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Rodríguez DL, Lindemann-Perez E, Perez JC. RFX transcription factor in the human-associated yeast Candida albicans regulates adhesion to oral epithelium. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:727-741. [PMID: 38183361 PMCID: PMC11023810 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Adhesion to mucosal surfaces is a critical step in many bacterial and fungal infections. Here, using a mouse model of oral infection by the human fungal pathobiont Candida albicans, we report the identification of a novel regulator of C. albicans adhesion to the oral mucosa. The regulator is a member of the regulatory factor X (RFX) family of transcription factors, which control cellular processes ranging from genome integrity in model yeasts to tissue differentiation in vertebrates. Mice infected with the C. albicans rfx1 deletion mutant displayed increased fungal burden in tongues compared to animals infected with the reference strain. High-resolution imaging revealed RFX1 transcripts being expressed by C. albicans cells during infection. Concomitant with the increase in fungal burden, the rfx1 mutant elicited an enhanced innate immune response. Transcriptome analyses uncovered HWP1, a gene encoding an adhesion protein that mediates covalent attachment to buccal cells, as a major RFX1-regulated locus. Consistent with this result, we establish that C. albicans adhesion to oral cells is modulated by RFX1 in an HWP1-dependent manner. Our findings expand the repertoire of biological processes controlled by the RFX family and illustrate a mechanism whereby C. albicans can adjust adhesion to the oral epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana L. Rodríguez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Elena Lindemann-Perez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
| | - J. Christian Perez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
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Zhang Y, Wang X, Ran Y, Zhang KQ, Li GH. AfLaeA, a Global Regulator of Mycelial Growth, Chlamydospore Production, Pathogenicity, Secondary Metabolism, and Energy Metabolism in the Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys flagrans. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0018623. [PMID: 37358432 PMCID: PMC10434191 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00186-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthrobotrys flagrans (Duddingtonia flagrans) is a typical nematode-trapping fungus which has been used for nematode biocontrol. The global regulator LaeA is widely distributed in filamentous fungi and plays a crucial role in secondary metabolism and development in addition to pathogenicity in fungal pathogens. In this study, the chromosome-level genome of A. flagrans CBS 565.50 was sequenced and homologous sequences of LaeA were identified in A. flagrans. A. flagrans LaeA (AfLaeA) knockout resulted in slower hyphal growth and a smoother hyphal surface. Importantly, deletion of AfLaeA resulted in the absence of chlamydospores and attenuated glycogen and lipid accumulation in hyphae. Similarly, disruption of the AfLaeA gene led to fewer traps and electron-dense bodies, lower protease activity, and a delay in capturing nematodes. The AfLaeA gene had a large effect on the secondary metabolism of A. flagrans, and both the deletion and overexpression of AfLaeA could yield new compounds, whereas some compounds were lost due to the absence of the AfLaeA. Protein-protein interactions between AfLaeA and another eight proteins were detected. Furthermore, transcriptome data analysis showed that 17.77% and 35.51% of the genes were influenced by the AfLaeA gene on days 3 and 7, respectively. AfLaeA gene deletion resulted in the higher expression level of the artA gene cluster, and multiple differentially expressed genes involved in glycogen and lipid synthesis and metabolism showed opposite expression patterns in wild-type and ΔAfLaeA strains. In summary, our results provide novel insights into the functions of AfLaeA in mycelial growth, chlamydospore production, pathogenicity, secondary metabolism, and energy metabolism in A. flagrans. IMPORTANCE The regulation of biological functions, such as the secondary metabolism, development, and pathogenicity of LaeA, has been reported in multiple fungi. But to date, no study on LaeA in nematode-trapping fungi has been reported. Moreover, it has not been investigated whether or not LaeA is involved in energy metabolism and chlamydospore formation has not been investigated. Especially in the formation mechanism of chlamydospores, several transcription factors and signaling pathways are involved in the production of chlamydospores, but the mechanism of chlamydospore formation from an epigenetic perspective has not been revealed. Concurrently, an understanding of protein-protein interactions will provide a broader perspective on the regulatory mechanism of AfLaeA in A. flagrans. This finding is critical for understanding the regulatory role of AfLaeA in the biocontrol fungus A. flagrans and establishes a foundation for developing high-efficiency nematode biocontrol agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuan Ran
