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Zhang Y, Yu W, Lu Y, Wu Y, Ouyang Z, Tu Y, He B. Epigenetic Regulation of Fungal Secondary Metabolism. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:648. [PMID: 39330408 PMCID: PMC11433216 DOI: 10.3390/jof10090648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Secondary metabolism is one of the important mechanisms by which fungi adapt to their living environment and promote survival and reproduction. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, plays key roles in fungal secondary metabolism and affect fungal growth, survival, and pathogenicity. This review describes recent advances in the study of epigenetic regulation of fungal secondary metabolism. We discuss the way in which epigenetic markers respond to environmental changes and stimulate the production of biologically active compounds by fungi, and the feasibility of these new findings applied to develop new antifungal strategies and optimize secondary metabolism. In addition, we have deliberated on possible future directions of research in this field. A deeper understanding of epigenetic regulatory networks is a key focus for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yayi Tu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Microbial Medicine Research, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013, China; (Y.Z.); (W.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.O.)
| | - Bin He
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Microbial Medicine Research, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang 330013, China; (Y.Z.); (W.Y.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (Z.O.)
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2
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Zhang X, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Li B, Tian S, Zhang Z. Research Progress on the Mechanism and Function of Histone Acetylation Regulating the Interaction between Pathogenic Fungi and Plant Hosts. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:522. [PMID: 39194848 DOI: 10.3390/jof10080522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone acetylation is a crucial epigenetic modification, one that holds the key to regulating gene expression by meticulously modulating the conformation of chromatin. Most histone acetylation enzymes (HATs) and deacetylation enzymes (HDACs) in fungi were originally discovered in yeast. The functions and mechanisms of HATs and HDACs in yeast that have been documented offer us an excellent entry point for gaining insights into these two types of enzymes. In the interaction between plants and pathogenic fungi, histone acetylation assumes a critical role, governing fungal pathogenicity and plant immunity. This review paper delves deep into the recent advancements in understanding how histone acetylation shapes the interaction between plants and fungi. It explores how this epigenetic modification influences the intricate balance of power between these two kingdoms of life, highlighting the intricate network of interactions and the subtle shifts in these interactions that can lead to either mutual coexistence or hostile confrontation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuzhu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yangzhi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Boqiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhanquan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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Guan Y, Gajewska J, Floryszak‐Wieczorek J, Tanwar UK, Sobieszczuk‐Nowicka E, Arasimowicz‐Jelonek M. Histone (de)acetylation in epigenetic regulation of Phytophthora pathobiology. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13497. [PMID: 39034655 PMCID: PMC11261156 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Phytophthora species are oomycetes that have evolved a broad spectrum of biological processes and improved strategies to cope with host and environmental challenges. A growing body of evidence indicates that the high pathogen plasticity is based on epigenetic regulation of gene expression linked to Phytophthora's rapid adjustment to endogenous cues and various stresses. As 5mC DNA methylation has not yet been identified in Phytophthora, the reversible processes of acetylation/deacetylation of histone proteins seem to play a pivotal role in the epigenetic control of gene expression in oomycetes. To explore this issue, we review the structure, diversity, and phylogeny of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) in six plant-damaging Phytophthora species: P. capsici, P. cinnamomi, P. infestans, P. parasitica, P. ramorum, and P. sojae. To further integrate and improve our understanding of the phylogenetic classification, evolutionary relationship, and functional characteristics, we supplement this review with a comprehensive view of HATs and HDACs using recent genome- and proteome-level databases. Finally, the potential functional role of transcriptional reprogramming mediated by epigenetic changes during Phytophthora species saprophytic and parasitic phases under nitro-oxidative stress is also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Guan
- Department of Plant Ecophysiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz University in PoznańPoznańPoland
| | - Joanna Gajewska
- Department of Plant Ecophysiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz University in PoznańPoznańPoland
| | | | - Umesh Kumar Tanwar
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz University in PoznańPoznańPoland
| | - Ewa Sobieszczuk‐Nowicka
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz University in PoznańPoznańPoland
| | - Magdalena Arasimowicz‐Jelonek
- Department of Plant Ecophysiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz University in PoznańPoznańPoland
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4
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Wassano NS, da Silva GB, Reis AH, A Gerhardt J, Antoniel EP, Akiyama D, Rezende CP, Neves LX, Vasconcelos EJR, de Figueiredo FL, Almeida F, de Castro PA, Pinzan CF, Goldman GH, Paes Leme AF, Fill TP, Moretti NS, Damasio A. Sirtuin E deacetylase is required for full virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. Commun Biol 2024; 7:704. [PMID: 38851817 PMCID: PMC11162503 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06383-3] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus represents a public health problem due to the high mortality rate in immunosuppressed patients and the emergence of antifungal-resistant isolates. Protein acetylation is a crucial post-translational modification that controls gene expression and biological processes. The strategic manipulation of enzymes involved in protein acetylation has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for addressing fungal infections. Sirtuins, NAD+-dependent lysine deacetylases, regulate protein acetylation and gene expression in eukaryotes. However, their role in the human pathogenic fungus A. fumigatus remains unclear. This study constructs six single knockout strains of A. fumigatus and a strain lacking all predicted sirtuins (SIRTKO). The mutant strains are viable under laboratory conditions, indicating that sirtuins are not essential genes. Phenotypic assays suggest sirtuins' involvement in cell wall integrity, secondary metabolite production, thermotolerance, and virulence. Deletion of sirE attenuates virulence in murine and Galleria mellonella infection models. The absence of SirE alters the acetylation status of proteins, including histones and non-histones, and triggers significant changes in the expression of genes associated with secondary metabolism, cell wall biosynthesis, and virulence factors. These findings encourage testing sirtuin inhibitors as potential therapeutic strategies to combat A. fumigatus infections or in combination therapy with available antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália S Wassano
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gabriela B da Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Paulist School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Artur H Reis
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Paulist School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline A Gerhardt
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Everton P Antoniel
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Daniel Akiyama
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Caroline P Rezende
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine from Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro X Neves
- Brazilian Bioscience National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda L de Figueiredo
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine from Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila F Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Adriana F Paes Leme
- Brazilian Bioscience National Laboratory (LNBio), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Taicia P Fill
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Nilmar S Moretti
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Paulist School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada.
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada.
| | - André Damasio
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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Jiang H, Yuan L, Ma L, Qi K, Zhang Y, Zhang B, Ma G, Qi J. Histone H3 N-Terminal Lysine Acetylation Governs Fungal Growth, Conidiation, and Pathogenicity through Regulating Gene Expression in Fusarium pseudograminearum. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:379. [PMID: 38921366 PMCID: PMC11204548 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The acetylation of histone lysine residues regulates multiple life processes, including growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity in filamentous pathogenic fungi. However, the specific function of each lysine residue at the N-terminus of histone H3 in phytopathogenic fungi remains unclear. In this study, we mutated the N-terminal lysine residues of histone H3 in Fusarium pseudograminearum, the main causal agent of Fusarium crown rot of wheat in China, which also produces deoxynivalenol (DON) toxins harmful to humans and animals. Our findings reveal that all the FpH3K9R, FpH3K14R, FpH3K18R, and FpH3K23R mutants are vital for vegetative growth and conidiation. Additionally, FpH3K14 regulates the pathogen's sensitivity to various stresses and fungicides. Despite the slowed growth of the FpH3K9R and FpH3K23R mutants, their pathogenicity towards wheat stems and heads remains unchanged. However, the FpH3K9R mutant produces more DON. Furthermore, the FpH3K14R and FpH3K18R mutants exhibit significantly reduced virulence, with the FpH3K18R mutant producing minimal DON. In the FpH3K9R, FpH3K14R, FpH3K18R, and FpH3K23R mutants, there are 1863, 1400, 1688, and 1806 downregulated genes, respectively, compared to the wild type. These downregulated genes include many that are crucial for growth, conidiation, pathogenicity, and DON production, as well as some essential genes. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicates that genes downregulated in the FpH3K14R and FpH3K18R mutants are enriched for ribosome biogenesis, rRNA processing, and rRNA metabolic process. This suggests that the translation machinery is abnormal in the FpH3K14R and FpH3K18R mutants. Overall, our findings suggest that H3 N-terminal lysine residues are involved in regulating the expression of genes with important functions and are critical for fungal development and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Jiang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Plant Virology, Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (H.J.); (L.M.); (K.Q.); (Y.Z.); (B.Z.); (G.M.)
| | - Lifang Yuan
- Shandong Academy of Grape, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China;
| | - Liguo Ma
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Plant Virology, Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (H.J.); (L.M.); (K.Q.); (Y.Z.); (B.Z.); (G.M.)
| | - Kai Qi
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Plant Virology, Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (H.J.); (L.M.); (K.Q.); (Y.Z.); (B.Z.); (G.M.)
| | - Yueli Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Plant Virology, Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (H.J.); (L.M.); (K.Q.); (Y.Z.); (B.Z.); (G.M.)
| | - Bo Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Plant Virology, Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (H.J.); (L.M.); (K.Q.); (Y.Z.); (B.Z.); (G.M.)
| | - Guoping Ma
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Plant Virology, Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (H.J.); (L.M.); (K.Q.); (Y.Z.); (B.Z.); (G.M.)
| | - Junshan Qi
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Plant Virology, Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; (H.J.); (L.M.); (K.Q.); (Y.Z.); (B.Z.); (G.M.)
