1
|
Salama EA, Elgammal Y, Wijeratne A, Lanman NA, Utturkar SM, Farhangian A, Li J, Meunier B, Hazbun TR, Seleem MN. Lansoprazole interferes with fungal respiration and acts synergistically with amphotericin B against multidrug-resistant Candida auris. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2322649. [PMID: 38431850 PMCID: PMC10911247 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2322649] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a problematic fungal pathogen associated with high morbidity and mortality. Amphotericin B (AmB) is the most effective antifungal used to treat invasive fungal candidiasis, with resistance rarely observed among clinical isolates. However, C. auris possesses extraordinary resistant profiles against all available antifungal drugs, including AmB. In our pursuit of potential solutions, we screened a panel of 727 FDA-approved drugs. We identified the proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole (LNP) as a potent enhancer of AmB's activity against C. auris. LNP also potentiates the antifungal activity of AmB against other medically important species of Candida and Cryptococcus. Our investigations into the mechanism of action unveiled that LNP metabolite(s) interact with a crucial target in the mitochondrial respiratory chain (complex III, known as cytochrome bc1). This interaction increases oxidative stress within fungal cells. Our results demonstrated the critical role of an active respiratory function in the antifungal activity of LNP. Most importantly, LNP restored the efficacy of AmB in an immunocompromised mouse model, resulting in a 1.7-log (∼98%) CFU reduction in the burden of C. auris in the kidneys. Our findings strongly advocate for a comprehensive evaluation of LNP as a cytochrome bc1 inhibitor for combating drug-resistant C. auris infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehab A. Salama
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Yehia Elgammal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Aruna Wijeratne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nadia A. Lanman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Sagar M. Utturkar
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Atena Farhangian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jianing Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Brigitte Meunier
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Tony R. Hazbun
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Mohamed N. Seleem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kumbhar V, Gaiki S, Shelar A, Nikam V, Patil R, Kumbhar A, Gugale G, Pawar R, Khairnar B. Mining for antifungal agents to inhibit biofilm formation of Candida albicans: A study on green synthesis, antibiofilm, cytotoxicity, and in silico ADME analysis of 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitrile derivatives. Microb Pathog 2024; 196:106926. [PMID: 39270755 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106926] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) biofilm infections are quite difficult to manage due to their resistance against conventional antifungal drugs. To address this issue, there is a desperate need for new therapeutic drugs. In the present study, a green and efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 2-amino-4H-pyran-3-carbonitrile scaffolds 4a-i, 6a-j, and 8a-g by Knoevenagel-Michael-cyclocondensation reaction between aldehydes, malononitrile, and diverse enolizable C-H activated acidic compounds using guanidinium carbonate as a catalyst either under grinding conditions or by stirring at room temperature. This protocol is operationally simple, rapid, inexpensive, has easy workup and column-free purification. A further investigation of the synthesized compounds was conducted to examine their antifungal potential and their ability to inhibit the growth and development of biofilm-forming yeasts like fungus C. albicans. According to our findings, 4b, 4d, 4e, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6i, 8c, 8d, and 8g were found to be active and potential inhibitors for biofilm infection causing C. albicans. The inhibition of biofilm by active compounds were observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Biofilm inhibiting compounds were also tested for in vitro toxicity by using 3T3-L1 cell line, and 4b, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6i, 8c, and 8d were found to be biocompatible. Furthermore, the in silico ADME descriptors revealed drug-like properties with no violation of Lipinski's rule of five. Hence, the result suggested that synthesized derivatives could serve as a useful aid in the development of novel antifungal compounds for the treatment of fungal infections and virulence in C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikrant Kumbhar
- Department of Chemistry, PDEA's Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune, 411044, India; Interdisciplinary School of Science (IDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
| | - Sagar Gaiki
- Interdisciplinary School of Science (IDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
| | - Amruta Shelar
- Department of Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India.
| | - Vandana Nikam
- Department of Pharmacology, STES's Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Pharmacy, Pune, 411048, India.
| | - Rajendra Patil
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India.
| | - Avinash Kumbhar
- Interdisciplinary School of Science (IDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
| | - Gulab Gugale
- Department of Chemistry, PDEA's Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune, 411044, India.
| | - Ramdas Pawar
- Department of Chemistry, PDEA's Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune, 411044, India.
| | - Bhushan Khairnar
- Department of Chemistry, PDEA's Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune, 411044, India; Interdisciplinary School of Science (IDSS), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mursaleen S, Sarfraz A, Shehroz M, Zaman A, Rahman FU, Moura AA, Sheheryar S, Aziz S, Ullah R, Iqbal Z, Nishan U, Shah M, Sun W. Genome-level therapeutic targets identification and chimeric Vaccine designing against the Blastomyces dermatitidis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36153. [PMID: 39224264 PMCID: PMC11367477 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36153] [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: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Blastomyces dermatitidis is a thermally dimorphic fungus that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, including blastomycosis. After spore inhalation, a pulmonary infection develops, which can be asymptomatic and have lethal effects, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. Its most common extra-pulmonary sites are the central nervous system, bones, skin, and genito-urinary systems. Currently, no vaccine has been approved by the FDA to prevent this infection. In the study, a peptide-based vaccine was developed against blastomycosis by using subtractive proteomics and reverse vaccinology approaches. It focuses on mining the whole genome of B. dermatitidis, identifying potential therapeutic targets, and pinpointing potential epitopes for both B- and T-cells that are immunogenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and highly antigenic. Multi-epitope constructs were generated by incorporating appropriate linker sequences. A linker (EAAAK) was also added to incorporate an adjuvant sequence to increase immunological potential. The addition of adjuvants and linkers ultimately resulted in the formation of a vaccine construct in which the number of amino acids was 243 and the molecular weight was 26.18 kDa. The designed antigenic and non-allergenic vaccine constructs showed suitable physicochemical properties. The vaccine's structures were predicted, and further analysis verified their interactions with the human TLR-4 receptor through protein-protein docking. Additionally, MD simulation showed a potent interaction between prioritized vaccine-receptor complexes. Immune simulation predicted that the final vaccine injections resulted in significant immune responses for the T- and B-cell immune responses. Moreover, in silico cloning ensured a high expression possibility of the lead vaccine in the E. coli (K12) vector. This study offers an initiative for the development of effective vaccines against B. dermatitidis; however, it is necessary to validate the designed vaccine's immunogenicity experimentally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sawvara Mursaleen
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan-66000, Pakistan
| | - Asifa Sarfraz
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan-66000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shehroz
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kohsar University Murree, Murree-47150, Pakistan
| | - Aqal Zaman
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan-66000, Pakistan
| | - Faiz U Rahman
- Department of Zoology, Shangla Campus, University of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Arlindo A. Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Sheheryar Sheheryar
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Shahid Aziz
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University P.O. Box 7805, Riyadh, 11472, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Umar Nishan
- Department of Chemistry, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Mohibullah Shah
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan-66000, Pakistan
| | - Wenwen Sun
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, 213004, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vargas-Casanova Y, Bravo-Chaucanés CP, Fuentes SDLC, Martinez-Lopez R, Monteoliva L, Gil C, Rivera-Monroy ZJ, Costa GM, Castañeda JEG, Parra-Giraldo CM. Antifungal Synergy: Mechanistic Insights into the R-1-R Peptide and Bidens pilosa Extract as Potent Therapeutics against Candida spp. through Proteomics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8938. [PMID: 39201622 PMCID: PMC11354716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168938] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous reports have demonstrated that the peptide derived from LfcinB, R-1-R, exhibits anti-Candida activity, which is enhanced when combined with an extract from the Bidens pilosa plant. However, the mechanism of action remains unexplored. In this research, a proteomic study was carried out, followed by a bioinformatic analysis and biological assays in both the SC5314 strain and a fluconazole-resistant isolate of Candida albicans after incubation with R-1-R. The proteomic data revealed that treatment with R-1-R led to the up-regulation of most differentially expressed proteins compared to the controls in both strains. These proteins are primarily involved in membrane and cell wall biosynthesis, membrane transport, oxidative stress response, the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and DNA damage response. Additionally, proteomic analysis of the C. albicans parental strain SC5314 treated with R-1-R combined with an ethanolic extract of B. pilosa was performed. The differentially expressed proteins following this combined treatment were involved in similar functional processes as those treated with the R-1-R peptide alone but were mostly down-regulated (data are available through ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD053558). Biological assays validated the proteomic results, evidencing cell surface damage, reactive oxygen species generation, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings provide insights into the complex antifungal mechanisms of the R-1-R peptide and its combination with the B. pilosa extract, potentially informing future studies on natural product derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yerly Vargas-Casanova
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (Y.V.-C.); (C.P.B.-C.)
| | | | | | - Raquel Martinez-Lopez
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.-L.); (L.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Lucía Monteoliva
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.-L.); (L.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Concha Gil
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.-L.); (L.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Zuly Jenny Rivera-Monroy
- Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional of Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (Z.J.R.-M.); (J.E.G.C.)
| | - Geison Modesti Costa
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
| | | | - Claudia Marcela Parra-Giraldo
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (Y.V.-C.); (C.P.B.-C.)
