1
|
Ohtsuka H, Ohara K, Shimasaki T, Hatta Y, Maekawa Y, Aiba H. A novel transcription factor Sdr1 involving sulfur depletion response in fission yeast. Genes Cells 2024; 29:667-680. [PMID: 39105351 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the response to sulfur depletion has been less studied compared to the response to nitrogen depletion. Our study reveals that the fission yeast gene, SPCC417.09c, plays a significant role in the sulfur depletion response. This gene encodes a protein with a Zn2Cys6 fungal-type DNA-binding domain and a transcription factor domain, and we have named it sdr1+ (sulfur depletion response 1). Interestingly, while sulfur depletion typically induces autophagy akin to nitrogen depletion, we found that autophagy was not induced under sulfur depletion in the absence of sdr1+. This suggests that sdr1+ is necessary for the induction of autophagy under conditions of sulfur depletion. Although sdr1+ is not essential for the growth of fission yeast, its overexpression, driven by the nmt1 promoter, inhibits growth. This implies that Sdr1 may possess cell growth-inhibitory capabilities. In addition, our analysis of Δsdr1 cells revealed that sdr1+ also plays a role in regulating the expression of genes associated with the phosphate depletion response. In conclusion, our study introduces Sdr1 as a novel transcription factor that contributes to an appropriate cellular nutrient starvation response. It does so by inhibiting inappropriate cell growth and inducing autophagy in response to sulfur depletion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hokuto Ohtsuka
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kotaro Ohara
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shimasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Hatta
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasukichi Maekawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Aiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang J, Benko Z, Zhang C, Zhao RY. Advanced Protocol for Molecular Characterization of Viral Genome in Fission Yeast ( Schizosaccharomyces pombe). Pathogens 2024; 13:566. [PMID: 39057793 PMCID: PMC11279667 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070566] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fission yeast, a single-cell eukaryotic organism, shares many fundamental cellular processes with higher eukaryotes, including gene transcription and regulation, cell cycle regulation, vesicular transport and membrane trafficking, and cell death resulting from the cellular stress response. As a result, fission yeast has proven to be a versatile model organism for studying human physiology and diseases such as cell cycle dysregulation and cancer, as well as autophagy and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Given that viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that rely on host cellular machinery to replicate and produce, fission yeast could serve as a surrogate to identify viral proteins that affect host cellular processes. This approach could facilitate the study of virus-host interactions and help identify potential viral targets for antiviral therapy. Using fission yeast for functional characterization of viral genomes offers several advantages, including a well-characterized and haploid genome, robustness, cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and rapid doubling time. Therefore, fission yeast emerges as a valuable surrogate system for rapid and comprehensive functional characterization of viral proteins, aiding in the identification of therapeutic antiviral targets or viral proteins that impact highly conserved host cellular functions with significant virologic implications. Importantly, this approach has a proven track record of success in studying various human and plant viruses. In this protocol, we present a streamlined and scalable molecular cloning strategy tailored for genome-wide and comprehensive functional characterization of viral proteins in fission yeast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Zsigmond Benko
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Richard Y. Zhao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.Z.); (C.Z.)
