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Peng Y, Chen B. Role of cell membrane homeostasis in the pathogenicity of pathogenic filamentous fungi. Virulence 2024; 15:2299183. [PMID: 38156783 PMCID: PMC10761126 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2299183] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The cell membrane forms a fundamental part of all living cells and participates in a variety of physiological processes, such as material exchange, stress response, cell recognition, signal transduction, cellular immunity, apoptosis, and pathogenicity. Here, we review the mechanisms and functions of the membrane structure (lipid components of the membrane and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids), membrane proteins (transmembrane proteins and proteins contributing to membrane curvature), transcriptional regulation, and cell wall components that influence the virulence and pathogenicity of filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejin Peng
- Yunnan State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Yunnan State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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2
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Gu H, Qin J, Wen J, Lin Y, Jia X, Wang W, Yin H. Unveiling the structural properties and induced resistance activity in rice of Chitin/Chitosan-Glucan Complex of Rhizoctonia solani AG1 IA inner cell wall. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 337:122149. [PMID: 38710571 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122149] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Phytopathogen cell wall polysaccharides have important physiological functions. In this study, we isolated and characterized the alkali-insoluble residue on the inner layers of the Rhizoctonia solani AG1 IA cell wall (RsCW-AIR). Through chemical composition and structural analysis, RsCW-AIR was mainly identified as a complex of chitin/chitosan and glucan (ChCsGC), with glucose and glucosamine were present in a molar ratio of 2.7:1.0. The predominant glycosidic bond linkage of glucan in ChCsGC was β-1,3-linked Glcp, both the α and β-polymorphic forms of chitin were presented in it by IR, XRD, and solid-state NMR, and the ChCsGC exhibited a degree of deacetylation measuring 67.08 %. RsCW-AIR pretreatment effectively reduced the incidence of rice sheath blight, and its induced resistance activity in rice was evaluated, such as inducing a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, leading to the accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) and the up-regulation of SA-related gene expression. The recognition of RsCW-AIR in rice is partially dependent on CERK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Gu
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Dalian Technology Innovation Center for Green Agriculture, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Qin
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Dalian Technology Innovation Center for Green Agriculture, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinxuan Wen
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Dalian Technology Innovation Center for Green Agriculture, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yudie Lin
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Dalian Technology Innovation Center for Green Agriculture, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; College of Food Science and Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaochen Jia
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Dalian Technology Innovation Center for Green Agriculture, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Wenxia Wang
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Dalian Technology Innovation Center for Green Agriculture, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Heng Yin
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Dalian Technology Innovation Center for Green Agriculture, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
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3
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Pejenaute-Ochoa MD, Tomás-Gallardo L, Ibeas JI, Barrales RR. Row1, a member of a new family of conserved fungal proteins involved in infection, is required for appressoria functionality in Ustilago maydis. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 243:1101-1122. [PMID: 38742361 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19798] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The appressorium of phytopathogenic fungi is a specific structure with a crucial role in plant cuticle penetration. Pathogens with melanized appressoria break the cuticle through cell wall melanization and intracellular turgor pressure. However, in fungi with nonmelanized appressorium, the mechanisms governing cuticle penetration are poorly understood. Here we characterize Row1, a previously uncharacterized appressoria-specific protein of Ustilago maydis that localizes to membrane and secretory vesicles. Deletion of row1 decreases appressoria formation and plant penetration, thereby reducing virulence. Specifically, the Δrow1 mutant has a thicker cell wall that is more resistant to glucanase degradation. We also observed that the Δrow1 mutant has secretion defects. We show that Row1 is functionally conserved at least among Ustilaginaceae and belongs to the Row family, which consists of five other proteins that are highly conserved among Basidiomycota fungi and are involved in U. maydis virulence. We observed similarities in localization between Row1 and Row2, which is also involved in cell wall remodelling and secretion, suggesting similar molecular functions for members of this protein family. Our data suggest that Row1 could modify the chitin-glucan matrix of the fungal cell wall and may be involved in unconventional protein secretion, thereby promoting both appressoria maturation and penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Dolores Pejenaute-Ochoa
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera km.1, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Tomás-Gallardo
- Proteomics and Biochemistry Platform, Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera km. 1, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - José I Ibeas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera km.1, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Ramón R Barrales
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-Junta de Andalucía, Ctra. Utrera km.1, 41013, Seville, Spain
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4
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Anchundia M, León-Revelo G, Santacruz S, Torres F. Polyphasic identification of Rhizopus oryzae and evaluation of physical fermentation parameters in potato starch processing liquid waste for β-glucan production. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14913. [PMID: 38942961 PMCID: PMC11213850 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66000-5] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Β-glucans are polysaccharide macromolecules that can be found in the cell walls of molds, such as Rhizopus oryzae. They provide functional properties in food systems and have immunomodulatory activity, anticancer, and prebiotic effects; reduce triglycerides and cholesterol; and prevent obesity, among others benefits. Furthermore, potato starch production requires a large amount of water, which is usually discharged into the environment, creating problems in soils and bodies of water. The physical parameters to produce β-glucans were determined, liquid waste from potato starch processing was used and native Rhizopus oryzae was isolated and identified from cereal grains. The isolates grew quickly on the three types of agars used at 25 °C and 37 °C, and they did not grow at 45 °C. Rhizopus oryzae M10A1 produced the greatest amount of β-glucans after six days of culture at 30 °C, pH 6, a stirring rate of 150 rpm and a fermentation volume of 250 mL. By establishing the physical fermentation parameters and utilizing the liquid waste from potato starch, Rhizopus oryzae M10A1 yielded 397.50 mg/100 g of β-glucan was obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Anchundia
- School of Food Engineering, Universidad Politécnica Estatal del Carchi, 040101, Tulcán, Ecuador.
- Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de la República, 11200, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Gualberto León-Revelo
- School of Food Engineering, Universidad Politécnica Estatal del Carchi, 040101, Tulcán, Ecuador
| | - Stalin Santacruz
- School of Agroindustrial Engineering, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, 130222, Manta, Ecuador
| | - Freddy Torres
- School of Food Engineering, Universidad Politécnica Estatal del Carchi, 040101, Tulcán, Ecuador
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5
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Brown GD, Ballou ER, Bates S, Bignell EM, Borman AM, Brand AC, Brown AJP, Coelho C, Cook PC, Farrer RA, Govender NP, Gow NAR, Hope W, Hoving JC, Dangarembizi R, Harrison TS, Johnson EM, Mukaremera L, Ramsdale M, Thornton CR, Usher J, Warris A, Wilson D. The pathobiology of human fungal infections. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024:10.1038/s41579-024-01062-w. [PMID: 38918447 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01062-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Human fungal infections are a historically neglected area of disease research, yet they cause more than 1.5 million deaths every year. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of these infections has increased considerably over the past decade, through major insights into both the host and pathogen factors that contribute to the phenotype and severity of these diseases. Recent studies are revealing multiple mechanisms by which fungi modify and manipulate the host, escape immune surveillance and generate complex comorbidities. Although the emergence of fungal strains that are less susceptible to antifungal drugs or that rapidly evolve drug resistance is posing new threats, greater understanding of immune mechanisms and host susceptibility factors is beginning to offer novel immunotherapeutic options for the future. In this Review, we provide a broad and comprehensive overview of the pathobiology of human fungal infections, focusing specifically on pathogens that can cause invasive life-threatening infections, highlighting recent discoveries from the pathogen, host and clinical perspectives. We conclude by discussing key future challenges including antifungal drug resistance, the emergence of new pathogens and new developments in modern medicine that are promoting susceptibility to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon D Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
| | - Elizabeth R Ballou
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Steven Bates
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Elaine M Bignell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Andrew M Borman
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alexandra C Brand
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Carolina Coelho
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter C Cook
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rhys A Farrer
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Neil A R Gow
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - William Hope
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - J Claire Hoving
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rachael Dangarembizi
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Johnson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Liliane Mukaremera
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Mark Ramsdale
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Jane Usher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Duncan Wilson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Son YE, Cho HJ, Park HS. The MYB-like protein MylA contributes to conidiogenesis and conidial germination in Aspergillus nidulans. Commun Biol 2024; 7:768. [PMID: 38918572 PMCID: PMC11199622 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05866-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloblastosis (MYB)-like proteins are a family of highly conserved transcription factors in animals, plants, and fungi and are involved in the regulation of mRNA expression of genes. In this study, we identified and characterized one MYB-like protein in the model organism Aspergillus nidulans. We screened the mRNA levels of genes encoding MYB-like proteins containing two MYB repeats in conidia and found that the mRNA levels of four genes including flbD, cicD, and two uncharacterized genes, were high in conidia. To investigate the roles of two uncharacterized genes, AN4618 and AN10944, deletion mutants for each gene were generated. Our results revealed that AN4618 was required for fungal development. Therefore, we further investigated the role of AN4618, named as mylA, encoding the MYB-like protein containing two MYB repeats. Functional studies revealed that MylA was essential for normal fungal growth and development. Phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that deletion of mylA affected stress tolerance, cell wall integrity, and long-term viability in A. nidulans conidia. In addition, the germination rate of the mylA deletion mutant conidia was decreased compared with that of the wild-type conidia. Overall, this study suggests that MylA is critical for appropriate development, conidial maturation, dormancy, and germination in A. nidulans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Eun Son
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - He-Jin Cho
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Soo Park
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Integrative Biology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Kappel L, Yu L, Escobar C, Marcianò D, Srivastava V, Bulone V, Gruber S. A comparative cell wall analysis of Trichoderma spp. confirms a conserved polysaccharide scaffold and suggests an important role for chitosan in mycoparasitism. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0349523. [PMID: 38916333 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03495-23] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal cell walls are dynamic extracellular matrices that enable efficient adaptation to changing environments. While the cell wall compositions of yeasts, human, and plant pathogenic fungi have been studied to some extent, the cell walls of mycoparasites remain poorly characterized. Trichoderma species comprise a diverse group of soil fungi with different survival strategies and lifestyles. The comparative study of cell wall carbohydrate-active enzymes in 13 Trichoderma spp. revealed that the types of enzymes involved in chitin and chitosan metabolism are phylogenetically distant between mycoparasitic and saprotrophic species. Here, we compare the carbohydrate composition and function of the cell wall of a saprotrophic strain Trichoderma reesei with that of the mycoparasitic, biological control agent Trichoderma atroviride. Monosaccharide and glycosidic linkage analyses as well as dual in situ interaction assays showed that the cell wall polysaccharide composition is conserved between both species, except for the amounts of chitin detected. The results suggest that the observed accumulation of chitosan during mycoparasitism may prevent host recognition. Remarkably, Trichoderma atroviride undergoes dynamic cell wall adaptations during both vegetative development and mycoparasitism, which appears to be confirmed by an evolutionarily expanded group of specialized enzymes. Overall, our analyses support the notion that habitat specialization is reflected in cell wall architecture and that plastic chitin remodeling may confer an advantage to mycoparasites, ultimately enabling the successful invasion and parasitism of plant pathogens. This information may potentially be exploited for the control of crop diseases using biological agents. IMPORTANCE Trichoderma species are emerging model fungi for the development of biocontrol agents and are used in industrial biotechnology as efficient enzyme producers. Fungal cell walls are complex structures that differ in carbohydrate, protein, and enzyme composition across taxa. Here, we present a chemical characterization of the cell walls of two Trichoderma spp., namely the predominantly saprotrophic Trichoderma reesei and the mycoparasite Trichoderma atroviride. Chemical profiling revealed that Trichoderma spp. remodel their cell wall to adapt to particular lifestyles, with dynamic changes during vegetative development. Importantly, we found that chitosan accumulation during mycoparasitism of a fungal host emerged as a sophisticated strategy underpinning an effective attack. These insights shed light on the molecular mechanisms that allow mycoparasites to overcome host defenses and can be exploited to improve the application of T. atroviride in biological pest control. Moreover, our results provide valuable information for targeting the fungal cell wall for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kappel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Long Yu
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Carolina Escobar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Demetrio Marcianò
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, via Celoria 2, Milan, Italy
| | - Vaibhav Srivastava
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincent Bulone
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabine Gruber
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Alhariry J, Kumar A, Yadav TC, Yadav E, Prasad R, Poluri KM, Gupta P. Tyrosol-gold nanoparticle functionalized acacia gum-PVA nanofibers for mitigation of Candida biofilm. Microb Pathog 2024; 193:106763. [PMID: 38925344 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106763] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Increasing incidences of fungal infections and prevailing antifungal resistance in healthcare settings has given rise to an antifungal crisis on a global scale. The members of the genus Candida, owing to their ability to acquire sessile growth, are primarily associated with superficial to invasive fungal infections, including the implant-associated infections. The present study introduces a novel approach to combat the sessile/biofilm growth of Candida by fabricating nanofibers using a nanoencapsulation approach. This technique involves the synthesis of tyrosol (TYS) functionalized chitosan gold nanocomposite, which is then encapsulated into PVA/AG polymeric matrix using electrospinning. The FESEM, FTIR analysis of prepared TYS-AuNP@PVA/AG NF suggested the successful encapsulation of TYS into the nanofibers. Further, the sustained and long-term stability of TYS in the medium was confirmed by drug release and storage stability studies. The prepared nanomats can absorb the fluid, as evidenced by the swelling index of the nanofibers. The growth and biofilm inhibition, as well as the disintegration studies against Candida, showed 60-70 % biofilm disintegration when 10 mg of TYS-AuNP@PVA/AG NF was used, hence confirming its biological effectiveness. Subsequently, the nanofibers considerably reduced the hydrophobicity index and ergosterol content of the treated cells. Considering the challenges associated with the inhibition/disruption of fungal biofilm, the fabricated nanofibers prove their effectiveness against Candida biofilm. Therefore, nanocomposite-loaded nanofibers have emerged as potential materials that can control fungal colonization and could also promote healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinan Alhariry
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Tara Chand Yadav
- Department of Electronics, Electric, and Automatic Engineering, Rovira I Virgili University (URV), Tarragona, 43003, Spain
| | - Emansi Yadav
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ramasare Prasad
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Payal Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, 248001, Uttarakhand, India.
