scholarly journals Dnj1 Promotes Virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans by Maintaining Robust Endoplasmic Reticulum Homeostasis Under Temperature Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda C. Horianopoulos ◽  
Christopher W. J. Lee ◽  
Guanggan Hu ◽  
Mélissa Caza ◽  
James W. Kronstad
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Mammalian Host ◽  
Human Body Temperature ◽  
J Domain ◽  
Er Homeostasis

The capacity of opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans to cause disease is dependent on their ability to overcome an onslaught of stresses including elevated temperature under mammalian host conditions. Protein chaperones and co-chaperones play key roles in thermotolerance. In this study, we characterized the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) J-domain containing co-chaperone, Dnj1, in the virulence of C. neoformans. A strain expressing a Dnj1-GFP fusion protein was used to confirm localization to the ER, and a dnj1∆ deletion mutant was shown to be hypersensitive to the ER stress caused by tunicamycin (TM) or 4μ8C. Dnj1 and another ER chaperone, calnexin were found to coordinately maintain ER homeostasis and contribute to maintenance of cell wall architecture. Dnj1 also contributed to thermotolerance and increased in abundance at elevated temperatures representative of febrile patients (e.g., 39°C) thus highlighting its role as a temperature-responsive J domain protein. The elaboration of virulence factors such as the polysaccharide capsule and extracellular urease activity were also markedly impaired in the dnj1∆ mutant when induced at human body temperature (i.e., 37°C). These virulence factors are immunomodulatory and, indeed, infection with the dnj1∆ mutant revealed impaired induction of the cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and MCP-1 in the lungs of mice compared to infection with wild type or complemented strains. The dnj1∆ mutant also had attenuated virulence in an intranasal murine model of cryptococcosis. Altogether, our data indicate that Dnj1 is crucial for survival and virulence factor production at elevated temperatures. The characterization of this co-chaperone also highlights the importance of maintaining homeostasis in the ER for the pathogenesis of C. neoformans.

scholarly journals Lipids Affect the Cryptococcus neoformans-Macrophage Interaction and Promote Nonlytic Exocytosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 85 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina J. Nolan ◽  
Man Shun Fu ◽  
Isabelle Coppens ◽  
Arturo Casadevall
Keyword(s):  
Oleic Acid ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Lipid Droplets ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Cellular Lipid ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Acid Supplementation

ABSTRACT Many microbes exploit host cellular lipid droplets during the host-microbe interaction, but this phenomenon has not been extensively studied for fungal pathogens. In this study, we analyzed the role of lipid droplets during the interaction of Cryptococcus neoformans with macrophages in the presence and the absence of exogenous lipids, in particular, oleate. The addition of oleic acid increased the frequency of lipid droplets in both C. neoformans and macrophages. C. neoformans responded to oleic acid supplementation by faster growth inside and outside macrophages. Fungal cells were able to harvest lipids from macrophage lipid droplets. Supplementation of C. neoformans and macrophages with oleic acid significantly increased the rate of nonlytic exocytosis while having no effect on lytic exocytosis. The process for lipid modulation of nonlytic exocytosis was associated with actin changes in macrophages. In summary, C. neoformans harvests lipids from macrophages, and the C. neoformans-macrophage interaction is modulated by exogenous lipids, providing a new tool for studying nonlytic exocytosis.

Genetic analysis of Hsp90 function in Cryptococcus neoformans highlights key roles in stress tolerance and virulence

Genetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ci Fu ◽  
Sarah R Beattie ◽  
Andrew J Jezewski ◽  
Nicole Robbins ◽  
Luke Whitesell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Molecular Chaperone ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Genetic Characterization ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Report Generation ◽  
Conditional Expression ◽  
Expression Strain