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6
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Zhang X, Wen M, Li G, Wang S. Chitin Deacetylase Homologous Gene cda Contributes to Development and Aflatoxin Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:217. [PMID: 38787069 PMCID: PMC11125919 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050217] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The fungal cell wall serves as the primary interface between fungi and their external environment, providing protection and facilitating interactions with the surroundings. Chitin is a vital structural element in fungal cell wall. Chitin deacetylase (CDA) can transform chitin into chitosan through deacetylation, providing various biological functions across fungal species. Although this modification is widespread in fungi, the biological functions of CDA enzymes in Aspergillus flavus remain largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biofunctions of the CDA family in A. flavus. The A. flavus genome contains six annotated putative chitin deacetylases. We constructed knockout strains targeting each member of the CDA family, including Δcda1, Δcda2, Δcda3, Δcda4, Δcda5, and Δcda6. Functional analyses revealed that the deletion of CDA family members neither significantly affects the chitin content nor exhibits the expected chitin deacetylation function in A. flavus. However, the Δcda6 strain displayed distinct phenotypic characteristics compared to the wild-type (WT), including an increased conidia count, decreased mycelium production, heightened aflatoxin production, and impaired seed colonization. Subcellular localization experiments indicated the cellular localization of CDA6 protein within the cell wall of A. flavus filaments. Moreover, our findings highlight the significance of the CBD1 and CBD2 structural domains in mediating the functional role of the CDA6 protein. Overall, we analyzed the gene functions of CDA family in A. flavus, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying aflatoxin contamination and lay the groundwork for potential biocontrol strategies targeting A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic, Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.Z.); (M.W.); (G.L.)
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Xie R, Zhang B, Tumukunde E, Zhuang Z, Yuan J, Wang S. Succinylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase contributes to aflatoxin biosynthesis, morphology development, and pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 413:110585. [PMID: 38246023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which catalyzes acetyl-CoA to produce malonyl-CoA, is crucial for the synthesis of mycotoxins, ergosterol, and fatty acids in various genera. However, its biofunction in Aspergillus flavus has not been reported. In this study, the accA gene was deleted and site-mutated to explore the influence of ACC on sporulation, sclerotium formation, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) biosynthesis. The results revealed that ACC positively regulated conidiation and sclerotium formation, but negatively regulated AFB1 production. In addition, we found that ACC is a succinylated protein, and mutation of lysine at position 990 of ACC to glutamic acid or arginine (accAK990E or accAK990R) changed the succinylation level of ACC. The accAK990E and accAK990R mutations (to imitate the succinylation and desuccinylation at K990 of ACC, respectively) downregulated fungal conidiation and sclerotium formation while increasing AFB1 production, revealing that the K990 is an important site for ACC's biofunction. These results provide valuable perspectives for future mechanism studies of the emerging roles of succinylated ACC in the regulation of the A. flavus phenotype, which is advantageous for the prevention and control of A. flavus hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, China
| | - Elisabeth Tumukunde
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenhong Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, 350002 Fuzhou, China.
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Ciesielska A, Kowalczyk A, Paneth A, Stączek P. Evaluation of the antidermatophytic activity of potassium salts of N-acylhydrazinecarbodithioates and their aminotriazole-thione derivatives. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3521. [PMID: 38347115 PMCID: PMC10861498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54025-9] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, dermatophyte infections are relatively easy to cure, especially since the introduction of orally administered antifungals such as terbinafine and itraconazole. However, these drugs may cause side effects due to liver damage or their interactions with other therapeutics. Hence, the search for new effective chemotherapeutics showing antidermatophyte activity seems to be the urge of the moment. Potassium salts of N-acylhydrazinecarbodithioates are used commonly as precursors for the synthesis of biologically active compounds. Keeping that in mind, the activity of a series of five potassium N-acylhydrazinecarbodithioates (1a-e) and their aminotriazole-thione derivatives (2a-e) was evaluated against a set of pathogenic, keratinolytic fungi, such as Trichophyton ssp., Microsporum ssp. and Chrysosporium keratinophilum, but also against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. All tested compounds were found non-toxic for L-929 and HeLa cells, with the IC30 and IC50 values assessed in the MTT assay above 128 mg/L. The compound 5-amino-3-(naphtalene-1-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thione (2d) was found active against all fungal strains tested. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed inhibition of mycelium development of Trichophyton rubrum cultivated on nail fragments and treated with 2d 24 h after infection with fungal spores. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) observation of mycelium treated with 2d showed ultrastructural changes in the morphology of germinated spores. Finally, the RNA-seq analysis indicated that a broad spectrum of genes responded to stress induced by the 2d compound. In conclusion, the results confirm the potential of N-acylhydrazinecarbodithioate derivatives for future use as promising leads for new antidermatophyte agents development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Ciesielska
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Kowalczyk
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
| | - Agata Paneth
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy with Medical Analytics Division, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Stączek
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Lodz, Poland
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Yang C, Wu D, Lin H, Ma D, Fu W, Yao Y, Pan X, Wang S, Zhuang Z. Role of RNA Modifications, Especially m6A, in Aflatoxin Biosynthesis of Aspergillus flavus. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:726-741. [PMID: 38112282 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA modifications play key roles in eukaryotes, but the functions in Aspergillus flavus are still unknown. Temperature has been reported previously to be a critical environmental factor that regulates the aflatoxin production of A. flavus, but much remains to be learned about the molecular networks. Here, we demonstrated that 12 kinds of RNA modifications in A. flavus were significantly changed under 29 °C compared to 37 °C incubation; among them, m6A was further verified by a colorimetric method. Then, the transcriptome-wide m6A methylome and m6A-altered genes were comprehensively illuminated through methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing, from which 22 differentially methylated and expressed transcripts under 29 °C were screened out. It is especially notable that AFCA_009549, an aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway gene (aflQ), and the m6A methylation of its 332nd adenine in the mRNA significantly affect aflatoxin biosynthesis in A. flavus both on media and crop kernels. The content of sterigmatocystin in both ΔaflQ and aflQA332C strains was significantly higher than that in the WT strain. Together, these findings reveal that RNA modifications are associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis of A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Institute of Edible Mushroom, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350012, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Dongmei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wangzhuo Fu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yanfang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaohua Pan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhenhong Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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10
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Liang L, Wang X, Lan H, Wei S, Lei Y, Zhang S, Zhai H, Hu Y, Lv Y. Comprehensive analysis of aflatoxin B 1 biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus via transcriptome-wide m 6A methylome response to cycloleucine. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132677. [PMID: 37797576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132677] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus and its toxic aflatoxins secondary metabolites contaminate food and grains, posing a severe threat to human health and leading to liver cancer. Here, we demonstrated that cycloleucine blocked aflatoxin B1 synthesis by inhibiting N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification of messenger RNA (mRNA). m6A Methylation Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (m6A MeRIP-Seq)-based comprehensive transcriptome-wide m6A profiling identified 102 differentially expressed genes that underwent m6A modification, of which 22 hypermethylated genes were downregulated and 49 hypomethylated genes were upregulated, suggesting a negative correlation between m6A methylation and gene expression. Notably, cycloleucine inhibited aflatoxin B1 production via multiple targets. The m6A sites of several key genes involved in the aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis pathway were significantly enriched in the coding sequence and around the stop codon, resulting in their downregulation. Furthermore, m6A methylation on genes related to the aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis pathway led to reduced mRNA stability. Cycloleucine inhibition of aflatoxin B1 production highlights its potential as an agent for removing mycotoxins in environmental pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Aflatoxins, highly carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus, frequently contaminate crops such as peanut, corn, wheat and sesame leading to irreversible loss in the quality and yield of agricultural products and posing serious threats to food safety. Aflatoxins has also been linked to developmental delays and liver cancer in humans. In our study, 'monitoring aflatoxin concentrations and its bioaccumulation in organisms' has been conducted. The results demonstrated that aflatoxin production in A. flavus was completely blocked after cycloleucine treatment. Additionally, we demonstrated that inhibition of aflatoxin was linked to N6-methyladenosine methylation of multiple genes in aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuke Liang
- College of biological engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- College of biological engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Haier Lan
- College of biological engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shan Wei
- College of biological engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yang Lei
- College of biological engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shuaibing Zhang
- College of biological engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Huanchen Zhai
- College of biological engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yuansen Hu
- College of biological engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yangyong Lv
- College of biological engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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11
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Chen M, Liu Y, Liu Z, Su L, Yan L, Huang Y, Huang Y, Zhang W, Xu X, Zheng F. Histone acetyltransferase Gcn5-mediated histone H3 acetylation facilitates cryptococcal morphogenesis and sexual reproduction. mSphere 2023; 8:e0029923. [PMID: 37850793 PMCID: PMC10732044 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00299-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Eukaryotic gene transcription is typically regulated by a series of histone modifications, which play a crucial role in adapting to complex environmental stresses. In the ubiquitous human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, sexual life cycle is a continuous intracellular differentiation process that strictly occurs in response to mating stimulation. Despite the comprehensive identification of the regulatory factors and genetic pathways involved in its sexual cycle, understanding of the epigenetic modifications involved in this process remains quite limited. In this research, we found that histone acetyltransferase Gcn5-mediated histone H3 acetylation plays a crucial role in completing the cryptococcal sexual cycle, including yeast-hyphae morphogenesis and the subsequent sexual reproduction. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Gcn5 participates in this process primarily through regulating the key morphogenesis regulator Znf2 and its targets. This study thus provided a comprehensive understanding of how histone acetylation modification impacts sexual life cycle in a high-risk human pathogenic fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuanli Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical College, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhuozhuo Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lin Su
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lili Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Hospital of China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ye Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Hospital of China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinping Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Hospital of China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fanglin Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangxi Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Hospital of China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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12