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Ren J, Wang YM, Zhang SB, Lv YY, Zhai HC, Wei S, Ma PA, Hu YS. Terpinen-4-ol from tea tree oil prevents Aspergillus flavus growth in postharvest wheat grain. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 418:110741. [PMID: 38733636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110741] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Plant volatile organic compounds (PVOCs) have gained increasing attention for their role in preventing fungal spoilage and insect contamination in postharvest agro-products owing to their effectiveness and sustainability. In this study, the essential oil was extracted from fresh M. alternifolia (tea tree) leaves, and the fumigation vapor of tea tree oil (TTO) completely inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus on agar plates at a concentration of 1.714 μL/mL. Terpinen-4-ol was identified as the major component (40.76 %) of TTO volatiles analyzed using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Terpinen-4-ol vapor completely inhibited the A. flavus growth on agar plates and 20 % moisture wheat grain at 0.556 and 1.579 μL/mL, respectively, indicating that terpinen-4-ol serves as the main antifungal constituent in TTO volatiles. The minimum inhibitory concentration of terpinen-4-ol in liquid-contact culture was 1.6 μL/mL. Terpinen-4-ol treatment caused depressed, wrinkled, and punctured mycelial morphology and destroyed the plasma membrane integrity of A. flavus. Metabolomics analysis identified significant alterations in 93 metabolites, with 79 upregulated and 14 downregulated in A. flavus mycelia exposed to 1.6 μL/mL terpinen-4-ol for 6 h, involved in multiple cellular processes including cell membrane permeability and integrity, the ABC transport system, pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Biochemical analysis and 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining showed that terpinen-4-ol induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in A. flavus mycelia. This study provides new insights into the antifungal effects of the main TTO volatile compounds terpinen-4-ol on the growth of A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ren
- School of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ming Wang
- School of International Education, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai-Bing Zhang
- School of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yang-Yong Lv
- School of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan-Chen Zhai
- School of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Wei
- School of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping-An Ma
- School of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Sen Hu
- School of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
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10
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Tan CY, Jiang D, Theriot BS, Rao MV, Surana NK. A commensal-derived sugar protects against metabolic disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.12.598703. [PMID: 38915674 PMCID: PMC11195190 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is a worsening global epidemic that is regulated by the microbiota through unknown bacterial factors. We discovered a human-derived commensal bacterium, Clostridium immunis , that protects against metabolic disease by secreting a phosphocholine-modified exopolysaccharide. Genetic interruption of the phosphocholine biosynthesis locus ( licABC ) results in a functionally inactive exopolysaccharide, which demonstrates the critical requirement for this phosphocholine moiety. This C. immunis exopolysaccharide acts via group 3 innate lymphoid cells and modulating IL-22 levels, which results in a reduction in serum triglycerides, body weight, and visceral adiposity. Importantly, phosphocholine biosynthesis genes are less abundant in humans with obesity or hypertriglyceridemia, findings that suggest the role of bacterial phosphocholine is conserved across mice and humans. These results define a bacterial molecule-and its key structural motif-that regulates host metabolism. More broadly, they highlight how small molecules, such as phosphocholine, may help fine-tune microbiome- immune-metabolism interactions.
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11
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Dakalbab S, Hamdy R, Holigová P, Abuzaid EJ, Abu-Qiyas A, Lashine Y, Mohammad MG, Soliman SSM. Uniqueness of Candida auris cell wall in morphogenesis, virulence, resistance, and immune evasion. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127797. [PMID: 38851008 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris has drawn global attention due to its alarming multidrug resistance and the emergence of pan resistant strains. C. auris poses a significant risk in nosocomial candidemia especially among immunocompromised patients. C. auris showed unique virulence characteristics associated with cell wall including cell polymorphism, adaptation, endurance on inanimate surfaces, tolerance to external conditions, and immune evasion. Notably, it possesses a distinctive cell wall composition, with an outer mannan layer shielding the inner 1,3-β glucan from immune recognition, thereby enabling immune evasion and drug resistance. This review aimed to comprehend the association between unique characteristics of C. auris's cell wall and virulence, resistance mechanisms, and immune evasion. This is particularly relevant since the fungal cell wall has no human homology, providing a potential therapeutic target. Understanding the complex interactions between the cell wall and the host immune system is essential for devising effective treatment strategies, such as the use of repurposed medications, novel therapeutic agents, and immunotherapy like monoclonal antibodies. This therapeutic targeting strategy of C. auris holds promise for effective eradication of this resilient pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salam Dakalbab
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Science and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | | | - Eman J Abuzaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ameera Abu-Qiyas
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasmina Lashine
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohammad G Mohammad
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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12
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Antunes M, Mota MN, Sá-Correia I. Cell envelope and stress-responsive pathways underlie an evolved oleaginous Rhodotorula toruloides strain multi-stress tolerance. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:71. [PMID: 38807231 PMCID: PMC11134681 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02518-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The red oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides is a promising cell factory to produce microbial oils and carotenoids from lignocellulosic hydrolysates (LCH). A multi-stress tolerant strain towards four major inhibitory compounds present in LCH and methanol, was derived in our laboratory from strain IST536 (PYCC 5615) through adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) under methanol and high glycerol selective pressure. RESULTS Comparative genomic analysis suggested the reduction of the original strain ploidy from triploid to diploid, the occurrence of 21,489 mutations, and 242 genes displaying copy number variants in the evolved strain. Transcriptomic analysis identified 634 genes with altered transcript levels (465 up, 178 down) in the multi-stress tolerant strain. Genes associated with cell surface biogenesis, integrity, and remodelling and involved in stress-responsive pathways exhibit the most substantial alterations at the genome and transcriptome levels. Guided by the suggested stress responses, the multi-stress tolerance phenotype was extended to osmotic, salt, ethanol, oxidative, genotoxic, and medium-chain fatty acid-induced stresses. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive analysis of this evolved strain provided the opportunity to get mechanistic insights into the acquisition of multi-stress tolerance and a list of promising genes, pathways, and regulatory networks, as targets for synthetic biology approaches applied to promising cell factories, toward more robust and superior industrial strains. This study lays the foundations for understanding the mechanisms underlying tolerance to multiple stresses in R. toruloides, underscoring the potential of ALE for enhancing the robustness of industrial yeast strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Antunes
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta N Mota
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Sá-Correia
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
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13
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El Ayoubi LW, Allaw F, Moussa E, Kanj SS. Ibrexafungerp: A narrative overview. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 6:100245. [PMID: 38873590 PMCID: PMC11170096 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Ibrexafungerp (IBX) is a new antifungal drug that recently entered the antifungal landscape. It disrupts fungal cell wall synthesis by non-competitive inhibition of the β-(1,3)-D-glucan (BDG) synthase enzyme. It has demonstrated activity against a range of pathogens including Candida and Aspergillus spp., as well as retaining its activity against azole-resistant and echinocandin-resistant strains. It also exhibits anti-biofilm properties. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies revealed favorable bioavailability, high protein binding, and extensive tissue distribution with a low potential for CYP-mediated drug interactions. It is characterized by the same mechanism of action of echinocandins with limited cross-resistance with other antifungal agents. Resistance to this drug can arise from mutations in the FKS genes, primarily FKS2 mutations in Nakaseomyces glabrata. In vivo, IBX was found to be effective in murine models of invasive candidiasis (IC) and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). It also showed promising results in preventing and treating Pneumocystis jirovecii infections. Clinical trials showed that IBX was effective and non-inferior to fluconazole in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), including complicated cases, as well as in preventing its recurrence. These trials positioned it as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved option for the treatment and prophylaxis of VVC. Trials showed comparable responses to standard-of-care in IC, with favorable preliminary results in C. auris infections in terms of efficacy and tolerability as well as in refractory cases of IC. Mild adverse reactions have been reported including gastrointestinal symptoms. Overall, IBX represents a significant addition to the antifungal armamentarium, with its unique action, spectrum of activity, and encouraging clinical trial results warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L'Emir Wassim El Ayoubi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatima Allaw
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie Moussa
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souha S. Kanj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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14
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David H, Vasudevan S, Solomon AP. Mitigating candidiasis with acarbose by targeting Candida albicans α-glucosidase: in-silico, in-vitro and transcriptomic approaches. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11890. [PMID: 38789465 PMCID: PMC11126738 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62684-x] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-associated candidiasis poses a significant challenge in clinical settings due to the limited effectiveness of existing antifungal treatments. The challenges include increased pathogen virulence, multi-drug resistance, and inadequate penetration of antimicrobials into biofilm structures. One potential solution to this problem involves the development of novel drugs that can modulate fungal virulence and biofilm formation, which is essential for pathogenesis. Resistance in Candida albicans is initiated by morphological changes from yeast to hyphal form. This transition triggers a series of events such as cell wall elongation, increased adhesion, invasion of host tissues, pathogenicity, biofilm formation, and the initiation of an immune response. The cell wall is a critical interface for interactions with host cells, primarily through various cell wall proteins, particularly mannoproteins. Thus, cell wall proteins and enzymes are considered potential antifungal targets. In this regard, we explored α-glucosidase as our potential target which plays a crucial role in processing mannoproteins. Previous studies have shown that inhibition of α-glucosidase leads to defects in cell wall integrity, reduced adhesion, diminished secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, alterations in immune recognition, and reduced pathogenicity. Since α-glucosidase, primarily converts carbohydrates, our study focuses on FDA-approved carbohydrate mimic drugs (Glycomimetics) with well-documented applications in various biological contexts. Through virtual screening of 114 FDA-approved carbohydrate-based drugs, a pseudo-sugar Acarbose, emerged as a top hit. Acarbose is known for its pharmacological potential in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus by targeting α-glucosidase. Our preliminary investigations indicate that Acarbose effectively inhibits C. albicans biofilm formation, reduces virulence, impairs morphological switching, and hinders the adhesion and invasion of host cells, all at very low concentrations in the nanomolar range. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis reveals the mechanism of action of Acarbose, highlighting its role in targeting α-glucosidase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helma David
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, 613401, India
| | - Sahana Vasudevan
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, 613401, India.
