1
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Diaconu D, Savu M, Ciobanu C, Mangalagiu V, Mangalagiu II. Current strategies in design and synthesis of antifungals hybrid and chimeric diazine derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem 2025; 119:118069. [PMID: 39818112 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2025.118069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2024] [Revised: 01/04/2025] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
In the last decades fungal infections became a major threat to human health having an unacceptably occurrence, a high rate of mortality and the number of patients at risk for these infections continue to increase every year. An effective, modern and very useful strategy in antifungal therapy is represented by the use of chimeric and hybrid drugs, most of them being with azaheterocycle skeleton. In this review, we present an overview from the last five years of the most representative achievements in the field of chimeric and hybrid diazine derivatives with antifungal properties. Within this work we emphasize the most relevant data concerning the synthesis, design, Structure Activity Relationships (SAR) correlations and antifungal activity of the main classes of diazine: 1,2-diazine (pyridazine), 1,3-diazine (pyrimidine), 1,4-diazine (pyrazine) and their fused derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumitrela Diaconu
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Faculty of Chemistry, Bd. Carol 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania; Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, RECENT-AIR Center, Bd. Carol 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Marius Savu
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Faculty of Chemistry, Bd. Carol 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Catalina Ciobanu
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, CERNESIM Center, Bd. Carol 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Violeta Mangalagiu
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, CERNESIM Center, Bd. Carol 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania; Stefan Cel Mare University of Suceava, Faculty of Food Engineering, 13 Universitatii Str., 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Ionel I Mangalagiu
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Faculty of Chemistry, Bd. Carol 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania.
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2
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Sharma A, Singh G, Bhatti JS, Gill SK, Arya SK. Antifungal peptides: Therapeutic potential and challenges before their commercial success. Int J Biol Macromol 2025; 284:137957. [PMID: 39603306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024]
Abstract
Antifungal peptides (AFPs) are small cationic peptides that are found in a diverse range of taxa including bacteria, plants, mammals and insects. AFPs exhibit the strong antifungal activities against several pathogenic fungi, making them potential candidates for developing novel antifungal agents. AFP cause fungal cell death by rupturing the membranes of the fungal cell wall and inhibits the vital enzymes. Since AFPs are isolated from a range of natural sources, efforts are being made to create synthetic versions of these peptides with improved pharmacological properties. One of their key advantages is that they are less likely to develop resistance as compared to conventional antifungal medications. Although AFPs display immense potential as antifungal agents, challenges still exist in their stability, solubility, absorption, and time-consuming extraction process. Still, the possibility for AFPs to evolve into a novel class of antifungal medicine gives hope for improved treatments for fungal infections. This article offers the comprehensive information on AFPs origin, mode of action, prospective use in antifungal treatments. It also discusses about the application of antifungal peptides beyond the therapeutic field, such as in agriculture for crop protection, in food industry and in aquaculture field. It further elaborates on the challenges and potential paths associated with the progression of AFPs as advanced antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Gursharan Singh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Jasvinder Singh Bhatti
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, India
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3
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Ofori P, Zemliana N, Zaffran I, Etzion T, Sionov RV, Steinberg D, Mechoulam R, Kogan NM, Levi-Schaffer F. Antifungal properties of abnormal cannabinoid derivatives: Disruption of biofilm formation and gene expression in Candida species. Pharmacol Res 2024; 209:107441. [PMID: 39368567 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal cannabinoids (including comp 3) are a class of synthetic lipid compounds with non-psychoactive properties and regioisomer configurations, but distinct from traditional cannabinoids since they do not interact with the established CB1 and CB2 receptors. Previous research showed the cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory potentials of comp 3 and more recently its antimicrobial effect on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Given the escalating challenges posed by Candida infections and the rise of antifungal drug resistance, the exploration of novel therapeutic avenues is crucial. This study aimed to assess the anti-Candida properties of newly synthesized AbnCBD derivatives. AbnCBD derivatives were synthesized by acid catalysis-induced coupling and further derivatized. We evaluated the potential of the AbnCBD derivatives to inhibit the growth stages of various Candida species. By in vitro colorimetric assays and in vivo mice experiments, we have shown that AbnCBD derivatives induce differential inhibition of Candida growth. The AbnCBD derivatives, especially comp 3, comp 10, and comp 9 significantly reduced the growth of C. albicans, including FLC-resistant strains, and of C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis but not of C auris compared to their controls (FLC and 0.5 % DMSO). Comp 3 also disrupted C. albicans biofilm formation and eradicated mature biofilms. Notably, other derivatives of AbnCBD disrupted the biofilm formation and maturation of C. albicans but did not affect yeast growth. In a murine model of VVC, comp 3 demonstrated significant fungal clearance and reduced C. albicans burden compared to vehicle and FLC controls. These findings highlight the potential of AbnCBDs as promising antifungal agents against Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Ofori
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Natalia Zemliana
- Institute of Personalized and Translational Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Ilan Zaffran
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tatiana Etzion
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronit Vogt Sionov
- Biofilm Research Laboratory, The Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Doron Steinberg
- Biofilm Research Laboratory, The Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Natalya M Kogan
- Institute of Personalized and Translational Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel; Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Francesca Levi-Schaffer
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Washington EJ, Zhou Y, Hsu AL, Petrovich M, Tenor JL, Toffaletti DL, Guan Z, Perfect JR, Borgnia MJ, Bartesaghi A, Brennan RG. Structures of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, Tps1, from the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans: A target for antifungals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314087121. [PMID: 39083421 PMCID: PMC11317593 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314087121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases are a major threat to human health, resulting in more than 1.5 million annual deaths worldwide. The arsenal of antifungal therapeutics remains limited and is in dire need of drugs that target additional biosynthetic pathways that are absent from humans. One such pathway involves the biosynthesis of trehalose. Trehalose is a disaccharide that is required for pathogenic fungi to survive in their human hosts. In the first step of trehalose biosynthesis, trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (Tps1) converts UDP-glucose and glucose-6-phosphate to trehalose-6-phosphate. Here, we report the structures of full-length Cryptococcus neoformans Tps1 (CnTps1) in unliganded form and in complex with uridine diphosphate and glucose-6-phosphate. Comparison of these two structures reveals significant movement toward the catalytic pocket by the N terminus upon ligand binding and identifies residues required for substrate binding, as well as residues that stabilize the tetramer. Intriguingly, an intrinsically disordered domain (IDD), which is conserved among Cryptococcal species and closely related basidiomycetes, extends from each subunit of the tetramer into the "solvent" but is not visible in density maps. We determined that the IDD is not required for C. neoformans Tps1-dependent thermotolerance and osmotic stress survival. Studies with UDP-galactose highlight the exquisite substrate specificity of CnTps1. In toto, these studies expand our knowledge of trehalose biosynthesis in Cryptococcus and highlight the potential of developing antifungal therapeutics that disrupt the synthesis of this disaccharide or the formation of a functional tetramer and the use of cryo-EM in the structural characterization of CnTps1-ligand/drug complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica J. Washington
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27710
| | - Ye Zhou
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Allen L. Hsu
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC27709
| | - Matthew Petrovich
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC27709
| | - Jennifer L. Tenor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27710
| | - Dena L. Toffaletti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27710
| | - Ziqiang Guan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27710
| | - John R. Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27710
| | - Mario J. Borgnia
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC27709
| | - Alberto Bartesaghi
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27710
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Richard G. Brennan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC27710
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5
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Sehnem GS, Silva JA, da C Silva T, Prado DG, Santiago MB, O Santos AL, Martins MM, Cunha LCS, Sousa RMF, Romero R, Bittar VP, Borges ALS, Martins CHG, Espindola FS, de Oliveira A. Chemical Composition of Extracts and Fractions from Miconia Ibaguensis (Melastomataceae) Leaves and Evaluation of Biological Activities. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202400680. [PMID: 38748618 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the chemical composition of Miconia ibaguensis leaves extracts and fractions obtained from the ethanolic extract (EE), along with evaluating their antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) exhibited potent antifungal activity against Candida spp (1.95-3.90 μg mL-1) and potent antioxidant activity in the DPPH (1.74±0.07 μg mL-1), FRAP (654.01±42.09 μmol ETrolox/gsample), and ORAC (3698.88±37.28 μmol ETrolox/gsample) methods. The EE displayed inhibition against the α-amylase enzyme (8.42±0.05 μg mL-1). Flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids, identified in the EE and fractions via (-)-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, were found to contribute to the species' biological activity potentially. These findings suggest promising avenues for further research and potential applications in pharmacology and natural products, offering new possibilities in the fight against global health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela S Sehnem
- Nucleus of Research in Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Julia A Silva
- Nucleus of Research in Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Tiara da C Silva
- Nucleus of Research in Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Diego G Prado
- Nucleus of Research in Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Mariana B Santiago
- Antimicrobial Testing Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Anna Lívia O Santos
- Antimicrobial Testing Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Mário M Martins
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Luis C S Cunha
- Bioprospecting Center for Natural Products, Chemistry Department, Federal Institute of Triângulo Mineiro -, MG, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Raquel M F Sousa
- Nucleus of Research in Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Rosana Romero
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Vinicius P Bittar
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza S Borges
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Carlos H G Martins
- Antimicrobial Testing Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Foued S Espindola
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Alberto de Oliveira
- Nucleus of Research in Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia -, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
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6
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Washington EJ, Zhou Y, Hsu AL, Petrovich M, Tenor JL, Toffaletti DL, Guan Z, Perfect JR, Borgnia MJ, Bartesaghi A, Brennan RG. Structures of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, Tps1, from the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans : a target for novel antifungals. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.14.530545. [PMID: 36993618 PMCID: PMC10054996 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.530545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases are a major threat to human health, resulting in more than 1.5 million annual deaths worldwide. The arsenal of antifungal therapeutics remains limited and is in dire need of novel drugs that target additional biosynthetic pathways that are absent from humans. One such pathway involves the biosynthesis of trehalose. Trehalose is a disaccharide that is required for pathogenic fungi to survive in their human hosts. In the first step of trehalose biosynthesis, trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (Tps1) converts UDP-glucose and glucose-6-phosphate to trehalose-6-phosphate. Here, we report the structures of full-length Cryptococcus neoformans Tps1 (CnTps1) in unliganded form and in complex with uridine diphosphate and glucose-6-phosphate. Comparison of these two structures reveals significant movement towards the catalytic pocket by the N-terminus upon ligand binding and identifies residues required for substrate-binding, as well as residues that stabilize the tetramer. Intriguingly, an intrinsically disordered domain (IDD), which is conserved amongst Cryptococcal species and closely related Basidiomycetes, extends from each subunit of the tetramer into the "solvent" but is not visible in density maps. We determined that the IDD is not required for C. neoformans Tps1-dependent thermotolerance and osmotic stress survival. Studies with UDP-galactose highlight the exquisite substrate specificity of CnTps1. In toto , these studies expand our knowledge of trehalose biosynthesis in Cryptococcus and highlight the potential of developing antifungal therapeutics that disrupt the synthesis of this disaccharide or the formation of a functional tetramer and the use of cryo-EM in the structural characterization of CnTps1-ligand/drug complexes. Significance Statement Fungal infections are responsible for over a million deaths worldwide each year. Biosynthesis of a disaccharide, trehalose, is required for multiple pathogenic fungi to transition from the environment to the human host. Enzymes in the trehalose biosynthesis pathway are absent in humans and, therefore, are potentially significant targets for novel antifungal therapeutics. One enzyme in the trehalose biosynthesis is trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (Tps1). Here, we describe the cryo-electron microscopy structures of the CnTps1 homo-tetramer in the unliganded form and in complex with a substrate and a product. These structures and subsequent biochemical analysis reveal key details of substrate-binding residues and substrate specificity. These structures should facilitate structure-guided design of inhibitors against CnTps1.
