1
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Qu X, Bhalla K, Horianopoulos LC, Hu G, Alcázar Magaña A, Foster LJ, Roque da Silva LB, Kretschmer M, Kronstad JW. Phosphate availability conditions caspofungin tolerance, capsule attachment and titan cell formation in Cryptococcus neoformans. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1447588. [PMID: 39206133 PMCID: PMC11349702 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1447588] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for new antifungal drugs to treat invasive fungal diseases. Unfortunately, the echinocandin drugs that are fungicidal against other important fungal pathogens are ineffective against Cryptococcus neoformans, the causative agent of life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised people. Contributing mechanisms for echinocandin tolerance are emerging with connections to calcineurin signaling, the cell wall, and membrane composition. In this context, we discovered that a defect in phosphate uptake impairs the tolerance of C. neoformans to the echinocandin caspofungin. Our previous analysis of mutants lacking three high affinity phosphate transporters revealed reduced elaboration of the polysaccharide capsule and attenuated virulence in mice. We investigated the underlying mechanisms and found that loss of the transporters and altered phosphate availability influences the cell wall and membrane composition. These changes contribute to the shedding of capsule polysaccharide thus explaining the reduced size of capsules on mutants lacking the phosphate transporters. We also found an influence of the calcineurin pathway including calcium sensitivity and an involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum in the response to phosphate limitation. Furthermore, we identified membrane and lipid composition changes consistent with the role of phosphate in phospholipid biosynthesis and with previous studies implicating membrane integrity in caspofungin tolerance. Finally, we discovered a contribution of phosphate to titan cell formation, a cell type that displays modified cell wall and capsule composition. Overall, our analysis reinforces the importance of phosphate as a regulator of cell wall and membrane composition with implications for capsule attachment and antifungal drug susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianya Qu
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kabir Bhalla
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Linda C. Horianopoulos
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Guanggan Hu
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Armando Alcázar Magaña
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolomics Core Facility, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Leonard J. Foster
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolomics Core Facility, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Matthias Kretschmer
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James W. Kronstad
- The Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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2
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Acosta-Zaldívar M, Qi W, Mishra A, Roy U, King WR, Li Y, Patton-Vogt J, Anderson MZ, Köhler JR. Candida albicans' inorganic phosphate transport and evolutionary adaptation to phosphate scarcity. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011156. [PMID: 39137212 PMCID: PMC11343460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus is essential in all cells' structural, metabolic and regulatory functions. For fungal cells that import inorganic phosphate (Pi) up a steep concentration gradient, surface Pi transporters are critical capacitators of growth. Fungi must deploy Pi transporters that enable optimal Pi uptake in pH and Pi concentration ranges prevalent in their environments. Single, triple and quadruple mutants were used to characterize the four Pi transporters we identified for the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, which must adapt to alkaline conditions during invasion of the host bloodstream and deep organs. A high-affinity Pi transporter, Pho84, was most efficient across the widest pH range while another, Pho89, showed high-affinity characteristics only within one pH unit of neutral. Two low-affinity Pi transporters, Pho87 and Fgr2, were active only in acidic conditions. Only Pho84 among the Pi transporters was clearly required in previously identified Pi-related functions including Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 signaling, oxidative stress resistance and hyphal growth. We used in vitro evolution and whole genome sequencing as an unbiased forward genetic approach to probe adaptation to prolonged Pi scarcity of two quadruple mutant lineages lacking all 4 Pi transporters. Lineage-specific genomic changes corresponded to divergent success of the two lineages in fitness recovery during Pi limitation. Initial, large-scale genomic alterations like aneuploidies and loss of heterozygosity eventually resolved, as populations gained small-scale mutations. Severity of some phenotypes linked to Pi starvation, like cell wall stress hypersensitivity, decreased in parallel to evolving populations' fitness recovery in Pi scarcity, while severity of others like membrane stress responses diverged from Pi scarcity fitness. Among preliminary candidate genes for contributors to fitness recovery, those with links to TORC1 were overrepresented. Since Pi homeostasis differs substantially between fungi and humans, adaptive processes to Pi deprivation may harbor small-molecule targets that impact fungal growth, stress resistance and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maikel Acosta-Zaldívar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wanjun Qi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Abhishek Mishra
- Center for Genomic Science Innovation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Udita Roy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - William R. King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yuping Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jana Patton-Vogt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew Z. Anderson
- Center for Genomic Science Innovation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Julia R. Köhler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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3
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Gross AS, Ghillebert R, Schuetter M, Reinartz E, Rowland A, Bishop BC, Stumpe M, Dengjel J, Graef M. A metabolite sensor subunit of the Atg1/ULK complex regulates selective autophagy. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:366-377. [PMID: 38316984 PMCID: PMC10940145 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01348-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Cells convert complex metabolic information into stress-adapted autophagy responses. Canonically, multilayered protein kinase networks converge on the conserved Atg1/ULK kinase complex (AKC) to induce non-selective and selective forms of autophagy in response to metabolic changes. Here we show that, upon phosphate starvation, the metabolite sensor Pho81 interacts with the adaptor subunit Atg11 at the AKC via an Atg11/FIP200 interaction motif to modulate pexophagy by virtue of its conserved phospho-metabolite sensing SPX domain. Notably, core AKC components Atg13 and Atg17 are dispensable for phosphate starvation-induced autophagy revealing significant compositional and functional plasticity of the AKC. Our data indicate that, instead of functioning as a selective autophagy receptor, Pho81 compensates for partially inactive Atg13 by promoting Atg11 phosphorylation by Atg1 critical for pexophagy during phosphate starvation. Our work shows Atg11/FIP200 adaptor subunits bind not only selective autophagy receptors but also modulator subunits that convey metabolic information directly to the AKC for autophagy regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Gross
- Max Planck Research Group of Autophagy and Cellular Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
- Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Ghillebert
- Max Planck Research Group of Autophagy and Cellular Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - M Schuetter
- Max Planck Research Metabolomics Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - E Reinartz
- Max Planck Research Group of Autophagy and Cellular Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Rowland
- Max Planck Research Group of Autophagy and Cellular Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - B C Bishop
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - M Stumpe
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - J Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - M Graef
- Max Planck Research Group of Autophagy and Cellular Ageing, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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4
