Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fanglong Zhao, Chunxiao Sun, Zhiwen Liu, Alan Cabrera, Mario Escobar, Shunyu Huang, Qichen Yuan, Qiuyue Nie, Kevin Lee Luo, Angela Lin, Jeffrey A. Vanegas, Tong Zhu, Isaac B. Hilton, Xue Gao
Summary: This study developed a multiplex base-editing platform that allows the simultaneous inactivation of up to eight genes in filamentous fungi. By applying this platform to Aspergillus nidulans, eight cryptic gene clusters were activated, leading to the discovery of a group of novel NPs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Hector Toledo, Clara Ines Sanchez, Laura Marin, Jorge Amich, Jose Antonio Calera
Summary: This study investigated the regulation of gene expression in Aspergillus fumigatus under different environmental conditions. It was found that the PacC transcription factor plays a crucial role in modulating gene expression under acidic and alkaline zinc-limiting conditions, and proposed the involvement of a third factor in integrating the actions of PacC and ZafA for gene-specific transcriptional responses.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Koji Kitamura, Keisuke Nimura
Summary: RNA splicing is a crucial process in the maturation of mRNA, allowing for diversity in mature mRNA through the inclusion and exclusion of introns and exons. Cancer cells develop cancer-specific mechanisms through abnormal splicing regulation to resist treatment and promote malignancy. Dysregulation of splicing is caused by factors such as mutations in splicing factors and changes in genomic sequences, impacting the splicing profile related to cancer.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jianguo Feng, Jianlong Zhou, Yunxiao Lin, Wenhua Huang
Summary: This article highlights the importance of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) in regulating RNA metabolism and its dysregulation in various diseases. The selective binding sites of hnRNP A1 to RNA and DNA are summarized, along with the co-regulatory factors that interact with hnRNP A1. The potential therapeutic implications of targeting hnRNP A1 are discussed, including small-molecule drugs and biomedicines.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qin Gu, Yujie Wang, Xiaozhen Zhao, Bingqin Yuan, Mengxuan Zhang, Zheng Tan, Xinyue Zhang, Yun Chen, Huijun Wu, Yuming Luo, Nancy P. Keller, Xuewen Gao, Zhonghua Ma
Summary: This study uncovers a novel inhibitory mechanism regulated by a transcription factor that enables a fungal pathogen to adapt to high-iron stress derived from the host during infection.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Ruiling Zhuo, Guangjin Li, Huaimin Peng, Yuanyuan Zong, Xiao Wang, Shasha Lu, Yong Chen, Zhanquan Zhang, Shiping Tian, Boqiang Li
Summary: This study found that the deletion of the crucial gene BcpacC in Botrytis cinerea strain B05.10 resulted in pH-dependent reduction in mycelial growth, sporulation, and virulence in apple and tomato fruit, and romaine lettuce leaves. Proteomic analysis identified 70 differential proteins involved in various biological processes, including 18 proteins related to secondary metabolism. Gene expression analysis revealed that 37 out of 42 secondary metabolism key enzyme encoding genes were regulated by BcPacC. Additionally, three PacC-regulated polyketide synthase encoding genes were found to contribute to sporulation and virulence in B. cinerea. The extensive regulation of BcPacC on secondary metabolism plays crucial roles in the development and pathogenicity of B. cinerea during adaption to ambient pH.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ada Biratsi, Alexandros Athanasopoulos, Vassili N. Kouvelis, Christos Gournas, Vicky Sophianopoulou
Summary: A common mechanism for AZC resistance in fungi has been identified, with Aspergillus nidulans able to resist AZC toxicity and utilize it as a nitrogen source with the assistance of additional enzymes. Additionally, heterologous expression of the AzhA protein can complement the sensitivity of yeast to AZC.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Maria Camila Rodriguez Gallo, R. Glen Uhrig
Summary: This mini-review summarizes the current knowledge of plant-specific protein kinase families involved in alternative splicing (AS) regulation and compares them to their counterparts in animals. The extensive phosphorylation of splicing-related proteins in plants is highlighted, underscoring the importance of investigating the impact of AS on protein and post-translational modifications.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lulu Yu, Vladimir Majerciak, Zhi-Ming Zheng
Summary: Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of viruses that cause cancer, with HPV16 and HPV18 being the most common types responsible for majority of cases. The expression of their genome is regulated by alternative RNA splicing, and epigenetic modifications also play a role in HPV infections and carcinogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Valentin Wernet, Satur Herrero, Reinhard Fischer
