Análise funcional do gene da proteína 14-3-3 de Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

A paracoccidioidomicose (PCM) é micose profunda causada pelo fungo dimórfico Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), endêmica na América Latina, principalmente no Brasil. A capacidade de P. brasiliensis de não só provocar doença humana, mas também de causar micose com grande variedade de manifestações clínicas, desde formas localizadas até doença disseminada, evoluindo para letalidade, depende provavelmente da virulência do fungo, da habilidade deste em interagir com as estruturas superficiais do hospedeiro e invadi-las, e da resposta imunológica deste último. O sucesso da colonização dos tecidos do hospedeiro pelo fungo é um evento complexo, geralmente envolvendo um ligante codificado pelo patógeno (adesinas) e um receptor da célula. Uma adesina de 30 kDa de P. brasiliensis, ligante de laminina, foi caracterizada através de seqüenciamento de aminoácidos, mostrando que esta é uma proteína 14-3-3 envolvida na adesão deste fungo às células epiteliais. Estas formam uma família de proteínas diméricas, ácidas e estão presentes em múltiplas isoformas em muitos organismos eucariotos. Com o intuito de se estudar sua funcionalidade em P. brasiliensis, pretendeu-se clonar, caracterizar e utilizar como hospedeiro do gene desta proteína a levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Para tanto, as seqüências gênicas da adesina 14-3-3 de isolados de P. brasiliensis obtida pela clonagem do cDNA em vetores bacterianos foram utilizadas para obtenção de um homólogo funcional em S. cerevisiae. A capacidade do gene da 14-3-3 de P. brasiliensis ser um homólogo funcional, aderir e invadir as células epiteliais tratadas deve ser avaliada utilizando o modelo pré-existente de culturas celulares in vitro de linhagens humanas. Assim, neste estudo além da clonagem, expressão da 14-3-3 de Pb e obtenção do homólogo funcional do gene desta proteína em S. cerevisiae, foi iniciada... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo

Análise funcional da proteína 14-3-3 de Paracoccidioides brasiliensis e prospecção de alvos terapêuticos inibidores da interação de P. brasiliensis à pneumócitos

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America, with high prevalence in Brazil, has as etiological agent dimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides spp., P. brasiliensis e P. lutzii. During the infection process the adhesins, substances synthetized by fungi that interacts with host's extracellular matrix (ECM), are important virulence factors for the establishment of infection. A 30kDa protein that belongs to 14-3-3 proteins family stands out in the adhesion process of this fungus. The 14-3-3 proteins are present in all eukaryotic cells and play multiple functions. In P. brasiliensis, the 14-3-3Pb protein binds to lamin, the major component of ECM from host cells, and during the infection the expression is increased. In order to have a better understanding of 14-3-3Pb functions the aim of this study is to perform a functional analysis of this protein through achieving a functional homologous in S. cerevisiae and to analyze the monoclonal antibody anti-14-3-3Pb during infection. S. cerevisiae was chosen as model because it's widely use in genetic research, unlike P. brasiliensis, and has two isoforms of 14-3-3 proteins, Bmh1p and Bmh2p, with high identity with 14-3-3Pb. The functional homologous were obtained by yeast transformation of pYES-14-3-3Pb vector. Complementation assay was performed with obtained transformants, and it was observed that 14-3-3Pb partially complements Bmh1p and Bmh2p, with higher complementation of Bmh2p. Also susceptibility assays were performed with antifungal drugs and semi-synthetic compounds derived from gallic acid where it was observed that S. cerevisiae wild type was less sensitive to antifungals than the knockout strains, S. cerevisiae Δbmh1 and Δbmh2. Monoclonal antibody anti14-3-3Pb was evaluated alone and in association with substances with antifungal activities through inhibition adhesion assay, where it was observed that the anti-14-3-3Pb alone is able to inhibit P. brasiliensis ...Paracoccidiodomicose (PCM) é uma micose sistêmica endêmica na América Latina, de alta prevalência no Brasil, que tem como agente etiológico os fungos dimórficos do gênero Paracoccidioides, P. brasiliensis e P. lutzii. No processo de infecção as adesinas, substâncias sintetizadas por estes fungos que se ligam a matriz extracelular, são importantes fatores de virulência para o estabelecimento da infecção. A proteína de 30kDa, pertencente a família de proteínas 14-3-3, se destaca no processo adesivo deste fungo. As proteínas 14-3-3 são uma família de proteínas presentes em todas as células eucariotas e possuem múltiplas funções. Em P. brasiliensis, a proteína 14-3-3Pb, liga-se a laminina, principal componente da matriz extracelular das células hospedeiras, e durante a infecção sua expressão é aumentada. Com o intuito de compreender melhor a função desta proteína o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a análise funcional da 14-3-3Pb através da obtenção de um homólogo funcional em S. cerevisiae e análise do anticorpo monoclonal anti-14-3-3Pb. S. cerevisiae foi escolhida como modelo de estudo por ser uma levedura amplamente utilizada na pesquisa genética, ao contrário de P. brasiliensis, e por possuir duas isoformas de 14-3-3, Bmh1p e Bmh2p, com alta identidade com 14-3-3Pb Para obtenção do homólogo funcional, foi realizada a transformação do vetor pYES-14-3-3Pb em S. cerevisiae. A partir da obtenção dos transformantes a avaliação da complementação foi realizada e foi observado uma complementação parcial das proteínas Bmh1p e Bmh2p por 14-3-3Pb. Ainda foram realizados teste de sensibilidade aos antifúngicos e a derivados semissintéticos do ácido gálico, onde foi possível observar um aumento da sensibilidade das linhagens com nocaute para os genes BMH1 e BMH2, S. cerevisiae Δbmh1 e Δbmh2, quando comparado à linhagem selvagem. A análise do anticorpo monoclonal foi realizada através de ensaio...Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Multifaceted roles of metabolic enzymes of the Paracoccidioides species complex