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, 560065, India.
| | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, 613401, India.
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15
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Almahdy AG, El-Sayed A, Eltarahony M. A novel functionalized CuTi hybrid nanocomposites: facile one-pot mycosynthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antifouling and wastewater disinfection performance. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:148. [PMID: 38783243 PMCID: PMC11112895 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02400-6] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continuous progress in nanotechnology is rapid and extensive with overwhelming futuristic aspects. Through modernizing inventive synthesis protocols, a paradigm leapfrogging in novelties and findings are channeled toward fostering human health and sustaining the surrounding environment. Owing to the overpricing and jeopardy of physicochemical synthesizing approaches, the quest for ecologically adequate schemes is incontestable. By developing environmentally friendly strategies, mycosynthesis of nanocomposites has been alluring. RESULTS Herein, a novel architecture of binary CuO and TiO2 in nanocomposites form was fabricated using bionanofactory Candida sp., for the first time. For accentuating the structural properties of CuTi nanocomposites (CuTiNCs), various characterization techniques were employed. UV-Vis spectroscopy detected SPR at 350 nm, and XRD ascertained the crystalline nature of a hybrid system. However, absorption peaks at 8, 4.5, and 0.5 keV confirmed the presence of Cu, Ti and oxygen, respectively, in an undefined assemblage of polygonal-spheres of 15-75 nm aggregated in the fungal matrix of biomolecules as revealed by EDX, SEM and TEM. However, FTIR, ζ-potential and TGA reflected long-term stability (- 27.7 mV) of self-functionalized CuTiNCs. Interestingly, a considerable and significant biocide performance was detected at 50 µg/mL of CuTiNCs against some human and plant pathogens, compared to monometallic counterparts. Further, CuTiNCs (200 µg/mL) ceased significantly the development of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans biofilms by 80.3 ± 1.4, 68.7 ± 3.0 and 55.7 ± 3.0%, respectively. Whereas, 64.63 ± 3.5 and 89.82 ± 4.3% antimicrofouling potentiality was recorded for 100 and 200 µg/ml of CuTiNCs, respectively; highlighting their destructive effect against marine microfoulers cells and decaying of their extracellular polymeric skeleton as visualized by SEM. Moreover, CuTiNCs (100 and 200 µg/ml) exerted significantly outstanding disinfection potency within 2 h by reducing the microbial load (i.e., total plate count, mold & yeast, total coliforms and faecal Streptococcus) in domestic and agricultural effluents reached >50%. CONCLUSION The synergistic efficiency provided by CuNPs and TiNPs in mycofunctionalized CuTiNCs boosted its recruitment as antiphytopathogenic, antibiofilm, antimicrofouling and disinfectant agent in various realms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa G Almahdy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Ahmed El-Sayed
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Marwa Eltarahony
- Environmental Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El- Arab City, Alexandria, 21934, Egypt.
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16
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Grifoll V, Bravo P, Pérez MN, Pérez-Clavijo M, García-Castrillo M, Larrañaga A, Lizundia E. Environmental Sustainability and Physicochemical Property Screening of Chitin and Chitin-Glucan from 22 Fungal Species. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:7869-7881. [PMID: 38783845 PMCID: PMC11110056 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c01260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Thanks to its biobased character with embedded biogenic carbon, chitin can aid in the transition to a sustainable circular economy by replacing fossil carbon from the geosphere. However, meeting current demands for material availability and environmental sustainability requires alternative methods limiting conventional chemical and energy-consuming chitin extraction from crustaceans. To assist future chitinous bioproduct development, this work analyzes the physicochemical properties and potential environmental sustainability of fungal chitin-glucan complexes. A conventional isolation procedure using sodium hydroxide, a weak acid, and short reaction times are applied to the fruiting body of 22 fungal species. Besides, the valorization of underutilized waste streams including Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus brunnescens stipes is investigated. The carbohydrate analysis renders chitin fractions in the range of 9.5-63.5 wt %, while yields vary from 4.2 to 29.9%, and the N-acetylation degree in found in between 53.0 and 98.7%. The sustainability of the process is analyzed using life cycle assessment (LCA), providing impact quantification for global warming potential, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, and water use. With 87.5-589.3 kg·CO2-equiv per kilo, potentially lower global warming potential values in comparison to crustacean chitin are achieved. The crystallinity degree ranged from 28 to 78%, while the apparent chitin crystalline size (L020) is between 2.3 and 5.4 nm. Ten of the species yield α-chitin coexisting with semicrystalline glucans. Zwitterionic properties are observed in aqueous solutions, shifting from cationic to anionic at pH 4.5. With its renewable carbon content, fungal chitin is an environmentally sustainable alternative for high-value applications due to its balance of minimal treatment, low carbon footprint, material renewability, ease of isolation, thermal stability, zwitterionic behavior, biodegradability, and noncytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Grifoll
- Mushroom
Technological Research Center of La Rioja (CTICH), Ctra. Calahorra km 4, Autol 26560, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Paula Bravo
- Mushroom
Technological Research Center of La Rioja (CTICH), Ctra. Calahorra km 4, Autol 26560, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Maria Nieves Pérez
- Mushroom
Technological Research Center of La Rioja (CTICH), Ctra. Calahorra km 4, Autol 26560, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Margarita Pérez-Clavijo
- Mushroom
Technological Research Center of La Rioja (CTICH), Ctra. Calahorra km 4, Autol 26560, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Marta García-Castrillo
- BCMaterials,
Basque Center for Materials, Applications
and Nanostructures, Edif. Martina Casiano, Pl. 3 Parque Científico
UPV/EHU Barrio Sarriena, Leioa 48940, Biscay, Spain
| | - Aitor Larrañaga
- SGIker,
General Research Services, University of
the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena, Leioa 48940, Biscay, Spain
| | - Erlantz Lizundia
- BCMaterials,
Basque Center for Materials, Applications
and Nanostructures, Edif. Martina Casiano, Pl. 3 Parque Científico
UPV/EHU Barrio Sarriena, Leioa 48940, Biscay, Spain
- Life
Cycle Thinking Group, Department of Graphic Design and Engineering
Projects. University of the Basque Country
(UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero
Torres Quevedo 1, Bilbao 48013, Biscay, Spain
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17
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Silva PA, Souza AA, de Oliveira GM, Ramada MHS, Hernández NV, Mora-Montes HM, Bueno RV, Martins-de-Sa D, de Freitas SM, Felipe MSS, Barbosa JARG. An improved expression and purification protocol enables the structural characterization of Mnt1, an antifungal target from Candida albicans. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2024; 11:5. [PMID: 38715132 PMCID: PMC11077754 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-024-00174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans is one of the most prevalent fungi causing infections in the world. Mnt1 is a mannosyltransferase that participates in both the cell wall biogenesis and biofilm growth of C. albicans. While the cell wall performs crucial functions in pathogenesis, biofilm growth is correlated with sequestration of drugs by the extracellular matrix. Therefore, antifungals targeting CaMnt1 can compromise fungal development and potentially also render Candida susceptible to drug therapy. Despite its importance, CaMnt1 has not yet been purified to high standards and its biophysical properties are lacking. RESULTS We describe a new protocol to obtain high yield of recombinant CaMnt1 in Komagataella phaffii using methanol induction. The purified protein's identity was confirmed by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectroscopy. The Far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra demonstrate that the secondary structure of CaMnt1 is compatible with a protein formed by α-helices and β-sheets at pH 7.0. The fluorescence spectroscopy results show that the tertiary structure of CaMnt1 is pH-dependent, with a greater intensity of fluorescence emission at pH 7.0. Using our molecular modeling protocol, we depict for the first time the ternary complex of CaMnt1 bound to its two substrates, which has enabled the identification of residues involved in substrate specificity and catalytic reaction. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that Tyr209 stabilizes the formation of an oxocarbenium ion-like intermediate during nucleophilic attack of the acceptor sugar, opposing the double displacement mechanism proposed by other reports. CONCLUSIONS The methodology presented here can substantially improve the yield of recombinant CaMnt1 expressed in flask-grown yeasts. In addition, the structural characterization of the fungal mannosyltransferase presents novelties that can be exploited for new antifungal drug's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Alves Silva
- Laboratório de Biofísica Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Amanda Araújo Souza
- Laboratório de Biofísica Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Gideane Mendes de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biofísica Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Henrique Soller Ramada
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Nahúm Valente Hernández
- Departmento de Biologia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Mexico
| | - Héctor Manuel Mora-Montes
- Departmento de Biologia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Mexico
| | - Renata Vieira Bueno
- Laboratório de Biofísica Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Diogo Martins-de-Sa
- Laboratório de Biofísica Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
- Genesilico Biotech, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Sonia Maria de Freitas
- Laboratório de Biofísica Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Sueli Soares Felipe
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, 70790-160, Brazil
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18
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Argüelles JC, Sánchez-Fresneda R, Argüelles A, Solano F. Natural Substances as Valuable Alternative for Improving Conventional Antifungal Chemotherapy: Lights and Shadows. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:334. [PMID: 38786689 PMCID: PMC11122340 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050334] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms with relatively few pathogenic members dangerous for humans, usually acting as opportunistic infections. In the last decades, several life-threatening fungal infections have risen mostly associated with the worldwide extension of chronic diseases and immunosuppression. The available antifungal therapies cannot combat this challenge because the arsenal of compounds is scarce and displays low selective action, significant adverse effects, and increasing resistance. A growing isolation of outbreaks triggered by fungal species formerly considered innocuous is being recorded. From ancient times, natural substances harvested from plants have been applied to folk medicine and some of them recently emerged as promising antifungals. The most used are briefly revised herein. Combinations of chemotherapeutic drugs with natural products to obtain more efficient and gentle treatments are also revised. Nevertheless, considerable research work is still necessary before their clinical use can be generally accepted. Many natural products have a highly complex chemical composition, with the active principles still partially unknown. Here, we survey the field underlying lights and shadows of both groups. More studies involving clinical strains are necessary, but we illustrate this matter by discussing the potential clinical applications of combined carnosic acid plus propolis formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Argüelles
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad Biología, University Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.C.A.); (R.S.-F.); (A.A.)
| | - Ruth Sánchez-Fresneda
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad Biología, University Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.C.A.); (R.S.-F.); (A.A.)
| | - Alejandra Argüelles
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad Biología, University Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (J.C.A.); (R.S.-F.); (A.A.)
| | - Francisco Solano
- Departamento Bioquímica, Biología Molecular B & Inmunología, Facultad Medicina, University Murcia, Campus El Palmar, 30112 Murcia, Spain
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19
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Saberi Riseh R, Gholizadeh Vazvani M, Vatankhah M, Kennedy JF. Chitin-induced disease resistance in plants: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131105. [PMID: 38531527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131105] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Chitin is composed of N-acetylglucosamine units. Chitin a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi and exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans, can elicit a potent defense response in plants. Through the activation of defense genes, stimulation of defensive compound production, and reinforcement of physical barriers, chitin enhances the plant's ability to defend against pathogens. Chitin-based treatments have shown efficacy against various plant diseases caused by fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode pathogens, and have been integrated into sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, chitin treatments have demonstrated additional benefits, such as promoting plant growth and improving tolerance to abiotic stresses. Further research is necessary to optimize treatment parameters, explore chitin derivatives, and conduct long-term field studies. Continued efforts in these areas will contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable strategies for disease management in agriculture, ultimately leading to improved crop productivity and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohallah Saberi Riseh
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, 7718897111 Rafsanjan, Iran.
| | - Mozhgan Gholizadeh Vazvani
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, 7718897111 Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Vatankhah
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, 7718897111 Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - John F Kennedy
- Chembiotech Laboratories Ltd, WR15 8FF Tenbury Wells, United Kingdom.
