scholarly journals Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Produced by Aspergillus fumigatus Protoplasts

mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Rizzo ◽  
Thibault Chaze ◽  
Kildare Miranda ◽  
Robert W. Roberson ◽  
Olivier Gorgette ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cell Wall ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cell Wall Biogenesis

ABSTRACT Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous compartments produced by yeast and mycelial forms of several fungal species. One of the difficulties in perceiving the role of EVs during the fungal life, and particularly in cell wall biogenesis, is caused by the presence of a thick cell wall. One alternative to have better access to these vesicles is to use protoplasts. This approach has been investigated here with Aspergillus fumigatus, one of the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens worldwide. Analysis of regenerating protoplasts by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy indicated the occurrence of outer membrane projections in association with surface components and the release of particles with properties resembling those of fungal EVs. EVs in culture supernatants were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Proteomic and glycome analysis of EVs revealed the presence of a complex array of enzymes related to lipid/sugar metabolism, pathogenic processes, and cell wall biosynthesis. Our data indicate that (i) EV production is a common feature of different morphological stages of this major fungal pathogen and (ii) protoplastic EVs are promising tools for undertaking studies of vesicle functions in fungal cells. IMPORTANCE Fungal cells use extracellular vesicles (EVs) to export biologically active molecules to the extracellular space. In this study, we used protoplasts of Aspergillus fumigatus, a major fungal pathogen, as a model to evaluate the role of EV production in cell wall biogenesis. Our results demonstrated that wall-less A. fumigatus exports plasma membrane-derived EVs containing a complex combination of proteins and glycans. Our report is the first to characterize fungal EVs in the absence of a cell wall. Our results suggest that protoplasts represent a promising model for functional studies of fungal vesicles.

scholarly journals Characterization of extracellular vesicles produced by Aspergillus fumigatus protoplasts

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Rizzo ◽  
Thibault Chaze ◽  
Kildare Miranda ◽  
Robert W. Roberson ◽  
Olivier Gorgette ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cell Wall ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Sugar Metabolism ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Thick Cell Wall ◽  
A Cell

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are outer membranous compartments produced by yeast and mycelial forms of several fungal species. One of the difficulties to perceive the role of EVs during the fungal life is the fact that an active secretion of these EVs has not been clearly demonstrated in situ due to the presence of a thick cell wall. One alternative to have a better access to these vesicles is to use protoplasts. This approach has been investigated here with Aspergillus fumigatus, one of the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens worldwide. Analysis of regenerating protoplasts by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy indicated the occurrence of outer membrane projections in association with surface components and the release of particles with properties resembling those of fungal EVs. EVs in culture supernatants were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Proteomic and glycome analysis of EVs revealed the presence of a complex array of enzymes related to lipid / sugar metabolism, pathogenic processes, and cell wall biosynthesis. Our data indicate that i) EV production is a common feature of different morphological stages of this major fungal pathogen, and ii) protoplastic EVs are a promising tool to undertake studies of vesicle functions in fungal cells.IMPORTANCEFungal cells use extracellular vesicles (EVs) to export biologically active molecules to the outer space. Since fungal cells are encaged in a thick cell wall, it is reasonable to expect that this structure might impact the vesicle-mediated molecular export. In this study, we used protoplasts of Aspergillus fumigatus, a major fungal pathogen, as a model to evaluate EV production in the absence of a cell wall. Our results demonstrated that wall-less A. fumigatus exports plasma membrane-derived EVs containing a complex combination of proteins and glycans. Our study is the first to characterize fungal EVs in the absence of a cell wall. Our results suggest that protoplasts are a promising model for functional studies of fungal vesicles.

scholarly journals Targeting Methionine Synthase in a Fungal Pathogen Causes a Metabolic Imbalance That Impacts Cell Energetics, Growth, and Virulence

