DZ, Guimarães AJ, Nimrichter L, Nosanchuk JD. Pathogenicity & Virulence of Histoplasma capsulatum - a multifaceted organism adapted to intracellular environments. Virulence 2022; 13:1900-1919. [PMID: 36266777 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2137987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Although healthy individuals can develop histoplasmosis, the disease is particularly life-threatening in immunocompromised patients, with a wide range of clinical manifestations depending on the inoculum and virulence of the infecting strain. In this review, we discuss the established virulence factors and pathogenesis traits that make H. capsulatum highly adapted to a wide variety of hosts, including mammals. Understanding and integrating these mechanisms is a key step towards devising new preventative and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro F Valdez
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Zamith Miranda
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Allan Jefferson Guimarães
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia - MIP, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Amsri A, Jeenkeawpieam J, Sukantamala P, Pongpom M. Role of acuK in Control of Iron Acquisition and Gluconeogenesis in Talaromyces marneffei. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100798. [PMID: 34682218 PMCID: PMC8539426 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100798] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Talaromyces marneffei is a dimorphic pathogenic fungus causing opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. It is a facultative intracellular pathogen and is usually found inside the host macrophages during infection. Alternative carbons and iron are the important nutrients associated with intracellular survival and pathogenesis of T. marneffei. This study reported the importance of the transcription factor AcuK in control of gluconeogenesis and iron acquisition in T. marneffei. Deletion of acuK gene in T. marneffei resulted in retardation of growth and germination in both mold and yeast phases. Microscopically, ΔacuK showed double nuclei hyphae. However, the yeast cells showed normal morphology. The ΔacuK failed to grow in iron-limiting conditions. Additionally, it could not grow in a medium containing gluconeogenic carbon sources. Moreover, ΔacuK showed higher susceptibility to macrophage killing than the wild type. These results demonstrated that AcuK controlled both iron acquisition and gluconeogenesis, and it could contribute to the pathogenicity of this fungus.
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Zhang Y, Tang C, Zhang Z, Li S, Zhao Y, Weng L, Zhang H. Deletion of the ATP2 Gene in Candida albicans Blocks Its Escape From Macrophage Clearance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:643121. [PMID: 33937095 PMCID: PMC8085345 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.643121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages provide the first-line defense against invasive fungal infections and, therefore, escape from macrophage becomes the basis for the establishment of Candida albicans invasive infection. Here, we found that deletion of ATP2 (atp2Δ/Δ) in C. albicans resulted in a dramatic decrease from 69.2% (WT) to 1.2% in the escape rate in vitro. The effect of ATP2 on macrophage clearance stands out among the genes currently known to affect clearance. In the normal mice, the atp2Δ/Δ cells were undetectable in major organs 72 h after systemic infection, while WT cells persisted in vivo. However, in the macrophage-depleted mice, atp2Δ/Δ could persist for 72 h at an amount comparable to that at 24 h. Regarding the mechanism, WT cells sustained growth and switched to hyphal form, which was more conducive to escape from macrophages, in media that mimic the glucose-deficient environment in macrophages. In contrast, atp2Δ/Δ cells can remained viable but were unable to complete morphogenesis in these media, resulting in them being trapped within macrophages in the yeast form. Meanwhile, atp2Δ/Δ cells were killed by oxidative stress in alternative carbon sources by 2- to 3-fold more than WT cells. Taken together, ATP2 deletion prevents C. albicans from escaping macrophage clearance, and therefore ATP2 has a functional basis as a drug target that interferes with macrophage clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanyan Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanpeng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuixiu Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajing Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luobei Weng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Updates in Paracoccidioides Biology and Genetic Advances in Fungus Manipulation. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020116. [PMID: 33557381 PMCID: PMC7915485 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The dimorphic fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus are the causative agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). This disease is endemic in Latin America and primarily affects workers in rural areas. PCM is considered a neglected disease, despite being a disabling disease that has a notable impact on the public health system. Paracoccidioides spp. are thermally dimorphic fungi that present infective mycelia at 25 °C and differentiate into pathogenic yeast forms at 37 °C. This transition involves a series of morphological, structural, and metabolic changes which are essential for their survival inside hosts. As a pathogen, the fungus is subjected to several varieties of stress conditions, including the host immune response, which involves the production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, thermal stress due to temperature changes during the transition, pH alterations within phagolysosomes, and hypoxia inside granulomas. Over the years, studies focusing on understanding the establishment and development of PCM have been conducted with several limitations due to the low effectiveness of strategies for the genetic manipulation of Paracoccidioides spp. This review describes the most relevant biological features of Paracoccidioides spp., including aspects of the phylogeny, ecology, stress response, infection, and evasion mechanisms of the fungus. We also discuss the genetic aspects and difficulties of fungal manipulation, and, finally, describe the advances in molecular biology that may be employed in molecular research on this fungus in the future.
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11
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Lessons Learned from Studying Histoplasma capsulatum Extracellular Vesicles. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2021; 432:13-18. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83391-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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12
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Rodrigues AM, Kubitschek-Barreira PH, Pinheiro BG, Teixeira-Ferreira A, Hahn RC, de Camargo ZP. Immunoproteomic Analysis Reveals Novel Candidate Antigens for the Diagnosis of Paracoccidioidomycosis Due to Paracoccidioides lutzii. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040357. [PMID: 33322269 PMCID: PMC7770604 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a life-threatening systemic infection caused by the fungal pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and related species. Whole-genome sequencing and stage-specific proteomic analysis of Paracoccidioides offer the opportunity to profile humoral immune responses against P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis s. str. infection using innovative screening approaches. Here, an immunoproteomic approach was used to identify PCM-associated antigens that elicit immune responses by combining 2-D electrophoresis of P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis proteomes, immunological detection using a gold-standard serum, and mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 16 and 25 highly immunoreactive proteins were identified in P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis, respectively, and 29 were shown to be the novel antigens for Paracoccidioides species, including seven uncharacterized proteins. Among the panel of proteins identified, most are involved in metabolic pathways, carbon metabolism, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in both immunoproteomes. Remarkably, six isoforms of the surface-associated enolase in the range of 54 kDa were identified as the major antigens in human PCM due to P. lutzii. These novel immunoproteomes of Paracoccidioides will be employed to develop a sensitive and affordable point-of-care diagnostic assay and an effective vaccine to identify infected hosts and prevent infection and development of human PCM. These findings provide a unique opportunity for the refinement of diagnostic tools of this important neglected systemic mycosis, which is usually associated with poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (A.M.R.); (Z.P.d.C.); Tel.: +55-1155764551 (ext. 1540) (A.M.R.); +55-1155764551 (ext. 1512) (Z.P.d.C.)
| | - Paula Helena Kubitschek-Barreira
- Department of Cellular Biology, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20511010, Brazil;
| | - Breno Gonçalves Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil;
| | - André Teixeira-Ferreira
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Pharmacodynamics, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, Brazil;
| | - Rosane Christine Hahn
- Laboratory of Mycology/Research, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060900, Brazil;
- Júlio Muller University Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78048902, Brazil
| | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil;
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil
- Correspondence: (A.M.R.); (Z.P.d.C.); Tel.: +55-1155764551 (ext. 1540) (A.M.R.); +55-1155764551 (ext. 1512) (Z.P.d.C.)
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