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20
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Elnahas MO, Elkhateeb WA, Daba GM. Nutritive profile, pharmaceutical potentials, and structural analysis of multifunctional bioactive fungal polysaccharides-A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:130893. [PMID: 38493817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130893] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Asian nations have long used edible fungi as food and medicine. Polysaccharides are among the main building units of the cell walls of fungi. Fungal polysaccharides have been documented in the medicinal and industrial sectors as products with a vast array of various biological activities and applications such as antitumor, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulation, and antiviral activities, etc. The goal of this review is to give insights into the various biological activities of mushroom polysaccharides and their potential as a medicine for human health. The extraction, purity, and structural analysis of fungal polysaccharides were also reviewed in this work. Also, future prospective, and challenges for fungal polysaccharides in pharmaceutical applications can be found in this review. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource in exploring the therapeutic potential and applications of fungal polysaccharides. By building upon the existing knowledge base and addressing critical research gaps, researchers can find new opportunities for utilizing fungal polysaccharides as valuable therapeutic agents and functional ingredients in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa O Elnahas
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.
| | - Waill A Elkhateeb
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Ghoson M Daba
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
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21
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Hao MS, Mazurkewich S, Li H, Kvammen A, Saha S, Koskela S, Inman AR, Nakajima M, Tanaka N, Nakai H, Brändén G, Bulone V, Larsbrink J, McKee LS. Structural and biochemical analysis of family 92 carbohydrate-binding modules uncovers multivalent binding to β-glucans. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3429. [PMID: 38653764 PMCID: PMC11039641 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47584-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) are non-catalytic proteins found appended to carbohydrate-active enzymes. Soil and marine bacteria secrete such enzymes to scavenge nutrition, and they often use CBMs to improve reaction rates and retention of released sugars. Here we present a structural and functional analysis of the recently established CBM family 92. All proteins analysed bind preferentially to β-1,6-glucans. This contrasts with the diversity of predicted substrates among the enzymes attached to CBM92 domains. We present crystal structures for two proteins, and confirm by mutagenesis that tryptophan residues permit ligand binding at three distinct functional binding sites on each protein. Multivalent CBM families are uncommon, so the establishment and structural characterisation of CBM92 enriches the classification database and will facilitate functional prediction in future projects. We propose that CBM92 proteins may cross-link polysaccharides in nature, and might have use in novel strategies for enzyme immobilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Shu Hao
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, China
| | - Scott Mazurkewich
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Teknikringen 56-58, 10044, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - He Li
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alma Kvammen
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Srijani Saha
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Salla Koskela
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Teknikringen 56-58, 10044, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annie R Inman
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Masahiro Nakajima
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Nobukiyo Tanaka
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakai
- Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University, Niigata, 950-2181, Japan
| | - Gisela Brändén
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vincent Bulone
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park Campus, Sturt Road, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Johan Larsbrink
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Teknikringen 56-58, 10044, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lauren S McKee
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Teknikringen 56-58, 10044, Stockholm, Sweden.
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22
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Kim YM, Park SC, Yoon Y, Jang MK, Lee JR. Effect of tryptophan position and lysine/arginine substitution in antimicrobial peptides on antifungal action. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 704:149700. [PMID: 38401304 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149700] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Every year, the overprescription, misuse, and improper disposal of antibiotics have led to the rampant development of drug-resistant pathogens and, in turn, a significant increase in the number of patients who die of drug-resistant fungal infections. Recently, researchers have begun investigating the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as next-generation antifungal agents to inhibit the growth of drug-resistant fungi. The antifungal activity of alpha-helical peptides designed using the cationic amino acids containing lysine and arginine and the hydrophobic amino acids containing isoleucine and tryptophan were evaluated using 10 yeast and mold fungi. Among these peptides, WIK-14, which is composed of a 14-mer with tryptophan sequences at the amino terminus, showed the best antifungal activity via transient pore formation and ROS generation. In addition, the in vivo antifungal effects of WIK-14 were investigated in a mouse model infected with drug-resistant Candida albicans. The results demonstrate the potential of AMPs as antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam, 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam, 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongsang Yoon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam, 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam, 57922, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- National Institute of Ecology (NIE), Seocheon, 33657, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Jin P, Wang L, Chen D, Chen Y. Unveiling the complexity of early childhood caries: Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans cooperative strategies in carbohydrate metabolism and virulence. J Oral Microbiol 2024; 16:2339161. [PMID: 38606339 PMCID: PMC11008315 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2024.2339161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the mechanisms underlying the virulence changes in early childhood caries (ECC) caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), with a focus on carbohydrate metabolism and environmental acidification. Methods A review of literature was conducted to understand the symbiotic relationship between C. albicans and S. mutans, and their role in the pathogenesis of ECC. The review also examined how their interactions influence carbohydrate metabolism and environmental acidification in the oral cavity. Results C. albicans and S. mutans play crucial roles in the onset and progression of ECC. C. albicans promotes the adhesion and accumulation of S. mutans, while S. mutans creates an environment favorable for the growth of C. albicans. Their interactions, especially through carbohydrate metabolism, strengthen their pathogenic potential. The review highlights the importance of understanding these mechanisms for the development of effective management and treatment protocols for ECC. Conclusion The symbiotic relationship between C. albicans and S. mutans, and their interactions through carbohydrate metabolism and environmental acidification, are key factors in the pathogenesis of ECC. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and treat ECC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Jin
- Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Daozhen Chen
- Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu, China
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Álvarez M, Agostini I, Sampaio A, Román Á, Delgado J, Rodrigues P. Unravelling the effect of control agents on Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi on a chestnut-based medium by proteomics. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:1895-1903. [PMID: 38053437 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7920] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi is the major chestnut pathogen, responsible for economic losses and recently described as a 3-nitropropionic acid and diplodiatoxin mycotoxin producer. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST 713 (Serenade® ASO), B. amyloliquefaciens CIMO-BCA1, and the fungicide Horizon® (tebuconazole) have been shown to reduce the growth of G. smithogilvyi. However, they enhanced mycotoxin production. Proteomics can clarify the mould's physiology and the impact of antifungal agents on the mould's metabolism. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of Horizon®, Serenade®, and B. amyloliquefaciens CIMO-BCA1 in the proteome of G. smithogilvyi to unveil their modes of action and decipher why the mould responds by increasing the mycotoxin production. For this, the mycelium close to the inhibition zone provoked by antifungals was macroscopically and microscopically observed. Proteins were extracted and analysed using a Q-Exactive plus Orbitrap. RESULTS The results did not elucidate specific proteins involved in the mycotoxin biosynthesis, but these agents provoked different kinds of stress on the mould, mainly affecting the cell wall structures and antioxidant response, which points to the mycotoxins overproduction as a defence mechanism. The biocontrol agent CIMO-BCA1 acts similar to tebuconazole. The results revealed different responses on the mould's metabolism when co-cultured with the two B. amyloliquefaciens, showing different modes of action of each bacterium, which opens the possibility of combining both biocontrol strategies. CONCLUSION These results unveil different modes of action of the treatments that could help to reduce the use of toxic chemicals to combat plant pathogens worldwide. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Álvarez
- Higiene y Seguridad Alimentaria, Instituto Universitario de Investigación de Carne y Productos Cárnicos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Sección Departamental de Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos (Nutrición, Bromatología, Higiene y Seguridad Alimentaria), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isadora Agostini
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ana Sampaio
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado Instituto para a Inovação, Capacitação e Sustentabilidade da Produção Agroalimentar, Universidad de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ángel Román
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Josué Delgado
- Higiene y Seguridad Alimentaria, Instituto Universitario de Investigación de Carne y Productos Cárnicos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Paula Rodrigues
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
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Nasrollahian S, Moradi F, Hadi N, Ranjbar S, Ranjbar R. An update on alternative therapy for Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infections; a narrative review. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2024; 46:104075. [PMID: 38574879 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104075] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common type of nosocomial infection and severe health issues because of the difficulties and frequent recurrence. Today, alternative methods such as sonodynamic therapy (SDT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and herbal materials use for treating infections like UTI in many countries. METHOD We conducted searches of the biomedical databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of sciences) to identify related studies from 2008 to 2023. RESULT SDT aims to use ultrasound to activate a sonosensitizer, which causes a biological effect by raising reactive oxygen species (ROS). When bacteria are exposed to ROS, several important effects occur: oxidative damage, DNA damage, protein dysfunction etc. SDT with herbal medicine significantly reduced the number of colony-forming units and bactericidal activity for Klebsiella pneumonia and E. coli. PDT is a promising treatment for cancer and microbial infections, combining a photosensitiser, light and tissue molecular oxygen. It involves a photosensitizer, light source, and oxygen, with variations affecting microbial binding and bactericidal activity. Factors affecting antibacterial properties include plant type, growing conditions, harvesting, and processing. This review highlights the recent advancements in sonodynamic, photodynamic, herbal, and bio-material-based approaches in the treatment of E. coli infections. CONCLUSIONS These alternative therapies offer exciting prospects for addressing UTIs, especially in cases where traditional antibiotic treatments may be less effective. Further research and clinical studies are warranted to fully explore the potential of these innovative treatment modalities in combating UTIs and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Nasrollahian
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farhad Moradi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nahal Hadi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Ranjbar
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ranjbar
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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26
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Kumar V, Huang J, Dong Y, Hao GF. Targeting Fks1 proteins for novel antifungal drug discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:366-384. [PMID: 38493014 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a major threat to human health. The limited availability of antifungal drugs, the emergence of drug resistance, and a growing susceptible population highlight the critical need for novel antifungal agents. The enzymes involved in fungal cell wall synthesis offer potential targets for antifungal drug development. Recent studies have enhanced our focus on the enzyme Fks1, which synthesizes β-1,3-glucan, a critical component of the cell wall. These studies provide a deeper understanding of Fks1's function in cell wall biosynthesis, pathogenicity, structural biology, evolutionary conservation across fungi, and interaction with current antifungal drugs. Here, we discuss the role of Fks1 in the survival and adaptation of fungi, guided by insights from evolutionary and structural analyses. Furthermore, we delve into the dynamics of Fks1 modulation with novel antifungal strategies and assess its potential as an antifungal drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinit Kumar
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; BMLT, Markham College of Commerce, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand 825301, India
| | - Juan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Yawen Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China.