Abstract The opportunistic human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans has tremendous impact on global health, causing 181,000 deaths annually. Current treatment options are limited, and the frequent development of drug resistance exacerbates the challenge of managing invasive cryptococcal infections. In diverse fungal pathogens, the essential molecular chaperone Hsp90 governs fungal survival, drug resistance, and virulence. Therefore, targeting this chaperone has emerged as a promising approach to combat fungal infections. However, the role of Hsp90 in supporting C. neoformans pathogenesis remains largely elusive due to a lack of genetic characterization. To help dissect the functions of Hsp90 in C. neoformans, we generated a conditional expression strain in which HSP90 is under control of the copper-repressible promoter CTR4-2. Addition of copper to culture medium depleted Hsp90 transcript and protein levels in this strain, resulting in compromised fungal growth at host temperature; increased sensitivity to stressors, including the azole class of antifungals; altered C. neoformans morphology; and impaired melanin production. Finally, leveraging the fact that copper concentrations vary widely in different mouse tissues, we demonstrated attenuated virulence for the CTR4-2p-HSP90 mutant specifically in an inhalation model of Cryptococcus infection. During invasion and establishment of infection in this mouse model, the pathogen is exposed to the relatively high copper concentrations found in the lung as compared to blood. Overall, this work generates a tractable genetic system to study the role of Hsp90 in supporting the pathogenicity of C. neoformans and provides proof-of-principle that targeting Hsp90 holds great promise as a strategy to control cryptococcal infection. Article Summary Hsp90 is a conserved molecular chaperone that modulates virulence traits and drug resistance in fungal pathogens. Despite the potential of Hsp90 as a target for antifungal development, genetic characterization remains lacking in Cryptococcus neoformans. Here, we report generation of a C. neoformans HSP90 conditional expression strain. Utilizing this genetic tool, we found depletion of Hsp90 impacted tolerance to environmental stresses, growth at physiological temperature, and virulence in vivo. Thus, we suggest targeting Hsp90 is a viable strategy for treating cryptococcosis.

scholarly journals Chaperone Networks in Fungal Pathogens of Humans

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 209
Author(s):  
Linda C. Horianopoulos ◽  
James W. Kronstad
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Promising Strategy ◽  
Human Body Temperature ◽  
Small Hsps ◽  
J Domain ◽  
Shock Proteins

The heat shock proteins (HSPs) function as chaperones to facilitate proper folding and modification of proteins and are of particular importance when organisms are subjected to unfavourable conditions. The human fungal pathogens are subjected to such conditions within the context of infection as they are exposed to human body temperature as well as the host immune response. Herein, the roles of the major classes of HSPs are briefly reviewed and their known contributions in human fungal pathogens are described with a focus on Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. The Hsp90s and Hsp70s in human fungal pathogens broadly contribute to thermotolerance, morphological changes required for virulence, and tolerance to antifungal drugs. There are also examples of J domain co-chaperones and small HSPs influencing the elaboration of virulence factors in human fungal pathogens. However, there are diverse members in these groups of chaperones and there is still much to be uncovered about their contributions to pathogenesis. These HSPs do not act in isolation, but rather they form a network with one another. Interactions between chaperones define their specific roles and enhance their protein folding capabilities. Recent efforts to characterize these HSP networks in human fungal pathogens have revealed that there are unique interactions relevant to these pathogens, particularly under stress conditions. The chaperone networks in the fungal pathogens are also emerging as key coordinators of pathogenesis and antifungal drug tolerance, suggesting that their disruption is a promising strategy for the development of antifungal therapy.

scholarly journals Isolation and Characterization of Cryptococcus neoformans Spores Reveal a Critical Role for Capsule Biosynthesis Genes in Spore Biogenesis

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 595-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Botts ◽  
Steven S. Giles ◽  
Marcellene A. Gates ◽  
Thomas R. Kozel ◽  
Christina M. Hull
Keyword(s):  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Spore Formation ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Isolation And Characterization ◽  
Specific Configuration ◽  
First Time