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Global Health, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Research & Development Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Geng Q, Hu J, Xu P, Sun T, Qiu H, Wang S, Song F, Shen L, Li Y, Liu M, Peng X, Tian J, Yang K. The Autophagy-Related Protein ATG8 Orchestrates Asexual Development and AFB1 Biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:349. [PMID: 38786704 PMCID: PMC11122632 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050349] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a conserved cellular recycling process, plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis under stress conditions. It also regulates the development and virulence of numerous filamentous fungi. In this study, we investigated the specific function of ATG8, a reliable autophagic marker, in the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus flavus. To investigate the role of atg8 in A. flavus, the deletion and complemented mutants of atg8 were generated according to the homologous recombination principle. Deletion of atg8 showed a significant decrease in conidiation, spore germination, and sclerotia formation compared to the WT and atg8C strains. Additionally, aflatoxin production was found severely impaired in the ∆atg8 mutant. The stress assays demonstrated that ATG8 was important for A. flavus response to oxidative stress. The fluorescence microscopy showed increased levels of reactive oxygen species in the ∆atg8 mutant cells, and the transcriptional result also indicated that genes related to the antioxidant system were significantly reduced in the ∆atg8 mutant. We further found that ATG8 participated in regulating the pathogenicity of A. flavus on crop seeds. These results revealed the biological role of ATG8 in A. flavus, which might provide a potential target for the control of A. flavus and AFB1 biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xue Peng
- JSNU-UWEC Joint Laboratory of Jiangsu Province Colleges and Universities, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China; (Q.G.); (J.H.); (P.X.); (T.S.); (H.Q.); (S.W.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Jun Tian
- JSNU-UWEC Joint Laboratory of Jiangsu Province Colleges and Universities, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China; (Q.G.); (J.H.); (P.X.); (T.S.); (H.Q.); (S.W.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Kunlong Yang
- JSNU-UWEC Joint Laboratory of Jiangsu Province Colleges and Universities, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China; (Q.G.); (J.H.); (P.X.); (T.S.); (H.Q.); (S.W.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rutherford KM, Lera-Ramírez M, Wood V. PomBase: a Global Core Biodata Resource-growth, collaboration, and sustainability. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae007. [PMID: 38376816 PMCID: PMC11075564 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae007] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
PomBase (https://www.pombase.org), the model organism database (MOD) for fission yeast, was recently awarded Global Core Biodata Resource (GCBR) status by the Global Biodata Coalition (GBC; https://globalbiodata.org/) after a rigorous selection process. In this MOD review, we present PomBase's continuing growth and improvement over the last 2 years. We describe these improvements in the context of the qualitative GCBR indicators related to scientific quality, comprehensivity, accelerating science, user stories, and collaborations with other biodata resources. This review also showcases the depth of existing connections both within the biocuration ecosystem and between PomBase and its user community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Rutherford
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Manuel Lera-Ramírez
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Valerie Wood
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Y, Wu N, Li J, Liang J, Zhou D, Cao Q, Li X, Jiang N. The interplay between autophagy and ferroptosis presents a novel conceptual therapeutic framework for neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107162. [PMID: 38554788 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
In American men, the incidence of prostate cancer (PC) is the highest among all types of cancer, making it the second leading cause of mortality associated with cancer. For advanced or metastatic PC, antiandrogen therapies are standard treatment options. The administration of these treatments unfortunately carries the potential risk of inducing neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) serves as a crucial indicator of prostate cancer development, encompassing various factors such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR), Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), miRNA. The processes of autophagy and ferroptosis (an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death) play pivotal roles in the regulation of various types of cancers. Clinical trials and preclinical investigations have been conducted on many signaling pathways during the development of NEPC, with the deepening of research, autophagy and ferroptosis appear to be the potential target for regulating NEPC. Due to the dual nature of autophagy and ferroptosis in cancer, gaining a deeper understanding of the developmental programs associated with achieving autophagy and ferroptosis may enhance risk stratification and treatment efficacy for patients with NEPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youzhi Wang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Ning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junbo Li
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Jiaming Liang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Diansheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Qian Cao
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Xuesong Li
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Institution of Urology, Peking University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, National Urological Cancer Center, Beijing 100034, China.