| | - Ge-Fei Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
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Shankar J, Thakur R, Clemons KV, Stevens DA. Interplay of Cytokines and Chemokines in Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:251. [PMID: 38667922 PMCID: PMC11051073 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040251] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by various species of Aspergillus, most notably A. fumigatus. This fungus causes a spectrum of diseases, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, and invasive aspergillosis. The clinical manifestations and severity of aspergillosis can vary depending on individual immune status and the specific species of Aspergillus involved. The recognition of Aspergillus involves pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as glucan, galactomannan, mannose, and conidial surface proteins. These are recognized by the pathogen recognition receptors present on immune cells such as Toll-like receptors (TLR-1,2,3,4, etc.) and C-type lectins (Dectin-1 and Dectin-2). We discuss the roles of cytokines and pathogen recognition in aspergillosis from both the perspective of human and experimental infection. Several cytokines and chemokines have been implicated in the immune response to Aspergillus infection, including interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), CCR4, CCR17, and other interleukins. For example, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is characterized by Th2 and Th9 cell-type immunity and involves interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-10. In contrast, it has been observed that invasive aspergillosis involves Th1 and Th17 cell-type immunity via IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17. These cytokines activate various immune cells and stimulate the production of other immune molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides and reactive oxygen species, which aid in the clearance of the fungal pathogen. Moreover, they help to initiate and coordinate the immune response, recruit immune cells to the site of infection, and promote clearance of the fungus. Insight into the host response from both human and animal studies may aid in understanding the immune response in aspergillosis, possibly leading to harnessing the power of cytokines or cytokine (receptor) antagonists and transforming them into precise immunotherapeutic strategies. This could advance personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jata Shankar
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat Solan 173234, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Raman Thakur
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144001, Punjab, India;
| | - Karl V. Clemons
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (K.V.C.); (D.A.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (K.V.C.); (D.A.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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28
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Parasnis MS, Deng E, Yuan M, Lin H, Kordas K, Paltseva A, Frimpong Boamah E, Judelsohn A, Nalam PC. Heavy Metal Remediation by Dry Mycelium Membranes: Approaches to Sustainable Lead Remediation in Water. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:6317-6329. [PMID: 38483835 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Lead contamination poses significant and lasting health risks, particularly in children. This study explores the efficacy of dried mycelium membranes, distinct from live fungal biomass, for the remediation of lead (Pb(II)) in water. Dried mycelium offers unique advantages, including environmental resilience, ease of handling, biodegradability, and mechanical reliability. The study explores Pb(II) removal mechanisms through sorption and mineralization by dried mycelium hyphae in aqueous solutions. The sorption isotherm studies reveal a high Pb(II) removal efficiency, exceeding 95% for concentrations below 1000 ppm and ∼63% above 1500 ppm, primarily driven by electrostatic interactions. The measured infrared peak shifts and the pseudo-second-order kinetics for sorption suggests a correlation between sorption capacity and the density of interacting functional groups. The study also explores novel surface functionalization of the mycelium network with phosphate to enhance Pb(II) removal, which enables remediation efficiencies >95% for concentrations above 1500 ppm. Scanning electron microscopy images show a pH-dependent formation of Pb-based crystals uniformly deposited throughout the entire mycelium network. Continuous cross-flow filtration tests employing a dried mycelium membrane demonstrate its efficacy as a microporous membrane for Pb(II) removal, reaching remediation efficiency of 85-90% at the highest Pb(II) concentrations. These findings suggest that dried mycelium membranes can be a viable alternative to synthetic membranes in heavy metal remediation, with potential environmental and water treatment applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mruganka Sandip Parasnis
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
| | - Erda Deng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
| | - Mengqi Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
| | - Haiqing Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Anna Paltseva
- School of Geosciences, University of Louisiana,104 East University Avenue, Lafayette, Louisiana 70504, United States
| | - Emmanuel Frimpong Boamah
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Alexandra Judelsohn
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Prathima C Nalam
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
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Moon H, Min K, Winarto J, Shin S, Jeon H, Song DG, Son H. Proteomic Analysis of Cell Wall Proteins with Various Linkages in Fusarium graminearum. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:6028-6039. [PMID: 38457781 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07746] [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: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The fungal cell wall, primarily comprising a glucan-chitin matrix and cell wall proteins (CWPs), serves as a key mediator for fungal interactions with the environment and plays a pivotal role in virulence. In this study, we employed a comprehensive proteomics approach to analyze the CWPs in the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum. Our methodology successfully extracted and identified 1373 CWPs, highlighting their complex linkages, including noncovalent bonds, disulfide bridges, alkali-sensitive linkages, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors. A significant subset of these proteins, enriched in Gene Ontology terms, suggest multifunctional roles of CWPs. Through the integration of transcriptomic and proteomic data, we observed differential expression patterns of CWPs across developmental stages. Specifically, we focused on two genes, Fca7 and Cpd1, which were upregulated in planta, and confirmed their localization predominantly outside the plasma membrane, primarily in the cell wall and periplasmic space. The disruption of FCA7 reduced virulence on wheat, aligning with previous findings and underscoring its significance. Overall, our findings offer a comprehensive proteomic profile of CWPs in F. graminearum, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of their roles in the development and interactions with host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeji Moon
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghun Min
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Plant Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Jessica Winarto
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Soobin Shin
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hosung Jeon
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Geun Song
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hokyoung Son
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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30
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Xu Q, Kang D, Meyer MD, Pennington CL, Gopal C, Schertzer JW, Kirienko NV. Cytotoxic rhamnolipid micelles drive acute virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0040723. [PMID: 38391248 PMCID: PMC10929412 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00407-23] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that has developed multi- or even pan-drug resistance toward most frontline and last resort antibiotics, leading to increasing frequency of infections and deaths among hospitalized patients, especially those with compromised immune systems. Further complicating treatment, P. aeruginosa produces numerous virulence factors that contribute to host tissue damage and immune evasion, promoting bacterial colonization and pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of rhamnolipid production in host-pathogen interactions. Secreted rhamnolipids form micelles that exhibited highly acute toxicity toward murine macrophages, rupturing the plasma membrane and causing organellar membrane damage within minutes of exposure. While rhamnolipid micelles (RMs) were particularly toxic to macrophages, they also caused membrane damage in human lung epithelial cells, red blood cells, Gram-positive bacteria, and even noncellular models like giant plasma membrane vesicles. Most importantly, rhamnolipid production strongly correlated with P. aeruginosa virulence against murine macrophages in various panels of clinical isolates. Altogether, our findings suggest that rhamnolipid micelles are highly cytotoxic virulence factors that drive acute cellular damage and immune evasion during P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xu
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Donghoon Kang
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew D. Meyer
- Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Citrupa Gopal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey W. Schertzer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
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Azadi S, Azizipour E, Amani AM, Vaez A, Zareshahrabadi Z, Abbaspour A, Firuzyar T, Dortaj H, Kamyab H, Chelliapan S, Mosleh-Shirazi S. Antifungal activity of Fe 3O 4@SiO 2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles against pathogenic Candida species. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5855. [PMID: 38467729 PMCID: PMC10928175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56512-5] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The antifungal efficacy and cytotoxicity of a novel nano-antifungal agent, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base complex of Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have been assessed for targeting drug-resistant Candida species. Due to the rising issue of fungal infections, especially candidiasis, and resistance to traditional antifungals, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Utilizing Schiff-base ligands known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs have been synthesized. The Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs was characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating successful synthesis. The antifungal potential was evaluated against six Candida species (C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and C. albicans) using the broth microdilution method. The results indicated strong antifungal activity in the range of 8-64 μg/mL with the lowest MIC (8 μg/mL) observed against C. parapsilosis. The result showed the MIC of 32 μg/mL against C. albicans as the most common infection source. The antifungal mechanism is likely due to the disruption of the fungal cell wall and membrane, along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leading to cell death. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for cytotoxicity on mouse L929 fibroblastic cells suggested low toxicity and even enhanced cell proliferation at certain concentrations. This study demonstrates the promise of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs as a potent antifungal agent with potential applications in the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections, healthcare-associated infections, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Azadi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Esmat Azizipour
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Amani
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Zareshahrabadi
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Abbaspour
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Firuzyar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hengameh Dortaj
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hesam Kamyab
- Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, UTE University, Calle Rumipamba S/N and Bourgeois, Quito, Ecuador
- Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077, India
- Process Systems Engineering Centre (PROSPECT), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan
- Department of Engineering and Technology, Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Sareh Mosleh-Shirazi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz, Iran
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Mok K, Poolsawat T, Somnuk S, Wanikorn B, Patumcharoenpol P, Nitisinprasert S, Vongsangnak W, Nakphaichit M. Preliminary characterization of gut mycobiome enterotypes reveals the correlation trends between host metabolic parameter and diet: a case study in the Thai Cohort. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5805. [PMID: 38461361 PMCID: PMC10924899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56585-2] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The association between the gut mycobiome and its potential influence on host metabolism in the Thai Cohort was assessed. Two distinct predominant enterotypes, Saccharomyces (Sa) and Aspergillus/Penicillium (Ap/Pe) showed differences in gut mycobiota diversity and composition. Notably, the Sa enterotype exhibited lower evenness and richness, likely due to the prevalence of Saccharomyces, while both enterotypes displayed unique metabolic behaviors related to nutrient metabolism and body composition. Fiber consumption was positively correlated with adverse body composition and fasting glucose levels in individuals with the Sa enterotype, whereas in the Ap/Pe enterotype it was positively correlated with fat and protein intake. The metabolic functional analysis revealed the Sa enterotype associated with carbohydrate metabolism, while the Ap/Pe enterotype involved in lipid metabolism. Very interestingly, the genes involved in the pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathway, such as polygalacturonase and L-arabinose-isomerase, were enriched in the Sa enterotype signifying a metabolic capacity for complex carbohydrate degradation and utilization of less common sugars as energy sources. These findings highlight the interplay between gut mycobiome composition, dietary habits, and metabolic outcomes within the Thai cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Mok
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Specialized Research Unit: Probiotics and Prebiotics for Health, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Thitirat Poolsawat
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Specialized Research Unit: Functional Food and Human Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Surasawadee Somnuk
- Department of Sports and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sport Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
| | - Bandhita Wanikorn
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Specialized Research Unit: Functional Food and Human Health Laboratory, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Preecha Patumcharoenpol
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food, and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Sunee Nitisinprasert
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Specialized Research Unit: Probiotics and Prebiotics for Health, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Wanwipa Vongsangnak
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food, and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Massalin Nakphaichit
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Specialized Research Unit: Probiotics and Prebiotics for Health, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
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Castor RB, do Nascimento MH, Gorlach-Lira K. Exploring fungal bioemulsifiers: insights into chemical composition, microbial sources, and cross-field applications. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:127. [PMID: 38451356 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03883-6] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The demand for emulsion-based products is crucial for economic development and societal well-being, spanning diverse industries such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and oil extraction. Formulating these products relies on emulsifiers, a distinct class of surfactants. However, many conventional emulsifiers are derived from petrochemicals or synthetic sources, posing potential environmental and human health risks. In this context, fungal bioemulsifiers emerge as a compelling and sustainable alternative, demonstrating superior performance, enhanced biodegradability, and safety for human consumption. From this perspective, the present work provides the first comprehensive review of fungal bioemulsifiers, categorizing them based on their chemical nature and microbial origin. This includes polysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, polymeric glycolipids, and carbohydrate-lipid-protein complexes. Examples of particular interest are scleroglucan, a polysaccharide produced by Sclerotium rolfsii, and mannoproteins present in the cell walls of various yeasts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Furthermore, this study examines the feasibility of incorporating fungal bioemulsifiers in the food and oil industries and their potential role in bioremediation events for oil-polluted marine environments. Finally, this exploration encourages further research on fungal bioemulsifier bioprospecting, with far-reaching implications for advancing sustainable and eco-friendly practices across various industrial sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rádamis Barbosa Castor
- Molecular Biology Department, Center of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Maria Helena do Nascimento
- Molecular Biology Department, Center of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Krystyna Gorlach-Lira
- Molecular Biology Department, Center of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil.
