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Shivarathri R, Chauhan M, Datta A, Das D, Karuli A, Jenull S, Kuchler K, Thangamani S, Chowdhary A, Desai JV, Chauhan N. The Candida auris Hog1 MAP kinase is essential for the colonization of murine skin and intradermal persistence. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.18.585572. [PMID: 38562863 PMCID: PMC10983919 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris , a multidrug-resistant human fungal pathogen, was first identified in 2009 in Japan. Since then, systemic C. auris infections have now been reported in more than 50 countries, with mortality rates of 30-60%. A major contributing factor to its high inter- and intrahospital clonal transmission is that C. auris, unlike most Candida species, displays unique skin tropism and can stay on human skin for a prolonged period. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for C. auris skin colonization, intradermal persistence, and systemic virulence are poorly understood. Here, we report that C. auris Hog1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is essential for efficient skin colonization, intradermal persistence, as well as systemic virulence. RNA-seq analysis of wildtype parental and hog1 Δ mutant strains revealed marked down-regulation of genes involved in processes such as cell adhesion, cell-wall rearrangement, and pathogenesis in hog1 Δ mutant compared to the wildtype parent. Consistent with these data, we found a prominent role for Hog1 in maintaining cell-wall architecture, as the hog1 Δ mutant demonstrated a significant increase in cell-surface β-glucan exposure and a concomitant reduction in chitin content. Additionally, we observed that Hog1 was required for biofilm formation in vitro and fungal survival when challenged with primary murine macrophages and neutrophils ex vivo . Collectively, these findings have important implications for understanding the C. auris skin adherence mechanisms and penetration of skin epithelial layers preceding bloodstream infections. Importance Candida auris is a World Health Organization (WHO) fungal priority pathogen and an urgent public health threat recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). C. auris has a unique ability to colonize human skin. It also persists on abiotic surfaces in healthcare environments for an extended period of time. These attributes facilitate the inter- and intrahospital clonal transmission of C. auris . Therefore, understanding C. auris skin colonization mechanisms are critical for infection control, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. However, despite its profound clinical relevance, the molecular and genetic basis of C. auris skin colonization mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein, we present data on the identification of the Hog1 MAP kinase as a key regulator of C. auris skin colonization. These findings lay foundation for further characterization of unique mechanisms that promote fungal persistence on human skin.
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Desai JV, Kumar D, Freiwald T, Chauss D, Johnson MD, Abers MS, Steinbrink JM, Perfect JR, Alexander B, Matzaraki V, Snarr BD, Zarakas MA, Oikonomou V, Silva LM, Shivarathri R, Beltran E, Demontel LN, Wang L, Lim JK, Launder D, Conti HR, Swamydas M, McClain MT, Moutsopoulos NM, Kazemian M, Netea MG, Kumar V, Köhl J, Kemper C, Afzali B, Lionakis MS. C5a-licensed phagocytes drive sterilizing immunity during systemic fungal infection. Cell 2023; 186:2802-2822.e22. [PMID: 37220746 PMCID: PMC10330337 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Systemic candidiasis is a common, high-mortality, nosocomial fungal infection. Unexpectedly, it has emerged as a complication of anti-complement C5-targeted monoclonal antibody treatment, indicating a critical niche for C5 in antifungal immunity. We identified transcription of complement system genes as the top biological pathway induced in candidemic patients and as predictive of candidemia. Mechanistically, C5a-C5aR1 promoted fungal clearance and host survival in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis by stimulating phagocyte effector function and ERK- and AKT-dependent survival in infected tissues. C5ar1 ablation rewired macrophage metabolism downstream of mTOR, promoting their apoptosis and enhancing mortality through kidney injury. Besides hepatocyte-derived C5, local C5 produced intrinsically by phagocytes provided a key substrate for antifungal protection. Lower serum C5a concentrations or a C5 polymorphism that decreases leukocyte C5 expression correlated independently with poor patient outcomes. Thus, local, phagocyte-derived C5 production licenses phagocyte antimicrobial function and confers innate protection during systemic fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jigar V Desai
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dhaneshwar Kumar
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA; Departments of Biochemistry and Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Tilo Freiwald
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daniel Chauss
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Michael S Abers
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie M Steinbrink
