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Martins-Santana L, Petrucelli MF, Sanches PR, Almeida F, Martinez-Rossi NM, Rossi A. The StuA Transcription Factor and Alternative Splicing Mechanisms Drive the Levels of MAPK Hog1 Transcripts in the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:37. [PMID: 38704808 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Trichophyton rubrum is a human fungal pathogen that causes dermatophytosis, an infection that affects keratinized tissues. Integrated molecular signals coordinate mechanisms that control pathogenicity. Transcriptional regulation is a core regulation of relevant fungal processes. Previous RNA sequencing data revealed that the absence of the transcription factor StuA resulted in the differential expression of the MAPK-related high glycerol osmolarity gene (hog1) in T. rubrum. Here we validated the role of StuA in regulating the transcript levels of hog1. We showed through RT-qPCR that transcriptional regulation controls hog1 levels in response to glucose, keratin, and co-culture with human keratinocytes. In addition, we also detected hog1 pre-mRNA transcripts that underwent alternative splicing, presenting intron retention in a StuA-dependent mechanism. Our findings suggest that StuA and alternative splicing simultaneously, but not dependently, coordinate hog1 transcript levels in T. rubrum. As a means of preventing and treating dermatophytosis, our results contribute to the search for new potential drug therapies based on the molecular aspects of signaling pathways in T. rubrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Martins-Santana
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical Schoool, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monise Fazolin Petrucelli
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical Schoool, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pablo R Sanches
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical Schoool, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical Schoool, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilce M Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical Schoool, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical Schoool, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhang M, Xu W, Mei H, Song G, Ge N, Tao Y, Liu W, Liang G. Comparative genomics predict specific genes in potential mucorales identification. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:320. [PMID: 37640972 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03659-w] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Mucoralean fungi could cause mucormycosis in humans, particularly in immunodeficient individuals and those with diabetes mellitus or trauma. With plenty of species and genera, their molecular identification and pathogenicity have a large deviation. Reported cases of mucormycosis showed frequent occurrence in Rhizopus species, Mucor species, and Lichtheimia species. We analyzed the whole genome sequences of 25 species of the top 10 Mucorales genera, along with another 22 important pathogenic non-Mucorales species, to dig the target genes for monitoring Mucorales species and identify potential genomic imprints of virulence in them. Mucorales-specific genes have been found in various orthogroups extracted by Python script, while genus-specific genes were annotated covering cellular structure, biochemistry metabolism, molecular processing, and signal transduction. Proteins related to the virulence of Mucorales species varied with distinct significance in copy numbers, in which Orthofinder was conducted. Based on our fresh retrospective analysis of mucormycosis, a comparative genomic analysis of pathogenic Mucorales was conducted in more frequent pathogens. Specific orthologs between Mucorales and non-Mucoralean pathogenic fungi were discussed in detail. Referring to the previously reported virulence proteins, we included more frequent pathogenic Mucorales and compared them in Mucorales species and non-Mucorales species. Besides, more samples are needed to further verify the potential target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Zhang
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Wenqi Xu
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Huan Mei
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ge Song
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Naicen Ge
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, 210042, China
- CAMS Collection Center of Pathogen Microorganisms-D (CAMS-CCPM-D), Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ye Tao
- Shanghai Biozeron Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Weida Liu
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China.
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, 210042, China.
- CAMS Collection Center of Pathogen Microorganisms-D (CAMS-CCPM-D), Nanjing, 210042, China.
| | - Guanzhao Liang
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, 210042, China.
- CAMS Collection Center of Pathogen Microorganisms-D (CAMS-CCPM-D), Nanjing, 210042, China.
