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Thomas TA, Tirumale S. Comparative proteome profiling of fusarium chlamydosporum and elucidation of pigment biosynthetic pathway under nitrogen stress. J Proteomics 2023; 277:104851. [PMID: 36813111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104851] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to understand the protein expression of F. chlamydosporum in two different medium composition in varying concentrations of nitrogen. The interesting phenomenon of producing diverse pigments by a single strain in different concentrations of Nitrogen made us further to explore the difference in the protein expression of the fungus when grown in these two media. For this, we had adopted non-gel-based method of protein separation by LC-MS/MS analysis followed by label free identification of proteins by SWATH analysis. The molecular and biological functions of each protein and their Gene Ontology annotations were analyzed by UniProt KB and KEGG pathway; the secondary metabolite pathways and the carbohydrate metabolic pathways were analyzed by DAVID bioinformatics tool. The positively regulated proteins biologically functioned for the secondary metabolite production in optimized medium were Diphosphomevalonate decarboxylase (terpenoid backbone biosynthesis), Phytoene synthase (carotenoid biosynthesis), 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine synthase (riboflavin biosynthesis). The main characteristic change observed was that proteins related to carotenoid biosynthesis and terpenoid synthesis were not regulated in nitrogen limited medium. Except for the protein 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine synthase, all the enzymes related to fatty acid biosynthesis and polyketide chain elongation were up regulated. Apart from the proteins related to secondary metabolite production, two novel proteins were found to be up regulated in Nitrogen Limited Medium; C-fem protein responsible for fungal pathogenesis and DAO domain containing protein which functions as a neuromodulator and catalyzes the synthesis of dopamine. SIGNIFICANCE: This particular strain of F. chlamydosporum of immense genetic and biochemical diversity represents an interesting example of a microorganism which can produce a variety of bioactive compounds and this can be exploited in various industries. The production of carotenoids and polyketides by this fungus when grown in the same media with different concentrations of Nitrogen has been published by us following which we analyzed the proteome sequence of the fungus in varying Nutrient conditions. Following the proteome analysis and expression, we could derive the pathway leading to the biosynthesis of varying secondary metabolites by the fungus which has not been published or studied so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy Anu Thomas
- Department of Microbiology, Krupanidhi Degree College, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sharmila Tirumale
- Department of Microbiology, Bangalore University, JB Campus, Bengaluru, India.
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2
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Meng F, Liu X, Li C, Peng X, Wang Q, Xu Q, Sui J, Zhao G, Lin J. Hinokitiol inhibits Aspergillus fumigatus by interfering with the cell membrane and cell wall. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1132042. [PMID: 37113218 PMCID: PMC10128913 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1132042] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin) is an important component of the essential oil extracted from Chamaecyparis obtuse, which prevents the decay and decomposition of temple and shrine buildings in Japan. Hinokiol has been shown to have a detrimental effect on various fungi such as Candida albicans and saprophytic fungi. However how hinokitiol works against Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) has not been claimed. This study aims to investigate the adverse effects of hinokitiol on the disruption of the cell wall and cell membrane of A. fumigatus and to explore possible potential mechanisms or pathways. According to our results, hinokitiol negatively altered mycelium morphology, growth density, and cell plasma composition content. When incubated with human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs), hinokitiol saw a safe effect with concentrations below 12 μg/ml. Hinokitiol was shown to increase the cell membrane's permeability by decreasing the cell membrane's ergosterol content. The integrity of the cell wall was disrupted, as well as a significant increase in chitin degradation and chitinase activity. As determined by RNA-seq results, subsequent analysis, and qRT-PCR, altered transcript levels of cell walls and cell membranes-related genes (such as eglC) illustrated how hinokitiol affected the genetic profile of A. fumigatus. With this study, we recommend hinokitiol as an effective anti-A. fumigatus agent by reducing the amounts of key components in the cell wall and membrane by preventing production and accelerating breakdown.
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3
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Vasselli JG, Shaw BD. Fungal spore attachment to substrata. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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4
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Li Y, Li H, Sun T, Ding C. Pathogen-Host Interaction Repertoire at Proteome and Posttranslational Modification Levels During Fungal Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:774340. [PMID: 34926320 PMCID: PMC8674643 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.774340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of fungal diseases has increased globally in recent years, which often associated with increased immunocompromised patients, aging populations, and the novel Coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, due to the limitation of available antifungal agents mortality and morbidity rates of invasion fungal disease remain stubbornly high, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant fungi exacerbates the problem. Fungal pathogenicity and interactions between fungi and host have been the focus of many studies, as a result, lots of pathogenic mechanisms and fungal virulence factors have been identified. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is a novel approach to better understand fungal pathogenicities and host–pathogen interactions at protein and protein posttranslational modification (PTM) levels. The approach has successfully elucidated interactions between pathogens and hosts by examining, for example, samples of fungal cells under different conditions, body fluids from infected patients, and exosomes. Many studies conclude that protein and PTM levels in both pathogens and hosts play important roles in progression of fungal diseases. This review summarizes mass spectrometry studies of protein and PTM levels from perspectives of both pathogens and hosts and provides an integrative conceptual outlook on fungal pathogenesis, antifungal agents development, and host–pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjian Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hailong Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianshu Sun
- Medical Research Centre, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
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Luberto L, Neroni B, Gandini O, Fiscarelli EV, Salvatori G, Roscilli G, Marra E. Genetic Vaccination as a Flexible Tool to Overcome the Immunological Complexity of Invasive Fungal Infections. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:789774. [PMID: 34975811 PMCID: PMC8715041 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.789774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted genetic vaccination as a powerful and cost-effective tool to counteract infectious diseases. Invasive fungal infections (IFI) remain a major challenge among immune compromised patients, particularly those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic bone marrow transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplant (SOT) both presenting high morbidity and mortality rates. Candidiasis and Aspergillosis are the major fungal infections among these patients and the failure of current antifungal therapies call for new therapeutic aids. Vaccination represents a valid alternative, and proof of concept of the efficacy of this approach has been provided at clinical level. This review will analyze current understanding of antifungal immunology, with a particular focus on genetic vaccination as a suitable strategy to counteract these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Luberto
- Takis s.r.l., Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Laura Luberto,
| | - Bruna Neroni
- Cystic Fibrosis Diagnostic Section, U.O. Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostic, Department of Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesù Organization IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Orietta Gandini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ersilia Vita Fiscarelli
- Cystic Fibrosis Diagnostic Section, U.O. Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostic, Department of Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesù Organization IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Muñoz R, Viveros N, Bevilacqua A, Pérez MS, Arévalo-Villena M. Effects of ultrasound treatments on wine microorganisms. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2021; 79:105775. [PMID: 34649166 PMCID: PMC8517920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2021.105775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound is one of the most promising non-thermal an emerging technique in food technology. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of different ultrasonic treatments on the most important wine microbiota (Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts and lactic acid bacteria). Two stages were carried out: the assessment step, where six different ultrasonic treatments (with varying power, time, and pulses) were used on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Brettanomyces spp., and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum; and the validation step, where two chosen ultrasonic treatments were used on Zigosaccharomyces bailli, Brettanomyces spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces bayanus, Pichia membranifaciens, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Hanseniaspora osmophila. The most sensitive microorganism was Brettanomyces spp., and the most resistant was Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Ultrasonic treatments had varying effects on vitality (delay of growth or maximum OD reduction) and on viability (reduction of microbial growth).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Muñoz
- Food Science and Technology Department, Av. Camilo José Cela S/N, Edificio Marie Curie, 13071 Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha University, Spain
| | - Noelia Viveros
- Food Science and Technology Department, Av. Camilo José Cela S/N, Edificio Marie Curie, 13071 Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha University, Spain
| | - Antonio Bevilacqua
- Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - María Soledad Pérez
- Food Science and Technology Department, Av. Camilo José Cela S/N, Edificio Marie Curie, 13071 Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha University, Spain
| | - María Arévalo-Villena
- Food Science and Technology Department, Av. Camilo José Cela S/N, Edificio Marie Curie, 13071 Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha University, Spain.
