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Benedito Machado G, Montovam Monteiro C, Gonçalves JMLA, Pavani C. Enhancing Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy with Phenothiazinium Dyes and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Against Candida Albicans at Various Growth Stages. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023:103628. [PMID: 37230408 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eradication of C. albicans is difficult due to the organization of the yeast in biofilms. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proposed as an alternative to antifungals. Phenothiazinium dyes, e.g. methylene blue (MB), have been proposed as photosensitizing agents (PS), and their association with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has recently been shown to improve the effectiveness of PDT in planktonic culture. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of PDT with phenothiazinium dyes associated to SDS in biofilms at the different stages of growth. METHODS Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of PDT on biofilm formation and on established biofilms of C. albicans ATCC 10231. Samples were exposed to PS 50 mg/L (MB, Azure A - AA, Azure B - AB and dimethyl methylene blue - DMMB) dissolved in water or 0.25% SDS, for 5 minutes in the dark. After irradiation at 660 nm, 37.3mW/cm2 for 27 minutes, 60.4J/cm2 colony forming units count assay (CFU/mL) was performed. One or two irradiations were applied. Statistical methods were used to assess effectiveness. RESULTS PSs showed low toxicity in the dark. An application of PDT irradiation was not able to reduce the CFU/mL both in mature biofilms (24h) and in biofilms in the dispersion phase (48h), only in the adherence phase did PDT prevent the formation of biofilms. With two successive applications of PDT irradiation in the dispersion phase, PDT with MB, AA, and DMMB completely inactivated C. albicans. The similar was not observed with mature biofilms. CONCLUSIONS Different stages of biofilm growth respond differently to PDT, with the greatest inhibitory effect found in the adhesion stage. Mature and dispersed biofilms are less susceptible to PDT. The use of two successive applications of PDT with PSs associated with SDS may be a useful approach to inactivate C. albicans biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Benedito Machado
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carolina Montovam Monteiro
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - José Marcelo Lacerda Alves Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Christiane Pavani
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro 235-249, 01504-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Alves AMCV, Lopes BO, Leite ACRDM, Cruz GS, Brito ÉHSD, Lima LFD, Černáková L, Azevedo NF, Rodrigues CF. Characterization of Oral Candida spp. Biofilms in Children and Adults Carriers from Eastern Europe and South America. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050797. [PMID: 37237699 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050797] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans Candida species (NCACs) are known to colonize and invade various tissues, including the oral mucosa. In this work, we aimed to characterize mature biofilms of several Candida spp. clinical isolates (n = 33) obtained from the oral mucosa of children, adults, and elders of Eastern Europe and South America. METHODS Each strain was evaluated for its capacity to form biofilms in terms of total biomass using the crystal violet assay and for matrix components production (proteins and carbohydrates) using the BCA and phenol-sulfuric tests, respectively. The effect of different antifungals on biofilm formation was studied. RESULTS in the children's group, a predominance of C. krusei (81%) was observed, while, among adults, the main species was C. albicans (59%). Most strains showed a reduced response to antimicrobial drugs when in biofilm form (p < 0.01). Moreover, it was observed that strains isolated from children produced more matrix, with higher levels of protein and polysaccharides. CONCLUSIONS children were more likely to be infected by NCACs than adults. More importantly, these NCACs were able to form biofilms richer in matrix components. This finding is of clinical importance, particularly in pediatric care, since stronger biofilms are highly associated with antimicrobial resistance, recurrent infections, and higher therapeutic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelise Maria Costa Vasconcelos Alves
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Oliveira Lopes
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline Rocha de Melo Leite
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Érika Helena Salles de Brito
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of Af-ro-Brazilian Lusophony, Av. da Abolição, 3-Centro, Redenção 62790-000, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Laritza Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles Manipulation-LAMOFOPA, Post-Graduate Program in Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará-UECE, Av. Doutor Silas Munguba, 1700, Campus do Itaperi, Fortaleza 60714-903, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lucia Černáková
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenidus University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Nuno Filipe Azevedo
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Fortuna Rodrigues
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
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Gervais NC, La Bella AA, Wensing LF, Sharma J, Acquaviva V, Best M, Cadena López RO, Fogal M, Uthayakumar D, Chavez A, Santiago-Tirado F, Flores-Mireles AL, Shapiro RS. Development and applications of a CRISPR activation system for facile genetic overexpression in Candida albicans. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkac301. [PMID: 36450451 PMCID: PMC9911074 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
For the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, genetic overexpression readily occurs via a diversity of genomic alterations, such as aneuploidy and gain-of-function mutations, with important consequences for host adaptation, virulence, and evolution of antifungal drug resistance. Given the important role of overexpression on C. albicans biology, it is critical to develop and harness tools that enable the analysis of genes expressed at high levels in the fungal cell. Here, we describe the development, optimization, and application of a novel, single-plasmid-based CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) platform for targeted genetic overexpression in C. albicans, which employs a guide RNA to target an activator complex to the promoter region of a gene of interest, thus driving transcriptional expression of that gene. Using this system, we demonstrate the ability of CRISPRa to drive high levels of gene expression in C. albicans, and we assess optimal guide RNA targeting for robust and constitutive overexpression. We further demonstrate the specificity of the system via RNA sequencing. We highlight the application of CRISPR activation to overexpress genes involved in pathogenesis and drug susceptibility, and contribute toward the identification of novel phenotypes. Consequently, this tool will facilitate a broad range of applications for the study of C. albicans genetic overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Gervais
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Alyssa A La Bella
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Lauren F Wensing
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jehoshua Sharma
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Victoria Acquaviva
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Madison Best
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1H 5N4, Canada
| | | | - Meea Fogal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Deeva Uthayakumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1H 5N4, Canada
- Present address: Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alejandro Chavez
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Ana L Flores-Mireles
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1H 5N4, Canada
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Andrade-Pinheiro JC, Sobral de Souza CE, Ribeiro DA, Silva ADA, da Silva VB, dos Santos ATL, Juno Alencar Fonseca V, de Macêdo DG, da Cruz RP, Almeida-Bezerra JW, Machado AJT, de Freitas TS, de Brito ES, Ribeiro PRV, da Costa JGM, Coutinho HDM, Kowalska G, Rowiński R, Kowalski R, Morais-Braga MFB. LC-MS Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Turnera subulata Sm. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:415. [PMID: 36679128 PMCID: PMC9862381 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fungi of the Candida genus are responsible for invasive candidiasis, which affects people all over the world and has high mortality rates. This is due to their virulence factors, which give them great resistance and pathogenicity. In addition, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains makes it difficult to treat these infections. In this way, natural products have emerged as an alternative to standard drugs, where plants known for their medicinal properties such as Turnera subulata become attractive to research. The present work aimed to analyze the ethanol extract of Turnera subulata leaves against standard strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis using broth microdilution techniques. The identification of the compounds in T. subulata leaves by LC-MS revealed the presence of a wide variety of substances such as carboxylic acids and terpenes, with flavonoids and fatty acids being more evident. The antifungal assays showed that the extract was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains at concentrations with a clinical relevance. However, at higher concentrations, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. It is possible that the T. subulata extract has potential as an inhibitor of fungal virulence factors without affecting the cell viability. Further research should be carried out in order to assess its inhibitory potential for other fungal virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Cosmo Andrade-Pinheiro
- Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Av. Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, Pimenta, Crato 63105-010, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioensaios, Federal University of Cariri (UFCA), R. Olegário Emidio de Araujo, s/n, Centro, Brejo Santo 63260-000, Brazil
| | | | - Daiany Alves Ribeiro
- Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Av. Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, Pimenta, Crato 63105-010, Brazil
| | - Andressa de Alencar Silva
- Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Av. Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, Pimenta, Crato 63105-010, Brazil
| | - Viviane Bezerra da Silva
- Department of Botany, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Victor Juno Alencar Fonseca
- Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Av. Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, Pimenta, Crato 63105-010, Brazil
| | - Delmacia Gonçalves de Macêdo
- Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Av. Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, Pimenta, Crato 63105-010, Brazil
| | - Rafael Pereira da Cruz
- Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Av. Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, Pimenta, Crato 63105-010, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thiago Sampaio de Freitas
- Pimenta Campus, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Av. Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, Pimenta, Crato 63105-010, Brazil
| | - Edy Sousa de Brito
- Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, Tropical R. Pernambuco, 2270-Pici, Fortaleza 60511-110, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Grażyna Kowalska
- Department of Tourism and Recreation, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka Str., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Rowiński
- Department of Tourism and Recreation, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka Str., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Radosław Kowalski
- Department of Analysis and Food Quality Assessment, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 8 Skromna Str., 20-704 Lublin, Poland
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Similarities and Differences among Species Closely Related to Candida albicans: C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris. Cell Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2599136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Although Candida species are widespread commensals of the microflora of healthy individuals, they are also among the most important human fungal pathogens that under certain conditions can cause diseases (candidiases) of varying severity ranging from mild superficial infections of the mucous membranes to life-threatening systemic infections. So far, the vast majority of research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of pathogenesis has been focused on the most common species—Candida albicans. Meanwhile, other closely related species belonging to the CTG clade, namely, Candida tropicalis and Candida dubliniensis, are becoming more important in clinical practice, as well as a relatively newly identified species, Candida auris. Despite the close relationship of these microorganisms, it seems that in the course of evolution, they have developed distinct biochemical, metabolic, and physiological adaptations, which they use to fit to commensal niches and achieve full virulence. Therefore, in this review, we describe the current knowledge on C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris virulence factors, the formation of a mixed species biofilm and mutual communication, the environmental stress response and related changes in fungal cell metabolism, and the effect of pathogens on host defense response and susceptibility to antifungal agents used, highlighting differences with respect to C. albicans. Special attention is paid to common diagnostic problems resulting from similarities between these species and the emergence of drug resistance mechanisms. Understanding the different strategies to achieve virulence, used by important opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Atiencia-Carrera MB, Cabezas-Mera FS, Vizuete K, Debut A, Tejera E, Machado A. Evaluation of the biofilm life cycle between Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:953168. [PMID: 36061861 PMCID: PMC9433541 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.953168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida tropicalis is an emergent pathogen with a high rate of mortality associated with its biofilm formation. Biofilm formation has important repercussions on the public health system. However, little is still known about its biofilm life cycle. The present study analyzed the biofilm life cycle of Candida albicans and C. tropicalis during various timepoints (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) through biomass assays, colony-forming unit (CFU) counting, and epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopies. Our results showed a significant difference between C. albicans and C. tropicalis biofilms in each biomass and viability assay. All-time samples in the biomass and viability assays confirmed statistical differences between the Candida species through pairwise Wilcoxon tests (p < 0.05). C. albicans demonstrated a lower biomass growth but reached nearly the same level of C. tropicalis biomass at 96 h, while the CFU counting assays exhibited a superior number of viable cells within the C. tropicalis biofilm. Statistical differences were also found between C. albicans and C. tropicalis biofilms from 48- and 72-h microscopies, demonstrating C. tropicalis with a higher number of total cells within biofilms and C. albicans cells with a superior cell area and higher matrix production. Therefore, the present study proved the higher biofilm production of C. tropicalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Atiencia-Carrera
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Fausto Sebastián Cabezas-Mera
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Karla Vizuete
- Center of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas (ESPE), Sangolquí, Ecuador
| | - Alexis Debut
- Center of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas (ESPE), Sangolquí, Ecuador
| | - Eduardo Tejera
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agropecuarias Aplicadas, Grupo de Bioquimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito, Ecuador
- *Correspondence: António Machado, ; Eduardo Tejera,
| | - António Machado
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Quito, Ecuador
- *Correspondence: António Machado, ; Eduardo Tejera,
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A new bioinspired peptide on defensin from C. annuum fruits: Antimicrobial activity, mechanisms of action and therapeutical potential. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130218. [PMID: 35905923 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130218] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides, natural or synthetic, appear as promising molecules for antimicrobial therapy because of their both broad antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action. Herein, we determine the anti-Candida and antimycobacterial activities, mechanism of action on yeasts, and cytotoxicity on mammalian cells in the presence of the bioinspired peptide CaDef2.1G27-K44. METHODS CaDef2.1G27-K44 was designed to attain the following criteria: high positive net charge; low molecular weight (<3000 Da); Boman index ≤2.5; and total hydrophobic ratio ≥ 40%. The mechanism of action was studied by growth inhibition, plasma membrane permeabilization, ROS induction, mitochondrial functionality, and metacaspase activity assays. The cytotoxicity on macrophages, monocytes, and erythrocytes were also determined. RESULTS CaDef2.1G27-K44 showed inhibitory activity against Candida spp. with MIC100 values ranging from 25 to 50 μM and the standard and clinical isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with MIC50 of 33.2 and 55.4 μM, respectively. We demonstrate that CaDef2.1G27-K44 is active against yeasts at different salt concentrations, induced morphological alterations, caused membrane permeabilization, increased ROS, causes loss of mitochondrial functionality, and activation of metacaspases. CaDef2.1G27-K44 has low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained showed that CaDef2.1G27-K44 has great antimicrobial activity against Candida spp. and M. tuberculosis with low toxicity to host cells. For Candida spp., the treatment with CaDef2.1G27-K44 induces a process of regulated cell death with apoptosis-like features. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE We show a new AMP bioinspired with physicochemical characteristics important for selectivity and antimicrobial activity, which is a promising candidate for drug development, mainly to control Candida infections.