Summary: The study reveals the differences in growth mechanisms between fast-growing fungi and slow-growing fungi, indicating a tradeoff between hyphal plasticity and growth speed.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qin Yan, Laichuang Han, Xinyue Liu, Cuiping You, Shengmin Zhou, Zhemin Zhou
Summary: An efficient auto-inducible protein expression system based on nitrogen catabolite regulation was constructed in this study. The system successfully expressed glycosylated and secretory proteins, providing a new option for protein production in laboratory and industrial applications.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tanveer S. Batth, Jonas L. Simonsen, Cristina Hernandez-Rollan, Soren Brander, Jens Preben Morth, Katja S. Johansen, Morten H. H. Norholm, Jakob B. Hoof, Jesper V. Olsen
Summary: The methyltransferase NHMT responsible for N-terminal histidine methylation modification is identified and validated through mass spectrometry-based proteomics and CRISPR/Cas9. NHMT protects LPMOs from auto-oxidative inactivation by methylating the His1 site. The biotechnological potential of recombinant production of proteins and peptides with this specific post-translational modification is demonstrated.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ofer Grunwald, Ety Harish, Nir Osherov
Summary: Fungi have long had a significant presence in human culture, tradition, and art, with psychedelic and medicinal mushrooms serving as inspiration for artwork since ancient times. Collaboration between a multidisciplinary artist and a research laboratory has led to the development of new forms of mycelial art, offering visually dynamic artwork and endless artistic possibilities based on the diversity of fungal species.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Veronika Bodnar, Anita Kiraly, Erzsebet Orosz, Marton Miskei, Tamas Emri, Zsolt Karanyi, Eva Leiter, Ronald P. de Vries, Istvan Pocsi
Summary: Industrial fungi require strong environmental stress tolerance for optimal efficiency and yields. Previous research has highlighted the crucial role played by Aspergillus nidulans gfdB, which encodes a NAD(+)-dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, in the stress tolerance of this filamentous fungus. Introducing A. nidulans gfdB into Aspergillus glaucus enhanced its stress tolerance, while transferring it to Aspergillus wentii resulted in limited improvement and partial reversal of osmophily, indicating the complex and species-specific changes that can occur in the stress response system of aspergilli.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Klaudia Pakozdi, Tamas Emri, Karoly Antal, Istvan Pocsi
Summary: Manganese superoxide dismutases (MnSODs) play a crucial role in preserving the integrity and function of mitochondria in fungi. The lack of MnSOD can lead to increased oxidative stress sensitivity, cell death rates, and affect various physiological processes and the production of antioxidant enzymes. However, under specific experimental conditions, other antioxidant enzymes and endogenous antioxidants can compensate for the absence of MnSOD to some extent.
Article
Microbiology
Tamires A. Bitencourt, Otavio Hatanaka, Andre M. Pessoni, Mateus S. Freitas, Gabriel Trentin, Patrick Santos, Antonio Rossi, Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi, Lysangela L. Alves, Arturo Casadevall, Marcio L. Rodrigues, Fausto Almeida
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in fungal communication. They found that EVs from Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis can regulate the expression of target genes and phenotypic features. The researchers propose that fungal EVs act as potent message effectors, and understanding their effects and mechanisms of action could be used in antifungal therapies.
Article
Microbiology
Leonardo Martins-Santana, Monise Fazolin Petrucelli, Pablo R. Sanches, Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi, Antonio Rossi
Summary: The study reveals the importance of alternative splicing in generating isoforms of virulence factors in Trichophyton rubrum, a common causative agent of dermatophytosis. The transcription factor StuA plays a crucial role in coordinating the expression of peptidase genes through alternative splicing in the presence of keratin. These findings shed light on the physiological adaptations of fungal cells and the regulation of virulence traits in dermatophyte infections.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Carlos H. Lopes Rocha, Flaviane M. Galvao Rocha, Tamires A. Bitencourt, Maira P. Martins, Pablo R. Sanches, Antonio Rossi, Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi
Summary: The antidepressant sertraline (SRT) alone or in combination with caspofungin (CASP) exhibits antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum, targeting genes involved in cell wall and ergosterol biosynthesis. This combination shows potential in minimizing resistance and reducing virulence of the pathogen.