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Ijoma GN, Heri SM, Matambo TS, Tekere M. Trends and Applications of Omics Technologies to Functional Characterisation of Enzymes and Protein Metabolites Produced by Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:700. [PMID: 34575737 PMCID: PMC8464691 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying and adopting industrial applications for proteins and enzymes derived from fungi strains have been at the focal point of several studies in recent times. To facilitate such studies, it is necessary that advancements and innovation in mycological and molecular characterisation are concomitant. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the necessary steps employed in both qualitative and quantitative research using the omics technologies that are pertinent to fungi characterisation. This stems from the understanding that data provided from the functional characterisation of fungi and their metabolites is important towards the techno-economic feasibility of large-scale production of biological products. The review further describes how the functional gaps left by genomics, internal transcribe spacer (ITS) regions are addressed by transcriptomics and the various techniques and platforms utilised, including quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), hybridisation techniques, and RNA-seq, and the insights such data provide on the effect of environmental changes on fungal enzyme production from an expressional standpoint. The review also offers information on the many available bioinformatics tools of analysis necessary for the analysis of the overwhelming data synonymous with the omics approach to fungal characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace N. Ijoma
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability (IDEAS), College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (S.M.H.); (T.S.M.)
| | - Sylvie M. Heri
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability (IDEAS), College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (S.M.H.); (T.S.M.)
| | - Tonderayi S. Matambo
- Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability (IDEAS), College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (S.M.H.); (T.S.M.)
| | - Memory Tekere
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
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Chechi JL, Rotchanapreeda T, da Paz GS, Prado AC, Oliveira AL, Vieira JCS, Buzalaf MAR, Rodrigues AM, dos Santos LD, Krajaejun T, Bosco SDMG. Prospecting Biomarkers for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches in Pythiosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:423. [PMID: 34071174 PMCID: PMC8229905 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pythiosis, whose etiological agent is the oomycete Pythium insidiosum, is a life-threatening disease that occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical countries, affecting several animal species. It is frequently found in horses in Brazil and humans in Thailand. The disease is difficult to diagnose because the pathogen's hyphae are often misdiagnosed as mucoromycete fungi in histological sections. Additionally, there is no specific antigen to use for rapid diagnosis, the availability of which could improve the prognosis in different animal species. In this scenario, we investigated which P. insidiosum antigens are recognized by circulating antibodies in horses and humans with pythiosis from Brazil and Thailand, respectively, using 2D immunoblotting followed by mass spectrometry for the identification of antigens. We identified 23 protein spots, 14 recognized by pooled serum from horses and humans. Seven antigens were commonly recognized by both species, such as the heat-shock cognate 70 KDa protein, the heat-shock 70 KDa protein, glucan 1,3-beta-glucosidase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase, aconitate hydratase, and 14-3-3 protein epsilon. These results demonstrate that there are common antigens recognized by the immune responses of horses and humans, and these antigens may be studied as biomarkers for improving diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Luana Chechi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (A.C.P.); (J.C.S.V.)
| | - Tiwa Rotchanapreeda
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (T.R.); (T.K.)
| | - Giselle Souza da Paz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil; (G.S.d.P.); (A.L.O.)
| | - Ana Carolina Prado
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (A.C.P.); (J.C.S.V.)
| | - Alana Lucena Oliveira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil; (G.S.d.P.); (A.L.O.)
| | - José Cavalcante Souza Vieira
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (A.C.P.); (J.C.S.V.)
| | - Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Bauru 17012-901, Brazil;
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil;
| | - Lucilene Delazari dos Santos
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-307, Brazil;
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Theerapong Krajaejun
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (T.R.); (T.K.)
| | - Sandra de Moraes Gimenes Bosco
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (A.C.P.); (J.C.S.V.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil; (G.S.d.P.); (A.L.O.)
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García-Béjar B, Owens RA, Briones A, Arévalo-Villena M. Proteomic profiling and glycomic analysis of the yeast cell wall in strains with Aflatoxin B 1 elimination ability. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:5305-5319. [PMID: 34029450 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The use of microorganisms for Aflatoxin B1 elimination has been studied as a new alternative tool and it is known that cell wall carried out a critical role. For that reason, cell wall and soluble intracellular fraction of eight yeasts with AFB1 detoxification capability were analysed. The quantitative and qualitative comparative label-free proteomic allowed the identification of diverse common constituent proteins, which revealed that putative cell wall proteins entailed less than 10% of the total proteome. It was possible to characterize different enzymes linked to cell wall polysaccharides biosynthesis as well as other proteins related with the cell wall organization and regulation. Additionally, the concentration of the principal polysaccharides was determined which permitted us to observe that β-glucans concentration was higher than mannans in most of the samples. In order to better understand the biosorption role of the cell wall against the AFB1 , an antimycotic (Caspofungin) was used to damage the cell wall structure. This assay allowed the observation of an effect on the normal growth of those yeasts with damaged cell walls that were exposed to AFB1 . This effect was not observed in yeast with intact cell walls, which may reveal a protective role of this structure against mycotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz García-Béjar
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, 13071, Spain
| | - Rebecca A Owens
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Ana Briones
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, 13071, Spain
| | - María Arévalo-Villena
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, 13071, Spain
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The Host Immune Response to Scedosporium/ Lomentospora. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020075. [PMID: 33499053 PMCID: PMC7912657 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by the opportunistic pathogens Scedosporium/Lomentospora are on the rise. This causes problems in the clinic due to the difficulty in diagnosing and treating them. This review collates information published on immune response against these fungi, since an understanding of the mechanisms involved is of great interest in developing more effective strategies against them. Scedosporium/Lomentospora cell wall components, including peptidorhamnomannans (PRMs), α-glucans and glucosylceramides, are important immune response activators following their recognition by TLR2, TLR4 and Dectin-1 and through receptors that are yet unknown. After recognition, cytokine synthesis and antifungal activity of different phagocytes and epithelial cells is species-specific, highlighting the poor response by microglial cells against L. prolificans. Moreover, a great number of Scedosporium/Lomentospora antigens have been identified, most notably catalase, PRM and Hsp70 for their potential medical applicability. Against host immune response, these fungi contain evasion mechanisms, inducing host non-protective response, masking fungal molecular patterns, destructing host defense proteins and decreasing oxidative killing. In conclusion, although many advances have been made, many aspects remain to be elucidated and more research is necessary to shed light on the immune response to Scedosporium/Lomentospora.