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Karahoda B, Pfannenstiel BT, Sarikaya-Bayram Ö, Dong Z, Ho Wong K, Fleming AB, Keller NP, Bayram Ö. The KdmB-EcoA-RpdA-SntB (KERS) chromatin regulatory complex controls development, secondary metabolism and pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus. Fungal Genet Biol 2023; 169:103836. [PMID: 37666447 PMCID: PMC10841535 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus flavus is a plant and human pathogen predominantly found in the soil as spores or sclerotia and is capable of producing various secondary metabolites (SM) such as the carcinogenic mycotoxin aflatoxin. Recently, we have discovered a novel nuclear chromatin binding complex (KERS) that contains the JARID1-type histone demethylase KdmB, a putative cohesion acetyl transferase EcoA, a class I type histone deacetylase RpdA and the PHD ring finger reader protein SntB in the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Here, we show the presence of the KERS complex in A. flavus by immunoprecipitation-coupled mass spectrometry and constructed kdmBΔ and rpdAΔ strains to study their roles in fungal development, SM production and histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs). We found that KdmB and RpdA couple the regulation of SM gene clusters with fungal light-responses and HPTMs. KdmB and RpdA have opposing roles in light-induced asexual conidiation, while both factors are positive regulators of sclerotia development through the nsdC and nsdD pathway. KdmB and RpdA are essential for the productions of aflatoxin (similar to findings for SntB) as well as cyclopiazonic acid, ditryptophenaline and leporin B through controlling the respective SM biosynthetic gene clusters. We further show that both KdmB and RpdA regulate H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 levels, while RpdA also acts on H3K14ac levels in nuclear extracts. Therefore, the chromatin modifiers KdmB and RpdA of the KERS complex are key regulators for fungal development and SM metabolism in A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betim Karahoda
- Biology Department, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Brandon T Pfannenstiel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | | | - Zhiqiang Dong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Koon Ho Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau; Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Macau, Macau; Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau
| | - Alastair B Fleming
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Özgür Bayram
- Biology Department, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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13
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Gryzinska M, Kot B, Dudzinska E, Biernasiuk A, Jakubczak A, Malm A, Andraszek K. Changes in the Level of DNA Methylation in Candida albicans under the Influence of Physical and Chemical Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15873. [PMID: 37958861 PMCID: PMC10647513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of physical factors such as radiation (electromagnetic, microwave, infrared, laser, UVC, and X-ray) and high temperature, as well as chemical factors (controlled atmosphere) on the level of global DNA cytosine methylation in C. albicans ATCC 10231 cells were investigated. Prolonged exposure to each type of radiation significantly increased the DNA methylation level. In addition, the global methylation level in C. albicans cells increased with the incubation temperature. An increase in the percentage of methylated DNA was also noted in C. albicans cells cultured in an atmosphere with reduced O2. In contrast, in an atmosphere containing more than 3% CO2 and in anaerobic conditions, the DNA methylation level decreased relative to the control. This study showed that prolonged exposure to various types of radiation and high temperature as well as reduced O2 in the atmosphere caused a significant increase in the global DNA methylation level. This is most likely a response protecting DNA against damage, which at the same time can lead to epigenetic disorders, and in consequence can adversely affect the functioning of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Gryzinska
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Barbara Kot
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Siedlce, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
| | - Ewa Dudzinska
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Education, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Biernasiuk
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrzej Jakubczak
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Malm
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Katarzyna Andraszek
- Institute of Animal Science and Fisheries, University of Siedlce, 08–110 Siedlce, Poland;
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14
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Zhu Z, Yang M, Yang G, Zhang B, Cao X, Yuan J, Ge F, Wang S. PP2C phosphatases Ptc1 and Ptc2 dephosphorylate PGK1 to regulate autophagy and aflatoxin synthesis in the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus. mBio 2023; 14:e0097723. [PMID: 37754565 PMCID: PMC10653812 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00977-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Aspergillus flavus is a model filamentous fungus that can produce aflatoxins when it infects agricultural crops. This study evaluated the protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) family as a potential drug target with important physiological functions and pathological significance in A. flavus. We found that two redundant PP2C phosphatases, Ptc1 and Ptc2, regulate conidia development, aflatoxin synthesis, autophagic vesicle formation, and seed infection. The target protein phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) that interacts with Ptc1 and Ptc2 is essential to regulate metabolism and the autophagy process. Furthermore, Ptc1 and Ptc2 regulate the phosphorylation level of PGK1 S203, which is important for influencing aflatoxin synthesis. Our results provide a potential target for interdicting the toxicity of A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mingkun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Feng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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15
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Wassano NS, da Silva GB, Reis AH, Gerhardt JA, Antoniel EP, Akiyama D, Rezende CP, Neves LX, Vasconcelos E, Figueiredo FL, Almeida F, de Castro PA, Pinzan CF, Goldman GH, Leme AFP, Fill TP, Moretti NS, Damasio A. Deacetylation by sirtuins is important for Aspergillus fumigatus pathogenesis and virulence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.558961. [PMID: 37808717 PMCID: PMC10557594 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.558961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein acetylation is a crucial post-translational modification that controls gene expression and a variety of biological processes. Sirtuins, a prominent class of NAD + -dependent lysine deacetylases, serve as key regulators of protein acetylation and gene expression in eukaryotes. In this study, six single knockout strains of fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus were constructed, in addition to a strain lacking all predicted sirtuins (SIRTKO). Phenotypic assays suggest that sirtuins are involved in cell wall integrity, secondary metabolite production, thermotolerance, and virulence. AfsirE deletion resulted in attenuation of virulence, as demonstrated in murine and Galleria infection models. The absence of AfSirE leads to altered acetylation status of proteins, including histones and non-histones, resulting in significant changes in the expression of genes associated with secondary metabolism, cell wall biosynthesis, and virulence factors. These findings encourage testing sirtuin inhibitors as potential therapeutic strategies to combat A. fumigatus infections or in combination therapy with available antifungals.
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16
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Hu SJ, Zheng H, Li XP, Li ZX, Xu C, Li J, Liu JH, Hu WX, Zhao XY, Wang JJ, Qiu L. Ada2 and Ada3 Regulate Hyphal Growth, Asexual Development, and Pathogenicity in Beauveria bassiana by Maintaining Gcn5 Acetyltransferase Activity. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0028123. [PMID: 37052485 PMCID: PMC10269768 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00281-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone acetyltransferase (HAT) Gcn5 ortholog is essential for a variety of fungi. Here, we characterize the roles of Ada2 and Ada3, which are functionally linked to Gcn5, in the insect-pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Loss of Ada2 and Ada3 led to severe hyphal growth defects on rich and minimal media and drastic decreases in blastospore yield and conidiation capacity, with abnormal conidia-producing structures. ΔAda2 and ΔAda3 exhibited a delay in conidial germination and increased sensitivity to multiple chemical stresses and heat shock. Nearly all their pathogenicity was lost, and their ability to secrete extracellular enzymes, Pr1 proteases and chitinases for cuticle degradation was reduced. A yeast two-hybrid assay demonstrated that Ada2 binds to Ada3 and directly interacts with Gcn5, confirming the existence of a yeast-like Ada3-Ada2-Gcn5 HAT complex in this fungus. Additionally, deletion of the Ada genes reduced the activity of Gcn5, especially in the ΔAda2 strain, which was consistent with the acetylation level of histone H3 determined by Western blotting. These results illustrate the dependence of Gcn5 enzyme activity on Ada2 and Ada3 in fungal hyphal growth, asexual development, multiple stress responses, and pathogenicity in B. bassiana. IMPORTANCE The histone acetyltransferase Gcn5 ortholog contributes significantly to the growth and development of various fungi. In this study, we found that Ada2 and Ada3 have critical regulatory effects on Gcn5 enzyme activity and influence the acetylation of histone H3. Deletion of Ada2 or Ada3 decreased the fungal growth rate and asexual conidial yield and increased susceptibility to multiple stresses in Beauveria bassiana. Importantly, Ada genes are vital virulence factors, and their deletion caused the most virulence loss, mainly by inhibiting the activity of a series of hydrolytic enzymes and the dimorphic transition ability. These findings provide a new perspective on the function of the Gcn5 acetyltransferase complex in pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Juan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xin-Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Jia-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Wen-Xiao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xian-Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Juan-Juan Wang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, China
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17
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Pan X, Hao L, Yang C, Lin H, Wu D, Chen X, Zhang M, Ma D, Wang Y, Fu W, Yao Y, Wang S, Zhuang Z. SWD1 epigenetically chords fungal morphogenesis, aflatoxin biosynthesis, metabolism, and virulence of Aspergillus flavus. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131542. [PMID: 37172387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
As the main producer of aflatoxins, Aspergillus flavus is also one of the most important causes of invasive and non-invasive aspergillosis. Therefore, it is crucial to unravel the regulatory mechanisms of growth, metabolism, and pathogenicity of A. flavus. SWD1 is highly conserved across species for maintaining COMPASS methyltransferase activity, but the bio-function of SWD1 in A. flavus has not been explored. Through genetic analysis, this study revealed that SWD1 is involved in fungal morphogenesis and AFB1 biosynthesis by regulating the orthodox pathways through H3K4me1-3. Stresses sensitivity and crop models analysis revealed that SWD1 is a key regulator for the resistance of A. flavus to adapt to extreme adverse environments and to colonize crop kernels. It also revealed that the WD40 domain and 25 aa highly conserved sequence are indispensable for SWD1 in the regulation of mycotoxin bio-synthesis and fungal virulence. Metabolomic analysis inferred that SWD1 is crucial for the biosynthesis of numerous primary and secondary metabolites, regulates biological functions by reshaping the whole metabolic process, and may inhibit fungal virulence by inducing the apoptosis of mycelia through the inducer sphingosine. This study elucidates the epigenetic mechanism of SWD1 in regulating fungal pathogenicity and mycotoxin biosynthesis, and provides a potential novel target for controlling the virulence of A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Pan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Propagated Sensation along Meridian, Fujian Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Ling Hao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Chi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Edible Mushroom, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Mengjuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Dongmei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wangzhuo Fu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yanfang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Zhenhong Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, Proteomic Research Center, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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18
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Functional Characterization of the GNAT Family Histone Acetyltransferase Elp3 and GcnE in Aspergillus fumigatus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032179. [PMID: 36768506 PMCID: PMC9916960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications of chromatin structure by histone acetyltransferase (HATs) play a pivotal role in the regulation of gene expression and diverse biological processes. However, the function of GNAT family HATs, especially Elp3, in the opportunistic human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is largely unknown. To investigate the roles of the GNAT family HATs Elp3 and GcnE in the A. fumigatus, we have generated and characterized individual null Δelp3 and ΔgcnE mutants. The radial growth of fungal colonies was significantly decreased by the loss of elp3 or gcnE, and the number of asexual spores (conidia) in the ΔgcnE mutant was significantly reduced. Moreover, the mRNA levels of the key asexual development regulators were also significantly low in the ΔgcnE mutant compared to wild type (WT). Whereas both the Δelp3 and ΔgcnE mutants were markedly impaired in the formation of adherent biofilms, the ΔgcnE mutant showed a complete loss of surface structure and of intercellular matrix. The ΔgcnE mutant responded differently to oxidative stressors and showed significant susceptibility to triazole antifungal agents. Furthermore, Elp3 and GcnE function oppositely in the production of secondary metabolites, and the ΔgcnE mutant showed attenuated virulence. In conclusion, Elp3 and GcnE are associated with diverse biological processes and can be potential targets for controlling the pathogenic fungus.
