scholarly journals Candida albicans SNO1 and SNZ1 expressed in stationary-phase planktonic yeast cells and base of biofilm

Microbiology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 152 (7) ◽  
pp. 2031-2038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Uppuluri ◽  
Bhaskarjyoti Sarmah ◽  
W. LaJean Chaffin

The Candida albicans homologues of the most studied Saccharomyces cerevisiae stationary-phase genes, SNO1 and SNZ1, were used to test the hypothesis that, within a biofilm, some cells reach stationary phase within continuously fed, as well as static, C. albicans biofilms grown on dental acrylic. The authors first studied the expression patterns of these two genes in planktonic growth conditions. Using real-time RT-PCR (RT-RTPCR), increased peak expression of both SNZ1 and SNO1 was observed at 5 and 6 days, respectively, in C. albicans grown in suspension culture. SNZ1–yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) and SNO1–YFP were constructed to study expression at the cellular level and protein localization in C. albicans. Snz1p–YFP and Sno1p–YFP localized to the cytoplasm with maximum expression (>90 %) at 5 and 6 days, respectively, in planktonic conditions. When yeast growth was reinitiated, loss of fluorescence began immediately. Germ tubes and hyphae were non-fluorescent. Pseudohyphae began appearing at 9 days in planktonic yeast culture and expressed each protein by 11 days; however, the cells budding from pseudohyphae were not fluorescent. Biofilm was formed in vitro under either static or continuously fed conditions. Increased expression of the two genes was shown by RT-RTPCR, beginning by day 3 and increasing through to day 15 (continuously fed biofilm). Only the bottommost layer of acrylic-adhered cells in the biofilm showed 25 and 40 % fluorescence at 6 and 15 days, respectively. These observations suggest that only a few cells in C. albicans biofilms express genes associated with the planktonic stationary phase and that these are found at the bottom of the biofilm adhered to the surface.

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (22) ◽  
pp. 7016-7022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shen-Wen Chiu ◽  
Shau-Yan Chen ◽  
Hin-chung Wong

ABSTRACT MreB, the homolog of eukaryotic actin, may play a vital role when prokaryotes cope with stress by altering their spatial organization, including their morphology, subcellular architecture, and localization of macromolecules. This study investigates the behavior of MreB in Vibrio parahaemolyticus under various stresses. The behavior of MreB was probed using a yellow fluorescent protein-MreB conjugate in merodiploid strain SC9. Under normal growth conditions, MreB formed helical filaments in exponential-phase cells. The shape of starved or stationary-phase cells changed from rods to small spheroids. The cells differentiated into the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state with small spherical cells via a “swelling-waning” process. In all cases, drastic remodeling of the MreB cytoskeleton was observed. MreB helices typically were loosened and fragmented into short filaments, arcs, and spots in bacteria under these stresses. The disintegrated MreB exhibited a strong tendency to attach to the cytoplasmic membrane. The expression of mreB generally declined in bacteria in the stationary phase and under starvation but was upregulated during the initial periods of cold shock and VBNC state differentiation and decreased afterwards. Our findings demonstrated the behavior of MreB in the morphological changes of V. parahaemolyticus under intrinsic or extrinsic stresses and may have important implications for studying the cellular stress response and aging.


2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 2708-2717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikë Bharucha ◽  
Jun Ma ◽  
Craig J. Dobry ◽  
Sarah K. Lawson ◽  
Zhifen Yang ◽  
...  

The subcellular distribution of kinases and other signaling proteins is regulated in response to cellular cues; however, the extent of this regulation has not been investigated for any gene set in any organism. Here, we present a systematic analysis of protein kinases in the budding yeast, screening for differential localization during filamentous growth. Filamentous growth is an important stress response involving mitogen-activated protein kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase signaling modules, wherein yeast cells form interconnected and elongated chains. Because standard strains of yeast are nonfilamentous, we constructed a unique set of 125 kinase-yellow fluorescent protein chimeras in the filamentous Σ1278b strain for this study. In total, we identified six cytoplasmic kinases (Bcy1p, Fus3p, Ksp1p, Kss1p, Sks1p, and Tpk2p) that localize predominantly to the nucleus during filamentous growth. These kinases form part of an interdependent, localization-based regulatory network: deletion of each individual kinase, or loss of kinase activity, disrupts the nuclear translocation of at least two other kinases. In particular, this study highlights a previously unknown function for the kinase Ksp1p, indicating the essentiality of its nuclear translocation during yeast filamentous growth. Thus, the localization of Ksp1p and the other kinases identified here is tightly controlled during filamentous growth, representing an overlooked regulatory component of this stress response.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 12997
Author(s):  
Hideaki Nishie ◽  
Akiko Nakano-Doi ◽  
Toshinori Sawano ◽  
Takayuki Nakagomi