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Garcia-Ceron D, Bleackley MR, Anderson MA. Fungal Extracellular Vesicles in Pathophysiology. Subcell Biochem 2021; 97:151-177. [PMID: 33779917 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-67171-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens are a concern in medicine and agriculture that has been exacerbated by the emergence of antifungal-resistant varieties that severely threaten human and animal health, as well as food security. This had led to the search for new and sustainable treatments for fungal diseases. Innovative solutions require a deeper understanding of the interactions between fungal pathogens and their hosts, and the key determinants of fungal virulence. Recently, a link has emerged between the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and fungal virulence that may contribute to finding new methods for fungal control. Fungal EVs carry pigments, carbohydrates, protein, nucleic acids and other macromolecules with similar functions as those found in EVs from other organisms, however certain fungal features, such as the fungal cell wall, impact EV release and cargo. Fungal EVs modulate immune responses in the host, have a role in cell-cell communication and transport molecules that function in virulence. Understanding the function of fungal EVs will expand our knowledge of host-pathogen interactions and may provide new and specific targets for antifungal drugs and agrichemicals.
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Muggia L, Ametrano CG, Sterflinger K, Tesei D. An Overview of Genomics, Phylogenomics and Proteomics Approaches in Ascomycota. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E356. [PMID: 33348904 PMCID: PMC7765829 DOI: 10.3390/life10120356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi are among the most successful eukaryotes on Earth: they have evolved strategies to survive in the most diverse environments and stressful conditions and have been selected and exploited for multiple aims by humans. The characteristic features intrinsic of Fungi have required evolutionary changes and adaptations at deep molecular levels. Omics approaches, nowadays including genomics, metagenomics, phylogenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics have enormously advanced the way to understand fungal diversity at diverse taxonomic levels, under changeable conditions and in still under-investigated environments. These approaches can be applied both on environmental communities and on individual organisms, either in nature or in axenic culture and have led the traditional morphology-based fungal systematic to increasingly implement molecular-based approaches. The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies was key to boost advances in fungal genomics and proteomics research. Much effort has also been directed towards the development of methodologies for optimal genomic DNA and protein extraction and separation. To date, the amount of proteomics investigations in Ascomycetes exceeds those carried out in any other fungal group. This is primarily due to the preponderance of their involvement in plant and animal diseases and multiple industrial applications, and therefore the need to understand the biological basis of the infectious process to develop mechanisms for biologic control, as well as to detect key proteins with roles in stress survival. Here we chose to present an overview as much comprehensive as possible of the major advances, mainly of the past decade, in the fields of genomics (including phylogenomics) and proteomics of Ascomycota, focusing particularly on those reporting on opportunistic pathogenic, extremophilic, polyextremotolerant and lichenized fungi. We also present a review of the mostly used genome sequencing technologies and methods for DNA sequence and protein analyses applied so far for fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Muggia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio G. Ametrano
- Grainger Bioinformatics Center, Department of Science and Education, The Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605, USA;
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Institute of Natual Sciences and Technology in the Arts, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Donatella Tesei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria;
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Laser Capture Microdissection-Assisted Protein Biomarker Discovery from Coccidioides-Infected Lung Tissue. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040365. [PMID: 33327604 PMCID: PMC7765061 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Laser capture microdissection (LCM) coupled to label-free quantitative mass spectrometry is a viable strategy to identify biomarkers from infected tissues. In this study, LCM was employed to take a “snapshot” of proteins produced in vivo during Coccidiodies spp. infection in human lungs. Proteomic analysis of LCM lung sections revealed hundreds of hosts and Coccidioidal proteins. Twenty-seven highly abundant Coccidioides spp. proteins were identified which do not share significant sequence orthology with human proteins. Three of the 27 Coccidioidal proteins are also potential Coccidoides-specific biomarkers, as they also do not share sequence homology to any other pathogenic fungus or microbe. Gene ontology analysis of the 27 biomarker candidate proteins revealed enriched hydrolase activity and increased purine and carbohydrate metabolism functions. Finally, we provide proteomic evidence that all 27 biomarker candidates are produced by the fungus when grown in vitro in a media- and growth-phase dependent manner.
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Rodrigues AM, Kubitschek-Barreira PH, Pinheiro BG, Teixeira-Ferreira A, Hahn RC, de Camargo ZP. Immunoproteomic Analysis Reveals Novel Candidate Antigens for the Diagnosis of Paracoccidioidomycosis Due to Paracoccidioides lutzii. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040357. [PMID: 33322269 PMCID: PMC7770604 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a life-threatening systemic infection caused by the fungal pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and related species. Whole-genome sequencing and stage-specific proteomic analysis of Paracoccidioides offer the opportunity to profile humoral immune responses against P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis s. str. infection using innovative screening approaches. Here, an immunoproteomic approach was used to identify PCM-associated antigens that elicit immune responses by combining 2-D electrophoresis of P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis proteomes, immunological detection using a gold-standard serum, and mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 16 and 25 highly immunoreactive proteins were identified in P. lutzii and P. brasiliensis, respectively, and 29 were shown to be the novel antigens for Paracoccidioides species, including seven uncharacterized proteins. Among the panel of proteins identified, most are involved in metabolic pathways, carbon metabolism, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in both immunoproteomes. Remarkably, six isoforms of the surface-associated enolase in the range of 54 kDa were identified as the major antigens in human PCM due to P. lutzii. These novel immunoproteomes of Paracoccidioides will be employed to develop a sensitive and affordable point-of-care diagnostic assay and an effective vaccine to identify infected hosts and prevent infection and development of human PCM. These findings provide a unique opportunity for the refinement of diagnostic tools of this important neglected systemic mycosis, which is usually associated with poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (A.M.R.); (Z.P.d.C.); Tel.: +55-1155764551 (ext. 1540) (A.M.R.); +55-1155764551 (ext. 1512) (Z.P.d.C.)
| | - Paula Helena Kubitschek-Barreira
- Department of Cellular Biology, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Institute of Biology, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20511010, Brazil;
| | - Breno Gonçalves Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil;
| | - André Teixeira-Ferreira
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Pharmacodynamics, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, Brazil;
| | - Rosane Christine Hahn
- Laboratory of Mycology/Research, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060900, Brazil;
- Júlio Muller University Hospital, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78048902, Brazil
| | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil;
- Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023062, Brazil
- Correspondence: (A.M.R.); (Z.P.d.C.); Tel.: +55-1155764551 (ext. 1540) (A.M.R.); +55-1155764551 (ext. 1512) (Z.P.d.C.)
