scholarly journals Striking up the conversation: quorum sensing in fungi

Fine Focus ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-151
Author(s):  
Brooke Martini ◽  
Cody Orr ◽  
Ginny Webb
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Pantothenic Acid ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Cellular Growth ◽  
Growth Morphology ◽  
Dimorphic Fungus ◽  
Diploid Cells

Quorum sensing is a form of communication observed in different species of microbes. Numerous studies have shown the ability of bacteria and fungi to carry out quorum sensing by releasing specific molecules to enable communication in a large population. Quorum sensing has been shown to influence growth, morphology, and other factors pertaining to virulence in pathogenic microbes. In this review, we address three important fungal species and explain how each fungus has a unique and dynamic way of communicating. Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen, or one that is part of the normal microbiota that can become pathogenic and cause several diseases. Here, we address two quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) identified by investigators. These chemicals are tyrosol and farnesol, which act together to control cellular growth, morphology and biofilm production. Another opportunistic fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, has been shown to display quorum sensing activity by using pantothenic acid as well as a peptide called quorum sensing-like peptide 1. These molecules have both been shown to control growth rates of C. neoformans. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is another dimorphic fungus that uses QSMs, although it is nonpathogenic. Using two aromatic alcohols, phenylethanol and tryptophol, S. cerevisiae can alter pseudohyphal growth in diploid cells as well as invasive growth in haploid cells. By understanding more about the ways these organisms communicate, we present the potential for new and better targets for the treatment of fungal infections.

scholarly journals Quorum Sensing in the Dimorphic FungusCandida albicans Is Mediated by Farnesol

2001 ◽  
Vol 67 (7) ◽  
pp. 2982-2992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob M. Hornby ◽  
Ellen C. Jensen ◽  
Amber D. Lisec ◽  
Joseph J. Tasto ◽  
Brandon Jahnke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Chemical Nature ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Inoculum Size ◽  
Cellular Growth ◽  
Farnesyl Pyrophosphate ◽  
Dimorphic Fungus ◽  
Fetal Bovine ◽  
Mycelial Development

ABSTRACT The inoculum size effect in the dimorphic fungus Candida albicans results from production of an extracellular quorum-sensing molecule (QSM). This molecule prevents mycelial development in both a growth morphology assay and a differentiation assay using three chemically distinct triggers for germ tube formation (GTF): l-proline, N-acetylglucosamine, and serum (either pig or fetal bovine). In all cases, the presence of QSM prevents the yeast-to-mycelium conversion, resulting in actively budding yeasts without influencing cellular growth rates. QSM exhibits general cross-reactivity within C. albicans in that supernatants from strain A72 are active on five other strains ofC. albicans and vice versa. The QSM excreted by C. albicans is farnesol (C15H26O; molecular weight, 222.37). QSM is extracellular, and is produced continuously during growth and over a temperature range from 23 to 43�C, in amounts roughly proportional to the CFU/milliliter. Production is not dependent on the type of carbon source nor nitrogen source or on the chemical nature of the growth medium. Both commercial mixed isomer and (E,E)-farnesol exhibited QSM activity (the ability to prevent GTF) at a level sufficient to account for all the QSM activity present in C. albicans supernatants, i.e., 50% GTF at ca. 30 to 35 μM. Nerolidol was ca. two times less active than farnesol. Neither geraniol (C10), geranylgeraniol (C20), nor farnesyl pyrophosphate had any QSM activity.

scholarly journals Fungal Quorum-Sensing Molecules and Inhibitors with Potential Antifungal Activity: A Review

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arshad Mehmood ◽  
Guorong Liu ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
Guannan Meng ◽  
Chengtao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Potential Applications

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.

scholarly journals Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase-Mediated Metabolic Utilization of Benzo[a]Pyrene by Aspergillus Species

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin M. Ostrem Loss ◽  
Mi-Kyung Lee ◽  
Ming-Yueh Wu ◽  
Julia Martien ◽  
Wanping Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome P450 ◽  
Environmental Pollutants ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Metabolic Changes ◽  
Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase ◽  
Cellular Growth ◽  
P450 Monooxygenase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fundamental Knowledge