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Metabolic Plasticity of Candida albicans in Response to Different Environmental Conditions. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070723. [PMID: 35887478 PMCID: PMC9322845 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous commensal Candida albicans, part of the human microbiota, is an opportunistic pathogen able to cause a wide range of diseases, from cutaneous mycoses to life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Candida albicans adapts to different environments and survives long-time starvation. The ability to switch from yeast to hyphal morphology under specific environmental conditions is associated with its virulence. Using hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we profiled the intracellular and extracellular metabolome of C. albicans kept in water, yeast extract–peptone–dextrose (YPD), and M199 media, at selected temperatures. Experiments were carried out in hypoxia to mimic a condition present in most colonized niches and fungal infection sites. Comparison of the intracellular metabolites measured in YPD and M199 at 37 °C highlighted differences in specific metabolic pathways: (i) alanine, aspartate, glutamate metabolism, (ii) arginine and proline metabolism, (iii) glycerolipid metabolism, attributable to the diverse composition of the media. Moreover, we hypothesized that the subtle differences in the M199 metabolome, observed at 30 °C and 37 °C, are suggestive of modifications propaedeutic to a subsequent transition from yeast to hyphal form. The analysis of the metabolites’ profiles of C. albicans allows envisaging a molecular model to better describe its ability to sense and adapt to environmental conditions.
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Sharma J, Shapiro RS. Mucin modulates microbial morphogenesis. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:684-686. [PMID: 35668190 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jehoshua Sharma
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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Isoflavaspidic Acid PB Extracted from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott Inhibits Trichophyton rubrum Growth via Membrane Permeability Alternation and Ergosterol Biosynthesis Disruption. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6230193. [PMID: 35782069 PMCID: PMC9249503 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6230193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Isoflavaspidic acid PB (PB), a phloroglucinol derivative extracted from aerial parts of Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott, had antifungal activity against several dermatophytes. This study was aimed at exploring the antifungal mechanism of PB against Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum). The effectiveness of PB in inhibiting T. rubrum growth was detected by time-kill kinetics study and fungal biomass determination. Studies on the mechanism of action were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), sorbitol and ergosterol assay, nucleotide leakage measurement, and UPLC-based test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fungicidal activity of PB was concentration- and time-dependent at 2 × MIC (MIC: 20 μg/mL) after 36 h. The total biomass of T. rubrum was reduced by 64.17%, 77.65%, and 84.71% in the presence of PB at 0.5 × MIC, 1 × MIC, and 2 × MIC, respectively. SEM analysis showed that PB changed mycelial morphology, such as shrinking, twisting, collapsing, and even flattening. TEM images of treated cells exhibited abnormal distributions of polysaccharide particles, plasmolysis, and cytoplasmic content degradation accompanied by plasmalemma disruption. There were no changes in the MIC of PB in the presence of sorbitol. However, the MIC values of PB were increased by 4-fold with exogenous ergosterol. At 4 h and 8 h, PB increased nucleotide leakage. Besides, ergosterol content in T. rubrum membrane treated with PB at 0.5 × MIC, 1 × MIC, and 2 × MIC was decreased by 9.58%, 15.31%, and 76.24%, respectively. There was a dose-dependent decrease in the squalene epoxidase (SE) activity. And the reduction in the sterol 14α-demethylase P450 (CYP51) activity was achieved after PB treatments at 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC. These results suggest that PB displays nonspecific action on the cell wall. The membrane damaging effects of PB were attributed to binding with ergosterol to increase membrane permeability and interfering ergosterol biosynthesis involved with the reduction of SE and CYP51 activities. Further study is needed to develop PB as a natural antifungal candidate for clinical use.
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Radunovic M, Barac M, Kuzmanovic Pficer J, Pavlica D, Jovanovic A, Pucar A, Petrovic S. Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida albicans Isolated from Tongue and Subgingival Biofilm of Periodontitis Patients. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060802. [PMID: 35740208 PMCID: PMC9219811 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060802] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The subgingival biofilm, as the most complex microbial community, has been proven to be reservoir of Candida spp. The main concept of this study was to investigate if there is a difference between the sensitivity of Candida albicans (C. albicans) isolated from tongue and subgingival areas of periodontitis patients to antifungal agents. The aim of the study was to determine: (1) the distribution of different Candida species in the tongue and subgingival samples of periodontitis patients; (2) the susceptibility of Candida albicans strains from tongue and subgingival biofilm to the effects of commonly used antifungal agents: fluconazole, amphotericin B and itraconazole; (3) the correlation between the susceptibility of Candida albicans and clinical periodontal parameters. Tongue and subgingival biofilm samples of periodontitis subjects (N = 163) were examined. Susceptibility was tested when the same Candida species was isolated from both sites (17 subjects). Candida spp. were isolated in 23.3% of tongue and 21.5% of the subgingival samples. All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B, while 64.71% of tongue and 52.94% of subgingival isolates were susceptible to fluconazole. A low frequency of itraconazole susceptibility was observed for tongue (17.64%) and subgingival isolates (11.76%). The correlations between full-mouth plaque score and Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for tongue isolates were strongly positive for all antimycotics. Positive correlation was also observed between moderate periodontal destruction and MICs for tongue and subgingival isolates. The susceptibility of C. albicans to antifungals correlate with oral hygiene and moderate periodontal destruction. There is no difference in antifungal susceptibility between tongue and subgingival isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Radunovic
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.P.); Tel.: +381-11-36-29-201 (M.R. & S.P.)
| | - Milena Barac
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Jovana Kuzmanovic Pficer
- Department for Medical Statistics and Informatics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Dusan Pavlica
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandar Jovanovic
- Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Resavska 51, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Ana Pucar
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Sanja Petrovic
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.P.); Tel.: +381-11-36-29-201 (M.R. & S.P.)