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7
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Balaes T, Marandis CG, Mangalagiu V, Glod M, Mangalagiu II. New insides into chimeric and hybrid azines derivatives with antifungal activity. Future Med Chem 2024; 16:1163-1180. [PMID: 38916566 PMCID: PMC11216630 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2351288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, five or six member rings azaheterocycles compounds appear to be an extremely valuable source of antifungal agents. Their use seems to be a very attractive solution in antifungal therapy and to overcome antifungal resistance in agriculture. The present review highlights the main results obtained in the field of hybrid and chimeric azine (especially pyridine, quinoline, phenanthroline, bypyridine, naphthyridine and their fused derivatives) derivatives presented in scientific literature from the last 10 years, with emphasis on antifungal activity of the mentioned compounds. A special attention was played to hybrid and chimeric azole-azine class, having in view the high antifungal potential of azoles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiberius Balaes
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, 20A Carol 1st Bvd, Iasi, 700505, Romania
| | | | - Violeta Mangalagiu
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research-CERNESIM center, 11 Carol I, Iasi700506, Romania
- Stefan Cel Mare University of Suceava, Faculty of Food Engineering, 13 Universitatii Str., Suceava720229, Romania
| | - Mihai Glod
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Clinical Hospital CF Iasi, Universității 16 Str., Iasi700115, Romania
| | - Ionel I Mangalagiu
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Faculty of Chemistry, 11 Carol 1st Bvd, Iasi700506, Romania
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Thambugala KM, Daranagama DA, Tennakoon DS, Jayatunga DPW, Hongsanan S, Xie N. Humans vs. Fungi: An Overview of Fungal Pathogens against Humans. Pathogens 2024; 13:426. [PMID: 38787278 PMCID: PMC11124197 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human fungal diseases are infections caused by any fungus that invades human tissues, causing superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic diseases. Fungal infections that enter various human tissues and organs pose a significant threat to millions of individuals with weakened immune systems globally. Over recent decades, the reported cases of invasive fungal infections have increased substantially and research progress in this field has also been rapidly boosted. This review provides a comprehensive list of human fungal pathogens extracted from over 850 recent case reports, and a summary of the relevant disease conditions and their origins. Details of 281 human fungal pathogens belonging to 12 classes and 104 genera in the divisions ascomycota, basidiomycota, entomophthoromycota, and mucoromycota are listed. Among these, Aspergillus stands out as the genus with the greatest potential of infecting humans, comprising 16 species known to infect humans. Additionally, three other genera, Curvularia, Exophiala, and Trichophyton, are recognized as significant genera, each comprising 10 or more known human pathogenic species. A phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of the 28S nrRNA gene (LSU) of human fungal pathogens was performed to show their phylogenetic relationships and clarify their taxonomies. In addition, this review summarizes the recent advancements in fungal disease diagnosis and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasun M. Thambugala
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; (K.M.T.); (D.P.W.J.)
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
- Center for Plant Materials and Herbal Products Research, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Dinushani A. Daranagama
- Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya 11300, Sri Lanka;
| | - Danushka S. Tennakoon
- Bioengineering and Technological Research Centre for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China;
| | - Dona Pamoda W. Jayatunga
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka; (K.M.T.); (D.P.W.J.)
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
- Center for Plant Materials and Herbal Products Research, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Sinang Hongsanan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ning Xie
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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Silva NBS, Menezes RP, Gonçalves DS, Santiago MB, Conejo NC, Souza SL, Santos ALO, da Silva RS, Ramos SB, Ferro EAV, Martins CHG. Exploring the antifungal, antibiofilm and antienzymatic potential of Rottlerin in an in vitro and in vivo approach. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11132. [PMID: 38750088 PMCID: PMC11096346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida species have been responsible for a high number of invasive infections worldwide. In this sense, Rottlerin has demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal, antibiofilm and antivirulence activity of Rottlerin in vitro against Candida spp. and its toxicity and antifungal activity in vivo. Rottlerin showed antifungal activity against all yeasts evaluated, presenting Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicidal Concentration (MIC and MFC) values of 7.81 to > 1000 µg/mL. Futhermore, it was able to significantly inhibit biofilm production, presenting Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MICB50) values that ranged from 15.62 to 250 µg/mL and inhibition of the cell viability of the biofilm by 50% (IC50) from 2.24 to 12.76 µg/mL. There was a considerable reduction in all hydrolytic enzymes evaluated, with emphasis on hemolysin where Rottlerin showed a reduction of up to 20%. In the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, Rottlerin was able to completely inhibit filamentation by C. albicans. Regarding in vivo tests, Rottlerin did not demonstrate toxicity at the therapeutic concentrations demonstrated here and was able to increase the survival of C. elegans larvae infected. The results herein presented are innovative and pioneering in terms of Rottlerin's multipotentiality against these fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagela Bernadelli Sousa Silva
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Ralciane Paula Menezes
- Technical School of Health (ESTES), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Daniela Silva Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Mariana Brentini Santiago
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Noemi Chagas Conejo
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Sara Lemes Souza
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Anna Lívia Oliveira Santos
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil
| | - Robinson Sabino da Silva
- Innovation Center in Salivary Diagnostic and Nanotheranostics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Salvador Boccaletti Ramos
- Department of Engineering and Exact Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences - Jaboticabal (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Gomes Martins
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBIM), Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Av. Pará, 1720 - Umuarama, Uberlândia, 38405-320, Brazil.