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Nowrousian M. The Role of Chromatin and Transcriptional Control in the Formation of Sexual Fruiting Bodies in Fungi. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0010422. [PMID: 36409109 PMCID: PMC9769939 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00104-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal fruiting bodies are complex, three-dimensional structures that arise from a less complex vegetative mycelium. Their formation requires the coordinated action of many genes and their gene products, and fruiting body formation is accompanied by major changes in the transcriptome. In recent years, numerous transcription factor genes as well as chromatin modifier genes that play a role in fruiting body morphogenesis were identified, and through research on several model organisms, the underlying regulatory networks that integrate chromatin structure, gene expression, and cell differentiation are becoming clearer. This review gives a summary of the current state of research on the role of transcriptional control and chromatin structure in fruiting body development. In the first part, insights from transcriptomics analyses are described, with a focus on comparative transcriptomics. In the second part, examples of more detailed functional characterizations of the role of chromatin modifiers and/or transcription factors in several model organisms (Neurospora crassa, Aspergillus nidulans, Sordaria macrospora, Coprinopsis cinerea, and Schizophyllum commune) that have led to a better understanding of regulatory networks at the level of chromatin structure and transcription are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minou Nowrousian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Botany, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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20
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Wang J, Liang L, Wei S, Zhang S, Hu Y, Lv Y. Histone 2-Hydroxyisobutyryltransferase Encoded by Afngg1 Is Involved in Pathogenicity and Aflatoxin Biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:7. [PMID: 36668827 PMCID: PMC9861817 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin, a carcinogenic secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus flavus, is a significant threat to human health and agricultural production. Histone 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation is a novel post-translational modification that regulates various biological processes, including secondary metabolism. In this study, we identified the novel histone 2-hydroxyisobutyryltransferase Afngg1 in A. flavus, and explored its role in cell growth, development and aflatoxin biosynthesis. Afngg1 gene deletion markedly decreased lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation modification of histones H4K5 and H4K8 compared with the control strain. Additionally, Afngg1 deletion inhibited mycelial growth of A. flavus, and the number of conidia and hydrophobicity were significantly decreased. Notably, aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis and sclerotia production were completely inhibited in the ΔAfngg1 strain. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the ΔAfngg1 strain infecting peanut and corn grains was also diminished, including reduced spore production and aflatoxin biosynthesis compared with A. flavus control and Afngg1 complementation strains. Transcriptome analysis showed that, compared with control strains, differentially expressed genes in ΔAfngg1 were mainly involved in chromatin remodelling, cell development, secondary metabolism and oxidative stress. These results suggest that Afngg1 is involved in histone 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation and chromatin modification, and thus affects cell development and aflatoxin biosynthesis in A. flavus. Our results lay a foundation for in-depth research on the 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation modification in A. flavus, and may provide a novel target for aflatoxin contamination prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Processing and Nutritional Function of Wheat, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Liuke Liang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Processing and Nutritional Function of Wheat, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shan Wei
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Processing and Nutritional Function of Wheat, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shuaibing Zhang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Processing and Nutritional Function of Wheat, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yuansen Hu
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Processing and Nutritional Function of Wheat, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yangyong Lv
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Processing and Nutritional Function of Wheat, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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21
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Hatmaker EA, Rangel-Grimaldo M, Raja HA, Pourhadi H, Knowles SL, Fuller K, Adams EM, Lightfoot JD, Bastos RW, Goldman GH, Oberlies NH, Rokas A. Genomic and Phenotypic Trait Variation of the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Aspergillus flavus and Its Close Relatives. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0306922. [PMID: 36318036 PMCID: PMC9769809 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03069-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases affect millions of humans annually, yet fungal pathogens remain understudied. The mold Aspergillus flavus can cause both aspergillosis and fungal keratitis infections, but closely related species are not considered clinically relevant. To study the evolution of A. flavus pathogenicity, we examined genomic and phenotypic traits of two strains of A. flavus and three closely related species, Aspergillus arachidicola (two strains), Aspergillus parasiticus (two strains), and Aspergillus nomiae (one strain). We identified >3,000 orthologous proteins unique to A. flavus, including seven biosynthetic gene clusters present in A. flavus strains and absent in the three nonpathogens. We characterized secondary metabolite production for all seven strains under two clinically relevant conditions, temperature and salt concentration. Temperature impacted metabolite production in all species, whereas salinity did not affect production of any species. Strains of the same species produced different metabolites. Growth under stress conditions revealed additional heterogeneity within species. Using the invertebrate fungal disease model Galleria mellonella, we found virulence of strains of the same species varied widely; A. flavus strains were not more virulent than strains of the nonpathogens. In a murine model of fungal keratitis, we observed significantly lower disease severity and corneal thickness for A. arachidicola compared to other species at 48 h postinfection, but not at 72 h. Our work identifies variations in key phenotypic, chemical, and genomic attributes between A. flavus and its nonpathogenic relatives and reveals extensive strain heterogeneity in virulence that does not correspond to the currently established clinical relevance of these species. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus flavus is a filamentous fungus that causes opportunistic human infections, such as aspergillosis and fungal keratitis, but its close relatives are considered nonpathogenic. To begin understanding how this difference in pathogenicity evolved, we characterized variation in infection-relevant genomic, chemical, and phenotypic traits between strains of A. flavus and its relatives. We found extensive variation (or strain heterogeneity) within the pathogenic A. flavus as well as within its close relatives, suggesting that strain-level differences may play a major role in the ability of these fungi to cause disease. Surprisingly, we also found that the virulence of strains from species not considered to be pathogens was similar to that of A. flavus in both invertebrate and murine models of disease. These results contrast with previous studies on Aspergillus fumigatus, another major pathogen in the genus, for which significant differences in infection-relevant chemical and phenotypic traits are observed between closely related pathogenic and nonpathogenic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Anne Hatmaker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Manuel Rangel-Grimaldo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Huzefa A. Raja
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hadi Pourhadi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sonja L. Knowles
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin Fuller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Emily M. Adams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jorge D. Lightfoot
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Rafael W. Bastos
- Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nicholas H. Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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22
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Zhuang Z, Pan X, Zhang M, Liu Y, Huang C, Li Y, Hao L, Wang S. Set2 family regulates mycotoxin metabolism and virulence via H3K36 methylation in pathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus. Virulence 2022; 13:1358-1378. [PMID: 35943142 PMCID: PMC9364737 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus infects various crops with aflatoxins, and leads to aspergillosis opportunistically. Though H3K36 methylation plays an important role in fungal toxin metabolism and virulence, no data about the biological function of H3K36 methylation in A. flavus virulence has been reported. Our study showed that the Set2 histone methyltransferase family, AshA and SetB, involves in morphogenesis and mycotoxin anabolism by regulating related transcriptional factors, and they are important for fungal virulence to crops and animals. Western-blotting and double deletion analysis revealed that AshA mainly regulates H3K36me2, whereas SetB is mainly responsible for H3K36me3 in the nucleus. By construction of domain deletion A. flavus strain and point mutation strains by homologous recombination, the study revealed that SET domain is indispensable in mycotoxin anabolism and virulence of A. flavus, and N455 and V457 in it are the key amino acid residues. ChIP analysis inferred that the methyltransferase family controls fungal reproduction and regulates the production of AFB1 by directly regulating the production of the transcriptional factor genes, including wetA, steA, aflR and amylase, through H3K36 trimethylation in their chromatin fragments, based on which this study proposed that, by H3K36 trimethylation, this methyltransferase family controls AFB1 anabolism through transcriptional level and substrate utilization level. This study illuminates the epigenetic mechanism of the Set2 family in regulating fungal virulence and mycotoxin production, and provides new targets for controlling the virulence of the fungus A. flavus.