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Sardana K, Sharath S, Khurana A, Ghosh S. An update on the myriad antifungal resistance mechanisms in dermatophytes and the place of experimental and existential therapeutic agents for Trichophyton complex implicated in tinea corporis and cruris. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:977-991. [PMID: 37606343 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2250555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an epidemic emergence of increased resistance in dermatophytes with to antifungal drugs with ergosterol1 (Erg1) and Erg11 mutations to terbinafine and azoles. Apart from mutations, mechanisms that predict clinical failure include efflux pumps, cellular kinases, heat shock proteins (Hsp), and biofilms. Apart from itraconazole and SUBATM (Super-Bioavailable) itraconazole, measures that can be used in terbinafine failure include efflux-pump inhibitors, Hsp inhibitors and judicious use of antifungal drugs (topical + systemic) combinations. AREAS COVERED A PubMed search was done for the relevant studies and reviews published in the last 22 years using keywords dermatophytes OR Trichophyton, anti-fungal, resistance, mechanism and fungal AND resistance mechanisms. Our aim was to look for literature on prevalent species and we specifically researched studies on Trichophyton genus. We have analyzed varied antifungal drug mechanisms and detailed varied experimental and approved drugs to treat recalcitrant dermatophytosis. EXPERT OPINION Apart from administering drugs with low minimum inhibitory concentration, combinations of oral and topical antifungals (based on synergy data) and new formulations of existing drugs are useful in recalcitrant cases. There is a need for research into resistance mechanism of the existent Trichophyton strains in therapeutic failures in tinea corporis & cruris instead of data derived from laboratory strains which may not mirror clinical failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Sardana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Institute and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Savitha Sharath
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Institute and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ananta Khurana
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Institute and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Shamik Ghosh
- Rejuvenation Technologies Inc, Harvard Medical School, New York City, NY, USA
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Lopes MER, Bitencourt TA, Sanches PR, Martins MP, Oliveira VM, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM. Alternative Splicing in Trichophyton rubrum Occurs in Efflux Pump Transcripts in Response to Antifungal Drugs. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080878. [PMID: 36012866 PMCID: PMC9410333 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are challenging to treat because they have developed many strategies to neutralize the stress triggered by antifungals. Drug tolerance is achieved by mechanisms such as drug efflux and biofilm formation, and cellular efflux is a consequence of the synergistic and compensatory regulation of efflux pumps. Alternative splicing (AS) has also been considered as a mechanism that enhances fungal adaptive responses. We used RNA-seq data from the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum exposed to undecanoic acid (UDA) to search for and validate AS in genes encoding efflux pumps. The magnitude of this phenomenon was evaluated using UDA and other antifungals (caspofungin, itraconazole, and terbinafine) in planktonic and biofilm cultures. In addition to the conventional isoforms, the efflux pump encoded by TERG_04309 presented two intron-retained isoforms. Biofilms trigger the simultaneous production of at least two isoforms. The intron-retained isoforms showed short lengths and topologically different organization. Furthermore, we identified the putative interaction of efflux pumps (TERG_04309 and TERG_04224). Co-expression of these genes suggests a synergistic action in antifungal resistance. Our data provide new insights into drug tolerance related to differential isoform usage and the co-expression of stress-responsive genes, which may lead to higher antifungal resistance, mainly in biofilms.
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Martins-Santana L, Petrucelli MF, Sanches PR, Martinez-Rossi NM, Rossi A. Peptidase Regulation in Trichophyton rubrum Is Mediated by the Synergism Between Alternative Splicing and StuA-Dependent Transcriptional Mechanisms. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:930398. [PMID: 35783403 PMCID: PMC9247388 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.930398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichophyton rubrum is the most common causative agent of dermatophytosis worldwide and uses keratinized substrates such as skin and nails as its main source of nutrition during infection. Its pathogenic character relies on colonization and viability maintenance at the target host sites. Since fungal physiology must adapt and respond to host conditions for the successful establishment of infection, biological mechanisms are constantly being triggered by T. rubrum to guarantee its survival in the host environment. The ability of this fungus to sense and modulate the secretion of specific proteases according to environmental pH signaling is considered as a pivotal virulence factor for effective invasion and persistence of infection in the host. Transcriptional regulation of genes encoding specific proteases, such as peptidases, is a key biological process that drives physiological modulation to meet fungal requirements. It accomplishes a robust balance among transcript isoforms that can be directed to perform distinct cellular functions. Thus, alternative splicing mechanisms are suitable for fungal cells to establish a balance toward reprogramming protein translation to impair or boost physiological conditions. In this study, we investigated the role of alternative splicing, especially intron retention events, in generating isoforms of virulence factors in T. rubrum mediated by transcriptional coordination of the protein StuA, a recently described transcription factor in this fungus. By analyzing the previous gene expression data provided by RNA-sequencing and after validation by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we observed that two peptidase-coding genes (TERG_00734 and TERG_04614) could be direct targets of alternative splicing in the presence of keratin. Furthermore, protease isoforms generated by alternative splicing in T. rubrum were also detected in a co-culture with human keratinocytes, highlighting the role of these proteins in keratin deconstruction. Our results strongly suggest the influence of StuA on the regulation of virulence factors in T. rubrum and dermatophyte infections by triggering the transcription of the peptidase genes mentioned above in an alternative splicing-independent balance. The results elucidate how fungal cells drive alternate splicing to promote physiological adaptations and show that transcriptional regulation and virulence traits are robust elements required for dermatophyte infection.