Paracoccidioides species are dimorphic fungi, and are the etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a serious disease of multiple organs. The large number of tissues colonized by this fungus suggests the presence of a variety of surface molecules involved in adhesion. A surprising finding is that the majority of enzymes in the glycolytic pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and glyoxylate cycle in Paracoccidioides spp. has adhesive properties that aid in the interaction with the host extracellular matrix, and so act as ‘moonlighting’ proteins. Moonlighting proteins have multiple functions and add another dimension to cellular complexity, while benefiting cells in several ways. This phenomenon occurs in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. For example, moonlighting proteins from the glycolytic pathway or TCA cycle can play roles in bacterial pathogens, either by acting as proteins secreted in a conventional pathway or not and/or as cell surface component that facilitate adhesion or adherence . This review outlines the multifuncionality exposed by a variety of Paracoccidioides spp. enzymes including aconitase, aldolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, isocitrate lyase, malate synthase, triose phosphate isomerase, fumarase and enolase. The roles that moonlighting activities play in the virulence characteristics of this fungus and several other human pathogens during their interactions with the host are discussed

Influence of the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis 14-3-3 and gp43 proteins on the induction of apoptosis in A549 epithelial cells

The fungal strain Paracoccidioides brasiliensis remains viable inside of epithelial cells and can induce apoptosis in this population. However, until now, the molecules that participate in this process remained unknown. Thus, this study evaluated the contribution of two P. brasiliensis molecules, the 14-3-3 and glycoprotein of 43 kDa proteins, which had been previously described as extracellular matrix adhesins and apoptosis inductors in human pneumocytes. Accordingly, epithelial cells were treated with these molecules for different periods of time and the expression of the apoptosis regulating-proteins Bak, Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and caspases were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling, flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Our results demonstrated that treatment with these molecules induces apoptosis signalling in pulmonary epithelial cells, showing the same pattern of programmed cell-death as that observed during infection with P. brasiliensis. Thus, we could conclude that P. brasiliensis uses these molecules as virulence factors that participate not only in the fungal adhesion process to host cells, but also in other important cellular mechanisms such as apoptosis.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Paracoccidioides-host interaction: An overview on recent advances in the paracoccidioidomycosis

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii are etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), an important endemic mycosis in Latin America. During its evolution, these fungi have developed characteristics and mechanisms that allow their growth in adverse conditions within their host through which they efficiently cause disease. This process is multi-factorial and involves host-pathogen interactions, as well as fungal virulence and host immune response. In this review, we demonstrated the glycoproteins and polysaccharides network, which composes the cell wall of Paracoccidioides, important for the change of conidia or mycelial (26oC) to parasitic yeast (37oC). The morphological switch, a mechanism for the pathogen to adapt and thrive inside the host, is obligatory for the establishment of the infection and seems to be related to pathogenicity. One of the most important steps during the interaction with the host is the adhesion. Cell surface proteins called adhesins, responsible for the first contact with host cells, contribute to host colonization and invasion by mediating this process. These fungi also present the capacity to form biofilm and through which they may evade the host’s immune system. Paracoccidioides spp. interact with different host cell types and has the ability to modulate the host’s adaptive and/or innate immune response. In addition, it participates and interferes in the coagulation system and phenomena like cytoskeletal rearrangement and apoptosis. In recent years, Paracoccidioides spp. have had their endemic areas expanding in correlation with the expansion of agriculture. In response, several studies were developed to understand the infection using in vitro and in vivo systems, including alternative non-mammal models. Moreover, new advances were made in treating these infections using both well-established and new antifungal agents. These included natural and/or derivate synthetic substances as well as vaccines, peptides, and anti-adhesins sera. Because of all the advances in the PCM study, this review has the objective to summarize all of the recent discoveries on Paracoccidioides¬-host interaction, with particular emphasis on fungi surface proteins (molecules that play a fundamental role in the adhesion and/or dissemination of the fungi to host-cells), as well as advances in the treatment of PCM with new and well-established antifungal agents and approaches