AUTHOR SUMMARY
The methylation of H3K36 plays an important role in the fungal secondary metabolism and virulence, but no data about the regulatory mechanism of H3K36 methylation in the virulence of A. flavus have been reported. Our study revealed that, in the histone methyltransferase Set2 family, AshA mainly catalyzes H3K36me2, and involves in the methylation of H3K36me1, and SetB mainly catalyzes H3K36me3 and H3K36me1. Through domain deletion and point mutation analysis, this study also revealed that the SET domain was critical for the normal biological function of the Set2 family and that N455 and V457 in the domain were critical for AshA. By ChIP-seq and ChIP-qPCR analysis, H3K36 was found to be trimethylation modified in the promotors and ORF positions of wetA, steA, aflR and the amylase gene (AFLA_084340), and further qRT-PCR results showed that these methylation modifications regulate the expression levels of these genes. According to the results of ChIP-seq analysis, we proposed that, by H3K36 trimethylation, this methyltransferase family controls the metabolism of mycotoxin through transcriptional level and substrate utilization level. All the results from this study showed that Set2 family is essential for fungal secondary metabolism and virulence, which lays a theoretical groundwork in the early prevention and treatment of A. flavus pollution, and also provides an effective strategy to fight against other pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhong Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Pan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Propagated Sensation along Meridian, Fujian Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mengjuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yaju Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chuanzhong Huang
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory of Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ling Hao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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23
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Wen M, Lan H, Sun R, Chen X, Zhang X, Zhu Z, Tan C, Yuan J, Wang S. Histone deacetylase SirE regulates development, DNA damage response and aflatoxin production in Aspergillus flavus. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:5596-5610. [PMID: 36059183 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a ubiquitous saprotrophic soil-borne pathogenic fungus that causes crops contamination with the carcinogen aflatoxins. Although Sirtuin E (SirE) is known to be a NAD-dependent histone deacetylase involved in global transcriptional regulation. Its biological functions in A. flavus are not fully understood. To explore the effects of SirE, we found that SirE was located in the nucleus and increased the level of H3K56 acetylation. The ΔsirE mutant had the most severe growth defect in the sirtuin family. The RNA-Seq revealed that sirE was crucial for secondary metabolism production as well as genetic information process and oxidation-reduction in A. flavus. Further analysis revealed that the ΔsirE mutant increased aflatoxin production. Both the sirE deletion and H3K56 mutants were highly sensitive to DNA damage and oxidative stresses, indicating that SirE was required for DNA damage and redox reaction by the H3K56 locus. Furthermore, the ΔsirE mutant displayed high sensitivity to osmotic stress and cell wall stress, but they may not be associated with the H3K56. Finally, the catalytic activity site N192 of SirE was required for regulating growth, deacetylase function and aflatoxin production. Together, SirE is essential for histone deacetylation and biological function in A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meifang Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huahui Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruilin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Can Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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24
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Qin L, Yang L, Zhao J, Zeng W, Su M, Wang S, Yuan J. GTPase Rac Regulates Conidiation, AFB1 Production and Stress Response in Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus flavus. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090581. [PMID: 36136519 PMCID: PMC9503438 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a member of the Rho family, Rac plays important roles in many species, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, DNA damage responses, metabolism, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. In this study, by constructing Rac-deleted mutants in Aspergillus flavus, it was found that the deletion of Rac gene led to the decline of growth and development, conidia production, AFB1 toxin synthesis, and seed infection ability of A. flavus. The deletion of Rac gene also caused the disappearance of A. flavus sclerotium, indicating that Rac is required for sclerotium formation in A. flavus. The sensitivity of Rac-deficient strains responding to cell wall stress and osmotic pressure stress increased when compared to A.flavus WT. The Western blot result showed that mitogen-activated serine/threonine-protein kinase Slt2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase Hog1 proteins were no longer phosphorylated in Rac-deficient strains of A. flavus, showing that Rac may be used as a molecular switch to control the Slt2-MAPK cascade pathway and regulate the osmotic Hog-MAPK cascade pathway in A. flavus in response to external stress. Altogether, these results indicated that Rac was involved in regulating the growth and development, conidia formation and AFB1 synthesis, and response to cell wall stress and osmotic pressure stress in A. flavus.
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25
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The Elongator Subunit Elp3 Regulates Development, Stress Tolerance, Cell Cycle, and Virulence in the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080834. [PMID: 36012822 PMCID: PMC9410351 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional activity is mediated by chromatin remodeling, which in turn is affected by post-translational modifications, including histone acetylation. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are capable of promoting euchromatin formation and then activating gene transcription. Here, we characterize the Elp3 GNAT family HAT, which is also a subunit of Elongator complex, in the environmentally and economically important fungal insect pathogen, Beauveria bassiana. BbElp3 showed high localization levels to mitochondria, with some nuclear and cytoplasmic localization also apparent. Targeted gene knockout of BbElp3 resulted in impaired asexual development and morphogenesis, reduced tolerances to multiple stress conditions, reduced the ability of the fungus to utilize various carbon/nitrogen sources, increased susceptibility to rapamycin, and attenuated virulence in bioassays using the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. The ΔBbElp3 mutant also showed disrupted cell cycle, abnormal hyphal septation patterns, and enlarged autophagosomes in vegetative hyphae. Transcriptome analyses revealed differential expression of 775 genes (DEGs), including 336 downregulated and 438 upregulated genes in the ΔBbElp3 strain as compared to the wild type. Downregulated genes were mainly enriched in pathways involved in DNA processing and transcription, cell cycle control, cellular transportation, cell defense, and virulence, including hydrophobins, cellular transporters (ABC and MFS multidrug transporters), and insect cuticular degrading enzymes, while upregulated genes were mainly enriched in carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism. These data indicate pleiotropic effects of BbElp3 in impacting specific cellular processes related to asexual development, cell cycle, autophagy, and virulence.
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26
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Li Y, Song Z, Wang E, Dong L, Bai J, Wang D, Zhu J, Zhang C. Potential antifungal targets based on histones post-translational modifications against invasive aspergillosis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:980615. [PMID: 36016791 PMCID: PMC9395700 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.980615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As a primary cause of death in patients with hematological malignancies and transplant recipients, invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a condition that warrants attention. IA infections have been increasing, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. During the past decade, antifungal drug resistance has emerged, which is especially concerning for management given the limited options for treating azole-resistant infections and the possibility of failure of prophylaxis in those high-risk patients. Histone posttranslational modifications (HPTMs), mainly including acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination and phosphorylation, are crucial epigenetic mechanisms regulating various biological events, which could modify the conformation of histone and influence chromatin-associated nuclear processes to regulate development, cellular responsiveness, and biological phenotype without affecting the underlying genetic sequence. In recent years, fungi have become important model organisms for studying epigenetic regulation. HPTMs involves in growth and development, secondary metabolite biosynthesis and virulence in Aspergillus. This review mainly aims at summarizing the acetylation, deacetylation, methylation, demethylation, and sumoylation of histones in IA and connect this knowledge to possible HPTMs-based antifungal drugs. We hope this research could provide a reference for exploring new drug targets and developing low-toxic and high-efficiency antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiman Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihui Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ente Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyan Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Chao Zhang,
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27
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Yang K, Tian J, Keller NP. Post-translational modifications drive secondary metabolite biosynthesis in Aspergillus: a review. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:2857-2881. [PMID: 35645150 PMCID: PMC9545273 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) are important for protein function and regulate multiple cellular processes and secondary metabolites (SMs) in fungi. Aspergillus species belong to a genus renown for an abundance of bioactive secondary metabolites, many important as toxins, pharmaceuticals and in industrial production. The genes required for secondary metabolites are typically co‐localized in biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), which often localize in heterochromatic regions of genome and are ‘turned off’ under laboratory condition. Efforts have been made to ‘turn on’ these BGCs by genetic manipulation of histone modifications, which could convert the heterochromatic structure to euchromatin. Additionally, non‐histone PTMs also play critical roles in the regulation of secondary metabolism. In this review, we collate the known roles of epigenetic and PTMs on Aspergillus SM production. We also summarize the proteomics approaches and bioinformatics tools for PTM identification and prediction and provide future perspectives on the emerging roles of PTM on regulation of SM biosynthesis in Aspergillus and other fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlong Yang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, USA
| | - Jun Tian
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, USA
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28
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Lai Y, Wang L, Zheng W, Wang S. Regulatory Roles of Histone Modifications in Filamentous Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:565. [PMID: 35736048 PMCID: PMC9224773 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungal pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to infect a variety of hosts including plants and insects. The dynamic infection process requires rapid and fine-tuning regulation of fungal gene expression programs in response to the changing host environment and defenses. Therefore, transcriptional reprogramming of fungal pathogens is critical for fungal development and pathogenicity. Histone post-translational modification, one of the main mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of gene expressions, and is involved in, e.g., fungal development, infection-related morphogenesis, environmental stress responses, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and pathogenicity. This review highlights recent findings and insights into regulatory mechanisms of histone methylation and acetylation in fungal development and pathogenicity, as well as their roles in modulating pathogenic fungi-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Lai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 200032, China; (L.W.); (W.Z.)
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lili Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 200032, China; (L.W.); (W.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weilu Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 200032, China; (L.W.); (W.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Sibao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 200032, China; (L.W.); (W.Z.)
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Geng Q, Li H, Wang D, Sheng RC, Zhu H, Klosterman SJ, Subbarao KV, Chen JY, Chen FM, Zhang DD. The Verticillium dahliae Spt-Ada-Gcn5 Acetyltransferase Complex Subunit Ada1 Is Essential for Conidia and Microsclerotia Production and Contributes to Virulence. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:852571. [PMID: 35283850 PMCID: PMC8905346 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.852571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Verticillium dahliae is a destructive soil-borne pathogen of many economically important dicots. The genetics of pathogenesis in V. dahliae has been extensively studied. Spt-Ada-Gcn5 acetyltransferase complex (SAGA) is an ATP-independent multifunctional chromatin remodeling complex that contributes to diverse transcriptional regulatory functions. As members of the core module in the SAGA complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ada1, together with Spt7 and Spt20, play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the complex. In this study, we identified homologs of the SAGA complex in V. dahliae and found that deletion of the Ada1 subunit (VdAda1) causes severe defects in the formation of conidia and microsclerotia, and in melanin biosynthesis and virulence. The effect of VdAda1 on histone acetylation in V. dahliae was confirmed by western blot analysis. The deletion of VdAda1 resulted in genome-wide alteration of the V. dahliae transcriptome, including genes encoding transcription factors and secreted proteins, suggesting its prominent role in the regulation of transcription and virulence. Overall, we demonstrated that VdAda1, a member of the SAGA complex, modulates multiple physiological processes by regulating global gene expression that impinge on virulence and survival in V. dahliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Geng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Team of Crop Verticillium Wilt, State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruo-Cheng Sheng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - He Zhu
- National Cotton Industry Technology System Liaohe Comprehensive Experimental Station, The Cotton Research Center of Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Liaoning Provincial Institute of Economic Crops, Liaoyang, China
| | - Steven J Klosterman
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Crop Improvement and Protection Research Unit, Salinas, CA, United States
| | - Krishna V Subbarao
- Department of Plant Pathology, c/o U.S. Agricultural Research Station, University of California, Davis, Salinas, CA, United States
| | - Jie-Yin Chen
- Team of Crop Verticillium Wilt, State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Mao Chen
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan-Dan Zhang
- Team of Crop Verticillium Wilt, State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Murcia-Garzón J, Méndez-Tenorio A. Promiscuous Domains in Eukaryotes and HAT Proteins in FUNGI Have Followed Different Evolutionary Paths. J Mol Evol 2022; 90:124-138. [PMID: 35084521 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-021-10046-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Diverse studies have shown that the content of genes present in sequenced genomes does not seem to correlate with the complexity of the organisms. However, various studies have shown that organism complexity and the size of the proteome has, indeed, a significant correlation. This characteristic allows us to postulate that some molecular mechanisms have permitted a greater functional diversity to some proteins to increase their participation in developing organisms with higher complexity. Among those mechanisms, the domain promiscuity, defined as the ability of the domains to organize in combination with other distinct domains, is of great importance for the evolution of organisms. Previous works have analyzed the degree of domain promiscuity of the proteomes showing how it seems to have paralleled the evolution of eukaryotic organisms. The latter has motivated the present study, where we analyzed the domain promiscuity in a collection of 84 eukaryotic proteomes representative of all the taxonomy groups of the tree of life. Using a grammar definition approach, we determined the architecture of 1,223,227 proteins, conformed by 2,296,371 domains, which established 839,184 bigram types. The phylogenetic reconstructions based on differences in the content of information from measures of proteome promiscuity confirm that the evolution of the promiscuity of domains in eukaryotic organisms resembles the evolutionary history of the species. However, a close analysis of the PHD and RING domains, the most promiscuous domains found in fungi and functional components of chromatin remodeling enzymes and important expression regulators, suggests an evolution according to their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmín Murcia-Garzón
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Boulevard del Maestro S/N esq. Elías Piña, Col. Narciso Mendoza, 88710, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Méndez-Tenorio
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Bioinformática Genómica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomás, 11340, Mexico City, Mexico.