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John R Perfect
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Alexander
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Vasiliki Matzaraki
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Brendan D Snarr
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marissa A Zarakas
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vasileios Oikonomou
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lakmali M Silva
- Oral Immunity and Infection Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raju Shivarathri
- Center for Discovery & Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Emily Beltran
- Complement and Inflammation Research Section, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luciana Negro Demontel
- Complement and Inflammation Research Section, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luopin Wang
- Departments of Biochemistry and Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jean K Lim
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dylan Launder
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Heather R Conti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Muthulekha Swamydas
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Micah T McClain
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Niki M Moutsopoulos
- Oral Immunity and Infection Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Majid Kazemian
- Departments of Biochemistry and Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jörg Köhl
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Claudia Kemper
- Complement and Inflammation Research Section, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Behdad Afzali
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Jain K, Shivarathri R, Bashir G, Chauhan N, Chowdhary A. P008 Molecular mechanisms associated with fluconazole resistance and genetic diversity in clinical Candida krusei isolates from North India. Med Mycol 2022. [PMCID: PMC9509707 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac072.p008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Candida krusei accounts for 2.8% of invasive candidiasis worldwide. Fluconazole resistance and its underlying mechanism in clinical isolates of C. krusei (n = 137) collected from eight hospitals in India were investigated. Also, genetic diversity of C. krusei strains among different hospitals was studied through short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping. Material and Method All the isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Antifungal susceptibility test was done by using broth microdilution method (CLSI-M27). To evaluate the genetic relatedness among the strains, STR typing was done by using 9 STR markers. To understand the fluconazole-resistant mechanisms in C. krusei, known fluconazole resistance mechanisms such as alterations in target enzyme ERG11 and drug transporters ABC1, and ABC2 were investigated in 35 C. krusei isolates [18 fluconazole-susceptible (FLU-S), and 17 fluconazole-susceptible dose-dependent (FLU-SDD)]. Furthermore, transcriptomics of one FLU-SDD (MIC 32 mg/L) and one FLU-S (MIC 4 mg/l) isolate was performed. Results Majority (77%) of C. krusei isolates were from bloodstream infections. Notably, 70% of candidemia cases occurred in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Remarkably, 81% (n = 110) were detected as fluconazole-SDD (MIC 16-32 mg/l), and the remaining 19% were FLU-S (MIC ≤ 8 mg/l). Marked genetic diversity with 51 diverse STR types was noticed among the 106 isolates. Interestingly, two ongoing candidemia outbreaks were observed in two geographically separated hospitals both representing NICU isolates. In addition, a large cluster containing isolates from six different hospitals was observed. ERG11 mutation analysis revealed that it did not harbor any mutation contributing to the flu-resistance. Overexpression of the ABC1 gene in 11 FLU-SDD isolates out of 17 as compared to FLU-S isolates was noted. However, no alteration was observed in the expression of ERG11 and ABC2 in both groups. Transcriptomics analysis revealed a significant number of differentially regulated genes were distributed in various gene-ontology terms including transport (10 genes), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling (8 genes, MSG5, PTP3, STE50, BNR1, OPY2, STE5, SKN7, and RLM1), ergosterol biosynthesis (3 genes, ERG24, ERG25, and ERG26) and transcription factors (7 genes). In addition to the up-regulation of ergosterol pathway genes, overexpression of key transcriptional regulator of ergosterol biosynthesis genes UPC2 was observed in FLU-SDD isolates as compared with susceptible. Additionally, FLU-SDD isolate showed 2-fold increased expression of PDR12, plasma membrane ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. Next, ICL1 (Isocitrate Lyase), a major glyoxylate-synthesizing enzyme was found to be 5-fold down-regulated in FLU SDD isolate compared to susceptible. The loss of ICL1 alters the expression of the FKS1, ERG11, and CDR2 genes in C. albicans. Taken together, the increased expression of PDR12 and altered MAPK singling network may partially account for the FLU resistance in C. krusei FLU-SDD isolate. Conclusion Candida krusei isolates among different hospitals showed large genetic diversity (54 different genotypes). Also, the presence of C. krusei clonal strains in six different hospitals suggests possible introduction from a widespread environmental source and human-to-human transmission. In comparison to other Candida species, the resistant mechanism in C. krusei seems to be more complex. Therefore, an in-depth study of other resistance mechanism pathways in C. krusei is further warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusum Jain
