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Isidoro-Ayza M, Lorch JM, Klein BS. The skin I live in: Pathogenesis of white-nose syndrome of bats. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012342. [PMID: 39207947 PMCID: PMC11361426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of white-nose syndrome (WNS) in North America has resulted in mass mortalities of hibernating bats and total extirpation of local populations. The need to mitigate this disease has stirred a significant body of research to understand its pathogenesis. Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of WNS, is a psychrophilic (cold-loving) fungus that resides within the class Leotiomycetes, which contains mainly plant pathogens and is unrelated to other consequential pathogens of animals. In this review, we revisit the unique biology of hibernating bats and P. destructans and provide an updated analysis of the stages and mechanisms of WNS progression. The extreme life history of hibernating bats, the psychrophilic nature of P. destructans, and its evolutionary distance from other well-characterized animal-infecting fungi translate into unique host-pathogen interactions, many of them yet to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Isidoro-Ayza
- Department of Pediatrics, Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Bruce S. Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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2
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Liu T, Pyle AM. Highly Reactive Group I Introns Ubiquitous in Pathogenic Fungi. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168513. [PMID: 38447889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168513] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Systemic fungal infections are a growing public health threat, and yet viable antifungal drug targets are limited as fungi share a similar proteome with humans. However, features of RNA metabolism and the noncoding transcriptomes in fungi are distinctive. For example, fungi harbor highly structured RNA elements that humans lack, such as self-splicing introns within key housekeeping genes in the mitochondria. However, the location and function of these mitochondrial riboregulatory elements has largely eluded characterization. Here we used an RNA-structure-based bioinformatics pipeline to identify the group I introns interrupting key mitochondrial genes in medically relevant fungi, revealing their fixation within a handful of genetic hotspots and their ubiquitous presence across divergent phylogenies of fungi, including all highest priority pathogens such as Candida albicans, Candida auris, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans. We then biochemically characterized two representative introns from C. albicans and C. auris, demonstrating their exceptionally efficient splicing catalysis relative to previously-characterized group I introns. Indeed, the C. albicans mitochondrial intron displays extremely rapid catalytic turnover, even at ambient temperatures and physiological magnesium ion concentrations. Our results unmask a significant new set of players in the RNA metabolism of pathogenic fungi, suggesting a promising new type of antifungal drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshuo Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Anna Marie Pyle
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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3
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Yadav KK, Nimonkar Y, Green SJ, Dewala S, Dhanorkar MN, Sharma R, Rale VR, Prakash O. Anaerobic growth and drug susceptibility of versatile fungal pathogen Scedosporium apiospermum. iScience 2023; 26:108304. [PMID: 37965151 PMCID: PMC10641749 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although severe cases of invasive mycoses of different hypoxic and anoxic body parts have been reported, growth and drug susceptibility of fungal pathogens under anaerobic conditions remains understudied. The current study evaluated anaerobic growth potential and drug susceptibility of environmental Scedosporium apiospermum isolates under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. All tested strains showed equivalent growth and higher sensitivity to tested antifungal drugs under anaerobic conditions with lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as compared to aerobic conditions. Antifungal azoles were effective against isolates under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Most strains were resistant to antifungal echinocandins and polyenes under aerobic conditions but exhibited sensitivity under anaerobic conditions. This study provides evidence that resistance of S. apiospermum to antifungal drugs varies with oxygen concentration and availability and suggests re-evaluating clinical breakpoints for antifungal compounds to treat invasive fungal infections more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna K. Yadav
- National Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR), National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
- Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management (SCWRM), Symbiosis International, (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune 412115, India
| | - Yogesh Nimonkar
- National Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR), National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Stefan J. Green
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Sahabram Dewala
- National Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR), National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Manikprabhu N. Dhanorkar
- Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management (SCWRM), Symbiosis International, (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune 412115, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Life Science and Biological Science, IES University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462 044, India
| | - Vinay R. Rale
- Symbiosis Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI), Symbiosis International, (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune 412115, India
| | - Om Prakash
- National Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR), National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
- Symbiosis Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (SCCCS), Symbiosis International, (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune 412115, India
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4