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Scott ◽  
Monica Sueiro-Olivares ◽  
Benjamin P. Thornton ◽  
Rebecca A. Owens ◽  
Howbeer Muhamadali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Methionine Synthase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Metabolic Imbalance

ABSTRACT There is an urgent need to develop novel antifungals to tackle the threat fungal pathogens pose to human health. Here, we have performed a comprehensive characterization and validation of the promising target methionine synthase (MetH). We show that in Aspergillus fumigatus the absence of this enzymatic activity triggers a metabolic imbalance that causes a reduction in intracellular ATP, which prevents fungal growth even in the presence of methionine. Interestingly, growth can be recovered in the presence of certain metabolites, which shows that metH is a conditionally essential gene and consequently should be targeted in established infections for a more comprehensive validation. Accordingly, we have validated the use of the tetOFF genetic model in fungal research and improved its performance in vivo to achieve initial validation of targets in models of established infection. We show that repression of metH in growing hyphae halts growth in vitro, which translates into a beneficial effect when targeting established infections using this model in vivo. Finally, a structure-based virtual screening of methionine synthases reveals key differences between the human and fungal structures and unravels features in the fungal enzyme that can guide the design of novel specific inhibitors. Therefore, methionine synthase is a valuable target for the development of new antifungals. IMPORTANCE Fungal pathogens are responsible for millions of life-threatening infections on an annual basis worldwide. The current repertoire of antifungal drugs is very limited and, worryingly, resistance has emerged and already become a serious threat to our capacity to treat fungal diseases. The first step to develop new drugs is often to identify molecular targets in the pathogen whose inhibition during infection can prevent its growth. However, the current models are not suitable to validate targets in established infections. Here, we have characterized the promising antifungal target methionine synthase in great detail, using the prominent fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus as a model. We have uncovered the underlying reason for its essentiality and confirmed its druggability. Furthermore, we have optimized the use of a genetic system to show a beneficial effect of targeting methionine synthase in established infections. Therefore, we believe that antifungal drugs to target methionine synthase should be pursued and additionally, we provide a model that permits gaining information about the validity of antifungal targets in established infections.

scholarly journals Epitope Shaving Promotes Fungal Immune Evasion

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Delma S. Childers ◽  
Gabriela Mol Avelar ◽  
Judith M. Bain ◽  
Arnab Pradhan ◽  
Daniel E. Larcombe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Immune Evasion ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Immune Recognition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evasion Strategy

ABSTRACT The cell wall provides a major physical interface between fungal pathogens and their mammalian host. This extracellular armor is critical for fungal cell homeostasis and survival. Fungus-specific cell wall moieties, such as β-1,3-glucan, are recognized as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that activate immune-mediated clearance mechanisms. We have reported that the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans masks β-1,3-glucan following exposure to lactate, hypoxia, or iron depletion. However, the precise mechanism(s) by which C. albicans masks β-1,3-glucan has remained obscure. Here, we identify a secreted exoglucanase, Xog1, that is induced in response to lactate or hypoxia. Xog1 functions downstream of the lactate-induced β-glucan “masking” pathway to promote β-1,3-glucan “shaving.” Inactivation of XOG1 blocks most but not all β-1,3-glucan masking in response to lactate, suggesting that other activities contribute to this phenomenon. Nevertheless, XOG1 deletion attenuates the lactate-induced reductions in phagocytosis and cytokine stimulation normally observed for wild-type cells. We also demonstrate that the pharmacological inhibition of exoglucanases undermines β-glucan shaving, enhances the immune visibility of the fungus, and attenuates its virulence. Our study establishes a new mechanism underlying environmentally induced PAMP remodeling that can be manipulated pharmacologically to influence immune recognition and infection outcomes. IMPORTANCE The immune system plays a critical role in protecting us against potentially fatal fungal infections. However, some fungal pathogens have evolved evasion strategies that reduce the efficacy of our immune defenses. Previously, we reported that the fungal pathogen Candida albicans exploits specific host-derived signals (such as lactate and hypoxia) to trigger an immune evasion strategy that involves reducing the exposure of β-glucan at its cell surface. Here, we show that this phenomenon is mediated by the induction of a major secreted exoglucanase (Xog1) by the fungus in response to these host signals. Inactivating XOG1-mediated “shaving” of cell surface-exposed β-glucan enhances immune responses against the fungus. Furthermore, inhibiting exoglucanase activity pharmacologically attenuates C. albicans virulence. In addition to revealing the mechanism underlying a key immune evasion strategy in a major fungal pathogen of humans, our work highlights the potential therapeutic value of drugs that block fungal immune evasion.