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gao Y, Zhang L, Zhang F, Liu R, Liu L, Li X, Zhu X, Liang Y. Traditional Chinese medicine and its active substances reduce vascular injury in diabetes via regulating autophagic activity. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1355246. [PMID: 38505420 PMCID: PMC10949535 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1355246] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to its high prevalence, poor prognosis, and heavy burden on healthcare costs, diabetic vascular complications have become a significant public health issue. Currently, the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diabetes-induced vascular complications remain incompletely understood. Autophagy, a highly conserved process of lysosomal degradation, maintains intracellular homeostasis and energy balance via removing protein aggregates, damaged organelles, and exogenous pathogens. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulated autophagy may contribute to vascular abnormalities in various types of blood vessels, including both microvessels and large vessels, under diabetic conditions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses the characteristics of "multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways," and its safety has been demonstrated, particularly with minimal toxicity in liver and kidney. Thus, TCM has gained increasing attention from researchers. Moreover, recent studies have indicated that Chinese herbal medicine and its active compounds can improve vascular damage in diabetes by regulating autophagy. Based on this background, this review summarizes the classification, occurrence process, and related molecular mechanisms of autophagy, with a focus on discussing the role of autophagy in diabetic vascular damage and the protective effects of TCM and its active compounds through the regulation of autophagy in diabetes. Moreover, we systematically elucidate the autophagic mechanisms by which TCM formulations, individual herbal extracts, and active compounds regulate diabetic vascular damage, thereby providing new candidate drugs for clinical treatment of vascular complications in diabetes. Therefore, further exploration of TCM and its active compounds with autophagy-regulating effects holds significant research value for achieving targeted therapeutic approaches for diabetic vascular complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yankui Gao
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yonglin Liang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Khalil MI, Ali MM, Holail J, Houssein M. Growth or death? Control of cell destiny by mTOR and autophagy pathways. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 185:39-55. [PMID: 37944568 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.10.002] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the central regulators of cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism is the mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, which exists in two structurally and functionally different complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2; unlike m TORC2, mTORC1 is activated in response to the sufficiency of nutrients and is inhibited by rapamycin. mTOR complexes have critical roles not only in protein synthesis, gene transcription regulation, proliferation, tumor metabolism, but also in the regulation of the programmed cell death mechanisms such as autophagy and apoptosis. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic mechanism in which damaged molecules are recycled in response to nutrient starvation. Emerging evidence indicates that the mTOR signaling pathway is frequently activated in tumors. In addition, dysregulation of autophagy was associated with the development of a variety of human diseases, such as cancer and aging. Since mTOR can inhibit the induction of the autophagic process from the early stages of autophagosome formation to the late stage of lysosome degradation, the use of mTOR inhibitors to regulate autophagy could be considered a potential therapeutic option. The present review sheds light on the mTOR and autophagy signaling pathways and the mechanisms of regulation of mTOR-autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud I Khalil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, 11072809, Lebanon; Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511, Egypt.
| | - Mohamad M Ali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jasmine Holail
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Marwa Houssein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, 11072809, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ohtsuka H, Otsubo Y, Shimasaki T, Yamashita A, Aiba H. ecl family genes: Factors linking starvation and lifespan extension in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Mol Microbiol 2023; 120:645-657. [PMID: 37525511 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the duration of survival in the stationary phase, termed the chronological lifespan (CLS), is affected by various environmental factors and the corresponding gene activities. The ecl family genes were identified in the genomic region encoding non-coding RNA as positive regulators of CLS in S. pombe, and subsequently shown to encode relatively short proteins. Several studies revealed that ecl family genes respond to various nutritional starvation conditions via different mechanisms, and they are additionally involved in stress resistance, autophagy, sexual differentiation, and cell cycle control. Recent studies reported that Ecl family proteins strongly suppress target of rapamycin complex 1, which is a conserved eukaryotic nutrient-sensing kinase complex that also regulates longevity in a variety of organisms. In this review, we introduce the regulatory mechanisms of Ecl family proteins and discuss their emerging findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hokuto Ohtsuka
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoko Otsubo
- Interdisciplinary Research Unit, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shimasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Yamashita
- Interdisciplinary Research Unit, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Aiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Özcan Türkmen M, Demirezen S, Beksaç MS. Determination of Autophagy in Human Cervicovaginal Smears by Cytological and İmmunocytochemical Methods. J Cytol 2023; 40:177-183. [PMID: 38058675 PMCID: PMC10697317 DOI: 10.4103/joc.joc_130_22] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autophagy is a catabolic process whereby organelles and long-lived proteins are recycled through lysosomes to maintain cellular homeostasis. This process is being widely studied using culture techniques and animal models; however, cervicovaginal smears have not been used to detect autophagy. Aims Our study aims to detect and evaluate autophagy in normal, malignant, infectious, and atypical cells in cervicovaginal smears by using cytological and immunocytochemical methods. Materials and Methods Papanicolaou-stained 200 cervicovaginal smears were examined and 55 of 200 (27.5%) smears containing negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) with identifiable infections and/or reactive/reparative changes (INF); briefly, NILM-INF (n = 31, 56.4%), atypical (n = 4, 7.3%), and malignant cells (n = 20, 36.3%) were evaluated as a study group. One hundred forty-five of 200 (72.5%) normal smears were accepted as the NILM without any identifiable infections (control group). The autophagy marker protein Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 A (MAP1LC3A) was used for immunocytochemical examination. Results The staining intensity of the MAP1LC3A protein and autophagy positivity were lower in the malignant cells; however, they were higher in the NILM-INF and atypical cells. A statistically significant correlation between the malignant and normal cells was obtained for the autophagy positivity (P = 0.012). In view of the staining intensity of MAP1LC3A protein by the H-score method, a significant correlation was found between the NILM-INF and the normal cells (P = 0.015). Conclusions Autophagy was detected in various cervicovaginal smears for the first time in this study. Our findings indicate that an autophagy process is essential in infectious cells as well as in the transformation of atypical cells into malignant cells in carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merve Özcan Türkmen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sayeste Demirezen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sinan Beksaç