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Thakur R, Shishodia SK, Sharma A, Chauhan A, Kaur S, Shankar J. Accelerating the understanding of Aspergillus terreus: Epidemiology, physiology, immunology and advances. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 6:100220. [PMID: 38303967 PMCID: PMC10831165 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species encompass a variety of infections, ranging from invasive aspergillosis to allergic conditions, contingent upon the immune status of the host. In this spectrum, Aspergillus terreus stands out due to its emergence as a notable pathogen and its intrinsic resistance to amphotericin-B. The significance of Aspergillus-associated infections has witnessed a marked increase in the past few decades, particularly with the increasing number of immunocompromised individuals. The exploration of epidemiology, morphological transitions, immunopathology, and novel treatment approaches such as new antifungal drugs (PC945, olorofim) and combinational therapy using antifungal drugs and phytochemicals (Phytochemicals: quercetin, shikonin, artemisinin), also using immunotherapies to modulate immune response has resulted in better outcomes. Furthermore, in the context COVID-19 era and its aftermath, fungal infections have emerged as a substantial challenge for both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. This is attributed to the use of immune-suppressing therapies during COVID-19 infections and the increase in transplant cases. Consequently, this review aims to provide an updated overview encompassing the epidemiology, germination events, immunopathology, and novel drug treatment strategies against Aspergillus terreus-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Thakur
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | | | - Ananya Sharma
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Arjun Chauhan
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences and Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sumanpreet Kaur
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Jata Shankar
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
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11
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Lin SY, Oakley CE, Jenkinson CB, Chiang YM, Lee CK, Jones CG, Seidler PM, Nelson HM, Todd RB, Wang CCC, Oakley BR. A heterologous expression platform in Aspergillus nidulans for the elucidation of cryptic secondary metabolism biosynthetic gene clusters: discovery of the Aspergillus fumigatus sartorypyrone biosynthetic pathway. Chem Sci 2023; 14:11022-11032. [PMID: 37860661 PMCID: PMC10583710 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02226a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a serious human pathogen causing life-threatening Aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Secondary metabolites (SMs) play an important role in pathogenesis, but the products of many SM biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) remain unknown. In this study, we have developed a heterologous expression platform in Aspergillus nidulans, using a newly created genetic dereplication strain, to express a previously unknown BGC from A. fumigatus and determine its products. The BGC produces sartorypyrones, and we have named it the spy BGC. Analysis of targeted gene deletions by HRESIMS, NMR, and microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) enabled us to identify 12 products from the spy BGC. Seven of the compounds have not been isolated previously. We also individually expressed the polyketide synthase (PKS) gene spyA and demonstrated that it produces the polyketide triacetic acid lactone (TAL), a potentially important biorenewable platform chemical. Our data have allowed us to propose a biosynthetic pathway for sartorypyrones and related natural products. This work highlights the potential of using the A. nidulans heterologous expression platform to uncover cryptic BGCs from A. fumigatus and other species, despite the complexity of their secondary metabolomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yi Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California Los Angeles CA 90089 USA
| | - C Elizabeth Oakley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas 1200 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KS 66045 USA
| | - Cory B Jenkinson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas 1200 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KS 66045 USA
| | - Yi-Ming Chiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California Los Angeles CA 90089 USA
| | - Ching-Kuo Lee
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University Taipei 11031 Taiwan
| | - Christopher G Jones
- The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Laboratory of Chemical Synthesis, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology Pasadena California 91125 USA
| | - Paul M Seidler
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California Los Angeles CA 90089 USA
| | - Hosea M Nelson
- The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Laboratory of Chemical Synthesis, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology Pasadena California 91125 USA
| | - Richard B Todd
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University Manhattan KS 66506 USA
| | - Clay C C Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California Los Angeles CA 90089 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California Los Angeles CA 90089 USA
| | - Berl R Oakley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas 1200 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KS 66045 USA
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12
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Silva ML, Carneiro MN, Cavalcante RMB, Guerrero JAP, Fontenelle ROS, Lorenzón EN, Cilli EM, Carneiro VA. K-aurein: A notable aurein 1.2-derived peptide that modulates Candida albicans filamentation and reduces biofilm biomass. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1003-1012. [PMID: 37442853 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03288-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is considered one of the most important opportunistic fungi due to the large arsenal of virulence factors that help throughout the progress of the infection. In this sense, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) appear as an alternative, with great antifungal action. Among these, aurein 1.2 has been widely explored, becoming the basis for the discovery of new AMPs, such as K-aurein (K-au). Thus, this study evaluated the anti-C. albicans potential of K-au against virulence factors, planktonic growth, and biofilm formation of clinical isolates. Firstly, K-au antifungal activity was determined by the microdilution method and time-kill curve. The inhibition of hydrolytic enzyme secretion (proteinase, phospholipase, and hemolysin) and germ tube formation was tested. Then, the antibiofilm potential of K-au was verified through biomass quantification and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All tests were compared with the classical antifungal drug, amphotericin B (AmB). The outcomes showed fungicidal action of K-au at 62.50 µg mL-1 for all isolates, with a time of action around 150-180 min, determined by the time-kill curve. K-au-treated cells decreased by around 40% of the germinative tube compared to the control. Additionally, K-au inhibited the biofilm formation by more than 90% compared to AmB and the control group. SEM images show apparent cellular disaggregation without the formation of filamentous structures. Therefore, the findings suggest a promising anti-C. albicans effect of K-au due to its fungicidal activity against planktonic cells, or its ability to inhibit important virulence factors like germ tube and biofilm formation. Thus, this peptide could be explored as a useful compound against C. albicans-related infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laína Silva
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Antimicrobial Agents (LaBAM), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara-UFC, Sobral, 62048-280, Brazil
| | - Maria Nágila Carneiro
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Antimicrobial Agents (LaBAM), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara-UFC, Sobral, 62048-280, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Mesquita Bastos Cavalcante
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Antimicrobial Agents (LaBAM), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara-UFC, Sobral, 62048-280, Brazil
| | - Jesús Alberto Pérez Guerrero
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Antimicrobial Agents (LaBAM), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara-UFC, Sobral, 62048-280, Brazil
| | | | | | - Eduardo Maffud Cilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Estadual University of São Paulo-UNESP, Araraquara, 14800-900, Brazil
| | - Victor Alves Carneiro
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Antimicrobial Agents (LaBAM), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara-UFC, Sobral, 62048-280, Brazil.
- Center for Bioprospecting and Applied Molecular Experimentation (NUBEM), University Center INTA-UNINTA, Sobral, 62050-100, Brazil.
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13
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Visvanathan N, Lim JYA, Chng HT, Xie S. A Critical Review on the Dosing and Safety of Antifungals Used in Exotic Avian and Reptile Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:810. [PMID: 37623581 PMCID: PMC10455840 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080810] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Antifungals are used in exotic avian and reptile species for the treatment of fungal diseases. Dose extrapolations across species are common due to lack of species-specific pharmacological data. This may not be ideal because interspecies physiological differences may result in subtherapeutic dosing or toxicity. This critical review aims to collate existing pharmacological data to identify antifungals with the most evidence to support their safe and effective use. In the process, significant trends and gaps are also identified and discussed. An extensive search was conducted on PubMed and JSTOR, and relevant data were critically appraised. Itraconazole or voriconazole showed promising results in Japanese quails, racing pigeons and inland bearded dragons for the treatment of aspergillosis and CANV-related infections. Voriconazole neurotoxicity manifested as seizures in multiple penguins, but as lethargy or torticollis in cottonmouths. Itraconazole toxicity was predominantly hepatotoxicity, observed as liver abnormalities in inland bearded dragons and a Parson's chameleon. Differences in formulations of itraconazole affected various absorption parameters. Non-linearities in voriconazole due to saturable metabolism and autoinduction showed opposing effects on clearance, especially in multiple-dosing regimens. These differences in pharmacokinetic parameters across species resulted in varying elimination half-lives. Terbinafine has been used in dermatomycoses, especially in reptiles, due to its keratinophilic nature, and no significant adverse events were observed. The use of fluconazole has declined due to resistance or its narrow spectrum of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Visvanathan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117559, Singapore
| | - Jolise Yi An Lim
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117559, Singapore
| | - Hui Ting Chng
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117559, Singapore
| | - Shangzhe Xie
- Mandai Wildlife Group, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, Singapore
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14
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Hernandez R, Jimenez-Chávez A, De Vizcaya A, Lozano-Alvarez JA, Esquivel K, Medina-Ramírez IE. Synthesis of TiO 2-Cu 2+/CuI Nanocomposites and Evaluation of Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activity. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1900. [PMID: 37446416 DOI: 10.3390/nano13131900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections have become a significant public health concern due to their increasing recurrence and harmful effects on plants, animals, and humans. Opportunistic pathogens (among others from the genera Candida and Aspergillus) can be present in indoor air, becoming a risk for people with suppressed immune systems. Engineered nanomaterials are novel alternatives to traditional antifungal therapy. In this work, copper(I) iodide (CuI) and a copper-doped titanium dioxide-copper(I) iodide (TiO2-Cu2+/CuI) composite nanomaterials (NMs)-were synthesized and tested as antifungal agents. The materials were synthesized using sol-gel (TiO2-Cu2+) and co-precipitation (CuI) techniques. The resulting colloids were evaluated as antifungal agents against Candida parapsilosis and Aspergillus niger strains. The NMs were characterized by XRD, HRTEM, AFM, and DLS to evaluate their physicochemical properties. The NMs present a high size dispersion and different geometrical shapes of agglomerates. The antifungal capacity of the NMs by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was below 15 µg/mL against Candida parapsilosis and below 600 µg/mL against Aspergillus niger for both NMs. Holotomography microscopy showed that the NMs could penetrate cell membranes causing cell death through its rupture and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Cytotoxicity tests showed that NMs could be safe to use at low concentrations. The synthesized nanomaterials could be potential antifungal agents for biomedical or environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Hernandez
- Department of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes 20100, Mexico
| | - Arturo Jimenez-Chávez
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
| | - Andrea De Vizcaya
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Juan Antonio Lozano-Alvarez
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes 20100, Mexico
| | - Karen Esquivel
- División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas, Santiago de Querétaro 76010, Mexico
| | - Iliana E Medina-Ramírez
- Department of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Aguascalientes 20100, Mexico
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15
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do Amaral SC, Xavier LP, Vasconcelos V, Santos AV. Cyanobacteria: A Promising Source of Antifungal Metabolites. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:359. [PMID: 37367684 PMCID: PMC10300848 DOI: 10.3390/md21060359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are a rich source of secondary metabolites, and they have received a great deal of attention due to their applicability in different industrial sectors. Some of these substances are known for their notorious ability to inhibit fungal growth. Such metabolites are very chemically and biologically diverse. They can belong to different chemical classes, including peptides, fatty acids, alkaloids, polyketides, and macrolides. Moreover, they can also target different cell components. Filamentous cyanobacteria have been the main source of these compounds. This review aims to identify the key features of these antifungal agents, as well as the sources from which they are obtained, their major targets, and the environmental factors involved when they are being produced. For the preparation of this work, a total of 642 documents dating from 1980 to 2022 were consulted, including patents, original research, review articles, and theses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Cavalcante do Amaral
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Enzymes and Biotransformation, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
| | - Luciana Pereira Xavier
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Enzymes and Biotransformation, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Edifício FC4, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Agenor Valadares Santos
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Enzymes and Biotransformation, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
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16
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Yuan B, Grau MF, Murata RM, Torok T, Venkateswaran K, Stajich JE, Wang CCC. Identification of the Neoaspergillic Acid Biosynthesis Gene Cluster by Establishing an In Vitro CRISPR-Ribonucleoprotein Genetic System in Aspergillus melleus. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:16713-16721. [PMID: 37214671 PMCID: PMC10193573 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c08104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are an essential source of bioactive mycotoxins. Recent efforts have focused on developing antifungal agents that are effective against invasive yeasts, such as Candida spp. By screening fungal strains isolated from regions surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster for antifungal activity against Candida albicans, we found that Aspergillus melleus IMV 01140 produced compounds that inhibited the growth of the yeast. The active compound produced by A. melleus was isolated and found to be neoaspergillic acid, a compound that is closely related to aspergillic acid. While aspergillic acid and its derivatives have been characterized and were found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, neoaspergillic acid has been much less studied. Even though neoaspergillic acid and related compounds were found to have antibacterial and antitumoral effects, further investigation into this group of compounds is limited by challenges associated with large-scale production, isolation, and purification. The production of neoaspergillic acid has been shown to require co-cultivation methods or special growth conditions. In this work, neoaspergillic acid and related compounds were found to be produced by A. melleus under laboratory growth conditions. The biosynthetic gene cluster of neoaspergillic acid was predicted using the aspergillic acid gene cluster as a model. The biosynthetic pathway for neoaspergillic acid was then confirmed by establishing an in vitro CRISPR-ribonucleoprotein system to individually delete genes within the cluster. A negative transcriptional factor, mcrA, was also eliminated to further improve the production of neoaspergillic acid and the related compounds for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yuan
- Department
of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Michelle F. Grau
- Department
of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Ramiro Mendonça Murata
- Department
of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, United States
| | - Tamas Torok
- Ecology
Department, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Jet
Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute
of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109, United States
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department
of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University
of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Clay C. C. Wang
- Department
of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Southern California,
Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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17
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Aaghaz S, Digwal CS, Neshat N, Maurya IK, Kumar V, Tikoo K, Jain R, Kamal A. Synthesis, biological evaluation and mechanistic studies of 4-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)morpholine-benzimidazole hybrids as a new structural class of antimicrobials. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106538. [PMID: 37079988 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106538] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
In spite of several attempts to develop newer pharmacophores as potential antimicrobial agents, the benzimidazole scaffold is still considered as one of the most sought after structural component towards the design of compounds that act against a wide spectrum of microbes. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a new structural class of 4-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)morpholine-benzimidazole hybrids as antimicrobial agents. The most potent analog, 6g shows IC50 of 1.3 µM, 2.7 µM, 10.8 µM, 5.4 µM and 10.8 µM against Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Interestingly 6g exhibits selectivity towards the cryptococcal cells with fungicidal behavior. Propidium iodide uptake study shows permeabilization of pathogenic cells in the presence of 6g. Flow cytometric analysis confirms that cell death is predominantly due to apoptosis. Moreover, electron microscopic analysis specifies that it shrinks, disrupts and initiate pore(s) formation in the cell membrane leading to cell lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shams Aaghaz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Chander S Digwal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Naziya Neshat
- School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Indresh K Maurya
- Center of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Kulbhushan Tikoo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Rahul Jain
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab 160062, India.