Article
Microbiology
Marcos E. R. Lopes, Tamires A. Bitencourt, Pablo R. Sanches, Maira P. Martins, Vanderci M. Oliveira, Antonio Rossi, Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi
Summary: Dermatophytes are difficult to treat due to their ability to neutralize the stress caused by antifungal drugs. This resistance is achieved through mechanisms such as drug efflux and biofilm formation. Alternative splicing has also been identified as a mechanism that enhances fungal adaptive responses. This study used RNA-seq data to investigate alternative splicing in genes encoding efflux pumps in the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. The findings suggest that alternative splicing plays a role in drug tolerance and antifungal resistance, particularly in biofilms.
Review
Microbiology
Leonardo Martins-Santana, Caroline Patini Rezende, Antonio Rossi, Nilce Maria Martinez-Rossi, Fausto Almeida
Summary: Fungal infections, especially those caused by drug-resistant fungi, pose a serious global health concern. Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus are some of the fungi that cause severe and systemic infections, with high mortality rates. Understanding the immunopathogenesis of fungal diseases and finding ways to prevent dissemination and deaths caused by fungal infections are crucial. This review highlights the importance of drug resistance in clinically significant fungi and discusses strategies to combat these infections.
Article
Microbiology
Bruna Aline Cantelli, Gabriela Gonzalez Segura, Tamires Aparecida Bitencourt, Mariana Heinzen de Abreu, Monise Fazolin Petrucelli, Kamila Peronni, Pablo Rodrigo Sanches, Rene Oliveira Beleboni, Wilson Araujo da Silva Junior, Nilce Maria Martinez-Rossi, Mozart Marins, Ana Lucia Fachin
Summary: This study analyzed the transcriptome of THP-1 cells co-cultured with inactivated germinated T. rubrum conidia to characterize deep infection. Results showed increased release of IL-12 during co-culture, while the other cytokines remained unchanged. Gene expression analysis identified 83 modulated genes involved in signal transduction, cell communication, and immune response pathways. The study revealed the ability of macrophages to modulate the immune response and release proinflammatory cytokines, providing clues for exploring molecular targets in antifungal therapies involving immune system activation.
Article
Microbiology
Flaviane M. Galvao-Rocha, Carlos H. L. Rocha, Maira P. Martins, Pablo R. Sanches, Tamires A. Bitencourt, Matthew S. Sachs, Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi, Antonio Rossi
Summary: SRT alters gene expression related to fungal cell wall and plasma membrane stability, energy metabolism, detoxification, and defense against oxidative stress in T. rubrum, providing potential targets for its use in treating dermatophytosis.
Article
Microbiology
Nalu T. A. Peres, Elza A. S. Lang, Tamires A. Bitencourt, Vanderci M. Oliveira, Ana Lucia Fachin, Antonio Rossi, Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi
Summary: In this study, the role of the ap1 gene in Trichophyton rubrum infection was investigated. It was found that the ap1 gene plays a role in the negative control of virulence-related attributes and may contribute to the chronicity of nail infection caused by T. rubrum.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Mycology
Aline H. S. Cruz, Rodrigo S. S. Santos, Maira P. Martins, Nalu T. A. Peres, Glauce L. L. Trevisan, Niege S. S. Mendes, Nilce M. M. Martinez-Rossi, Antonio Rossi
Summary: The growth and development of organisms depend on nutrient availability. This study compares the expression profile of genes involved in metabolism, cell cycle control, and proteases in two Trichophyton species, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale, in response to nutrient and pH variations. The results reveal species-specific responses and suggest that T. interdigitale has improved adaptation to keratin compared to T. rubrum.
FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Tamires A. Bitencourt, Otavio Hatanaka, Andre M. Pessoni, Mateus S. Freitas, Gabriel Trentin, Patrick Santos, Antonio Rossi, Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi, Lysangela L. Alves, Arturo Casadevall, Marcio L. Rodrigues, Fausto Almeida
Summary: This study investigates the role of fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) as potent message effectors in regulating gene expression and phenotypic features in pathogenic fungi.