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens , Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Inst., Delhi, India, Delhi , India
| | - Raju Shivarathri
- Public Health Research Institute , Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA, New Jersey , United States of America
| | - Gulnaz Bashir
- Department of Microbiology , Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu and Kashmir , India
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute , Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA, New Jersey , United States of America
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens , Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Inst., Delhi, India, Delhi , India
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Shivarathri R, Jenull S, Chauhan M, Singh A, Mazumdar R, Chowdhary A, Kuchler K, Chauhan N. Comparative Transcriptomics Reveal Possible Mechanisms of Amphotericin B Resistance in Candida auris. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0227621. [PMID: 35652307 PMCID: PMC9211394 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02276-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant human fungal pathogen often refractory to treatment by all classes of antifungal drugs. Amphotericin B (AmB) is a fungicidal drug that, despite its toxic side effects, remains a drug of choice for the treatment of drug-resistant fungal infections, including those caused by C. auris. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying AmB resistance are poorly understood. In this study, we present data that suggests membrane lipid alterations and chromatin modifications are critical processes that may contribute to or cause adaptive AmB resistance in clinical C. auris isolates. To determine the plausible cause of increased AmB resistance, we performed RNA-seq of AmB-resistant and sensitive C. auris isolates. Remarkably, AmB-resistant strains show a pronounced enrichment of genes involved in lipid and ergosterol biosynthesis, adhesion, drug transport as well as chromatin remodeling. The transcriptomics data confirm increased adhesion and reduced lipid membrane permeability of AmB-resistant strains compared to the sensitive isolates. The AmB-resistant strains also display hyper-resistance to cell wall perturbing agents, including Congo red, calcofluor white and caffeine. Additionally, we noticed an increased phosphorylation of Mkc1 cell integrity MAP kinase upon AmB treatment. Collectively, these data identify differences in the transcriptional landscapes of AmB-resistant versus AmB-sensitive isolates and provide a framework for the mechanistic understanding of AmB resistance in C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Shivarathri
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sabrina Jenull
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Functional Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manju Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ashutosh Singh
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rounik Mazumdar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Shivarathri R, Chauhan M, Mazumdar R, Trinh PC, Reiter W, Hartl M, Kuchler K, Chauhan N. A Proteomic Approach for the Quantification of Posttranslational Protein Lysine Acetylation in Candida albicans. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2542:41-54. [PMID: 36008655 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2549-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a normal component of the human microflora that colonizes mucosal/epithelial surfaces and the gastrointestinal tract as a commensal organism. However, in an immunocompromised host, it can cause life-threatening infections of high mortality and morbidity. Virulence as well as antifungal drug resistance of C. albicans is often regulated by posttranslational modifications (PTM) of proteins via lysine acetylation by lysine acetyltransferases. Here, we report an experimental approach using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling for the detection and quantification of lysine acetylation of histone and nonhistone proteins in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rounik Mazumdar
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Phan Canh Trinh
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Reiter
- University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Mass Spectrometry Facility, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Hartl
- University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Mass Spectrometry Facility, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, Newark, NJ, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.