ABSTRACT Soil-dwelling fungal species possess the versatile metabolic capability to degrade complex organic compounds that are toxic to humans, yet the mechanisms they employ remain largely unknown. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a pervasive carcinogenic contaminant, posing a significant concern for human health. Here, we report that several Aspergillus species are capable of degrading BaP. Exposing Aspergillus nidulans cells to BaP results in transcriptomic and metabolic changes associated with cellular growth and energy generation, implying that the fungus utilizes BaP as a growth substrate. Importantly, we identify and characterize the conserved bapA gene encoding a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase that is necessary for the metabolic utilization of BaP in Aspergillus. We further demonstrate that the fungal NF-κB-type velvet regulators VeA and VelB are required for proper expression of bapA in response to nutrient limitation and BaP degradation in A. nidulans. Our study illuminates fundamental knowledge of fungal BaP metabolism and provides novel insights into enhancing bioremediation potential. IMPORTANCE We are increasingly exposed to environmental pollutants, including the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), which has prompted extensive research into human metabolism of toxicants. However, little is known about metabolic mechanisms employed by fungi that are able to use some toxic pollutants as the substrates for growth, leaving innocuous by-products. This study systemically demonstrates that a common soil-dwelling fungus is able to use benzo[a]pyrene as food, which results in expression and metabolic changes associated with growth and energy generation. Importantly, this study reveals key components of the metabolic utilization of BaP, notably a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and the fungal NF-κB-type transcriptional regulators. Our study advances fundamental knowledge of fungal BaP metabolism and provides novel insight into designing and implementing enhanced bioremediation strategies.

scholarly journals The Role of Fungi in the Cocoa Production Chain and the Challenge of Climate Change

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 202
Author(s):  
Johannes Delgado-Ospina ◽  
Junior Bernardo Molina-Hernández ◽  
Clemencia Chaves-López ◽  
Gianfranco Romanazzi ◽  
Antonello Paparella
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Cocoa Production

Background: The role of fungi in cocoa crops is mainly associated with plant diseases and contamination of harvest with unwanted metabolites such as mycotoxins that can reach the final consumer. However, in recent years there has been interest in discovering other existing interactions in the environment that may be beneficial, such as antagonism, commensalism, and the production of specific enzymes, among others. Scope and approach: This review summarizes the different fungi species involved in cocoa production and the cocoa supply chain. In particular, it examines the presence of fungal species during cultivation, harvest, fermentation, drying, and storage, emphasizing the factors that possibly influence their prevalence in the different stages of production and the health risks associated with the production of mycotoxins in the light of recent literature. Key findings and conclusion: Fungi associated with the cocoa production chain have many different roles. They have evolved in a varied range of ecosystems in close association with plants and various habitats, affecting nearly all the cocoa chain steps. Reports of the isolation of 60 genera of fungi were found, of which only 19 were involved in several stages. Although endophytic fungi can help control some diseases caused by pathogenic fungi, climate change, with increased rain and temperatures, together with intensified exchanges, can favour most of these fungal infections, and the presence of highly aggressive new fungal genotypes increasing the concern of mycotoxin production. For this reason, mitigation strategies need to be determined to prevent the spread of disease-causing fungi and preserve beneficial ones.

scholarly journals Molecular Phylogenetic Diversity and Biological Characterization of Diaporthe Species Associated with Leaf Spots of Camellia sinensis in Taiwan

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1434
Author(s):  
Hiran A. Ariyawansa ◽  
Ichen Tsai ◽  
Jian-Yuan Wang ◽  
Patchareeya Withee ◽  
Medsaii Tanjira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Camellia Sinensis ◽  
Leaf Spot ◽  
Phylogenetic Trees ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Elongation Factor ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Tea Leaves ◽  
Phenotypic Characters ◽  
Leaf Spots ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic