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li Z, Zhu B, Chen W, Hu J, Xue Y, Yin H, Hu X, Liu W. Pseudolaric Acid A: A Promising Antifungal Agent Against Prevalent Non- albicans Candida Species. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:5953-5964. [PMID: 37700797 PMCID: PMC10494979 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s419646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The non-albicans Candida (NAC) species have recently gained great importance worldwide due to the increasing proportion in candida causing bloodstream infections. This investigation aimed to explore the efficacy of Pseudolaric acid A (PAA, a diterpenoid derived from Pseudolarix kaempferi) and its synergistic effect with fluconazole (FLC) against NAC species, including C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis complex, and C. glabrata. Methods The microdilution checkerboard assay and time-killing curves were performed to detect the antifungal efficiency. To examine the integrity of cell walls and membranes, calcofluor white stain and propidium iodide stain were used. The changes of intracellular ultrastructure in Candida cells after treatment were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Changes in cell viability with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA were assessed by the XTT method. Results It was revealed that PAA alone is effective on C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, C. orthopsilosis, and C. metapsilosis (MIC 8-128 µg/mL). Strong synergism against FLC-resistant C. tropicalis was observed (FICI 0.07-0.281), when PAA and FLC were combined. PAA had dose-dependently detrimental effects on C. tropicalis cell membranes. Moreover, increased vacuoles and autophagosome formation were found in C. tropicalis exposed to PAA. And the inhibitory effect of PAA against C. tropicalis can be relieved by autophagy inhibitor 3-MA in a certain concentration range. Ultrastructural alterations of C. tropicalis were more pronounced under the combination of PAA and FLC, including separation of the cell membrane from the cell wall, increased number of vacuoles, and degradation of organelles. Conclusion These observations indicated that PAA and its combination with FLC could be a promising therapeutic candidate for treating infections caused by NAC species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiqin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingjun Xue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Yin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- General Office, Centre for Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai, 200126, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shen J, Ma M, Duan W, Huang Y, Shi B, Wu Q, Wei X. Autophagy Alters the Susceptibility of Candida albicans Biofilms to Antifungal Agents. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2015. [PMID: 37630575 PMCID: PMC10458732 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082015] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) reigns as a major cause of clinical candidiasis. C. albicans biofilms are known to increase resistance to antifungal agents, making biofilm-related infections particularly challenging to treat. Drug resistance is of particular concern due to the spread of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens, while autophagy is crucial for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of an activator and an inhibitor of autophagy on the susceptibility of C. albicans biofilms to antifungal agents and the related mechanisms. The susceptibility of C. albicans biofilms to different antifungal agents after treatment with or without the autophagy activator or inhibitor was evaluated using XTT assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, as well as the expression of ROS-related and autophagy-related genes, were examined to evaluate the autophagic activity of C. albicans biofilms when treated with antifungal agents. The autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The susceptibility of C. albicans biofilms to antifungal agents changed when autophagy changed. The ALP activity and ROS level of C. albicans biofilms increased with the treatment of antifungal agents, and autophagosomes could be observed in C. albicans biofilms. Autophagy was involved in the susceptibility of C. albicans biofilms to antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiadi Shen
- Department of Endodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China; (J.S.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Ming Ma
- Department of Endodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China; (J.S.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Wei Duan
- Department of Endodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China; (J.S.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Endodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China; (J.S.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Banruo Shi
- Department of Endodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China; (J.S.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Qiaochu Wu
- Department of Endodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China; (J.S.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Endodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China; (J.S.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alao JP, Legon L, Dabrowska A, Tricolici AM, Kumar J, Rallis C. Interplays of AMPK and TOR in Autophagy Regulation in Yeast. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040519. [PMID: 36831186 PMCID: PMC9953913 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells survey their environment and need to balance growth and anabolism with stress programmes and catabolism towards maximum cellular bioenergetics economy and survival. Nutrient-responsive pathways, such as the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) interact and cross-talk, continuously, with stress-responsive hubs such as the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to regulate fundamental cellular processes such as transcription, protein translation, lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis. Especially in nutrient stresses or deprivations, cells tune their metabolism accordingly and, crucially, recycle materials through autophagy mechanisms. It has now become apparent that autophagy is pivotal in lifespan, health and cell survival as it is a gatekeeper of clearing damaged macromolecules and organelles and serving as quality assurance mechanism within cells. Autophagy is hard-wired with energy and nutrient levels as well as with damage-response, and yeasts have been instrumental in elucidating such connectivities. In this review, we briefly outline cross-talks and feedback loops that link growth and stress, mainly, in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a favourite model in cell and molecular biology.