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31
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Colabardini AC, Wang F, Miao Z, Pardeshi L, Valero C, de Castro PA, Akiyama DY, Tan K, Nora LC, Silva-Rocha R, Marcet-Houben M, Gabaldón T, Fill T, Wong KH, Goldman GH. Chromatin profiling reveals heterogeneity in clinical isolates of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010001. [PMID: 35007279 PMCID: PMC8782537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis, which is caused by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, is a life-threatening infection for immunosuppressed patients. Chromatin structure regulation is important for genome stability maintenance and has the potential to drive genome rearrangements and affect virulence and pathogenesis of pathogens. Here, we performed the first A. fumigatus global chromatin profiling of two histone modifications, H3K4me3 and H3K9me3, focusing on the two most investigated A. fumigatus clinical isolates, Af293 and CEA17. In eukaryotes, H3K4me3 is associated with active transcription, while H3K9me3 often marks silent genes, DNA repeats, and transposons. We found that H3K4me3 deposition is similar between the two isolates, while H3K9me3 is more variable and does not always represent transcriptional silencing. Our work uncovered striking differences in the number, locations, and expression of transposable elements between Af293 and CEA17, and the differences are correlated with H3K9me3 modifications and higher genomic variations among strains of Af293 background. Moreover, we further showed that the Af293 strains from different laboratories actually differ in their genome contents and found a frequently lost region in chromosome VIII. For one such Af293 variant, we identified the chromosomal changes and demonstrated their impacts on its secondary metabolites production, growth and virulence. Overall, our findings not only emphasize the influence of genome heterogeneity on A. fumigatus fitness, but also caution about unnoticed chromosomal variations among common laboratory strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Colabardini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Fang Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- Intensive Care Unit, Biomedical Research Center, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhengqiang Miao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Lakhansing Pardeshi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- Genomics, Bioinformatics and Single Cell Analysis Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Clara Valero
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Yuri Akiyama
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kaeling Tan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- Genomics, Bioinformatics and Single Cell Analysis Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Luisa Czamanski Nora
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Silva-Rocha
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Marcet-Houben
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS). Jordi Girona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS). Jordi Girona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Taicia Fill
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Koon Ho Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ma H, Li L, Gai Y, Zhang X, Chen Y, Zhuo X, Cao Y, Jiao C, Gmitter FG, Li H. Histone Acetyltransferases and Deacetylases Are Required for Virulence, Conidiation, DNA Damage Repair, and Multiple Stresses Resistance of Alternaria alternata. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:783633. [PMID: 34880849 PMCID: PMC8645686 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.783633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone acetylation, which is critical for transcriptional regulation and various biological processes in eukaryotes, is a reversible dynamic process regulated by HATs and HDACs. This study determined the function of 6 histone acetyltransferases (HATs) (Gcn5, RTT109, Elp3, Sas3, Sas2, Nat3) and 6 histone deacetylases (HDACs) (Hos2, Rpd3, Hda1, Hos3, Hst2, Sir2) in the phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata by analyzing targeted gene deletion mutants. Our data provide evidence that HATs and HDACs are both required for mycelium growth, cell development and pathogenicity as many gene deletion mutants (ΔGcn5, ΔRTT109, ΔElp3, ΔSas3, ΔNat3, ΔHos2, and ΔRpd3) displayed reduced growth, conidiation or virulence at varying degrees. In addition, HATs and HDACs are involved in the resistance to multiple stresses such as oxidative stress (Sas3, Gcn5, Elp3, RTT109, Hos2), osmotic stress (Sas3, Gcn5, RTT109, Hos2), cell wall-targeting agents (Sas3, Gcn5, Hos2), and fungicide (Gcn5, Hos2). ΔGcn5, ΔSas3, and ΔHos2 displayed severe growth defects on sole carbon source medium suggesting a vital role of HATs and HDACs in carbon source utilization. More SNPs were generated in ΔGcn5 in comparison to wild-type when they were exposed to ultraviolet ray. Moreover, ΔRTT109, ΔGcn5, and ΔHos2 showed severe defects in resistance to DNA-damaging agents, indicating the critical role of HATs and HDACs in DNA damage repair. These phenotypes correlated well with the differentially expressed genes in ΔGcn5 and ΔHos2 that are essential for carbon sources metabolism, DNA damage repair, ROS detoxification, and asexual development. Furthermore, Gcn5 is required for the acetylation of H3K4. Overall, our study provides genetic evidence to define the central role of HATs and HDACs in the pathological and biological functions of A. alternata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijie Ma
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Citrus Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, United States
| | - Lei Li
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunpeng Gai
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaokang Zhuo
- Citrus Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, United States
| | - Yingzi Cao
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Jiao
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fred G Gmitter
- Citrus Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL, United States
| | - Hongye Li
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Chen X, Wu L, Lan H, Sun R, Wen M, Ruan D, Zhang M, Wang S. Histone acetyltransferases MystA and MystB contribute to morphogenesis and aflatoxin biosynthesis by regulating acetylation in fungus Aspergillus flavus. Environ Microbiol 2021; 24:1340-1361. [PMID: 34863014 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Myst family is highly conserved histone acetyltransferases in eukaryotic cells and is known to play crucial roles in various cellular processes; however, acetylation catalysed by acetyltransferases is unclear in filamentous fungi. Here, we identified two classical nonessential Myst enzymes and analysed their functions in Aspergillus flavus, which generates aflatoxin B1, one of the most carcinogenic secondary metabolites. MystA and MystB located in nuclei and cytoplasm, and mystA could acetylate H4K16ac, while mystB acetylates H3K14ac, H3K18ac and H3K23ac. Deletion mystA resulted in decreased conidiation, increased sclerotia formation and aflatoxin production. Deletion of mystB leads to significant defects in conidiation, sclerotia formation and aflatoxin production. Additionally, double-knockout mutant (ΔmystA/mystB) display a stronger and similar defect to ΔmystB mutant, indicating that mystB plays a major role in regulating development and aflatoxin production. Both mystA and mystB play important role in crop colonization. Moreover, catalytic domain MOZ and the catalytic site E199/E243 were important for the acetyltransferase function of Myst. Notably, chromatin immunoprecipitation results indicated that mystB participated in oxidative detoxification by regulating the acetylation level of H3K14, and further regulated nsdD to affect sclerotia formation and aflatoxin production. This study provides new evidences to discover the biological functions of histone acetyltransferase in A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Lianghuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Huahui Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Ruilin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Meifang Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Danrui Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Mengjuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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Liu J, An B, Luo H, He C, Wang Q. The histone acetyltransferase FocGCN5 regulates growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity of the banana wilt disease causal agent Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense tropical race 4. Res Microbiol 2021; 173:103902. [PMID: 34838989 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2021.103902] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin structure modifications by histone acetyltransferase are involved in multiple biological processes in eukaryotes. In the present study, the GCN5 homologue FocGCN5 was identified in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4). The coding gene was then knocked out to investigate the roles of FocGNC5. The mutant ΔFocGCN5 was found significantly reduced in growth rate and conidiation, and almost completely lost pathogenicity to banana plantlets. The RNA-seq analysis provide an insight into the underlying mechanism. Firstly, transcription of the genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and fungal cell wall synthesis was reduced in ΔFocGCN5, leading to the impairment of apical deposition of cell-wall material. Secondly, FocabaA, one of the pivotal regulators of conidiation, was significantly reduced in expression in ΔFocGCN5, which might be the main cause of the conidiation reduction. Thirdly, the pathogenicity-associated factors, including effectors and plant cell wall degrading enzymes, were almost all down-regulated in ΔFocGCN5, which accounts for the decrease of pathogenicity. In addition, the stress tolerance to salt, heat, and cell wall inhibitors was slightly increased in ΔFocGCN5. Taken together, our studies clarify the roles of FocGCN5 in growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity of Foc TR4, and explore the possible mechanism behind its biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Liu
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bang An
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Luo
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaozu He
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiannan Wang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, Hainan, People's Republic of China.
