Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert Zarnowski, Andrea Noll, Marc G. Chevrette, Hiram Sanchez, Ryley Jones, Hanna Anhalt, Jen Fossen, Anna Jaromin, Cameron Currie, Jeniel E. Nett, Aaron Mitchell, David R. Andes
Summary: The fungal pathogen Candida albicans can form biofilms that protect it from drugs and the immune system by releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs) that promote extracellular matrix formation and resistance to antifungal drugs. The study identifies functions for numerous EV cargo proteins in biofilm matrix assembly, drug resistance, fungal cell adhesion, and dissemination. The findings suggest that EVs play a crucial role in coordinating biofilm development in C. albicans.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Zirun Zhao, Ying Sun, Mingchun Li, Qilin Yu
Summary: In this study, a synthetic cell-based fungal vaccine was developed using synthetic biology techniques for preventing systemic fungal infections. The vaccine showed promising results in mice by inducing immune response and preventing fungal colonization.
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.
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
Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta, Kamila Kulig, Grazyna Bras, Karolina Stelmaszczyk, Magdalena Surowiec, Andrzej Kozik, Elzbieta Karnas, Olga Barczyk-Woznicka, Ewa Zuba-Surma, Elzbieta Pyza, Maria Rapala-Kozik
Summary: The involvement of Candida albicans biofilm-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in biofilm stability, metabolic activity, and cell viability, as well as their effect on antifungal drugs and proteolytic activity, were verified in this study.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Min Jun Oh, Seokyoung Yoon, Alaa Babeer, Yuan Liu, Zhi Ren, Zhenting Xiang, Yilan Miao, David P. P. Cormode, Chider Chen, Edward Steager, Hyun Koo
Summary: Fungal pathogens have been identified as the highest priority microbial threats for global health. A nanozyme-based microrobotic platform has been developed to achieve targeted and rapid fungal killing with microscale precision. This platform uses structured iron oxide nanozyme assemblies that can transform shape and activate catalysis, resulting in controllable generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These nanozyme assemblies bind to fungal surfaces, allowing concentrated accumulation and targeted ROS-mediated killing in situ. By directing the structured nanozyme assemblies to Candida-infected sites, fungal eradication can be achieved within 10 minutes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Takato Kusakabe, Woan-Yu Lin, Jin-Gyu Cheong, Gagandeep Singh, Arjun Ravishankar, Stephen T. Yeung, Marissa Mesko, Meghan Bialt DeCelie, Guilhermina Carriche, Zhen Zhao, Sophie Rand, Itai Doron, Gregory G. Putzel, Stefan Worgall, Melissa Cushing, Lars Westblade, Giorgio Inghirami, Christopher N. Parkhurst, Chun-Jun Guo, Michael Schotsaert, Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Steven Z. Josefowicz, Mirella Salvatore, Iliyan D. Iliev
Summary: This study found that patients with severe COVID-19 had elevated levels of Candida albicans immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, intestinal Candida overgrowth, mycobiota dysbiosis, and systemic neutrophilia. Transcriptional changes in antifungal immunity pathways and reprogramming of granulocyte myeloid progenitors (GMPs) were observed in patients with severe COVID-19. Mouse models confirmed the impact of C. albicans colonization on lung neutrophilia and pulmonary NETosis during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients treated with tocilizumab experienced sustained reductions in C. albicans IgG antibodies titers and GMP transcriptional changes.
Article
Biophysics
Florian Weber, Louise Morais Dornelas-Figueira, Nora Hafiane, Daria Zaytseva-Zotova, Alejandro Barrantes, Fernanda Cristina Petersen, Hanna Tiainen
Summary: Oral biofilms can cause infections and diseases, and the role of fungi is often overlooked in research. Plant-derived polyphenolic coatings may be effective in resisting microbial growth and adhesion, but further research is needed.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sara M. M. Hashem, Mary K. K. Gad, Hend M. M. Anwar, Neveen M. M. Saleh, Rehab N. N. Shamma, Noha I. I. Elsherif
Summary: The aim of this study was to design colloidal carriers called ufasomes that could encapsulate itraconazole and improve its penetration. A factorial design was used to investigate the effect of three independent factors on the encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and zeta potential. The optimized ufasomes had high encapsulation efficiency, small particle size, and negative zeta potential.