In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of Peptides Derived from 14-3-3 <i>Paracoccidioides</i> spp. Protein

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a chronic disease that causes sequelae and requires prolonged treatment; therefore, new therapeutic approaches are necessary. In view of this, three peptides from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis 14-3-3 protein were selected based on its immunogenicity and therapeutic potential. Methods: The in vitro antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of the 14-3-3 peptides were evaluated. The influence of the peptides in immunological and survival aspects was evaluated in vivo, using Galleria mellonella and the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Results: None of the peptides were toxic to HaCaT (skin keratinocyte), MRC-5 (lung fibroblast), and A549 (pneumocyte) cell lines, and only P1 exhibited antifungal activity against Paracoccidioides spp. The peptides could induce an immune response in G. mellonella. Moreover, the peptides caused a delay in the death of Paracoccidioides spp. infected larvae. Regarding C. elegans, the three peptides were able to increase the expression of the antimicrobial peptides. These peptides had essential effects on different aspects of Paracoccidioides spp. infection showing potential for a therapeutic vaccine. Future studies using mammalian methods are necessary to validate our findings

In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of Peptides Derived from 14-3-3 Paracoccidioides spp. Protein

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a chronic disease that causes sequelae and requires prolonged treatment; therefore, new therapeutic approaches are necessary. In view of this, three peptides from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis 14-3-3 protein were selected based on its immunogenicity and therapeutic potential. Methods: The in vitro antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of the 14-3-3 peptides were evaluated. The influence of the peptides in immunological and survival aspects was evaluated in vivo, using Galleria mellonella and the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Results: None of the peptides were toxic to HaCaT (skin keratinocyte), MRC-5 (lung fibroblast), and A549 (pneumocyte) cell lines, and only P1 exhibited antifungal activity against Paracoccidioides spp. The peptides could induce an immune response in G. mellonella. Moreover, the peptides caused a delay in the death of Paracoccidioides spp. infected larvae. Regarding C. elegans, the three peptides were able to increase the expression of the antimicrobial peptides. These peptides had essential effects on different aspects of Paracoccidioides spp. infection showing potential for a therapeutic vaccine. Future studies using mammalian methods are necessary to validate our findings

Retrospective Insights of the COVID-19 Epidemic in the Major Latin American City, São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil

São Paulo is the financial center of Brazil, with a population of over 12 million, that receives travelers from all over the world for business and tourism. It was the first city in Brazil to report a case of COVID-19 that rapidly spread across the city despite the implementation of the restriction measures. Despite many reports, much is still unknown regarding the genomic diversity and transmission dynamics of this virus in the city of São Paulo. Thus, in this study, we provide a retrospective overview of the COVID-19 epidemic in São Paulo City, Southeastern, Brazil, by generating a total of 9995 near-complete genome sequences from all the city’s different macro-regions (North, West, Central, East, South, and Southeast). Our analysis revealed that multiple independent introduction events of different variants (mainly Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) occurred throughout time. Additionally, our estimates of viral movement within the different macro-regions further suggested that the East and the Southeast regions were the largest contributors to the Gamma and Delta viral exchanges to other regions. Meanwhile, the North region had a higher contribution to the dispersion of the Omicron variant. Together, our results reinforce the importance of increasing SARS-CoV-2 genomic monitoring within the city and the country to track the real-time evolution of the virus and to detect earlier any eventual emergency of new variants of concern that could undermine the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil and worldwide

Retrospective Insights of the COVID-19 Epidemic in the Major Latin American City, S&atilde;o Paulo, Southeastern Brazil

S&atilde;o Paulo is the financial center of Brazil, with a population of over 12 million, that receives travelers from all over the world for business and tourism. It was the first city in Brazil to report a case of COVID-19 that rapidly spread across the city despite the implementation of the restriction measures. Despite many reports, much is still unknown regarding the genomic diversity and transmission dynamics of this virus in the city of S&atilde;o Paulo. Thus, in this study, we provide a retrospective overview of the COVID-19 epidemic in S&atilde;o Paulo City, Southeastern, Brazil, by generating a total of 9995 near-complete genome sequences from all the city&rsquo;s different macro-regions (North, West, Central, East, South, and Southeast). Our analysis revealed that multiple independent introduction events of different variants (mainly Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) occurred throughout time. Additionally, our estimates of viral movement within the different macro-regions further suggested that the East and the Southeast regions were the largest contributors to the Gamma and Delta viral exchanges to other regions. Meanwhile, the North region had a higher contribution to the dispersion of the Omicron variant. Together, our results reinforce the importance of increasing SARS-CoV-2 genomic monitoring within the city and the country to track the real-time evolution of the virus and to detect earlier any eventual emergency of new variants of concern that could undermine the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil and worldwide