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The Spt10 GNAT Superfamily Protein Modulates Development, Cell Cycle Progression and Virulence in the Fungal Insect Pathogen, Beauveria bassiana. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110905. [PMID: 34829192 PMCID: PMC8619123 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling is mediated in part by post-translational acetylation/deacetylation modifications of histones. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs), e.g., members of the GNAT/MYST superfamily, activate gene transcription via promotion of euchromatin formation. Here, we characterized a GNAT family HAT, Spt10 (BbSpt10), in the environmentally and economically important fungal insect pathogen, Beauveria bassiana. Targeted gene knockout of BbSpt10 resulted in impaired asexual development and morphogenesis; reduced abilities to utilize various carbon/nitrogen sources; reduced tolerance to heat, fungicides, and DNA damage stress; and attenuated virulence. The ΔBbSpt10 mutant showed disrupted cell cycle development and abnormal hyphal septation patterns. Transcriptome analyses of wild type and ΔBbSpt10 cells revealed the differential expression of 373 genes, including 153 downregulated and 220 upregulated genes. Bioinformatic analyses revealed downregulated genes to be enriched in pathways involved in amino acid metabolism, cellular transportation, cell type differentiation, and virulence, while upregulated genes were enriched in carbon/nitrogen metabolism, lipid metabolism, DNA process, and cell rescue, defense, and virulence. Downregulated virulence genes included hydrophobins, cellular transporters (ABC and MFS multidrug transporters) and cytochrome P450 detoxification genes. These data indicated broad effects of BbSpt10 on fungal development, multi-stress response, and virulence.
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Zhang J, Gao J, Li M, Shao Y, Chen F. MrGcn5 is required for the mycotoxin production, sexual and asexual development in Monascus ruber. FOOD BIOSCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Liu W, Triplett L, Chen XL. Emerging Roles of Posttranslational Modifications in Plant-Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2021; 59:99-124. [PMID: 33909479 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-021320-010948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play crucial roles in regulating protein function and thereby control many cellular processes and biological phenotypes in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Several recent studies illustrate how plant fungal and bacterial pathogens use these PTMs to facilitate development, stress response, and host infection. In this review, we discuss PTMs that have key roles in the biological and infection processes of plant-pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The emerging roles of PTMs during pathogen-plant interactions are highlighted. We also summarize traditional tools and emerging proteomics approaches for PTM research. These discoveries open new avenues for investigating the fundamental infection mechanisms of plant pathogens and the discovery of novel strategies for plant disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wende Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Lindsay Triplett
- Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA;
| | - Xiao-Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and Provincial Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
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Updates on the Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of the Genes Involved in Aspergillus flavus Development and Biosynthesis of Aflatoxins. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080666. [PMID: 34436205 PMCID: PMC8401812 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) is a ubiquitous and opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes invasive and non-invasive aspergillosis in humans and animals. This fungus is also capable of infecting a large number of agriculture crops (e.g., peanuts, maze, cotton seeds, rice, etc.), causing economic losses and posing serious food-safety concerns when these crops are contaminated with aflatoxins, the most potent naturally occurring carcinogens. In particular, A. flavus and aflatoxins are intensely studied, and they continue to receive considerable attention due to their detrimental effects on humans, animals, and crops. Although several studies have been published focusing on the biosynthesis of the aforementioned secondary metabolites, some of the molecular mechanisms (e.g., posttranslational modifications, transcription factors, transcriptome, proteomics, metabolomics and transcriptome, etc.) involved in the fungal development and aflatoxin biosynthesis in A. flavus are still not fully understood. In this study, a review of the recently published studies on the function of the genes and the molecular mechanisms involved in development of A. flavus and the production of its secondary metabolites is presented. It is hoped that the information provided in this review will help readers to develop effective strategies to reduce A. flavus infection and aflatoxin production.
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Rojas-Rojas FU, Vega-Arreguín JC. Epigenetic insight into regulatory role of chromatin covalent modifications in lifecycle and virulence of Phytophthora. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:445-457. [PMID: 33876568 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Oomycota phylum includes fungi-like filamentous microorganisms classified as plant pathogens. The most destructive genus within oomycetes is Phytophthora, which causes diseases in plants of economic importance in agriculture, forestry and ornamental. Phytophthora species are widespread worldwide and some of them enable adaptation to different hosts and environmental changes. The development of sexual and asexual reproductive structures and the secretion of proteins to control plant immunity are critical for the adaptative lifestyle. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of Phytophthora to different hosts and environmental changes are poorly understood. In the last decade, the role of epigenetics has gained attention, and important evidence has demonstrated the potential role of chromatin covalent modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation/methylation, in the regulation of gene expression during Phytophthora development and plant infection. Here, we review for the first time the evidence of the potential role of chromatin covalent modifications in the lifecycle of the phytopathogenic genus Phytophthora, including virulence, and host and environment adaptation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Uriel Rojas-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Ciencias AgroGenómicas, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ENES - León, UNAM), Blvd. UNAM 2011, León, Guanajuato, 37684, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional PlanTECC, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ENES - León, UNAM), Blvd. UNAM 2011, León, Guanajuato, 37684, Mexico
| | - Julio C Vega-Arreguín
- Laboratorio de Ciencias AgroGenómicas, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ENES - León, UNAM), Blvd. UNAM 2011, León, Guanajuato, 37684, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional PlanTECC, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad León, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ENES - León, UNAM), Blvd. UNAM 2011, León, Guanajuato, 37684, Mexico
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Sun R, Wen M, Wu L, Lan H, Yuan J, Wang S. The Fungi-specific histone Acetyltransferase Rtt109 mediates morphogenesis, Aflatoxin synthesis and pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus by acetylating H3K9. IMA Fungus 2021; 12:9. [PMID: 33823938 PMCID: PMC8025522 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-021-00060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a common saprophytic filamentous fungus that produces the highly toxic natural compound aflatoxin during its growth process. Synthesis of the aflatoxins, which can contaminate food crops causing huge losses to the agricultural economy, is often regulated by epigenetic modification, such as the histone acetyltransferase. In this study, we used Aspergillus flavus as an experimental model to construct the acetyltransferase gene rtt109 knockout strain (△rtt109) and its complementary strain (△rtt109·com) by homologous recombination. The growth of △rtt109 was significantly suppressed compared to the wild type (WT) strain and the △rtt109·com strain. The sclerotium of △rtt109 grew smaller, and the amount of sclerotia generated by △rtt109 was significantly reduced. The number of conidiums of △rtt109 was significantly reduced, especially on the yeast extract sucrose (YES) solid medium. The amount of aflatoxins synthesized by △rtt109 in the PDB liquid medium was significantly decreased We also found that the △rtt109 strain was extremely sensitive to DNA damage stress. Through the maize seed infection experiment, we found that the growth of △rtt109 on the surface of affected corn was largely reduced, and the amount of aerial mycelium decreased significantly, which was consistent with the results on the artificial medium. We further found that H3K9 was the acetylated target of Rtt109 in A. flavus. In conclusion, Rtt109 participated in the growth, conidium formation, sclerotia generation, aflatoxin synthesis, environmental stress response, regulation of infection of A. flavus. The results from this study of rtt109 showed data for acetylation in the regulation of life processes and provided a new thought regarding the prevention and control of A. flavus hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Meifang Wen
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Lianghuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Huahui Lan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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Retanal C, Ball B, Geddes-McAlister J. Post-Translational Modifications Drive Success and Failure of Fungal-Host Interactions. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020124. [PMID: 33572187 PMCID: PMC7914884 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) change the structure and function of proteins and regulate a diverse array of biological processes. Fungal pathogens rely on PTMs to modulate protein production and activity during infection, manipulate the host response, and ultimately, promote fungal survival. Given the high mortality rates of fungal infections on a global scale, along with the emergence of antifungal-resistant species, identifying new treatment options is critical. In this review, we focus on the role of PTMs (e.g., phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, and methylation) among the highly prevalent and medically relevant fungal pathogens, Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Cryptococcus spp. We explore the role of PTMs in fungal stress response and host adaptation, the use of PTMs to manipulate host cells and the immune system upon fungal invasion, and the importance of PTMs in conferring antifungal resistance. We also provide a critical view on the current knowledgebase, pose questions key to our understanding of the intricate roles of PTMs within fungal pathogens, and provide research opportunities to uncover new therapeutic strategies.
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Lv A, Lv Y, Tian P, Wei S, Zhang S, Hu Y. The antifungal activity of puroindoline A protein and its biocontrol potential for inhibiting Aspergillus flavus infection in peanut and corn. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Zhang L, Fasoyin OE, Molnár I, Xu Y. Secondary metabolites from hypocrealean entomopathogenic fungi: novel bioactive compounds. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 37:1181-1206. [PMID: 32211639 PMCID: PMC7529686 DOI: 10.1039/c9np00065h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2014 up to the third quarter of 2019 Entomopathogens constitute a unique, specialized trophic subgroup of fungi, most of whose members belong to the order Hypocreales (class Sordariomycetes, phylum Ascomycota). These Hypocrealean Entomopathogenic Fungi (HEF) produce a large variety of secondary metabolites (SMs) and their genomes rank highly for the number of predicted, unique SM biosynthetic gene clusters. SMs from HEF have diverse roles in insect pathogenicity as virulence factors by modulating various interactions between the producer fungus and its insect host. In addition, these SMs also defend the carcass of the prey against opportunistic microbial invaders, mediate intra- and interspecies communication, and mitigate abiotic and biotic stresses. Thus, these SMs contribute to the role of HEF as commercial biopesticides in the context of integrated pest management systems, and provide lead compounds for the development of chemical pesticides for crop protection. These bioactive SMs also underpin the widespread use of certain HEF as nutraceuticals and traditional remedies, and allowed the modern pharmaceutical industry to repurpose some of these molecules as life-saving human medications. Herein, we survey the structures and biological activities of SMs described from HEF, and summarize new information on the roles of these metabolites in fungal virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China.
| | - Opemipo Esther Fasoyin
- Biotechnology Research Institute, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China.
| | - István Molnár
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, University of Arizona, 250 E. Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ 85706, USA.
| | - Yuquan Xu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing 100081, P.R. China.