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad 500037, India; Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500078, India.
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18
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Fungal cell barriers and organelles are disrupted by polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). Sci Rep 2023; 13:2790. [PMID: 36797386 PMCID: PMC9935507 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29756-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The similarities between fungal and mammalian cells pose inherent challenges for the development of treatments for fungal infections, due to drug crossover recognition of host drug targets by antifungal agents. Thus, there are a limited number of drug classes available for treatment. Treatment is further limited by the acquisition and dissemination of antifungal resistance which contributes to the urgent need of new therapies. Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is a cationic antimicrobial polymer with bactericidal, parasiticidal and fungicidal activities. The antifungal mechanism of action appears to involve preferential mechanical disruption of microbial cell structures, offering an alternative to conventional antifungals. However, the antifungal mechanisms have been little studied. The aim of this study was to characterise PHMB's activities on selected yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans) and filamentous fungal species (Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium glabrum). Fungal membrane disruption, cell entry and intracellular localisation activities of PHMB were evaluated using viability probe entry and polymer localisation studies. We observed that PHMB initially permeabilises fungal cell membranes and then accumulates within the cytosol. Once in the cytosol, it disrupts the nuclear membrane, leading to DNA binding and fragmentation. The electrostatic interaction of PHMB with membranes suggests other intracellular organelles could be potential targets of its action. Overall, the results indicate multiple antifungal mechanisms, which may help to explain its broad-spectrum efficacy. A better understanding of PHMB's mechanism(s) of action may aid the development of improved antifungal treatment strategies.
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19
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Konsoula A, Agouridis AP, Markaki L, Tsioutis C, Spernovasilis N. Lomentospora prolificans Disseminated Infections: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases. Pathogens 2022; 12:67. [PMID: 36678415 PMCID: PMC9861501 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lomentospora prolificans, a rare, highly virulent filamentous fungus with high rates of intrinsic resistance to antifungals, has been associated with different types of infections in immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent individuals. OBJECTIVE To systematically address all relevant evidence regarding L. prolificans disseminated infections in the literature. METHODS We searched Medline via PubMed and Scopus databases through July 2022. We performed a qualitative synthesis of published articles reporting disseminated infections from L. prolificans in humans. RESULTS A total of 87 studies describing 142 cases were included in our systematic review. The pathogen was most frequently reported in disseminated infections in Spain (n = 47), Australia (n = 33), the USA (n = 21), and Germany (n = 10). Among 142 reported cases, 48.5% were males. Underlying conditions identified for the majority of patients included malignancy (72.5%), hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (23.2%), solid organ transplantation (16%), and AIDS (2%). Lungs, central nervous system, skin, eyes, heart and bones/joints were the most commonly affected organs. Neutropenia was recorded in 52% of patients. The mortality rate was as high as 87.3%. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review conducted on disseminated infections due to this rare microorganism. Physicians should be aware that L. prolificans can cause a diversity of infections with high mortality and primarily affects immunocompromised and neutropenic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroditi Konsoula
- Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Sitia, 72300 Sitia, Greece
| | - Aris P. Agouridis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, 2404 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Internal Medicine, German Oncology Center, 4108 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Lamprini Markaki
- “Iliaktida” Pediatric & Adolescents Medical Center, 4001 Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Nikolaos Spernovasilis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, German Oncology Center, 4108 Limassol, Cyprus
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71303 Heraklion, Greece
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20
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Huang C, Wang Y, Wu Y, Lin S, Hao R, Yu J, Fang L, Zhu J, Zhao D, Tong S, Si Y, Ye T, Wu Z, Huang H, Wang Z, Wang Y. Pharmacokinetics, safety of a single dose and multiple doses of voriconazole injection of two formulations, in Chinese healthy volunteers. PRECISION MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/prm2.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunqi Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Yannan Wang
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Yi Wu
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Sisi Lin
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Rui Hao
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Jin Yu
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Lu Fang
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Jingjing Zhu
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Di Zhao
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Shengjia Tong
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Yongkai Si
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Tiantian Ye
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Zeyu Wu
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Quzhou People's Hospital Zhejiang China
| | - Zhuoyan Wang
- Medical Examination Center Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
| | - Ying Wang
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Zhejiang Hangzhou China
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21
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Štěpánek O, Čmoková A, Procházková E, Grobárová V, Černý J, Sklapničková M, Zíková AP, Kolařík M, Baszczynski O. Piperazine‐modified ketoconazole derivatives show increased activity against fungal and trypanosomatid pathogens. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200385. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Štěpánek
- Charles University: Univerzita Karlova Department of Organic Chemistry CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Adéla Čmoková
- Institute of Microbiology Mikrobiologický ústav AV ČR, v.v.i. CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Eliška Procházková
- IOCB CAS: Ustav organicke chemie a biochemie Akademie ved Ceske republiky NMR department CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Valéria Grobárová
- Charles University: Univerzita Karlova Department of Cell Biology CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Jan Černý
- Charles University: Univerzita Karlova Department of Cell Biology CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Martina Sklapničková
- Institute of Parasitology Czech Academy of Sciences: Biologicke centrum Akademie ved Ceske republiky Parazitologicky ustav Parazitologicky ustav CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Alena Panicucci Zíková
- Institute of Parasitology Czech Academy of Sciences: Biologicke centrum Akademie ved Ceske republiky Parazitologicky ustav Parazitologicky ustav CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Miroslav Kolařík
- Institute of Microbiology Czech Academy of Sciences: Mikrobiologicky ustav Akademie ved Ceske republiky Mikrobiologicky ustav CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Ondrej Baszczynski
- Univerzita Karlova Prirodovedecka fakulta Department of Organic Chemistry Hlavova 8/2030 12800 Prague CZECH REPUBLIC
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22
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Konsoula A, Tsioutis C, Markaki I, Papadakis M, Agouridis AP, Spernovasilis N. Lomentospora prolificans: An Emerging Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071317. [PMID: 35889036 PMCID: PMC9316904 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lomentospora prolificans is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals leading to disseminated disease with high mortality rates while also causing infections in healthy populations. Successful recovery from infection is difficult due to high rates of intrinsic resistance to antifungals. Rapid and readily available diagnostic methods, aggressive surgical debridement wherever appropriate, and effective and timely antifungal treatment are the pillars for successful management. Future research will need to clarify the environmental niche of the fungus, further investigate the pathophysiology of infection and define species-specific therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroditi Konsoula
- Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Sitia, 72300 Sitia, Greece;
| | - Constantinos Tsioutis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +357-22559413
| | - Ioulia Markaki
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, “Sotiria” General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Michail Papadakis
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Agios Panteleimon” General Hospital of Nikaia, 18454 Piraeus, Greece;
| | - Aris P. Agouridis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Department of Internal Medicine, German Oncology Center, Limassol 4108, Cyprus
| | - Nikolaos Spernovasilis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, German Oncology Center, Limassol 4108, Cyprus;
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71303 Heraklion, Greece
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23
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Inhibitory effect of a combination of baicalein and quercetin flavonoids against Candida albicans strains isolated from the female reproductive system. Fungal Biol 2022; 126:407-420. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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24
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The Dynamics of Single-Cell Nanomotion Behaviour of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a Microfluidic Chip for Rapid Antifungal Susceptibility Testing. FERMENTATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation8050195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The fast emergence of multi-resistant pathogenic yeasts is caused by the extensive—and sometimes unnecessary—use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs. To rationalise the use of broad-spectrum antifungals, it is essential to have a rapid and sensitive system to identify the most appropriate drug. Here, we developed a microfluidic chip to apply the recently developed optical nanomotion detection (ONMD) method as a rapid antifungal susceptibility test. The microfluidic chip contains no-flow yeast imaging chambers in which the growth medium can be replaced by an antifungal solution without disturbing the nanomotion of the cells in the imaging chamber. This allows for recording the cellular nanomotion of the same cells at regular time intervals of a few minutes before and throughout the treatment with an antifungal. Hence, the real-time response of individual cells to a killing compound can be quantified. In this way, this killing rate provides a new measure to rapidly assess the susceptibility of a specific antifungal. It also permits the determination of the ratio of antifungal resistant versus sensitive cells in a population.