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Acosta-Zaldívar M, Qi W, Mishra A, Roy U, King WR, Patton-Vogt J, Anderson MZ, Köhler JR. Candida albicans' inorganic phosphate transport and evolutionary adaptation to phosphate scarcity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.577887. [PMID: 38352318 PMCID: PMC10862840 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.577887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Phosphorus is essential in all cells' structural, metabolic and regulatory functions. For fungal cells that import inorganic phosphate (Pi) up a steep concentration gradient, surface Pi transporters are critical capacitators of growth. Fungi must deploy Pi transporters that enable optimal Pi uptake in pH and Pi concentration ranges prevalent in their environments. Single, triple and quadruple mutants were used to characterize the four Pi transporters we identified for the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, which must adapt to alkaline conditions during invasion of the host bloodstream and deep organs. A high-affinity Pi transporter, Pho84, was most efficient across the widest pH range while another, Pho89, showed high-affinity characteristics only within one pH unit of neutral. Two low-affinity Pi transporters, Pho87 and Fgr2, were active only in acidic conditions. Only Pho84 among the Pi transporters was clearly required in previously identified Pi-related functions including Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 signaling and hyphal growth. We used in vitro evolution and whole genome sequencing as an unbiased forward genetic approach to probe adaptation to prolonged Pi scarcity of two quadruple mutant lineages lacking all 4 Pi transporters. Lineage-specific genomic changes corresponded to divergent success of the two lineages in fitness recovery during Pi limitation. In this process, initial, large-scale genomic alterations like aneuploidies and loss of heterozygosity were eventually lost as populations presumably gained small-scale mutations. Severity of some phenotypes linked to Pi starvation, like cell wall stress hypersensitivity, decreased in parallel to evolving populations' fitness recovery in Pi scarcity, while that of others like membrane stress responses diverged from these fitness phenotypes. C. albicans therefore has diverse options to reconfigure Pi management during prolonged scarcity. Since Pi homeostasis differs substantially between fungi and humans, adaptive processes to Pi deprivation may harbor small-molecule targets that impact fungal growth and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maikel Acosta-Zaldívar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Current affiliation: Planasa, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Wanjun Qi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abhishek Mishra
- Center for Genomic Science Innovation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Udita Roy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - William R. King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jana Patton-Vogt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew Z. Anderson
- Center for Genomic Science Innovation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Department of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Julia R. Köhler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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5
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King WR, Acosta-Zaldívar M, Qi W, Cherico N, Cooke L, Köhler JR, Patton-Vogt J. Glycerophosphocholine provision rescues Candida albicans growth and signaling phenotypes associated with phosphate limitation. mSphere 2023; 8:e0023123. [PMID: 37843297 PMCID: PMC10732039 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00231-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is the most commonly isolated species from patients suffering from invasive fungal disease. C. albicans is most commonly a commensal organism colonizing a variety of niches in the human host. The fungus must compete for resources with the host flora to acquire essential nutrients such as phosphate. Phosphate acquisition and homeostasis have been shown to play a key role in C. albicans virulence, with several genes involved in these processes being required for normal virulence and several being upregulated during infection. In addition to inorganic phosphate (Pi), C. albicans can utilize the lipid-derived metabolite glycerophosphocholine (GPC) as a phosphate source. As GPC is available within the human host, we examined the role of GPC in phosphate homeostasis in C. albicans. We find that GPC can substitute for Pi by many though not all criteria and is likely a relevant physiological phosphate source for C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maikel Acosta-Zaldívar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wanjun Qi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas Cherico
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren Cooke
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julia R. Köhler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jana Patton-Vogt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Liang J, Tang H, Snyder LF, Youngstrom CE, He BZ. Divergence of TORC1-mediated stress response leads to novel acquired stress resistance in a pathogenic yeast. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011748. [PMID: 37871123 PMCID: PMC10621968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired stress resistance (ASR) enables organisms to prepare for environmental changes that occur after an initial stressor. However, the genetic basis for ASR and how the underlying network evolved remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that a short phosphate starvation induces oxidative stress response (OSR) genes in the pathogenic yeast C. glabrata and protects it against a severe H2O2 stress; the same treatment, however, provides little benefit in the low pathogenic-potential relative, S. cerevisiae. This ASR involves the same transcription factors (TFs) as the OSR, but with different combinatorial logics. We show that Target-of-Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) is differentially inhibited by phosphate starvation in the two species and contributes to the ASR via its proximal effector, Sch9. Therefore, evolution of the phosphate starvation-induced ASR involves the rewiring of TORC1's response to phosphate limitation and the repurposing of TF-target gene networks for the OSR using new regulatory logics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinye Liang
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Hanxi Tang
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Lindsey F. Snyder
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | | | - Bin Z. He
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
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7
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Zvonarev AN, Trilisenko LV, Farofonova VV, Kulakovskaya EV, Abashina TN, Dmitriev VV, Kulakovskaya T. The Extracellular Vesicles Containing Inorganic Polyphosphate of Candida Yeast upon Growth on Hexadecane. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:529-543. [PMID: 37873811 PMCID: PMC10594515 DOI: 10.3390/jox13040034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell wall of Candida yeast grown on presence of hexadecane as a sole carbon source undergoes structural and functional changes including the formation of specific supramolecular complexes-canals. The canals contain specific polysaccharides and enzymes that provide primary oxidization of alkanes. In addition, inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) was identified in Candida maltosa canals. The aim of the work was a comparative study of the features of cell walls and extracellular structures in yeast C. maltosa, C. albicans and C. tropicalis with special attention to inorganic polyphosphates as possible part of these structures when grown on the widely used xenobiotic hexadecane (diesel fuel). Fluorescence microscopy with DAPI has shown an unusual localization of polyP on the cell surface and in the exovesicles in the three yeast species, when growing on hexadecane. Electron-scanning microscopy showed that the exovesicles were associated with the cell wall and also presented in the external environment probably as biofilm components. Treatment of hexadecane-grown cells with purified Ppx1 polyphosphatase led to the release of phosphate into the incubation medium and the disappearance of polyP in vesicles and cell wall observed using microscopic methods. The results indicate the important role of polyP in the formation of extracellular structures in the Candida yeast when consuming hexadecane and are important for the design of xenobiotic destructors based on yeast or mixed cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton N. Zvonarev
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.N.Z.); (L.V.T.); (E.V.K.); (V.V.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Ludmila V. Trilisenko
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.N.Z.); (L.V.T.); (E.V.K.); (V.V.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Vasilina V. Farofonova
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina V. Kulakovskaya
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.N.Z.); (L.V.T.); (E.V.K.); (V.V.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Tatiana N. Abashina
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.N.Z.); (L.V.T.); (E.V.K.); (V.V.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Vladimir V. Dmitriev
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.N.Z.); (L.V.T.); (E.V.K.); (V.V.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Tatiana Kulakovskaya
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (A.N.Z.); (L.V.T.); (E.V.K.); (V.V.D.); (T.K.)