Article
Microbiology
Vuvi G. Tran, Na N. Z. Nguyen, Byungsuk Kwon
Summary: The study demonstrates that CD137 signaling plays a critical role in the innate defense mechanisms against systemic Candida albicans infection, promoting rapid fungal clearance and enhancing restriction of fungal growth.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mairim Russo Serafini, Valdeene Vieira Santos, Bruna Gaelzer Silva Torres, Francine Johansson Azeredo, Flavia Medeiros Savi, Izabel Almeida Alves
Summary: Fungal biofilms, particularly Candida albicans biofilms, pose significant challenges due to their high tolerance to conventional antimicrobial drugs. The development of new drugs and specific therapies is necessary. Most patent contents focus on new synthetic drugs derived from natural products and their combinations with existing antifungal drugs, as well as methods and biomaterials for the treatment and prevention of fungal biofilms, primarily targeting C. albicans biofilms.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Raffaella Diotti, Michelle Esposito, Chang Hui Shen
Summary: Telomeres play a crucial role in protecting chromosomal ends and have been found to contribute to biodiversity and new functional abilities. Unique fungal telomeric and chromatin structures have expanded clinical capabilities and deepened our understanding of pathogenicity levels.
Article
Microbiology
Philipp Reuter-Weissenberger, Juliane Meir, J. Christian Perez
Summary: This study identifies the previously uncharacterized transcription regulator ZCF8 in human-associated Candida albicans as crucial for maintaining vacuole homeostasis and modulating the attachment of the fungus to epithelial cells depending on vacuolar status. The findings suggest that fungal vacuole physiology regulation plays a significant role in shaping the physical interactions between Candida cells and mammalian mucosal surfaces.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angelique N. Besold, Vinit Shanbhag, Michael J. Petris, Valeria C. Culotta
Summary: Copper is essential for all organisms, with ceruloplasmin being the most abundant extracellular copper-binding molecule in serum. Studies suggest that ceruloplasmin may be a preferred source of copper for fungal pathogens.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Beatriz Cristovao, Lisa Rodrigues, Steve Catarino, Monica Abreu, Teresa Goncalves, Neuza Domingues, Henrique Girao
Summary: This study reveals the role of macrophages during C. albicans infection and the new regulatory role of Cx43 in phagosome dynamics.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Graziela Vargas Rigo, Fernanda Gomes Cardoso, Giulia Bongiorni Galego, Deisiane Fernanda da Rosa, Andre Luis Souza dos Santos, Tiana Tasca
Summary: This article comprehensively reviews the subclasses of metallo-type peptidases expressed by clinically relevant protozoa and their roles in parasitic infections. Metallopeptidases play important roles in key pathophysiological processes and have become valuable targets for finding new chemotherapeutic compounds. The review aims to gather updates on metallopeptidase subclasses and investigate the similarity of peptidase sequences through bioinformatic techniques to discover clusters relevant for developing new antiparasitic molecules.
CURRENT PROTEIN & PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Thais P. Mello, Ana Carolina Aor, Iuri C. Barcellos, Matheus M. Pereira, Malachy McCann, Michael Devereux, Marta H. Branquinha, Andre L. S. Santos
Summary: This study tested the effects of 16 metal-based compounds on human pathogens belonging to the Scedosporium/Lomentospora genera. All 16 compounds interfered with the viability of these fungal pathogens to different degrees. A manganese-containing compound showed the best activity against the fungal species and had the least toxicity to human lung cells. Additionally, it reduced the formation of biofilms by these fungi.
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Graziela Vargas Rigo, Fernanda Gomes Cardoso, Matheus Mendonca Pereira, Michael Devereux, Malachy McCann, Andre L. S. Santos, Tiana Tasca
Summary: The metal-based complex Cu-phendione has strong inhibitory potential against T. vaginalis peptidases and reduces trophozoite-mediated cytolysis in human vaginal and monkey kidney epithelial cell lineages. Molecular docking analysis confirms the interaction of Cu-phendione with important T. vaginalis virulence factors.
Article
Microbiology
Marcos Abreu Almeida, Andrea Reis Bernardes-Engemann, Rowena Alves Coelho, Camila Jantoro Guzman Lugones, Iara Bastos de Andrade, Dario Correa-Junior, Simone Santiago Carvalho de Oliveira, Andre Luis Souza dos Santos, Susana Frases, Marcio Lourenco Rodrigues, Richard Hemmi Valente, Rosely Maria Zancope-Oliveira, Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
Summary: This study determined the minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of mebendazole and analyzed its impact on the metabolic changes of Histoplasma capsulatum. Results showed that mebendazole effectively inhibited the growth of H. capsulatum and caused metabolic alterations. This suggests mebendazole as a potential drug for histoplasmosis treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Thais P. Mello, Iuri C. Barcellos, Michaela Lackner, Marta H. Branquinha, Andre L. S. Santos
Summary: In recent years, researchers have investigated the interactions between bacteria and fungi cohabiting and/or responsible for human pathologies. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium, and fungal species belonging to the Scedosporium/Lomentospora genera are commonly found in patients with cystic fibrosis. The present study explored the inhibitory effect of bioactive molecules secreted by P. aeruginosa on Scedosporium/Lomentospora species, revealing the complex mechanisms behind this phenomenon.