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Stuckey PV, Santiago-Tirado FH. Fungal mechanisms of intracellular survival: what can we learn from bacterial pathogens? Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0043422. [PMID: 37506189 PMCID: PMC10501222 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00434-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a major, albeit neglected, public health threat with serious medical and economic burdens globally. With unacceptably high mortality rates, invasive fungal pathogens are responsible for millions of deaths each year, with a steadily increasing incidence primarily in immunocompromised individuals. The poor therapeutic options and rise of antifungal drug resistance pose further challenges in controlling these infections. These fungal pathogens have adapted to survive within mammalian hosts and can establish intracellular niches to promote survival within host immune cells. To do that, they have developed diverse methods to circumvent the innate immune system attack. This includes strategies such as altering their morphology, counteracting macrophage antimicrobial action, and metabolic adaptation. This is reminiscent of how bacterial pathogens have adapted to survive within host cells and cause disease. However, relative to the great deal of information available concerning intracellular bacterial pathogenesis, less is known about the mechanisms fungal pathogens employ. Therefore, here we review our current knowledge and recent advances in our understanding of how fungi can evade and persist within host immune cells. This review will focus on the major fungal pathogens, including Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, among others. As we discover and understand the strategies used by these fungi, similarities with their bacterial counterparts are becoming apparent, hence we can use the abundant information from bacteria to guide our studies in fungi. By understanding these strategies, new lines of research will open that can improve the treatments of these devastating fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Stuckey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Felipe H. Santiago-Tirado
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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5
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Jones CR, Zhang ZJ, Tsai HJ. Quantifying the Mechanical Properties of Yeast Candida albicans Using Atomic Force Microscopy-based Force Spectroscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2667:1-13. [PMID: 37145272 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3199-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Fungi can adapt to a wide range of environmental stresses in the wild and host milieu by employing their plastic genome and great diversity in morphology. Among different adaptive strategies, mechanical stimuli, such as changes in osmotic pressure, surface remodeling, hyphal formation, and cell divisions, could guide the physical cues into physiological responses through a complex signaling network. While fungal pathogens require a pressure-driven force to expand and penetrate host tissues, quantitatively studying the biophysical properties at the host-fungal interface is critical to understand the development of fungal diseases. Microscopy-based techniques have enabled researchers to monitor the dynamic mechanics on fungal cell surface in responses to the host stress and antifungal drugs. Here, we describe a label-free, high-resolution method based on atomic force microscopy, with a step-by-step protocol to measure the physical properties in human fungal pathogen Candida albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhenyu Jason Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Hung-Ji Tsai
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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6
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Cao C, Wang K, Wang Y, Liu TB, Rivera A, Xue C. Ubiquitin proteolysis of a CDK-related kinase regulates titan cell formation and virulence in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6397. [PMID: 36302775 PMCID: PMC9613880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34151-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens often undergo morphological switches, including cell size changes, to adapt to the host environment and cause disease. The pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans forms so-called 'titan cells' during infection. Titan cells are large, polyploid, display alterations in cell wall and capsule, and are more resistant to phagocytosis and various types of stress. Titan cell formation is regulated by the cAMP/PKA signal pathway, which is stimulated by the protein Gpa1. Here, we show that Gpa1 is activated through phosphorylation by a CDK-related kinase (Crk1), which is targeted for degradation by an E3 ubiquitin ligase (Fbp1). Strains overexpressing CRK1 or an allele lacking a PEST domain exhibit increased production of titan cells similarly to the fbp1∆ mutant. Conversely, CRK1 deletion results in reduced titan cell production, indicating that Crk1 stimulates titan cell formation. Crk1 phosphorylates Gpa1, which then localizes to the plasma membrane and activates the cAMP/PKA signal pathway to induce cell enlargement. Furthermore, titan cell-overproducing strains trigger increased Th1 and Th17 cytokine production in CD4+ T cells and show attenuated virulence in a mouse model of systemic cryptococcosis. Overall, our study provides insights into the regulation of titan cell formation and fungal virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjun Cao
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Keyi Wang
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yina Wang
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Tong-Bao Liu
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Amariliz Rivera
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Chaoyang Xue
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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7
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Mapook A, Hyde KD, Hassan K, Kemkuignou BM, Čmoková A, Surup F, Kuhnert E, Paomephan P, Cheng T, de Hoog S, Song Y, Jayawardena RS, Al-Hatmi AMS, Mahmoudi T, Ponts N, Studt-Reinhold L, Richard-Forget F, Chethana KWT, Harishchandra DL, Mortimer PE, Li H, Lumyong S, Aiduang W, Kumla J, Suwannarach N, Bhunjun CS, Yu FM, Zhao Q, Schaefer D, Stadler M. Ten decadal advances in fungal biology leading towards human well-being. FUNGAL DIVERS 2022; 116:547-614. [PMID: 36123995 PMCID: PMC9476466 DOI: 10.1007/s13225-022-00510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are an understudied resource possessing huge potential for developing products that can greatly improve human well-being. In the current paper, we highlight some important discoveries and developments in applied mycology and interdisciplinary Life Science research. These examples concern recently introduced drugs for the treatment of infections and neurological diseases; application of -OMICS techniques and genetic tools in medical mycology and the regulation of mycotoxin production; as well as some highlights of mushroom cultivaton in Asia. Examples for new diagnostic tools in medical mycology and the exploitation of new candidates for therapeutic drugs, are also given. In addition, two entries illustrating the latest developments in the use of fungi for biodegradation and fungal biomaterial production are provided. Some other areas where there have been and/or will be significant developments are also included. It is our hope that this paper will help realise the importance of fungi as a potential industrial resource and see the next two decades bring forward many new fungal and fungus-derived products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ausana Mapook
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
| | - Kevin D. Hyde
