Article
Microbiology
Chantal Fernandes, Marta Mota, Lillian Barros, Maria Ines Dias, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Ana P. Piedade, Arturo Casadevall, Teresa Goncalves
Summary: The study focuses on the alterations of the composition and structure of the hyphal cell wall of Alternaria alternata under the catabolism of L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine, leading to the synthesis of pyomelanin and inhibition of DHN-melanin accumulation. This process involves the transcription regulator CmrA down-regulating DHN-melanin synthesis when pyomelanin is being synthesized. The presence of L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine induces pigmentation and cell wall changes, which may be relevant to infection conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Heather E. McFarlane
Summary: Plant cell walls, composed of polysaccharides, provide support and enable growth. Recent research has made significant progress in understanding cell wall synthesis, including the identification and study of enzymes, the development of tools, and structural information generation. However, many questions about plant cell wall polysaccharide synthesis remain unanswered. This article discusses these questions, reviews supporting data, and explores potential technological advancements for future answers.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Leo D. Bemena, Kyunghun Min, James B. Konopka, Aaron M. Neiman
Summary: Chitosan plays a crucial role in stress resistance and virulence in fungal species. The formation of a chitosan layer in the cell walls of different yeast species requires a conserved set of genes, suggesting potential new targets for antifungal therapies aimed at disrupting cell wall function.
Article
Microbiology
Maggie Gortikov, Elizabeta Yakubovich, Zheng Wang, Francesc Lopez-Giraldez, Yujia Tu, Jeffrey P. Townsend, Oded Yarden
Summary: This study reveals some key mechanisms of Trichoderma spp. during conidial germination by studying the saprophytic and mycoparasitic hyphal growth of this genus. The results show that the transcript abundance of over 5000 genes is continuously reduced during the transition from dormancy to polar growth, and approximately a quarter of the genome's transcript abundance is continuously elevated during the transition from elongation to initial branching after germination. Furthermore, specific chitinase- and glucanase-encoding genes are identified as active transcriptional hubs during germination, and specific members of the chitin synthase and glucan elongase families show significantly increased expression during germination in the presence of the mycoparasite's known host.
Article
Microbiology
Rongcun Gan, Shengpei Zhang, He Li
Summary: Camellia oleifera is a plant native to China that is affected by the devastating disease of anthracnose. The gene CfChs1 plays a crucial role in the growth, stress responses, and pathogenicity of the fungus Colletotrichum fructicola that causes anthracnose on Ca. oleifera.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chen Yang, Jiaxing Lei, Ximeng Kang, Peipei Zhang, Shaohua Zheng, Qingqing Li, Jiye Zhang
Summary: A novel hybrid hydrogel loaded with melanoma cell membrane (CM) and indocyanine green (ICG) was successfully prepared. This hydrogel exhibited excellent injectability, self-healing, drug loading, rheological, in vitro and in vivo photothermal stability, and retention properties. In a melanoma-bearing mice model, it efficiently ablated in-situ melanoma, inhibited tumor growth, increased survival rate, and induced immune activation. The hydrogel also prevented melanoma recurrence and activated memory T cells. A synergistic effect of photothermal therapy and immune therapy was observed. The hydrogel effectively recruited T cells, inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, and induced melanoma cell apoptosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Keiko Uechi, Hajime Yaguchi, Jikian Tokashiki, Toki Taira, Osamu Mizutani
Summary: This study identified the nigeran synthase gene in Aspergillus luchuensis, revealed genes involved in nigeran synthesis, and showed the roles of agtC and gnsA in regulating nigeran production and polymerization. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of fungal cell wall biosynthesis and the potential applications of nigeran as a novel biopolymer.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mayuka Inukai, Naoya Kobayashi, Hirotoshi Endo, Koki Asakawa, Keisuke Amano, Yuki Yasuda, Ugo Cenci, Christophe Colleoni, Steven Ball, Shoko Fujiwara