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Guseva GB, Eremeeva YV, Antina EV, Gilfanov IR, Lisovskaya SA, Ostolopovskaya OV, Trizna EY, Kayumov AR, Nikitina LE. Effect of meso-substituents and medium properties on the photo- and pH-stability, penetration efficiency into bacterial and microscopic fungi cells of terpene-BODIPY conjugates. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 308:123701. [PMID: 38070313 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.123701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
In order to expand the arsenal of tools and areas for practical use of BODIPY dyes as bifunctional fluorescent theranostics, we studied the effect of the meso-substituents nature and medium properties on photo- and pH-stability, efficiency of singlet oxygen generation, and affinity to biostructures of terpene-BODIPY conjugates. The BODIPYs fused with myrtenol or thiotherpenoid via carboxylic acid residues exhibit high stability over a wide pH range and the presence of a bulky substituent at the meso-position of BODIPY conjugates increases their photostability two-fold compared to structurally related meso-unsubstituted analogues. Furthermore, the photodegradation rate of the conjugates directly depends on their ability to generate singlet oxygen and the course probability of the corresponding red-ox reactions involving reactive oxygen species. The conjugate of BODIPY with a thiotherpenoid demonstrated high ability to penetrate the membranes of filamentous and yeast-like fungi and bind to membrane of organelles in the fungal cell. At the same time, this compound also had a high ability to penetrate into biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae and into bacterial cells within the matrix, which makes this compound promising for staining intracellular structures of eukaryotic cells and bacteria embedded into biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina B Guseva
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 153045 Ivanovo, Russia.
| | - Yuliya V Eremeeva
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 153045 Ivanovo, Russia.
| | - Elena V Antina
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 153045 Ivanovo, Russia.
| | - Ilmir R Gilfanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Svetlana A Lisovskaya
- Kazan State Medical University, Faculty of Medicine and Biology, 420012 Kazan, Russia; Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 420015 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Olga V Ostolopovskaya
- Kazan State Medical University, Faculty of Medicine and Biology, 420012 Kazan, Russia; Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Elena Y Trizna
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Airat R Kayumov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Liliya E Nikitina
- Kazan State Medical University, Faculty of Medicine and Biology, 420012 Kazan, Russia; Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia.
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Naveed M, Wen S, Chan MWH, Wang F, Aslam S, Yin X, Xu B, Ullah A. Expression of BSN314 lysozyme genes in Escherichia coli BL21: a study to demonstrate microbicidal and disintegarting potential of the cloned lysozyme. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:215-233. [PMID: 38146050 PMCID: PMC10920529 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01219-4] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study is an extension of our previous studies in which the lysozyme was isolated and purified from Bacillus subtilis BSN314 (Naveed et al., 2022; Naveed et al., 2023). In this study, the lysozyme genes were cloned into the E. coli BL21. For the expression of lysozyme in E. coli BL21, two target genes, Lyz-1 and Lyz-2, were ligated into the modified vector pET28a to generate pET28a-Lyz1 and pET28a-Lyz2, respectively. To increase the production rate of the enzyme, 0.5-mM concentration of IPTG was added to the culture media and incubated at 37 °C and 220 rpm for 24 h. Lyz1 was identified as N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase and Lyz2 as D-alanyl-D-alanine carboxypeptidase. They were purified by multi-step methodology (ammonium sulfate, precipitation, dialysis, and ultrafiltration), and antimicrobial activity was determined. For Lyz1, the lowest MIC/MBC (0.25 μg/mL; with highest ZOI = 22 mm) were recorded against Micrococcus luteus, whereas the highest MIC/MBC with lowest ZOI were measured against Salmonella typhimurium (2.50 μg /mL; with ZOI = 10 mm). As compared with Aspergillus oryzae (MIC/MFC; 3.00 μg/mL), a higher concentration of lysozyme was required to control the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MIC/MFC; 50 μg/mL). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to analyze the disintegrating effect of Lyz1 on the cells of selected Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and yeast. The AFM results showed that, as compared to Gram-negative bacteria, a lower concentration of lysozyme (Lyz1) was required to disintegrate the cell of Gram-positive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100048, China
- Food Flavor and Nutrition Health Innovation Center, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Sai Wen
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100048, China
- Food Flavor and Nutrition Health Innovation Center, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Malik Wajid Hussain Chan
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100048, China.
- Food Flavor and Nutrition Health Innovation Center, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Fenghuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100048, China.
- Food Flavor and Nutrition Health Innovation Center, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Sadar Aslam
- Department of Zoology, University of Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan
| | - Xian Yin
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100048, China
- Food Flavor and Nutrition Health Innovation Center, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Baocai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100048, China
- Food Flavor and Nutrition Health Innovation Center, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Asad Ullah
- Food and Marine Resources Research Center, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratories Complex, Karachi, 75280, Pakistan
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John E, Chau MQ, Hoang CV, Chandrasekharan N, Bhaskar C, Ma LS. Fungal Cell Wall-Associated Effectors: Sensing, Integration, Suppression, and Protection. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2024; 37:196-210. [PMID: 37955547 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-09-23-0142-fi] [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: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The cell wall (CW) of plant-interacting fungi, as the direct interface with host plants, plays a crucial role in fungal development. A number of secreted proteins are directly associated with the fungal CW, either through covalent or non-covalent interactions, and serve a range of important functions. In the context of plant-fungal interactions many are important for fungal development in the host environment and may therefore be considered fungal CW-associated effectors (CWAEs). Key CWAE functions include integrating chemical/physical signals to direct hyphal growth, interfering with plant immunity, and providing protection against plant defenses. In recent years, a diverse range of mechanisms have been reported that underpin their roles, with some CWAEs harboring conserved motifs or functional domains, while others are reported to have novel features. As such, the current understanding regarding fungal CWAEs is systematically presented here from the perspective of their biological functions in plant-fungal interactions. An overview of the fungal CW architecture and the mechanisms by which proteins are secreted, modified, and incorporated into the CW is first presented to provide context for their biological roles. Some CWAE functions are reported across a broad range of pathosystems or symbiotic/mutualistic associations. Prominent are the chitin interacting-effectors that facilitate fungal CW modification, protection, or suppression of host immune responses. However, several alternative functions are now reported and are presented and discussed. CWAEs can play diverse roles, some possibly unique to fungal lineages and others conserved across a broad range of plant-interacting fungi. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan John
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Minh-Quang Chau
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Cuong V Hoang
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA/CSIC), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Campus de Montegancedo UPM, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | | | - Chibbhi Bhaskar
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Lay-Sun Ma
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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Jospe-Kaufman M, Ben-Zeev E, Mottola A, Dukhovny A, Berman J, Carmeli S, Fridman M. Reshaping Echinocandin Antifungal Drugs To Circumvent Glucan Synthase Point-Mutation-Mediated Resistance. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202314728. [PMID: 38161189 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314728] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Echinocandins are a class of antifungal drugs that inhibit the activity of the β-(1,3)-glucan synthase complex, which synthesizes fungal cell wall β-(1,3)-glucan. Echinocandin resistance is linked to mutations in the FKS gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of the glucan synthase complex. We present a molecular-docking-based model that provides insight into how echinocandins interact with the target Fks protein: echinocandins form a ternary complex with both Fks and membrane lipids. We used reductive dehydration of alcohols to generate dehydroxylated echinocandin derivatives and evaluated their potency against a panel of Candida pathogens constructed by introducing resistance-conferring mutations in the FKS gene. We found that removing the hemiaminal alcohol, which drives significant conformational alterations in the modified echinocandins, reduced their efficacy. Conversely, eliminating the benzylic alcohol of echinocandins enhanced potency by up to two orders of magnitude, in a manner dependent upon the resistance-conferring mutation. Strains that have developed resistance to either rezafungin, the most recently clinically approved echinocandin, or its dehydroxylated derivative RZF-1, exhibit high resistance to rezafungin while demonstrating moderate resistance to RZF-1. These findings provide valuable insight for combating echinocandin resistance through chemical modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriah Jospe-Kaufman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Efrat Ben-Zeev
- The Whol Drug Discovery institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Austin Mottola
- Shmunis School of Biomedical and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Dukhovny
- Shmunis School of Biomedical and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Judith Berman
- Shmunis School of Biomedical and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shmuel Carmeli
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Micha Fridman
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Salazar-Alekseyeva K, Herndl GJ, Baltar F. Influence of Salinity on the Extracellular Enzymatic Activities of Marine Pelagic Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:152. [PMID: 38392824 PMCID: PMC10890631 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020152] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Even though fungi are ubiquitous in the biosphere, the ecological knowledge of marine fungi remains rather rudimentary. Also, little is known about their tolerance to salinity and how it influences their activities. Extracellular enzymatic activities (EEAs) are widely used to determine heterotrophic microbes' enzymatic capabilities and substrate preferences. Five marine fungal species belonging to the most abundant pelagic phyla (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) were grown under non-saline and saline conditions (0 g/L and 35 g/L, respectively). Due to their sensitivity and specificity, fluorogenic substrate analogues were used to determine hydrolytic activity on carbohydrates (β-glucosidase, β-xylosidase, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase); peptides (leucine aminopeptidase and trypsin); lipids (lipase); organic phosphorus (alkaline phosphatase), and sulfur compounds (sulfatase). Afterwards, kinetic parameters such as maximum velocity (Vmax) and half-saturation constant (Km) were calculated. All fungal species investigated cleaved these substrates, but some species were more efficient than others. Moreover, most enzymatic activities were reduced in the saline medium, with some exceptions like sulfatase. In non-saline conditions, the average Vmax ranged between 208.5 to 0.02 μmol/g biomass/h, and in saline conditions, 88.4 to 0.02 μmol/g biomass/h. The average Km ranged between 1553.2 and 0.02 μM with no clear influence of salinity. Taken together, our results highlight a potential tolerance of marine fungi to freshwater conditions and indicate that changes in salinity (due to freshwater input or evaporation) might impact their enzymatic activities spectrum and, therefore, their contribution to the oceanic elemental cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Salazar-Alekseyeva
- Bio-Oceanography and Marine Biology Unit, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Bioprocess Engineering Group, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerhard J Herndl
- Bio-Oceanography and Marine Biology Unit, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), University of Utrecht, 1790 AB Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Federico Baltar