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.M.-L.); (L.M.); (C.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gupta P, Meher MK, Tripathi S, Poluri KM. Nanoformulations for dismantling fungal biofilms: The latest arsenals of antifungal therapy. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 98:101290. [PMID: 38945048 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101290] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Globally, fungal infections have evolved as a strenuous challenge for clinicians, particularly in patients with compromised immunity in intensive care units. Fungal co-infection in Covid-19 patients has made the situation more formidable for healthcare practitioners. Surface adhered fungal population known as biofilm often develop at the diseased site to elicit antifungal tolerance and recalcitrant traits. Thus, an innovative strategy is required to impede/eradicate developed biofilm and avoid the formation of new colonies. The development of nanocomposite-based antibiofilm solutions is the most appropriate way to withstand and dismantle biofilm structures. Nanocomposites can be utilized as a drug delivery medium and for fabrication of anti-biofilm surfaces capable to resist fungal colonization. In this context, the present review comprehensively described different forms of nanocomposites and mode of their action against fungal biofilms. Amongst various nanocomposites, efficacy of metal/organic nanoparticles and nanofibers are particularly emphasized to highlight their role in the pursuit of antibiofilm strategies. Further, the inevitable concern of nanotoxicology has also been introduced and discussed with the exigent need of addressing it while developing nano-based therapies. Further, a list of FDA-approved nano-based antifungal formulations for therapeutic usage available to date has been described. Collectively, the review highlights the potential, scope, and future of nanocomposite-based antibiofilm therapeutics to address the fungal biofilm management issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Payal Gupta
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India; Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Demmed to be Unievrsity), Dehradun, 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Meher
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shweta Tripathi
- 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.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lai Z, Yuan X, Chen W, Chen H, Li B, Bi Z, Lyu Y, Shan A. Design of Proteolytic-Resistant Antifungal Peptides by Utilizing Minimum d-Amino Acid Ratios. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10891-10905. [PMID: 38934239 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Antifungal peptides are an appealing alternative to standard antifungal medicines due to their unique mechanism of action and low-level resistance. However, their susceptibility to protease degradation keeps hindering their future development. Herein, a library was established to design peptides with protease resistance and high antifungal activity. The peptides were incorporated with minimal D-amino acids to further improve the protease stability. The most active peptide, IR3, demonstrated good antifungal activity and low toxicity, and its molecular integrity was maintained after protease hydrolysis for 8 h at 2 mg/mL. Furthermore, IR3 could permeate the fungal cell wall, disrupt the cell membrane, produce reactive oxygen species, and induce apoptosis in fungal cells. In vivo experiments confirmed that IR3 could effectively treat fungal keratitis. Collectively, these findings suggest that IR3 is a promising antifungal agent and may be beneficial in the design and development of protease-resistant antifungal peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenheng Lai
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojie Yuan
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Wenwen Chen
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Bowen Li
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Zhongpeng Bi
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Yinfeng Lyu
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Anshan Shan
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lanze CE, Konopka JB. Sur7 mediates a novel pathway for PI 4,5P 2 regulation in C. albicans that promotes stress resistance and cell wall morphogenesis. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar99. [PMID: 38776129 PMCID: PMC11244165 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-08-0324] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans can cause lethal systemic infections due to its ability to resist stress from the host and to undergo invasive hyphal growth. Previous studies showed that plasma membrane MCC/eisosome domains were important for virulence by promoting the ability of Sur7 to mediate normal cell wall morphogenesis and stress resistance. The sur7Δ mutant displayed abnormal clusters of PI4,5P2, suggesting that misregulation of this lipid underlies the sur7Δ phenotype. To test this, we increased PI4,5P2 levels by deleting combinations of the three PI4,5P2 5' phosphatase genes (INP51, INP52, and INP54) and found that some combinations, such as inp51Δ inp52Δ, gave phenotypes similar the sur7Δ mutant. In contrast, deleting one copy of MSS4, the gene that encodes the 5' kinase needed to create PI4,5P2, reduced the abnormal PI4,5P2 clusters and also decreased the abnormal cell wall and stress sensitive phenotypes of the sur7Δ mutant. Additional studies support a model that the abnormal PI4,5P2 patches recruit septin proteins, which in turn promote aberrant cell wall growth. These results identify Sur7 as a novel regulator of PI4,5P2 and highlight the critical role of PI4,5P2 in the regulation of C. albicans virulence properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla E. Lanze
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5222
| | - James B. Konopka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5222
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xiong J, Wang L, Feng Y, Zhen C, Hang S, Yu J, Lu H, Jiang Y. Geldanamycin confers fungicidal properties to azole by triggering the activation of succinate dehydrogenase. Life Sci 2024; 348:122699. [PMID: 38718854 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122699] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Azoles have been widely employed for the treatment of invasive fungal diseases; however, their efficacy is diminished as pathogenic fungi tolerate them due to their fungistatic properties. Geldanamycin (GdA) can render azoles fungicidal by inhibiting the ATPase and molecular chaperone activities of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). Nonetheless, the clinical applicability of GdA is restricted due to its cytotoxic ansamycin scaffold structure, its induction of cytoprotective heat shock responses, and the conservative nature of Hsp90. Hence, it is imperative to elucidate the mechanism of action of GdA to confer fungicidal properties to azoles and mitigate the toxic adverse effects associated with GdA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Through various experimental methods, including the construction of gene-deleted Candida albicans mutants, in vitro drug sensitivity experiments, Western blot analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, and succinate dehydrogenase activity assays, we identified Hsp90 client proteins associated with the tolerance of C. albicans to azoles. KEY FINDINGS It was observed that GdA effectively hindered the entry of Hsp90 into mitochondria, resulting in the alleviation of inhibitory effect of Hsp90 on succinate dehydrogenase. Consequently, the activation of succinate dehydrogenase led to an increased production of ROS. within the mitochondria, thereby facilitating the antifungal effects of azoles against C. albicans. SIGNIFICANCE This research presents a novel approach for conferring fungicidal properties to azoles, which involves specifically disrupting the interaction of between Hsp90 and succinate dehydrogenase rather than employing a non-specific inhibition of ATPase activity of Hsp90.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xiong
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanru Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Cheng Zhen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Sijin Hang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jinhua Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Basrani ST, Kadam NS, Yadav DV, Patil SB, Mohan Karuppayil S, Jadhav AK. Antifungal Activity of Mefloquine Against Candida albicans Growth and Virulence Factors: Insights Into Mode of Action. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:213. [PMID: 38847863 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03739-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The antimalarial drug Mefloquine has demonstrated antifungal activity against growth and virulence factors of Candida albicans. The current study focused on the identification of Mefloquine's mode of action in C. albicans by performing cell susceptibility assay, biofilm assay, live and dead assay, propidium iodide uptake assay, ergosterol quantification assay, cell cycle study, and gene expression studies by RT-PCR. Mefloquine inhibited the virulence factors in C. albicans, such as germ tube formation and biofilm formation at 0.125 and 1 mg/ml, respectively. Mefloquine-treated cells showed a decrease in the quantity of ergosterol content of cell membrane in a concentration-dependent manner. Mefloquine (0.25 mg/ml) arrested C. albicans cells at the G2/M phase and S phase of the cell cycle thereby preventing the progression of the normal yeast cell cycle. ROS level was measured to find out oxidative stress in C. albicans in the presence of mefloquine. The study revealed that, mefloquine was found to enhance the ROS level and subsequently oxidative stress. Gene expression studies revealed that mefloquine treatment upregulates the expressions of SOD1, SOD2, and CAT1 genes in C. albicans. In vivo, the antifungal efficacy of mefloquine was confirmed in mice for systemic candidiasis and it was found that there was a decrease in the pathogenesis of C. albicans after the treatment of mefloquine in mice. In conclusion, mefloquine can be used as a repurposed drug as an alternative drug against Candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sargun T Basrani
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine & Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, DY Patil Education Society (Deemed to Be University), Kasaba Bawada, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416006, India
| | - Nandakumar S Kadam
- iSERA Biological Pvt Ltd. MIDC Shirala, Sangli, Maharashtra, 415408, India
| | | | - Shivani B Patil
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine & Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, DY Patil Education Society (Deemed to Be University), Kasaba Bawada, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416006, India
| | - S Mohan Karuppayil
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine & Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, DY Patil Education Society (Deemed to Be University), Kasaba Bawada, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416006, India.
| | - Ashwini K Jadhav
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine & Medical Biotechnology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, DY Patil Education Society (Deemed to Be University), Kasaba Bawada, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416006, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liao M, Xia X, Meng Q, Zhu C, Liao B, Wang J, Gou L, Zhou X, Yuan W, Cheng L, Ren B. Holotoxin A 1 from Apostichopus japonicus inhibited oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis by inducing oxidative damage in Candida albicans. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1857-1873. [PMID: 38382564 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16333] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The holotoxin A1, isolated from Apostichopus japonicus, exhibits potent antifungal activities, but the mechanism and efficacy against candidiasis are unclear. In this study we have studied the antifungal effects and mechanism of holotoxin A1 against Candida albicans and in murine oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The antifungal effect of holotoxin A1 against C. albicans was tested in vitro. To explore the antifungal mechanism of holotoxin A1, the transcriptome, ROS levels, and mitochondrial function of C. albicans was evaluated. Effectiveness and systematic toxicity of holotoxin A1 in vivo was assessed in the oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis models in mice. KEY RESULTS Holotoxin A1 was a potent fungicide against C. albicans SC5314, clinical strains and drug-resistant strains. Holotoxin A1 inhibited oxidative phosphorylation and induced oxidative damage by increasing intracellular accumulation of ROS in C. albicans. Holotoxin A1 induced dysfunction of mitochondria by depolarizing the mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing the production of ATP. Holotoxin A1 directly inhibited the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial complex I and antagonized with the rotenone, an inhibitor of complex I, against C. albicans. Meanwhile, the complex I subunit NDH51 null mutants showed a decreased susceptibility to holotoxin A1. Furthermore, holotoxin A1 significantly reduced fungal burden and infections with no significant systemic toxicity in oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis in murine models. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Holotoxin A1 is a promising candidate for the development of novel antifungal agents against both oropharyngeal and intra-abdominal candidiasis, especially when caused by drug-resistant strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuekui Xia
- Biology Institute, Key Laboratory of Bio-manufacturing of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Qingzhou Meng
- Biology Institute, Key Laboratory of Bio-manufacturing of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Chengguang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Binyou Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiannan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lichen Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenpeng Yuan
- Biology Institute, Key Laboratory of Bio-manufacturing of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Biao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Arruda MFC, da Silva Ramos RCP, de Oliveira NS, Rosa RT, Stuelp-Campelo PM, Bianchini LF, Villas-Bôas SG, Rosa EAR. Central Carbon Metabolism in Candida albicans Biofilms Is Altered by Dimethyl Sulfoxide. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:337. [PMID: 38786692 PMCID: PMC11121877 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050337] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on fungal metabolism has not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate, by metabolomics, the impact of DMSO on the central carbon metabolism of Candida albicans. Biofilms of C. albicans SC5314 were grown on paper discs, using minimum mineral (MM) medium, in a dynamic continuous flow system. The two experimental conditions were control and 0.03% DMSO (v/v). After 72 h of incubation (37 °C), the biofilms were collected and the metabolites were extracted. The extracted metabolites were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The experiment was conducted using five replicates on three independent occasions. The GC/MS analysis identified 88 compounds. Among the 88 compounds, the levels of 27 compounds were markedly different between the two groups. The DMSO group exhibited enhanced levels of putrescine and glutathione and decreased levels of methionine and lysine. Additionally, the DMSO group exhibited alterations in 13 metabolic pathways involved in primary and secondary cellular metabolism. Among the 13 altered pathways, seven were downregulated and six were upregulated in the DMSO group. These results indicated a differential intracellular metabolic profile between the untreated and DMSO-treated biofilms. Hence, DMSO was demonstrated to affect the metabolic pathways of C. albicans. These results suggest that DMSO may influence the results of laboratory tests when it is used as a solvent. Hence, the use of DMSO as a solvent must be carefully considered in drug research, as the effect of the researched drugs may not be reliably translated into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Cordeiro Arruda
- Graduate Program on Dentistry, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (M.F.C.A.); (R.C.P.d.S.R.)
| | - Romeu Cassiano Pucci da Silva Ramos
- Graduate Program on Dentistry, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (M.F.C.A.); (R.C.P.d.S.R.)
| | - Nicoly Subtil de Oliveira
- Graduate Program on Animal Sciences, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil;
| | - Rosimeire Takaki Rosa
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (R.T.R.); (P.M.S.-C.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Patrícia Maria Stuelp-Campelo
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (R.T.R.); (P.M.S.-C.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Luiz Fernando Bianchini
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (R.T.R.); (P.M.S.-C.); (L.F.B.)
| | | | - Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro Rosa
- Graduate Program on Dentistry, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (M.F.C.A.); (R.C.P.d.S.R.)
