scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles Produced by Cryptococcus neoformans Contain Protein Components Associated with Virulence

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcio L. Rodrigues ◽  
Ernesto S. Nakayasu ◽  
Debora L. Oliveira ◽  
Leonardo Nimrichter ◽  
Joshua D. Nosanchuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Capsular Polysaccharide ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Pathogenesis Related ◽  
Protein Components ◽  
Dense Vesicles

ABSTRACT Cryptococcus neoformans produces vesicles containing its major virulence factor, the capsular polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM). These vesicles cross the cell wall to reach the extracellular space, where the polysaccharide is supposedly used for capsule growth or delivered into host tissues. In the present study, we characterized vesicle morphology and protein composition by a combination of techniques including electron microscopy, proteomics, enzymatic activity, and serological reactivity. Secretory vesicles in C. neoformans appear to be correlated with exosome-like compartments derived from multivesicular bodies. Extracellular vesicles manifested various sizes and morphologies, including electron-lucid membrane bodies and electron-dense vesicles. Seventy-six proteins were identified by proteomic analysis, including several related to virulence and protection against oxidative stress. Biochemical tests indicated laccase and urease activities in vesicles. In addition, different vesicle proteins were recognized by sera from patients with cryptococcosis. These results reveal an efficient and general mechanism of secretion of pathogenesis-related molecules in C. neoformans, suggesting that extracellular vesicles function as “virulence bags” that deliver a concentrated payload of fungal products to host effector cells and tissues.

scholarly journals Lipophilic Dye Staining of Cryptococcus neoformans Extracellular Vesicles and Capsule

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1373-1380 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Moraes Nicola ◽  
Susana Frases ◽  
Arturo Casadevall
Keyword(s):  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Capsular Polysaccharide ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
Acid Dyes ◽  
Whole Cells ◽  
Direct Binding

ABSTRACT Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that causes systemic mycosis in immunosuppressed individuals. Recent studies have determined that this fungus produces vesicles that are released to the extracellular environment both in vivo and in vitro. These vesicles contain assorted cargo that includes several molecules associated with virulence and implicated in host-pathogen interactions, such as capsular polysaccharides, laccase, urease, and other proteins. To date, visualization of extracellular vesicles has relied on transmission electron microscopy, a time-consuming technique. In this work we report the use of fluorescent membrane tracers to stain lipophilic structures in cryptococcal culture supernatants and capsules. Two dialkylcarbocyanine probes with different spectral characteristics were used to visualize purified vesicles by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Dual staining of vesicles with dialkylcarbocyanine and RNA-selective nucleic acid dyes suggested that a fraction of the vesicle population carried RNA. Use of these dyes to stain whole cells, however, was hampered by their possible direct binding to capsular polysaccharide. A fluorescent phospholipid was used as additional membrane tracer to stain whole cells, revealing punctate structures on the edge of the capsule which are consistent with vesicular trafficking. Lipophilic dyes provide new tools for the study of fungal extracellular vesicles and their content. The finding of hydrophobic regions in the capsule of C. neoformans adds to the growing evidence for a structurally complex structure composed of polysaccharide and nonpolysaccharide components.

scholarly journals Interaction of Cryptococcus neoformans Extracellular Vesicles with the Cell Wall

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 1484-1493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie M. Wolf ◽  
Javier Espadas-Moreno ◽  
Jose L. Luque-Garcia ◽  
Arturo Casadevall
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Multivesicular Body ◽  
Dense Matrix ◽  
Fungal Cell ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pass Through

ABSTRACTCryptococcus neoformansproduces extracellular vesicles containing a variety of cargo, including virulence factors. To become extracellular, these vesicles not only must be released from the plasma membrane but also must pass through the dense matrix of the cell wall. The greatest unknown in the area of fungal vesicles is the mechanism by which these vesicles are released to the extracellular space given the presence of the fungal cell wall. Here we used electron microscopy techniques to image the interactions of vesicles with the cell wall. Our goal was to define the ultrastructural morphology of the process to gain insights into the mechanisms involved. We describe single and multiple vesicle-leaving events, which we hypothesized were due to plasma membrane and multivesicular body vesicle origins, respectively. We further utilized melanized cells to “trap” vesicles and visualize those passing through the cell wall. Vesicle size differed depending on whether vesicles left the cytoplasm in single versus multiple release events. Furthermore, we analyzed different vesicle populations for vesicle dimensions and protein composition. Proteomic analysis tripled the number of proteins known to be associated with vesicles. Despite separation of vesicles into batches differing in size, we did not identify major differences in protein composition. In summary, our results indicate that vesicles are generated by more than one mechanism, that vesicles exit the cell by traversing the cell wall, and that vesicle populations exist as a continuum with regard to size and protein composition.

scholarly journals Cryptococcosis in the era of AIDS--100 years after the discovery of Cryptococcus neoformans.