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12
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Huang X, Zheng D, Yong J, Li Y. Antifungal activity and potential mechanism of berberine hydrochloride against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 35679157 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001542] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. The emergence of resistance to fluconazole in Candida albicans has made the clinical treatment of this microbe difficult. A potential strategy to address this problem involves diminishing fungal resistance to antimicrobial drugs.Hypothesis. Berberine hydrochloride (BH), the primary active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Coptis, inhibits the growth of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans through its action on the high-osmolarity glycerol mitogen-activated protein kinase (HOG-MAPK) pathway.Aim. To examine the effect of BH on the HOG-MAPK pathway to assess the potential molecular mechanism by which BH inhibits fluconazole-resistant C. albicans.Methodology. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of BH to fluconazole-resistant C. albicans was measured using the broth microdilution approach to determine the concentration of effective drug intervention. Changes in physiological functions regulated by the HOG-MAPK pathway in response to BH treatment were measured, as well as the expression of central signalling pathway genes and key downstream factors by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.Results. BH inhibited fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and the sensitivity to fluconazole increased after BH treatment. At a concentration of 256 and 64 μg ml-1 BH may affect key downstream factors that regulate several physiological functions of C. albicans by upregulating the core genes expression of SLN1, SSK2, HOG1, and PBS2 in the HOG-MAPK pathway. Upregulation of GPD1, the key gene for glycerol synthesis, increased cell osmotic pressure. BH treatment increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species by upregulating the expression of the key respiratory metabolism gene ATP11 and downregulating the expression of the superoxide dismutase gene SOD2. Furthermore, downregulation of mycelial-specific HWP1 hindered the morphological transformation of C. albicans and inhibition of the chitin synthase gene CHS3 and the β-(1,3) glucan synthase gene GSC1 impaired cytoderm integrity.Conclusion. BH affects multiple target genes in diminishing the resistance of C. albicans strains to fluconazole. This effect may be related to the action of BH on the HOG-MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Huang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041, PR China.,College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Dongming Zheng
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Jiangyan Yong
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 610075, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan 611137, PR China
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13
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Lectins ConA and ConM extracted from Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC and Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC inhibit planktonic Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:346. [PMID: 35608680 PMCID: PMC9127036 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-02959-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lectins participate in the defense against microorganisms and in signaling the damage caused by pathogens to the cell surface and/or intracellular in plants. This study aims to analyze the antifungal potential of lectins extracted from seeds of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC and Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC, against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The antimicrobial tests were performed by microdilution against Candida spp. The test to verify the combined lectin/fluconazole effect was performed using subinhibitory concentrations of lectins and with antifungal ranging from 0.5 to 512 µg/mL. The ability to inhibit the morphological transition of Candida spp. was evaluated by microcultivation in a moist chamber. The results of the minimum inhibitory concentration revealed no antifungal activity against the tested strains. However, lectins modified the action of fluconazole, reducing the IC50 of the drug against C. albicans. Lectins were also able to discretely modulate the morphological transition of the tested strains.
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14
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Cid-Chevecich C, Müller-Sepúlveda A, Jara JA, López-Muñoz R, Santander R, Budini M, Escobar A, Quijada R, Criollo A, Díaz-Dosque M, Molina-Berríos A. Origanum vulgare L. essential oil inhibits virulence patterns of Candida spp. and potentiates the effects of fluconazole and nystatin in vitro. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:39. [PMID: 35139827 PMCID: PMC8827202 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03518-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrence and resistance of Candida spp. infections is associated with the ability of these microorganisms to present several virulence patterns such as morphogenesis, adhesion, and biofilm formation. In the search for agents with antivirulence activity, essential oils could represent a strategy to act against biofilms and to potentiate antifungal drugs. Objective To evaluate the antivirulence effect of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (O-EO) against Candida spp. and to potentiate the effect of fluconazole and nystatin. Methods The effect of O-EO was evaluated on ATCC reference strains of C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined through broth microdilution assay. Adhesion to microplates was determined by crystal violet (CV) assay. An adapted scratch assay in 24-well was used to determine the effect of essential oil on biofilms proliferation. Viability of biofilms was evaluated by MTT reduction assay and through a checkerboard assay we determined if O-EO could act synergistically with fluconazole and nystatin. Results MIC for C. albicans ATCC-90029 and ATCC-10231 was 0.01 mg/L and 0.97 mg/L, respectively. For non-albicans Candida strains MIC values were 2.6 mg/L for C. dubliniensis ATCC-CD36 and 5.3 mg/L for C. krusei ATCC-6258. By using these concentrations, O-EO inhibited morphogenesis, adhesion, and proliferation at least by 50% for the strains assayed. In formed biofilms O-EO decreased viability in ATCC 90029 and ATCC 10231 strains (IC50 7.4 and 2.8 mg/L respectively). Finally, we show that O-EO interacted synergistically with fluconazole and nystatin. Conclusions This study demonstrate that O-EO could be considered to improve the antifungal treatment against Candida spp. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03518-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Cid-Chevecich
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile, Olivos 943, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Müller-Sepúlveda
- Institute of Agrifood, Animals and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de O'Higgins, San Fernando, Chile
| | - José Antonio Jara
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile, Olivos 943, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo López-Muñoz
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Rocío Santander
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Budini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile, Olivos 943, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Escobar
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile, Olivos 943, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Raúl Quijada
- Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alfredo Criollo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile, Olivos 943, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Díaz-Dosque
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile, Olivos 943, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Alfredo Molina-Berríos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile, Olivos 943, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
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15
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Gervais NC, Halder V, Shapiro RS. A data library of Candida albicans functional genomic screens. FEMS Yeast Res 2021; 21:6433625. [PMID: 34864983 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional genomic screening of genetic mutant libraries enables the characterization of gene function in diverse organisms. For the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, several genetic mutant libraries have been generated and screened for diverse phenotypes, including tolerance to environmental stressors and antifungal drugs, and pathogenic traits such as cellular morphogenesis, biofilm formation and host-pathogen interactions. Here, we compile and organize C. albicans functional genomic screening data from ∼400 screens, to generate a data library of genetic mutant strains analyzed under diverse conditions. For quantitative screening data, we normalized these results to enable quantitative and comparative analysis of different genes across different phenotypes. Together, this provides a unique C. albicans genetic database, summarizing abundant phenotypic data from functional genomic screens in this critical fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Gervais
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Viola Halder
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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16
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Uthayakumar D, Sharma J, Wensing L, Shapiro RS. CRISPR-Based Genetic Manipulation of Candida Species: Historical Perspectives and Current Approaches. Front Genome Ed 2021; 2:606281. [PMID: 34713231 PMCID: PMC8525362 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.606281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Candida genus encompasses a diverse group of ascomycete fungi that have captured the attention of the scientific community, due to both their role in pathogenesis and emerging applications in biotechnology; the development of gene editing tools such as CRISPR, to analyze fungal genetics and perform functional genomic studies in these organisms, is essential to fully understand and exploit this genus, to further advance antifungal drug discovery and industrial value. However, genetic manipulation of Candida species has been met with several distinctive barriers to progress, such as unconventional codon usage in some species, as well as the absence of a complete sexual cycle in its diploid members. Despite these challenges, the last few decades have witnessed an expansion of the Candida genetic toolbox, allowing for diverse genome editing applications that range from introducing a single point mutation to generating large-scale mutant libraries for functional genomic studies. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 technology is among the most recent of these advancements, bringing unparalleled versatility and precision to genetic manipulation of Candida species. Since its initial applications in Candida albicans, CRISPR-Cas9 platforms are rapidly evolving to permit efficient gene editing in other members of the genus. The technology has proven useful in elucidating the pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions of medically relevant Candida species, and has led to novel insights on antifungal drug susceptibility and resistance, as well as innovative treatment strategies. CRISPR-Cas9 tools have also been exploited to uncover potential applications of Candida species in industrial contexts. This review is intended to provide a historical overview of genetic approaches used to study the Candida genus and to discuss the state of the art of CRISPR-based genetic manipulation of Candida species, highlighting its contributions to deciphering the biology of this genus, as well as providing perspectives for the future of Candida genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeva Uthayakumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jehoshua Sharma