- Graduate Program on Animal Sciences, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil;
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil; (R.T.R.); (P.M.S.-C.); (L.F.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kaur J, Tiwari N, Asif MH, Dharmesh V, Naseem M, Srivastava PK, Srivastava S. Integrated genome-transcriptome analysis unveiled the mechanism of Debaryomyces hansenii-mediated arsenic stress amelioration in rice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133954. [PMID: 38484657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133954] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Globally, rice is becoming more vulnerable to arsenic (As) pollution, posing a serious threat to public food safety. Previously Debaryomyces hansenii was found to reduce grain As content of rice. To better understand the underlying mechanism, we performed a genome analysis to identify the key genes in D. hansenii responsible for As tolerance and plant growth promotion. Notably, genes related to As resistance (ARR, Ycf1, and Yap) were observed in the genome of D. hansenii. The presence of auxin pathway and glutathione metabolism-related genes may explain the plant growth-promoting potential and As tolerance mechanism of this novel yeast strain. The genome annotation of D. hansenii indicated that it contains a repertoire of genes encoding antioxidants, well corroborated with the in vitro studies of GST, GR, and glutathione content. In addition, the effect of D. hansenii on gene expression profiling of rice plants under As stress was also examined. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database revealed 307 genes, annotated in D. hansenii-treated rice, related to metabolic pathways (184), photosynthesis (12), glutathione (10), tryptophan (4), and biosynthesis of secondary metabolite (117). Higher expression of regulatory elements like AUX/IAA and WRKY transcription factors (TFs), and defense-responsive genes dismutases, catalases, peroxiredoxin, and glutaredoxins during D. hansenii+As exposure was also observed. Combined analysis revealed that D. hansenii genes are contributing to stress mitigation in rice by supporting plant growth and As-tolerance. The study lays the foundation to develop yeast as a beneficial biofertilizer for As-prone areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder Kaur
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Nikita Tiwari
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Mehar Hasan Asif
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Varsha Dharmesh
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mariya Naseem
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Srivastava
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Suchi Srivastava
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Arribas V, Monteoliva L, Hernáez ML, Gil C, Molero G. Unravelling the Role of Candida albicans Prn1 in the Oxidative Stress Response through a Proteomics Approach. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:527. [PMID: 38790632 PMCID: PMC11118716 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050527] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans Prn1 is a protein with an unknown function similar to mammalian Pirin. It also has orthologues in other pathogenic fungi, but not in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Prn1 highly increases its abundance in response to H2O2 treatment; thus, to study its involvement in the oxidative stress response, a C. albicans prn1∆ mutant and the corresponding wild-type strain SN250 have been studied. Under H2O2 treatment, Prn1 absence led to a higher level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a lower survival rate, with a higher percentage of death by apoptosis, confirming its relevant role in oxidative detoxication. The quantitative differential proteomics studies of both strains in the presence and absence of H2O2 indicated a lower increase in proteins with oxidoreductase activity after the treatment in the prn1∆ strain, as well as an increase in proteasome-activating proteins, corroborated by in vivo measurements of proteasome activity, with respect to the wild type. In addition, remarkable differences in the abundance of some transcription factors were observed between mutant and wild-type strains, e.g., Mnl1 or Nrg1, an Mnl1 antagonist. orf19.4850, a protein orthologue to S. cerevisiae Cub1, has shown its involvement in the response to H2O2 and in proteasome function when Prn1 is highly expressed in the wild type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Arribas
- University of Salamanca (USAL), 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.); (G.M.)
- Ramon y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Monteoliva
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.); (G.M.)
- Ramon y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Luisa Hernáez
- Proteomics Unit, Biological Techniques Center, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Concha Gil
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.); (G.M.)
- Ramon y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Proteomics Unit, Biological Techniques Center, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Gloria Molero
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.); (G.M.)
- Ramon y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bharti S, Singh B, Kumar S, Kumar R, Kumar J. Synthesis of bio-stabilized silver nanoparticles using Roccella montagnei, their anticandidal capacities & potential to inhibit the virulence factors in fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:158. [PMID: 38592601 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03928-w] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Candida species is the causative agent in approximately 80% of invasive mycoses and drug-resistant Candida albicans is among the four strains of 'critical priority group' framed by WHO. Lichens are endowed with some rare phytochemicals and a plethora of therapeutics viz. antifungal capacities of Roccella montagnei. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using lichen could offer an eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative against emerging 'microbial resistance.' Therefore, the objective was to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (Rm-AgNPs) using a Hydro-alcoholic (1:1) extract of R. montagnei to develop a potent anticandidal agent against Fluconazole-resistant C. albicans NBC099. UV-Spectroscopy identified AgNPs specific-peak of Rm-AgNPs at 420-440 nm and FTIR revealed the presence of amines, alcohol, aromatic compounds, and acids. SEM and TEM analysis indicated that Rm-AgNPs are spherical shaped with a size range of 10-50 nm. Zetasizer analysis indicated that particles are highly stable and have a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 116 nm with a zeta potential charge of - 41 mV. XRD analysis suggested face centered cubic crystal lattice structure. Results indicated that Rm-AgNPs strongly inhibited the growth of NBC099 at a minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ≤ 15 µg. C. albicans culture treated with Rm-AgNPs at concentrations below IC50, down-regulates the production of different virulence factors in NBC099, viz. hyphal formation (> 85%), biofilms production (> 80%), phospholipase, esterase, proteinase activity. The apoptosis assay demonstrated the Rm-AgNPs induced apoptosis in NBC099 cells via oxidative stress. Interestingly, Rm-AgNPs showed negligible cytotoxicity (< 6%) in murine RAW 246.7 macrophage cells at a concentration above 15 µg/mL. Therefore, Rm-AgNPs have been offered as an anti-candida alternative that can be utilized to improve the efficacy of already available medications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Bharti
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Balwant Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India
| | - Sanket Kumar
- Department of Botany, School of Sciences, IFTM University, Moradabad, 244102, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Jatinder Kumar
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Silva AM, Rocha B, Moreira MM, Delerue-Matos C, das Neves J, Rodrigues F. Biological Activity and Chemical Composition of Propolis Extracts with Potential Use in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2478. [PMID: 38473725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052478] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental sustainability is an increasing challenge in the pharmaceutical field, leading to the search for eco-friendly active ingredients. Among natural ingredients, propolis arises as an excellent alternative, being a complex substance with pharmacological properties. This work aims to explore the potential of propolis as a new pharmaceutical ingredient for the replacement of conventional vulvovaginal antifungals. Propolis extracts were obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction using different solvents (water, water/ethanol (50:50, v/v), and ethanol). Afterwards, the extracts were characterized regarding total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant/antiradical activities, radical scavenging capacity, antifungal activity against strains of Candida species, and viability effect on two female genital cell lines. The aqueous extract achieved the best TPC result as well as the highest antioxidant/antiradical activities and ability to capture reactive oxygen species. A total of 38 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC, among which ferulic acid, phloridzin and myricetin predominated. Regarding the anti-Candida spp. activity, the aqueous and the hydroalcoholic extracts achieved the best outcomes (with MIC values ranging between 128 and 512 μg/mL). The cell viability assays confirmed that the aqueous extract presented mild selectivity, while the hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extracts showed higher toxicities. These results attest that propolis has a deep potential for vulvovaginal candidiasis management, supporting its economic valorization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Silva
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Rocha
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela M Moreira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - José das Neves
- i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- CESPU-Institute for Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Francisca Rodrigues
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xiong J, Wang L, Feng Z, Hang S, Yu J, Feng Y, Lu H, Jiang Y. Halofantrine Hydrochloride Acts as an Antioxidant Ability Inhibitor That Enhances Oxidative Stress Damage to Candida albicans. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:223. [PMID: 38397821 PMCID: PMC10886025 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020223] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, a prominent opportunistic pathogenic fungus in the human population, possesses the capacity to induce life-threatening invasive candidiasis in individuals with compromised immune systems despite the existence of antifungal medications. When faced with macrophages or neutrophils, C. albicans demonstrates its capability to endure oxidative stress through the utilization of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, the enhancement of oxidative stress in innate immune cells against C. albicans presents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of invasive candidiasis. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of a library of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We discovered that halofantrine hydrochloride (HAL) can augment the antifungal properties of oxidative damage agents (plumbagin, menadione, and H2O2) by suppressing the response of C. albicans to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, our investigation revealed that the inhibitory mechanism of HAL on the oxidative response is dependent on Cap1. In addition, the antifungal activity of HAL has been observed in the Galleria mellonella infection model. These findings provide evidence that targeting the oxidative stress response of C. albicans and augmenting the fungicidal capacity of oxidative damage agents hold promise as effective antifungal strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cui Y, Wang D, Nobile CJ, Dong D, Ni Q, Su T, Jiang C, Peng Y. Systematic identification and characterization of five transcription factors mediating the oxidative stress response in Candida albicans. Microb Pathog 2024; 187:106507. [PMID: 38145792 PMCID: PMC10872297 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106507] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen that causes superficial and systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. In response to C. albicans infection, innate immune cells of the host produce and accumulate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to irreversible damage and apoptosis of fungal cells. Several transcription factors involved in this oxidative stress response have been identified; however, a systematic study to identify the transcription factors that mediate the oxidative stress response has not yet been conducted. Here, we screened a comprehensive transcription factor mutant library consisting of 211 transcription factor deletion mutant strains in the presence and absence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a potent ROS inducer, and identified five transcription factors (Skn7, Dpb4, Cap1, Dal81, and Stp2) that are sensitive to H2O2. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling revealed that H2O2 induces a discrete set of differentially regulated genes among the five identified transcription factor mutant strains. Functional enrichment analysis identified KEGG pathways pertaining to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and ribosome synthesis as the most enriched pathways. GO term analysis of the top common differentially expressed genes among the transcription factor mutant strains identified hexose catabolism and iron transport as the most enriched GO terms upon exposure to H2O2. This study is the first to systematically identify and characterise the transcription factors involved in the response to H2O2. Based on our transcriptional profiling results, we found that exposure to H2O2 modulates several downstream genes involved in fungal virulence. Overall, this study sheds new light on the metabolism, physiological functions, and cellular processes involved in the H2O2-induced oxidative stress response in C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Daosheng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA; Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Danfeng Dong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Ni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongxuan Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cen Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yibing Peng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gu K, Feng S, Zhang X, Peng Y, Sun P, Liu W, Wu Y, Yu Y, Liu X, Liu X, Deng G, Zheng J, Li B, Zhao L. Deciphering the antifungal mechanism and functional components of cinnamomum cassia essential oil against Candida albicans through integration of network-based metabolomics and pharmacology, the greedy algorithm, and molecular docking. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117156. [PMID: 37729978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fungal pathogens can cause deadly invasive infections and have become a major global public health challenge. There is an urgent need to find new treatment options beyond established antifungal agents, as well as new drug targets that can be used to develop novel antifungal agents. Cinnamomum cassia is a tropical aromatic plant that has a wide range of applications in traditional Chinese medicine, especially in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aimed to explore the mechanism of action and functional components of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CEO) against Candida albicans using an integrated strategy combining network-based metabolomics and pharmacology, the greedy algorithm and molecular docking. MATERIALS AND METHODS CEO was extracted using hydrodistillation and its chemical composition was identified by GC-MS. Cluster analysis was performed on the compositions of 19 other CEOs from the published literature, as well as the sample obtained in this study. The damages of C. albicans cells upon treatment with CEO was observed using a scanning electron microscope. The mechanisms of its antifungal effect at a subinhibitory concentration of 0.1 × MIC were determined using microbial metabolomics and network analysis. The functional components were studied using the greedy algorithm and molecular docking. RESULTS A total of 69 compounds were identified in the chemical analysis of CEO, which accounted for 90% of the sample. The major compounds were terpenoids (34.04%), aromatic compounds (4.52%), aliphatic compounds (0.9%), and others. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the compositions of 20 essential oils extracted from Cinnamomum cassia grown in different geographical locations showed a wide diversity of chemical composition with four major chemotypes. CEO showed strong antifungal activity and caused destruction of cell membranes in a concentration-dependent way. Metabolic fingerprint analysis identified 29 metabolites associated with lipid metabolism, which were mapped to 23 core targets mainly involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism. Six antifungal functional components of CEO were identified through network construction, greedy algorithm and molecular docking, including trans-cinnamaldehyde, δ-cadinol, ethylcinnamate, safrole, trans-anethole, and trans-cinnamyl acetate, which showed excellent binding with specific targets of AKR1B1, PPARG, BCHE, CYP19A1, CYP2C19, QPCT, and CYP51A1. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a systematic understanding of the antifungal activity of CEO and offers an integrated strategy for deciphering the potential metabolism and material foundation of complex component drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keru Gu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Shengyi Feng
- Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yuanyuan Peng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Peipei Sun
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Wenchi Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yi Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yun Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xijian Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Guoying Deng
- Trauma Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jun Zheng
- Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
| | - Bo Li
- Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
| | - Linjing Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gandra RM, Johnson CJ, Nett JE, Konopka JB. The Candida albicans ζ-crystallin homolog Zta1 promotes resistance to oxidative stress. mSphere 2023; 8:e0050723. [PMID: 38032185 PMCID: PMC10732081 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00507-23] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is an important human pathogen that can cause lethal systemic infections. The ability of C. albicans to colonize and establish infections is closely tied to its highly adaptable nature and capacity to resist various types of stress, including oxidative stress. Previous studies showed that four C. albicans proteins belonging to the flavodoxin-like protein family of quinone reductases are needed for resistance to quinones and virulence. Therefore, in this study, we examined the role of a distinct type of quinone reductase, Zta1, and found that it acts in conjunction with the flavodoxin-like proteins to protect against oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael M. Gandra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Chad J. Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jeniel E. Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - James B. Konopka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Douglas LM, Min K, Konopka JB. Candida albicans resistance to hypochlorous acid. mBio 2023; 14:e0267123. [PMID: 38032204 PMCID: PMC10746268 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02671-23] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), commonly known as bleach, is generated during the respiratory burst by phagocytes and is a key weapon used to attack Candida albicans and other microbial pathogens. However, the effects of hypochlorous acid on C. albicans have been less well studied than H2O2, a different type of oxidant produced by phagocytes. HOCl kills C. albicans more effectively than H2O2 and results in disruption of the plasma membrane. HOCl induced a very different transcriptional response than H2O2, and there were significant differences in the susceptibility of mutant strains of C. albicans to these oxidants. Altogether, these results indicate that HOCl has distinct effects on cells that could be targeted in novel therapeutic strategies to enhance the killing of C. albicans and other pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lois M. Douglas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Kyunghun Min
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - James B. Konopka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kulig K, Bednaruk K, Rudolphi-Szydło E, Barbasz A, Wronowska E, Barczyk-Woznicka O, Karnas E, Pyza E, Zuba-Surma E, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. Stress Conditions Affect the Immunomodulatory Potential of Candida albicans Extracellular Vesicles and Their Impact on Cytokine Release by THP-1 Human Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17179. [PMID: 38139005 PMCID: PMC10742962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417179] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immune cells possess the ability to react complexly and effectively after contact with microbial virulence factors, including those transported in cell-derived structures of nanometer sizes termed extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are produced by organisms of all kingdoms, including fungi pathogenic to humans. In this work, the immunomodulatory properties of EVs produced under oxidative stress conditions or at host concentrations of CO2 by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans were investigated. The interaction of EVs with human pro-monocytes of the U-937 cell line was established, and the most notable effect was attributed to oxidative stress-related EVs. The immunomodulatory potential of tested EVs against human THP-1 macrophages was verified using cytotoxicity assay, ROS-production assay, and the measurement of cytokine production. All fungal EVs tested did not show a significant cytotoxic effect on THP-1 cells, although a slight pro-oxidative impact was indicated for EVs released by C. albicans cells grown under oxidative stress. Furthermore, for all tested types of EVs, the pro-inflammatory properties related to increased IL-8 and TNF-α production and decreased IL-10 secretion were demonstrated, with the most significant effect observed for EVs released under oxidative stress conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Kulig
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bednaruk
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Rudolphi-Szydło
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, University of the National Education Commission, Podchorazych 2, 30-084 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Barbasz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, University of the National Education Commission, Podchorazych 2, 30-084 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewelina Wronowska
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Olga Barczyk-Woznicka
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Karnas
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Pyza
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Zuba-Surma
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Papic MV, Ljujic B, Zivanovic S, Papic M, Vuletic M, Petrovic I, Gazdic Jankovic M, Virijevic K, Popovic M, Miletic Kovacevic M. Difference in immune responses to Candida albicans in two inbred strains of male rats. Arch Oral Biol 2023; 156:105808. [PMID: 37778290 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105808] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of strain differences in immune response on the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis in Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) inbred strains of rats. DESIGN Seventy male 8-weeks old DA and AO rats were inoculated with Candida albicans to induce three different experimental models of oral candidiasis, one immunocompetent and two immunocompromised models. The animals were sacrificed after 16 days from the beginning of the experiment followed by collecting the samples of the tongue dorsum and blood for histopathological (PAS and H&E staining), immunohistochemical, qRT-PCR, and oxidative stress analyses. RESULTS Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed lower levels of epithelial colonization, epithelial damage, and inflammatory infiltration in DA compared to AO strain of rats. DA rats had fewer CD45, CD68, and CD3 positive cells but more HIS 48 positive cells than AO rats. The expressions of IL-1β, TNFα, IFN-γ, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were consistently higher in DA strain across all experimental models. However, the expressions of IL-4 and IL-17 differed inconsistently between DA and AO strain in various experimental models. Strain differences were observed in levels of prooxidative hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation, with higher levels presented in AO rats compared to DA rats, while antioxidative parameters presented little yet inconsistent difference between strains. CONCLUSION DA strain of rats consistently presented lower susceptibility to oral infection with C. albicans compared to AO strain with robust Th1/Th17 immune response indicating the importance of the genetic background on the development of oral candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana V Papic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Biljana Ljujic
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia; Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Suzana Zivanovic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milos Papic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miona Vuletic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivana Petrovic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University of Kragujevac Clinical Centre, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Gazdic Jankovic
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia; Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Katarina Virijevic
- Department of Natural Sciences, Institute for Information Technologies Kragujevac, University of Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milica Popovic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Miletic Kovacevic
- Center for Harm Reduction of Biological and Chemical Hazards, Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac, Serbia; Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zheng D, Yue D, Shen J, Li D, Song Z, Huang Y, Yong J, Li Y. Berberine inhibits Candida albicans growth by disrupting mitochondrial function through the reduction of iron absorption. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad276. [PMID: 37994672 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad276] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate whether berberine (BBR) can inhibit the iron reduction mechanism of Candida albicans, lowering the iron uptake of the yeast and perhaps having antimicrobial effects. METHODS AND RESULTS We determined that BBR may cause extensive transcriptional remodeling in C. albicans and that iron permease Ftr1 played a crucial role in this process through eukaryotic transcriptome sequencing. Mechanistic research showed that BBR might selectively inhibit the iron reduction pathway to lower the uptake of exogenous iron ions, inhibiting C. albicans from growing and metabolizing. Subsequent research revealed that BBR caused significant mitochondrial dysfunction, which triggered the process of mitochondrial autophagy. Moreover, we discovered that C. albicans redox homeostasis, susceptibility to antifungal drugs, and hyphal growth are all impacted by the suppression of this mechanism by BBR. CONCLUSIONS The iron reduction mechanism in C. albicans is disrupted by BBR, which disrupts mitochondrial function and inhibits fungal growth. These findings highlight the potential promise of BBR in antifungal applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongming Zheng
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Daifan Yue
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Jinyang Shen
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Zhen Song
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Yifu Huang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Jiangyan Yong
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 610075, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Giuraniuc CV, Parkin C, Almeida MC, Fricker M, Shadmani P, Nye S, Wehmeier S, Chawla S, Bedekovic T, Lehtovirta-Morley L, Richards DM, Gow NA, Brand AC. Dynamic calcium-mediated stress response and recovery signatures in the fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. mBio 2023; 14:e0115723. [PMID: 37750683 PMCID: PMC10653887 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01157-23] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Intracellular calcium signaling plays an important role in the resistance and adaptation to stresses encountered by fungal pathogens within the host. This study reports the optimization of the GCaMP fluorescent calcium reporter for live-cell imaging of dynamic calcium responses in single cells of the pathogen, Candida albicans, for the first time. Exposure to membrane, osmotic or oxidative stress generated both specific changes in single cell intracellular calcium spiking and longer calcium transients across the population. Repeated treatments showed that calcium dynamics become unaffected by some stresses but not others, consistent with known cell adaptation mechanisms. By expressing GCaMP in mutant strains and tracking the viability of individual cells over time, the relative contributions of key signaling pathways to calcium flux, stress adaptation, and cell death were demonstrated. This reporter, therefore, permits the study of calcium dynamics, homeostasis, and signaling in C. albicans at a previously unattainable level of detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. V. Giuraniuc