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Guo-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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Jeewon R, Aullybux AA, Puchooa D, Nazurally N, Alrefaei AF, Zhang Y. Marine Microbial Polysaccharides: An Untapped Resource for Biotechnological Applications. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:420. [PMID: 37504951 PMCID: PMC10381399 DOI: 10.3390/md21070420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As the largest habitat on Earth, the marine environment harbors various microorganisms of biotechnological potential. Indeed, microbial compounds, especially polysaccharides from marine species, have been attracting much attention for their applications within the medical, pharmaceutical, food, and other industries, with such interest largely stemming from the extensive structural and functional diversity displayed by these natural polymers. At the same time, the extreme conditions within the aquatic ecosystem (e.g., temperature, pH, salinity) may not only induce microorganisms to develop a unique metabolism but may also increase the likelihood of isolating novel polysaccharides with previously unreported characteristics. However, despite their potential, only a few microbial polysaccharides have actually reached the market, with even fewer being of marine origin. Through a synthesis of relevant literature, this review seeks to provide an overview of marine microbial polysaccharides, including their unique characteristics. In particular, their suitability for specific biotechnological applications and recent progress made will be highlighted before discussing the challenges that currently limit their study as well as their potential for wider applications. It is expected that this review will help to guide future research in the field of microbial polysaccharides, especially those of marine origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Jeewon
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aadil Ahmad Aullybux
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - Daneshwar Puchooa
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - Nadeem Nazurally
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - Abdulwahed Fahad Alrefaei
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Ecology and Natural Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 35 East Qinghua Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China
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McKenna JA, Garcia‐Ceron D, Bleackley MR, Yu L, Bulone V, Anderson MA. SUR7 deletion in Candida albicans impacts extracellular vesicle features and delivery of virulence factors. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 2:e82. [PMID: 38938278 PMCID: PMC11080841 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human fungal pathogens have been implicated in fungal virulence, yet little is known about their role in the host-pathogen interaction. Progress has been hampered by the lack of a specific marker for fungal EVs that can be used to monitor EV isolation and tracking in biological systems. Here we report the effect of a SUR7 gene knockout on the production, properties, and role of EVs in the virulence of Candida albicans. Sur7 is a component of the membrane compartment of Can1 (MCC) complex and is enriched in the EVs from C. albicans and other fungal species. MCC is a plasma membrane complex which together with the eisosome, a cytoplasmic protein complex, is a key regulator in plasma membrane organisation and plasma membrane associated processes. The SUR7 knockout strain produces smaller EVs than the wild-type (WT) with different protein and carbohydrate cargos. Furthermore, proteins with known roles in Candida pathogenesis were present in WT EVs and absent or diminished in the sur7Δ EVs. We demonstrate that the reduced virulence of the sur7Δ cells can be partially restored with EVs from a WT strain. These findings demonstrate the importance of Sur7-like proteins in the biogenesis of EVs in fungi and enhance our understanding of the role of fungal EVs in human pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and ChemistryLa Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe UniversityVICAustralia
| | - Donovan Garcia‐Ceron
- Department of Biochemistry and ChemistryLa Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe UniversityVICAustralia
| | - Mark R. Bleackley
- Department of Biochemistry and ChemistryLa Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe UniversityVICAustralia
| | - Long Yu
- School of Agriculture Food and WineThe University of Adelaide Waite CampusSAAustralia
- Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development, College of Medicine & Public HealthFlinders UniversitySAAustralia
| | - Vincent Bulone
- School of Agriculture Food and WineThe University of Adelaide Waite CampusSAAustralia
- Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development, College of Medicine & Public HealthFlinders UniversitySAAustralia
- Division of GlycoscienceDepartment of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)AlbaNova University CentreStockholmSweden
| | - Marilyn A. Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and ChemistryLa Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe UniversityVICAustralia
