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Liu Y, Wang R, Liu J, Fan M, Ye Z, Hao Y, Xie F, Wang T, Jiang Y, Liu N, Cui X, Lv Q, Yan L. The vacuolar fusion regulated by HOPS complex promotes hyphal initiation and penetration in Candida albicans. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4131. [PMID: 38755250 PMCID: PMC11099166 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48525-5] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition between yeast and hyphae is crucial for regulating the commensalism and pathogenicity in Candida albicans. The mechanisms that affect the invasion of hyphae in solid media, whose deficiency is more related to the pathogenicity of C. albicans, have not been elucidated. Here, we found that the disruption of VAM6 or VPS41 which are components of the homotypic vacuolar fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex, or the Rab GTPase YPT72, all responsible for vacuole fusion, led to defects in hyphal growth in both liquid and solid media, but more pronounced on solid agar. The phenotypes of vac8Δ/Δ and GTR1OE-vam6Δ/Δ mutants indicated that these deficiencies are mainly caused by the reduced mechanical forces that drive agar and organs penetration, and confirmed that large vacuoles are required for hyphal mechanical penetration. In summary, our study revealed that large vacuoles generated by vacuolar fusion support hyphal penetration and provided a perspective to refocus attention on the role of solid agar in evaluating C. albicans invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Ruina Wang
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Jiacun Liu
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Mengting Fan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Zi Ye
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Yumeng Hao
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Fei Xie
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Ting Wang
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Ningning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyan Cui
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China.
| | - Quanzhen Lv
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
| | - Lan Yan
- Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, PR China.
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2
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Delaney C, Alapati S, Alshehri M, Kubalova D, Veena CLR, Abusrewil S, Short B, Bradshaw D, Brown JL. Investigating the role of Candida albicans as a universal substrate for oral bacteria using a transcriptomic approach: implications for interkingdom biofilm control? APMIS 2023; 131:601-612. [PMID: 37170476 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13327] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is frequently identified as a colonizer of the oral cavity in health and has recently been termed a "keystone" commensal due to its role on the bacterial communities. However, the role that C. albicans plays in such interactions is not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the relationship between C. albicans and bacteria associated with oral symbiosis and dysbiosis. To do this, we evaluated the ability of C. albicans to support the growth of the aerobic commensal Streptococcus gordonii and the anaerobic pathogens Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis in the biofilm environment. RNA-Sequencing with the Illumina platform was then utilized to identify C. albicans gene expression and functional pathways involved during such interactions in dual-species and a 4-species biofilm model. Results indicated that C. albicans was capable of supporting growth of all three bacteria, with a significant increase in colony counts of each bacteria in the dual-species biofilm (p < 0.05). We identified specific functional enrichment of pathways in our 4-species community as well as transcriptional profiles unique to the F. nucleatum and S. gordonii dual-species biofilms, indicating a species-specific effect on C. albicans. Candida-related hemin acquisition and heat shock protein mediated processes were unique to the organism following co-culture with anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, respectively, suggestive that such pathways may be feasible options for therapeutic targeting to interfere with these fungal-bacterial interactions. Targeted antifungal therapy may be considered as an option for biofilm destabilization and treatment of complex communities. Moving forward, we propose that further studies must continue to investigate the role of this fungal organism in the context of the interkingdom nature of oral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Delaney
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network (www.glasgowbiofilms.ac.uk), Glasgow, UK
| | - Susanth Alapati
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network (www.glasgowbiofilms.ac.uk), Glasgow, UK
| | - Muhanna Alshehri
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network (www.glasgowbiofilms.ac.uk), Glasgow, UK
| | - Dominika Kubalova
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network (www.glasgowbiofilms.ac.uk), Glasgow, UK
| | - Chandra Lekha Ramalingham Veena
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network (www.glasgowbiofilms.ac.uk), Glasgow, UK
| | - Sumaya Abusrewil
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network (www.glasgowbiofilms.ac.uk), Glasgow, UK
| | - Bryn Short
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network (www.glasgowbiofilms.ac.uk), Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Jason L Brown
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network (www.glasgowbiofilms.ac.uk), Glasgow, UK
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3
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Wei Y, Qiu J, Han Z, Wang X, Zhang H, Hou X, Lv X, Mao X. Antifungal bio-coating of endotracheal tube built by overexpressing the MCP1 gene of Saccharomyces boulardii and employing hydrogel as a "house" to antagonize Candida albicans. Biomater Res 2023; 27:97. [PMID: 37798667 PMCID: PMC10557164 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For some ICU patients, an artificial airway must be established with an endotracheal tube, but Candida albicans can easily adhere to the tube surface and form a biofilm, leading to potentially life threatening fungal infections. Therefore, it is urgent to prevent and reduce C. albicans infections introduced by the endotracheal tube. However, there are few antifungal drugs effective against C. albicans, and each of these drugs may have adverse effects on human cells. Saccharomyces boulardii is regarded as an alternative strategy to inhibit the adhesion of C. albicans, but it is affected by environmental stress. We hypothesized that it is feasible to strengthen the antagonistic ability of S. boulardii via encapsulating and genetically modification. METHODS In this