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8
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Liang J, Tang H, Snyder LF, Youngstrom CE, He BZ. Divergence of TORC1-mediated Stress Response Leads to Novel Acquired Stress Resistance in a Pathogenic Yeast. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.20.545716. [PMID: 37781605 PMCID: PMC10541095 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.20.545716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Acquired stress resistance (ASR) enables organisms to prepare for environmental changes that occur after an initial stressor. However, the genetic basis for ASR and how the underlying network evolved remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that a short phosphate starvation induces oxidative stress response (OSR) genes in the pathogenic yeast C. glabrata and protects it against a severe H2O2 stress; the same treatment, however, provides little benefit in the low pathogenic-potential relative, S. cerevisiae. This ASR involves the same transcription factors (TFs) as the OSR, but with different combinatorial logics. We show that Target-of-Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) is differentially inhibited by phosphate starvation in the two species and contributes to the ASR via its proximal effector, Sch9. Therefore, evolution of the phosphate starvation-induced ASR involves the rewiring of TORC1's response to phosphate limitation and the repurposing of TF-target gene networks for the OSR using new regulatory logics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinye Liang
- Biology Department, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Hanxi Tang
- Biology Department, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Lindsey F. Snyder
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | | | - Bin Z. He
- Biology Department, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
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9
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Liu W, Wang J, Comte‐Miserez V, Zhang M, Yu X, Chen Q, Jessen HJ, Mayer A, Wu S, Ye S. Cryo-EM structure of the polyphosphate polymerase VTC reveals coupling of polymer synthesis to membrane transit. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113320. [PMID: 37066886 PMCID: PMC10183816 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022113320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic vacuolar transporter chaperone (VTC) complex acts as a polyphosphate (polyP) polymerase that synthesizes polyP from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and translocates polyP across the vacuolar membrane to maintain an intracellular phosphate (Pi ) homeostasis. To discover how the VTC complex performs its function, we determined a cryo-electron microscopy structure of an endogenous VTC complex (Vtc4/Vtc3/Vtc1) purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 3.1 Å resolution. The structure reveals a heteropentameric architecture of one Vtc4, one Vtc3, and three Vtc1 subunits. The transmembrane region forms a polyP-selective channel, likely adopting a resting state conformation, in which a latch-like, horizontal helix of Vtc4 limits the entrance. The catalytic Vtc4 central domain is located on top of the pseudo-symmetric polyP channel, creating a strongly electropositive pathway for nascent polyP that can couple synthesis to translocation. The SPX domain of the catalytic Vtc4 subunit positively regulates polyP synthesis by the VTC complex. The noncatalytic Vtc3 regulates VTC through a phosphorylatable loop. Our findings, along with the functional data, allow us to propose a mechanism of polyP channel gating and VTC complex activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life SciencesTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Jiening Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio‐Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | | | - Mengyu Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life SciencesTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Xuejing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio‐Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- School of Life SciencesYunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Henning Jacob Jessen
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Andreas Mayer
- Département d'ImmunobiologieUniversité de LausanneEpalingesSwitzerland
| | - Shan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio‐Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Sheng Ye
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life SciencesTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
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10
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Makvandi P, Song H, Yiu CKY, Sartorius R, Zare EN, Rabiee N, Wu WX, Paiva-Santos AC, Wang XD, Yu CZ, Tay FR. Bioengineered materials with selective antimicrobial toxicity in biomedicine. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:8. [PMID: 36829246 PMCID: PMC9951506 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi and bacteria afflict humans with innumerous pathogen-related infections and ailments. Most of the commonly employed microbicidal agents target commensal and pathogenic microorganisms without discrimination. To distinguish and fight the pathogenic species out of the microflora, novel antimicrobials have been developed that selectively target specific bacteria and fungi. The cell wall features and antimicrobial mechanisms that these microorganisms involved in are highlighted in the present review. This is followed by reviewing the design of antimicrobials that selectively combat a specific community of microbes including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains as well as fungi. Finally, recent advances in the antimicrobial immunomodulation strategy that enables treating microorganism infections with high specificity are reviewed. These basic tenets will enable the avid reader to design novel approaches and compounds for antibacterial and antifungal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Materials Interfaces, Pontedera, 56025, Italy. .,The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hao Song
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Cynthia K Y Yiu
- Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rossella Sartorius
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Navid Rabiee
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Wei-Xi Wu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Xiang-Dong Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cheng-Zhong Yu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Franklin R Tay
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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11
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AlGhamdi AS, Qamar Z, AlSheikh R, Al Hinai MTA, Abdul NS, Aljoghaiman EA, Ali S. Clinical efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy versus topical antifungal agent and surgical excision for the treatment of hyperplastic candidiasis. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2022; 41:103258. [PMID: 36592782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.103258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperplastic candidiasis (HC) is a chronic infection of oral mucosa caused by Candida. Owing to its potential for malignant transformation, its intervention requires attention. Conventional surgical resection might lead to irreversible damage and impact the patient's quality of life. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone and in combination with topical antifungal therapy (i.e., nystatin [combination therapy]) in comparison with nystatin and surgical resection for the treatment of HC. METHODS Forty subjects with clinical and histopathological diagnoses of HC were included in the study. Four study groups, with 10 participants each, were formed as follows: Group-I - receiving antifungal agent [nystatin]; Group-II - receiving surgical resection; Group-III - receiving PDT; and Group-IV - receiving 5-ALA-mediated PDT and nystatin [combination therapy]. Salivary and mucosal samples were collected for the quantification of Candida albicans and the treatment responses to different interventions were recorded at week-4, week-6, and week-8 after finishing therapies. RESULTS At the 3rd follow-up (i.e., at end of the 8th week after the interventions), complete improvement in 3 (30%), 2 (20%), 1 (10%), and 5 (50%) patients in group-I, group-II, group-III, and group-IV, respectively was observed. A statistically significant difference was obtained when the intervention responses were compared at week-4 (p<0.01), week-6 (p<0.01), and week-8 (p<0.0001) follow-ups in group-I, group-II, and group-IV subjects. At the 8-week follow-up regarding the salivary and mucosal samples, the lowest colony-forming units/milliliter score of C. albicans was observed in group-IV subjects. CONCLUSION The application of 5-ALA-mediated PDT in combination with nystatin gel possesses the potential as a well-tolerated and safe therapeutic modality for the treatment of patients with HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdulRahman Saeed AlGhamdi
