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Parada J, Tortella G, Seabra AB, Fincheira P, Rubilar O. Potential Antifungal Effect of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Combined with Fungicides against Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:215. [PMID: 38534650 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030215] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper oxide nanoparticles (NCuO) have emerged as an alternative to pesticides due to their antifungal effect against various phytopathogens. Combining them with fungicides represents an advantageous strategy for reducing the necessary amount of both agents to inhibit fungal growth, simultaneously reducing their environmental release. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of NCuO combined with three fungicide models separately: Iprodione (IPR), Tebuconazole (TEB), and Pyrimethanil (PYR) against two phytopathogenic fungi: Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum. The fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) was calculated as a synergism indicator (FIC ≤ 0.5). The NCuO interacted synergistically with TEB against both fungi and with IPR only against B. cinerea. The interaction with PYR was additive against both fungi (FIC > 0.5). The B. cinerea biomass was inhibited by 80.9% and 93% using 20 mg L-1 NCuO + 1.56 mg L-1 TEB, and 40 mg L-1 NCuO + 12 µg L-1 IPR, respectively, without significant differences compared to the inhibition provoked by 160 mg L-1 NCuO. Additionally, the protein leakage and nucleic acid release were also evaluated as mechanisms associated with the synergistic effect. The results obtained in this study revealed that combining nanoparticles with fungicides can be an adequate strategy to significantly reduce the release of metals and agrochemicals into the environment after being used as antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Parada
- Biotechnological Research Center Applied to the Environment (CIBAMA-BIOREN), Faculty of Engendering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engendering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Tortella
- Biotechnological Research Center Applied to the Environment (CIBAMA-BIOREN), Faculty of Engendering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engendering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Amedea B Seabra
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Paola Fincheira
- Biotechnological Research Center Applied to the Environment (CIBAMA-BIOREN), Faculty of Engendering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engendering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Olga Rubilar
- Biotechnological Research Center Applied to the Environment (CIBAMA-BIOREN), Faculty of Engendering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engendering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
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Gómez-Gaviria M, García-Carnero LC, Baruch-Martínez DA, Mora-Montes HM. The Emerging Pathogen Candida metapsilosis: Biological Aspects, Virulence Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:171-185. [PMID: 38268929 PMCID: PMC10807450 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s448213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a constant and growing menace to public health. This concern is due to the emergence of new fungal species and the increase in antifungal drug resistance. Mycoses caused by Candida species are among the most common nosocomial infections and are associated with high mortality rates when the infection affects deep-seated organs. Candida metapsilosis is part of the Candida parapsilosis complex and has been described as part of the oral microbiota of healthy individuals. Within the complex, this species is considered the least virulent; however, the prevalence has been increasing in recent years, as well as an increment in the resistance to some antifungal drugs. One of the main concerns of candidiasis caused by this species is the wide range of clinical manifestations, ranging from tissue colonization to superficial infections, and in more severe cases it can spread, which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. The study of virulence factors of this species is limited, however, proteomic comparisons between species indicate that virulence factors in this species could be similar to those already described for C. albicans. However, differences may exist, taking into account changes in the lifestyle of the species. Here, we provide a detailed review of the current literature about this organism, the caused disease, and some sharing aspects with other members of the complex, focusing on its biology, virulence factors, the host-fungus interaction, the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gómez-Gaviria
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto., México
| | - Laura C García-Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto., México
| | - Dario A Baruch-Martínez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto., México
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto., México
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Clavijo-Giraldo DM, Pérez-García LA, Hernández-Chávez MJ, Martínez-Duncker I, Mora-Montes HM. Contribution of N-Linked Mannosylation Pathway to Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis Biofilm Formation. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:6843-6857. [PMID: 37908782 PMCID: PMC10614665 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s431745] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mycoses are a growing threat to human health, and systemic candidiasis caused by Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis is frequent in immunocompromised patients. Biofilm formation is a virulence factor found in these organisms, as sessile cells adhere to surfaces, the stratification and production of extracellular matrix provides protection and resistance to antifungal drugs. Previous evidence indicated that the N-linked mannosylation pathway is relevant to C. albicans biofilms, but its contribution to other species remains unknown. Methods C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis och1∆ mutants, which have a disrupted N-linked mannosylation pathway, were used to form biofilms. In addition, wild-type and mutant cells were also treated to remove N-linked mannans or block this pathway. Biofilms were analyzed by quantifying the included fungal biomass, and extracellular matrix components. Moreover, gene expression and secreted hydrolytic enzymes were also quantified in these biofilms. Results The och1∆ mutants showed a reduced ability to form biofilms in both fungal species when compared to the wild-type and control strains. This observation was confirmed by trimming N-linked mannans from walls or blocking the pathway with tunicamycin B. According to this observation, mutant, and treated cells showed an altered composition of the extracellular matrix and increased susceptibility to antifungal drugs when compared to control or untreated cells. The gene expression of secreted virulence factors, such as aspartyl proteinases and phospholipases, was normal in all the tested cells but the secreted activity was reduced, suggesting a defect in the secretory pathway, which was later confirmed by treating cells with brefeldin A. Conclusion Proper N-linked mannosylation is required for biofilm formation in both C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Disruption of this posttranslational modification affected the secretory pathway, offering a link between glycosylation and biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis A Pérez-García
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto., México
- Facultad de Estudios Profesionales Zona Huasteca, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosí, México
| | | | - Iván Martínez-Duncker
- Laboratorio de Glicobiología Humana y Diagnóstico Molecular; Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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David H, Solomon AP. Molecular association of Candida albicans and vulvovaginal candidiasis: focusing on a solution. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1245808. [PMID: 37900321 PMCID: PMC10611527 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1245808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans-mediated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a significant challenge in clinical settings, owing to the inefficacy of current antifungals in modulating virulence, development of resistance, and poor penetration into the biofilm matrix. Various predisposition factors are molecular drivers that lead to the dysbiosis of normal microflora of the vagina, upregulation of central metabolic pathways, morphogenesis, hyphal extension, adhesion, invasion, and biofilm formation leading to chronic infection and recurrence. Hence, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanism behind the virulence pathways driven by those drivers to decode the drug targets. Finding innovative solutions targeting fungal virulence/biofilm may potentiate the antifungals at low concentrations without affecting the recurrence of resistance. With this background, the present review details the critical molecular drivers and associated network of virulence pathways, possible drug targets, target-specific inhibitors, and probable mode of drug delivery to cross the preclinical phase by appropriate in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
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Gómez-Gaviria M, Martínez-Duncker I, García-Carnero LC, Mora-Montes HM. Differential Recognition of Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa by Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages and Dendritic Cells. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:4817-4834. [PMID: 37520448 PMCID: PMC10386844 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s419629] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sporotrichosis is a mycosis frequently caused by Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa. The cell wall is a species-specific fungal structure with a direct role in activating the host's immune response. The current knowledge about anti-Sporothrix immunity comes from studies using S. schenckii or S. brasiliensis and murine cells. Macrophages and dendritic cells detect and eliminate pathogens, and although the function of these cells links innate with adaptive immunity, little is known about their interaction with Sporothrix spp. Methods S. schenckii, S. brasiliensis, and S. globosa conidia or yeast-like cells were co-incubated with human monocyte-derived macrophages or dendritic cells, and the phagocytosis and cytokine stimulation were assessed. These interactions were also performed in the presence of specific blocking agents of immune receptors or fungal cells with altered walls to analyze the contribution of these molecules to the immune cell-fungus interaction. Results Both types of immune cells phagocytosed S. globosa conidia and yeast-like cells to a greater extent, followed by S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii. Furthermore, when the wall internal components were exposed, the phagocytosis level increased for S. schenckii and S. brasiliensis, in contrast to S. globosa. Thus, the cell wall components have different functions during the interaction with macrophages and dendritic cells. S. globosa stimulated an increased proinflammatory response when compared to the other species. In macrophages, this was a dectin-1-, mannose receptor-, and TLR2-dependent response, but dectin-1- and TLR2-dependent stimulation in dendritic cells. For S. schenckii and S. brasiliensis, cytokine production was dependent on the activation of TLR4, CR3, and DC-SIGN. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that these species are recognized by immune cells differently and that this may depend on both the structure and cell wall organization of the different morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gómez-Gaviria
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, GuanajuatoMéxico
| | - Iván Martínez-Duncker