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren Wensing
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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17
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El-Hazek RM, Elkenawy NM, Zaher NH, El-Gazzar MG. Green synthesis of novel antifungal 1,2,4-triazoles effective against γ-irradiated Candida parapsilosis. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2021; 355:e2100287. [PMID: 34708424 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202100287] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the green synthesis of 11 novel 3-substituted-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole derivatives using water as a readily available nontoxic solvent. Evaluation of their antimicrobial potential against several clinical pathogenic microorganisms was carried out. The newly synthesized cysteine derivative 6 showed promising antifungal activity against both γ-irradiated and nonirradiated Candida parapsilosis 216, with the lowest MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) value of 3.125 µg/ml, probably through inhibition of 14α-demethylase. In addition, compound 6 showed complete inhibition of gelatinase, a virulence enzyme of C. parapsilosis. Also, scanning electron microscopy was carried out. Interestingly, compound 6 acted as a dual agent as it also showed good antibacterial activity against strains of Gram-positive bacteria used in the study. The synthesized compounds showed no cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham M El-Hazek
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nora M Elkenawy
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nashwa H Zaher
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa G El-Gazzar
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
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18
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Razzaq I, Berg MD, Jiang Y, Genereaux J, Uthayakumar D, Kim GH, Agyare-Tabbi M, Halder V, Brandl CJ, Lajoie P, Shapiro RS. The SAGA and NuA4 component Tra1 regulates Candida albicans drug resistance and pathogenesis. Genetics 2021; 219:iyab131. [PMID: 34849885 PMCID: PMC8633099 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common cause of death from fungal infections. The emergence of resistant strains reducing the efficacy of first-line therapy with echinocandins, such as caspofungin calls for the identification of alternative therapeutic strategies. Tra1 is an essential component of the SAGA and NuA4 transcriptional co-activator complexes. As a PIKK family member, Tra1 is characterized by a C-terminal phosphoinositide 3-kinase domain. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the assembly and function of SAGA and NuA4 are compromised by a Tra1 variant (Tra1Q3) with three arginine residues in the putative ATP-binding cleft changed to glutamine. Whole transcriptome analysis of the S. cerevisiae tra1Q3 strain highlights Tra1's role in global transcription, stress response, and cell wall integrity. As a result, tra1Q3 increases susceptibility to multiple stressors, including caspofungin. Moreover, the same tra1Q3 allele in the pathogenic yeast C. albicans causes similar phenotypes, suggesting that Tra1 broadly mediates the antifungal response across yeast species. Transcriptional profiling in C. albicans identified 68 genes that were differentially expressed when the tra1Q3 strain was treated with caspofungin, as compared to gene expression changes induced by either tra1Q3 or caspofungin alone. Included in this set were genes involved in cell wall maintenance, adhesion, and filamentous growth. Indeed, the tra1Q3 allele reduces filamentation and other pathogenesis traits in C. albicans. Thus, Tra1 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Razzaq
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Matthew D Berg
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Yuwei Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Julie Genereaux
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Deeva Uthayakumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Grace H Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Michelle Agyare-Tabbi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Viola Halder
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Christopher J Brandl
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Patrick Lajoie
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
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19
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Susceptibility in vitro of clinical Candida albicans isolates to the selected azoles. CURRENT ISSUES IN PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/cipms-2021-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Candida spp. is the most prevalent cause of fungal infection worldwide, and their increasing resistance to anti-fungal agents, especially to azoles, has become problematic. The aim of this work was to establish the susceptibility to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole of 50 clinical C. albicans isolates from hematooncological patients. This has been evaluated using the following parameters: MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration), MIC50 (MIC required to inhibit the growth of 50% of organisms), as well as MIC90 (MIC required to inhibit the growth of 90% of organisms). Susceptibility of the studied clinical isolates to all azoles was high, being 86% for itraconazole, 90% for fluconazole and posaconazole and 92% for voriconazole. The resistance rates ranged from 8% (voriconazole), to 12% (itraconazole). The emergence of azole-resistant yeast strains creates a necessity to determine and monitor the sensitivity of the isolated Candida spp., including C. albicans, especially in patients predisposed to life-threating fungal invasive disease.
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20
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Faudoa-Arzate A, Camarillo-Cisneros J, Castillo-González AR, Favila-Pérez MA, Sáenz-Hernández RJ, Realyvazquez-Guevara PR, Arzate-Quintana C. Disinfection mechanism of the photocatalytic activity of SnO 2 thin films against Candida albicans, proposed from experimental and simulated perspectives. Can J Microbiol 2021; 67:667-676. [PMID: 34081871 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2020-0559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nosocomial infections are an important health problem and cause of complications and death in hospitalized patients. This problem should be solved from the preventive angle, avoiding the spread of infections by designing disinfection methods based on the photocatalytic activity of semiconductor materials such as tin oxide (SnO2). The antimicrobial activity of UV light was tested by using inoculation with Candida albicans ATCC10231 on SnO2 thin films and counting colony forming units (CFU). The interaction of UV light with SnO2 was analyzed by density functional theory (DFT) and the extension to the Hubbard model (DFT+U) schemes to predict the electron behavior at the subatomic level. After exposure to UV light, C. albicans showed a reduction of 36.5% in viable cells, and when SnO2 was included, cell viability was reduced by 60.2%. Measurements of the electronic structure obtained by the first-principle calculations under the DFT and DFT+U schemes showed that the O-p orbitals mediate the oxidation process in the bulk semiconductor. By including the surface effects when cleaving the (1 0 0) plane, the three orbitals O-p, Sn-p, and Sn-s are the mediators. SnO2 films are promising antimicrobial coatings because UV light has a synergic activity with thin films, resulting in faster disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Camarillo-Cisneros
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, 31125 Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Arzate-Quintana
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, 31125 Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
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21
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Caldeirão ACM, Araujo HC, Tomasella CM, Sampaio C, dos Santos Oliveira MJ, Ramage G, Pessan JP, Monteiro DR. Effects of Antifungal Carriers Based on Chitosan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Microcosm Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10050588. [PMID: 34067527 PMCID: PMC8155828 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance of Candida species to conventional therapies has motivated the development of antifungal nanocarriers based on iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) coated with chitosan (CS). This study evaluates the effects of IONPs-CS as carriers of miconazole (MCZ) or fluconazole (FLZ) on microcosm biofilms. Pooled saliva from two healthy volunteers supplemented with C. albicans and C. glabrata was the inoculum for biofilm formation. Biofilms were formed for 96 h on coverslips using the Amsterdam Active Attachment model, followed by 24 h treatment with nanocarriers containing different concentrations of each antifungal (78 and 156 µg/mL). MCZ or FLZ (156 µg/mL), and untreated biofilms were considered as controls. Anti-biofilm effects were evaluated by enumeration of colony-forming units (CFUs), composition of the extracellular matrix, lactic acid production, and structure and live/dead biofilm cells (confocal laser scanning microscopy-CLSM). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Fisher LSD's test (α = 0.05). IONPs-CS carrying MCZ or FLZ were the most effective treatments in reducing CFUs compared to either an antifungal agent alone for C. albicans and MCZ for C. glabrata. Significant reductions in mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp. were shown, though mainly for the MCZ nanocarrier. Antifungals and their nanocarriers also showed significantly higher proportions of dead cells compared to untreated biofilm by CLSM (p < 0.001), and promoted significant reductions in lactic acid, while simultaneously showing increases in some components of the extracellular matrix. These findings reinforce the use of nanocarriers as effective alternatives to fight oral fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Caroline Morais Caldeirão
- Graduate Program in Dentistry (GPD-Master’s Degree), University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente 19050-920, Brazil;
| | - Heitor Ceolin Araujo
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araçatuba 16015-050, Brazil; (H.C.A.); (C.S.); (J.P.P.)