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - C. Parkin
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - M. C. Almeida
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - M. Fricker
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - P. Shadmani
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - S. Nye
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - S. Wehmeier
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - S. Chawla
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - T. Bedekovic
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - L. Lehtovirta-Morley
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - D. M. Richards
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - N. A. Gow
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - A. C. Brand
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Katrak C, Garcia BA, Dornelas-Figueira LM, Nguyen M, Williams RB, Lorenz MC, Abranches J. Catalase produced by Candida albicans protects Streptococcus mutans from H 2O 2 stress-one more piece in the cross-kingdom synergism puzzle. mSphere 2023; 8:e0029523. [PMID: 37607054 PMCID: PMC10597455 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00295-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infection with Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans is associated with dental caries, and their co-cultivation results in enhanced biofilm matrix production that contributes to increased virulence and caries risk. Moreover, the catalase-negative S. mutans demonstrates increased oxidative stress tolerance when co-cultivated in biofilms with C. albicans, a catalase-producing yeast. Here, we sought to obtain mechanistic insights into the increased H2O2 tolerance of S. mutans when co-cultivated with clinical isolates of Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and C. albicans. Additionally, the C. albicans SC5314 laboratory strain, its catalase mutant (SC5314Δcat1), and S. mutans UA159 and its glucosyltransferase B/C mutant (UA159ΔgtfB/C) were grown as single- and dual-species biofilms. Time-kill assays revealed that upon acute H2O2 challenge, the survival rates of S. mutans in dual-species biofilms with the clinical isolates and C. albicans SC5314 were greater than when paired with SC5314Δcat1 or as a single-species biofilm. Importantly, this protection was independent of glucan production through S. mutans GtfB/C. Transwell assays and treatment with H2O2-pre-stimulated C. albicans SC5314 supernatant revealed that this protection is contact-dependent. Biofilm stability assays with sublethal H2O2 or peroxigenic Streptococcus A12 challenge resulted in biomass reduction of single-species S. mutans UA159 and dual-species with SC5314Δcat1 biofilms compared to UA159 biofilms co-cultured with C. albicans SC5314. S. mutans oxidative stress genes were upregulated in single-species biofilms when exposed to H2O2, but not when S. mutans was co-cultivated with C. albicans SC5314. Here, we uncovered a novel, contact-dependent, synergistic interaction in which the catalase of C. albicans protects S. mutans against H2O2. IMPORTANCE It is well established that co-infection with the gram-positive caries-associated bacterium Streptococcus mutans and the yeast pathobiont Candida albicans results in aggressive forms of caries in humans and animal models. Together, these microorganisms form robust biofilms through enhanced production of extracellular polysaccharide matrix. Further, co-habitation in a biofilm community appears to enhance these microbes' tolerance to environmental stressors. Here, we show that catalase produced by C. albicans protects S. mutans from H2O2 stress in a biofilm matrix-independent manner. Our findings uncovered a novel synergistic trait between these two microorganisms that could be further exploited for dental caries prevention and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callahan Katrak
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Bruna A. Garcia
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Mary Nguyen
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Robert B. Williams
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael C. Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jacqueline Abranches
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cristovao B, Rodrigues L, Catarino S, Abreu M, Gonçalves T, Domingues N, Girao H. Cx43-mediated hyphal folding counteracts phagosome integrity loss during fungal infection. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0123823. [PMID: 37733471 PMCID: PMC10581180 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01238-23] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phagolysosomes are crucial organelles during the elimination of pathogens by host cells. The maintenance of their membrane integrity is vital during stressful conditions, such as during Candida albicans infection. As the fungal hyphae grow, the phagolysosome membrane expands to ensure that the growing fungus remains entrapped. Additionally, actin structures surrounding the hyphae-containing phagosome were recently described to damage and constrain these pathogens inside the host vacuoles by inducing their folding. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the phagosome membrane adaptation during this extreme expansion process is still unclear. The main goal of this study was to unveil the interplay between phagosomal membrane integrity and folding capacity of C. albicans-infected macrophages. We show that components of the repair machinery are gradually recruited to the expanding phagolysosomal membrane and that their inhibition diminishes macrophage folding capacity. Through an analysis of an RNAseq data set of C. albicans-infected macrophages, we identified Cx43, a gap junction protein, as a putative player involved in the interplay between lysosomal homeostasis and actin-related processes. Our findings further reveal that Cx43 is recruited to expand phagosomes and potentiates the hyphal folding capacity of macrophages, promoting their survival. Additionally, we reveal that Cx43 can act as an anchor for complexes involved in Arp2-mediated actin nucleation during the assembly of actin rings around hyphae-containing phagosomes. Overall, this work brings new insights on the mechanisms by which macrophages cope with C. albicans infection ascribing to Cx43 a new noncanonical regulatory role in phagosome dynamics during pathogen phagocytosis. IMPORTANCE Invasive candidiasis is a life-threatening fungal infection that can become increasingly resistant to treatment. Thus, strategies to improve immune system efficiency, such as the macrophage response during the clearance of the fungal infection, are crucial to ameliorate the current therapies. Engulfed Candida albicans, one of the most common Candida species, is able to quickly transit from yeast-to-hypha form, which can elicit a phagosomal membrane injury and ultimately lead to macrophage death. Here, we extend the understanding of phagosome membrane homeostasis during the hypha expansion and folding process. We found that loss of phagosomal membrane integrity decreases the capacity of macrophages to fold the hyphae. Furthermore, through a bioinformatic analysis, we reveal a new window of opportunities to disclose the mechanisms underlying the hyphal constraining process. We identified Cx43 as a new weapon in the armamentarium to tackle infection by potentiating hyphal folding and promoting macrophage survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Cristovao
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC-UC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Monica Abreu
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC-UC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Neuza Domingues
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girao
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gandra RM, Johnson CJ, Nett JE, Konopka JB. The Candida albicans ζ-crystallin homolog Zta1 promotes resistance to oxidative stress. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.05.556406. [PMID: 37732195 PMCID: PMC10508745 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.05.556406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Candida albicans is capable of causing lethal infections in humans. Its pathogenic potential is due in part to the ability to resist various stress conditions in the host, including oxidative stress. Recent studies showed that a family of four flavodoxin-like proteins (Pst1, Pst2, Pst3, Ycp4) that function as quinone reductases promotes resistance to oxidation and is needed for virulence. Therefore, in this study Zta1 was examined because it belongs to a structurally distinct family of quinone reductases that are highly conserved in eukaryotes and have been called the ζ-crystallins. The levels of Zta1 in C. albicans rapidly increased after exposure to oxidants, consistent with a role in resisting oxidative stress. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species was significantly higher in cells lacking ZTA1 upon exposure to quinones and other oxidants. Furthermore, deletion of ZTA1 in a mutant lacking the four flavodoxin-like proteins, resulted in further increased susceptibility to quinones, indicating that these distinct quinone reductases work in combination. These results demonstrate that Zta1 contributes to C. albicans survival after exposure to oxidative conditions, which increases the understanding of how C. albicans resists stressful conditions in the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael M. Gandra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Jeniel E. Nett
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Medicine
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology
| | - James B. Konopka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Balla N, Jakab Á, Kovács F, Ragyák Á, Tóth Z, Balázsi D, Forgács L, Bozó A, Al Refai F, Borman AM, Majoros L, Kovács R. Total transcriptome analysis of Candida auris planktonic cells exposed to tyrosol. AMB Express 2023; 13:81. [PMID: 37532970 PMCID: PMC10397170 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01586-z] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosol, a secondary metabolite of Candida species, regulates fungal morphogenesis, and its application may represent a novel innovative therapy against emerging multi-resistant fungal superbug such as Candida auris. In the current study, the effects of tyrosol on growth, redox homeostasis, intracellular microelement contents and activities of virulence-related enzymes released by C. auris were examined. To gain further information about the effect of tyrosol exposure, we revealed gene transcriptional changes using total transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). At a concentration of 15 mM, tyrosol significantly decrease the growth of fungal cells within 2 h of its addition (5.6 × 107±1.2 × 107 and 2.5 × 107±0.6 × 107 colony forming unit/mL for control and tyrosol-treated cells, respectively). Furthermore, it enhanced the release of reactive oxygen species as confirmed by a dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay (7.3 ± 1.8 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] versus 16.8 ± 3.9 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1]), which was coincided with elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Tyrosol exerted in a 37%, 25%, 34% and 55% decrease in intracellular manganese, iron, zinc and copper contents, respectively, compared to control cells. The tyrosol treatment led to a 142 and 108 differentially transcripted genes with at least a 1.5-fold increase or decrease in transcription, respectively. Genes related to iron and fatty acid metabolism as well as nucleic acid synthesis were down-regulated, whereas those related to the antioxidative defence, adhesion and oxoacid metabolic processes were up-regulated. This study shows that tyrosol significantly influences growth, intracellular physiological processes and gene transcription in C. auris, which could highly support the development of novel treatment approaches against this important pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Balla
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Jakab
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ragyák
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Partner Laboratory, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Dávid Balázsi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Aliz Bozó
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Farah Al Refai
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Andrew M Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRCCMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rapala-Kozik M, Surowiec M, Juszczak M, Wronowska E, Kulig K, Bednarek A, Gonzalez-Gonzalez M, Karkowska-Kuleta J, Zawrotniak M, Satała D, Kozik A. Living together: The role of Candida albicans in the formation of polymicrobial biofilms in the oral cavity. Yeast 2023; 40:303-317. [PMID: 37190878 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3855] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity of humans is colonized by diversity of microbial community, although dominated by bacteria, it is also constituted by a low number of fungi, often represented by Candida albicans. Although in the vast minority, this usually commensal fungus under certain conditions of the host (e.g., immunosuppression or antibiotic therapy), can transform into an invasive pathogen that adheres to mucous membranes and also to medical or dental devices, causing mucosal infections. This transformation is correlated with changes in cell morphology from yeast-like cells to hyphae and is supported by numerous virulence factors exposed by C. albicans cells at the site of infection, such as multifunctional adhesins, degradative enzymes, or toxin. All of them affect the surrounding host cells or proteins, leading to their destruction. However, at the site of infection, C. albicans can interact with different bacterial species and in its filamentous form may produce biofilms-the elaborated consortia of microorganisms, that present increased ability to host colonization and resistance to antimicrobial agents. In this review, we highlight the modification of the infectious potential of C. albicans in contact with different bacterial species, and also consider the mutual bacterial-fungal relationships, involving cooperation, competition, or antagonism, that lead to an increase in the propagation of oral infection. The mycofilm of C. albicans is an excellent hiding place for bacteria, especially those that prefer low oxygen availability, where microbial cells during mutual co-existence can avoid host recognition or elimination by antimicrobial action. However, these microbial relationships, identified mainly in in vitro studies, are modified depending on the complexity of host conditions and microbial dominance in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Surowiec