- Bio-Oceanography and Marine Biology Unit, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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Arbon D, Mach J, Čadková A, Sipkova A, Stursa J, Klanicová K, Machado M, Ganter M, Levytska V, Sojka D, Truksa J, Werner L, Sutak R. Chelation of Mitochondrial Iron as an Antiparasitic Strategy. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:676-687. [PMID: 38287902 PMCID: PMC10862539 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00529] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Iron, as an essential micronutrient, plays a crucial role in host-pathogen interactions. In order to limit the growth of the pathogen, a common strategy of innate immunity includes withdrawing available iron to interfere with the cellular processes of the microorganism. Against that, unicellular parasites have developed powerful strategies to scavenge iron, despite the effort of the host. Iron-sequestering compounds, such as the approved and potent chelator deferoxamine (DFO), are considered a viable option for therapeutic intervention. Since iron is heavily utilized in the mitochondrion, targeting iron chelators in this organelle could constitute an effective therapeutic strategy. This work presents mitochondrially targeted DFO, mitoDFO, as a candidate against a range of unicellular parasites with promising in vitro efficiency. Intracellular Leishmania infection can be cleared by this compound, and experimentation with Trypanosoma brucei 427 elucidates its possible mode of action. The compound not only affects iron homeostasis but also alters the physiochemical properties of the inner mitochondrial membrane, resulting in a loss of function. Furthermore, investigating the virulence factors of pathogenic yeasts confirms that mitoDFO is a viable candidate for therapeutic intervention against a wide spectrum of microbe-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Arbon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mach
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Aneta Čadková
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Sipkova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Stursa
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
- Laboratory
of Clinical Pathophysiology, Diabetes Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Videnska 1958/9, 140 21 Prague, Czech
Republic
| | - Kristýna Klanicová
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Machado
- Graduate
Program in Areas of Basic and Applied Biology, Instituto de Ciências
Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade
do Porto, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
- Centre for
Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg
University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Markus Ganter
- Centre for
Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg
University Hospital, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Viktoriya Levytska
- Institute
of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy
of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 1160/31, České Budějovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Sojka
- Institute
of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy
of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 1160/31, České Budějovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Truksa
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Werner
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
- Laboratory
of Clinical Pathophysiology, Diabetes Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Videnska 1958/9, 140 21 Prague, Czech
Republic
| | - Robert Sutak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty
of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
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Xie S, Si H, Xue Y, Zhou R, Wang S, Duan Y, Niu J, Wang Z. Efficacy of rhizobacteria Paenibacillus polymyxa SY42 for the biological control of Atractylodes chinensis root rot. Microb Pathog 2024; 187:106517. [PMID: 38159617 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106517] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Atractylodes chinensis is one of the most commonly used bulk herbs in East Asia; however, root rot can seriously affect its quality and yields. In contrast to chemical pesticides, biological control strategies are environmentally compatible and safe. For this study, 68 antagonistic bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizospheres of healthy Atractylodes chinensis. Strain SY42 exhibited the most potent fungicidal activities, with inhibition rates against F. oxysporum, F. solani, and F. redolens of 67.07 %, 63.40 % and 68.45 %, respectively. Through morphological observation and molecular characterization, strain SY42 was identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa. The volatile organic components (VOCs) produced by SY42 effectively inhibited the mycelial growth of pathogenic fungi through diffusion. SY42 significantly inhibited the germination of pathogenic fungal spores. Following co-culturing with SY42, the mycelium of the pathogenic fungus was deformed, folded, and even ruptured. SY42 could produce cellulases and proteases to degrade fungal cell walls. Pot experiments demonstrated the excellent biocontrol efficacy of SY42. This study revealed that P. polymyxa SY42 inhibited pathogenic fungi through multiple mechanisms, which verified its utility as a biocontrol agent for the control of A. chinensis root rot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710119, China; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China.
| | - He Si
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710119, China; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China.
| | - Yuyan Xue
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710119, China; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China.
| | - Ru Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710119, China; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China.
| | - Shiqiang Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710119, China; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China.
| | - Yizhong Duan
- College of Life Sciences, Yulin University, Yulin, Shaanxi, 718000, China.
| | - Junfeng Niu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710119, China; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China.
| | - Zhezhi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710119, China; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China.
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Wang X, Li L, Ding C, Li Z, Ding W, Liu H, Wang N, Wang C, Guo Q. Disruption of UDP-galactopyranose mutase expression: A novel strategy for regulation of galactomannan biosynthesis and monascus pigments secretion in Monascus purpureus M9. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129369. [PMID: 38218271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129369] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The impact of the cell wall structure of Monascus purpureus M9 on the secretion of extracellular monascus pigments (exMPs) was investigated. To modify the cell wall structure, UDP-galactopyranose mutase (GlfA) was knocked out using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method, leading to a significant reduction in the Galf-based polysaccharide within the cell wall. Changes in mycelium morphology, sporogenesis, and the expression of relevant genes in M9 were also observed following the mutation. Regarding MPs secretion, a notable increase was observed in six types of exMPs (R1, R2, Y1, Y2, O1 and O2). Specifically, these exMPs exhibited enhancement of 1.33, 1.59, 0.8, 2.45, 2.89 and 4.03 times, respectively, compared to the wild-type strain. These findings suggest that the alteration of the cell wall structure could selectively influence the secretion of MPs in M9. The underlying mechanisms were also discussed. This research contributes new insights into the regulation of the synthesis and secretion of MPs in Monascus spp..
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, No.9, 13th Street, Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, No.9, 13th Street, Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Chengfang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, No.9, 13th Street, Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Zhenjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, No.9, 13th Street, Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Wentao Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, No.9, 13th Street, Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Huanhuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, No.9, 13th Street, Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Nifei Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of National Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Changlu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, No.9, 13th Street, Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Qingbin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, No.9, 13th Street, Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA), Tianjin 300457, China.
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Yarahmadi A, Afkhami H. The role of microbiomes in gastrointestinal cancers: new insights. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1344328. [PMID: 38361500 PMCID: PMC10867565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1344328] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers constitute more than 33% of new cancer cases worldwide and pose a considerable burden on public health. There exists a growing body of evidence that has systematically recorded an upward trajectory in GI malignancies within the last 5 to 10 years, thus presenting a formidable menace to the health of the human population. The perturbations in GI microbiota may have a noteworthy influence on the advancement of GI cancers; however, the precise mechanisms behind this association are still not comprehensively understood. Some bacteria have been observed to support cancer development, while others seem to provide a safeguard against it. Recent studies have indicated that alterations in the composition and abundance of microbiomes could be associated with the progression of various GI cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, hepatic, and esophageal cancers. Within this comprehensive analysis, we examine the significance of microbiomes, particularly those located in the intestines, in GI cancers. Furthermore, we explore the impact of microbiomes on various treatment modalities for GI cancer, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Additionally, we delve into the intricate mechanisms through which intestinal microbes influence the efficacy of GI cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Yarahmadi
- Department of Biology, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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43
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Nweze JE, Šustr V, Brune A, Angel R. Functional similarity, despite taxonomical divergence in the millipede gut microbiota, points to a common trophic strategy. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:16. [PMID: 38287457 PMCID: PMC10823672 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01731-7] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many arthropods rely on their gut microbiome to digest plant material, which is often low in nitrogen but high in complex polysaccharides. Detritivores, such as millipedes, live on a particularly poor diet, but the identity and nutritional contribution of their microbiome are largely unknown. In this study, the hindgut microbiota of the tropical millipede Epibolus pulchripes (large, methane emitting) and the temperate millipede Glomeris connexa (small, non-methane emitting), fed on an identical diet, were studied using comparative metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. RESULTS The results showed that the microbial load in E. pulchripes is much higher and more diverse than in G. connexa. The microbial communities of the two species differed significantly, with Bacteroidota dominating the hindguts of E. pulchripes and Proteobacteria (Pseudomonadota) in G. connexa. Despite equal sequencing effort, de novo assembly and binning recovered 282 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from E. pulchripes and 33 from G. connexa, including 90 novel bacterial taxa (81 in E. pulchripes and 9 in G. connexa). However, despite this taxonomic divergence, most of the functions, including carbohydrate hydrolysis, sulfate reduction, and nitrogen cycling, were common to the two species. Members of the Bacteroidota (Bacteroidetes) were the primary agents of complex carbon degradation in E. pulchripes, while members of Proteobacteria dominated in G. connexa. Members of Desulfobacterota were the potential sulfate-reducing bacteria in E. pulchripes. The capacity for dissimilatory nitrate reduction was found in Actinobacteriota (E. pulchripes) and Proteobacteria (both species), but only Proteobacteria possessed the capacity for denitrification (both species). In contrast, some functions were only found in E. pulchripes. These include reductive acetogenesis, found in members of Desulfobacterota and Firmicutes (Bacillota) in E. pulchripes. Also, diazotrophs were only found in E. pulchripes, with a few members of the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria expressing the nifH gene. Interestingly, fungal-cell-wall-degrading glycoside hydrolases (GHs) were among the most abundant carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) expressed in both millipede species, suggesting that fungal biomass plays an important role in the millipede diet. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results provide detailed insights into the genomic capabilities of the microbial community in the hindgut of millipedes and shed light on the ecophysiology of these essential detritivores. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Eyiuche Nweze
- Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Vladimír Šustr
- Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Andreas Brune
- RG Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roey Angel
- Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czechia.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia.