- Laboratorio de Glicobiología Humana y Diagnóstico Molecular; Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Laura C García-Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, GuanajuatoMéxico
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, GuanajuatoMéxico
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Lee SB, Mota C, Thak EJ, Kim J, Son YJ, Oh DB, Kang HA. Effects of altered N-glycan structures of Cryptococcus neoformans mannoproteins, MP98 (Cda2) and MP84 (Cda3), on interaction with host cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1175. [PMID: 36670130 PMCID: PMC9859814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27422-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen causing lethal meningoencephalitis. It has several cell wall mannoproteins (MPs) identified as immunoreactive antigens. To investigate the structure and function of N-glycans assembled on cryptococcal cell wall MPs in host cell interactions, we purified MP98 (Cda2) and MP84 (Cda3) expressed in wild-type (WT) and N-glycosylation-defective alg3 mutant (alg3Δ) strains. HPLC and MALDI-TOF analysis of the MP proteins from the WT revealed protein-specific glycan structures with different extents of hypermannosylation and xylose/xylose phosphate addition. In alg3Δ, MP98 and MP84 had truncated core N-glycans, containing mostly five and seven mannoses (M5 and M7 forms), respectively. In vitro adhesion and uptake assays indicated that the altered core N-glycans did not affect adhesion affinities to host cells although the capacity to induce the immune response of bone-marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) decreased. Intriguingly, the removal of all N-glycosylation sites on MP84 increased adhesion to host cells and enhanced the induction of cytokine secretion from BMDCs compared with that on MP84 carrying WT N-glycans. Therefore, the structure-dependent effects of N-glycans suggested their complex roles in modulating the interaction of MPs with host cells to avoid nonspecific adherence to host cells and host immune response hyperactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Bin Lee
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 156-756, South Korea
| | - Catia Mota
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 156-756, South Korea
| | - Eun Jung Thak
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 156-756, South Korea
| | - Jungho Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 156-756, South Korea
| | - Ye Ji Son
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 156-756, South Korea
| | - Doo-Byoung Oh
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.,Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, South Korea
| | - Hyun Ah Kang
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 156-756, South Korea.
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Extension of O-Linked Mannosylation in the Golgi Apparatus Is Critical for Cell Wall Integrity Signaling and Interaction with Host Cells in Cryptococcus neoformans Pathogenesis. mBio 2022; 13:e0211222. [PMID: 36409123 PMCID: PMC9765558 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02112-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The human-pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans assembles two types of O-linked glycans on its proteins. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized the C. neoformans CAP6 gene, encoding an α1,3-mannosyltransferase responsible for the second mannose addition to minor O-glycans containing xylose in the Golgi apparatus. Two cell surface sensor proteins, Wml1 (WSC/Mid2-like) and Wml2, were found to be independent substrates of Cap6-mediated minor or Ktr3-mediated major O-mannosylation, respectively. The double deletion of KTR3 and CAP6 (ktr3Δ cap6Δ) completely blocked the mannose addition at the second position of O-glycans, resulting in the accumulation of proteins with O-glycans carrying only a single mannose. Tunicamycin (TM)-induced phosphorylation of the Mpk1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was greatly decreased in both ktr3Δ cap6Δ and wml1Δ wml2Δ strains. Transcriptome profiling of the ktr3Δ cap6Δ strain upon TM treatment revealed decreased expression of genes involved in the Mpk1-dependent cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway. Consistent with its defective growth under several stress conditions, the ktr3Δ cap6Δ strain was avirulent in a mouse model of cryptococcosis. Associated with this virulence defect, the ktr3Δ cap6Δ strain showed decreased adhesion to lung epithelial cells, decreased proliferation within macrophages, and reduced transcytosis of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Notably, the ktr3Δ cap6Δ strain showed reduced induction of the host immune response and defective trafficking of ergosterol, an immunoreactive fungal molecule. In conclusion, O-glycan extension in the Golgi apparatus plays critical roles in various pathobiological processes, such as CWI signaling and stress resistance and interaction with host cells in C. neoformans. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcus neoformans assembles two types of O-linked glycans on its surface proteins, the more abundant major O-glycans that do not contain xylose residues and minor O-glycans containing xylose. Here, we demonstrate the role of the Cap6 α1,3-mannosyltransferase in the synthesis of minor O-glycans. Previously proposed to be involved in capsule biosynthesis, Cap6 works with the related Ktr3 α1,2-mannosyltransferase to synthesize O-glycans on their target proteins. We also identified two novel C. neoformans stress sensors that require Ktr3- and Cap6-mediated posttranslational modification for full function. Accordingly, the ktr3Δ cap6Δ double O-glycan mutant strain displays defects in stress signaling pathways, CWI, and ergosterol trafficking. Furthermore, the ktr3Δ cap6Δ strain is completely avirulent in a mouse infection model. Together, these results demonstrate critical roles for O-glycosylation in fungal pathogenesis. As there are no human homologs for Cap6 or Ktr3, these fungus-specific mannosyltransferases are novel targets for antifungal therapy.