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewelina Wronowska
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamila Kulig
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aneta Bednarek
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Miriam Gonzalez-Gonzalez
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dorota Satała
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Silva AR, Cabral FV, Silva CR, Silva DFT, Freitas AZ, Fontes A, Ribeiro MS. New Insights in Phenothiazinium-Mediated Photodynamic Inactivation of Candida Auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:717. [PMID: 37504706 PMCID: PMC10381569 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Candida auris has emerged as a hazardous hospital-acquired pathogen. Its resistance to antifungal treatments makes it challenging, requiring new approaches to manage it effectively. Herein, we aimed to assess the impact of photodynamic inactivation mediated by methylene blue (MB-PDI) or 1,9-dimethyl MB (DMMB-PDI) combined with a red LED against C. auris. To evaluate the photoinactivation of yeasts, we quantified colony-forming units and monitored ROS production. To gain some insights into the differences between MB and DMMB, we assessed lipid peroxidation (LPO) and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). After, we verified the effectiveness of DMMB against biofilms by measuring metabolic activity and biomass, and the structures were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and optical coherence tomography. We also evaluated the cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. DMMB-PDI successfully eradicated C. auris yeasts at 3 μM regardless of the light dose. In contrast, MB (100 μM) killed cells only when exposed to the highest dose of light. DMMB-PDI promoted higher ROS, LPO and ΔΨm levels than those of MB. Furthermore, DMMB-PDI was able to inhibit biofilm formation and destroy mature biofilms, with no observed toxicity in fibroblasts. We conclude that DMMB-PDI holds great potential to combat the global threat posed by C. auris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdênego R Silva
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda V Cabral
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila R Silva
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela F T Silva
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson Z Freitas
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Fontes
- Department of Biophysics and Radiobiology, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Martha S Ribeiro
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Trentin G, Bitencourt TA, Guedes A, Pessoni AM, Brauer VS, Pereira AK, Costa JH, Fill TP, Almeida F. Mass Spectrometry Analysis Reveals Lipids Induced by Oxidative Stress in Candida albicans Extracellular Vesicles. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1669. [PMID: 37512842 PMCID: PMC10383470 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal fungus in healthy humans that causes infection in immunocompromised individuals through the secretion of several virulence factors. The successful establishment of infection is owing to elaborate strategies to cope with defensive molecules secreted by the host, including responses toward oxidative stress. Extracellular vesicle (EV) release is considered an alternative to the biomolecule secretory mechanism that favors fungal interactions with the host cells. During candidiasis establishment, the host environment becomes oxidative, and it impacts EV release and cargo. To simulate the host oxidative environment, we added menadione (an oxidative stress inducer) to the culture medium, and we explored C. albicans EV metabolites by metabolomics analysis. This study characterized lipidic molecules transported to an extracellular milieu by C. albicans after menadione exposure. Through Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses, we identified biomolecules transported by EVs and supernatant. The identified molecules are related to several biological processes, such as glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid pathways, which may act at different levels by tuning compound production in accordance with cell requirements that favor a myriad of adaptive responses. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the role of EVs in fungal biology and host-pathogen interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Trentin
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Tamires A Bitencourt
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Arthur Guedes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - André M Pessoni
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Veronica S Brauer
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Alana Kelyene Pereira
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Jonas Henrique Costa
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Taicia Pacheco Fill
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chen Y, Gao Y, Yuan M, Zheng Z, Yin J. Anti- Candida albicans Effects and Mechanisms of Theasaponin E1 and Assamsaponin A. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119350. [PMID: 37298302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen, and its drug resistance is becoming a serious problem. Camellia sinensis seed saponins showed inhibitory effects on resistant Candida albicans strains, but the active components and mechanisms are unclear. In this study, the effects and mechanisms of two Camellia sinensis seed saponin monomers, theasaponin E1 (TE1) and assamsaponin A (ASA), on a resistant Candida albicans strain (ATCC 10231) were explored. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of TE1 and ASA were equivalent. The time-kill curves showed that the fungicidal efficiency of ASA was higher than that of TE1. TE1 and ASA significantly increased the cell membrane permeability and disrupted the cell membrane integrity of C. albicans cells, probably by interacting with membrane-bound sterols. Moreover, TE1 and ASA induced the accumulation of intracellular ROS and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes were concentrated in the cell wall, plasma membrane, glycolysis, and ergosterol synthesis pathways. In conclusion, the antifungal mechanisms of TE1 and ASA included the interference with the biosynthesis of ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, damage to the mitochondria, and the regulation of energy metabolism and lipid metabolism. Tea seed saponins have the potential to be novel anti-Candida albicans agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Tea Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou 310008, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Tea Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Mingan Yuan
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinhua 321000, China
| | - Zhaisheng Zheng
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinhua 321000, China
| | - Junfeng Yin
- Key Laboratory of Tea Biology and Resources Utilization, Tea Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou 310008, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abah F, Kuang Y, Biregeya J, Abubakar YS, Ye Z, Wang Z. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases SvPmk1 and SvMps1 Are Critical for Abiotic Stress Resistance, Development and Pathogenesis of Sclerotiophoma versabilis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:455. [PMID: 37108909 PMCID: PMC10142639 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are evolutionarily conserved in eukaryotes and modulate responses to both internal and external stimuli. Pmk1 and Mps MAPK pathways regulate stress tolerance, vegetative growth and cell wall integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pyricularia oryzae. Here, we deployed genetic and cell biology strategies to investigate the roles of the orthologs of Pmk1 and Mps1 in Sclerotiophoma versabilis (herein referred to as SvPmk1 and SvMps1, respectively). Our results showed that SvPmk1 and SvMps1 are involved in hyphal development, asexual reproduction and pathogenesis in S. versabilis. We found that ∆Svpmk1 and ∆Svmps1 mutants have significantly reduced vegetative growths on PDA supplemented with osmotic stress-inducing agents, compared to the wild type, with ∆Svpmps1 being hypersensitive to hydrogen peroxide. The two mutants failed to produce pycnidia and have reduced pathogenicity on Pseudostellaria heterophylla. Unlike SvPmk1, SvMps1 was found to be indispensable for the fungal cell wall integrity. Confocal microscopic analyses revealed that SvPmk1 and SvMps1 are ubiquitously expressed in the cytosol and nucleus. Taken together, we demonstrate here that SvPmk1 and SvMps1 play critical roles in the stress resistance, development and pathogenesis of S. versabilis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Abah
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Life Sciences & College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yunbo Kuang
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Life Sciences & College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- The Engineering Technology Research Center of Characteristic Medicinal Plants of Fujian, College of Life Sciences, Ningde Normal University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Jules Biregeya
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Life Sciences & College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yakubu Saddeeq Abubakar
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Life Sciences & College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zuyun Ye
- The Engineering Technology Research Center of Characteristic Medicinal Plants of Fujian, College of Life Sciences, Ningde Normal University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Zonghua Wang
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, College of Life Sciences & College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine Biodiversity, Fuzhou Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abdallah BM, Rajendran P, Ali EM. Potential Treatment of Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum in Rat Model Using Topical Green Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles with Achillea santolina Extract. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041536. [PMID: 36838531 PMCID: PMC9965404 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte, and can cause cutaneous infections in humans and animals (dermatophytosis). In this study, we investigated the anti-dermatophytic potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Achillea santolina extract (AS-AgNPs) in an in vitro and in vivo rat model of dermal T. rubrum dermatophytosis (TRD). The green synthesis of AS-AgNPs was performed using A. santolina extract and characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, zeta potential, imaging (transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The antifungal activity of AS-AgNPs was determined by the broth microdilution method, conidial germination, and hyphal growth inhibition. TEM and SEM were used to study the mode of the antifungal action of AS-AgNPs. AS-AgNPs inhibited the growth of T. rubrum with an MIC of 128 μg/mL, and suppressed the conidial germination and hyphal growth by 55.3% 84.6%, respectively. AS-AgNPs caused modified mycelial structures, increased cell membrane permeability, and cell wall damage. AS-AgNPs significantly increase the permeability of the fungal membrane, as revealed by reducing ergosterol biosynthesis. An increase in the intracellular ROS and the induction of apoptosis were also observed during AS-AgNP treatment. In addition, AS-AgNPs reduced the cell wall integrity, as shown by the reduction in the β-(1,3)-d-glucan synthase and chitin synthase activities. AS-AgNPs showed very low toxicity on primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) at the MIC. The topical treatment of the infected skin in the TRD rat model with AS-AgNPs showed a significant reduction in the fugal burden after 7 days and a complete clearance of fungal conidia, with a high recovery of epidermal and dermal structures after 14 days, compared to control rats. Interestingly, AS-AgNPs significantly attenuated the infiltrated inflammatory cells, in association with reducing the tissue proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, MOP and IL-17. In conclusion, our data prove AS-AgNPs to be a novel green topical therapy for dermatophytosis caused by T. rubrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basem M. Abdallah
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-(013)-589-9430
| | - Peramaiyan Rajendran
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas M. Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
New Methylcitrate Synthase Inhibitor Induces Proteolysis, Lipid Degradation and Pyruvate Excretion in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010108. [PMID: 36675929 PMCID: PMC9865517 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010108] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the inhalation of conidia of the genus Paracoccidioides. During the infectious process, fungal cells use several carbon sources, leading to the production of propionyl-CoA. The latter is metabolized by the methylcitrate synthase, a key enzyme of the methylcitrate cycle. We identified an inhibitor compound (ZINC08964784) that showed antifungal activity against P. brasiliensis. METHODS This work aimed to understand the fungal metabolic response of P. brasiliensis cells exposed to ZINC08964784 through a proteomics approach. We used a glucose-free medium supplemented with propionate in order to simulate the environment found by the pathogen during the infection. We performed pyruvate dosage, proteolytic assay, dosage of intracellular lipids and quantification of reactive oxygen species in order to validate the proteomic results. RESULTS The proteomic analysis indicated that the fungal cells undergo a metabolic shift due to the inhibition of the methylcitrate cycle and the generation of reactive species. Proteolytic enzymes were induced, driving amino acids into degradation for energy production. In addition, glycolysis and the citric acid cycle were down-regulated while ß-oxidation was up-regulated. The accumulation of pyruvate and propionyl-CoA led the cells to a state of oxidative stress in the presence of ZINC08964784. CONCLUSIONS The inhibition of methylcitrate synthase caused by the compound promoted a metabolic shift in P. brasiliensis damaging energy production and generating oxidative stress. Hence, the compound is a promising alternative for developing new strategies of therapies against paracoccidioidomycosis.