Article
Microbiology
Ingrid S. Sousa, Tatiana D. P. Vieira, Rubem F. S. Menna-Barreto, Allan J. Guimaraes, Pauraic McCarron, Malachy McCann, Michael Devereux, Andre L. S. Santos, Lucimar F. Kneipp
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of metal-phen complexes on Fonsecaea spp. The results showed that these complexes could inhibit the viability of Fonsecaea fungi and showed good antifungal activity against F. pedrosoi.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rafaela Silva-Oliveira, Leandro S. Sangenito, Andrew Reddy, Trinidad Velasco-Torrijos, Andre L. S. Santos, Marta H. Branquinha
Summary: Two novel copper complex compounds have been found to inhibit Trypanosoma cruzi and have low toxicity on mammalian cells, making them promising candidates for further drug development.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andre L. S. Santos, Bianca A. Silva, Marcel M. L. da Cunha, Marta H. Branquinha, Thais P. Mello
Summary: This study found that S. apiospermum can bind to fibronectin, enhancing its ability to adhere to and infect host cells. The mechanisms of adhesion involving surface molecules in S. apiospermum are not well understood. Additionally, fibronectin-like molecules play a significant role in the interaction between S. apiospermum and host lung cells.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Andre L. S. Santos, Livia S. Ramos, Thais P. Mello, Marta H. Branquinha
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Andre L. S. Santos, Igor A. Rodrigues, Claudia M. d'Avila-Levy, Catia L. Sodre, Koert Ritmeijer, Marta H. Branquinha
Article
Food Science & Technology
Carolina Cruzeiro Reis, Suely Pereira Freitas, Carolline Margot Albanez Lorentino, Thayssa da Silva Ferreira Fagundes, Virginia Martins da Matta, Andre Luis Souza dos Santos, Davyson de Lima Moreira, Claudete Norie Kunigami, Eliane Przytyk Jung, Leilson de Oliveira Ribeiro
Summary: This study aimed to extract bioproducts from Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit seeds and determine their physical, chemical, and biological properties. The oil obtained through continuous pressing of the seeds exhibited oxidative stability of 5.37 hours and a fatty profile rich in linoleic acid. An extract mainly composed of lignans, showing antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, was obtained from the defatted seeds using an experimental design. Microencapsulation of the linoleic acid-rich oil through spray drying proved effective in protecting the oil and enhancing its oxidative stability. In addition, the microparticles exhibited favorable technological characteristics. Consequently, three bioproducts were obtained from the Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit seeds: linoleic acid-rich oil, antioxidant extract, and oil microparticles with added antioxidant extract.
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Marta H. Branquinha, Leandro S. Sangenito, Simone S. C. Oliveira, Claudia M. d'Avila-Levy, Andre L. S. Santos
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Simone S. C. Oliveira, Claudyane A. Correia, Vanessa S. Santos, Elaine F. F. da Cunha, Alexandre A. de Castro, Teodorico C. Ramalho, Michael Devereux, Malachy McCann, Marta H. Branquinha, Andre L. S. Santos
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two coordination compounds on the virulence factor gp63 produced by Leishmania. The results showed that both compounds had favorable interaction energies with the active site of gp63 and inhibited its proteolytic activity. Moreover, the compounds decreased the association between Leishmania and human macrophages. These findings provide new insights for the development of effective treatments for leishmaniasis.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Andre Luis Souza dos Santos
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fatemeh Nikoomanesh, Mahsa Falahatinejad, Lucia Cernakova, Andre Luis Souza dos Santos, Shahla Roudbar Mohammadi, Mitra Rafiee, Celia Fortuna Rodrigues, Maryam Roudbary
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy of farnesol alone or in combination with traditional antifungals against resistant Candida strains. The findings showed that farnesol in combination with fluconazole and itraconazole can revert the resistance profile of the isolates, indicating potential clinical applications.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