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Innovative Institute of Plant Health, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510225 China
| | - Khadija Hassan
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Blondelle Matio Kemkuignou
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Adéla Čmoková
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Frank Surup
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Eric Kuhnert
- Centre of Biomolecular Drug Research (BMWZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Pathompong Paomephan
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 272 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Tian Cheng
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center / Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Graduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Yinggai Song
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruvishika S. Jayawardena
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
| | - Abdullah M. S. Al-Hatmi
- Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center / Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Tokameh Mahmoudi
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nadia Ponts
- INRAE, UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety (MycSA), 33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Lena Studt-Reinhold
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Microbial Genetics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | | | - K. W. Thilini Chethana
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
| | - Dulanjalee L. Harishchandra
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environment Friendly Management on Fruit Diseases and Pests in North China, Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097 China
| | - Peter E. Mortimer
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
- Centre for Mountain Futures (CMF), Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Huili Li
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
- Centre for Mountain Futures (CMF), Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Saisamorm Lumyong
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand
| | - Worawoot Aiduang
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Jaturong Kumla
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Chitrabhanu S. Bhunjun
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
| | - Feng-Ming Yu
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100 Thailand
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Doug Schaefer
- Centre for Mountain Futures (CMF), Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Kunming, 650201 Yunnan China
| | - Marc Stadler
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Brunswick, Germany
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Saidykhan L, Correia J, Romanyuk A, Peacock AFA, Desanti GE, Taylor-Smith L, Makarova M, Ballou ER, May RC. An in vitro method for inducing titan cells reveals novel features of yeast-to-titan switching in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus gattii. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010321. [PMID: 35969643 PMCID: PMC9426920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a potentially lethal fungal infection of humans caused by organisms within the Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii species complex. Whilst C. neoformans is a relatively common pathogen of immunocompromised individuals, C. gattii is capable of acting as a primary pathogen of immunocompetent individuals. Within the host, both species undergo morphogenesis to form titan cells: exceptionally large cells that are critical for disease establishment. To date, the induction, defining attributes, and underlying mechanism of titanisation have been mainly characterized in C. neoformans. Here, we report the serendipitous discovery of a simple and robust protocol for in vitro induction of titan cells in C. gattii. Using this in vitro approach, we reveal a remarkably high capacity for titanisation within C. gattii, especially in strains associated with the Pacific Northwest Outbreak, and characterise strain-specific differences within the clade. In particular, this approach demonstrates for the first time that cell size changes, DNA amplification, and budding are not always synchronous during titanisation. Interestingly, however, exhibition of these cell cycle phenotypes was correlated with genes associated with cell cycle progression including CDC11, CLN1, BUB2, and MCM6. Finally, our findings reveal exogenous p-Aminobenzoic acid to be a key inducer of titanisation in this organism. Consequently, this approach offers significant opportunities for future exploration of the underlying mechanism of titanisation in this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamin Saidykhan
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
- Division of Physical and Natural Science, University of The Gambia, Brikama, The Gambia
| | - Joao Correia
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Andrey Romanyuk
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Anna F. A. Peacock
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume E. Desanti
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Taylor-Smith
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Makarova
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth R. Ballou
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (ERB); (RCM)
| | - Robin C. May
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (ERB); (RCM)
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9
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Molecular Mapping of Antifungal Mechanisms Accessing Biomaterials and New Agents to Target Oral Candidiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147520. [PMID: 35886869 PMCID: PMC9320712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral candidiasis has a high rate of development, especially in immunocompromised patients. Immunosuppressive and cytotoxic therapies in hospitalized HIV and cancer patients are known to induce the poor management of adverse reactions, where local and systemic candidiasis become highly resistant to conventional antifungal therapy. The development of oral candidiasis is triggered by several mechanisms that determine oral epithelium imbalances, resulting in poor local defense and a delayed immune system response. As a result, pathogenic fungi colonies disseminate and form resistant biofilms, promoting serious challenges in initiating a proper therapeutic protocol. Hence, this study of the literature aimed to discuss possibilities and new trends through antifungal therapy for buccal drug administration. A large number of studies explored the antifungal activity of new agents or synergic components that may enhance the effect of classic drugs. It was of significant interest to find connections between smart biomaterials and their activity, to find molecular responses and mechanisms that can conquer the multidrug resistance of fungi strains, and to transpose them into a molecular map. Overall, attention is focused on the nanocolloids domain, nanoparticles, nanocomposite synthesis, and the design of polymeric platforms to satisfy sustained antifungal activity and high biocompatibility with the oral mucosa.