Collapse
|
36
|
Guevara-Lora I, Bras G, Juszczak M, Karkowska-Kuleta J, Gorecki A, Manrique-Moreno M, Dymek J, Pyza E, Kozik A, Rapala-Kozik M. Cecropin D-derived synthetic peptides in the fight against Candida albicans cell filamentation and biofilm formation. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1045984. [PMID: 36713201 PMCID: PMC9880178 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1045984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent progressive increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, makes the search for new therapies crucial in the face of the growing drug resistance of prevalent nosocomial yeast strains. The latest research focuses on the active compounds of natural origin, inhibiting fungal growth, and preventing the formation of fungal biofilms. Antimicrobial peptides are currently the subject of numerous studies concerning effective antifungal therapy. In the present study, the antifungal properties of two synthetic peptides (ΔM3, ΔM4) derived from an insect antimicrobial peptide - cecropin D - were investigated. The fungicidal activity of both compounds was demonstrated against the yeast forms of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis, reaching a MFC99.9 in the micromolar range, while Candida glabrata showed greater resistance to these peptides. The scanning electron microscopy revealed a destabilization of the yeast cell walls upon treatment with both peptides; however, their effectiveness was strongly modified by the presence of salt or plasma in the yeast environment. The transition of C. albicans cells from yeast to filamentous form, as well as the formation of biofilms, was effectively reduced by ΔM4. Mature biofilm viability was inhibited by a higher concentration of this peptide and was accompanied by increased ROS production, activation of the GPX3 and SOD5 genes, and finally, increased membrane permeability. Furthermore, both peptides showed a synergistic effect with caspofungin in inhibiting the metabolic activity of C. albicans cells, and an additive effect was also observed for the mixtures of peptides with amphotericin B. The results indicate the possible potential of the tested peptides in the prevention and treatment of candidiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibeth Guevara-Lora
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Gorecki
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Jakub Dymek
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Pyza
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland,*Correspondence: Maria Rapala-Kozik,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Malathi S, Manikandan D, Nishanthi R, Jagan EG, Riyaz SUM, Palani P, Simal‐Gandara J. Silver Nanoparticles, Synthesized using
Hyptis suaveolens
(L) Poit and their Antifungal Activity against
Candida
spp. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj Malathi
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany University of Madras, Guindy Campus Chennai India
- Department of Biotechnology Sri Sankara Arts and Science College (Autonomous) Enathur Kanchipuram
| | - Dhayalan Manikandan
- Small Molecules and Drug Discovery group, Chengdu Anticancer Biosciecne, Tianfu International Biotown Chengdu 610000 China
| | - Ramasami Nishanthi
- Department of Biotechnology College of Science and Humanities, SRMIST Kattankulathur 603 203 Tamilnadu India
| | - Enthai Ganeshan Jagan
- Department of Biotechnology Sri Sankara Arts and Science College (Autonomous) Enathur Kanchipuram
- Department of Molecular Microbiology School of Biotechnology Madurai Kamaraj University Madurai -625021 India
| | - Savaas Umar Mohammed Riyaz
- PG & Research Department of Biotechnology Islamiah College (Autonomous) Vaniyambadi 635752 Tamilnadu India
| | - Perumal Palani
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany University of Madras, Guindy Campus Chennai India
| | - Jesus Simal‐Gandara
- Universidade de Vigo Nutrition and Bromatology Group Analytical Chemistry and Food Science Department Faculty of Science E-32004 Ourense Spain
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chang W, Zhang M, Jin X, Zhang H, Zheng H, Zheng S, Qiao Y, Yu H, Sun B, Hou X, Lou H. Inhibition of fungal pathogenicity by targeting the H 2S-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine β-synthase. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd5366. [PMID: 36525499 PMCID: PMC9757746 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add5366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The global emergence of antifungal resistance threatens the limited arsenal of available treatments and emphasizes the urgent need for alternative antifungal agents. Targeting fungal pathogenic functions is an appealing alternative therapeutic strategy. Here, we show that cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), compared with cystathionine γ-lyase, is the major enzyme that synthesizes hydrogen sulfide in the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Deletion of CBS leads to deficiencies in resistance to oxidative stress, retarded cell growth, defective hyphal growth, and increased β-glucan exposure, which, together, reduce the pathogenicity of C. albicans. By high-throughput screening, we identified protolichesterinic acid, a natural molecule obtained from a lichen, as an inhibitor of CBS that neutralizes the virulence of C. albicans and exhibits therapeutic efficacy in a murine candidiasis model. These findings support the application of CBS as a potential therapeutic target to fight fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Chang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Institute of Medical Science, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xueyang Jin
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haijuan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Linyi University, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongbo Zheng
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Sha Zheng
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanan Qiao
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haina Yu
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bin Sun
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongxiang Lou
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Anti-Sporotrichotic Activity, Lambert-W Inhibition Kinetics and 3D Structural Characterization of Sporothrix schenckii Catalase as Target of Glucosinolates from Moringa oleifera. Sci Pharm 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm90040070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Most human fungal infections exhibit significant defensive oxidative stress responses, which contribute to their pathogenicity. An important component of these reactions is the activation of catalase for detoxification. To discover new antifungal chemicals, the antifungal activity of methanol extracts of Moringa oleifera from two commercial products (Akuanandi and Mas Lait) was investigated. The methanolic extracts’ activity against Sporothrix schenckii was determined using an assay for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC). The MIC concentrations varied between 0.5 μg/mL and 8 μg/mL. Akuanandi extract had the lowest MIC (0.5 μg/mL) and MLC (1 μg/mL) values. M. oleifera methanolic extracts were tested for catalase inhibition. The Ki values of the M. oleifera extract against S. schenckii catalase (SsCAT) was found to be 0.7 μg/mL for MOE-AK and 0.08 μg/mL for MOE-ML. Catalase’s 3D structure in SsCAT is unknown. The homology of SsCAT was modeled with an in silico study using a 3D structure from SWISS MODEL and validation the predicted 3D structure was carried out using PROCHECK and MolProbity. Docking simulations were used to analyze protein interactions using Pymol, PoseView, and PLIP. The results revealed that M. oleifera glucosinolates interacts with SsCAT. A molecular interaction analysis revealed two inhibitor compounds (glucosinalbin and glucomoringin) with high binding affinity to key allosteric-site residues. The binding energies revealed that glucosinalbin and glucomoringin bind with high affinity to SsCAT (docking energy values: −9.8 and −9.0 kcal/mol, respectively). The findings of this study suggest that glucosinolates derived from M. oleifera could be used instead of synthetic fungicides to control S. schenckii infections. We hope that the findings of this work will be valuable for developing and testing novel natural anti-sporothrix therapeutic agents in the future.
Collapse
|
40
|
Fan L, Li L, Shang F, Xie Y, Duan Z, Cheng Q, Zhang Y. Study on antibacterial mechanism of electron beam radiation on Aspergillus flavus. FOOD BIOSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
41
|
Peng C, Liu Y, Shui L, Zhao Z, Mao X, Liu Z. Mechanisms of Action of the Antimicrobial Peptide Cecropin in the Killing of Candida albicans. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12101581. [PMID: 36295016 PMCID: PMC9604627 DOI: 10.3390/life12101581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of drug resistance has caused fungal infections to become a global health concern. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a viable solution to these pathogens due to their resistance to drug resistance and their diverse mechanisms of actions, which include direct killing and immunomodulatory properties. The peptide Cecropin, which is expressed by genetically engineered bacteria, has antifungal effects on Candida albicans. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of Candida albicans were 0.9 μg/mL and 1.8 μg/mL, respectively, detected by the micro-broth dilution method. According to the killing kinetics, the MFC of Cecropin could kill Candida albicans in 40 min. The electron microscope indicated that Cecropin could cause the cell wall to become rough and nicked, eventually killing Candida albicans. The effects of Cecropin on the cell membrane of treated C. albicans, using the 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and propidium iodide protocol, showed that they could change the permeability and fluidity, destroy it, and lead to cell necrosis. In addition, Cecropin can also induce cells to produce excessive reactive oxygen species, causing changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential. Therefore, this study provides a certain theoretical basis for the antifungal infection of new antifungal agents.
Collapse
|
42
|
Hiengrach P, Panpetch W, Chindamporn A, Leelahavanichkul A. Helicobacter pylori, Protected from Antibiotics and Stresses Inside Candida albicans Vacuoles, Cause Gastritis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8568. [PMID: 35955701 PMCID: PMC9368807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to (i) the simultaneous presence of Helicobacter pylori (ulcer-induced bacteria) and Candida albicans in the stomach and (ii) the possibility of prokaryotic-eukaryotic endosymbiosis (intravacuolar H. pylori in the yeast cells) under stresses, we tested this symbiosis in vitro and in vivo. To that end, intravacuolar H. pylori were induced by the co-incubation of C. albicans with H. pylori under several stresses (acidic pH, non-H. pylori-enrichment media, and aerobic environments); the results were detectable by direct microscopy (wet mount) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Indeed, intravacuolar H. pylori were predominant under all stresses, especially the lower pH level (pH 2-3). Interestingly, the H. pylori (an amoxicillin-sensitive strain) inside C. albicans were protected from the antibiotic (amoxicillin), while extracellular H. pylori were neutralizable, as indicated by the culture. In parallel, the oral administration of intravacuolar H. pylori in mice caused H. pylori colonization in the stomach resulting in gastritis, as indicated by gastric histopathology and tissue cytokines, similar to the administration of free H. pylori (extra-Candida bacteria). In conclusion, Candida protected H. pylori from stresses and antibiotics, and the intravacuolar H. pylori were able to be released from the yeast cells, causing gastric inflammation with neutrophil accumulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratsanee Hiengrach
- Center of Excellence on Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology (CETRII), Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (P.H.); (W.P.)
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Wimonrat Panpetch
- Center of Excellence on Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology (CETRII), Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (P.H.); (W.P.)
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Ariya Chindamporn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Asada Leelahavanichkul
- Center of Excellence on Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology (CETRII), Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (P.H.); (W.P.)
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of selenium-containing small molecule compounds based on the dual mechanism of fungal CYP51 inhibition and fungal ROS generation. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
44
|
The Arginine Biosynthesis Pathway of Candida albicans Regulates Its Cross-Kingdom Interaction with Actinomyces viscosus to Promote Root Caries. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0078222. [PMID: 35862976 PMCID: PMC9430244 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00782-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross-kingdom interactions between Candida albicans and Actinomyces viscosus play critical roles in root caries. However, the key pathway by which C. albicans regulates its interactions with A. viscosus is unclear. Here, we first employed 39 volunteers with root caries and 37 caries-free volunteers, and found that the abundances of C. albicans and A. viscosus were significantly increased in the individuals with root caries and showed a strong positive correlation. Their dual-species combination synergistically promoted biofilm formation and root caries in rats. The arginine biosynthesis pathway of C. albicans was significantly upregulated in dual-species biofilms and dental plaques from another 10 root caries volunteers compared with the 10 caries-free volunteers. The exogenous addition of arginine increased the cariogenicity of the dual-species biofilm. The C. albicansARG4, a key gene from the arginine biosynthesis pathway, null mutant failed to promote dual-species biofilm formation and root caries in rats; however, the addition of arginine restored its synergistic actions with A. viscosus. Our results identified the critical roles of the C. albicans arginine biosynthesis pathway in its cross-kingdom interactions with A. viscosus for the first time and indicated that targeting this pathway was a practical way to treat root caries caused by multiple species. IMPORTANCE Root caries is a critical problem that threatens the oral health of the elderly population. Our results identified the essential roles of the C. albicans arginine biosynthesis pathway in its cross-kingdom interactions with A. viscosus in root caries for the first time and indicated that targeting this pathway was a practical way to treat root caries caused by multiple species.