Collapse
|
13
|
Vázquez-Bolado A, López-San Segundo R, García-Blanco N, Rozalén AE, González-Álvarez D, Suárez MB, Pérez-Hidalgo L, Moreno S. The Greatwall-Endosulfine Switch Accelerates Autophagic Flux during the Cell Divisions Leading to G1 Arrest and Entry into Quiescence in Fission Yeast. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010148. [PMID: 36613592 PMCID: PMC9820488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Entry into quiescence in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is induced by nitrogen starvation. In the absence of nitrogen, proliferating fission yeast cells divide twice without cell growth and undergo cell cycle arrest in G1 before becoming G0 quiescent cells. Under these conditions, autophagy is induced to produce enough nitrogen for the two successive cell divisions that take place before the G1 arrest. In parallel to the induction of autophagy, the Greatwall-Endosulfine switch is activated upon nitrogen starvation to down-regulate protein phosphatase PP2A/B55 activity, which is essential for cell cycle arrest in G1 and implementation of the quiescent program. Here we show that, although inactivation of PP2A/B55 by the Greatwall-Endosulfine switch is not required to promote autophagy initiation, it increases autophagic flux at least in part by upregulating the expression of a number of autophagy-related genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Vázquez-Bolado
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC, Salamanca University, Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael López-San Segundo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC, Salamanca University, Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Natalia García-Blanco
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC, Salamanca University, Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ana Elisa Rozalén
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC, Salamanca University, Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Daniel González-Álvarez
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC, Salamanca University, Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - M. Belén Suárez
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC, Salamanca University, Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Microbiology and Genetics, Salamanca University, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Livia Pérez-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC, Salamanca University, Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sergio Moreno
- Instituto de Biología Funcional y Genómica (IBFG), CSIC, Salamanca University, Zacarías González 2, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ohtsuka H, Imada K, Shimasaki T, Aiba H. Sporulation: A response to starvation in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Microbiologyopen 2022; 11:e1303. [PMID: 35765188 PMCID: PMC9214231 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe employs two main strategies to adapt to the environment and survive when starved for nutrients. The strategies employ sporulation via sexual differentiation and extension of the chronological lifespan. When a cell is exposed to nutrient starvation in the presence of a cell of the opposite sex, the cells undergo fusion through conjugation and sporulation through meiosis. S. pombe spores are highly resistant to diverse stresses and may survive for a very long time. In this minireview, among the various sexual differentiation processes induced by starvation, we focused on and summarized the findings of the molecular mechanisms of spore formation in fission yeast. Furthermore, comparative measurements of the chronological lifespan of stationary phase cells and G0 cells and the survival period of spore cells revealed that the spore cells survived for a long period, indicating the presence of an effective mechanism for survival. Currently, many molecules involved in sporulation and their functions are being discovered; however, our understanding of these is not complete. Further understanding of spores may not only deepen our comprehension of sexual differentiation but may also provide hints for sustaining life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hokuto Ohtsuka
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuki Imada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Suzuka College, Suzuka, Japan.,Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shimasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Aiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Basic Medicinal Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|