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10
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Dyląg M, Colón-Reyes RJ, Loperena-Álvarez Y, Kozubowski L. Establishing Minimal Conditions Sufficient for the Development of Titan-like Cells in Cryptococcus neoformans/ gattii Species Complex. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070768. [PMID: 35890013 PMCID: PMC9322185 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070768] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic pathogens of the anamorphic genus Cryptococcus are unique considering their virulence factors that in the context of pathogenesis allowed them to achieve evolutionary success. Morphological transformation into giant (Titan) cells is one of the factors contributing to cryptococcosis. Recently established in vitro protocols demonstrate that 5 or 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) combined with 5% CO2, 37 °C, and sufficiently low cell density, triggers cellular enlargement (Serum protocols). However, the FBS components that promote this morphological transition remain incompletely characterized. In search of minimal conditions necessary for stimulating the formation of Titan cells, we performed a study where we eliminated serum from the protocol (Serum-free protocol) and instead systematically adjusted the amount of glucose, source of nitrogen (ammonium sulfate), and the pH. We found that exposing cells to PBS with adjusted pH to 7.3, and supplemented with 0.05% glucose, 0.025% ammonium sulfate, 0.004% K2HPO4, 0.0035% MgSO4, in the presence of 5% CO2 at 37 °C triggers Titan-like cell formation to the same degree as the previously established protocol that utilized 10% FBS as the sole nutrient source. Titan-like cells obtained according to this Serum-free protocol were characterized by cell body size over ten microns, a single enlarged vacuole, thick cell wall, extensive polysaccharide capsule, and changes in the level of cell ploidy, all currently known hallmarks of Titan cells found in vivo. Strikingly, we found that in both, Serum and Serum-free protocols, an optimal pH for Titan-like cell development is ~7.3 whereas relatively acidic pH (5.5) prevents this morphological transition and promotes robust proliferation, while alkaline pH (~8.0) has a profound growth inhibitory effect. Our study demonstrates a critical role of pH response to the formation of Titan cells and indicates that conditions that allow restricted proliferation in the presence of 5% CO2 are sufficient for this morphological transition to form enlarged cells in Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Dyląg
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
- Department of Mycology and Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wroclaw, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (L.K.)
| | - Rodney J. Colón-Reyes
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
| | - Yaliz Loperena-Álvarez
- Department of Science, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez PR 00681, Puerto Rico;
| | - Lukasz Kozubowski
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (L.K.)
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11
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Ivanov M, Ćirić A, Stojković D. Emerging Antifungal Targets and Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2756. [PMID: 35269898 PMCID: PMC8911111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite abundant research in the field of antifungal drug discovery, fungal infections remain a significant healthcare burden. There is an emerging need for the development of novel antifungals since those currently available are limited and do not completely provide safe and secure protection. Since the current knowledge regarding the physiology of fungal cells and the infection mechanisms is greater than ever, we have the opportunity to use this for the development of novel generations of antifungals. In this review, we selected and summarized recent studies describing agents employing different antifungal mechanisms. These mechanisms include interference with fungal resistance, including impact on the efflux pumps and heat shock protein 90. Additionally, interference with virulence factors, such as biofilms and hyphae; the impact on fungal enzymes, metabolism, mitochondria, and cell wall; and antifungal vaccines are explored. The agents investigated belong to different classes of natural or synthetic molecules with significant attention given also to plant extracts. The efficacy of these antifungals has been studied mainly in vitro with some in vivo, and clinical studies are needed. Nevertheless, there is a large quantity of products employing novel antifungal mechanisms that can be further explored for the development of new generation of antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Ivanov
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.Ć.); (D.S.)
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12
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Bahram M, Netherway T. Fungi as mediators linking organisms and ecosystems. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 46:6468741. [PMID: 34919672 PMCID: PMC8892540 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi form a major and diverse component of most ecosystems on Earth. They are both micro and macroorganisms with high and varying functional diversity as well as great variation in dispersal modes. With our growing knowledge of microbial biogeography, it has become increasingly clear that fungal assembly patterns and processes differ from other microorganisms such as bacteria, but also from macroorganisms such as plants. The success of fungi as organisms and their influence on the environment lies in their ability to span multiple dimensions of time, space, and biological interactions, that is not rivalled by other organism groups. There is also growing evidence that fungi mediate links between different organisms and ecosystems, with the potential to affect the macroecology and evolution of those organisms. This suggests that fungal interactions are an ecological driving force, interconnecting different levels of biological and ecological organisation of their hosts, competitors, and antagonists with the environment and ecosystem functioning. Here we review these emerging lines of evidence by focusing on the dynamics of fungal interactions with other organism groups across various ecosystems. We conclude that the mediating role of fungi through their complex and dynamic ecological interactions underlie their importance and ubiquity across Earth's ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bahram
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Ulls väg 16, 756 51 Sweden.,Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, 40 Lai St. Estonia
| | - Tarquin Netherway
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Ulls väg 16, 756 51 Sweden
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13
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X-linked immunodeficient (XID) mice exhibit high susceptibility to Cryptococcus gattii infection. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18397. [PMID: 34526536 PMCID: PMC8443669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97041-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic disease caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. It starts as a pulmonary infection that can spread to other organs, such as the brain, leading to the most serious occurrence of the disease, meningoencephalitis. The humoral response has already been described in limiting the progression of cryptococcosis where the B-1 cell seems to be responsible for producing natural IgM antibodies, crucial for combating fungal infections. The role of the B-1 cell in C. neoformans infection has been initially described, however the role of the humoral response of B-1 cells has not yet been evaluated during C. gattii infections. In the present study we tried to unravel this issue using XID mice, a murine model deficient in the Btk protein which compromises the development of B-1 lymphocytes. We use the XID mice compared to BALB/c mice that are sufficient for the B-1 population during C. gattii infection. Our model of chronic lung infection revealed that XID mice, unlike the sufficient group of B-1, had early mortality with significant weight loss, in addition to reduced levels of IgM and IgG specific to GXM isolated from the capsule of C. neoformans. In addition to this, we observed an increased fungal load in the blood and in the brain. We described an increase in the capsular size of C. gattii and the predominant presence of cytokines with a Th2 profile was also observed in these animals. Thus, the present study strongly points to a higher susceptibility of the XID mouse to C. gattii, which suggests that the presence of B-1 cells and anti-GXM antibodies is fundamental during the control of infection by C. gattii.