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Cao X, Xu X, Dong J, Xue Y, Sun L, Zhu Y, Liu T, Jin Q. Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of circRNAs in Trichophyton rubrum conidial and mycelial stages. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:21. [PMID: 34983376 PMCID: PMC8725419 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNAs that participate in gene expression regulation in various pathways. The essential roles of circRNAs have been revealed in many species. However, knowledge of circRNAs in fungi is still not comprehensive. Results Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) is considered a model organism of human pathogenic filamentous fungi and dermatophytes. In this study, we performed a genome-wide investigation of circRNAs in T. rubrum based on high-throughput sequencing and ultimately identified 4254 circRNAs. Most of these circRNAs were specific to the conidial or mycelial stage, revealing a developmental stage-specific expression pattern. In addition, 940 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between the conidial and mycelial stages. PCR experiments conducted on seven randomly selected differentially expressed (DE-) circRNAs confirmed the circularized structures and relative expression levels of these circRNAs. Based on their genome locations, most circRNAs originated from intergenic regions, unlike those in plants and animals. Furthermore, we constructed circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks that included 661 DE-circRNAs targeting 140 miRNAs and further regulating 2753 mRNAs. The relative expression levels of two randomly selected circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes were investigated by qRT-PCR, and the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network theory was validated. Functional enrichment analysis of the target genes suggested that they were significantly involved in posttranscriptional processes and protein synthesis as well as some small-molecule metabolism processes. CircRNAs are relatively more conserved in closely related dermatophytes but rarely conserved in distantly related species. Tru_circ07138_001 is a highly conserved circRNA that was conserved in all ten dermatophytes analyzed in our study and three distantly related species. Its host gene TERG_07138 was also highly conserved in two of these distantly related species Gallus gallus and Caenorhabditis elegans. The specific role of this circRNA deserves further exploration. Conclusions Our study is the first to provide a global profile of circRNAs in T. rubrum as well as dermatophytes. These results could serve as valuable resources for research on circRNA regulatory mechanisms in fungi and reveal new insights for further investigation of the physical characteristics of these significant human fungal pathogens. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08184-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwei Cao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xingye Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jie Dong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ying Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lilian Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yafang Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Tao Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Qi Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China.
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Muzafar S, Sharma RD, Chauhan N, Prasad R. Intron distribution and emerging role of alternative splicing in fungi. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2021; 368:6414529. [PMID: 34718529 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnab135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spliceosomal introns are noncoding sequences that are spliced from pre-mRNA. They are ubiquitous in eukaryotic genomes, although the average number of introns per gene varies considerably between different eukaryotic species. Fungi are diverse in terms of intron numbers ranging from 4% to 99% genes with introns. Alternative splicing is one of the most common modes of posttranscriptional regulation in eukaryotes, giving rise to multiple transcripts from a single pre-mRNA and is widespread in metazoans and drives extensive proteome diversity. Earlier, alternative splicing was considered to be rare in fungi, but recently, increasing numbers of studies have revealed that alternative splicing is also widespread in fungi and has been implicated in the regulation of fungal growth and development, protein localization and the improvement of survivability, likely underlying their unique capacity to adapt to changing environmental conditions. However, the role of alternative splicing in pathogenicity and development of drug resistance is only recently gaining attention. In this review, we describe the intronic landscape in fungi. We also present in detail the newly discovered functions of alternative splicing in various cellular processes and outline areas particularly in pathogenesis and clinical drug resistance for future studies that could lead to the development of much needed new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraya Muzafar
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122413, Haryana, India
| | - Ravi Datta Sharma
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122413, Haryana, India
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Gurgaon, Gurgaon 122413, Haryana, India
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State-of-the-Art Dermatophyte Infections: Epidemiology Aspects, Pathophysiology, and Resistance Mechanisms. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080629. [PMID: 34436168 PMCID: PMC8401872 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of fungal infections is not widely appreciated. Although these infections are responsible for over one million deaths annually, it is estimated that one billion people are affected by severe fungal diseases. Mycoses of nails and skin, primarily caused by fungi known as dermatophytes, are the most common fungal infections. Trichophyton rubrum appears to be the most common causative agent of dermatophytosis, followed by Trichophyton interdigitale. An estimated 25% of the world’s population suffers from dermatomycosis. Although these infections are not lethal, they compromise the quality of life of infected patients. The outcome of antidermatophytic treatments is impaired by various conditions, such as resistance and tolerance of certain dermatophyte strains. The adage “know your enemy” must be the focus of fungal research. There is an urgent need to increase awareness about the significance of these infections with precise epidemiological data and to improve knowledge regarding fungal biology and pathogenesis, with an emphasis on adaptive mechanisms to tackle adverse conditions from host counteractions. This review outlines the current knowledge about dermatophyte infections, with a focus on signaling pathways required for fungal infection establishment and a broad perspective on cellular and molecular factors involved in antifungal resistance and tolerance.