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44
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Zhong M, Li Y, Deng L, Fang J, Yu X. Insight into the adaptation mechanisms of high hydrostatic pressure in physiology and metabolism of hadal fungi from the deepest ocean sediment. mSystems 2024; 9:e0108523. [PMID: 38117068 PMCID: PMC10804941 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01085-23] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) influences the life processes of organisms living at depth in the oceans. While filamentous fungi are one of the essential members of deep-sea microorganisms, few works have explored their piezotolerance to HHP. Here, we obtained three homogeneous Aspergillus sydowii from terrestrial, shallow, and hadal areas, respectively, to compare their pressure resistance. A set of all-around evaluation methods including determination of growth rate, metabolic activity, and microscopic staining observation was established and indicated that A. sydowii DM1 from the hadal area displayed significant piezotolerance. Global analysis of transcriptome data under elevated HHP revealed that A. sydowii DM1 proactively modulated cell membrane permeability, hyphae morphology, and septal quantities for seeking a better livelihood under mild pressure. Besides, differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the biosynthesis of amino acids, carbohydrate metabolism, cell process, etc., implying how the filamentous fungi respond to elevated pressure at the molecular level. We speculated that A. sydowii DM1 could acclimatize itself to HHP by adopting several strategies, including environmental response pathway HOG-MAPK, stress proteins, and cellular metabolisms.IMPORTANCEFungi play an ecological and biological function in marine environments, while the physiology of filamentous fungi under high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is an unknown territory due to current technologies. As filamentous fungi are found in various niches, Aspergillus sp. from deep-sea inspire us to the physiological trait of eukaryotes under HHP, which can be considered as a prospective research model. Here, the evaluation methods we constructed would be universal for most filamentous fungi to assess their pressure resistance, and we found that Aspergillus sydowii DM1 from the hadal area owned better piezotolerance and the active metabolisms under HHP indicated the existence of undiscovered metabolic strategies for hadal fungi. Since pressure-related research of marine fungi has been unexpectedly neglected, our study provided an enlightening strategy for them under HHP; we believed that understanding their adaptation and ecological function in original niches will be accelerated in the perceivable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosheng Zhong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqi Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ludan Deng
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiasong Fang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
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Conn BN, Lieberman JA, Chatman P, Cotton K, Essandoh MA, Ebqa’ai M, Nelson TL, Wozniak KL. Antifungal activity of eumelanin-inspired indoylenepheyleneethynylene against Cryptococcus neoformans. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1339303. [PMID: 38293553 PMCID: PMC10826398 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1339303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes meningitis in >152,000 immunocompromised individuals annually, leading to 112,000 yearly deaths. The four classes of existing antifungal agents target plasma membrane sterols (ergosterol), nucleic acid synthesis, and cell wall synthesis. Existing drugs are not highly effective against Cryptococcus, and antifungal drug resistance is an increasing problem. A novel antimicrobial compound, a eumelanin-inspired indoylenepheyleneethynylene, EIPE-1, was synthesized and has antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA), but not towards Gram-negative organisms. Based on EIPE-1's antibacterial activity, we hypothesized that EIPE-1 could have antifungal activity. For these studies, we tested EIPE-1 against C. neoformans strain H99 and 6 additional cryptococcal clinical isolates. We examined antifungal activity, cytotoxicity, effects on fungal gene expression, and mechanism of action of EIPE-1. Results showed that EIPE-1 has fungicidal effects on seven cryptococcal strains with MICs ranging from 1.56 to 3.125 μg/mL depending on the strain, and it is non-toxic to mammalian cells. We conducted scanning and transmission electron microscopy on the exposed cells to examine structural changes to the organism following EIPE-1 treatment. Cells exposed displayed structural changes to their cell wall and membranes, with internal contents leaking out of the cells. To understand the effect of EIPE-1 on fungal gene expression, RNA sequencing was conducted. Results showed that EIPE-1 affects several processes involved stress response, ergosterol biosynthesis, capsule biosynthesis, and cell wall attachment and remodeling. Therefore, our studies demonstrate that EIPE-1 has antifungal activity against C. neoformans, which affects both cellular structure and gene expression of multiple fungal pathways involved in cell membrane stability and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney N. Conn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Jacob A. Lieberman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Priscilla Chatman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Cotton
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Martha A. Essandoh
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Mohammad Ebqa’ai
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Toby L. Nelson
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Karen L. Wozniak
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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Petrucelli MF, Martins-Santana L, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM. Molecular Signaling and Metabolic Responses during the Interaction between Human Keratinocytes (HaCaT) and the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:72. [PMID: 38248981 PMCID: PMC10820588 DOI: 10.3390/jof10010072] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Trichophyton rubrum is the leading causative agent of dermatophytosis worldwide. Keratinocytes are the first line of defense that drives an immune response against fungal invasion. Host-specific pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to trigger immunological pathways. Fungal cell wall components are the primary sources of fungal PAMPs, and some pathogens increase cell wall rearrangement to evade the immune system. Glycolysis and enhanced lactate levels are critical for improving host immune responses to fungal infections. Using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we evaluated the transcriptional responses of human genes involved in fungal recognition and glycolytic metabolism and fungal cell-wall-related genes in a co-culture model of human keratinocytes with T. rubrum. We observed the upregulation of several Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and glycolytic genes. Complementarily, we measured intra- and extracellular glucose levels and the increase in lactate production in the co-culture supernatant. We noted a distinct transcriptional regulation pattern of fungal cell-wall-related genes from fungal growth on keratin as the primary carbon source compared to co-culture with human keratinocytes. Our results showed new insights into the transcriptional adaptation of keratinocytes, particularly in regulating genes involved in sensing and metabolic processes, during the interaction with T. rubrum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nilce Maria Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (M.F.P.); (L.M.-S.); (A.R.)
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47
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Penman R, Kariuki R, Shaw ZL, Dekiwadia C, Christofferson AJ, Bryant G, Vongsvivut J, Bryant SJ, Elbourne A. Gold nanoparticle adsorption alters the cell stiffness and cell wall bio-chemical landscape of Candida albicans fungal cells. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 654:390-404. [PMID: 37852025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.10.017] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Nanomaterials have been extensively investigated for a wide range of biomedical applications, including as antimicrobial agents, drug delivery vehicles, and diagnostic devices. The commonality between these biomedical applications is the necessity for the nanoparticle to interact with or pass through the cellular wall and membrane. Cell-nanomaterial interactions/uptake can occur in various ways, including adhering to the cell wall, forming aggregates on the surface, becoming absorbed within the cell wall itself, or transversing into the cell cytoplasm. These interactions are common to mammalian cells, bacteria, and yeast cells. This variety of interactions can cause changes to the integrity of the cell wall and the cell overall, but the precise mechanisms underpinning such interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the interaction between commonly investigated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the cell wall/membrane of a model fungal cell to explore the general effects of interaction and uptake. EXPERIMENTS The interactions between 100 nm citrate-capped AuNPs and the cell wall of Candida albicans fungal cells were studied using a range of advanced microscopy techniques, including atomic force microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and synchrotron-FTIR micro-spectroscopy. FINDINGS In most cases, particles adhered on the cell surface, although instances of particles being up-taken into the cell cytoplasm and localised within the cell wall and membrane were also observed. There was a measurable increase in the stiffness of the fungal cell after AuNPs were introduced. Analysis of the synchrotron-FTIR data showed significant changes in spectral features associated with phospholipids and proteins after exposure to AuNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Penman
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Rashad Kariuki
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Z L Shaw
- School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Chaitali Dekiwadia
- RMIT Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility (RMMF), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | | | - Gary Bryant
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Jitraporn Vongsvivut
- Infrared Microspectroscopy (IRM) Beamline, ANSTO - Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Saffron J Bryant
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
| | - Aaron Elbourne
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
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Huang LZY, Shaw ZL, Penman R, Cheeseman S, Truong VK, Higgins MJ, Caruso RA, Elbourne A. Cell Adhesion, Elasticity, and Rupture Forces Guide Microbial Cell Death on Nanostructured Antimicrobial Titanium Surfaces. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:344-361. [PMID: 38100088 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00943] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Naturally occurring and synthetic nanostructured surfaces have been widely reported to resist microbial colonization. The majority of these studies have shown that both bacterial and fungal cells are killed upon contact and subsequent surface adhesion to such surfaces. This occurs because the presence of high-aspect-ratio structures can initiate a self-driven mechanical rupture of microbial cells during the surface adsorption process. While this technology has received a large amount of scientific and medical interest, one important question still remains: what factors drive microbial death on the surface? In this work, the interplay between microbial-surface adhesion, cell elasticity, cell membrane rupture forces, and cell lysis at the microbial-nanostructure biointerface during adsorptive processes was assessed using a combination of live confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, in situ amplitude atomic force microscopy, and single-cell force spectroscopy. Specifically, the adsorptive behavior and nanomechanical properties of live Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial cells, as well as the fungal species Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, were assessed on unmodified and nanostructured titanium surfaces. Unmodified titanium and titanium surfaces with nanostructures were used as model substrates for investigation. For all microbial species, cell elasticity, rupture force, maximum cell-surface adhesion force, the work of adhesion, and the cell-surface tether behavior were compared to the relative cell death observed for each surface examined. For cells with a lower elastic modulus, lower force to rupture through the cell, and higher work of adhesion, the surfaces had a higher antimicrobial activity, supporting the proposed biocidal mode of action for nanostructured surfaces. This study provides direct quantification of the differences observed in the efficacy of nanostructured antimicrobial surface as a function of microbial species indicating that a universal, antimicrobial surface architecture may be hard to achieve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Z Y Huang
- Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science, College of STEM, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Z L Shaw
- School of Engineering, College of STEM, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Rowan Penman
- Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science, College of STEM, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Samuel Cheeseman
- Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science, College of STEM, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Graeme Clark Institute, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology & Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Services, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Vi Khanh Truong
- Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science, College of STEM, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Michael J Higgins
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Rachel A Caruso
- Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science, College of STEM, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Aaron Elbourne
- Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science, School of Science, College of STEM, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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49
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Tran NLH, Lam TQ, Duong PVQ, Doan LH, Vu MP, Nguyen KHP, Nguyen KT. Review on the Significant Interactions between Ultrafine Gas Bubbles and Biological Systems. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:984-996. [PMID: 38153335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Having sizes comparable with living cells and high abundance, ultrafine bubbles (UBs) are prone to inevitable interactions with different types of cells and facilitate alterations in physiological properties. The interactions of four typical cell types (e.g., bacterial, fungal, plant, and mammalian cells) with UBs have been studied over recent years. For bacterial cells, UBs have been utilized in creating the capillary force to tear down biofilms. The release of high amounts of heat, pressure, and free radicals during bubble rupture is also found to affect bacterial cell growth. Similarly, the bubble gas core identity plays an important role in the development of fungal cells. By the proposed mechanism of attachment of UBs on hydrophobin proteins in the fungal cell wall, oxygen and ozone gas-filled ultrafine bubbles can either promote or hinder the cell growth rate. On the other hand, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and mass transfer facilitation are two means of indirect interactions between UBs and plant cells. Likewise, the use of different gas cores in generating bubbles can produce different physical effects on these cells, for example, hydrogen gas for antioxidation against infections and oxygen for oxidation of toxic metal ions. For mammalian cells, the importance of investigating their interactions with UBs lies in the bubbles' action on cell viability as membrane poration for drug delivery can greatly affect cells' survival. UBs have been utilized and tested in forming the pores by different methods, ranging from bubble oscillation and microstream generation through acoustic cavitation to bubble implosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Le Hanh Tran
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Thien Quang Lam
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Phuong Vu Quynh Duong
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Linh Hai Doan
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Mai Phuong Vu
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Khang Huy Phuc Nguyen
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Khoi Tan Nguyen
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
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50
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Ul Haq I, Maryam S, Shyntum DY, Khan TA, Li F. Exploring the frontiers of therapeutic breadth of antifungal peptides: A new avenue in antifungal drugs. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 51:kuae018. [PMID: 38710584 PMCID: PMC11119867 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuae018] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The growing prevalence of fungal infections alongside rising resistance to antifungal drugs poses a significant challenge to public health safety. At the close of the 2000s, major pharmaceutical firms began to scale back on antimicrobial research due to repeated setbacks and diminished economic gains, leaving only smaller companies and research labs to pursue new antifungal solutions. Among various natural sources explored for novel antifungal compounds, antifungal peptides (AFPs) emerge as particularly promising. Despite their potential, AFPs receive less focus than their antibacterial counterparts. These peptides have been sourced extensively from nature, including plants, animals, insects, and especially bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, with advancements in recombinant biotechnology and computational biology, AFPs can also be synthesized in lab settings, facilitating peptide production. AFPs are noted for their wide-ranging efficacy, in vitro and in vivo safety, and ability to combat biofilms. They are distinguished by their high specificity, minimal toxicity to cells, and reduced likelihood of resistance development. This review aims to comprehensively cover AFPs, including their sources-both natural and synthetic-their antifungal and biofilm-fighting capabilities in laboratory and real-world settings, their action mechanisms, and the current status of AFP research. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY This comprehensive review of AFPs will be helpful for further research in antifungal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihtisham Ul Haq
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, M. Strzody 9, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Joint Doctoral School, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Inovação Tecnológica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Sajida Maryam
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, M. Strzody 9, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Joint Doctoral School, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Divine Y Shyntum
- Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, B. Krzywoustego 8, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Taj A Khan
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Fan Li
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
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