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Abstract
Fungal cells use extracellular vesicles (EVs) to export biologically active molecules to the extracellular space. In this study, we used protoplasts of Aspergillus fumigatus, a major fungal pathogen, as a model to evaluate the role of EV production in cell wall biogenesis. Our results demonstrated that wall-less A. fumigatus exports plasma membrane-derived EVs containing a complex combination of proteins and glycans. Our report is the first to characterize fungal EVs in the absence of a cell wall. Our results suggest that protoplasts represent a promising model for functional studies of fungal vesicles. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous compartments produced by yeast and mycelial forms of several fungal species. One of the difficulties in perceiving the role of EVs during the fungal life, and particularly in cell wall biogenesis, is caused by the presence of a thick cell wall. One alternative to have better access to these vesicles is to use protoplasts. This approach has been investigated here with Aspergillus fumigatus, one of the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens worldwide. Analysis of regenerating protoplasts by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy indicated the occurrence of outer membrane projections in association with surface components and the release of particles with properties resembling those of fungal EVs. EVs in culture supernatants were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Proteomic and glycome analysis of EVs revealed the presence of a complex array of enzymes related to lipid/sugar metabolism, pathogenic processes, and cell wall biosynthesis. Our data indicate that (i) EV production is a common feature of different morphological stages of this major fungal pathogen and (ii) protoplastic EVs are promising tools for undertaking studies of vesicle functions in fungal cells. IMPORTANCE Fungal cells use extracellular vesicles (EVs) to export biologically active molecules to the extracellular space. In this study, we used protoplasts of Aspergillus fumigatus, a major fungal pathogen, as a model to evaluate the role of EV production in cell wall biogenesis. Our results demonstrated that wall-less A. fumigatus exports plasma membrane-derived EVs containing a complex combination of proteins and glycans. Our report is the first to characterize fungal EVs in the absence of a cell wall. Our results suggest that protoplasts represent a promising model for functional studies of fungal vesicles.
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Jia LJ, Krüger T, Blango MG, von Eggeling F, Kniemeyer O, Brakhage AA. Biotinylated Surfome Profiling Identifies Potential Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Therapy of Aspergillus fumigatus Infection. mSphere 2020; 5:e00535-20. [PMID: 32817453 PMCID: PMC7426169 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00535-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common airborne molds capable of causing mycoses and allergies in humans. During infection, fungal surface proteins mediate the first contact with the human immune system to evade immune responses or to induce hypersensitivity. Several methods have been established for surface proteomics (surfomics). Biotinylation coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identification of peptides is a particularly efficient method to identify the surface-exposed regions of proteins that potentially mediate interaction with the host. After biotinylation of surface proteins during spore germination, we detected 231 different biotinylated surface proteins (including several well-known proteins such as RodA, CcpA, and DppV; allergens; and heat shock proteins [HSPs]), as well as some previously undescribed surface proteins. The dynamic change of the surface proteome was illustrated by detection of a relatively high number of proteins exclusively at one developmental stage. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we confirmed the surface localization of several HSPs of the HSP70 family, which may have moonlighting functions. Collectively, by comparing our data with data representative of previously published A. fumigatus surface proteomes, our study generated a comprehensive data set corresponding to the A. fumigatus surfome and uncovered the surface-exposed regions of many proteins on the surface of conidia or hyphae. These surface-exposed regions are candidates for direct interaction with host cells and may represent antigenic epitopes that either induce protective immune responses or mediate immune evasion. Thus, our data sets provided and compiled here represent reasonable immunotherapy and diagnostic targets for future investigations.IMPORTANCEAspergillus fumigatus is the most important airborne human-pathogenic mold, capable of causing both life-threatening invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients and allergy-inducing infections in individuals with atopic allergy. Despite its obvious medical relevance, timely diagnosis and efficient antifungal treatment of A. fumigatus infection remain major challenges. Proteins on the surface of conidia (asexually produced spores) and mycelium directly mediate host-pathogen interaction and also may serve as targets for diagnosis and immunotherapy. However, the similarity of protein sequences between A. fumigatus and other organisms, sometimes even including the human host, makes selection of targets for immunological-based studies difficult. Here, using surface protein biotinylation coupled with LC-MS/MS analysis, we identified hundreds of A. fumigatus surface proteins with exposed regions, further defining putative targets for possible diagnostic and immunotherapeutic design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Jie Jia
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthew G Blango
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ferdinand von Eggeling
- Jena University Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Jena, Germany
- Jena University Hospital, Core Unit Proteome Analysis, Jena, Germany
- Jena University Hospital, DFG Core Unit Jena Biophotonic and Imaging Laboratory (JBIL), Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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Otun S, Ntushelo K. Proteomic analysis of the phytogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1144:122053. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Sheehan G, Konings M, Lim W, Fahal A, Kavanagh K, van de Sande WWJ. Proteomic analysis of the processes leading to Madurella mycetomatis grain formation in Galleria mellonella larvae. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008190. [PMID: 32267851 PMCID: PMC7141616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycetoma is a neglected chronic and granulomatous infection primarily associated with the fungal pathogen Madurella mycetomatis. Characteristic of this infection is the formation of grains. However, the processes leading to grain formation are not known. In this study, we employed a proteomic approach to characterise M. mycetomatis grain formation in Galleria mellonella larvae and map the processes leading to grain formation over time. For this, at 1 day, 3 days and 7 days post-inoculation, proteins from grains and hemolymph were extracted and analysed by label-free mass spectrometry. A total of 87, 51 and 48 M. mycetomatis proteins and 713, 997, 18 G. mellonella proteins were found in grains on day 1, 3 and 7 post-inoculation respectively. M. mycetomatis proteins were mainly involved in cellular metabolic processes and numerous enzymes were encountered. G. mellonella proteins were primarily involved in the nodulation process. The proteins identified were linked to nodulation and grain formation and four steps of grain formation were identified. The results of this proteomic approach could in the future be used to design novel strategies to interfere with mycetoma grain formation and to combat this difficult to treat infection. Although grain formation is the hallmark of mycetoma, so far the pathways leading to grain formation were not studied. Since our hypothesis is that both host and pathogen play a role in this process, we aimed to study this process in a model system. Grains can be formed in the invertebrate Galleria mellonella and different stages of grain formation can be noted within the larvae. We therefore infected G. mellonella with the mycetoma causative agent Madurella mycetomatis, and monitored grain formation over time. At day 1, day 3 and day 7 post-inoculation, grains and hemolymph were obtained from infected larvae. Proteins were isolated and identified by label-free mass spectrometry. By analyzing the proteins found in both host and pathogen on the different time points, we were able to develop a grain model over time. This grain model can in the future be used to identify novel treatments for this difficult to treat infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sheehan
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Mickey Konings
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilson Lim
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Wendy W. J. van de Sande
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
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Secretory proteins are key modulators of host–pathogen interaction.