ABSTRACT Spores are essential particles for the survival of many organisms, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Among the eukaryotes, fungi have developed spores with superior resistance and dispersal properties. For the human fungal pathogens, however, relatively little is known about the role that spores play in dispersal and infection. Here we present the purification and characterization of spores from the environmental fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. For the first time, we purified spores to homogeneity and assessed their morphological, stress resistance, and surface properties. We found that spores are morphologically distinct from yeast cells and are covered with a thick spore coat. Spores are also more resistant to environmental stresses than yeast cells and display a spore-specific configuration of polysaccharides on their surfaces. Surprisingly, we found that the surface of the spore reacts with antibodies to the polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan, the most abundant component of the polysaccharide capsule required for C. neoformans virulence. We explored the role of capsule polysaccharide in spore development by assessing spore formation in a series of acapsular strains and determined that capsule biosynthesis genes are required for proper sexual development and normal spore formation. Our findings suggest that C. neoformans spores may have an adapted cell surface that facilitates persistence in harsh environments and ultimately allows them to infect mammalian hosts.

scholarly journals Identification of ENA1 as a Virulence Gene of the Human Pathogenic Fungus Cryptococcus neoformans through Signature-Tagged Insertional Mutagenesis

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Idnurm ◽  
Felicia J. Walton ◽  
Anna Floyd ◽  
Jennifer L. Reedy ◽  
Joseph Heitman
Keyword(s):  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Insertional Mutagenesis ◽  
Pathogenic Fungus ◽  
Mammalian Host ◽  
New Genes ◽  
Strain Collection ◽  
Mutant Strains ◽  
Human Pathogenic Fungus

ABSTRACT A library of more than 4,500 signature-tagged insertion mutants of the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans was generated, and a subset was screened in a murine inhalation model to identify genes required for virulence. New genes that regulate aspects of C. neoformans virulence were also identified by screening the entire library for in vitro phenotypes related to the ability to cause disease, including melanin production, growth at high temperature, and growth under conditions of nutrient limitation. A screen of 10% of the strain collection in mice identified an avirulent mutant strain with an insertion in the ENA1 gene, which is predicted to encode a fungus-specific sodium or potassium P-type ATPase. The results of the deletion of the gene and complementation experiments confirmed its key role in mammalian virulence. ena1 mutant strains exhibited no change in sensitivity to high salt concentrations but were sensitive to alkaline pH conditions, providing evidence that the fungus may have to survive at elevated pH during infection of the mammalian host. The mutation of the well-characterized virulence factor calcineurin (CNA1) also rendered C. neoformans strains sensitive to elevated pH. ENA1 transcripts in wild-type and cna1 mutant strains were upregulated in response to high pH, and cna1 ena1 double mutant strains exhibited increased sensitivity to elevated pH, indicating that at least two pathways in the fungus mediate survival under alkaline conditions. Signature-tagged mutagenesis is an effective strategy for the discovery of new virulence genes in fungal pathogens of animals.

scholarly journals ESCRT machinery mediates selective microautophagy of endoplasmic reticulum

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin A. Schäfer ◽  
Julia P. Schessner ◽  
Peter W. Bircham ◽  
Takuma Tsuji ◽  
Charlotta Funaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Lysosomal Membrane ◽  
Misfolded Proteins ◽  
Selective Autophagy ◽  
Escrt Machinery ◽  
Parallel Pathways ◽  
Mechanistic Understanding ◽  
Er Homeostasis ◽  
Er Whorls

ABSTRACTER-phagy, the selective autophagy of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), safeguards organelle homeostasis by eliminating misfolded proteins and regulating ER size. ER-phagy can occur by macroautophagic and microautophagic mechanisms. While dedicated machinery for macro-ER-phagy has been discovered, the molecules and mechanisms mediating micro-ER-phagy remain unknown. Here, we first show that micro-ER-phagy in yeast involves the conversion of stacked cisternal ER into multilamellar ER whorls during microautophagic uptake into lysosomes. Second, we identify the conserved Nem1-Spo7 phosphatase complex and ESCRT proteins as key components for micro-ER-phagy. Third, we demonstrate that macro- and micro-ER-phagy are parallel pathways with distinct molecular requirements. Finally, we provide evidence that ESCRT proteins directly function in scission of the lysosomal membrane to complete the microautophagic uptake of ER. These findings establish a framework for a mechanistic understanding of micro-ER-phagy and, thus, a comprehensive appreciation of the role of autophagy in ER homeostasis.