1995 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
T G Mitchell ◽  
J R Perfect
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Capsular Polysaccharide ◽  
Cell Mediated Immunity ◽  
Murine Models ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Aids Pandemic ◽  
Life Threatening

Although Cryptococcus neoformans and cryptococcosis have existed for several millennia, a century has passed since the discovery of this encapsulated yeast and its devastating disease. With the advent of the AIDS pandemic, cryptococcal meningitis has emerged as a leading cause of infectious morbidity and mortality and a frequently life-threatening opportunistic mycosis among patients with AIDS. Both basic and clinical research have accelerated in the 1990s, and this review attempts to highlight some of these advances. The discussion covers recent findings, current concepts, controversies, and unresolved issues related to the ecology and genetics of C. neoformans; the surface structure of the yeast; and the mechanisms of host defense. Regarding cell-mediated immunity, CD4+ T cells are crucial for successful resistance, but CD8+ T cells may also participate significantly in the cytokine-mediated activation of anticryptococcal effector cells. In addition to cell-mediated immunity, monoclonal antibodies to the major capsular polysaccharide, the glucuronoxylomannan, offer some protection in murine models of cryptococcosis. Clinical concepts are presented that relate to the distinctive features of cryptococcosis in patients with AIDS and the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cryptococcosis in AIDS patients.

scholarly journals DAP12 Inhibits Pulmonary Immune Responses to Cryptococcus neoformans

2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 1879-1886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena J. Heung ◽  
Tobias M. Hohl
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Efficient Uptake ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Cryptococcus neoformansis an opportunistic fungal pathogen that is inhaled into the lungs and can lead to life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients. Currently, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the mammalian immune response to respiratory cryptococcal challenge remain poorly defined. DAP12, a signaling adapter for multiple pattern recognition receptors in myeloid and natural killer (NK) cells, has been shown to play both activating and inhibitory roles during lung infections by different bacteria and fungi. In this study, we demonstrate that DAP12 plays an important inhibitory role in the immune response toC. neoformans. Infectious outcomes in DAP12−/−mice, including survival and lung fungal burden, are significantly improved compared to those in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice. We find that eosinophils and macrophages are decreased while NK cells are increased in the lungs of infected DAP12−/−mice. In contrast to WT NK cells, DAP12−/−NK cells are able to repressC. neoformansgrowthin vitro. Additionally, DAP12−/−macrophages are more highly activated than WT macrophages, with increased production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and CCL5/RANTES and more efficient uptake and killing ofC. neoformans. These findings suggest that DAP12 acts as a brake on the pulmonary immune response toC. neoformansby promoting pulmonary eosinophilia and by inhibiting the activation and antifungal activities of effector cells, including NK cells and macrophages.

scholarly journals Simulated Breathing: Application of Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Pulmonary Lung Surfactant

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1259
Author(s):  
Maksymilian Dziura ◽  
Basel Mansour ◽  
Mitchell DiPasquale ◽  
P. Charukeshi Chandrasekera ◽  
James W. Gauld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Pulmonary Surfactant ◽  
Lung Surfactant ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Total Composition ◽  
Protein Components ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

In this review, we delve into the topic of the pulmonary surfactant (PS) system, which is present in the respiratory system. The total composition of the PS has been presented and explored, from the types of cells involved in its synthesis and secretion, down to the specific building blocks used, such as the various lipid and protein components. The lipid and protein composition varies across species and between individuals, but ultimately produces a PS monolayer with the same role. As such, the composition has been investigated for the ways in which it imposes function and confers peculiar biophysical characteristics to the system as a whole. Moreover, a couple of theories/models that are associated with the functions of PS have been addressed. Finally, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of pulmonary surfactant have been emphasized to not only showcase various group’s findings, but also to demonstrate the validity and importance that MD simulations can have in future research exploring the PS monolayer system.

Stage-specific patterns of collagen gene expression during development of Caenorhabditis elegans

1985 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-372
Author(s):  
G N Cox ◽  
D Hirsh
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Major Protein ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Mrna Accumulation ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Collagen Protein ◽  
Protein Components ◽  
Collagen Genes

Collagens are the major protein components of the Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle and are encoded by a large family of 40 to 150 closely related but nonidentical genes. We have determined temporal patterns of mRNA accumulation for a large number of collagen genes by screening recombinant phages and plasmids containing cloned collagen genes under high stringency conditions with 32P-labeled cDNA preparations specific for eggs or three postembryonic molts. We find that collagen mRNA levels are regulated both temporally and quantitatively during C. elegans development. Most genes studied exhibit one of four patterns of mRNA accumulation which correlate with changes in cuticle morphology and collagen protein composition during development. Our results suggest that, in general, there is a progressive activation of new collagen genes during normal development.