Summary: Haptophytes synthesize unique beta-glucans with more beta-1,6-linkages than beta-1,3-linkages as storage polysaccharides. The study found that PhTGS, a homolog of yeast 1,6-beta-transglycosylase, is involved in beta-glucan synthesis in the haptophyte Pleurochrysis haptonemofera. Knockdown of PhTGS repressed beta-glucan accumulation and induced lipid production, suggesting its role in carbon metabolic flow. Furthermore, PhTGS was expressed more in light, indicating its specific function in beta-glucan synthesis during photosynthesis.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Hrmova, Jochen Zimmer, Vincent Bulone, Geoffrey B. Fincher
Summary: Recent breakthroughs in structural biology have provided valuable insights into enzymes involved in plant cell wall metabolism. Specifically, the mechanisms of (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan synthesis and modification have been elucidated through biochemical analyses, cryogenic-electron microscopy, protein structure predictions, and X-ray crystallography. These findings contribute to a better understanding of plant cell wall metabolism and have implications for potential applications in biotechnology and agriculture.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Xiaojun Zhang, Jianbo Yuan, Fuhua Li, Jianhai Xiang
Summary: Chitin synthesis genes typically occur in single or two copies in crustaceans, while chitin degradation genes are all multiple copies. Chitinase genes are significantly expanded in most crustacean genomes. The gene structure and expression pattern of these genes are similar to those of insects, albeit with some specific characteristics.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Noelia Sanchez, Cesar Roncero
Summary: This review summarizes the research on chitin synthesis regulation, mainly focusing on Chs3 as a molecular model to study the mechanisms involved in the control of intracellular protein trafficking.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maomao Li, Jingjing Bi, Yang Bai, Liqin Kang, Baiyun Duan, Zhonghua Liu, Sheng Yuan
Summary: The study revealed that the accumulation and cross-linkage of 13-1,6-branched 13-1,3-glucan lead to the loss of wall extensibility in the mature basal stipe of mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea compared to the apical stipe cell walls.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra A. Tsitrina, Igor Krasylov, Dmitry Maltsev, Irina N. Andreichenko, Viktoria S. Moskvina, Dmitry N. Ivankov, Elena Bulgakova, Mikhail Nesterchuk, Vera Shashkovskaya, Nataliya O. Dashenkova, Vladimir P. Khilya, Arsen Mikaelyan, Yuri Kotelevtsev
Summary: Elevated levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) are used as a disease marker in liver pathology and other inflammatory disorders. Inhibitors like coumarin 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) and newly synthesized coumarin compounds, along with commercial chitin synthesis inhibitors, have shown potential in inhibiting HA production in cell culture assays. Specific inhibitors of hyaluronan synthases (HAS) are needed for more effective treatment options.
Article
Mycology
Shigeyuki Tanaka, Regine Kahmann
Summary: Plant-colonizing fungi secrete effector proteins that can directly affect plant immune system or redirect host processes, while some function in the apoplastic space and others are bound to the fungal cell wall. Little is known about the molecular function of these cell wall-bound effectors.
Article
Microbiology
Leandro Jose de Assis, Judith M. Bain, Corin Liddle, Ian Leaves, Christian Hacker, Roberta Peres da Silva, Raif Yuecel, Attila Bebes, David Stead, Delma S. Childers, Arnab Pradhan, Kevin Mackenzie, Katherine Lagree, Daniel E. Larcombe, Qinxi Ma, Gabriela Mol Avelar, Mihai G. Netea, Lars P. Erwig, Aaron P. Mitchell, Gordon D. Brown, Neil A. R. Gow, Alistair J. P. Brown
Summary: This study reveals that beta-1,3-glucan exposure on the surface of Candida albicans cells is targeted during phagocytosis, and lactate-induced masking reduces beta-1,3-glucan exposure. Downstream effectors of protein kinase A (PKA), Sin3 and Mig1/Mig2, regulate the secretion of glucanases and modulate beta-1,3-glucan exposure. Perturbing PKA, Sin3, or Mig1/Mig2 attenuates the virulence of lactate-exposed C. albicans cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel M. Lopes, Jacques Paysan, Jose Rino, Sara M. Lopes, Luis Pereira de Almeida, Luisa Cortes, Rui Jorge Nobre
Summary: A new pipeline for biodistribution analysis of rAAVs in the whole brain using tissue clearing and LSFM was established. The combination of LSFM allowed high-resolution 3D imaging and reconstruction of valuable morphological information. This pipeline is of great significance in gene therapy research.