| | - Camila Miranda Tomasella
- School of Dentistry, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente 19050-920, Brazil;
| | - Caio Sampaio
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araçatuba 16015-050, Brazil; (H.C.A.); (C.S.); (J.P.P.)
| | - Marcelo José dos Santos Oliveira
- Department of Physics, School of Technology and Applied Sciences (FCT), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Presidente Prudente 19060-900, Brazil;
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G2 3JZ, UK;
| | - Juliano Pelim Pessan
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araçatuba 16015-050, Brazil; (H.C.A.); (C.S.); (J.P.P.)
| | - Douglas Roberto Monteiro
- Graduate Program in Dentistry (GPD-Master’s Degree), University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente 19050-920, Brazil;
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araçatuba 16015-050, Brazil; (H.C.A.); (C.S.); (J.P.P.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +55-18-3229-1000
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Rosiana S, Zhang L, Kim GH, Revtovich AV, Uthayakumar D, Sukumaran A, Geddes-McAlister J, Kirienko NV, Shapiro RS. Comprehensive genetic analysis of adhesin proteins and their role in virulence of Candida albicans. Genetics 2021; 217:iyab003. [PMID: 33724419 PMCID: PMC8045720 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a microbial fungus that exists as a commensal member of the human microbiome and an opportunistic pathogen. Cell surface-associated adhesin proteins play a crucial role in C. albicans' ability to undergo cellular morphogenesis, develop robust biofilms, colonize, and cause infection in a host. However, a comprehensive analysis of the role and relationships between these adhesins has not been explored. We previously established a CRISPR-based platform for efficient generation of single- and double-gene deletions in C. albicans, which was used to construct a library of 144 mutants, comprising 12 unique adhesin genes deleted singly, and every possible combination of double deletions. Here, we exploit this adhesin mutant library to explore the role of adhesin proteins in C. albicans virulence. We perform a comprehensive, high-throughput screen of this library, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a simplified model host system, which identified mutants critical for virulence and significant genetic interactions. We perform follow-up analysis to assess the ability of high- and low-virulence strains to undergo cellular morphogenesis and form biofilms in vitro, as well as to colonize the C. elegans host. We further perform genetic interaction analysis to identify novel significant negative genetic interactions between adhesin mutants, whereby combinatorial perturbation of these genes significantly impairs virulence, more than expected based on virulence of the single mutant constituent strains. Together, this study yields important new insight into the role of adhesins, singly and in combinations, in mediating diverse facets of virulence of this critical fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra Rosiana
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Grace H Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada
| | | | - Deeva Uthayakumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada
| | - Arjun Sukumaran
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada
| | | | | | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON NIG 2W1, Canada
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Rehman S, Gunday ST, Alsalem ZH, Bozkurt A. Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Azole Functionalized Poly(glycidyl methacrylate)s for Antibacterial and Anticandidal Activity. Curr Org Synth 2020; 16:1002-1009. [PMID: 31984881 DOI: 10.2174/1385272823666190828112113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presently, rise in the infectious diseases and subsequent development of drug resistance, is a global threat to human health. However, much efforts are being made by scientists, to develop novel antimicrobials, and also to improve the efficacy of available drugs, in order to combat the lifethreatening infections. OBJECTIVE Synthesis and characterization of azole functional polymer systems for antimicrobial applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA), was produced by free radical polymerization of the monomer, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Different azole functional PGMAs were produced, through chemical modification with imidazole (Im), 1H-1,2,4-triazole (Tri) and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATri), to get PGMA-Imi, PGMA-Tri and PGMA-ATri, respectively. The structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal properties were investigated by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Newly synthesized derivatives were further explored, for their antibacterial and anticandidal activities. RESULTS All the three synthesized and characterized derivatives, displayed a significant activity against the tested microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC), recorded against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), was 0.5 &1mg/ml for PGMA-Imi, followed by PGMA-ATri & PGMA-Tri, respectively, followed by E. coli with, 1 & 2 mg/ml, 4 & 8 mg/ml, 4& 8 mg/ml, respectively, whereas the maximum MIC & MFC was recorded against C. albicans i.e., 8 & 16 mg/ml, 4 & 8 mg/ml ,4 & 8 mg/ml for PGMA-ATri, PGMA-Tri, PGMA-Imi, respectively. CONCLUSION In the present work, we report on the state-of-the-art, azole functional polymer systems for antimicrobial applications. These findings suggest that the synthesized azole functional polymer films have antimicrobial properties, which could be potential candidates for coating applications in the biomedical and wastewater treatment field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suriya Rehman
- Epidemic Disease Research Department, Institute for Research & Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seyda T Gunday
- Department of Biophysics, Institute for Research & Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab H Alsalem
- Epidemic Disease Research Department, Institute for Research & Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayhan Bozkurt
- Department of Biophysics, Institute for Research & Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
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Chromatin Structure and Drug Resistance in Candida spp. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030121. [PMID: 32751495 PMCID: PMC7559719 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is currently one of the most serious threats to global human health and, appropriately, research to tackle AMR garnishes significant investment and extensive attention from the scientific community. However, most of this effort focuses on antibiotics, and research into anti-fungal resistance (AFR) is vastly under-represented in comparison. Given the growing number of vulnerable, immunocompromised individuals, as well as the positive impact global warming has on fungal growth, there is an immediate urgency to tackle fungal disease, and the disturbing rise in AFR. Chromatin structure and gene expression regulation play pivotal roles in the adaptation of fungal species to anti-fungal stress, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue to tackle AFR. In this review we discuss both the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms by which chromatin structure can dictate AFR mechanisms and will present evidence of how pathogenic yeast, specifically from the Candida genus, modify chromatin structure to promote survival in the presence of anti-fungal drugs. We also discuss the mechanisms by which anti-chromatin therapy, specifically lysine deacetylase inhibitors, influence the acquisition and phenotypic expression of AFR in Candida spp. and their potential as effective adjuvants to mitigate against AFR.