Protein composition of nuclear matrix preparations from HeLa cells: an immunochemical approach

1986 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-122
Author(s):  
R. Verheijen ◽  
H. Kuijpers ◽  
P. Vooijs ◽  
W. van Venrooij ◽  
F. Ramaekers
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Matrix ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Two Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Core Proteins ◽  
Nuclear Rna ◽  
Hela S3 ◽  
Protein Components

Procedures for the isolation of HeLa S3 nuclear matrices were re-examined with special emphasis on the use of various nucleases and detergents as well as on the ionic strength of the final salt extraction. The protein composition of the resulting nuclear matrix preparations was analysed by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and found to be extremely reproducible. By means of co-electrophoresis several typical cytoskeletal proteins (actin, vimentin and cytokeratins) and heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA)-associated core proteins (hnRNP) were shown to be present in such nuclear matrix preparations. The nature of some other protein components was elucidated using two-dimensional immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. For this purpose mouse monoclonal antibodies to cytoskeletal components (vimentin, cytokeratins), small nuclear RNP (70 X 10(3) Mr protein of U1-RNP), hnRNP (C1/C2) and the pore-complex lamina (lamins A, B and C) were used next to human autoimmune sera obtained from patients with connective tissue diseases and directed against the residual nucleoli and the internal fibrillar mass. These antibodies enabled us to identify a number of proteins present specifically in the nuclear matrix and to show that part of the cytoskeletal proteins are still present in the isolated structures.

scholarly journals The structure of hookworm platelet inhibitor (HPI), a CAP superfamily member fromAncylostoma caninum

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 643-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongying Ma ◽  
Ivo M. B. Francischetti ◽  
Jose M. C. Ribeiro ◽  
John F. Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Structural Features ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
Sequence Motifs ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Platelet Inhibitor ◽  
Pathogenesis Related ◽  
Active Site Cleft ◽  
Interaction Interface ◽  
Protein Components

Secreted protein components of hookworm species include a number of representatives of the cysteine-rich/antigen 5/pathogenesis-related 1 (CAP) protein family known asAncylostoma-secreted proteins (ASPs). Some of these have been considered as candidate antigens for the development of vaccines against hookworms. The functions of most CAP superfamily members are poorly understood, but one form, the hookworm platelet inhibitor (HPI), has been isolated as a putative antagonist of the platelet integrins αIIbβ3and α2β1. Here, the crystal structure of HPI is described and its structural features are examined in relation to its possible function. The HPI structure is similar to those of other ASPs and shows incomplete conservation of the sequence motifs CAP1 and CAP2 that are considered to be diagnostic of CAP superfamily members. The asymmetric unit of the HPI crystal contains a dimer with an extensive interaction interface, but chromatographic measurements indicate that it is primarily monomeric in solution. In the dimeric structure, the putative active-site cleft areas from both monomers are united into a single negatively charged depression. A potential Lys-Gly-Asp disintegrin-like motif was identified in the sequence of HPI, but is not positioned at the apex of a tight turn, making it unlikely that it interacts with the integrin. Recombinant HPI produced inEscherichia coliwas found not to inhibit the adhesion of human platelets to collagen or fibrinogen, despite having a native structure as shown by X-ray diffraction. This result corroborates previous analyses of recombinant HPI and suggests that it might require post-translational modification or have a different biological function.

scholarly journals The Fatty Acid and Protein Profiles of Circulating CD81-Positive Small Extracellular Vesicles Are Associated with Disease Stage in Melanoma Patients

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 4157
Author(s):  
Giovanni Paolino ◽  
Veronica Huber ◽  
Serena Camerini ◽  
Marialuisa Casella ◽  
Alberto Macone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Protein Composition ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
Melanoma Patients

The early detection of cutaneous melanoma, a potentially lethal cancer with rising incidence, is fundamental to increasing survival and therapeutic adjustment. In stages II–IV especially, additional indications for adjuvant therapy purposes after resection and for treatment of metastatic patients are urgently needed. We investigated whether the fatty acid (FA) and protein compositions of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) derived from the plasma of stage 0–I, II and III–IV melanoma patients (n = 38) could reflect disease stage. The subpopulation of sEV expressing CD81 EV marker (CD81sEV) was captured by an ad hoc immune affinity technique from plasma depleted of large EV. Biological macromolecules were investigated by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in CD81sEV. A higher content of FA was detectable in patients with respect to healthy donors (HD). Moreover, a higher C18:0/C18:1 ratio, as a marker of cell membrane fluidity, distinguished early (stage 0–I) from late (III–IV) stages’ CD81sEV. Proteomics detected increases in CD14, PON1, PON3 and APOA5 exclusively in stage II CD81sEV, and RAP1B was decreased in stage III–IV CD81sEV, in comparison to HD. Our results suggest that stage dependent alterations in CD81sEV’ FA and protein composition may occur early after disease onset, strengthening the potential of circulating sEV as a source of discriminatory information for early diagnosis, prediction of metastatic behavior and following up of melanoma patients.

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