scholarly journals Putative Membrane Receptors Contribute to Activation and Efficient Signaling of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascades during Adaptation of Aspergillus fumigatus to Different Stressors and Carbon Sources

mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilian Pereira Silva ◽  
Dean Frawley ◽  
Leandro José de Assis ◽  
Ciara Tierney ◽  
Alastair B. Fleming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Cell Wall Integrity ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Hog Pathway ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Osmolarity Glycerol ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein

ABSTRACT The high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) response pathway is a multifunctional signal transduction pathway that specifically transmits ambient osmotic signals. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hog1p has two upstream signaling branches, the sensor histidine kinase Sln1p and the receptor Sho1p. The Sho1p branch includes two other proteins, the Msb2p mucin and Opy2p. Aspergillus fumigatus is the leading cause of pulmonary fungal diseases. Here, we investigated the roles played by A. fumigatus SlnASln1p, ShoASho1p, MsbAMsb2p, and OpyAOpy2p putative homologues during the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) HOG pathway. The shoA, msbA, and opyA singly and doubly null mutants are important for the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway, oxidative stress, and virulence as assessed by a Galleria mellonella model. Genetic interactions of ShoA, MsbA, and OpyA are also important for proper activation of the SakAHog1p and MpkASlt2 cascade and the response to osmotic and cell wall stresses. Comparative label-free quantitative proteomics analysis of the singly null mutants with the wild-type strain upon caspofungin exposure indicates that the absence of ShoA, MsbA, and OpyA affects the osmotic stress response, carbohydrate metabolism, and protein degradation. The putative receptor mutants showed altered trehalose and glycogen accumulation, suggesting a role for ShoA, MsbA, and OpyA in sugar storage. Protein kinase A activity was also decreased in these mutants. We also observed genetic interactions between SlnA, ShoA, MsbA, and OpyA, suggesting that both branches are important for activation of the HOG/CWI pathways. Our results help in the understanding of the activation and modulation of the HOG and CWI pathways in this important fungal pathogen. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is an important human-pathogenic fungal species that is responsible for a high incidence of infections in immunocompromised individuals. A. fumigatus high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) and cell wall integrity pathways are important for the adaptation to different forms of environmental adversity such as osmotic and oxidative stresses, nutrient limitations, high temperatures, and other chemical and mechanical stresses that may be produced by the host immune system and antifungal drugs. Little is known about how these pathways are activated in this fungal pathogen. Here, we characterize four A. fumigatus putative homologues that are important for the activation of the yeast HOG pathway. A. fumigatus SlnASln1p, ShoASho1p, MsbAMsb2p, and OpyAOpy2p are genetically interacting and are essential for the activation of the HOG and cell wall integrity pathways. Our results contribute to the understanding of A. fumigatus adaptation to the host environment.