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Jenull S, Mair T, Tscherner M, Penninger P, Zwolanek F, Silao FGS, de San Vicente KM, Riedelberger M, Bandari NC, Shivarathri R, Petryshyn A, Chauhan N, Zacchi LF, -Landmann SL, Ljungdahl PO, Kuchler K. The histone chaperone HIR maintains chromatin states to control nitrogen assimilation and fungal virulence. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109406. [PMID: 34289370 PMCID: PMC8493472 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to changing environments and immune evasion is pivotal for fitness of pathogens. Yet, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Adaptation is governed by dynamic transcriptional re-programming, which is tightly connected to chromatin architecture. Here, we report a pivotal role for the HIR histone chaperone complex in modulating virulence of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Genetic ablation of HIR function alters chromatin accessibility linked to aberrant transcriptional responses to protein as nitrogen source. This accelerates metabolic adaptation and increases the release of extracellular proteases, which enables scavenging of alternative nitrogen sources. Furthermore, HIR controls fungal virulence, as HIR1 deletion leads to differential recognition by immune cells and hypervirulence in a mouse model of systemic infection. This work provides mechanistic insights into chromatin-coupled regulatory mechanisms that fine-tune pathogen gene expression and virulence. Furthermore, the data point toward the requirement of refined screening approaches to exploit chromatin modifications as antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Jenull
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia Mair
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Tscherner
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Penninger
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Zwolanek
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fitz-Gerald S Silao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kontxi Martinez de San Vicente
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Riedelberger
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Naga C Bandari
- ARC Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Raju Shivarathri
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Andriy Petryshyn
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Lucia F Zacchi
- ARC Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Salomé LeibundGut -Landmann
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland; Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Per O Ljungdahl
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
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Jenull S, Tscherner M, Kashko N, Shivarathri R, Stoiber A, Chauhan M, Petryshyn A, Chauhan N, Kuchler K. Transcriptome Signatures Predict Phenotypic Variations of Candida auris. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:662563. [PMID: 33937102 PMCID: PMC8079977 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.662563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Health care facilities are facing serious threats by the recently emerging human fungal pathogen Candida auris owing to its pronounced antifungal multidrug resistance and poor diagnostic tools. Distinct C. auris clades evolved seemingly simultaneously at independent geographical locations and display both genetic and phenotypic diversity. Although comparative genomics and phenotypic profiling studies are increasing, we still lack mechanistic knowledge about the C. auris species diversification and clinical heterogeneity. Since gene expression variability impacts phenotypic plasticity, we aimed to characterize transcriptomic signatures of C. auris patient isolates with distinct antifungal susceptibility profiles in this study. First, we employed an antifungal susceptibility screening of clinical C. auris isolates to identify divergent intra-clade responses to antifungal treatments. Interestingly, comparative transcriptional profiling reveals large gene expression differences between clade I isolates and one clade II strain, irrespective of their antifungal susceptibilities. However, comparisons at the clade levels demonstrate that minor changes in gene expression suffice to drive divergent drug responses. Finally, we functionally validate transcriptional signatures reflecting phenotypic divergence of clinical isolates. Thus, our results suggest that large-scale transcriptional profiling allows for predicting phenotypic diversities of patient isolates, which may help choosing suitable antifungal therapies of multidrug-resistant C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Jenull
- Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Tscherner
- Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nataliya Kashko
- Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raju Shivarathri
- Public Health Research Institute & Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Anton Stoiber
- Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manju Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute & Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Andriy Petryshyn
- Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute & Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Shivarathri R, Tscherner M, Zwolanek F, Singh NK, Chauhan N, Kuchler K. The Fungal Histone Acetyl Transferase Gcn5 Controls Virulence of the Human Pathogen Candida albicans through Multiple Pathways. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9445. [PMID: 31263212 PMCID: PMC6603162 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal virulence is regulated by a tight interplay of transcriptional control and chromatin remodelling. Despite compelling evidence that lysine acetylation modulates virulence of pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans, the underlying mechanisms have remained largely unexplored. We report here that Gcn5, a paradigm lysyl-acetyl transferase (KAT) modifying both histone and non-histone targets, controls fungal morphogenesis - a key virulence factor of C. albicans. Our data show that genetic removal of GCN5 abrogates fungal virulence in mice, suggesting strongly diminished fungal fitness in vivo. This may at least in part arise from increased susceptibility to killing by macrophages, as well as by other phagocytes such as neutrophils or monocytes. Loss of GCN5 also causes hypersensitivity to the fungicidal drug caspofungin. Caspofungin hypersusceptibility requires the master regulator Efg1, working in concert with Gcn5. Moreover, Gcn5 regulates multiple independent pathways, including adhesion, cell wall-mediated MAP kinase signaling, hypersensitivity to host-derived oxidative stress, and regulation of the Fks1 glucan synthase, all of which play critical roles in virulence and antifungal susceptibility. Hence, Gcn5 regulates fungal virulence through multiple mechanisms, suggesting that specific inhibition of Gcn5 could offer new therapeutic strategies to combat invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Shivarathri
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Tscherner
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Zwolanek
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, A-1030, Vienna, Austria.