The human opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata lacks secreted proteolytic activity but possesses 11 glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored
aspartyl proteases, also referred to as Yapsins (CgYps1–11),
that are essential for its virulence. To delineate the role of CgYapsins
in interaction with host cells, we have profiled, through liquid chromatography-tandem
mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach, the total secretome of wild-type and Cgyps1-11Δ mutant.
The wild-type secretome consisted of 119 proteins
which were primarily involved in cell wall organization, carbohydrate
metabolism, proteolysis, and translation processes. Of eight CgYapsins
identified in the secretome, the release of two major CgYapsins, CgYps1
and CgYps7, to the medium was confirmed by Western analysis. Further,
comparative analysis revealed 20 common proteins, probably signifying
the core fungal secretome, among C. glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans secretomes. Strikingly, the Cgyps1-11Δ secretome was 4.6-fold larger, and contained
65 differentially abundant proteins, as revealed by label-free quantitative
profiling, with 49 and 16 being high- and low-abundant proteins, respectively,
compared to the wild-type secretome. Importantly,
the CgMsb2 mucin, a putative CgYapsins’ substrate, was six-fold
underrepresented in the mutant secretome. Altogether, we demonstrate
for the first time that CgYapsins are both bona fide constituents
and key modulators of the C. glabrata secretome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubashshir Rasheed
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis , Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics , Hyderabad , Telangana 500039 , India
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis , Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics , Hyderabad , Telangana 500039 , India
| | - Rupinder Kaur
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis , Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics , Hyderabad , Telangana 500039 , India
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20
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Souza JAM, Baltazar LDM, Carregal VM, Gouveia-Eufrasio L, de Oliveira AG, Dias WG, Campos Rocha M, Rocha de Miranda K, Malavazi I, Santos DDA, Frézard FJG, de Souza DDG, Teixeira MM, Soriani FM. Characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus Extracellular Vesicles and Their Effects on Macrophages and Neutrophils Functions. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2008. [PMID: 31551957 PMCID: PMC6738167 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been considered an alternative process for intercellular communication. EVs release by filamentous fungi and the role of vesicular secretion during fungus-host cells interaction remain unknown. Here, we identified the secretion of EVs from the pathogenic filamentous fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus. Analysis of the structure of EVs demonstrated that A. fumigatus produces round shaped bilayer structures ranging from 100 to 200 nm size, containing ergosterol and a myriad of proteins involved in REDOX, cell wall remodeling and metabolic functions of the fungus. We demonstrated that macrophages can phagocytose A. fumigatus EVs. Phagocytic cells, stimulated with EVs, increased fungal clearance after A. fumigatus conidia challenge. EVs were also able to induce the production of TNF-α and CCL2 by macrophages and a synergistic effect was observed in the production of these mediators when the cells were challenged with the conidia. In bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDN) treated with EVs, there was enhancement of the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in response to conidia. Together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that A. fumigatus produces EVs containing a diverse set of proteins involved in fungal physiology and virulence. Moreover, EVs are biologically active and stimulate production of inflammatory mediators and fungal clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Amanda Marques Souza
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ludmila de Matos Baltazar
- Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Mendes Carregal
- Laboratório de Biofísica e Sistemas Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ludmila Gouveia-Eufrasio
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - André Gustavo de Oliveira
- Lab Circuitos Fisiológicos, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Wendell Girard Dias
- Plataforma de Microscopia Eletrônica Rudolf Barth, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marina Campos Rocha
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Kildare Rocha de Miranda
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iran Malavazi
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Daniel de Assis Santos
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Jean Georges Frézard
- Laboratório de Biofísica e Sistemas Nanoestruturados, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniele da Glória de Souza
- Laboratório de Interação Microrganismo-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frederico Marianetti Soriani
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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21
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Cell surface display of proteins on filamentous fungi. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:6949-6972. [PMID: 31359105 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10026-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protein display approaches have been useful to endow the cell surface of yeasts with new catalytic activities so that they can act as enhanced whole-cell biocatalysts. Despite their biotechnological potential, protein display technologies remain poorly developed for filamentous fungi. The lignocellulolytic character of some of them coupled to the cell surface biosynthesis of valuable molecules by a single or a cascade of several displayed enzymes is an appealing prospect. Cell surface protein display consists in the co-translational fusion of a functional protein (passenger) to an anchor one, usually a cell-wall-resident protein. The abundance, spacing, and local environment of the displayed enzymes-determined by the relationship of the anchor protein with the structure and dynamics of the engineered cell wall-are factors that influence the performance of display-based biocatalysts. The development of protein display strategies in filamentous fungi could be based on the field advances in yeasts; however, the unique composition, structure, and biology of filamentous fungi cell walls require the customization of the approach to those microorganisms. In this prospective review, the cellular bases, the design principles, and the available tools to foster the development of cell surface protein display technologies in filamentous fungi are discussed.
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22
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Schubert M, Xue S, Ebel F, Vaggelas A, Krylov VB, Nifantiev NE, Chudobová I, Schillberg S, Nölke G. Monoclonal Antibody AP3 Binds Galactomannan Antigens Displayed by the Pathogens Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. parasiticus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:234. [PMID: 31380292 PMCID: PMC6646516 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus are the fungal pathogens responsible for most cases of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Early detection of the circulating antigen galactomannan (GM) in serum allows the prompt application of effective antifungal therapy, thus improving the survival rate of IA patients. However, the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for the diagnosis of IA is often associated with false positives due to cross-reaction with bacterial polysaccharides. More specific antibodies are therefore needed. Here we describe the characterization of the Aspergillus-specific mAb AP3 (IgG1κ), including the precise identification of its corresponding antigen. The antibody was generated using A. parasiticus cell wall fragments and was shown to bind several Aspergillus species. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that AP3 binds a cell wall antigen, but immunoprecipitation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed that the antigen is also secreted into the culture medium. The inability of AP3 to bind the A. fumigatus galactofuranose (Galf )-deficient mutant ΔglfA confirmed that Galf residues are part of the epitope. Several lines of evidence strongly indicated that AP3 recognizes the Galf residues of O-linked glycans on Aspergillus proteins. Glycoarray analysis revealed that AP3 recognizes oligo-[β-D-Galf-1,5] sequences containing four or more residues with longer chains more efficiently. We also showed that AP3 captures GM in serum, suggesting it may be useful as a diagnostic tool for patients with IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Schubert
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sheng Xue
- Institute for Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Frank Ebel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annegret Vaggelas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vadim B Krylov
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay E Nifantiev
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivana Chudobová
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schillberg
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Greta Nölke
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen, Germany
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Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics of Fungal Pathogenesis, Host-Fungal Interactions, and Antifungal Development. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5020052. [PMID: 31212923 PMCID: PMC6616953 DOI: 10.3390/jof5020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of fungal diseases is increasing on a global scale, ranging from acute to systemic infections caused by commensal or pathogenic microorganisms, often associated with the immune status of the host. Morbidity and mortality rates remain high and our ability to treat fungal infections is challenged by a limited arsenal of antifungal agents and the emergence of drug resistant pathogens. There is a high demand for new approaches to elucidate the fungal mechanisms of pathogenesis and the interplay between host and pathogen to discover novel treatment options. Moreover, the need for improved drug efficacy and reduced host toxicity requires the identification and characterization of antifungal biological targets and molecular mechanisms of action. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is a rapidly advancing field capable of addressing these priorities by providing comprehensive information on the dynamics of cellular processes, modifications, and interactions. In this Review, we focus on applications of MS-based proteomics in a diverse array of fungal pathogens and host systems to define and distinguish the molecular details of fungal pathogenesis and host–fungal interactions. We also explore the emerging role of MS-based proteomics in the discovery and development of novel antifungal therapies and provide insight into the future of MS-based proteomics in fungal biology.