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25
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Verboni M, Benedetti S, Campana R, Palma F, Potenza L, Sisti M, Duranti A, Lucarini S. Synthesis and Biological Characterization of the New Glycolipid Lactose Undecylenate (URB1418). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:456. [PMID: 35455453 PMCID: PMC9030338 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040456] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a follow-up to our previous studies on glycolipid surfactants, a new molecule, that is lactose 6′-O-undecylenate (URB1418), was investigated. To this end, a practical synthesis and studies aimed at exploring its specific properties were carried out. URB1418 showed antifungal activities against Trichophyton rubrum F2 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (MIC 512 μg/mL) and no significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At the same time, it presented anti-inflammatory properties, as documented by the dose-dependent reduction in LPS-induced NO release in RAW 264.7 cells, while a low antioxidant capacity in the range of concentrations tested (EC50 > 200 µM) was also observed. Moreover, URB1418 offers the advantage of being more stable than the reference polyunsaturated lactose esters and of being synthesized using a “green” procedure, involving an enzymatic method, high yield and low manufacturing cost. For all these reasons and the absence of toxicity (HaCaT cells), the new glycolipid presented herein could be considered an interesting compound for applications in various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Duranti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (M.V.); (S.B.); (R.C.); (F.P.); (L.P.); (M.S.); (S.L.)
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26
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Wal P, Saraswat N, Vig H. A detailed insight on the molecular and cellular mechanism of action of the antifungal drugs used in the treatment of superficial fungal infections. CURRENT DRUG THERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1574885517666220328141054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Dermatomycosis, a type of fungal infection that can infect human skin, hair, and nails; day by day the growth of fungal infections ranging from superficial to systemic infection is alarming. Common causative agents included are Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis species.
Objective:
The effective treatment of the fungal infection includes the use of proper antifungal drug therapy. Antifungal drugs are classified into various classes. This paper focuses on understanding and interpreting the detailed molecular and cellular mechanism of action of various classes of an anti-fungal drug along with their important characteristics along with the safety and efficacy data of individual drugs of the particular class.
Methods:
The data selection for carrying out the respective study has been done by studying the combination of review articles and research papers from different databases like Research Gate, PubMed, MDPI, Elsevier, Science Direct, and Med Crave ranging from the year 1972 to 2019 by using the keywords like “anti-fungal agents”, “dermatophytes”, “cutaneous candidiasis”, “superficial fungal infections”, “oral candidiasis”, “amphotericin”, “echinocandins”, “azoles”, “polyenes” “ketoconazole”, “terbinafine”, “griseofulvin”, “azoles”.
Result:
Based on interpretation, we have concluded that the different classes of antifungal drugs follow the different mechanisms of action and target the fungal cell membrane, and are efficient in reducing fungal disease by their respective mechanism.
Conclusion:
The prevention and cure of fungal infections can be done by oral or topical antifungal drugs that aim to destroy the fungal cell membrane. These drugs show action by their respective pathways that are either preventing the formation of ergosterol or squalene or act by inhibiting β-1,3-glucan synthase enzyme. All the drugs are effective in treating fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranay Wal
- Dean & Professor, Institute of Pharmacy, Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Nikita Saraswat
- Assistant Professor, Institute of Pharmacy, Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Himangi Vig
- Research Scholar, Institute of Pharmacy, Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
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27
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Novel 1, 2, 4-Triazoles as Antifungal Agents. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4584846. [PMID: 35360519 PMCID: PMC8964166 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4584846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of innovative antifungal agents is essential. Some fungicidal agents are no longer effective due to resistance development, various side effects, and high toxicity. Therefore, the synthesis and development of some new antifungal agents are necessary. 1,2,4-Triazole is one of the most essential pharmacophore systems between five-membered heterocycles. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) of this nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound showed potential antifungal activity. The 1,2,4-triazole core is present as the nucleus in a variety of antifungal drug categories. The most potent and broad activity of triazoles have confirmed them as pharmacologically significant moieties. The goal of this review is to highlight recent developments in the synthesis and SAR study of 1,2,4-triazole as a potential fungicidal compound. In this study, we provide the results of a biological activity evaluation using various structures and figures. Literature investigation showed that 1, 2, 4-triazole derivatives reveal the extensive span of antifungal activity. This review will assist researchers in the development of new potential antifungal drug candidates with high effectiveness and selectivity.
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28
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Kumpakha R, Gordon DM. Inhibition of morphological transition and hyphae extension in Candida spp. by occidiofungin. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:3038-3048. [PMID: 34941005 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15425] [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: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the efficacy of the antifungal, occidiofungin, against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis morphological transformation. METHODS AND RESULTS Susceptibility assays and morphological data were used to demonstrate that occidiofungin effectively targets C. albicans and C. tropicalis undergoing morphological transformation. Susceptibility assays found that cell sensitivity to occidiofungin varied with the media conditions used for morphological switching. Microscopy data showed that occidiofungin inhibited hyphae formation when added at the time of morphological induction and hyphal extension when added within the first hour following hyphae induction. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that occidiofungin addition prevented activation of Cek1p MAPK signalling. CONCLUSIONS The data indicated that the antimicrobial compound, occidiofungin, effectively targets hyphae elongation in Candida spp. and suggests the biological target of occidiofungin is necessary for the morphological changes associated with yeast-to-hyphae switching. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Findings from this study demonstrated that occidiofungin effectively targets the invasive growth of dimorphic Candida which suggests this compound may also inhibit the heterogenous population of cells present in a clinical setting. This presents occidiofungin as a promising candidate for the treatment of Candida associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabina Kumpakha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Donna M Gordon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
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29
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Abstract
Lipids play a fundamental role in fungal cell biology, being essential cell membrane components and major targets of antifungal drugs. A deeper knowledge of lipid metabolism is key for developing new drugs and a better understanding of fungal pathogenesis. Here, we built a comprehensive map of the Histoplasma capsulatum lipid metabolic pathway by incorporating proteomic and lipidomic analyses. We performed genetic complementation and overexpression of H. capsulatum genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to validate reactions identified in the map and to determine enzymes responsible for catalyzing orphan reactions. The map led to the identification of both the fatty acid desaturation and the sphingolipid biosynthesis pathways as targets for drug development. We found that the sphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor myriocin, the fatty acid desaturase inhibitor thiocarlide, and the fatty acid analog 10-thiastearic acid inhibit H. capsulatum growth in nanomolar to low-micromolar concentrations. These compounds also reduced the intracellular infection in an alveolar macrophage cell line. Overall, this lipid metabolic map revealed pathways that can be targeted for drug development.
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30
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Functionalized niosomes as a smart delivery device in cancer and fungal infection. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 168:106052. [PMID: 34740786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Various diseases remain untreated due to lack of suitable therapeutic moiety or a suitable drug delivery device, especially where toxicities and side effects are the primary reason for concern. Cancer and fungal infections are diseases where treatment schedules are not completed due to severe side effects or lengthy treatment protocols. Advanced treatment approaches such as active targeting and inhibition of angiogenesis may be preferred method for the treatment for malignancy over the conventional method. Niosomes may be a better alternative drug delivery carrier for various therapeutic moieties (either hydrophilic or hydrophobic) and also due to ease of surface modification, non-immunogenicity and economical. Active targeting approach may be done by targeting the receptors through coupling of suitable ligand on niosomal surface. Moreover, various receptors (CD44, folate, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) & Vascular growth factor receptor (VGFR)) expressed by malignant cells have also been reviewed. The preparation of suitable niosomal formulation also requires considerable attention, and its formulation depends upon various factors such as selection of non-ionic surfactant, method of fabrication, and fabrication parameters. A combination therapy (dual drug and immunotherapy) has been proposed for the treatment of fungal infection with special consideration for surface modification with suitable ligand on niosomal surface to sensitize the receptors (C-type lectin receptors, Toll-like receptors & Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors) present on immune cells involved in fungal immunity. Certain gene silencing concept has also been discussed as an advanced alternative treatment for cancer by silencing the mRNA at molecular level using short interfering RNA (si-RNA).