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14
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Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is one of the most studied cell-cell communication mechanisms in fungi. Research in the last 20 years has explored various fungal QS systems that are involved in a wide range of biological processes, especially eukaryote- or fungus-specific behaviors, mirroring the significant contribution of QS regulation to fungal biology and evolution. Based on recent progress, we summarize in this review fungal QS regulation, with an emphasis on its functional role in behaviors unique to fungi or eukaryotes. We suggest that using fungi as genetically amenable eukaryotic model systems to address why and how QS regulation is integrated into eukaryotic reproductive strategies and molecular or cellular processes could be an important direction for QS research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Hao Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Weixin Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Linqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
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15
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Zheng Y, Xie Y, Xie Y, Yu S. Asexual reproduction and vegetative growth of Bionectria ochroleuca in response to temperature and photoperiod. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:10515-10525. [PMID: 34367593 PMCID: PMC8328416 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth and reproduction are two essential life-history traits for fungi. Understanding life-history strategies provides insight into the environmental adaption of species. Here, we investigated the colonial morphology, vegetative growth, and asexual reproduction of the ascomycete fungus Bionectria ochroleuca in response to a variety of environmental conditions. We demonstrated that the increased temperature from 15 to 25°C induced mycelial growth and conidiation in B. ochroleuca. We also found that the optimal temperatures for mycelial growth and conidial formation in this fungus species were 25 and 30°C, respectively. However, as the temperature increased from 25 to 30°C, mycelial growth was suppressed, but the total number of conidia was significantly increased. The shift in light-dark cycles dramatically changed the morphological features of the colonies and affected both vegetative growth and asexual reproduction. Under incubation environments of alternating light and dark (16:8 and 8:16 light:dark cycles), conidiophores and conidia in the colonies formed dense-sparse rings and displayed synchronous wave structures. When the light duration was prolonged in the sequence of 0, 8, 16, and 24 hr per day, mycelial growth was suppressed, but conidiation was promoted. Together, our results indicate that temperature and light period may trigger a trade-off between vegetative growth and asexual reproduction in B. ochroleuca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Ecology/School of Life SciencesState Key Laboratory of BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yichun Xie
- Department of Ecology/School of Life SciencesState Key Laboratory of BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- School of Life SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin, New TerritoriesHong Kong SARChina
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Ecology/School of Life SciencesState Key Laboratory of BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shixiao Yu
- Department of Ecology/School of Life SciencesState Key Laboratory of BiocontrolSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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16
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Abstract
Members of the Cryptococcus species complex stand out by unique virulence factors that allowed evolutionary transition to pathogenesis. Among the factors contributing to cryptococcosis is a morphological transformation into giant (Titan) cells. It remains unclear whether species outside of the C. neoformans/C. gattii species complex are capable of titanization. We utilized two recently developed protocols that allow obtaining Titan cells in vitro to test if titanization occurs in non-C. neoformans/C. gattii species. We find that none of the tested strains, representing 10 species of basidiomycetous yeasts and the ascomycetous yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, undergo significant titanization under conditions that promote robust Titan cell formation in C. neoformans/C. gattii species complex. C. terreus formed occasional enlarged cells through a mechanism potentially similar to that of titanization. Our findings suggest that titanization is a rare phenomenon among basidiomycetous yeasts that occurs mostly in members of the C. neoformans/C. gattii species complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Dyląg
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University , Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Rodney J Colon-Reyes
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University , Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Lukasz Kozubowski
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University , Clemson, SC, USA
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17
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Pál SE, Tóth R, Nosanchuk JD, Vágvölgyi C, Németh T, Gácser A. A Candida parapsilosis Overexpression Collection Reveals Genes Required for Pathogenesis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020097. [PMID: 33572958 PMCID: PMC7911391 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Relative to the vast data regarding the virulence mechanisms of Candida albicans, there is limited knowledge on the emerging opportunistic human pathogen Candida parapsilosis. The aim of this study was to generate and characterize an overexpression mutant collection to identify and explore virulence factors in C. parapsilosis. With the obtained mutants, we investigated stress tolerance, morphology switch, biofilm formation, phagocytosis, and in vivo virulence in Galleria mellonella larvae and mouse models. In order to evaluate the results, we compared the data from the C. parapsilosis overexpression collection analysis to the results derived from previous deletion mutant library characterizations. Of the 37 overexpression C. parapsilosis mutants, we identified eight with altered phenotypes compared to the controls. This work is the first report to identify CPAR2_107240, CPAR2_108840, CPAR2_302400, CPAR2_406400, and CPAR2_602820 as contributors to C. parapsilosis virulence by regulating functions associated with host-pathogen interactions and biofilm formation. Our findings also confirmed the role of CPAR2_109520, CPAR2_200040, and CPAR2_500180 in pathogenesis. This study was the first attempt to use an overexpression strategy to systematically assess gene function in C. parapsilosis, and our results demonstrate that this approach is effective for such investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sára E. Pál
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (S.E.P.); (R.T.); (C.V.); (T.N.)
| | - Renáta Tóth
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (S.E.P.); (R.T.); (C.V.); (T.N.)