Camellia sinensis is one of the major crops grown in Taiwan and has been widely cultivated around the island. Tea leaves are prone to various fungal infections, and leaf spot is considered one of the major diseases in Taiwan tea fields. As part of a survey on fungal species causing leaf spots on tea leaves in Taiwan, 19 fungal strains morphologically similar to the genus Diaporthe were collected. ITS (internal transcribed spacer), tef1-α (translation elongation factor 1-α), tub2 (beta-tubulin), and cal (calmodulin) gene regions were used to construct phylogenetic trees and determine the evolutionary relationships among the collected strains. In total, six Diaporthe species, including one new species, Diaporthe hsinchuensis, were identified as linked with leaf spot of C. sinensis in Taiwan based on both phenotypic characters and phylogeny. These species were further characterized in terms of their pathogenicity, temperature, and pH requirements under laboratory conditions. Diaporthe tulliensis, D. passiflorae, and D. perseae were isolated from C. sinensis for the first time. Furthermore, pathogenicity tests revealed that, with wound inoculation, only D. hongkongensis was pathogenic on tea leaves. This investigation delivers the first assessment of Diaporthe taxa related to leaf spots on tea in Taiwan.

scholarly journals Autoinducer-2 Triggers the Oxidative Stress Response in Mycobacterium avium, Leading to Biofilm Formation

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 1798-1804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henriette Geier ◽  
Serge Mostowy ◽  
Gerard A. Cangelosi ◽  
Marcel A. Behr ◽  
Timothy E. Ford
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Stress Response ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Mycobacterium Avium ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Transcriptional Response ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Environmental Stresses ◽  
Oxidative Stress Response ◽  
Autoinducer 2

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium avium is an environmental organism and opportunistic pathogen with inherent resistance to drugs, environmental stresses, and the host immune response. To adapt to these disparate conditions, M. avium must control its transcriptional response to environmental cues. M. avium forms biofilms in various environmental settings, including drinking water pipes and potable water reservoirs. In this study, we investigated the role of the universal signaling molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2) in biofilm formation by M. avium. The addition of the compound to planktonic M. avium cultures resulted in increased biofilm formation. Microarray and reverse transcriptase PCR studies revealed an upregulation of the oxidative stress response upon addition of AI-2. This suggests that the response to AI-2 might be related to oxidative stress, rather than quorum sensing. Consistent with this model, addition of hydrogen peroxide, a known stimulus of the oxidative stress response, to M. avium cultures resulted in elevated biofilm formation. These results suggest that AI-2 does not act as a quorum-sensing signal in M. avium. Instead, biofilm formation is triggered by environmental stresses of biotic and abiotic origins and AI-2 may exert effects on that level.

scholarly journals Pseudomonas aeruginosa las and rhl quorum-sensing systems are important for infection and inflammation in a rat prostatitis model

Microbiology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 155 (8) ◽  
pp. 2612-2619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa K. Nelson ◽  
Genevieve H. D'Amours ◽  
Kimberley M. Sproule-Willoughby ◽  
Douglas W. Morck ◽  
Howard Ceri
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Tissue Damage ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Strain Pao1 ◽  
Rat Prostate

Pseudomonas aeruginosa frequently acts as an opportunistic pathogen of mucosal surfaces; yet, despite causing aggressive prostatitis in some men, its role as a pathogen in the prostate has not been investigated. Consequently, we developed a Ps. aeruginosa infection model in the rat prostate by instilling wild-type (WT) Ps. aeruginosa strain PAO1 into the rat prostate. It was found that Ps. aeruginosa produced acute and chronic infections in this mucosal tissue as determined by bacterial colonization, gross morphology, tissue damage and inflammatory markers. WT strain PAO1 and its isogenic mutant PAO-JP2, in which both the lasI and rhlI quorum-sensing signal systems have been silenced, were compared during both acute and chronic prostate infections. In acute infections, bacterial numbers and inflammatory markers were comparable between WT PA01 and PAO-JP2; however, considerably less tissue damage occurred in infections with PAO-JP2. Chronic infections with PAO-JP2 resulted in reduced bacterial colonization, tissue damage and inflammation as compared to WT PAO1 infections. Therefore, the quorum-sensing lasI and rhlI genes in Ps. aeruginosa affect acute prostate infections, but play a considerably more important role in maintaining chronic infections. We have thus developed a highly reproducible model for the study of Ps. aeruginosa virulence in the prostate.