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Bleackley MR, Dawson CS, Anderson MA. Fungal Extracellular Vesicles with a Focus on Proteomic Analysis. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800232. [PMID: 30883019 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) perform crucial functions in cell-cell communication. The packaging of biomolecules into membrane-enveloped vesicles prior to release into the extracellular environment provides a mechanism for coordinated delivery of multiple signals at high concentrations that is not achievable by classical secretion alone. Most of the understanding of the biosynthesis, composition, and function of EVs comes from mammalian systems. Investigation of fungal EVs, particularly those released by pathogenic yeast species, has revealed diverse cargo including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and small molecules. Fungal EVs are proposed to function in a variety of biological processes including virulence and cell wall homeostasis with a focus on host-pathogen interactions. EVs also carry signals between fungal cells allowing for a coordinated attack on a host during infection. Research on fungal EVs in still in its infancy. Here a review of the literature thus far with a focus on proteomic analysis is provided with respect to techniques, results, and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Bleackley
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Charlotte S Dawson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Marilyn A Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia
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Kadry AA, El-Ganiny AM, Mosbah RA, Kaminskyj SGW. Deletion of Aspergillus nidulans GDP-mannose transporters affects hyphal morphometry, cell wall architecture, spore surface character, cell adhesion, and biofilm formation. Med Mycol 2018; 56:621-630. [PMID: 29420778 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic human fungal infections are increasingly common. Aspergillus species cause most of the airborne fungal infections. Life-threatening invasive aspergillosis was formerly found only in immune-suppressed patients, but recently some strains of A. fumigatus have become primary pathogens. Many fungal cell wall components are absent from mammalian systems, so they are potential drug targets. Cell-wall-targeting drugs such as echinocandins are used clinically, although echinocandin-resistant strains were discovered shortly after their introduction. Currently there are no fully effective anti-fungal drugs. Fungal cell wall glycoconjugates modulate human immune responses, as well as fungal cell adhesion, biofilm formation, and drug resistance. Guanosine diphosphate (GDP) mannose transporters (GMTs) transfer GDP-mannose from the cytosol to the Golgi lumen prior to mannosylation. Aspergillus nidulans GMTs are encoded by gmtA and gmtB. Here we elucidate the roles of A. nidulans GMTs. Strains engineered to lack either or both GMTs were assessed for hyphal and colonial morphology, cell wall ultrastructure, antifungal susceptibility, spore hydrophobicity, adherence and biofilm formation. The gmt-deleted strains had smaller colonies with reduced sporulation and with thicker hyphal walls. The gmtA deficient spores had reduced hydrophobicity and were less adherent and less able to form biofilms in vitro. Thus, gmtA not only participates in maintaining the cell wall integrity but also plays an important role in biofilm establishment and adherence of A. nidulans. These findings suggested that GMTs have roles in A. nidulans growth and cell-cell interaction and could be a potential target for new antifungals that target virulence determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf A Kadry
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Amira M El-Ganiny
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Rasha A Mosbah
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.,Zagazig University Hospitals, Zagazig, Egypt
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Bhardwaj N, Verma VK, Chaturvedi V, Verma P. GH10 XynF1 and Xyn11A: the predominant xylanase identified in the profiling of extracellular proteome of Aspergillus oryzae LC1. ANN MICROBIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-018-1378-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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Shankar J, Tiwari S, Shishodia SK, Gangwar M, Hoda S, Thakur R, Vijayaraghavan P. Molecular Insights Into Development and Virulence Determinants of Aspergilli: A Proteomic Perspective. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:180. [PMID: 29896454 PMCID: PMC5986918 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species are the major cause of health concern worldwide in immunocompromised individuals. Opportunistic Aspergilli cause invasive to allergic aspergillosis, whereas non-infectious Aspergilli have contributed to understand the biology of eukaryotic organisms and serve as a model organism. Morphotypes of Aspergilli such as conidia or mycelia/hyphae helped them to survive in favorable or unfavorable environmental conditions. These morphotypes contribute to virulence, pathogenicity and invasion into hosts by excreting proteins, enzymes or toxins. Morphological transition of Aspergillus species has been a critical step to infect host or to colonize on food products. Thus, we reviewed proteins from Aspergilli to understand the biological processes, biochemical, and cellular pathways that are involved in transition and morphogenesis. We majorly analyzed proteomic studies on A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger to gain insight into mechanisms involved in the transition from conidia to mycelia along with the role of secondary metabolites. Proteome analysis of morphotypes of Aspergilli provided information on key biological pathways required to exit conidial dormancy, consortia of virulent factors and mycotoxins during the transition. The application of proteomic approaches has uncovered the biological processes during development as well as intermediates of secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathway. We listed key proteins/ enzymes or toxins at different morphological types of Aspergillus that could be applicable in discovery of novel therapeutic targets or metabolite based diagnostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jata Shankar
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, India
| | - Shraddha Tiwari
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, India
| | - Sonia K Shishodia
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, India
| | - Manali Gangwar
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, India
| | - Shanu Hoda
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Raman Thakur
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, India
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Comparative systems analysis of the secretome of the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and other Aspergillus species. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6617. [PMID: 29700415 PMCID: PMC5919931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25016-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus and multiple other Aspergillus species cause a wide range of lung infections, collectively termed aspergillosis. Aspergilli are ubiquitous in environment with healthy immune systems routinely eliminating inhaled conidia, however, Aspergilli can become an opportunistic pathogen in immune-compromised patients. The aspergillosis mortality rate and emergence of drug-resistance reveals an urgent need to identify novel targets. Secreted and cell membrane proteins play a critical role in fungal-host interactions and pathogenesis. Using a computational pipeline integrating data from high-throughput experiments and bioinformatic predictions, we have identified secreted and cell membrane proteins in ten Aspergillus species known to cause aspergillosis. Small secreted and effector-like proteins similar to agents of fungal-plant pathogenesis were also identified within each secretome. A comparison with humans revealed that at least 70% of Aspergillus secretomes have no sequence similarity with the human proteome. An analysis of antigenic qualities of Aspergillus proteins revealed that the secretome is significantly more antigenic than cell membrane proteins or the complete proteome. Finally, overlaying an expression dataset, four A. fumigatus proteins upregulated during infection and with available structures, were found to be structurally similar to known drug target proteins in other organisms, and were able to dock in silico with the respective drug.