scholarly journals The Role of the Signaling Pathways Involved in the Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shizhen Zhao ◽  
Xinping Li ◽  
Ping Lu ◽  
Xiaotian Li ◽  
Mingfei Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Hydrogen Sulfide ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Lipid Synthesis ◽  
Unfolded Proteins ◽  
Signal Molecule ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
Protein Response ◽  
Er Homeostasis

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a kind of organelle with multiple functions including protein synthesis, modification and folding, calcium storage, and lipid synthesis. Under stress conditions, ER homeostasis is disrupted, which is defined as ER stress (ERS). The accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER triggers a stable signaling network named unfolded protein response (UPR). Hydrogen sulfide is an important signal molecule regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies have shown that H2S plays an important role in many diseases by affecting ERS, but its mechanism, especially the signaling pathways, is not fully understood. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the recent studies about the signaling pathways involved in the effects of H2S on ERS in diseases to provide theoretical reference for the related in-depth researches.

scholarly journals Molecular Chaperones in the Yeast Endoplasmic Reticulum Maintain the Solubility of Proteins for Retrotranslocation and Degradation

2001 ◽  
Vol 153 (5) ◽  
pp. 1061-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuh-ichi Nishikawa ◽  
Sheara W. Fewell ◽  
Yoshihito Kato ◽  
Jeffrey L. Brodsky ◽  
Toshiya Endo
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Molecular Chaperone ◽  
Molecular Chaperones ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Carboxypeptidase Y ◽  
Mutant Form ◽  
Genes Encoding

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) is the process by which aberrant proteins in the ER lumen are exported back to the cytosol and degraded by the proteasome. Although ER molecular chaperones are required for ERAD, their specific role(s) in this process have been ill defined. To understand how one group of interacting lumenal chaperones facilitates ERAD, the fates of pro–α-factor and a mutant form of carboxypeptidase Y were examined both in vivo and in vitro. We found that these ERAD substrates are stabilized and aggregate in the ER at elevated temperatures when BiP, the lumenal Hsp70 molecular chaperone, is mutated, or when the genes encoding the J domain–containing proteins Jem1p and Scj1p are deleted. In contrast, deletion of JEM1 and SCJ1 had little effect on the ERAD of a membrane protein. These results suggest that one role of the BiP, Jem1p, and Scj1p chaperones is to maintain lumenal ERAD substrates in a retrotranslocation-competent state.

scholarly journals The Monothiol Glutaredoxin Grx4 Regulates Iron Homeostasis and Virulence inCryptococcus neoformans