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Fiołka MJ, Czaplewska P, Wójcik-Mieszawska S, Lewandowska A, Lewtak K, Sofińska-Chmiel W, Buchwald T. Metabolic, structural, and proteomic changes in Candida albicans cells induced by the protein-carbohydrate fraction of Dendrobaena veneta coelomic fluid. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16711. [PMID: 34408181 PMCID: PMC8373886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96093-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The isolated protein-polysaccharide fraction (AAF) from the coelomic fluid of Dendrobaena veneta earthworm shows effective activity against Candida albicans yeast. Fungal cells of the clinical strain after incubation with the active fraction were characterized by disturbed cell division and different morphological forms due to the inability to separate the cells from each other. Staining of the cells with acridine orange revealed a change in the pH of the AAF-treated cells. It was observed that, after the AAF treatment, the mitochondrial DNA migrated towards the nuclear DNA, whereupon both merged into a single nuclear structure, which preceded the apoptotic process. Cells with a large nucleus were imaged with the scanning electron cryomicroscopy (Cryo-SEM) technique, while enlarged mitochondria and the degeneration of cell structures were shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The loss of the correct cell shape and cell wall integrity was visualized by both the TEM and SEM techniques. Mass spectrometry and relative quantitative SWATH MS analysis were used to determine the reaction of the C. albicans proteome to the components of the AAF fraction. AAF was observed to influence the expression of mitochondrial and oxidative stress proteins. The oxidative stress in C. albicans cells caused by the action of AAF was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, proteomic methods, and XPS spectroscopy. The secondary structure of AAF proteins was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Analysis of the elemental composition of AAF confirmed the homogeneity of the preparation. The observed action of AAF, which targets not only the cell wall but also the mitochondria, makes the preparation a potential antifungal drug killing the cells of the C. albicans pathogen through apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta J Fiołka
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Paulina Czaplewska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sylwia Wójcik-Mieszawska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Lewandowska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Kinga Lewtak
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Weronika Sofińska-Chmiel
- Analytical Laboratory, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Buchwald
- Faculty of Materials Science and Technical Physics, Institute of Materials Research and Quantum Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Poznań, Poland
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Potocki L, Baran A, Oklejewicz B, Szpyrka E, Podbielska M, Schwarzbacherová V. Synthetic Pesticides Used in Agricultural Production Promote Genetic Instability and Metabolic Variability in Candida spp. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11080848. [PMID: 32722318 PMCID: PMC7463770 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of triazole fungicide Tango® (epoxiconazole) and two neonicotinoid insecticide formulations Mospilan® (acetamiprid) and Calypso® (thiacloprid) were investigated in Candida albicans and three non-albicans species Candida pulcherrima, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis to assess the range of morphological, metabolic and genetic changes after their exposure to pesticides. Moreover, the bioavailability of pesticides, which gives us information about their metabolization was assessed using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The tested pesticides caused differences between the cells of the same species in the studied populations in response to ROS accumulation, the level of DNA damage, changes in fatty acids (FAs) and phospholipid profiles, change in the percentage of unsaturated to saturated FAs or the ability to biofilm. In addition, for the first time, the effect of tested neonicotinoid insecticides on the change of metabolic profile of colony cells during aging was demonstrated. Our data suggest that widely used pesticides, including insecticides, may increase cellular diversity in the Candida species population-known as clonal heterogeneity-and thus play an important role in acquiring resistance to antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Potocki
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (V.S.); Tel.: +48-17-851-85-78 (L.P.); +421-905-642-367 (V.S.)
| | - Aleksandra Baran
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (M.P.)
| | - Bernadetta Oklejewicz
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (M.P.)
| | - Ewa Szpyrka
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (M.P.)
| | - Magdalena Podbielska
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland; (A.B.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (M.P.)
| | - Viera Schwarzbacherová
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Institute of Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (V.S.); Tel.: +48-17-851-85-78 (L.P.); +421-905-642-367 (V.S.)
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