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Schubert M, Spiegel H, Schillberg S, Nölke G. Aspergillus-specific antibodies - Targets and applications. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1167-1184. [PMID: 29608951 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus is a fungal genus comprising several hundred species, many of which can damage the health of plants, animals and humans by direct infection and/or due to the production of toxic secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins. Aspergillus-specific antibodies have been generated against polypeptides, polysaccharides and secondary metabolites found in the cell wall or secretions, and these can be used to detect and monitor infections or to quantify mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. However, most Aspergillus-specific antibodies are generated against heterogeneous antigen preparations and the specific target remains unknown. Target identification is important because this can help to characterize fungal morphology, confirm host penetration by opportunistic pathogens, detect specific disease-related biomarkers, identify new candidate targets for antifungal drug design, and qualify antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss how antibodies are raised against heterogeneous Aspergillus antigen preparations and how they can be characterized, focusing on strategies to identify their specific antigens and epitopes. We also discuss the therapeutic, diagnostic and biotechnological applications of Aspergillus-specific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Schubert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Holger Spiegel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schillberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Institute for Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Phytopathology Department, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Greta Nölke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Thakur R, Shankar J. Proteome Profile of Aspergillus terreus Conidia at Germinating Stage: Identification of Probable Virulent Factors and Enzymes from Mycotoxin Pathways. Mycopathologia 2017. [PMID: 28647921 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0161-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus terreus is an emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. The main risk group of individuals for this organism is leukopenic patients, individuals having cancers, bone marrow transplant persons and those who have immunological disorders. The lack of early diagnostic marker for A. terreus and intrinsic resistance to Amphotericin B, further limits the successful therapy of A. terreus-associated infections. The germination of inhaled conidia is the key step to establish successful invasion in host tissues or organs. Thus, profiling of expressed proteins during germination of conidia not only shed light on proteins that are involved in invasion or virulence but may also provide early diagnostic markers. We used nanoLC-Q-TOF to study the proteome of germinating conidia (at 16 h time points) of A. terreus. We observed expression of 373 proteins in germinating conidia of A. terreus. A total of 74 proteins were uncharacterized in the database. The expressed proteins were associated with various processes like cell wall modulation, virulence factors and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The most abundant proteins were associated with protein biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and unknown functions. Among virulent proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase (hog1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (mpkC) are key virulent proteins observed in our study. We observed 7 enzymes from terretonin and 10 enzymes from geodin mycotoxin biosynthesis pathway. Interestingly, we observed expression of terrelysin protein, associated with blood cell lysis. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed 26-fold increase in transcripts encoding for dihydrogeodin oxidase and 885-fold for terrelysin gene in germinating conidia in comparison to conidia. Further, we propose that terrelysin protein and secondary metabolite such as geodin could be explored as diagnostic marker for A. terreus-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Thakur
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173234, India
| | - Jata Shankar
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173234, India.
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Proteomics as a Tool to Identify New Targets Against Aspergillus and Scedosporium in the Context of Cystic Fibrosis. Mycopathologia 2017; 183:273-289. [PMID: 28484941 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that increases the risk of suffering microbial, including fungal, infections. In this paper, proteomics-based information was collated relating to secreted and cell wall proteins with potential medical applications from the most common filamentous fungi in CF, i.e., Aspergillus and Scedosporium/Lomentospora species. Among the Aspergillus fumigatus secreted allergens, β-1,3-endoglucanase, the alkaline protease 1 (Alp1/oryzin), Asp f 2, Asp f 13/15, chitinase, chitosanase, dipeptidyl-peptidase V (DppV), the metalloprotease Asp f 5, mitogillin/Asp f 1, and thioredoxin reductase receive a special mention. In addition, the antigens β-glucosidase 1, catalase, glucan endo-1,3-β-glucosidase EglC, β-1,3-glucanosyltransferases Gel1 and Gel2, and glutaminase A were also identified in secretomes of other Aspergillus species associated with CF: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nidulans, and Aspergillus terreus. Regarding cell wall proteins, cytochrome P450 and eEF-3 were proposed as diagnostic targets, and alkaline protease 2 (Alp2), Asp f 3 (putative peroxiredoxin pmp20), probable glycosidases Asp f 9/Crf1 and Crf2, GPI-anchored protein Ecm33, β-1,3-glucanosyltransferase Gel4, conidial hydrophobin Hyp1/RodA, and secreted aspartyl protease Pep2 as protective vaccines in A. fumigatus. On the other hand, for Scedosporium/Lomentospora species, the heat shock protein Hsp70 stands out as a relevant secreted and cell wall antigen. Additionally, the secreted aspartyl proteinase and an ortholog of Asp f 13, as well as the cell wall endo-1,3-β-D-glucosidase and 1,3-β-glucanosyl transferase, were also found to be significant proteins. In conclusion, proteins mentioned in this review may be promising candidates for developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools for fungal infections in CF patients.