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Csaba Vágvölgyi
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (S.E.P.); (R.T.); (C.V.); (T.N.)
| | - Tibor Németh
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (S.E.P.); (R.T.); (C.V.); (T.N.)
| | - Attila Gácser
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (S.E.P.); (R.T.); (C.V.); (T.N.)
- MTA-SZTE Lendület Mycobiome Research Group, University of Szeged, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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18
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Min K, Neiman AM, Konopka JB. Fungal Pathogens: Shape-Shifting Invaders. Trends Microbiol 2020; 28:922-933. [PMID: 32474010 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.05.001] [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: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections are on the rise due to new medical procedures that have increased the number of immune compromised patients, antibacterial antibiotics that disrupt the microbiome, and increased use of indwelling medical devices that provide sites for biofilm formation. Key to understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis is to determine how fungal morphology impacts virulence strategies. For example, small budding cells use very different strategies to disseminate compared with long hyphal filaments. Furthermore, cell morphology must be monitored in the host, as many fungal pathogens change their shape to disseminate into new areas, acquire nutrients, and avoid attack by the immune system. This review describes the shape-shifting alterations in morphogenesis of human fungal pathogens and how they influence virulence strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghun Min
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Aaron M Neiman
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - James B Konopka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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19
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Prasath KG, Tharani H, Kumar MS, Pandian SK. Palmitic Acid Inhibits the Virulence Factors of Candida tropicalis: Biofilms, Cell Surface Hydrophobicity, Ergosterol Biosynthesis, and Enzymatic Activity. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:864. [PMID: 32457728 PMCID: PMC7226919 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm is the fortitude of Candida species infections which eventually causes candidiasis in human. C. tropicalis is one of the predominant Candida species commonly found in systemic infections, next to C. albicans. In Candida species, biofilm maturity initiates irreversible surface attachment of cells and barricades the penetration of conventional antifungals. Hence, the current study investigated the antifungal and antivirulence potency of palmitic acid (PA) against C. tropicalis mature biofilm and its associated virulence factors. In vitro results revealed an effective inhibition of biofilm in PA-treated C. tropicalis, compared to C. albicans and C. glabrata. Also, PA reduced C. tropicalis mature biofilm at various time points. Further, PA treatment triggered apoptosis in C. tropicalis through ROS mediated mitochondrial dysfunction as demonstrated by confocal microscopic observation of PI, DAPI and DCFDA staining. PA regulated other virulence factors such as cell surface hydrophobicity, ergosterol biosynthesis, protease and lipase after 48 h of treatment. Downregulation of ERG11 (Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase) was contributed to the reduction of ergosterol in PA-treated C. tropicalis. However, enhanced hyphal growth was observed in PA-treated C. tropicalis through upregulation HWP1 (Hyphal wall protein) and EFG1 (Enhanced filamentous growth). This study highlighted the antibiofilm and antivirulence potency of PA against C. tropicalis. Hence, PA could be applied synergistically with other antifungal agents to increase the efficacy for regulating NCAC infections.
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20
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Howard KC, Dennis EK, Watt DS, Garneau-Tsodikova S. A comprehensive overview of the medicinal chemistry of antifungal drugs: perspectives and promise. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:2426-2480. [PMID: 32140691 DOI: 10.1039/c9cs00556k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of new fungal pathogens makes the development of new antifungal drugs a medical imperative that in recent years motivates the talents of numerous investigators across the world. Understanding not only the structural families of these drugs but also their biological targets provides a rational means for evaluating the merits and selectivity of new agents for fungal pathogens and normal cells. An equally important aspect of modern antifungal drug development takes a balanced look at the problems of drug potency and drug resistance. The future development of new antifungal agents will rest with those who employ synthetic and semisynthetic methodology as well as natural product isolation to tackle these problems and with those who possess a clear understanding of fungal cell architecture and drug resistance mechanisms. This review endeavors to provide an introduction to a growing and increasingly important literature, including coverage of the new developments in medicinal chemistry since 2015, and also endeavors to spark the curiosity of investigators who might enter this fascinatingly complex fungal landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlind C Howard
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0596, USA.