scholarly journals Plasma Membrane Localization Is Required for RasA-Mediated Polarized Morphogenesis and Virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 966-977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarrod R. Fortwendel ◽  
Praveen R. Juvvadi ◽  
Luise E. Rogg ◽  
Yohannes G. Asfaw ◽  
Kimberlie A. Burns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Hyphal Growth ◽  
Membrane Association ◽  
Ras Signaling ◽  
Ras Proteins ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Ras is a highly conserved GTPase protein that is essential for proper polarized morphogenesis of filamentous fungi. Localization of Ras proteins to the plasma membrane and endomembranes through posttranslational addition of farnesyl and palmitoyl residues is an important mechanism through which cells provide specificity to Ras signal output. Although the Aspergillus fumigatus RasA protein is known to be a major regulator of growth and development, the membrane distribution of RasA during polarized morphogenesis and the role of properly localized Ras signaling in virulence of a pathogenic mold remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that Aspergillus fumigatus RasA localizes primarily to the plasma membrane of actively growing hyphae. We show that treatment with the palmitoylation inhibitor 2-bromopalmitate disrupts normal RasA plasma membrane association and decreases hyphal growth. Targeted mutations of the highly conserved RasA palmitoylation motif also mislocalized RasA from the plasma membrane and led to severe hyphal abnormalities, cell wall structural changes, and reduced virulence in murine invasive aspergillosis. Finally, we provide evidence that proper RasA localization is independent of the Ras palmitoyltransferase homolog, encoded by erfB , but requires the palmitoyltransferase complex subunit, encoded by erfD . Our results demonstrate that plasma membrane-associated RasA is critical for polarized morphogenesis, cell wall stability, and virulence in A. fumigatus .

scholarly journals The Aspergillus fumigatus Mucin MsbA Regulates the Cell Wall Integrity Pathway and Controls Recognition of the Fungus by the Immune System

mSphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Luísa da Silva Gurgel ◽  
Karina Talita de Oliveira Santana Jorge ◽  
Nathália Luísa Sousa de Oliveira Malacco ◽  
Jéssica Amanda Marques Souza ◽  
Marina Campos Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Cell Wall Composition ◽  
Cell Wall Integrity ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cell Wall Morphogenesis

ABSTRACT Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungus which causes invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. In fungi, cell signaling and cell wall plasticity are crucial for maintaining physiologic processes. In this context, Msb2 is an important signaling mucin responsible for activation of a variety of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent signaling pathways that regulate cell growth in several organisms, such as the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway. Here, we aimed to characterize the MSB2 homologue in A. fumigatus. Our results showed that MsbA plays a role in the vegetative and reproductive development of the fungus, in stress adaptation, and in resistance to antifungal drugs by modulating the CWI pathway gene expression. Importantly, cell wall composition is also responsible for activation of diverse receptors of the host immune system, thus leading to a proper immune response. In a model of acute Aspergillus pulmonary infection, results demonstrate that the ΔmsbA mutant strain induced less inflammation with diminished cell influx into the lungs and lower cytokine production, culminating in increased lethality rate. These results characterize for the first time the role of the signaling mucin MsbA in the pathogen A. fumigatus, as a core sensor for cell wall morphogenesis and an important regulator of virulence. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungus with great medical importance. During infection, Aspergillus grows, forming hyphae that colonize the lung tissue and invade and spread over the mammal host, resulting in high mortality rates. The knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for regulation of fungal growth and virulence comprises an important point to better understand fungal physiology and host-pathogen interactions. Msb2 is a mucin that acts as a sensor and an upstream regulator of the MAPK pathway responsible for fungal development in Candida albicans and Aspergillus nidulans. Here, we show the role of the signaling mucin MsbA in the pathogen A. fumigatus, as a core sensor for cell wall morphogenesis, fungal growth, and virulence. Moreover, we show that cell wall composition, controlled by MsbA, is detrimental for fungal recognition and clearance by immune cells. Our findings are important for the understanding of how fungal sensors modulate cell physiology.

scholarly journals Staphylococcus aureus Extracellular Vesicles Carry Biologically Active β-Lactamase

2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 2589-2595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaewook Lee ◽  
Eun-Young Lee ◽  
Si-Hyun Kim ◽  
Dae-Kyum Kim ◽  
Kyong-Su Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Extracellular Vesicle ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Heat Treated ◽  
Protease Digestion