Collapse
|
45
|
Feng Y, Zhang Y, Li J, Omran RP, Whiteway M, Feng J. Transcriptional Profiling of the Candida albicans Response to the DNA Damage Agent Methyl Methanesulfonate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147555. [PMID: 35886903 PMCID: PMC9317300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The infection of a mammalian host by the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans involves fungal resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS)—induced DNA damage stress generated by the defending macrophages or neutrophils. Thus, the DNA damage response in C. albicans may contribute to its pathogenicity. Uncovering the transcriptional changes triggered by the DNA damage—inducing agent MMS in many model organisms has enhanced the understanding of their DNA damage response processes. However, the transcriptional regulation triggered by MMS remains unclear in C. albicans. Here, we explored the global transcription profile in response to MMS in C. albicans and identified 306 defined genes whose transcription was significantly affected by MMS. Only a few MMS-responsive genes, such as MGT1, DDR48, MAG1, and RAD7, showed potential roles in DNA repair. GO term analysis revealed that a large number of induced genes were involved in antioxidation responses, and some downregulated genes were involved in nucleosome packing and IMP biosynthesis. Nevertheless, phenotypic assays revealed that MMS-induced antioxidation gene CAP1 and glutathione metabolism genes GST2 and GST3 showed no direct roles in MMS resistance. Furthermore, the altered transcription of several MMS—responsive genes exhibited RAD53—related regulation. Intriguingly, the transcription profile in response to MMS in C. albicans shared a limited similarity with the pattern in S. cerevisiae, including COX17, PRI2, and MGT1. Overall, C. albicans cells exhibit global transcriptional changes to the DNA damage agent MMS; these findings improve our understanding of this pathogen’s DNA damage response pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Feng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226007, China; (Y.F.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226007, China; (Y.F.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226007, China; (Y.F.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Raha Parvizi Omran
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; (R.P.O.); (M.W.)
| | - Malcolm Whiteway
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; (R.P.O.); (M.W.)
| | - Jinrong Feng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226007, China; (Y.F.); (Y.Z.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-513-85051746
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Zhang Z, Qin J, Wang Z, Chen F, Liao X, Hu X, Dong L. Sodium copper chlorophyll mediated photodynamic treatment inactivates Escherichia coli via oxidative damage. Food Res Int 2022; 157:111472. [PMID: 35761703 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111472] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Photodynamic technology (PDT) is an emerging non-thermal processing technique, however, due to a lack of edible photosensitizers, its application to the food industry is limited. To better understand sodium copper chlorophyll (SCC) feasibility as a photosensitizer, we analyzed the effects of PDT-SCC on Escherichia coli O157:H7 inactivation using different lighting times (15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min), lighting power (30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 W), and SCC concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mM). We showed that bactericidal effects depended on all three parameters, but the most suitable sterilization condition for E. coli occurred at 10 mM SCC, for 60 min at 120 W. We also investigated cell morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the activity of three oxidative response enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)), and ompA, ompF, uvrA, and recA expression. When compared with the control group, PDT-SCC destroyed bacterial morphology, increased ROS production, decreased antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, and GPX), down-regulated membrane protein gene expression, including ompA and ompF, and up-regulated the DNA damage-repair related genes, uvrA and recA. Thus, bacterial rupture caused by oxidative damage could be the main mechanism underpinning PDT-SCC action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zequn Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Centre for Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jianran Qin
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Centre for Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Centre for Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Fang Chen
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Centre for Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaojun Liao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Centre for Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaosong Hu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Centre for Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Li Dong
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Engineering Research Centre for Fruits and Vegetables Processing, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abdallah BM, Ali EM. Therapeutic Effect of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Erodium glaucophyllum Extract against Oral Candidiasis: In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134221. [PMID: 35807474 PMCID: PMC9267989 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral candidiasis (OC) is a fungal infection caused by an opportunistic fungi Candida albicans, which is found in the normal flora of healthy people. In this study, we examined the anti-candidal effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Erodium glaucophyllum (EG-AgNPs) against C. albicans in vitro and in vivo. EG-AgNPs were synthesized for the first time using E. glaucophyllum extract and characterized by imaging (transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-VIS spectroscopy, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A mouse model of OC was used for in vivo study. The agar well diffusion method showed the anti-candidal activity of EG-AgNPs against C. albicans with MIC 50 µg/mL. EG-AgNPs inhibited the dimorphic transition of C. albicans and suppressed the formation of biofilm by 56.36% and 52%, respectively. Additionally, EG-AgNPs significantly inhibited the production of phospholipases and proteinases by 30% and 45%, respectively. EG-AgNPs cause cytoplasm disintegration and deterioration of cell wall as imaged by SEM and TEM. Interestingly, EG-AgNPs did not display any cytotoxicity on the human gingival fibroblast-1 HGF-1 cell line at MIC concentrations. Topical treatment of the tongue of the OC mouse model with EG-AgNPs showed significant reduction in candidal tissue invasion, less inflammatory changes, and no tissue modification, in association with marked low scare and hyphal counts as compared to control group. In conclusion, our data demonstrated the potent inhibitory action of EG-AgNPs on the growth and morphogenesis of C. albicans in vitro and in vivo. Thus, EG-AgNPs represent a novel plausible therapeutic approach for treatment of OC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basem M. Abdallah
- Al Bilad Bank Scholarly Chair for Food Security in Saudi Arabia, The Deanship of Scientific Research, The Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-(013)-5899430
| | - Enas M. Ali
- Al Bilad Bank Scholarly Chair for Food Security in Saudi Arabia, The Deanship of Scientific Research, The Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Fun30 and Rtt109 Mediate Epigenetic Regulation of the DNA Damage Response Pathway in C. albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060559. [PMID: 35736042 PMCID: PMC9225650 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fun30, an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler from S. cerevisiae, is known to mediate both regulation of gene expression as well as DNA damage response/repair. The Fun30 from C. albicans has not yet been elucidated. We show that C. albicans Fun30 is functionally homologous to both S. cerevisiae Fun30 and human SMARCAD1. Further, C. albicans Fun30 can mediate double-strand break end resection as well as regulate gene expression. This protein regulates transcription of RTT109, TEL1, MEC1, and SNF2-genes that encode for proteins involved in DNA damage response and repair pathways. The regulation mediated by C. albicans Fun30 is dependent on its ATPase activity. The expression of FUN30, in turn, is regulated by histone H3K56 acetylation catalyzed by Rtt109 and encoded by RTT109. The RTT109Hz/FUN30Hz mutant strain shows sensitivity to oxidative stress and resistance to MMS as compared to the wild-type strain. Quantitative PCR showed that the sensitivity to oxidative stress results from downregulation of MEC1, RAD9, MRC1, and RAD5 expression; ChIP experiments showed that Fun30 but not H3K56ac regulates the expression of these genes in response to oxidative stress. In contrast, upon treatment with MMS, the expression of RAD9 is upregulated, which is modulated by both Fun30 and H3K56 acetylation. Thus, Fun30 and H3K56 acetylation mediate the response to genotoxic agents in C. albicans by regulating the expression of DNA damage response and repair pathway genes.
Collapse
|
49
|
The Pathogenic Yeast Candida parapsilosis Forms Pseudohyphae through Different Signaling Pathways Depending on the Available Carbon Source. mSphere 2022; 7:e0002922. [PMID: 35766504 PMCID: PMC9241547 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00029-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis is an emerging fungal pathogen that primarily affects immunocompromised patients in hospitals. A significant risk factor is the use of implanted medical devices, which support the growth of biofilms composed of a mixture of individual yeast cells and chains of elongated pseudohyphal cells. The morphological switch between these two forms is triggered by cues from the environment, including nutrient availability and temperature. We examined how different nutrient sources affect the balance between yeast and pseudohyphae and found that cells grown in the presence of five- or six-carbon sugars form more pseudohyphae at 30°C than at 37°C. Conversely, cells grown on glycerol, a three-carbon polyalcohol, form more pseudohyphae at 37°C. Furthermore, we found that different regulators influence pseudohyphal growth on glucose at 30°C compared with those on glycerol at 37°C. In particular, cAMP signaling and the sirtuin deacetylase Hst1 were required for pseudohyphal growth on glycerol at 37°C but not on glucose at 30°C. Finally, we found that the carbon source on which C. parapsilosis is grown can influence its ability to establish an infection in a wax moth model. Overall, this study reveals that environmental conditions affect not only the extent of pseudohyphal growth but also which pathways and regulators govern pseudohyphal formation. IMPORTANCECandida parapsilosis is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired yeast infections and poses a significant risk to immunocompromised people. Two of its properties that contribute to infection are metabolic flexibility, to use a range of nutrients available in the host, and cellular dimorphism, to switch between round yeast cells and chains of elongated pseudohyphal cells. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms that regulate these processes could reveal new targets for antifungal drugs. We found that for C. parapsilosis, the balance between yeast and pseudohyphal cells depends on the nutrients available and the growth temperature. Moreover, these environmental changes can affect its ability to cause infections. Finally, we found that a potential sensor of the cell’s metabolic state, the sirtuin Hst1, contributes to pseudohyphal growth for cells grown on glycerol. These findings indicate that the shape and virulence of C. parapsilosis likely vary depending on its location in the host.
Collapse
|
50
|
Molecular Characterization and the Essential Biological Function of the Metal Chaperone Protein MtmA in Aspergillus fumigatus. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0018222. [PMID: 35435716 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00182-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The detoxification system of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays critical roles in the survival and virulence of fungal pathogens in infected hosts, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the primary ROS scavenger. In the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the metal chaperone protein Mtm1 is required for mitochondrial Sod2 activation and responses to oxidative stress. However, the function of the S. cerevisiae Mtm1 homolog in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus has not yet been clarified. In this study, we found that mitochondria-localized MtmA in A. fumigatus, a putative homolog of yeast Mtm1, not only has a similar function to Mtm1 in responding to oxidative stress resistance by affecting SodB (MnSOD) activity but is also essential for hyphal growth such that repressed expression of MtmA results in severe growth defects in A. fumigatus. In addition, the chelation of Zn2+ can obviously rescue growth defects caused by repression of MtmA, suggesting that MtmA may be involved in hyphal growth by affecting cellular Zn2+ detoxification. Moreover, MtmA contains four Mito-carr domains, whereas only the first Mito-carr domain is required for the function of MtmA. Therefore, the findings in this study suggest that MtmA in A. fumigatus has an important and unique function that is different from that in yeast. IMPORTANCE Knowledge of the key factors required for the viability of pathogenic fungi can help to explore new antifungal drugs. Here, we demonstrate that MtmA is involved in responding to oxidative stress by activating mitochondrial SodB activity. MtmA, especially for the first Mito-carr domain, is essential for colony growth by regulating cellular Zn2+ equilibrium and responses to oxidative stress in A. fumigatus. This is the first report of the vital and unique role of the MtmA protein in pathogenic fungi, indicating that it might be a potential antifungal drug target.
Collapse
|