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Mba IE, Nweze EI. Mechanism of Candida pathogenesis: revisiting the vital drivers. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:1797-1819. [PMID: 32372128 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-03912-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Candida is the most implicated fungal pathogen in the clinical setting. Several factors play important roles in the pathogenesis of Candida spp. Multiple transcriptional circuits, morphological and phenotypic switching, biofilm formation, tissue damaging extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, metabolic flexibility, genome plasticity, adaptation to environmental pH fluctuation, robust nutrient acquisition system, adherence and invasions (mediated by adhesins and invasins), heat shock proteins (HSPs), cytolytic proteins, escape from phagocytosis, evasion from host immune system, synergistic coaggregation with resident microbiota, resistance to antifungal agents, and the ability to efficiently respond to multiple stresses are some of the major pathogenic determinants of Candida species. The existence of multiple connections, in addition to the interactions and associations among all of these factors, are distinctive features that play important roles in the establishment of Candida infections. This review describes all the underlying factors and mechanisms involved in Candida pathogenesis by evaluating pathogenic determinants of Candida species. It reinforces the already available pool of data on the pathogenesis of Candida species by providing a clear and simplified understanding of the most important factors implicated in the pathogenesis of Candida species. The Candida pathogenesis network, an illustration linking all the major determinants of Candida pathogenesis, is also presented. Taken together, they will further improve our current understanding of how these factors modulate virulence and consequent infection(s). Development of new antifungal drugs and better therapeutic approaches to candidiasis can be achieved in the near future with continuing progress in the understanding of the mechanisms of Candida pathogenesis.
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Del Rio M, de la Canal L, Regente M. Plant Antifungal Lectins: Mechanism of Action and Targets on Human Pathogenic Fungi. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 21:284-294. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190906164448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lectins are proteins characterized by their ability to specifically bind different carbohydrate motifs. This feature is associated with their endogenous biological function as well as with multiple applications. Plants are important natural sources of these proteins; however, only a reduced group was shown to display antifungal activity. Although it is hypothesized that the target of lectins is the fungal cell wall, the mechanism through which they exert the antifungal action is poorly understood. This topic is relevant to improve treatment against pathogens of importance for human health. In this context, mechanisms pointing to essential attributes for virulence instead of the viability of the pathogen emerge as a promising approach. This review provides the current knowledge on the action mechanism of plant antifungal lectins and their putative use for the development of novel active principles against fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Del Rio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET, Funes 3250, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Laura de la Canal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET, Funes 3250, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Mariana Regente
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET, Funes 3250, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
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Thassya Lucas dos Santos A, Pereira Carneiro JN, Pereira da Cruz R, Lima Sales D, Cosmo Andrade J, de Oliveira Almeida W, Martins da Costa JG, Riceli Vasconcelos Ribeiro P, Sousa de Brito E, Alves Batista FL, Alves Magalhães FE, Iriti M, Morais-Braga MFB, Coutinho HDM. UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF Analysis and Antifungal Activity of the Spondias tuberosa Arruda Leaf and Root Hydroalcoholic Extracts. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:antibiotics8040240. [PMID: 31795107 PMCID: PMC6963564 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8040240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the chemical compositions and effects of the S. tuberosa leaf and root hydroalcoholic extracts (HELST and HERST) against different strains of Candida. Chemical analysis was performed by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Quadrupole/Time of Flight System (UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF). The Inhibitory Concentration of 50% of the growth (IC50) as well as the intrinsic and combined action of the extracts with the antifungal fluconazole (FCZ) were determined by the microdilution method while the minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) and the effect on fungal morphological transitions were analyzed by subculture and in humid chambers, respectively. From the preliminary phytochemical analysis, the phenols and flavonoids were the most abundant. The intrinsic IC50 values for HELST ranged from 5716.3 to 7805.8 µg/mL and from 6175.4 to 51070.9 µg/mL for the HERST, whereas the combination of the extracts with fluconazole presented IC50 values from 2.65 to 278.41 µg/mL. The MFC of the extracts, individually, for all the tested strains was ≥16384 µg/mL. When fluconazole was combined with each extract, the MFC against CA URM 5974 was reduced (HELST: 2048 and HERST: 4096 µg/mL). Synergism was observed against standard C. albicans (CA) and C. tropicalis (CT) strains and with the root extract against the CT isolate. The leaf extract inhibited the morphological transition of all strains while the root extract inhibited only CT strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Thassya Lucas dos Santos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, Col Antonio Luis, 1161, 63105-000 Pimenta, Crato-CE, Brazil; (A.T.L.d.S.); (J.N.P.C.); (R.P.d.C.); (D.L.S.); (W.d.O.A.); (J.G.M.d.C.); (F.L.A.B.); (M.F.B.M.-B.); (H.D.M.C.)
| | - Joara Nályda Pereira Carneiro
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, Col Antonio Luis, 1161, 63105-000 Pimenta, Crato-CE, Brazil; (A.T.L.d.S.); (J.N.P.C.); (R.P.d.C.); (D.L.S.); (W.d.O.A.); (J.G.M.d.C.); (F.L.A.B.); (M.F.B.M.-B.); (H.D.M.C.)
| | - Rafael Pereira da Cruz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, Col Antonio Luis, 1161, 63105-000 Pimenta, Crato-CE, Brazil; (A.T.L.d.S.); (J.N.P.C.); (R.P.d.C.); (D.L.S.); (W.d.O.A.); (J.G.M.d.C.); (F.L.A.B.); (M.F.B.M.-B.); (H.D.M.C.)
| | - Débora Lima Sales
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, Col Antonio Luis, 1161, 63105-000 Pimenta, Crato-CE, Brazil; (A.T.L.d.S.); (J.N.P.C.); (R.P.d.C.); (D.L.S.); (W.d.O.A.); (J.G.M.d.C.); (F.L.A.B.); (M.F.B.M.-B.); (H.D.M.C.)