study, a bioactive material carrying the overexpressed MCP1 gene of Saccharomyces boulardii was constructed based on one-step photo-crosslinking. This material achieved spatial growth control of S. boulardii by encapsulating each S. boulardii cell within a hydrogel pore. The bioactive material was coated on an endotracheal tube and tested for its ability to inhibit the adhesion of C. albicans. Additionally, the material's antagonistic activity towards C. albicans was evaluated by detecting intracellular Adenosine-triphosphate content, reactive oxygen species level and the activity of antioxidative enzymes. Tissue invasion experiment was executed to further evaluate the anti-adhesion ability of S. boulardii bio-coating. RESULTS Encapsulating the overexpression of MCP1 by S. boulardii in hydrogel pores enhanced the viability of probiotics in the presence of high salt and oxidation stress. When used as the coating of an endotracheal tube, the S. boulardii bioactive material efficiently inhibited the adhesion of C. albicans by impairing the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and disturbing mitochondrial functions. In vivo, the S. boulardii bioactive material coating displayed good biocompatibility and reduced the host tissue invasion and virulence of C. albicans. CONCLUSIONS The integration of genetic modification and immobilization model breaks the bottleneck of previous application of microorganisms, and provides a new way to prevent fungal infections introduced by endotracheal tubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Wei
- School of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, 271016, China
- School of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, 271000, China
| | - Jianfeng Qiu
- School of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, 271000, China
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Ziqiang Han
- School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China
| | - Xuanyi Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China
| | - Xinya Hou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Xiangwei Lv
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Xiaolong Mao
- School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China.
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4
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Gao G, Niu S, Liu T, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Shi Z, Chen S, Wu M, Li G, Ma T. Fabrication of bacterial cellulose composites with antimicrobial properties by in situ modification utilizing the specific function-suspension containing water-insoluble magnolol. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 239:124329. [PMID: 37019196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
In situ modification is commonly employed for Bacterial cellulose (BC) functionalization. However, water-insoluble modifiers are usually deposited at the bottom of the medium, therefore cannot be used for in situ modification of BC. Herein, a novel strategy for in situ modification of insoluble modifiers after suspension by a suspending agent was proposed. The BC-producing strain Kosakonia oryzendophytica FY-07, not Gluconacetobacter xylinus, was selected to prepare BC products with antibacterial activity because of its tolerance to natural antibacterial products. The experimental results showed that xanthan gum as a suspending agent can uniformly and stably disperse water-insoluble plant extracts magnolol in the culture medium to prepare the in situ modified BC products. Characterization of the properties showed that the in situ modified BC products have reduced crystallinity, significantly increased swelling ratio and strong inhibition on Gram-positive bacteria and fungi and weak inhibition on Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the in situ modified BC products had no toxicity to cells. This study provided a feasible strategy for in situ modification of BC using water-insoluble modifiers to extend BC functionality and has significant implications for the biopolymer industry.
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5
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Mao X, Peng L, Yang L, Zhu M, Du J, Ma C, Yu Q, Li M. Vacuole and mitochondria patch (vCLAMP) and ER-mitochondria encounter structure (ERMES) maintain cell survival by protecting mitochondrial functions in Candida albicans. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 591:88-94. [PMID: 34999259 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.12.116] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an important opportunistic fungus in the clinic. In recent years, with the widespread use of antibiotics, drug-resistant strains have been isolated in the clinic, so finding new drug targets has become an urgent problem to be solved. The vacuole and mitochondria patch (vCLAMP) and the ER-mitochondria encounter structure (ERMES) are new types of inner membrane junction systems in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the functions in maintaining cell survival of the two structures have not yet been elucidated in C. albicans. In this study, VAM6 and MDM34 knockout mutants (vam6Δ/Δmet-MDM34) were constructed using an induction system regulated by the MET3 promoter. PI-positive assays showed that deletion of vCLAMP and ERMES led to abnormal growth of C. albicans. Furthermore, the vam6Δ/Δmet-MDM34 mutant exhibited obvious mitochondrial fragmentation, mtDNA damage, reduced ATP levels, and abnormal mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating its important role in maintaining the structures and functions of mitochondria. Moreover, deletion of vCLAMP and ERMES inhibited filamentous growth. Overall This study shows that vCLAMP and ERMES play important roles in maintaining the survival of C. albicans cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Mao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, 250000, China
| | - Liping Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mengsen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jiawen Du
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Congcong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Mingchun Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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6