Review
Microbiology
Neil A. R. Cow, Megan D. Lenardon
Summary: The fungal cell wall is crucial for the growth and survival of fungi and is targeted by antifungal drugs and the immune system. The inner wall of most fungi is made up of chitin and beta-glucans, while the outer wall is composed of a variety of polymers and glycosylated proteins. Understanding the organization of fungal cell walls can lead to the development of diagnostics and drugs for combating fungal infections.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Neil A. R. Gow, Carolyn Johnson, Judith Berman, Alix T. Coste, Christina A. Cuomo, David S. Perlin, Tihana Bicanic, Thomas S. Harrison, Nathan Wiederhold, Mike Bromley, Tom Chiller, Keegan Edgar
Summary: Prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, antibiotic resistance was considered a major global healthcare priority. Although fungal infections have not received enough public attention, the annual deaths caused by these infections are comparable to or even exceed the global mortalities due to malaria, tuberculosis, or HIV. The rise of antifungal drug resistant strains has worsened the impact of fungal infections on human health. This review aims to illuminate the problem of antifungal resistance and suggest possible measures to mitigate this growing threat.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nicola T. Case, Judith Berman, David S. Blehert, Robert A. Cramer, Christina Cuomo, Cameron R. Currie, Iuliana Ene, Matthew C. Fisher, Lillian K. Fritz-Laylin, Aleeza C. Gerstein, N. Louise Glass, Neil A. R. Gow, Sarah J. Gurr, Chris Todd Hittinger, Tobias M. Hohl, Iliyan D. Iliev, Timothy Y. James, Hailing Jin, Bruce S. Klein, James W. Kronstad, Jeffrey M. Lorch, Victoria McGovern, Aaron P. Mitchell, Julia A. Segre, Rebecca S. Shapiro, Donald C. Sheppard, Anita Sil, Jason E. Stajich, Eva E. Stukenbrock, John W. Taylor, Dawn Thompson, Gerard D. Wright, Joseph Heitman, Leah E. Cowen
Summary: The fungal kingdom has diverse impacts on animal, plant, and ecosystem health, supporting life while also causing diseases. With increased climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and other global challenges, it is crucial to develop new approaches to combat fungal threats and harness their potential. This report provides recommendations and highlights major research advances and ideas discussed at a workshop to address these challenges.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Daniela Calheiros, Maria Ines Dias, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Lillian Barros, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Chantal Fernandes, Teresa Goncalves
Summary: Coffee grounds, a waste product generated from coffee, have been found to possess antifungal activity against various skin fungal agents. The extracts from both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee capsules showed antifungal activity against certain fungi and inhibited the synthesis of specific components in fungal cell membranes and cell walls. These extracts also exhibited cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines. The presence of phenolic compounds in the extracts further confirmed their antifungal properties. Overall, this research highlights the potential of using spent coffee grounds to develop novel antifungal formulations for skin or mucosal fungal infections.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ana Isabel Sebastiao, Daniela Mateus, Mylene A. Carrascal, Catia Sousa, Luisa Cortes, Martin F. Bachmann, Analia do Carmo, Ana Miguel Matos, Maria Goreti F. Sales, Maria Teresa Cruz
Summary: Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that prime antigen-specific T cells. The interaction between DCs and the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role in inducing effective immunity. Virus-like particles (VLPs) containing the receptor-binding motif of the spike protein promoted DC maturation and activation of T cells, suggesting their potential as a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.
Review
Microbiology
Chantal Fernandes, Arturo Casadevall, Teresa Goncalves
Summary: Alternaria species are cosmopolitan fungi that infect numerous plant species causing agricultural spoilage and also infect warm-blooded animals, including humans, with clinical importance in human health as infection agents. They are considered significant sources of allergens causing allergic respiratory diseases and utilize toxins and enzymes as strategies to attack hosts. This review summarizes the mechanisms of Alternaria pathogenesis in plants and animals, as well as their allergens and sensitization mechanisms.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Catia Filipa Caetano, Carlos Gaspar, Ana Sofia Oliveira, Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira, Lisa Rodrigues, Teresa Goncalves, Jose Martinez-de-Oliveira, Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira, Joana Rolo
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of yeasts on the pathogenicity of Candida albicans in the vagina. It reveals a symbiotic relationship between Malassezia furfur and C. albicans, while an antagonistic relationship exists between Rhodotorula mucilaginosa/Naganishia albida and C. albicans.
Article
Plant Sciences
Edmilson Emanuel Monteiro Correia, Artur Figueirinha, Lisa Rodrigues, Jose Pinela, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Lillian Barros, Chantal Fernandes, Ligia Salgueiro, Teresa Goncalves
Summary: This study chemically characterized the ethanolic extract of Withania chevalieri and evaluated its bioactivities as antidermatophytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. The results demonstrated the potential of WcCEE as an effective treatment for skin fungal infections, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chantal Fernandes, Jose Sousa-Baptista, Ana Filipa Lenha-Silva, Daniela Calheiros, Edmilson Correia, Artur Figueirinha, Ligia Salgueiro, Teresa Goncalves, Josphat Matasyoh
Summary: This study found that the aqueous Azorean Black Tea extract (ABT) has antidermatophytic activity against common human fungal infections. It may work by reducing the synthesis of β-1,3-glucan in the fungal cell wall. Additionally, the combination of ABT and terbinafine showed an additive effect, suggesting that ABT could enhance the effectiveness of conventional topical treatments.
Article
Microbiology
Beatriz Cristovao, Lisa Rodrigues, Steve Catarino, Monica Abreu, Teresa Goncalves, Neuza Domingues, Henrique Girao
Summary: This study reveals the interplay between phagosomal membrane integrity and folding capacity of C. albicans-infected macrophages, and identifies Cx43 as a player involved in lysosomal homeostasis and actin-related processes. Cx43 is recruited to expand phagosomes and enhances the hyphal folding capacity of macrophages, promoting their survival.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Lopes, J. Paysan, J. Rino, S. Lopes, L. Pereira de Almeida, R. Nobre, L. Cortes