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21
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Liu L, Li F, Xu L, Wang J, Li M, Yuan J, Wang H, Yang R, Li B. Cyclic AMP-CRP Modulates the Cell Morphology of Klebsiella pneumoniae in High-Glucose Environment. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2984. [PMID: 32038513 PMCID: PMC6985210 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02984] [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: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria can modify their morphology in response to environmental stimuli for survival or host defense evasion. The rich glucose in vivo or in the Luria–Bertani (LB) medium shortened the cell length of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The environmental glucose decreased the levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and the transcription of crp, which declined the cAMP–cAMP receptor protein (cAMP-CRP) activity. The cell length of crp deletion mutant was significantly shorter than that of the wild type (0.981 ± 0.057 μm vs. 2.415 ± 0.075 μm, P < 0.001). These results indicated that the high environmental glucose alters the bacterial morphology to a round form through regulating the activity of cAMP-CRP complex. Comparative proteomics analysis showed increased expression of 10 proteins involved in cell division or cell wall biosynthesis in the crp deletion strain. Five of them (ompA, tolB, ybgC, ftsI, and rcsF) were selected to verify their expression in the high-glucose environment, and overexpression of tolB or rcsF shortened the bacterial length similar to that of the crp deletion strain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that CRP directly negatively regulates the transcription of tolB and rcsF by binding to the promoter regions. This study first proved the role and partial regulation mechanism of CRP in altering cell morphology during infection and provided a theoretical basis for elucidating the mechanism in diabetes mellitus susceptible to K. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Feiyu Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Li Xu
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jingjie Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Moran Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Ruiping Yang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Bei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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22
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Coad BR, Michl TD, Bader CA, Baranger J, Giles C, Gonçalves GC, Nath P, Lamont-Friedrich SJ, Johnsson M, Griesser HJ, Plush SE. Visualizing Biomaterial Degradation by Candida albicans Using Embedded Luminescent Molecules To Report on Substrate Digestion and Cellular Uptake of Hydrolysate. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:3934-3941. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan R. Coad
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Thomas D. Michl
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Christie A. Bader
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Joris Baranger
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Carla Giles
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
- Centre for Aquatic Animal Health & Vaccines, Tasmania Department of Primary Industries Parks Water & Environment, 165 Westbury Road, Prospect, Tasmania 7250, Australia
| | - Giovanna Cufaro Gonçalves
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Pratiti Nath
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | | | - Malin Johnsson
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Hans J. Griesser
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Sally E. Plush
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
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23
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Live Monitoring and Analysis of Fungal Growth, Viability, and Mycelial Morphology Using the IncuCyte NeuroTrack Processing Module. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.00673-19. [PMID: 31138745 PMCID: PMC6538782 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00673-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi remain a major cause of infectious complications in immunocompromised patients. Microscopic techniques are crucial for our understanding of fungal biology, host-pathogen interaction, and the pleiotropic effects of antifungal drugs on fungal cell growth and morphogenesis. Taking advantage of the morphological similarities of neuronal cell networks and mycelial growth patterns, we employed the IncuCyte time-lapse microscopy system and its NeuroTrack image analysis software package to study growth and branching of a variety of pathogenic yeasts and molds. Using optimized image processing definitions, we validated IncuCyte NeuroTrack analysis as a reliable and efficient tool for translational applications such as antifungal efficacy evaluation and coculture with host immune effector cells. Hence, the IncuCyte system and its NeuroTrack module provide an appealing platform for efficient in vitro studies of antifungal compounds and immunotherapeutic strategies in medical mycology. Efficient live-imaging methods are pivotal to understand fungal morphogenesis, especially as it relates to interactions with host immune cells and mechanisms of antifungal drugs. Due to the notable similarities in growth patterns of neuronal cells and mycelial networks, we sought to repurpose the NeuroTrack (NT) processing module of the IncuCyte time-lapse microscopy system as a tool to quantify mycelial growth and branching of pathogenic fungi. We showed the robustness of NT analysis to study Candida albicans and five different molds and confirmed established characteristics of mycelial growth kinetics. We also documented high intra- and interassay reproducibility of the NT module for a spectrum of spore inocula and culture periods. Using GFP-expressing Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus arrhizus, the feasibility of fluorescence-based NT analysis was validated. In addition, we performed proof-of-concept experiments of NT analysis for several translational applications such as studying the morphogenesis of a filamentation-defective C. albicans mutant, the effects of different classes of antifungals (polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins), and coculture with host immune cells. High accuracy was found, even at high immune cell-to-fungus ratios or in the presence of fungal debris. For antifungal efficacy studies, addition of a cytotoxicity dye further refined IncuCyte-based analysis, facilitating real-time determination of fungistatic and fungicidal activity in a single assay. Complementing conventional MIC-based assays, NT analysis is an appealing method to study fungal morphogenesis and viability in the context of antifungal compound screening and evaluation of novel immune therapeutics.
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Abstract
Morphological changes are critical for the virulence of a range of plant and human fungal pathogens.