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Xia Z, Wang Z, Kav NNV, Ding C, Liang Y. Characterization of microRNA-like RNAs associated with sclerotial development in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Fungal Genet Biol 2020; 144:103471. [PMID: 32971275 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2020.103471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a model necrotrophic pathogen causing great economic losses worldwide. Sclerotia are dormant structures that play significant biological and ecological roles in the life and disease cycles of S. sclerotiorum and other species of sclerotia-forming fungi. microRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) as non-coding small RNAs play regulatory roles in fungal development and pathogenicity. Therefore, milRNAs associated with sclerotial development in S. sclerotiorum were investigated in this study. A total of 275 milRNAs with induced expression during sclerotia development were identified, in which 51 were differentially expressed. The target genes of all milRNAs were predicted. The putative functions of the targets regulated by milRNAs were annotated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The expression levels of six selected milRNAs that coordinated with their corresponding targets were validated by qRT-PCR. Among these six milRNAs, Ssc-milR-240 was potentially associated with sclerotial development by epigenetic regulation of its target histone acetyltransferase. This study will facilitate the better understanding of the milRNA regulation associated with sclerotial development in S. sclerotiorum and even other sclerotia-forming fungi. This work will provide novel insights into the molecular regulations of fungal morphogenesis and the candidate targets of milRNAs used for the sustainable management of plant diseases caused by S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Xia
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Zehao Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Nat N V Kav
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2P5, Canada
| | - Chengsong Ding
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Yue Liang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China.
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Lin CJ, Hou YH, Chen YL. The histone acetyltransferase GcnE regulates conidiation and biofilm formation in Aspergillus fumigatus. Med Mycol 2020; 58:248-259. [PMID: 31100153 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications play a crucial role in eukaryotic gene regulation. The Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) complex controls histone acetylation, with Gcn5 (GcnE) acting as the acetyltransferase. In the Aspergillus species, GcnE has been shown to regulate asexual development and secondary metabolism. Apart from this, GcnE is required for pathogenicity in plant fungal pathogen A. flavus; however, the role of GcnE in the pathogenicity of human pathogenic fungus A. fumigatus is unknown. In this study, we uncovered the key roles of GcnE in A. fumigatus conidiation, stress responses, and biofilm formation. We observed that deletion of gcnE resulted in aberrant conidiation in which conidiophores displayed abnormal phialide formation. In addition, the ΔgcnE mutant grew slightly faster under limited nitrogen sources (1 mM of ammonium or nitrate) compared to the wild type. The ΔgcnE mutant exhibited increased susceptibility to cell wall-perturbing agents, H2O2 and menadione but enhanced tolerance to LiCl. Furthermore, we showed that GcnE is involved in biofilm formation, and overexpression of adherence-related genes such as somA or uge3 partially rescued biofilm formation defects in the ΔgcnE mutant background. Interestingly, GcnE was not required for virulence in a neutropenic murine model of invasive aspergillosis. These results suggest that GcnE is critical for conidiation and biofilm formation but not virulence in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Jan Lin
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan University, 10617 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Hou
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan University, 10617 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Lien Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan University, 10617 Taipei, Taiwan
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Yang G, Cao X, Ma G, Qin L, Wu Y, Lin J, Ye P, Yuan J, Wang S. MAPK pathway-related tyrosine phosphatases regulate development, secondary metabolism and pathogenicity in fungus Aspergillus flavus. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:5232-5247. [PMID: 32813277 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are highly conserved in eukaryotic cells and are known to play crucial roles in the regulation of various cellular processes. However, compared with kinase-mediated phosphorylation, dephosphorylation catalysed by phosphatases has not been well characterized in filamentous fungi. In this study, we identified five MAPK pathway-related phosphatases (Msg5, Yvh1, Ptp1, Ptp2 and Oca2) and characterized their functions in Aspergillus flavus, which produces aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ), one of the most toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites. These five phosphatases were identified as negative regulators of MAPK (Slt2, Fus3 and Hog1) pathways. Deletion of Msg5 and Yvh1 resulted in significant defects in conidiation, sclerotia formation, aflatoxin production and crop infection. Additionally, double knockout mutants (ΔMsg5/ΔPtp1, ΔMsg5/ΔPtp2 and ΔMsg5/ΔOca2) displayed similar defects to those observed in the ΔMsg5 single mutant, indicating that Msg5 plays a major role in the regulation of development and pathogenicity in A. flavus. Importantly, we found that the active site at C439 is essential for the function of the Msg5 phosphatase. Furthermore, the MAP kinase Fus3 was found to be involved in the regulation of development, aflatoxin biosynthesis and pathogenicity, and its conserved phosphorylation residues (Thr and Tyr) were critical for the full range of its functions in A. flavus. Overall, our results reveal that MAPK related tyrosine phosphatases play important roles in the regulation of development, secondary metabolism and pathogenicity in A. flavus, and could be developed as potential targets for preventing damage caused by this fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xiaohong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Genli Ma
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Ling Qin
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yuanzhen Wu
- Department of Applied Biology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Peng Ye
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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Furukawa T, Katayama H, Oikawa A, Negishi L, Ichikawa T, Suzuki M, Murase K, Takayama S, Sakuda S. Dioctatin Activates ClpP to Degrade Mitochondrial Components and Inhibits Aflatoxin Production. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:1396-1409.e10. [PMID: 32888498 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of crops is a serious problem worldwide. Utilization of aflatoxin production inhibitors is attractive, as the elucidation of their modes of action contributes to clarifying the mechanism of aflatoxin production. Here, we identified mitochondrial protease ClpP as the target of dioctatin, an inhibitor of aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus. Dioctatin conferred uncontrolled caseinolytic capacity on ClpP of A. flavus and Escherichia coli. Dioctatin-bound ClpP selectively degraded mitochondrial energy-related proteins in vitro, including a subunit of respiratory chain complex V, which was also reduced by dioctatin in a ClpP-dependent manner in vivo. Dioctatin enhanced glycolysis and alcohol fermentation while reducing tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites. These disturbances were accompanied by reduced histone acetylation and reduced expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes. Our results suggest that dioctatin inhibits aflatoxin production by inducing ClpP-mediated degradation of mitochondrial energy-related components, and that mitochondrial energy metabolism functions as a key determinant of aflatoxin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Furukawa
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya-shi, Tochigi 320-0003, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Katayama
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Akira Oikawa
- Department of Food, Life, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa-machi, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan; RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-chou, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Lumi Negishi
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Takuma Ichikawa
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Michio Suzuki
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kohji Murase
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Seiji Takayama
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shohei Sakuda
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya-shi, Tochigi 320-0003, Japan.
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Wassano NS, Leite AB, Reichert-Lima F, Schreiber AZ, Moretti NS, Damasio A. Lysine acetylation as drug target in fungi: an underexplored potential in Aspergillus spp. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:673-683. [PMID: 32170592 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00253-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the intensification of the use of immunosuppressive therapies has increased the incidence of invasive infections caused by opportunistic fungi. Considering that, the spread of azole resistance and amphotericin B (AmB) inefficiency against some clinical and environmental isolates has been described. Thus, to avoid a global problem when controlling fungal infections and critical failures in medicine, and food security, new approaches for drug target identification and for the development of new treatments that are more effective against pathogenic fungi are desired. Recent studies indicate that protein acetylation is present in hundreds of proteins of different cellular compartments and is involved in several biological processes, i.e., metabolism, translation, gene expression regulation, and oxidative stress response, from prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including fungi, demonstrating that lysine acetylation plays an important role in essential mechanisms. Lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) and lysine deacetylases (KDACs), the two enzyme families responsible for regulating protein acetylation levels, have been explored as drug targets for the treatment of several human diseases and infections. Aspergilli have on average 8 KAT genes and 11 KDAC genes in their genomes. This review aims to summarize the available knowledge about Aspergillus spp. azole resistance mechanisms and the role of lysine acetylation in the control of biological processes in fungi. We also want to discuss the lysine acetylation as a potential target for fungal infection treatment and drug target discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Sayuri Wassano
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ariely Barbosa Leite
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Franqueline Reichert-Lima
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Angelica Zaninelli Schreiber
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Nilmar S Moretti
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - André Damasio
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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49
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Yang G, Yue Y, Ren S, Yang M, Zhang Y, Cao X, Wang Y, Zhang J, Ge F, Wang S. Lysine acetylation contributes to development, aflatoxin biosynthesis and pathogenicity in
Aspergillus flavus. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:4792-4807. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| | - Yuewei Yue
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| | - Silin Ren
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| | - Mingkun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education MinistrySchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of HydrobiologyChinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education MinistrySchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| | - Xiaohong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education MinistrySchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| | - Yinchun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education MinistrySchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of HydrobiologyChinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Feng Ge
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of HydrobiologyChinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education MinistrySchool of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China
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Lan H, Wu L, Sun R, Keller NP, Yang K, Ye L, He S, Zhang F, Wang S. The HosA Histone Deacetylase Regulates Aflatoxin Biosynthesis Through Direct Regulation of Aflatoxin Cluster Genes. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2019; 32:1210-1228. [PMID: 30986121 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-01-19-0033-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) always function as corepressors and sometimes as coactivators in the regulation of fungal development and secondary metabolite production. However, the mechanism through which HDACs play positive roles in secondary metabolite production is still unknown. Here, classical HDAC enzymes were identified and analyzed in Aspergillus flavus, a fungus that produces one of the most carcinogenic secondary metabolites, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Characterization of the HDACs revealed that a class I family HDAC, HosA, played crucial roles in growth, reproduction, the oxidative stress response, AFB1 biosynthesis, and pathogenicity. To a lesser extent, a class II family HDAC, HdaA, was also involved in sclerotia formation and AFB1 biosynthesis. An in vitro analysis of HosA revealed that its HDAC activity was considerably diminished at nanomolar concentrations of trichostatin A. Notably, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that HosA bound directly to AFB1 biosynthesis cluster genes to regulate their expression. Finally, we found that a transcriptional regulator, SinA, interacts with HosA to regulate fungal development and AFB1 biosynthesis. Overall, our results reveal a novel mechanism by which classical HDACs mediate the induction of secondary metabolite genes in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahui Lan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lianghuan Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Ruilin Sun
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Departments of Bacteriology, Medical Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, U.S.A
| | - Kunlong Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Liuqing Ye
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shuibin He
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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