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31
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Willaert RG, Kayacan Y, Devreese B. The Flo Adhesin Family. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111397. [PMID: 34832553 PMCID: PMC8621652 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The first step in the infection of fungal pathogens in humans is the adhesion of the pathogen to host tissue cells or abiotic surfaces such as catheters and implants. One of the main players involved in this are the expressed cell wall adhesins. Here, we review the Flo adhesin family and their involvement in the adhesion of these yeasts during human infections. Firstly, we redefined the Flo adhesin family based on the domain architectures that are present in the Flo adhesins and their functions, and set up a new classification of Flo adhesins. Next, the structure, function, and adhesion mechanisms of the Flo adhesins whose structure has been solved are discussed in detail. Finally, we identified from Pfam database datamining yeasts that could express Flo adhesins and are encountered in human infections and their adhesin architectures. These yeasts are discussed in relation to their adhesion characteristics and involvement in infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie G. Willaert
- Research Group Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Alliance Research Group VUB-UGent NanoMicrobiology (NAMI), 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- International Joint Research Group VUB-EPFL NanoBiotechnology & NanoMedicine (NANO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2629-1846
| | - Yeseren Kayacan
- Research Group Structural Biology Brussels (SBB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Alliance Research Group VUB-UGent NanoMicrobiology (NAMI), 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- International Joint Research Group VUB-EPFL NanoBiotechnology & NanoMedicine (NANO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bart Devreese
- Alliance Research Group VUB-UGent NanoMicrobiology (NAMI), 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- International Joint Research Group VUB-EPFL NanoBiotechnology & NanoMedicine (NANO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Gent University (UGent), 9000 Gent, Belgium
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32
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The OxrA Protein of Aspergillus fumigatus Is Required for the Oxidative Stress Response and Fungal Pathogenesis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0112021. [PMID: 34524893 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01120-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification system is vital for the survival of the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus within the host high-ROS environment of the host. Therefore, identifying and targeting factors essential for oxidative stress response is one approach to developing novel treatments for fungal infections. The oxidation resistance 1 (Oxr1) protein is essential for protection against oxidative stress in mammals, but its functions in pathogenic fungi remain unknown. The present study aimed to characterize the role of an Oxr1 homolog in A. fumigatus. The results indicated that the OxrA protein plays an important role in oxidative stress resistance by regulating the catalase function in A. fumigatus, and overexpression of catalase can rescue the phenotype associated with OxrA deficiency. Importantly, the deficiency of oxrA decreased the virulence of A. fumigatus and altered the host immune response. Using the Aspergillus-induced lung infection model, we demonstrated that the ΔoxrA mutant strain induced less tissue damage along with decreased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin release. Additionally, the ΔoxrA mutant caused inflammation at a lower degree, along with a markedly reduced influx of neutrophils to the lungs and a decreased secretion of cytokine usually associated with recruitment of neutrophils in mice. These results characterize the role of OxrA in A. fumigatus as a core regulator of oxidative stress resistance and fungal pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Knowledge of ROS detoxification in fungal pathogens is useful in the design of new antifungal drugs and could aid in the study of oxidative stress resistance mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrate that OxrA protein localizes to the mitochondria and functions to protect against oxidative damage. We demonstrate that OxrA contributes to oxidative stress resistance by regulating catalase function, and overexpression of catalase (CatA or CatB) can rescue the phenotype that is associated with OxrA deficiency. Remarkably, a loss of OxrA attenuated the fungal virulence in a mouse model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and altered the host immune response. Therefore, our finding indicates that inhibition of OxrA might be an effective approach for alleviating A. fumigatus infection. The present study is, to the best of our knowledge, a pioneer in reporting the vital role of Oxr1 protein in pathogenic fungi.
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33
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Schamberger B, Plaetzer K. Photofungizides Based on Curcumin and Derivates Thereof against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1315. [PMID: 34827253 PMCID: PMC8614998 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111315] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections in humans, contamination of food and structural damage to buildings by fungi are associated with high costs for the general public. In addition, the increase in antifungal resistance towards conventional treatment raises the demand for new fungicidal methods. Here, we present the antifungal use of Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) based on the natural photosensitizer curcumin and a water-soluble positively charged derivative thereof (SA-CUR 12a) against two different model organisms; Candida albicans grown in a liquid culture and photo treated with a 435 nm LED light followed by counting of the colony-forming units and photoinactivation of tissue-like hyphal spheres of Aspergillus niger (diameter ~5 mm) with subsequent monitoring of colony growth. Curcumin (50 µM, no incubation period, i.p.) supplemented with 10% or 0.5% DMSO as well as SA-CUR 12a (50 µM no i.p or 5 min i.p.) triggered a photoantifungal effect of >4 log units towards C. albicans. At 100 µM, SA-CUR 12a (0 min or 5 min i.p.) achieved a reduction of >6 log units. Colonies of A. niger shrunk significantly during PDI treatment. Photoinactivation with 50 µM or 100 µM curcumin (+0.5% DMSO) resulted in complete growth inhibition. PDI using 20, 50 or 100 µM SA-CUR 12a (with or without 10% DMSO) also showed a significant reduction in colony area compared to the control after 48 h, although less pronounced compared to curcumin. In summary, PDI using curcumin or SA-CUR 12a against C. albicans or A. niger is a promising alternative to currently used fungicides, with the advantage of being very unlikely to induce resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schamberger
- Laboratory of Photodynamic Inactivation of Microorganisms, Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
- Morphophysics Group, Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Kristjan Plaetzer
- Laboratory of Photodynamic Inactivation of Microorganisms, Department of Biosciences, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
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34
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Matiadis D, Stefanou V, Tsironis D, Panagiotopoulou A, Igglessi-Markopoulou O, Markopoulos J. Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal 5-arylidene tetramic acid-cadmium(II) complexes. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2021; 354:e2100305. [PMID: 34570387 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis and biological evaluation of 5-arylidene-N-acetyl-tetramic acids cadmium(II) complexes are reported. Eleven novel compounds were prepared, characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance experiments and screened for their antimicrobial activity against five bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]) and two fungi (Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans). The complexes showed similar or enhanced activities against MRSA in comparison to the corresponding ligands and, additionally, promising antifungal activities against C. neoformans. The most active compounds 3c and 3h showed remarkable activities against MRSA (minimum inhibitory activity [MIC] values of 32 and 4 μg/ml, respectively) and C. neoformans (MIC values of 8 and 16 μg/ml, respectively), accompanied by no human cell toxicity and hemolytic activity within the tested concentration range. The results demonstrate that appropriately functionalized tetramic acids attached with lipophilic alkanoyl chain and after complexation with cadmium(II) ions may act as valuable lead compounds for further investigations toward the development of novel antibacterial and/or antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Matiadis
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
| | - Valentina Stefanou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsironis
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Panagiotopoulou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Ag. Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece
| | - Olga Igglessi-Markopoulou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, Athens, Greece
| | - John Markopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens, Greece
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35
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Zermeño-Macías MDLÁ, González-Chávez MM, Méndez F, Richaud A, González-Chávez R, Ojeda-Fuentes LE, Niño-Moreno PDC, Martínez R. Nucleus-Independent Chemical Shift (NICS) as a Criterion for the Design of New Antifungal Benzofuranones. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26165078. [PMID: 34443666 PMCID: PMC8401487 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26165078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The assertion made by Wu et al. that aromaticity may have considerable implications for molecular design motivated us to use nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS) as an aromaticity criterion to evaluate the antifungal activity of two series of indol-4-ones. A linear regression analysis of NICS and antifungal activity showed that both tested variables were significantly related (p < 0.05); when aromaticity increased, the antifungal activity decreased for series I and increased for series II. To verify the validity of the obtained equations, a new set of 44 benzofuran-4-ones was designed by replacing the nitrogen atom of the five-membered ring with oxygen in indol-4-ones. The NICS(0) and NICS(1) of benzofuran-4-ones were calculated and used to predict their biological activities using the previous equations. A set of 10 benzofuran-4-ones was synthesized and tested in eight human pathogenic fungi, showing the validity of the equations. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in yeasts was 31.25 µg·mL–1 for Candida glabrata, Candida krusei and Candida guilliermondii with compounds 15-32, 15-15 and 15-1. The MIC for filamentous fungi was 1.95 µg·mL–1 for Aspergillus niger for compounds 15-1, 15-33 and 15-34. The results obtained support the use of NICS in the molecular design of compounds with antifungal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de los Ángeles Zermeño-Macías
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava No. 6 Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (M.d.l.Á.Z.-M.); (R.G.-C.); (L.E.O.-F.)
| | - Marco Martín González-Chávez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava No. 6 Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (M.d.l.Á.Z.-M.); (R.G.-C.); (L.E.O.-F.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-C.); (F.M.); Tel.: +2-444-8262300 (ext. 6471) (M.M.G.-C.); +52-555-804-6400 (ext. 3326) (F.M.)
| | - Francisco Méndez
- Departamento de Química, División de Ciencias Biológicas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09340, Mexico;
- CEMHTI-CNRS, UPR3079, Site Haute Température, CS 90055, 1D avenue de la Recherche Scientifique, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orléans, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-C.); (F.M.); Tel.: +2-444-8262300 (ext. 6471) (M.M.G.-C.); +52-555-804-6400 (ext. 3326) (F.M.)
| | - Arlette Richaud
- Departamento de Química, División de Ciencias Biológicas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09340, Mexico;
- CEMHTI-CNRS, UPR3079, Site Haute Température, CS 90055, 1D avenue de la Recherche Scientifique, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Rodolfo González-Chávez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava No. 6 Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (M.d.l.Á.Z.-M.); (R.G.-C.); (L.E.O.-F.)
| | - Luis Enrique Ojeda-Fuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava No. 6 Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; (M.d.l.Á.Z.-M.); (R.G.-C.); (L.E.O.-F.)