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López-Ramírez LA, Martínez-Duncker I, Márquez-Márquez A, Vargas-Macías AP, Mora-Montes HM. Silencing of ROT2, the Encoding Gene of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Glucosidase II, Affects the Cell Wall and the Sporothrix schenckii-Host Interaction. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1220. [PMID: 36422041 PMCID: PMC9692468 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii is a member of the Sporothrix pathogenic clade and one of the most common etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a subcutaneous fungal infection that affects both animal and human beings. Like other fungal pathogens, the Sporothrix cell wall is composed of structural polysaccharides and glycoproteins that are covalently modified with both N-linked and O-linked glycans. Thus far, little is known about the N-linked glycosylation pathway in this organism or its contribution to cell wall composition and interaction with the host. Here, we silenced ROT2, which encodes the catalytic subunit of the endoplasmic reticulum α-glucosidase II, a processing enzyme key for the N-linked glycan core processing. Silencing of ROT2 led to the accumulation of the Glc2Man9GlcNAC2 glycan core at the cell wall and a reduction in the total content of N-linked glycans found in the wall. However, the highly silenced mutants showed a compensatory mechanism with increased content of cell wall O-linked glycans. The phenotype of mutants with intermediate levels of ROT2 silencing was more informative, as they showed changes in the cell wall composition and exposure of β-1.3-glucans and chitin at the cell surface. Furthermore, the ability to stimulate cytokine production by human mononuclear cells was affected, along with the phagocytosis by human monocyte-derived macrophages, in a mannose receptor-, complement receptor 3-, and TLR4-dependent stimulation. In an insect model of experimental sporotrichosis, these mutant cells showed virulence attenuation. In conclusion, S. schenckii ROT2 is required for proper N-linked glycosylation, cell wall organization and composition, and interaction with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz A. López-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Iván Martínez-Duncker
- Laboratorio de Glicobiología Humana y Diagnóstico Molecular, Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico
| | - Anayeli Márquez-Márquez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Ana P. Vargas-Macías
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Héctor M. Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
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Collaboration between Antagonistic Cell Type Regulators Governs Natural Variation in the Candida albicans Biofilm and Hyphal Gene Expression Network. mBio 2022; 13:e0193722. [PMID: 35993746 PMCID: PMC9600859 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01937-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is among the most significant human fungal pathogens. However, the vast majority of C. albicans studies have focused on a single clinical isolate and its marked derivatives. We investigated natural variation among clinical C. albicans isolates in gene regulatory control of biofilm formation, a process crucial to virulence. The transcription factor Efg1 is required for biofilm-associated gene expression and biofilm formation. Previously, we found extensive variation in Efg1-responsive gene expression among 5 diverse clinical isolates. However, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis showed that Efg1 binding to genomic loci was uniform among the isolates. Functional dissection of strain differences identified three transcription factors, Brg1, Tec1, and Wor1, for which small changes in expression levels reshaped the Efg1 regulatory network. Brg1 and Tec1 are known biofilm activators, and their role in Efg1 network variation may be expected. However, Wor1 is a known repressor of EFG1 expression and an inhibitor of biofilm formation. In contrast, we found that a modest increase in WOR1 RNA levels, reflecting the expression differences between C. albicans strains, could augment biofilm formation and expression of biofilm-related genes. The analysis of natural variation here reveals a novel function for a well-characterized gene and illustrates that strain diversity offers a unique resource for elucidation of network interactions.