| | - Jacqueline Cosmo Andrade
- Brejo Santo Campus, Federal University of Cariri-UFCA, R. Olegario Emidio de Araujo, s/n, 63260-000 Centro, Brejo Santo-CE, Brazil;
| | - Waltécio de Oliveira Almeida
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, Col Antonio Luis, 1161, 63105-000 Pimenta, Crato-CE, Brazil; (A.T.L.d.S.); (J.N.P.C.); (R.P.d.C.); (D.L.S.); (W.d.O.A.); (J.G.M.d.C.); (F.L.A.B.); (M.F.B.M.-B.); (H.D.M.C.)
| | - José Galberto Martins da Costa
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, Col Antonio Luis, 1161, 63105-000 Pimenta, Crato-CE, Brazil; (A.T.L.d.S.); (J.N.P.C.); (R.P.d.C.); (D.L.S.); (W.d.O.A.); (J.G.M.d.C.); (F.L.A.B.); (M.F.B.M.-B.); (H.D.M.C.)
| | | | - Edy Sousa de Brito
- Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry, R. Pernambuco, 2270, 60511-110 Pici, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil; (P.R.V.R.); (E.S.d.B.)
| | - Francisco Lucas Alves Batista
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, Col Antonio Luis, 1161, 63105-000 Pimenta, Crato-CE, Brazil; (A.T.L.d.S.); (J.N.P.C.); (R.P.d.C.); (D.L.S.); (W.d.O.A.); (J.G.M.d.C.); (F.L.A.B.); (M.F.B.M.-B.); (H.D.M.C.)
| | | | - Marcello Iriti
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Milan State University, via G. Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Flaviana Bezerra Morais-Braga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, Col Antonio Luis, 1161, 63105-000 Pimenta, Crato-CE, Brazil; (A.T.L.d.S.); (J.N.P.C.); (R.P.d.C.); (D.L.S.); (W.d.O.A.); (J.G.M.d.C.); (F.L.A.B.); (M.F.B.M.-B.); (H.D.M.C.)
| | - Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, Col Antonio Luis, 1161, 63105-000 Pimenta, Crato-CE, Brazil; (A.T.L.d.S.); (J.N.P.C.); (R.P.d.C.); (D.L.S.); (W.d.O.A.); (J.G.M.d.C.); (F.L.A.B.); (M.F.B.M.-B.); (H.D.M.C.)
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28
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Pereira Carneiro JN, da Cruz RP, da Silva JCP, Rocha JE, de Freitas TS, Sales DL, Bezerra CF, de Oliveira Almeida W, da Costa JGM, da Silva LE, Amaral WD, Rebelo RA, Begnini IM, Melo Coutinho HD, Bezerra Morais-Braga MF. Piper diospyrifolium Kunth.: Chemical analysis and antimicrobial (intrinsic and combined) activities. Microb Pathog 2019; 136:103700. [PMID: 31472258 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The secular use of plants in popular medicine has emerged as a source for the discovery of new compounds capable of curing infections. Among microbial resistance to commercial drugs, species such as Piper diospyrifolium Kunth, which are used in popular therapy, are targets for pharmacological studies. With this in mind, antimicrobial experiments with the essential oil from the P. diospyrifolium (PDEO) species were performed and its constituents were elucidated. The oil compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The broth microdilution method with colorimetric readings for bacterial tests (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and spectrophotometric readings for fungal tests (Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis), whose data were used to create a cell viability curve and calculate its IC50 against fungal cells, were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of the oil and its combined action with commercial drugs. The oil's minimal fungicidal concentration and its action over fungal morphological transition were analyzed by subculture and microculture, respectively. Chemical analysis revealed Z-Carpacin, Pogostol and E-Caryophyllene as the most abundant compounds. Results from the intrinsic analysis were considered clinically irrelevant, however the oil presented a synergistic effect against multiresistant E. coli and S. aureus strains when associated with gentamicin, and against the standard and isolated C. tropicalis strains with fluconazole. A fungicidal effect was observed against the C. albicans isolate. Candida spp. hyphae inhibition was verified for all strains at the highest tested concentrations. The P. diospyrifolium essential oil presented a promising effect when associated with commercial drugs and against a fungal virulence factor. Thus, the oil presented active compounds which may help the development of new drugs, however, new studies are needed in order to clarify the oil's mechanism of action, as well as to identify its active constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Pereira da Cruz
- Universidade Regional do Cariri, URCA, Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, 63105-000, Pimenta, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Janaína Esmeraldo Rocha
- Universidade Regional do Cariri, URCA, Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, 63105-000, Pimenta, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Thiago Sampaio de Freitas
- Universidade Regional do Cariri, URCA, Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, 63105-000, Pimenta, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Débora Lima Sales
- Universidade Regional do Cariri, URCA, Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, 63105-000, Pimenta, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Camila Fonseca Bezerra
- Universidade Regional do Cariri, URCA, Cel Antônio Luis, 1161, 63105-000, Pimenta, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiz Everson da Silva
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, UFPR, XV de Novembro, 1299, 80.060-000, Centro, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Wanderlei do Amaral
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, UFPR, XV de Novembro, 1299, 80.060-000, Centro, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Andrade Rebelo
- Universidade Regional de Blumenau, FURB, Antônio da Veiga, 140, 89030-903, Itoupava Seca, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Ieda Maria Begnini
- Universidade Regional de Blumenau, FURB, Antônio da Veiga, 140, 89030-903, Itoupava Seca, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
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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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Regulation of Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis by Endogenous Signals. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5010021. [PMID: 30823468 PMCID: PMC6463138 DOI: 10.3390/jof5010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a human commensal fungus that is able to assume several morphologies, including yeast, hyphal, and pseudohyphal. Under a range of conditions, C. albicans performs a regulated switch to the filamentous morphology, characterized by the emergence of a germ tube from the yeast cell, followed by a mold-like growth of branching hyphae. This transition from yeast to hyphal growth has attracted particular attention, as it has been linked to the virulence of C. albicans as an opportunistic human pathogen. Signal transduction pathways that mediate the induction of the hyphal transcription program upon the imposition of external stimuli have been extensively investigated. However, the hyphal morphogenesis transcription program can also be induced by internal cellular signals, such as inhibition of cell cycle progression, and conversely, the inhibition of hyphal extension can repress hyphal-specific gene expression, suggesting that endogenous cellular signals are able to modulate hyphal gene expression as well. Here we review recent developments in the regulation of the hyphal morphogenesis of C. albicans, with emphasis on endogenous morphogenetic signals.
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Negrini TDC, Koo H, Arthur RA. Candida–Bacterial Biofilms and Host–Microbe Interactions in Oral Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1197:119-141. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28524-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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