mBio ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodgoun Attarian ◽  
Guanggan Hu ◽  
Eddy Sánchez-León ◽  
Mélissa Caza ◽  
Daniel Croll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Iron Homeostasis ◽  
Pathogenic Fungus ◽  
Nutrient Sensing ◽  
Iron Availability ◽  
Virulence Determinants ◽  
Poor Growth ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTThe acquisition of iron and the maintenance of iron homeostasis are important aspects of virulence for the pathogenic fungusCryptococcus neoformans. In this study, we characterized the role of the monothiol glutaredoxin Grx4 in iron homeostasis and virulence inC. neoformans. Monothiol glutaredoxins are important regulators of iron homeostasis because of their conserved roles in [2Fe-2S] cluster sensing and trafficking. We initially identified Grx4 as a binding partner of Cir1, a master regulator of iron-responsive genes and virulence factor elaboration inC. neoformans. We confirmed that Grx4 binds Cir1 and demonstrated that iron repletion promotes the relocalization of Grx4 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. We also found that agrx4mutant lacking the GRX domain displayed iron-related phenotypes similar to those of acir1Δ mutant, including poor growth upon iron deprivation. Importantly, thegrx4mutant was avirulent in mice, a phenotype consistent with observed defects in the key virulence determinants, capsule and melanin, and poor growth at 37°C. A comparative transcriptome analysis of thegrx4mutant and the WT strain under low-iron and iron-replete conditions confirmed a central role for Grx4 in iron homeostasis. Dysregulation of iron-related metabolism was consistent withgrx4mutant phenotypes related to oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and DNA repair. Overall, the phenotypes of thegrx4mutant lacking the GRX domain and the transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of the mutant support the hypothesis that Grx4 functions as an iron sensor, in part through an interaction with Cir1, to extensively regulate iron homeostasis.IMPORTANCEFungal pathogens cause life-threatening diseases in humans, particularly in immunocompromised people, and there is a tremendous need for a greater understanding of pathogenesis to support new therapies. One prominent fungal pathogen,Cryptococcus neoformans, causes meningitis in people suffering from HIV/AIDS. In the present study, we focused on characterizing mechanisms by whichC. neoformanssenses iron availability because iron is both a signal and a key nutrient for proliferation of the pathogen in vertebrate hosts. Specifically, we characterized a monothiol glutaredoxin protein, Grx4, that functions as a sensor of iron availability and interacts with regulatory factors to control the ability ofC. neoformansto cause disease. Grx4 regulates key virulence factors, and a mutant is unable to cause disease in a mouse model of cryptococcosis. Overall, our study provides new insights into nutrient sensing and the role of iron in the pathogenesis of fungal diseases.

scholarly journals Disarming Fungal Pathogens:Bacillus safensisInhibits Virulence Factor Production and Biofilm Formation byCryptococcus neoformansandCandida albicans

mBio ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
François L. Mayer ◽  
James W. Kronstad
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Virulence Factor ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Soil Bacterium ◽  
Fungal Cell ◽  
Virulence Factor Production

ABSTRACTBacteria interact with each other in nature and often compete for limited nutrient and space resources. However, it is largely unknown whether and how bacteria also interact with human fungal pathogens naturally found in the environment. Here, we identified a soil bacterium,Bacillus safensis, which potently blocked several keyCryptococcus neoformansvirulence factors, including formation of the antioxidant pigment melanin and production of the antiphagocytic polysaccharide capsule. The bacterium also inhibitedde novocryptococcal biofilm formation but had only modest inhibitory effects on already formed biofilms or planktonic cell growth. The inhibition of fungal melanization was dependent on direct cell contact and live bacteria.B. safensisalso had anti-virulence factor activity against another major human-associated fungal pathogen,Candida albicans. Specifically, dual-species interaction studies revealed that the bacterium strongly inhibitedC. albicansfilamentation and biofilm formation. In particular,B. safensisphysically attached to and degraded candidal filaments. Through genetic and phenotypic analyses, we demonstrated that bacterial chitinase activity against fungal cell wall chitin is a factor contributing to the antipathogen effect ofB. safensis.IMPORTANCEPathogenic fungi are estimated to contribute to as many human deaths as tuberculosis or malaria. Two of the most common fungal pathogens,Cryptococcus neoformansandCandida albicans, account for up to 1.4 million infections per year with very high mortality rates. Few antifungal drugs are available for treatment, and development of novel therapies is complicated by the need for pathogen-specific targets. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel drug targets and new drugs. Pathogens use virulence factors during infection, and it has recently been proposed that targeting these factors instead of the pathogen itself may represent a new approach to develop antimicrobials. Here, we identified a soil bacterium that specifically blocked virulence factor production and biofilm formation byC. neoformansandC. albicans. We demonstrate that the bacterial antipathogen mechanism is based in part on targeting the fungal cell wall, a structure not found in human cells.

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