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Rossi A, Martins MP, Bitencourt TA, Peres NTA, Rocha CHL, Rocha FMG, Neves-da-Rocha J, Lopes MER, Sanches PR, Bortolossi JC, Martinez-Rossi NM. Reassessing the Use of Undecanoic Acid as a Therapeutic Strategy for Treating Fungal Infections. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:327-340. [PMID: 33835367 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Treating fungal infections is challenging and frequently requires long-term courses of antifungal drugs. Considering the limited number of existing antifungal drugs, it is crucial to evaluate the possibility of repositioning drugs with antifungal properties and to revisit older antifungals for applications in combined therapy, which could widen the range of therapeutic possibilities. Undecanoic acid is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid with known antifungal effects; however, its antifungal properties have not been extensively explored. Recent advances indicate that the toxic effect of undecanoic acid involves modulation of fungal metabolism through its effects on the expression of fungal genes that are critical for virulence. Additionally, undecanoic acid is suitable for chemical modification and might be useful in synergic therapies. This review highlights the use of undecanoic acid in antifungal treatments, reinforcing its known activity against dermatophytes. Specifically, in Trichophyton rubrum, against which the activity of undecanoic acid has been most widely studied, undecanoic acid elicits profound effects on pivotal processes in the cell wall, membrane assembly, lipid metabolism, pathogenesis, and even mRNA processing. Considering the known antifungal activities and associated mechanisms of undecanoic acid, its potential use in combination therapy, and the ability to modify the parent compound structure, undecanoic acid shows promise as a novel therapeutic against fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Maíra P Martins
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Tamires A Bitencourt
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Nalu T A Peres
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos H L Rocha
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Flaviane M G Rocha
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - João Neves-da-Rocha
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Marcos E R Lopes
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Pablo R Sanches
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Júlio C Bortolossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Nilce M Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
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Fang S, Hou X, Qiu K, He R, Feng X, Liang X. The occurrence and function of alternative splicing in fungi. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Alternative Splicing in Heat Shock Protein Transcripts as a Mechanism of Cell Adaptation in Trichophyton rubrum. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101206. [PMID: 31590387 PMCID: PMC6830096 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are involved in critical processes like host tissue invasion, resistance, and pathogenicity in dermatophytes. RNA-Seq analysis of Trichophyton rubrum exposed to undecanoic acid (UDA) revealed intron retention events in HSP transcripts. Because HSPs are modulated in response to various stimuli and as alternative splicing (AS) can result in a broad diversity in the proteome of eukaryotic cells, our objective was to confirm the aforementioned retention events, investigating their consequences and extent. Furthermore, we aimed to determine: (1) the expression profile of HSP genes in an infection-like scenario and (2) the importance of Hsp90 for the keratinolytic potential of T. rubrum. RT and qPCR analyses comparing the exposure to UDA and terbinafine (TRB) confirmed the presence of two mRNA isoforms of the hsp7-like gene, with distinct expression patterns in response to UDA and TRB. The HSP expression profile revealed two upregulated, three downregulated, and four unmodulated transcripts; Hsp90 inhibition by 17-AAG resulted in a significant decrease in keratinolytic potential at 37 °C. Altogether, these results broaden the current knowledge on the importance of HSP-mediated pathways for cell adaptation and other aspects of dermatophyte biology, indicating that HSP network proteins can be potential targets for antifungal therapy.
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