- Department of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Zeeshan Qamar
- Department of O&MFS and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rasha AlSheikh
- Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muntasar Talib Ali Al Hinai
- Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat Oman
| | - Nishath Sayed Abdul
- Department of OMFS and Diagnostic Sciences (Oral Pathology), Faculty of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Ahmed Aljoghaiman
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saqib Ali
- Department of Biomedical Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Nagasa GD, Belete A. Review on Nanomaterials and Nano-Scaled Systems for Topical and Systemic Delivery of Antifungal Drugs. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:1819-1840. [PMID: 36060421 PMCID: PMC9432385 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s359282] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are human infections that topically affect the skin, mucous membranes, or more serious, invasive, and systemic diseases of the internal organs. The design and advancement of the formulation and approach of administration for therapeutic agents depend on many variables. The correlation between the formulations, mode of administration, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and clinical indication must be thoroughly studied for the successful evolution of suitable drug delivery systems. There are several NP formulations that serve as good delivery approaches for antifungal drugs. This paper covers various groups of nanoparticles utilized in antifungal drug delivery, such as phospholipid-based vesicles (nanovesicles), non-phospholipid vesicles, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and dendrimers, whereby their advantages and drawbacks are emphasized. Many in vitro or cell culture studies with NP formulations achieve an adequate high drug-loading capacity; they do not reach the clinically significant concentrations anticipated for in vivo studies. Because of this, the transfer of these nano-formulations from the laboratory to the clinic could be aided by focusing studies on overcoming problems related to nanoparticle stability, drug loading, and high production and standardization costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anteneh Belete
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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13
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Blocking Polyphosphate Mobilization Inhibits Pho4 Activation and Virulence in the Pathogen Candida albicans. mBio 2022; 13:e0034222. [PMID: 35575514 PMCID: PMC9239153 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00342-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of pathogenic fungi to obtain essential nutrients from the host is vital for virulence. In Candida albicans, acquisition of the macronutrient phosphate is regulated by the Pho4 transcription factor and is important for both virulence and resistance to host-encountered stresses. All cells store phosphate in the form of polyphosphate (polyP), a ubiquitous polymer comprising tens to hundreds of phosphate residues. Release of phosphate from polyP is one of the first responses evoked in response to phosphate starvation, and here, we sought to explore the importance of polyP mobilization in the pathobiology of C. albicans. We found that two polyphosphatases, Ppn1 and Ppx1, function redundantly to release phosphate from polyP in C. albicans. Strikingly, we reveal that blocking polyP mobilization prevents the activation of the Pho4 transcription factor: following Pi starvation, Pho4 fails to accumulate in the nucleus and induce Pi acquisition genes in ppn1Δ ppx1Δ cells. Consequently, ppn1Δ ppx1Δ cells display impaired resistance to the same range of stresses that require Pho4 for survival. In addition, cells lacking both polyphosphatases are exquisitely sensitive to DNA replication stress, indicating that polyP mobilization is needed to support the phosphate-demanding process of DNA replication. Blocking polyP mobilization also results in significant morphological defects, as ppn1Δ ppx1Δ cells form large pseudohypha-like cells that are resistant to serum-induced hypha formation. Thus, polyP mobilization impacts key processes important for the pathobiology of C. albicans, and consistent with this, we found that blocking this process attenuates the virulence of this important human fungal pathogen.
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14
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Wang Y, Zhou J, Zou Y, Chen X, Liu L, Qi W, Huang X, Chen C, Liu NN. Fungal commensalism modulated by a dual-action phosphate transceptor. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110293. [PMID: 35081357 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful host colonization by fungi in fluctuating niches requires response and adaptation to multiple environmental stresses. However, our understanding about how fungal species thrive in the gastrointestinal (GI) ecosystem by combing multifaceted nutritional stress with respect to homeostatic host-commensal interactions is still in its infancy. Here, we discover that depletion of the phosphate transceptor Pho84 across multiple fungal species encountered a substantial cost in gastrointestinal colonization. Mechanistically, Pho84 enhances the gastrointestinal commensalism via a dual-action activity, coordinating both phosphate uptake and TOR activation by induction of the transcriptional regulator Try4 and downstream commensalism-related transcription. As such, Pho84 promotes Candida albicans commensalism, but this does not translate into enhanced pathogenicity. Thus, our study uncovers a specific nutrient-dependent dual-action regulatory pathway for Pho84 on fungal commensalism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; The Nanjing Unicorn Academy of Innovation, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yun Zou
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; The Nanjing Unicorn Academy of Innovation, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wanjun Qi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xinhua Huang
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Changbin Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; The Nanjing Unicorn Academy of Innovation, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 211135, China.
| | - Ning-Ning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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15
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Successful treatment of chronic hyperplastic candidiasis with 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy: A case report. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2021; 37:102633. [PMID: 34798345 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis (CHC) is a chronic oral mucosal infection caused by Candida. Refractory hyperplastic lesions may lead to epithelial dysplasia and carcinogenesis. Traditional surgical resection may cause irreversible damage and effect the patient's quality of life. This paper reports the case of a 63-year-old man with CHC. After routine treatment, local hyperplastic lesions remained. Photodynamic therapy with ALA was applied to the hyperplastic lesions and yielded satisfactory results, with no recurrence at 1 year. This case report describes a promising, effective method for the treatment of CHC.