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Hu G, Bakkeren E, Caza M, Horianopoulos L, Sánchez-León E, Sorensen M, Jung W, Kronstad JW. Vam6/Vps39/TRAP1-domain proteins influence vacuolar morphology, iron acquisition and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13400. [PMID: 34800311 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans must overcome iron limitation to cause disease in mammalian hosts. Previously, we reported a screen for insertion mutants with poor growth on haem as the sole iron source. In this study, we characterised one such mutant and found that the defective gene encoded a Vam6/Vps39/TRAP1 domain-containing protein required for robust growth on haem, an important iron source in host tissue. We designated this protein Vps3 based on reciprocal best matches with the corresponding protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. C. neoformans encodes a second Vam6/Vps39/TRAP1 domain-containing protein designated Vam6/Vlp1, and we found that this protein is also required for robust growth on haem as well as on inorganic iron sources. This protein is predicted to be a component of the homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting complex involved in endocytosis. Further characterisation of the vam6Δ and vps3Δ mutants revealed perturbed trafficking of iron acquisition functions (e.g., the high affinity iron permease Cft1) and impaired processing of the transcription factor Rim101, a regulator of haem and iron acquisition. The vps3Δ and vam6Δ mutants also had pleiotropic phenotypes including loss of virulence in a mouse model of cryptococcosis, reduced virulence factor elaboration and increased susceptibility to stress, indicating pleiotropic roles for Vps3 and Vam6 beyond haem use in C. neoformans. TAKE AWAYS: Two Vam6/Vps39/TRAP1-domain proteins, Vps3 and Vam6, support the growth of Cryptococcus neoformans on haem. Loss of Vps3 and Vam6 influences the trafficking and expression of iron uptake proteins. Loss of Vps3 or Vam6 eliminates the ability of C. neoformans to cause disease in a mouse model of cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanggan Hu
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Erik Bakkeren
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mélissa Caza
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Larissa Yarr Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Kelowna General Hospital, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Linda Horianopoulos
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eddy Sánchez-León
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melanie Sorensen
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wonhee Jung
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - James W Kronstad
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Chang CK, Kao MC, Lan CY. Antimicrobial Activity of the Peptide LfcinB15 against Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070519. [PMID: 34209722 PMCID: PMC8306953 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferricin (Lfcin) is an amphipathic, cationic peptide derived from proteolytic cleavage of the N-lobe of lactoferrin (Lf). Lfcin and its derivatives possess broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities. However, unlike their antibacterial functions, the modes of action of Lfcin and its derivatives against pathogenic fungi are less well understood. In this study, the mechanisms of LfcinB15, a derivative of bovine Lfcin, against Candida albicans were, therefore, extensively investigated. LfcinB15 exhibited inhibitory activity against planktonic cells, biofilm cells, and clinical isolates of C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species. We further demonstrated that LfcinB15 is localized on the cell surface and vacuoles of C. albicans cells. Moreover, LfcinB15 uses several different methods to kill C. albicans, including disturbing the cell membrane, inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, the Hog1 and Mkc1 mitogen-activated protein kinases were both activated in C. albicans cells in response to LfcinB15. These findings help us to obtain more insight into the complex mechanisms used by LfcinB15 and other Lfcin-derived peptides to fight fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Kang Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Mou-Chieh Kao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-C.K.); ; (C.-Y.L.); Tel.: +886-3-5742473 (M.-C.K.); +886-3-5742472 (C.-Y.L.)
| | - Chung-Yu Lan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-C.K.); ; (C.-Y.L.); Tel.: +886-3-5742473 (M.-C.K.); +886-3-5742472 (C.-Y.L.)
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8
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Mao X, Yang L, Yu D, Ma T, Ma C, Wang J, Yu Q, Li M. The Vacuole and Mitochondria Patch (vCLAMP) Protein Vam6 is Crucial for Autophagy in Candida albicans. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:477-486. [PMID: 34057669 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Vacuole and mitochondria patches (vCLAMPs) are involved in the stress resistance of yeast, but their exact role in autophagy remains so far unclear. This study, for the first time, investigated the role of the vCLAMP core protein Vam6 in autophagy of Candida albicans. The experiments demonstrated that the deletion of VAM6 led to a growth defect under nitrogen starvation. Also, western blotting revealed that the vam6Δ/Δ mutant attenuated degradation of Atg8 (an autophagy indicator), Lap41 (an indicator of the cytoplasm to vacuole targeting pathway), and Csp37 (a mitophagy indicator). Moreover, the activity of carboxypeptidase Y and the levels of the vacuolar phospholipase Atg15 were significantly decreased in the mutant, which confirmed the defect of autophagy caused by deletion of VAM6. Overall, these results revealed that Vam6 is essential in maintaining the autophagic process under nitrogen starvation, and this provided new insights into the correlation between vCLAMPs and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Mao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Department of Microbiology, College of LifeSciences, Nankai University, No. 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Li Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Department of Microbiology, College of LifeSciences, Nankai University, No. 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Dixiong Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Department of Microbiology, College of LifeSciences, Nankai University, No. 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Tianyu Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Department of Microbiology, College of LifeSciences, Nankai University, No. 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Congcong Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Department of Microbiology, College of LifeSciences, Nankai University, No. 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jiazhen Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Department of Microbiology, College of LifeSciences, Nankai University, No. 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qilin Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Department of Microbiology, College of LifeSciences, Nankai University, No. 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mingchun Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Department of Microbiology, College of LifeSciences, Nankai University, No. 94, Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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