Candida albicans is a major human fungal pathogen whose ability to switch between different morphological states is associated with its adaptability and pathogenicity. In particular,
C. albicans can switch from an oval yeast form to a filamentous hyphal form, which is characteristic of filamentous fungi. What mechanisms underlie hyphal growth and how are they affected by environmental stimuli from the host or resident microbiota? These questions are the focus of intensive research, as understanding
C. albicans hyphal growth has broad implications for cell biological and medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Arkowitz
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology Valrose, Parc Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Martine Bassilana
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology Valrose, Parc Valrose, Nice, France
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Galocha M, Pais P, Cavalheiro M, Pereira D, Viana R, Teixeira MC. Divergent Approaches to Virulence in C. albicans and C. glabrata: Two Sides of the Same Coin. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2345. [PMID: 31083555 PMCID: PMC6539081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans and Candida glabrata are the two most prevalent etiologic agents of candidiasis worldwide. Although both are recognized as pathogenic, their choice of virulence traits is highly divergent. Indeed, it appears that these different approaches to fungal virulence may be equally successful in causing human candidiasis. In this review, the virulence mechanisms employed by C. albicans and C. glabrata are analyzed, with emphasis on the differences between the two systems. Pathogenesis features considered in this paper include dimorphic growth, secreted enzymes and signaling molecules, and stress resistance mechanisms. The consequences of these traits in tissue invasion, biofilm formation, immune system evasion, and macrophage escape, in a species dependent manner, are discussed. This review highlights the observation that C. albicans and C. glabrata follow different paths leading to a similar outcome. It also highlights the lack of knowledge on some of the specific mechanisms underlying C. glabrata pathogenesis, which deserve future scrutiny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Galocha
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Pais
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Mafalda Cavalheiro
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Diana Pereira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Romeu Viana
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Miguel C Teixeira
- Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Biological Sciences Research Group, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Zhou X, Ballou ER. The Cryptococcus neoformans Titan Cell: From In Vivo Phenomenon to In Vitro Model. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-018-0107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Hommel B, Mukaremera L, Cordero RJB, Coelho C, Desjardins CA, Sturny-Leclère A, Janbon G, Perfect JR, Fraser JA, Casadevall A, Cuomo CA, Dromer F, Nielsen K, Alanio A. Titan cells formation in Cryptococcus neoformans is finely tuned by environmental conditions and modulated by positive and negative genetic regulators. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006982. [PMID: 29775480 PMCID: PMC5959062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans exhibits morphological changes in cell size during lung infection, producing both typical size 5 to 7 μm cells and large titan cells (> 10 μm and up to 100 μm). We found and optimized in vitro conditions that produce titan cells in order to identify the ancestry of titan cells, the environmental determinants, and the key gene regulators of titan cell formation. Titan cells generated in vitro harbor the main characteristics of titan cells produced in vivo including their large cell size (>10 μm), polyploidy with a single nucleus, large vacuole, dense capsule, and thick cell wall. Here we show titan cells derived from the enlargement of progenitor cells in the population independent of yeast growth rate. Change in the incubation medium, hypoxia, nutrient starvation and low pH were the main factors that trigger titan cell formation, while quorum sensing factors like the initial inoculum concentration, pantothenic acid, and the quorum sensing peptide Qsp1p also impacted titan cell formation. Inhibition of ergosterol, protein and nucleic acid biosynthesis altered titan cell formation, as did serum, phospholipids and anti-capsular antibodies in our settings. We explored genetic factors important for titan cell formation using three approaches. Using H99-derivative strains with natural genetic differences, we showed that titan cell formation was dependent on LMP1 and SGF29 genes. By screening a gene deletion collection, we also confirmed that GPR4/5-RIM101, and CAC1 genes were required to generate titan cells and that the PKR1, TSP2, USV101 genes negatively regulated titan cell formation. Furthermore, analysis of spontaneous Pkr1 loss-of-function clinical isolates confirmed the important role of the Pkr1 protein as a negative regulator of titan cell formation. Through development of a standardized and robust in vitro assay, our results provide new insights into titan cell biogenesis with the identification of multiple important factors/pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Hommel
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, Département de Mycologie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Groupe Hospitalier Lariboisière, Saint-Louis, Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Liliane Mukaremera
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Radames J. B. Cordero
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD., United States of America
| | - Carolina Coelho
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD., United States of America
| | | | - Aude Sturny-Leclère
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, Département de Mycologie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France
| | - Guilhem Janbon
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Biologie des ARN des Pathogènes Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - John R. Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - James A. Fraser
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD., United States of America
| | - Christina A. Cuomo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Françoise Dromer
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, Département de Mycologie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France
| | - Kirsten Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Alexandre Alanio
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, Département de Mycologie, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Groupe Hospitalier Lariboisière, Saint-Louis, Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD., United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Vahidi S, Beckman A, Albrecht K, Arbefeville S, Ferrieri P, Amin K. Urinary tract blastomycosis diagnosed by urine cytology. Diagn Cytopathol 2018; 46:698-701. [PMID: 29573229 DOI: 10.1002/dc.23929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Urinary tract blastomycosis is an uncommon manifestation of disseminated Blastomyces infection. Here, we report a 50-year-old male with common variable immunodeficiency who presented with urinary symptoms and a renal mass concerning for a kidney neoplasm. Urine cytology revealed typical broad-based budding yeasts with thick-walled refractile capsules, leading to diagnosis of urinary tract blastomycosis. In this case, urine cultures were negative, and urine cytology was the main method of diagnosis of blastomycosis. Thus, urine cytology represents a rapid and reliable method of diagnosing blastomycosis, which in the current case led to prompt treatment of this potentially life threatening infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifteh Vahidi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Amy Beckman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kellen Albrecht
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sophie Arbefeville
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Patricia Ferrieri
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Khalid Amin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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