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16
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Tang S, Chen J, Cannon J, Cao Z, Baker JR, Wang SH. Dendrimer-based posaconazole nanoplatform for antifungal therapy. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:2150-2159. [PMID: 34617850 PMCID: PMC8510609 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.1986605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined formulating a new antifungal agent, posaconazole (POS) and its derivatives, with different molecular vehicles. Several combinations of drug and carrier molecules were synthesized, and their antifungal activities were evaluated against Aspergillus fumigatus. Posaconazole and four of its derivatives were conjugated to either generation 5 (G5) dendrimers or partially modified G5 dendrimers. The in vitro antifungal activities of these compounds suggest that conjugates with specific chemical linkages showed better fungistatic activity than direct conjugates to POS. In particular, a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-imidazole modified G5 dendrimer demonstrated improved antifungal efficacy relative to the parent G5 molecule. Further studies were then conducted with POS derived molecules coupled to PEG-imidazole modified G5 dendrimers to achieve a highly soluble and active conjugate of POS. This conjugated macromolecule averaged 23 POS molecules per G5 and had a high solubility with 50 mg/mL, which improved the molar solubility of POS from less than 0.03 mg/mL to as high as 16 mg/mL in water. The primary release profile of the drug in human plasma was extended to over 72 h, which is reflected in the in vitro inhibition of A. fumigatus growth of over 96 h. These POS–polymer conjugates appear to be novel and efficient antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengzhuang Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jesse Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jayme Cannon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zhengyi Cao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James R Baker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Su He Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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17
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Bhalla K, Qu X, Kretschmer M, Kronstad JW. The phosphate language of fungi. Trends Microbiol 2021; 30:338-349. [PMID: 34479774 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Phosphate is an essential macronutrient for fungal proliferation as well as a key mediator of antagonistic, beneficial, and pathogenic interactions between fungi and other organisms. In this review, we summarize recent insights into the integration of phosphate metabolism with mechanisms of fungal adaptation that support growth and survival. In particular, we highlight aspects of phosphate sensing important for responses to stress and regulation of cell-surface changes with an impact on fungal pathogenesis, host immune responses, and disease outcomes. Additionally, new studies provide insights into the influence of phosphate availability on cooperative or antagonistic interactions between fungi and other microbes, the associations of mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi with plants, and connections with plant immunity. Overall, phosphate homeostasis is emerging as an integral part of fungal metabolism and communication to support diverse lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Bhalla
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Xianya Qu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Matthias Kretschmer
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James W Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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18
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Zhou X, Li J, Tang N, Xie H, Fan X, Chen H, Tang M, Xie X. Genome-Wide Analysis of Nutrient Signaling Pathways Conserved in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1557. [PMID: 34442636 PMCID: PMC8401276 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form a mutualistic symbiosis with a majority of terrestrial vascular plants. To achieve an efficient nutrient trade with their hosts, AM fungi sense external and internal nutrients, and integrate different hierarchic regulations to optimize nutrient acquisition and homeostasis during mycorrhization. However, the underlying molecular networks in AM fungi orchestrating the nutrient sensing and signaling remain elusive. Based on homology search, we here found that at least 72 gene components involved in four nutrient sensing and signaling pathways, including cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA), sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1) protein kinase, target of rapamycin kinase (TOR) and phosphate (PHO) signaling cascades, are well conserved in AM fungi. Based on the knowledge known in model yeast and filamentous fungi, we outlined the possible gene networks functioning in AM fungi. These pathways may regulate the expression of downstream genes involved in nutrient transport, lipid metabolism, trehalase activity, stress resistance and autophagy. The RNA-seq analysis and qRT-PCR results of some core genes further indicate that these pathways may play important roles in spore germination, appressorium formation, arbuscule longevity and sporulation of AM fungi. We hope to inspire further studies on the roles of these candidate genes involved in these nutrient sensing and signaling pathways in AM fungi and AM symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (H.X.); (X.F.); (H.C.)
| | - Jiangyong Li
- Institute for Environmental and Climate Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China;
| | - Nianwu Tang
- UMR Interactions Arbres/Microorganismes, Centre INRA-Grand Est-Nancy, 54280 Champenoux, France;
| | - Hongyun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (H.X.); (X.F.); (H.C.)
| | - Xiaoning Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (H.X.); (X.F.); (H.C.)
| | - Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (H.X.); (X.F.); (H.C.)
| | - Ming Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (H.X.); (X.F.); (H.C.)
| | - Xianan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (H.X.); (X.F.); (H.C.)
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19
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Márquez-Moñino MÁ, Ortega-García R, Shipton ML, Franco-Echevarría E, Riley AM, Sanz-Aparicio J, Potter BVL, González B. Multiple substrate recognition by yeast diadenosine and diphosphoinositol polyphosphate phosphohydrolase through phosphate clamping. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/17/eabf6744. [PMID: 33893105 PMCID: PMC8064635 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf6744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The yeast diadenosine and diphosphoinositol polyphosphate phosphohydrolase DDP1 is a Nudix enzyme with pyrophosphatase activity on diphosphoinositides, dinucleotides, and polyphosphates. These substrates bind to diverse protein targets and participate in signaling and metabolism, being essential for energy and phosphate homeostasis, ATPase pump regulation, or protein phosphorylation. An exhaustive structural study of DDP1 in complex with multiple ligands related to its three diverse substrate classes is reported. This allowed full characterization of the DDP1 active site depicting the molecular basis for endowing multisubstrate abilities to a Nudix enzyme, driven by phosphate anchoring following a defined path. This study, combined with multiple enzyme variants, reveals the different substrate binding modes, preferences, and selection. Our findings expand current knowledge on this important structural superfamily with implications extending beyond inositide research. This work represents a valuable tool for inhibitor/substrate design for ScDDP1 and orthologs as potential targets to address fungal infections and other health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Márquez-Moñino
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry Rocasolano, CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Ortega-García
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry Rocasolano, CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Megan L Shipton
- Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Elsa Franco-Echevarría
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry Rocasolano, CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew M Riley
- Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Julia Sanz-Aparicio
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry Rocasolano, CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Barry V L Potter
- Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Beatriz González
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical-Chemistry Rocasolano, CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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20
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Aspergillus fumigatus, One Uninucleate Species with Disparate Offspring. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010030. [PMID: 33419224 PMCID: PMC7825634 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishment of a fungal infection due to Aspergillus fumigatus relies on the efficient germination of the airborne conidia once they penetrate the respiratory tract. However, the features of conidial germination have been poorly explored and understood in this fungal species as well as in other species of filamentous fungi. We show here that the germination of A. fumigatus is asynchronous. If the nutritional environment and extensive gene deletions can modify the germination parameters for A. fumigatus, the asynchrony is maintained in all germinative conditions tested. Even though the causes for this asynchrony of conidial germination remain unknown, asynchrony is essential for the completion of the biological cycle of this filamentous fungus.
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21
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History of the development of antifungal azoles: A review on structures, SAR, and mechanism of action. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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22
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Abstract
In the human-pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, the inositol polyphosphate signaling pathway is critical for virulence. We recently demonstrated the key role of the inositol pyrophosphate IP7 (isomer 5-PP-IP5) in driving fungal virulence; however, the mechanism of action remains elusive. Using genetic and biochemical approaches, and mouse infection models, we show that IP7 synthesized by Kcs1 regulates fungal virulence by binding to a conserved lysine surface cluster in the SPX domain of Pho81. Pho81 is the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor of the phosphate signaling (PHO) pathway. We also provide novel mechanistic insight into the role of IP7 in PHO pathway regulation by demonstrating that IP7 functions as an intermolecular "glue" to stabilize Pho81 association with Pho85/Pho80 and, hence, promote PHO pathway activation and phosphate acquisition. Blocking IP7-Pho81 interaction using site-directed mutagenesis led to a dramatic loss of fungal virulence in a mouse infection model, and the effect was similar to that observed following PHO81 gene deletion, highlighting the key importance of Pho81 in fungal virulence. Furthermore, our findings provide additional evidence of evolutionary divergence in PHO pathway regulation in fungi by demonstrating that IP7 isomers have evolved different roles in PHO pathway control in C. neoformans and nonpathogenic yeast.IMPORTANCE Invasive fungal diseases pose a serious threat to human health globally with >1.5 million deaths occurring annually, 180,000 of which are attributable to the AIDS-related pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans Here, we demonstrate that interaction of the inositol pyrophosphate, IP7, with the CDK inhibitor protein, Pho81, is instrumental in promoting fungal virulence. IP7-Pho81 interaction stabilizes Pho81 association with other CDK complex components to promote PHO pathway activation and phosphate acquisition. Our data demonstrating that blocking IP7-Pho81 interaction or preventing Pho81 production leads to a dramatic loss in fungal virulence, coupled with Pho81 having no homologue in humans, highlights Pho81 function as a potential target for the development of urgently needed antifungal drugs.