An accumulation of evidence shows that endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are activated following brain injury such as that suffered during ischemic stroke. To understand the expression patterns of these cells, researchers have developed mice that express an NSPC marker, Nestin, which is detectable by specific reporters such as green fluorescent protein (GFP), i.e., Nestin-GFP mice. However, the genetic background of most transgenic mice, including Nestin-GFP mice, comes from the C57BL/6 strain. Because mice from this background strain have many cerebral arterial branches and collateral vessels, they are accompanied by several major problems including variable ischemic areas and high mortality when subjected to ischemic stroke by occluding the middle cerebral artery (MCA). In contrast, CB-17 wild-type mice are free from these problems. Therefore, with the aim of overcoming the aforementioned defects, we first crossed Nestin-GFP mice (C57BL/6 background) with CB-17 wild-type mice and then developed Nestin-GFP mice (CB-17 background) by further backcrossing the generated hybrid mice with CB-17 wild-type mice. Subsequently, we investigated the phenotypes of the established Nestin-GFP mice (CB-17 background) following MCA occlusion; these mice had fewer blood vessels around the MCA compared with the number of blood vessels in Nestin-GFP mice (C57BL/6 background). In addition, TTC staining showed that infarcted volume was variable in Nestin-GFP mice (C57BL/6 background) but highly reproducible in Nestin-GFP mice (CB-17 background). In a further investigation of mice survival rates up to 28 days after MCA occlusion, all Nestin-GFP mice (CB-17 background) survived the period, whereas Nestin-GFP mice (C57BL/6 background) frequently died within 1 week and exhibited a higher mortality rate. Immunohistochemistry analysis of Nestin-GFP mice (CB-17 background) showed that GFP+ cells were mainly obverted in not only conventional neurogenic areas, including the subventricular zone (SVZ), but also ischemic areas. In vitro, cells isolated from the ischemic areas and the SVZ formed GFP+ neurosphere-like cell clusters that gave rise to various neural lineages including neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. However, microarray analysis of these cells and genetic mapping experiments by Nestin-CreERT2 Line4 mice crossed with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) reporter mice (Nestin promoter-driven YFP-expressing mice) indicated that cells with NSPC activities in the ischemic areas and the SVZ had different characteristics and origins. These results show that the expression patterns and fate of GFP+ cells with NSPC activities can be precisely investigated over a long period in Nestin-GFP mice (CB-17 background), which is not necessarily possible with Nestin-GFP mice (C57BL/6 background). Thus, Nestin-GFP mice (CB-17 background) could become a useful tool with which to investigate the mechanism of neurogenesis via the aforementioned cells under pathological conditions such as following ischemic stroke.


2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 795-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce L. Granger

ABSTRACTYwp1 is a prominent glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoprotein of the cell wall ofCandida albicans; it is present in the yeast form of this opportunistic fungal pathogen but absent from filamentous forms and chlamydospores. Yeast cells that lack Ywp1 are more adhesive and form thicker biofilms, implying an antiadhesive activity for Ywp1, with a possible role in yeast dispersal. The antiadhesive effect of Ywp1 is transplantable from yeast to hyphae, as hyphae that are forced to expressYWP1lose adhesion in anin vitroassay. Deletion of the GPI anchor results in loss of Ywp1 to the surrounding medium and reduction of the antiadhesive effect, implying an importance of time-dependent residency in the cell wall. Anchor-negative versions of Ywp1 possessing or lacking a C-terminal green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag were created inC. albicansand harvested from culture supernatants; in addition to serving as quantifiable markers for Ywp1 secretion, they revealed that the cleaved 11-kDa propeptide of Ywp1 remains strongly but noncovalently associated with the Ywp1 core. This association is resistant to highly acidic and basic solutions, 8 M urea, and 1% SDS (below 45°C). Above 50°C, SDS dissociates the isolated complex, but even higher temperatures are required to dissociate the propeptide from native Ywp1 that is anchored in a cell wall. This property has permitted detection, for the first time, of orthologs of Ywp1 in other members of theCandidaclade. The cleaved propeptide, which carries the sole N-glycan of Ywp1, must participate in the antiadhesive effect of Ywp1.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 3024
Author(s):  
Martin Fogtmann Berthelsen ◽  
Maria Riedel ◽  
Huiqiang Cai ◽  
Søren H. Skaarup ◽  
Aage K. O. Alstrup ◽  
...  

The generation of large transgenic animals is impeded by complex cloning, long maturation and gastrulation times. An introduction of multiple gene alterations increases the complexity. We have cloned a transgenic Cas9 minipig to introduce multiple mutations by CRISPR in somatic cells. Transgenic Cas9 pigs were generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer and were backcrossed to Göttingen Minipigs for two generations. Cas9 expression was controlled by FlpO-mediated recombination and was visualized by translation from red to yellow fluorescent protein. In vitro analyses in primary fibroblasts, keratinocytes and lung epithelial cells confirmed the genetic alterations executed by the viral delivery of single guide RNAs (sgRNA) to the target cells. Moreover, multiple gene alterations could be introduced simultaneously in a cell by viral delivery of sgRNAs. Cells with loss of TP53, PTEN and gain-of-function mutation in KRASG12D showed increased proliferation, confirming a transformation of the primary cells. An in vivo activation of Cas9 expression could be induced by viral delivery to the skin. Overall, we have generated a minipig with conditional expression of Cas9, where multiple gene alterations can be introduced to somatic cells by viral delivery of sgRNA. The development of a transgenic Cas9 minipig facilitates the creation of complex pre-clinical models for cancer research.