| | - Perla del Carmen Niño-Moreno
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina (CICSaB), UASLP. Av. Paseo de los Derechos Humanos No. 300, Lomas de San Luis, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico;
| | - Roberto Martínez
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior de Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
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Lewis RA, Devi J, Green K, Li J, Hopkins A, Hayles J, Nurse P, Errington J, Allenby NEE. Screening and Purification of Natural Products from Actinomycetes that Induce a "Rounded" Morphological Phenotype in Fission Yeast. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2021; 11:431-445. [PMID: 33881756 PMCID: PMC8275771 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-021-00304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to identify and investigate bioactive natural product compounds that alter the cellular shape of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and induce a "rounded" or "small" cellular morphological phenotype. Bioassays using a range of antifungal agents against a multidrug-sensitive fission yeast strain, SAK950 showed that many induced a "rounded" phenotype. We then investigated whether 46 of the actinomycete strains identified in our previous study as inducing a similar phenotype produced antifungal agents of similar classes. We show that five of the strains produced streptothricin and that 26 strains produced polyenes, including fungichromin, filipin and candicidin, the last of which was produced by 24 strains. A taxonomic study of the strains indicated that the majority of the candicidin only producers were Streptomyces hydrogenans and S. albidoflavus whilst those that additionally produced streptothricin were related to S. enissocaesilis. A follow-up study to investigate the natural products made by related strains indicated that they followed a similar pattern. The identification of several compounds from the actinomycete strains similar to the antifungal agents initially tested confirm the validity of an approach using the S. pombe morphological phenotype and actinomycete taxonomy as a predictive tool for natural product identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Alexander Lewis
- Demuris Ltd, The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BX, UK.
| | - Jenileima Devi
- Demuris Ltd, The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BX, UK
| | - Katherine Green
- Demuris Ltd, The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BX, UK
| | - Juanjuan Li
- University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Adam Hopkins
- Demuris Ltd, The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BX, UK
| | - Jacqueline Hayles
- Cell Cycle Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Paul Nurse
- Cell Cycle Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jeff Errington
- Demuris Ltd, The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BX, UK
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Quiles-Melero I, García-Rodríguez J. [Systemic antifungal drugs]. Rev Iberoam Micol 2021; 38:42-46. [PMID: 34294519 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections have increased over the last decades and the therapeutic choices to treat them are limited. The antifungal agents currently available are useful and have optimal in vitro activity; however, their activity can be lowered due to the development of fungal resistance. The increase in primary or secondary resistance to some antifungal drugs has led to the search of alternatives such as the combination of drugs or the development of new antifungals. In this paper, the activity of the main families of antifungal drugs, polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, 5-fluorocytosine and other new antifungal drugs, are reviewed. The main resistance mechanisms developed by fungi are also described.
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Gupta P, Gupta H, Poluri KM. Geraniol eradicates Candida glabrata biofilm by targeting multiple cellular pathways. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:5589-5605. [PMID: 34196746 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11397-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Global burden of fungal infections and associated health risk has accelerated at an incredible pace and needs to be attended at the earliest with an unbeatable therapeutic intervention. Candida glabrata is clinically the most relevant and least drug susceptible Candida species. In the pursuit of mining alternative novel drug candidates, the antifungal activity of a monoterpene phytoactive molecule geraniol (GR) against C. glabrata biofilm was evaluated. Biofilm inhibitory and eradication ability of GR evaluated against C. glabrata along with its clinical isolates. Impact of GR on various cellular pathways was evaluated to delineate its antifungal mode of action. GR has inhibited both planktonic and sessile growth of all the studied C. glabrata strains and eradicated the mature biofilm. GR reduced the carbohydrate and eDNA content, as well as hydrolytic enzyme activity in extracellular matrix of C. glabrata. The chemical profiling, microscopic, and spectroscopic studies revealed that GR targets chitin and β-glucan in cell wall. Further, results highlighted the reduction of cell membrane ergosterol content, and blocking of ABC drug efflux pump by GR which was also confirmed by RT-PCR where expression of CDR1 and ERG4 was downregulated in GR exposed C. glabrata cells. The fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry results emphasized the alteration in mitochondrial activity, increased Ca+2 uptake, thus changing the membrane permeability ensuing increased cytochrome C release from mitochondria to cytoplasm. Indeed, GR also has arrested cell cycle in G1/S phase and interfered with DNA replication. These observations suggest GR targets multiple cellular pathways and mediated killing of C. glabrata cells via apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study strengthens the candidacy of GR as novel antifungal therapeutic. Key points • GR inhibits growth and eradicates biofilm of C. glabrata and its clinical isolates. • GR inactivates the hydrolytic enzymes in extracellular matrix. • GR mediates C. glabrata apoptosis by interfering with multiple signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Hrishikesh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India. .,Center for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee), Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
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Pfaller MA, Huband MD, Flamm RK, Bien PA, Castanheira M. Antimicrobial activity of manogepix, a first-in-class antifungal, and comparator agents tested against contemporary invasive fungal isolates from an international surveillance programme (2018-2019). J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2021; 26:117-127. [PMID: 34051400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Manogepix, the active moiety of the prodrug fosmanogepix, is a novel antifungal with activity against major fungal pathogens including Candida (except Candida krusei), Aspergillus and difficult-to-treat/rare moulds. We tested manogepix and comparators against 2669 contemporary (2018-2019) fungal isolates collected from 82 medical centres in North America (42.3%), Europe (37.9%), Asia-Pacific (12.3%) and Latin America (7.6%). Of these, 70.7% were Candida spp., 3.6% were non-Candida yeasts including 49 Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii, 21.7% were Aspergillus spp. and 4.1% were other moulds. METHODS Isolates were tested for antifungal susceptibility by the CLSI reference broth microdilution method. RESULTS Manogepix (MIC50/90, 0.008/0.06 mg/L) was the most active agent tested against Candida spp. isolates; corresponding anidulafungin, micafungin and fluconazole MIC90 values were 16- to 64-fold higher. Similarly, manogepix (MIC50/90, 0.5/2 mg/L) was ≥4-fold more active than anidulafungin, micafungin and fluconazole against C. neoformans var. grubii. Against Aspergillus spp., manogepix (MEC50/90, 0.015/0.03 mg/L) had comparable activity to anidulafungin and micafungin. Low manogepix concentrations inhibited uncommon species of Candida, non-Candida yeasts, and rare moulds including Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora (Scedosporium) prolificans. CONCLUSION Manogepix exhibited potent activity against contemporary fungal isolates, including echinocandin- and azole-resistant strains of Candida and Aspergillus spp., respectively. Although rare, Candida strains that were non-wild type for manogepix demonstrated resistance to fluconazole. However, the clinical relevance of this finding is unknown. The extended spectrum of manogepix is noteworthy for its activity against many less-common yet antifungal-resistant strains. Clinical studies are underway to evaluate the utility of fosmanogepix against difficult-to-treat resistant fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Pfaller
- JMI Laboratories, North Liberty, IA, USA; University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila S Al Yazidi
- Child Health Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Abdullah M. S. Al-Hatmi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa,Nizwa, Oman
- Department of Biological Sciences & Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Bhattarai K, Bhattarai K, Kabir ME, Bastola R, Baral B. Fungal natural products galaxy: Biochemistry and molecular genetics toward blockbuster drugs discovery. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2021; 107:193-284. [PMID: 33641747 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Secondary metabolites synthesized by fungi have become a precious source of inspiration for the design of novel drugs. Indeed, fungi are prolific producers of fascinating, diverse, structurally complex, and low-molecular-mass natural products with high therapeutic leads, such as novel antimicrobial compounds, anticancer compounds, immunosuppressive agents, among others. Given that these microorganisms possess the extraordinary capacity to secrete diverse chemical scaffolds, they have been highly exploited by the giant pharma companies to generate small molecules. This has been made possible because the isolation of metabolites from fungal natural sources is feasible and surpasses the organic synthesis of compounds, which otherwise remains a significant bottleneck in the drug discovery process. Here in this comprehensive review, we have discussed recent studies on different fungi (pathogenic, non-pathogenic, commensal, and endophytic/symbiotic) from different habitats (terrestrial and marines), the specialized metabolites they biosynthesize, and the drugs derived from these specialized metabolites. Moreover, we have unveiled the logic behind the biosynthesis of vital chemical scaffolds, such as NRPS, PKS, PKS-NRPS hybrid, RiPPS, terpenoids, indole alkaloids, and their genetic mechanisms. Besides, we have provided a glimpse of the concept behind mycotoxins, virulence factor, and host immune response based on fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshab Bhattarai
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Keshab Bhattarai
- Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Md Ehsanul Kabir
- Animal Health Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rina Bastola
- Spinal Cord Injury Association-Nepal (SCIAN), Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Bikash Baral
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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de Araújo MRC, Maciel PP, Castellano LRC, Bonan PRF, Alves DDN, de Medeiros ACD, de Castro RD. Efficacy of essential oil of cinnamon for the treatment of oral candidiasis: A randomized trial. SPECIAL CARE IN DENTISTRY 2021; 41:349-357. [PMID: 33475184 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM It was analyzed the efficacy of mouthwash and spray containing essential oil (EO) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume for the treatment of oral candidiasis. METHODS AND RESULTS A randomized, controlled, and blinded clinical trial was conducted with 36 individuals (probabilistic sample) with oral candidiasis who were divided into two treatment groups: C. zeylanicum (0.5 mg/mL), n = 18; nystatin (100,000IU/mL), n = 18. The efficacy of the products was evaluated by two parameters: (a) clinical evolution recorded by calibrated examiners (Kappa = 0.822) according to Newton's classification and (b) reduction of colony-forming units/mL. Mycological and clinical parameters were analyzed before and at 15 days after treatment. Clinical examination of the mucosa showed that C. zeylanicum (p < 0.0339) and nystatin (p < .0139) had efficacy, resulting in a reduction of signs and symptoms (Mann-Whitney test). Mycological analysis showed that C. zeylanicum caused a reduction of 61% and 33% of Candida spp., isolates oral mucosa and dentures, respectively. Candida tropicalis strains were eliminated after C. zeylanicum, in both sites. The participants reported a pleasant taste and few product-related complaints. CONCLUSION C. zeylanicum EO and nystatin exhibited clinical efficacy, according to the Newton classification, and reducing in Candida spp. The clinical trial has been registered (Registration number: NBR-33s6 × 5, ensaiosclinicos.gov.br).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Panmella Pereira Maciel
- Departament of Clinical and Social Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo Dias de Castro
- Departament of Clinical and Social Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
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The Future of Antifungal Drug Therapy: Novel Compounds and Targets. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.01719-20. [PMID: 33229427 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01719-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are a universal problem and are routinely associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. Existing therapies comprise five different classes of antifungal agents, four of which target the synthesis of ergosterol and cell wall glucans. However, the currently available antifungals have many limitations, including poor oral bioavailability, narrow therapeutic indices, and emerging drug resistance resulting from their use, thus making it essential to investigate the development of novel drugs which can overcome these limitations and add to the antifungal armamentarium. Advances have been made in antifungal drug discovery research and development over the past few years as evidenced by the presence of several new compounds currently in various stages of development. In the following minireview, we provide a comprehensive summary of compounds aimed at one or more novel molecular targets. We also briefly describe potential pathways relevant for fungal pathogenesis that can be considered for drug development in the near future.