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Abstract
Fungal infections continue to rise worldwide. Antifungal therapy has long been a mainstay for the treatment of these infections, but often can fail for a number of reasons. These include acquired or innate drug resistance of the causative agent, poor drug penetration into the affected tissues, lack of cidal activity of the drug and drug toxicities that limit therapy. In some instances, such as coccidioidal meningitis, therapy is life-long. In addition, few new antifungal drugs are under development. In light of this information a preventative vaccine is highly desirable. Although numerous investigators have worked toward the development of fungal vaccines, none have become commercially available for use in humans. In the course of our studies, we have discovered that heat-killed yeast (HKY) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be used as a vaccine and have shown that it has efficacy in the prevention and reduction of five different fungal infections when used experimentally in mice, which raises the possibility of a pan-fungal vaccine preparation. In our studies we grow S. cerevisiae in broth and heat-kill the organism at 70 ° C for 3 h. The number of dead yeast cells is adjusted and mice are vaccinated subcutaneously beginning 3-7 weeks prior to infection. After infection, efficacy is assessed on the basis of survival and residual burden of the fungus in the target organs. Alternatively, efficacy can be assessed solely on fungal burden at a predetermined time postinfection. Although itself it is unlikely to be moved toward commercialization, HKY can be used a positive control vaccine for studies on specific molecular entities as vaccines, and as a guidepost for the key elements of potential, more purified, pan-fungal vaccine preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marife Martinez
- California Institute for Medical Research, 2260 Clove Dr., San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Karl V Clemons
- California Institute for Medical Research, 2260 Clove Dr., San Jose, CA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David A Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, 2260 Clove Dr., San Jose, CA, USA. .,Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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33
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Thakur R, Shankar J. In silico Identification of Potential Peptides or Allergen Shot Candidates Against Aspergillus fumigatus. Biores Open Access 2016; 5:330-341. [PMID: 27872794 PMCID: PMC5116691 DOI: 10.1089/biores.2016.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is capable of causing invasive aspergillosis or acute bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and the current situation is alarming. There are no vaccine or allergen shots available for Aspergillus-induced allergies. Thus, a novel approach in designing of an effective vaccine or allergen shot candidate against A. fumigatus is needed. Using immunoinformatics approaches from the characterized A. fumigatus allergens, we have mapped epitopic regions to predict potential peptides that elicit both Aspergillus-specific T cells and B cell immune response. Experimentally derived immunodominant allergens were retrieved from www.allergen.org. A total of 23 allergenic proteins of A. fumigatus were retrieved. Out of 23 allergenic proteins, 13 of them showed high sequence similarity to both human and mouse counterparts and thus were eliminated from analysis due to possible cross-reactivity. Remaining allergens were subjected to T cell (major histocompatibility complex class I and II alleles) and B cell epitope prediction using immune epitope database analysis resource. Only five allergens have shown a common B and T cell epitopic region between human and mouse. They are Asp f1 {147-156 region (RVIYTYPNKV); Mitogillin}, Asp f2 {5-19 region (LRLAVLLPLAAPLVA); Hypothetical protein}, Asp f5 {305-322 region (LNNYRPSSSSLSFKY); Metalloprotease}, Asp f17 {98-106 region (AANAGGTVY); Hypothetical protein}, and Asp f34 {74-82 region (YIQDGSLYL); PhiA cell wall protein}. The epitopic region from these five allergenic proteins showed potential for development of single peptide- or multipeptide-based vaccine or allergen shots for experimental prioritization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Thakur
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology , Solan-173234 (Himachal Pradesh), India
| | - Jata Shankar
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology , Solan-173234 (Himachal Pradesh), India
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34
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Levitz SM. Aspergillus vaccines: Hardly worth studying or worthy of hard study? Med Mycol 2016; 55:103-108. [PMID: 27639242 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines rank among the greatest advances in the history of public health. Yet, despite the need, there are no licensed vaccines to protect humans against fungal diseases, including aspergillosis. In this focused review, some of the major scientific and logistical challenges to developing vaccines to protect at-risk individuals against aspergillosis are discussed. Approaches that have shown promise in animal models include vaccines that protect against multiple fungal genera and those that are specifically directed to Aspergillus Advances in proteomics and glycomics have facilitated identification of candidate antigens for use in subunit vaccines. Novel adjuvants and delivery systems are becoming available that can skew vaccine responses toward those associated with protection. Immunotherapy consisting of adoptive transfer of Aspergillus-specific T cells to allogeneic hematopoietic transplant recipients has advanced to human testing but is technically difficult and of unproven benefit. While progress has been impressive, much work still needs to be done if vaccines against aspergillosis are to become a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart M Levitz
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Room LRB317, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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35
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Nano-LC-Q-TOF Analysis of Proteome Revealed Germination of Aspergillus flavus Conidia is Accompanied by MAPK Signalling and Cell Wall Modulation. Mycopathologia 2016; 181:769-786. [PMID: 27576557 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-016-0056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is the second most leading cause of aspergillosis. The ability of A. flavus to adapt within the host environment is crtical for its colonization. Onset of germination of conidia is one of the crucial events; thus, in order to gain insight into A. flavus molecular adaptation while germination, protein profile of A. flavus was obtained. Approximately 82 % of conidia showed germination at 7 h; thus, samples were collected followed by protein extraction and subjected to nLC-Q-TOF mass spectrometer. Q-TOF data were analysed using Protein Lynx Global Services (PLGS 2.2.5) software. A total of 416 proteins were identified from UniProt Aspergillus species database. Orthologues of A. flavus was observed in A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus, A. oryzae, etc. Proteins were further analysed in NCBI database, which showed that 27 proteins of A. flavus are not reported in UniProt and NCBI database. Functional characterization of proteins resulted majorly to cell wall synthesis and degradation, metabolisms (carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism), protein synthesis and degradation. Proteins/enzymes associated with aflatoxin biosynthesis were observed. We also observed Dicer-like proteins 1, 2 and autophagy-related proteins 2, 9, 18, 13, 11, 22. Expression of protein/enzymes associated with MAPK signalling pathway suggests their role during the germination process. Overall, the data present a catalogue of proteins/enzymes involved in the germination of A. flavus conidia and could also be applied to other Aspergillus species.
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Nimrichter L, de Souza MM, Del Poeta M, Nosanchuk JD, Joffe L, Tavares PDM, Rodrigues ML. Extracellular Vesicle-Associated Transitory Cell Wall Components and Their Impact on the Interaction of Fungi with Host Cells. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1034. [PMID: 27458437 PMCID: PMC4937017 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Classic cell wall components of fungi comprise the polysaccharides glucans and chitin, in association with glycoproteins and pigments. During the last decade, however, system biology approaches clearly demonstrated that the composition of fungal cell walls include atypical molecules historically associated with intracellular or membrane locations. Elucidation of mechanisms by which many fungal molecules are exported to the extracellular space suggested that these atypical components are transitorily located to the cell wall. The presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) at the fungal cell wall and in culture supernatants of distinct pathogenic species suggested a highly functional mechanism of molecular export in these organisms. Thus, the passage of EVs through fungal cell walls suggests remarkable molecular diversity and, consequently, a potentially variable influence on the host antifungal response. On the basis of information derived from the proteomic characterization of fungal EVs from the yeasts Cryptoccocus neoformans and Candida albicans and the dimorphic fungi Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, our manuscript is focused on the clear view that the fungal cell wall is much more complex than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Nimrichter
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Marcio M de Souza
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NYUSA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NYUSA
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Luna Joffe
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Patricia de M Tavares
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Marcio L Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de JaneiroBrazil; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Rio de JaneiroBrazil
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Kniemeyer O, Ebel F, Krüger T, Bacher P, Scheffold A, Luo T, Strassburger M, Brakhage AA. Immunoproteomics of Aspergillus for the development of biomarkers and immunotherapies. Proteomics Clin Appl 2016; 10:910-921. [PMID: 27312145 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201600053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi of the genus Aspergillus play significant roles as pathogens causing superficial and invasive infections as well as allergic reactions in humans. Particularly invasive mycoses caused by Aspergillus species are characterized by high mortality rates due to difficult diagnosis and insufficient antifungal therapy. The application of immunoproteomic approaches has a great potential to identify new targets for the diagnosis, therapy, and vaccine development of diseases caused by Aspergillus species. Serological proteome analyses (SERPA) that combine 2D electrophoresis with Western blotting are still one of the most popular techniques for the identification of antigenic proteins. However, recently a growing number of approaches have been developed to identify proteins, which either provoke an antibody response or which represent targets of T-cell immunity in patients with allergy or fungal infections. Here, we review advances in the studies of immune responses against pathogenic Aspergilli as well as the current status of diagnosis and immunotherapy of Aspergillus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Frank Ebel
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Petra Bacher
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Scheffold
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Strassburger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.,Transfer Group Anti-Infectives, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany. .,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
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38
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Moloney NM, Owens RA, Doyle S. Proteomic analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus – clinical implications. Expert Rev Proteomics 2016; 13:635-49. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2016.1203783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
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