Microbiology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 157 (9) ◽  
pp. 2504-2514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mário H. Queiroz ◽  
Cristina Madrid ◽  
Sònia Paytubi ◽  
Carlos Balsalobre ◽  
Antonio Juárez

Coordination of the expression of Salmonella enterica invasion genes on Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1) depends on a complex circuit involving several regulators that converge on expression of the hilA gene, which encodes a transcriptional activator (HilA) that modulates expression of the SPI1 virulence genes. Two of the global regulators that influence hilA expression are the nucleoid-associated proteins Hha and H-NS. They interact and form a complex that modulates gene expression. A chromosomal transcriptional fusion was constructed to assess the effects of these modulators on hilA transcription under several environmental conditions as well as at different stages of growth. The results obtained showed that these proteins play a role in silencing hilA expression at both low temperature and low osmolarity, irrespective of the growth phase. H-NS accounts for the main repressor activity. At high temperature and osmolarity, H-NS-mediated silencing completely ceases when cells enter the stationary phase, and hilA expression is induced. Mutants lacking IHF did not induce hilA in cells entering the stationary phase, and this lack of induction was dependent on the presence of H-NS. Band-shift assays and in vitro transcription data showed that for hilA induction under certain growth conditions, IHF is required to alleviate H-NS-mediated silencing.


2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (3) ◽  
pp. 829-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Poney Chiang ◽  
Marc Habash ◽  
Lori L. Burrows

ABSTRACT The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa expresses polar type IV pili (TFP), which are responsible for adhesion to various materials and twitching motility on surfaces. Twitching occurs by alternate extension and retraction of TFP, which arise from assembly and disassembly of pilin subunits at the base of the pilus. The ATPase PilB promotes pilin assembly, while the ATPase PilT or PilU or both promote pilin dissociation. Fluorescent fusions to two of the three ATPases (PilT and PilU) were functional, as shown by complementation of the corresponding mutants. PilB and PilT fusions localized to both poles, while PilU fusions localized only to the piliated pole. To identify the portion of the ATPases required for localization, sequential C-terminal deletions of PilT and PilU were generated. The conserved His and Walker B boxes were dispensable for polar localization but were required for twitching motility, showing that localization and function could be uncoupled. Truncated fusions that retained polar localization maintained their distinctive distribution patterns. To dissect the cellular factors involved in establishing polarity, fusion protein localization was monitored with a panel of TFP mutants. The localization of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-PilT and YFP-PilU was independent of the subunit PilA, other TFP ATPases, and TFP-associated proteins previously shown to be associated with the membrane or exhibiting polar localization. In contrast, YFP-PilB exhibited diffuse cytoplasmic localization in a pilC mutant, suggesting that PilC is required for polar localization of PilB. Finally, localization studies performed with fluorescent ATPase chimeras of PilT and PilU demonstrated that information responsible for the characteristic localization patterns of the ATPases likely resides in their N termini.


2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 224-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengda Zhang ◽  
James B. Konopka

ABSTRACT Fusions to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) are an effective way to monitor protein localization. However, altered codon usage in Candida species has delayed implementation of new variants. Examination of three new GFP variants in Candida albicans showed that one has higher signal intensity and increased resistance to photobleaching.


2004 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 515-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
JoAnn M. Tufariello ◽  
William R. Jacobs, ◽  
John Chan

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium tuberculosis possesses five genes with significant homology to the resuscitation-promoting factor (Rpf) of Micrococcus luteus. The M. luteus Rpf is a secreted ∼16-kDa protein which restores active growth to cultures of M. luteus rendered dormant by prolonged incubation in stationary phase. More recently, the Rpf-like proteins of M. tuberculosis have been shown to stimulate the growth of extended-stationary-phase cultures of Mycobacterium bovis BCG. These data suggest that the Rpf proteins can influence the growth of mycobacteria; however, the studies do not demonstrate specific functions for the various members of this protein family, nor do they assess the function of M. tuberculosis Rpf homologues in vivo. To address these questions, we have disrupted each of the five rpf-like genes in M. tuberculosis Erdman, and analyzed the mutants for their growth in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to M. luteus, for which rpf is an essential gene, we find that all of the M. tuberculosis rpf deletion mutant strains are viable; in addition, all show growth kinetics similar to Erdman wild type both in vitro and in mouse organs following aerosol infection. Analysis of rpf expression in M. tuberculosis cultures from early log phase through late stationary phase indicates that expression of the rpf-like genes is growth phase-dependent, and that the expression patterns of the five M. tuberculosis rpf genes, while overlapping to various degrees, are not uniform. We also provide evidence that mycobacterial rpf genes are expressed in vivo in the lungs of mice acutely infected with virulent M. tuberculosis.


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