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Zoidis G, Kritsi E, Lecinska P, Ivanov M, Zoumpoulakis P, Sokovic M, Catto M. The Triazole Ring as a Privileged Scaffold for Putative Antifungals: Synthesis and Evaluation of a Series of New Analogues. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:134-144. [PMID: 33428335 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The significant antifungal activity of a series of novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives against different strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Aspergillus fumigatus, compared to the commercial fungicides ketoconazole and itraconazole, is reported. Systemic mycosis and invasive fungal infections, whether from immunodeficiency or hospital-acquired infection, have been on an upward trend for several years. The 1,2,4-triazole ring substituted with other aromatic and heteroaromatic systems plays an important role in the field of antifungal drug discovery and development. Thus, an extensive series of 29 triazoles, substituted in different positions with a variety of aromatic rings, has been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their fungicidal activity. Almost all the agents tested in vitro showed high activity against all examined fungal strains. It is noteworthy that, in the case of A. fumigatus, all the examined compounds achieved equal or higher antifungal activity than ketoconazole, but less activity than itraconazole. Among all the derivatives studied, the dichlorourea analogue and bromo-substituted triazole stand out as the most promising compounds. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models were built for a systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) profile to explain and potentially explore the potency characteristics of 1,2,4-triazole analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigoris Zoidis
- Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Eftichia Kritsi
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Vas. Constantinou Ave. 48, 11635, Athens, Greece
| | - Paulina Lecinska
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Marija Ivanov
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Panagiotis Zoumpoulakis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Vas. Constantinou Ave. 48, 11635, Athens, Greece
| | - Marina Sokovic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marco Catto
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
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Abstract
Phosphate is an essential nutrient for life and is a critical component of bone formation, a major signaling molecule, and structural component of cell walls. Phosphate is also a component of high-energy compounds (i.e., AMP, ADP, and ATP) and essential for nucleic acid helical structure (i.e., RNA and DNA). Phosphate plays a central role in the process of mineralization, normal serum levels being associated with appropriate bone mineralization, while high and low serum levels are associated with soft tissue calcification. The serum concentration of phosphate and the total body content of phosphate are highly regulated, a process that is accomplished by the coordinated effort of two families of sodium-dependent transporter proteins. The three isoforms of the SLC34 family (SLC34A1-A3) show very restricted tissue expression and regulate intestinal absorption and renal excretion of phosphate. SLC34A2 also regulates the phosphate concentration in multiple lumen fluids including milk, saliva, pancreatic fluid, and surfactant. Both isoforms of the SLC20 family exhibit ubiquitous expression (with some variation as to which one or both are expressed), are regulated by ambient phosphate, and likely serve the phosphate needs of the individual cell. These proteins exhibit similarities to phosphate transporters in nonmammalian organisms. The proteins are nonredundant as mutations in each yield unique clinical presentations. Further research is essential to understand the function, regulation, and coordination of the various phosphate transporters, both the ones described in this review and the phosphate transporters involved in intracellular transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nati Hernando
- University of Zurich-Irchel, Institute of Physiology, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; and Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Kenneth Gagnon
- University of Zurich-Irchel, Institute of Physiology, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; and Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Eleanor Lederer
- University of Zurich-Irchel, Institute of Physiology, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; and Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, Kentucky
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Phosphate in Virulence of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6020040. [PMID: 32224872 PMCID: PMC7344514 DOI: 10.3390/jof6020040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species are the most commonly isolated invasive human fungal pathogens. A role for phosphate acquisition in their growth, resistance against host immune cells, and tolerance of important antifungal medications is becoming apparent. Phosphorus is an essential element in vital components of the cell, including chromosomes and ribosomes. Producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP, requires abundant inorganic phosphate. A comparison of the network of regulators and effectors that controls phosphate acquisition and intracellular distribution, the PHO regulon, between the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a plant saprobe, its evolutionarily close relative C. glabrata, and the more distantly related C. albicans, highlights the need to coordinate phosphate homeostasis with adenylate biosynthesis for ATP production. It also suggests that fungi that cope with phosphate starvation as they invade host tissues, may link phosphate acquisition to stress responses as an efficient mechanism of anticipatory regulation. Recent work indicates that connections among the PHO regulon, Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 signaling, oxidative stress management, and cell wall construction are based both in direct signaling links, and in the provision of phosphate for sufficient metabolic intermediates that are substrates in these processes. Fundamental differences in fungal and human phosphate homeostasis may offer novel drug targets.