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Mukherjee S, Kundu I, Askari M, Barai RS, Venkatesh KV, Idicula-Thomas S. Exploring the druggable proteome of Candida species through comprehensive computational analysis. Genomics 2021; 113:728-739. [PMID: 33484798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida spp. are major cause of systemic mycoses. Antifungal drugs such as azoles and polyenes are not efficient to successfully eradicate Candida infection owing to their fungistatic nature or low bioavailability. Here, we have adopted a comprehensive computational workflow for identification, prioritization and validation of targets from proteomes of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The protocol involves identification of essential drug-target candidates using subtractive genomics, protein-protein interaction network properties and systems biology based methods. The essentiality of the novel metabolic and non-metabolic targets was established by performing in silico gene knockouts, under aerobic as well as anaerobic conditions, and in vitro drug inhibition assays respectively. Deletion of twelve genes that are involved in amino acid, secondary metabolite, and carbon metabolism showed zero growth in metabolic model under simulated conditions. The algorithm, used in this study, can be downloaded from http://pbit.bicnirrh.res.in/offline.php and executed locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvechha Mukherjee
- Biomedical Informatics Centre, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Indra Kundu
- Biomedical Informatics Centre, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mehdi Askari
- Department of Bioinformatics, Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ram Shankar Barai
- Biomedical Informatics Centre, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India
| | - K V Venkatesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Susan Idicula-Thomas
- Biomedical Informatics Centre, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India.
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Vazirani J, Westall GP, Snell GI, Morrissey CO. Scedosporium apiospermum and Lomentospora prolificans in lung transplant patients - A single center experience over 24 years. Transpl Infect Dis 2021; 23:e13546. [PMID: 33315292 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Scedosporium apiospermum and Lomentospora prolificans (Scedosporium/Lomentospora) species are emerging, multi-resistant pathogens that cause life-threatening illnesses among lung transplant (LTx) recipients. The current epidemiology and management in LTx are unknown. METHODS We performed a retrospective single center audit of all sputum/bronchoscopy samples for Scedosporium/Lomentospora species in LTx patients over a 24-year period (1995-2019). Patients were diagnosed as colonized or with invasive fungal disease. RESULTS From a cohort of 962 LTx recipients, 30 patients (3.1%) cultured Scedosporium/Lomentospora (1.2%, 1.9%, respectively). There were no isolates from 1995 to 2013, with multiple yearly isolates thereafter. Nineteen (63%) cases were classified as IFD, and 11 (37%) as colonization. The median time to first culture from transplantation was 929 days (Interquartile-range [IQR] 263-2960). Most patients (63%) had received antifungals prior to the first positive culture of Scedosporium/Lomentospora for other fungal infection. The most common antifungal used for treatment of Scedosporium/Lomentospora was posaconazole (n = 16; 53%). Median duration of therapy was 364 days (IQR 164-616). Treatment was associated with improved lung function over 6 months (median FEV1 increased from 1.3L[IQR 0.9-1.8L] to 1.8L[IQR 1.1-2.3] P = .05). Six patients cultured Scedosporium/Lomentospora prior to transplantation, and no survival disadvantage was seen as compared to our whole LTx cohort (P = .8). CONCLUSION Our single center 24-year experience suggests that the incidence of Scedosporium/Lomentospora is increasing. Scedosporium/Lomentospora is typically isolated several years after LTx, and requires prolonged anti-fungal treatment that is usually associated with improved in lung function. Culture of Scedosporium/Lomentospora prior to LTx did not pose a survival disadvantage. Further surveillance is required to fully characterize implications of these organisms for LTx recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaideep Vazirani
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Glen P Westall
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Gregory I Snell
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - C Orla Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Voronin AP, Vasilev NA, Surov AO, Churakov AV, Perlovich GL. Exploring the solid form landscape of the antifungal drug isavuconazole: crystal structure analysis, phase transformation behavior and dissolution performance. CrystEngComm 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1ce01353j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phase transformation of ISV solid forms during dissolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P. Voronin
- G. A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Akademicheskaya St., 153045 Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Nikita A. Vasilev
- G. A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Akademicheskaya St., 153045 Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Artem O. Surov
- G. A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Akademicheskaya St., 153045 Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Andrei V. Churakov
- N. S. Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry RAS, 31 Leninsky Prosp, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - German L. Perlovich
- G. A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Akademicheskaya St., 153045 Ivanovo, Russia
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Ok SM, Ho D, Lynd T, Ahn YW, Ju HM, Jeong SH, Cheon K. Candida Infection Associated with Salivary Gland-A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2020; 10:E97. [PMID: 33396602 PMCID: PMC7795466 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are common global opportunistic pathogens that could repeatedly and chronically cause oral mucosa infection and create an inflammatory environment, leading to organ dysfunction. Oral Candida infections may cause temporary or permanent damage to salivary glands, resulting in the destruction of acinar cells and the formation of scar tissue. Restricted function of the salivary glands leads to discomfort and diseases of the oral mucosa, such as dry mouth and associated infection. This narrative review attempts to summarize the anatomy and function of salivary glands, the associations between Candida and saliva, the effects of Candida infection on salivary glands, and the treatment strategies. Overall, clinicians should proactively manage Candida infections by educating patients on oral hygiene management for vulnerable populations, conducting frequent checks for a timely diagnosis, and providing an effective treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Min Ok
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Life Science Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea; (S.-m.O.); (Y.-W.A.); (H.-M.J.); (S.-H.J.)
- Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (D.H.); (T.L.)
| | - Donald Ho
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (D.H.); (T.L.)
| | - Tyler Lynd
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (D.H.); (T.L.)
| | - Yong-Woo Ahn
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Life Science Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea; (S.-m.O.); (Y.-W.A.); (H.-M.J.); (S.-H.J.)
- Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Hye-Min Ju
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Life Science Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea; (S.-m.O.); (Y.-W.A.); (H.-M.J.); (S.-H.J.)
- Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Jeong
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Life Science Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea; (S.-m.O.); (Y.-W.A.); (H.-M.J.); (S.-H.J.)
- Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Kyounga Cheon
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (D.H.); (T.L.)
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Molecular Diversity via Tetrasubstituted Alkenes Containing a Barbiturate Motif: Synthesis and Biological Activity. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25245868. [PMID: 33322563 PMCID: PMC7763037 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis of a molecularly diverse library of tetrasubstituted alkenes containing a barbiturate motif is described. Base-induced condensation of N1-substituted pyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-triones with 5-(bis(methylthio)methylene)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione gave 3-substituted 5-(methylthio)-2H-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4,7(1H,3H)-triones (‘pyranopyrimidinones’), regioselectively. A sequence of reactions involving ring-opening of the pyran moiety, displacement of the methylthio group with an amine, re-formation of the pyran ring, and after its final cleavage with an amine, gave tetrasubstituted alkenes (3-amino-3-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)propanamides) with a diversity of substituents. Cleavage of the pyranopyrimidinones with an aniline was facilitated in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol under microwave irradiation. Compounds were tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. No compounds exhibited activity against E. coli, whilst one compound was weakly active against S. aureus. Three compounds were strongly active against S. pombe, but none was active against C. albicans.
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Mielech-Łukasiewicz K, Leoniuk M. Voltammetric determination of natamycin using a cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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50
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Basso V, Tran DQ, Ouellette AJ, Selsted ME. Host Defense Peptides as Templates for Antifungal Drug Development. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040241. [PMID: 33113935 PMCID: PMC7711597 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatment for invasive fungal diseases is limited to three classes of antifungal drugs: azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. The most recently introduced antifungal class, the echinocandins, was first approved nearly 30 years ago. The limited antifungal drug portfolio is rapidly losing its clinical utility due to the inexorable rise in the incidence of invasive fungal infections and the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) fungal pathogens. New antifungal therapeutic agents and novel approaches are desperately needed. Here, we detail attempts to exploit the antifungal and immunoregulatory properties of host defense peptides (HDPs) in the design and evaluation of new antifungal therapeutics and discuss historical limitations and recent advances in this quest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Basso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (V.B.); (D.Q.T.); (A.J.O.)
| | - Dat Q. Tran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (V.B.); (D.Q.T.); (A.J.O.)
- Oryn Therapeutics, Vacaville, CA 95688, USA
| | - André J. Ouellette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (V.B.); (D.Q.T.); (A.J.O.)
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Michael E. Selsted
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (V.B.); (D.Q.T.); (A.J.O.)
- Oryn Therapeutics, Vacaville, CA 95688, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence:
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