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Mendoza-Reyes DF, Gómez-Gaviria M, Mora-Montes HM. Candida lusitaniae: Biology, Pathogenicity, Virulence Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:5121-5135. [PMID: 36068831 PMCID: PMC9441179 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s383785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of fungal infections is increasing at an alarming rate and has posed a great challenge for science in recent years. The rise in these infections has been related to the increase in immunocompromised patients and the resistance of different species to antifungal drugs. Infections caused by the different Candida species, especially Candida albicans, are one of the most common mycoses in humans, and the etiological agents are considered opportunistic pathogens associated with high mortality rates when disseminated infections occur. Candida lusitaniae is considered an emerging opportunistic pathogen that most frequently affects immunocompromised patients with some comorbidity. Although it is a low-frequency pathogen, and the mortality rate of C. lusitaniae-caused candidemia does not exceed 5%, some isolates are known to be resistant to antifungals such as amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, and fluconazole. In this paper, a detailed review of the current literature on this organism and its different aspects, such as its biology, possible virulence factors, pathogen-host interaction, diagnosis, and treatment of infection, is provided. Of particular interest, through Blastp analysis we predicted possible virulence factors in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana F Mendoza-Reyes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, C.P. 36050, México
| | - Manuela Gómez-Gaviria
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, C.P. 36050, México
- Correspondence: Manuela Gómez-Gaviria; Héctor M Mora-Montes, Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato, Gto, C.P. 36050, México, Tel +52 473-7320006 Ext. 8193, Fax +52 473-7320006 Ext. 8153, Email ;
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, C.P. 36050, México
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Mora-Montes HM, García-Gutiérrez K, García-Carnero LC, Lozoya-Pérez NE, Ramirez-Prado JH. The Search for Cryptic L-Rhamnosyltransferases on the Sporothrix schenckii Genome. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050529. [PMID: 35628784 PMCID: PMC9145935 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal cell wall is an attractive structure to look for new antifungal drug targets and for understanding the host-fungus interaction. Sporothrix schenckii is one of the main causative agents of both human and animal sporotrichosis and currently is the species most studied of the Sporothrix genus. The cell wall of this organism has been previously analyzed, and rhamnoconjugates are signature molecules found on the surface of both mycelia and yeast-like cells. Similar to other reactions where sugars are covalently linked to other sugars, lipids, or proteins, the rhamnosylation process in this organism is expected to involve glycosyltransferases with the ability to transfer rhamnose from a sugar donor to the acceptor molecule, i.e., rhamnosyltransferases. However, no obvious rhamnosyltransferase has thus far been identified within the S. schenckii proteome or genome. Here, using a Hidden Markov Model profile strategy, we found within the S. schenckii genome five putative genes encoding for rhamnosyltransferases. Expression analyses indicated that only two of them, named RHT1 and RHT2, were significantly expressed in yeast-like cells and during interaction with the host. These two genes were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, and the purified recombinant proteins showed rhamnosyltransferase activity, dependent on the presence of UDP-rhamnose as a sugar donor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about rhamnosyltransferases in S. schenckii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor M. Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta S/N, Col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato, Guanajuato 360501, Mexico; (H.M.M.-M.); (K.G.-G.); (L.C.G.-C.); (N.E.L.-P.)
| | - Karina García-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta S/N, Col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato, Guanajuato 360501, Mexico; (H.M.M.-M.); (K.G.-G.); (L.C.G.-C.); (N.E.L.-P.)
| | - Laura C. García-Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta S/N, Col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato, Guanajuato 360501, Mexico; (H.M.M.-M.); (K.G.-G.); (L.C.G.-C.); (N.E.L.-P.)
| | - Nancy E. Lozoya-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta S/N, Col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato, Guanajuato 360501, Mexico; (H.M.M.-M.); (K.G.-G.); (L.C.G.-C.); (N.E.L.-P.)
| | - Jorge H. Ramirez-Prado
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Calle 43 No. 130, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida, Yucatan 97205, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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