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Greco G, Di Piazza S, Chan J, Zotti M, Hanna R, Gheno E, Zekiy AO, Pasquale C, De Angelis N, Amaroli A. Newly formulated 5% 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy on Candida albicans. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2020; 29:101575. [PMID: 31614222 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2019.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large number of systemic diseases can be linked to oral candida pathogenicity. The global trend of invasive candidiasis has increased progressively and is often accentuated by increasing Candida albicans resistance to the most common antifungal medications. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapeutic approach for oral microbial infections. A new formulation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5%ALA) in a thermosetting gel (t) (5%ALA-PTt) was patented and recently has become available on the market. However, its antimicrobial properties, whether mediated or not by PDT, are not yet known. In this work we characterised them. METHODS We isolated a strain of C. albicans from plaques on the oral mucus membrane of an infected patient. Colonies of this strain were exposed for 1 24 h, to 5%ALA-PTt, 5%ALA-PTt buffered to pH 6.5 (the pH of the oral mucosa) (5%ALA-PTtb) or not exposed (control). The 1 h-exposed samples were also irradiated at a wavelength of 630 nm with 0.14 watts (W) and 0.37 W/cm2 for 7 min at a distance of <1 mm. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The 5% ALA-PTt preparation was shown to be effective in reducing the growth of biofilm and inoculum of C. albicans. This effect seems to be linked to the intrinsic characteristics of 5%ALA-TPt, such acidic pH and the induction of free radical production. This outcome was significantly enhanced by the effect of PDT at relatively short incubation and irradiation times, which resulted in growth inhibition of both treated biofilm and inoculum by ∼80% and ∼95%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Greco
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Simone Di Piazza
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jiemei Chan
- Laser Therapy Centre, Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mirca Zotti
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Reem Hanna
- Laser Therapy Centre, Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Department of Oral Surgery, Dental Institute, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Ezio Gheno
- Laser Therapy Centre, Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Dental Clinical Research Center, Dentistry School, Fluminense Federal University, Rua São Paulo, 28, Campus do Valonguinho Centro, Niterói, RJ, 24020 150, Brazil
| | - Angelina O Zekiy
- Department of Orthopedic Dentistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetzkaya St., 8, Bd. 2, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Claudio Pasquale
- Laser Therapy Centre, Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola De Angelis
- Laser Therapy Centre, Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Technologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Andrea Amaroli
- Laser Therapy Centre, Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Department of Orthopedic Dentistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetzkaya St., 8, Bd. 2, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Kritsi E, Matsoukas MT, Potamitis C, Detsi A, Ivanov M, Sokovic M, Zoumpoulakis P. Novel Hit Compounds as Putative Antifungals: The Case of Aspergillus fumigatus. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24213853. [PMID: 31731542 PMCID: PMC6864791 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24213853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of invasive fungal infections has been dramatically increased as the size of the immunocompromised population worldwide has grown. Aspergillus fumigatus is characterized as one of the most widespread and ubiquitous fungal pathogens. Among antifungal drugs, azoles have been the most widely used category for the treatment of fungal infections. However, increasingly, azole-resistant strains constitute a major problem to be faced. Towards this direction, our study focused on the identification of compounds bearing novel structural motifs which may evolve as a new class of antifungals. To fulfil this scope, a combination of in silico techniques and in vitro assays were implemented. Specifically, a ligand-based pharmacophore model was created and served as a 3D search query to screen the ZINC chemical database. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to improve the reliability and accuracy of virtual screening results. In total, eight compounds, bearing completely different chemical scaffolds from the commercially available azoles, were proposed and their antifungal activity was evaluated using in vitro assays. Results indicated that all tested compounds exhibit antifungal activity, especially compounds 1, 2, and 4, which presented the most promising minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values and, therefore, could be subjected to further hit to lead optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftichia Kritsi
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48, Vas. Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - Minos-Timotheos Matsoukas
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Cloudpharm, Monumental Plaza, Building C, 44, Kifissias Avenue, Marousi, 15125 Athens, Greece;
| | - Constantinos Potamitis
- Cloudpharm, Monumental Plaza, Building C, 44, Kifissias Avenue, Marousi, 15125 Athens, Greece;
| | - Anastasia Detsi
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9, Iroon-Polytechneiou-Str, 15773 Athens, Greece;
| | - Marija Ivanov
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142, Bulevar Despota Stefana, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.I.); (M.S.)
| | - Marina Sokovic
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142, Bulevar Despota Stefana, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.I.); (M.S.)
| | - Panagiotis Zoumpoulakis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48, Vas. Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2107273869; Fax: +30-2107273831
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Andreeva N, Ledova L, Ryazanova L, Tomashevsky A, Kulakovskaya T, Eldarov M. Ppn2 endopolyphosphatase overexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Comparison with Ppn1, Ppx1, and Ddp1 polyphosphatases. Biochimie 2019; 163:101-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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29
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Mehmood A, Liu G, Wang X, Meng G, Wang C, Liu Y. Fungal Quorum-Sensing Molecules and Inhibitors with Potential Antifungal Activity: A Review. Molecules 2019; 24:E1950. [PMID: 31117232 PMCID: PMC6571750 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of persisting independent and isolated regarding microorganisms is no longer accepted. To survive and reproduce they have developed several communication platforms within the cells which facilitates them to adapt the surrounding environmental changes. This cell-to-cell communication is termed as quorum sensing; it relies upon the cell density and can stimulate several traits of microbes including biofilm formation, competence, and virulence factors secretion. Initially, this sophisticated mode of communication was discovered in bacteria; later, it was also confirmed in eukaryotes (fungi). As a consequence, many quorum-sensing molecules and inhibitors have been identified and characterized in various fungal species. In this review article, we will primarily focus on fungal quorum-sensing molecules and the production of inhibitors from fungal species with potential applications for combating fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad Mehmood
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Guorong Liu
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Guannan Meng
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Chengtao Wang
- Beijing Advance Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Ya Liu
- R&D Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., Kunming 650202, China.
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Potential targets for the development of new antifungal drugs. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2018; 71:978-991. [DOI: 10.1038/s41429-018-0100-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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31
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Zhao S, Gibbons JG. A population genomic characterization of copy number variation in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201611. [PMID: 30071059 PMCID: PMC6072042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a potentially deadly opportunistic fungal pathogen. Molecular studies have shaped our understanding of the genes, proteins, and molecules that contribute to A. fumigatus pathogenicity, but few studies have characterized genome-wide patterns of genetic variation at the population level. Of A. fumigatus genomic studies to-date, most focus mainly on single nucleotide polymorphisms and large structural variants, while overlooking the contribution of copy number variation (CNV). CNV is a class of small structural variation defined as loci that vary in their number of copies between individuals due to duplication, gain, or deletion. CNV can influence phenotype, including fungal virulence. In the present study, we characterized the population genomic patterns of CNV in a diverse collection of 71 A. fumigatus isolates using publicly available sequencing data. We used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to infer the population structure of these isolates and identified three populations consisting of at least 8 isolates. We then computationally predicted genome-wide CNV profiles for each isolate and conducted analyses at the species-, population-, and individual levels. Our results suggest that CNV contributes to genetic variation in A. fumigatus, with ~10% of the genome being CN variable. Our analysis indicates that CNV is non-randomly distributed across the A. fumigatus genome, and is overrepresented in subtelomeric regions. Analysis of gene ontology categories in genes that overlapped CN variants revealed an enrichment of genes related to transposable element and secondary metabolism functions. We further identified 72 loci containing 33 genes that showed divergent copy number profiles between the three A. fumigatus populations. Many of these genes encode proteins that interact with the cell surface or are involved in pathogenicity. Our results suggest that CNV is an important source of genetic variation that could account for some of the phenotypic differences between A. fumigatus populations and isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhao
- Biology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John G. Gibbons
- Biology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Intersection of phosphate transport, oxidative stress and TOR signalling in Candida albicans virulence. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007076. [PMID: 30059535 PMCID: PMC6085062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphate is an essential macronutrient required for cell growth and division. Pho84 is the major high-affinity cell-surface phosphate importer of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a crucial element in the phosphate homeostatic system of this model yeast. We found that loss of Candida albicans Pho84 attenuated virulence in Drosophila and murine oropharyngeal and disseminated models of invasive infection, and conferred hypersensitivity to neutrophil killing. Susceptibility of cells lacking Pho84 to neutrophil attack depended on reactive oxygen species (ROS): pho84-/- cells were no more susceptible than wild type C. albicans to neutrophils from a patient with chronic granulomatous disease, or to those whose oxidative burst was pharmacologically inhibited or neutralized. pho84-/- mutants hyperactivated oxidative stress signalling. They accumulated intracellular ROS in the absence of extrinsic oxidative stress, in high as well as low ambient phosphate conditions. ROS accumulation correlated with diminished levels of the unique superoxide dismutase Sod3 in pho84-/- cells, while SOD3 overexpression from a conditional promoter substantially restored these cells’ oxidative stress resistance in vitro. Repression of SOD3 expression sharply increased their oxidative stress hypersensitivity. Neither of these oxidative stress management effects of manipulating SOD3 transcription was observed in PHO84 wild type cells. Sod3 levels were not the only factor driving oxidative stress effects on pho84-/- cells, though, because overexpressing SOD3 did not ameliorate these cells’ hypersensitivity to neutrophil killing ex vivo, indicating Pho84 has further roles in oxidative stress resistance and virulence. Measurement of cellular metal concentrations demonstrated that diminished Sod3 expression was not due to decreased import of its metal cofactor manganese, as predicted from the function of S. cerevisiae Pho84 as a low-affinity manganese transporter. Instead of a role of Pho84 in metal transport, we found its role in TORC1 activation to impact oxidative stress management: overexpression of the TORC1-activating GTPase Gtr1 relieved the Sod3 deficit and ROS excess in pho84-/- null mutant cells, though it did not suppress their hypersensitivity to neutrophil killing or hyphal growth defect. Pharmacologic inhibition of Pho84 by small molecules including the FDA-approved drug foscarnet also induced ROS accumulation. Inhibiting Pho84 could hence support host defenses by sensitizing C. albicans to oxidative stress. Candida albicans is the species most often isolated from patients with invasive fungal disease, and is also a common colonizer of healthy people. It is well equipped to compete for nutrients with bacteria co-inhabiting human gastrointestinal mucous membranes, since it possesses multiple transporters to internalize important nutrients like sugars, nitrogen sources, and phosphate. During infection, the fungus needs to withstand human defense cells that attack it with noxious chemicals, among which reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical. We found that a high-affinity phosphate transporter, Pho84, is required for C. albicans’ ability to successfully invade animal hosts and to eliminate ROS. Levels of a fungal enzyme that breaks down ROS, Sod3, were decreased in cells lacking Pho84. A connection between this phosphate transporter and the ROS-detoxifying enzyme was identified in the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway, to which Pho84 is known to provide activating signals when phosphate is abundant. Small molecules that block Pho84 activity impair the ability of C. albicans to detoxify ROS. Since humans manage phosphate differently than fungi and have no Pho84 homolog, a drug that inhibits Pho84 could disable the defense of the fungus against the host.
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Granger BL. Accessibility and contribution to glucan masking of natural and genetically tagged versions of yeast wall protein 1 of Candida albicans. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191194. [PMID: 29329339 PMCID: PMC5766240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Yeast wall protein 1 (Ywp1) is an abundant glycoprotein of the cell wall of the yeast form of Candida albicans, the most prevalent fungal pathogen of humans. Antibodies that bind to the polypeptide backbone of isolated Ywp1 show little binding to intact yeast cells, presumably because the Ywp1 epitopes are masked by the polysaccharides of the mannoproteins that form the outer layer of the cell wall. Rare cells do exhibit much greater anti-Ywp1 binding, however, and one of these was isolated and characterized. No differences were seen in its Ywp1, but it exhibited greater adhesiveness, sensitivity to wall perturbing agents, and exposure of its underlying β-1,3-glucan layer to external antibodies. The molecular basis for this greater epitope accessibility has not been determined, but has facilitated exploration of how these properties change as a function of cell growth and morphology. In addition, previously engineered strains with reduced quantities of Ywp1 in their cell walls were also found to have greater β-1,3-glucan exposure, indicating that Ywp1 itself contributes to the masking of wall epitopes, which may be important for understanding the anti-adhesive effect of Ywp1. Ectopic production of Ywp1 by hyphae, which reduces the adhesivity of these filamentous forms of C. albicans, was similarly found to reduce exposure of the β-1,3-glucan in their walls. To monitor Ywp1 in the cell wall irrespective of its accessibility, green fluorescent protein (Gfp) was genetically inserted into wall-anchored Ywp1 using a bifunctional cassette that also allowed production from a single transfection of a soluble, anchor-free version. The wall-anchored Ywp1-Gfp-Ywp1 accumulated in the wall of the yeast forms but not hyphae, and appeared to have properties similar to native Ywp1, including its adhesion-inhibiting effect. Some pseudohyphal walls also detectably accumulated this probe. Strains of C. albicans with tandem hemagglutinin (HA) epitopes inserted into wall-anchored Ywp1 were previously created by others, and were further explored here. As above, rare cells with much greater accessibility of the HA epitopes were isolated, and also found to exhibit greater exposure of Ywp1 and β-1,3-glucan. The placement of the HA cassette inhibited the normal N-glycosylation and propeptide cleavage of Ywp1, but the wall-anchored Ywp1-HA-Ywp1 still accumulated in the cell wall of yeast forms. Bifunctional transformation cassettes were used to additionally tag these molecules with Gfp, generating soluble Ywp1-HA-Gfp and wall-anchored Ywp1-HA-Gfp-Ywp1 molecules. The former revealed unexpected electrophoretic properties caused by the HA insertion, while the latter further highlighted differences between the presence of a tagged Ywp1 molecule (as revealed by Gfp fluorescence) and its accessibility in the cell wall to externally applied antibodies specific for HA, Gfp and Ywp1, with accessibility being greatest in the rapidly expanding walls of budding daughter cells. These strains and results increase our understanding of cell wall properties and how C. albicans masks itself from recognition by the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce L. Granger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nutritional Requirements and Their Importance for Virulence of Pathogenic Cryptococcus Species. Microorganisms 2017; 5:microorganisms5040065. [PMID: 28974017 PMCID: PMC5748574 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms5040065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus sp. are basidiomycete yeasts which can be found widely, free-living in the environment. Interactions with natural predators, such as amoebae in the soil, are thought to have promoted the development of adaptations enabling the organism to survive inside human macrophages. Infection with Cryptococcus in humans occurs following inhalation of desiccated yeast cells or spore particles and may result in fatal meningoencephalitis. Human disease is caused almost exclusively by the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex, which predominantly infects immunocompromised patients, and the Cryptococcus gattii species complex, which is capable of infecting immunocompetent individuals. The nutritional requirements of Cryptococcus are critical for its virulence in animals. Cryptococcus has evolved a broad range of nutrient acquisition strategies, many if not most of which also appear to contribute to its virulence, enabling infection of animal hosts. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of nutritional requirements and acquisition in Cryptococcus and offer perspectives to its evolution as a significant pathogen of humans.
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