ABSTRACTGram-positive bacteria naturally produce extracellular vesicles. However, little is known regarding the functions of Gram-positive bacterial extracellular vesicles, especially in the bacterial community. Here, we investigated the role ofStaphylococcus aureusextracellular vesicles in interbacterial communication to cope with antibiotic stress. We found thatS. aureusliberated BlaZ, a β-lactamase protein, via extracellular vesicles. These extracellular vesicles enabled other ampicillin-susceptible Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria to survive in the presence of ampicillin. However,S. aureusextracellular vesicles did not mediate the survival of tetracycline-, chloramphenicol-, or kanamycin-susceptible bacteria. Moreover,S. aureusextracellular vesicles did not contain theblaZgene. In addition, the heat-treatedS. aureusextracellular vesicles did not mediate the survival of ampicillin-susceptible bacteria. The β-lactamase activities ofS. aureussoluble and extracellular vesicle-associated BlaZ were similar, but only the extracellular vesicle-associated BlaZ was resistant to protease digestion, which suggests that the enzymatic activity of BlaZ in extracellular vesicles is largely protected by the vesicle structure. Our observations provide evidence of the important role ofS. aureusextracellular vesicles in antibiotic resistance, which allows the polymicrobial community to continue to evolve and prosper against antibiotics.

scholarly journals PLB-985 Neutrophil-Like Cells as a Model To Study Aspergillus fumigatus Pathogenesis

mSphere ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Rafiq ◽  
Flora Rivieccio ◽  
Ann-Kathrin Zimmermann ◽  
Corissa Visser ◽  
Alexander Bruch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte ◽  
Human Fungal Pathogen

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are an important defense against human fungal pathogens, yet our model systems to study this group of cells remain very limited in scope. In this study, we established that differentiated PLB-985 cells can serve as a model to recapitulate several important aspects of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte interactions with the important human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus .

scholarly journals Fungal Extracellular Vesicles Are Involved in Intraspecies Intracellular Communication

mBio ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamires A. Bitencourt ◽  
Otavio Hatanaka ◽  
Andre M. Pessoni ◽  
Mateus S. Freitas ◽  
Gabriel Trentin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Paracoccidioides Brasiliensis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intracellular Communication

Here, we report a study about extracellular vesicles (EVs) as communication mediators in fungi. Our results demonstrated the role of EVs from Candida albicans , Aspergillus fumigatus , and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis regulating the expression of target genes and phenotype features.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles: Novel Opportunities to Understand and Detect Neoplastic Diseases

2021 ◽  
pp. 030098582199932
Author(s):  
Laura Bongiovanni ◽  
Anneloes Andriessen ◽  
Marca H. M. Wauben ◽  
Esther N. M. Nolte-’t Hoen ◽  
Alain de Bruin
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Liquid Biopsies ◽  
Donor Cells ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Veterinary Pathology ◽  
Cell Components ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Intercellular Communications

With a size range from 30 to 1000 nm, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are one of the smallest cell components able to transport biologically active molecules. They mediate intercellular communications and play a fundamental role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and pathogenesis in several types of diseases. In particular, EVs actively contribute to cancer initiation and progression, and there is emerging understanding of their role in creation of the metastatic niche. This fact underlies the recent exponential growth in EV research, which has improved our understanding of their specific roles in disease and their potential applications in diagnosis and therapy. EVs and their biomolecular cargo reflect the state of the diseased donor cells, and can be detected in body fluids and exploited as biomarkers in cancer and other diseases. Relatively few studies have been published on EVs in the veterinary field. This review provides an overview of the features and biology of EVs as well as recent developments in EV research including techniques for isolation and analysis, and will address the way in which the EVs released by diseased tissues can be studied and exploited in the field of veterinary pathology. Uniquely, this review emphasizes the important contribution that pathologists can make to the field of EV research: pathologists can help EV scientists in studying and confirming the role of EVs and their molecular cargo in diseased tissues and as biomarkers in liquid biopsies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document