Influence of Glucose Concentrations on Biofilm Formation, Motility, Exoprotease Production, and Quorum Sensing in Aeromonas hydrophila

2013 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
IQBAL KABIR JAHID ◽  
NA-YOUNG LEE ◽  
ANNA KIM ◽  
SANG-DO HA
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Aeromonas Hydrophila ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Protease Production ◽  
Acyl Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Initial Biofilm ◽  
Motility Inhibition

Aeromonas hydrophila recently has received increased attention because it is opportunistic and a primary human pathogen. A. hydrophila biofilm formation and its control are a major concern for food safety because biofilms are related to virulence. Therefore, we investigated biofilm formation, motility inhibition, quorum sensing, and exoprotease production of this opportunistic pathogen in response to various glucose concentrations from 0.05 to 2.5% (wt/vol). More than 0.05% glucose significantly impaired (P < 0.05) quorum sensing, biofilm formation, protease production, and swarming and swimming motility, whereas bacteria treated with 0.05% glucose had activity similar to that of the control (0% glucose). A stage shift biofilm assay revealed that the addition of glucose (2.5%) inhibited initial biofilm formation but not later stages. However, addition of quorum sensing molecules N-3-butanoyl-DL-homoserine lactone and N-3-hexanoyl homoserine lactone partially restored protease production, indicating that quorum sensing is controlled by glucose concentrations. Thus, glucose present in food or added as a preservative could regulate acyl-homoserine lactone quorum sensing molecules, which mediate biofilm formation and virulence in A. hydrophila.

Vancomycin enhances growth and virulence of Trichosporon spp. planktonic cells and biofilms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro ◽  
Bruno Nascimento da Silva ◽  
Ana Luiza Ribeiro de Aguiar ◽  
Livia Maria Galdino Pereira ◽  
Fernando Victor Monteiro Portela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Tolerance Induction ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Planktonic Cells ◽  
Persister Cells ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Patients At Risk

Abstract Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are important worldwide health problem, affecting the growing population of immunocompromised patients. Although the majority of IFIs are caused by Candida spp., other fungal species have been increasingly recognized as relevant opportunistic pathogens. Trichosporon spp. are members of skin and gut human microbiota. Since 1980’s, invasive trichosporonosis has been considered a significant cause of fungemia in patients with hematological malignancies. As prolonged antibiotic therapy is an important risk factor for IFIs, the present study investigated if vancomycin enhances growth and virulence of Trichosporon. Vancomycin was tested against T. inkin (n = 6) and T. asahii (n = 6) clinical strains. Planktonic cells were evaluated for their metabolic activity and virulence against Caenorhabditis elegans. Biofilms were evaluated for metabolic activity, biomass production, amphotericin B tolerance, induction of persister cells, and ultrastructure. Vancomycin stimulated planktonic growth of Trichosporon spp., increased tolerance to AMB, and potentiates virulence against C. elegans. Vancomycin stimulated growth (metabolic activity and biomass) of Trichosporon spp. biofilms during all stages of development. The antibiotic increased the number of persister cells inside Trichosporon biofilms. These cells showed higher tolerance to AMB than persister cells from VAN-free biofilms. Microscopic analysis showed that VAN increased production of extracellular matrix and cells in T. inkin and T. asahii biofilms. These results suggest that antibiotic exposure may have a direct impact on the pathophysiology of opportunistic trichosporonosis in patients at risk. Lay abstract This study showed that the vancomycin stimulated Trichosporon growth, induced morphological and physiological changes on their biofilms, and also enhanced their in vivo virulence. Although speculative, the stimulatory effect of vancomycin on fungal cells should be considered in a clinical scenario.

scholarly journals Penicillium marneffei Infection in AIDS

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephenie Y. N. Wong ◽  
K. F. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Immune Dysfunction ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Secondary Prophylaxis ◽  
Penicillium Marneffei ◽  
Antifungal Treatment ◽  
Dimorphic Fungus ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Prompt Diagnosis

Penicillium marneffei is a dimorphic fungus which is endemic in Southeast Asia. It is an opportunistic pathogen which has emerged to become an AIDS-defining illness in the endemic areas. Early diagnosis with prompt initiation of treatment is crucial for its management. Prompt diagnosis can often be established through careful cytological and histological examination of clinical specimens although microbiological culture remains the gold standard for its diagnosis. Standard antifungal treatment for AIDS patients with penicilliosis is well established. Highly active antiretroviral therapy should be started early together with the antifungal treatment. Special attention should be paid to potential drug interaction between antiretroviral and antifungal treatments. Secondary prophylaxis may be discontinued with a low risk of relapse of the infection once the immune dysfunction has improved.

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