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Bhakt P, Shivarathri R, Choudhary DK, Borah S, Kaur R. Fluconazole-induced actin cytoskeleton remodeling requires phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinase in the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata. Mol Microbiol 2018; 110:425-443. [PMID: 30137648 PMCID: PMC6221164 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Known azole antifungal resistance mechanisms include mitochondrial dysfunction and overexpression of the sterol biosynthetic target enzyme and multidrug efflux pumps. Here, we identify, through a genetic screen, the vacuolar membrane‐resident phosphatidylinositol 3‐phosphate 5‐kinase (CgFab1) to be a novel determinant of azole tolerance. We demonstrate for the first time that fluconazole promotes actin cytoskeleton reorganization in the emerging, inherently less azole‐susceptible fungal pathogen Candida glabrata, and genetic or chemical perturbation of actin structures results in intracellular sterol accumulation and azole susceptibility. Further, CgFAB1 disruption impaired vacuole homeostasis and actin organization, and the F‐actin‐stabilizing compound jasplakinolide rescued azole toxicity in cytoskeleton defective‐mutants including the Cgfab1Δ mutant. In vitro assays revealed that the actin depolymerization factor CgCof1 binds to multiple lipids including phosphatidylinositol 3,5‐bisphosphate. Consistently, CgCof1 distribution along with the actin filament‐capping protein CgCap2 was altered upon both CgFAB1 disruption and fluconazole exposure. Altogether, these data implicate CgFab1 in azole tolerance through actin network remodeling. Finally, we also show that actin polymerization inhibition rendered fluconazole fully and partially fungicidal in azole‐susceptible and azole‐resistant C. glabrata clinical isolates, respectively, thereby, underscoring the role of fluconazole‐effectuated actin remodeling in azole resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Bhakt
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Raju Shivarathri
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Choudhary
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sapan Borah
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Borah S, Shivarathri R, Kaur R. The Rho1 GTPase-activating protein CgBem2 is required for survival of azole stress in Candida glabrata. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:34311-24. [PMID: 21832071 PMCID: PMC3190821 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.264671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are common clinical complications of neonates, critically ill, and immunocompromised patients worldwide. Candida species are the leading cause of disseminated fungal infections, with Candida albicans being the most prevalent species. Candida glabrata, the second/third most common cause of candidemia, shows reduced susceptibility to a widely used antifungal drug fluconazole. Here, we present findings from a screen of 9134 C. glabrata Tn7 insertion mutants for altered survival profiles in the presence of fluconazole. We have identified two components of RNA polymerase II mediator complex, three players of Rho GTPase-mediated signaling cascade, and two proteins implicated in actin cytoskeleton biogenesis and ergosterol biosynthesis that are required to sustain viability during fluconazole stress. We show that exposure to fluconazole leads to activation of the protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated cell wall integrity pathway in C. glabrata. Our data demonstrate that disruption of a RhoGAP (GTPase activating protein) domain-containing protein, CgBem2, results in bud-emergence defects, azole susceptibility, and constitutive activation of CgRho1-regulated CgPkc1 signaling cascade and cell wall-related phenotypes. The viability loss of Cgbem2Δ mutant upon fluconazole treatment could be partially rescued by the PKC inhibitor staurosporine. Additionally, we present evidence that CgBEM2 is required for the transcriptional activation of genes encoding multidrug efflux pumps in response to fluconazole exposure. Last, we report that Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin renders fluconazole a fungicidal drug in C. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapan Borah
- From the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Building 7, Gruhakalpa, 5-4-399/B, Nampally, Hyderabad 500001, India
| | - Raju Shivarathri
- From the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Building 7, Gruhakalpa, 5-4-399/B, Nampally, Hyderabad 500001, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur
- From the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Building 7, Gruhakalpa, 5-4-399/B, Nampally, Hyderabad 500001, India
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