Article Microbiology
Combined antibiofilm activity of synthetic peptides and antifungal drugs against Candida spp.
Leandro P. Bezerra, Ayrles F. B. Silva, Ralph Santos-Oliveira, Luciana M. R. Alencar, Jackson L. Amaral, Nilton A. S. Neto, Rafael G. G. Silva, Monica O. Belem, Claudia R. de Andrade, Jose T. A. Oliveira, Cleverson D. T. Freitas, Pedro F. N. Souza
Summary: Synthetic peptides combined with antifungal drugs exhibit synergistic effects on fungal biofilms and reduce toxicity to red blood cells.
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY (2022)
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Article Microbiology
Synergistic Antibiofilm Activity between Synthetic Peptides and Ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus
Nilton A. S. Neto, Jose T. A. Oliveira, Tawanny K. B. Aguiar, Leandro P. Bezerra, Levi A. C. Branco, Felipe P. Mesquita, Cleverson D. T. Freitas, Pedro F. N. Souza
Summary: This study investigated the antibiofilm activity of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) in combination with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrated that certain peptides in combination with ciprofloxacin effectively inhibited biofilm formation and degraded preformed biofilms. These active peptides formed pores in the bacterial cellular membrane, enhancing the antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin.
PATHOGENS (2022)
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Article Infectious Diseases
In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Three Synthetic Peptides against Candida auris and Other Candida Species of Medical Importance
Richar Torres, Adriana Barreto-Santamaria, Gabriela Arevalo-Pinzon, Carolina Firacative, Beatriz L. Gomez, Patricia Escandon, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo, Julian E. Munoz
Summary: The study evaluated the antifungal activity of three synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against Candida species, including the multidrug-resistant Candida auris. The AMPs showed antifungal activity against all Candida species tested and had effects on biofilm formation and cell viability in C. auris and C. albicans. The study suggests that these AMPs are potential therapeutic alternatives against important Candida species.
ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL (2023)
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Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antimicrobial Peptides with Anti-Candida Activity
Aitzol Perez-Rodriguez, Elena Eraso, Guillermo Quindos, Estibaliz Mateo
Summary: Mycoses are responsible for millions of infections worldwide each year, with invasive candidiasis being the most common and having high morbidity and mortality. The incidence of other Candida species, such as Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, and Candida auris, is increasing. These pathogens often show reduced susceptibility to commonly used antifungal drugs, and the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains continues to rise. Therefore, the search for new molecules that target these pathogens in a different way is urgent. Antimicrobial peptides, found in nature, have advantages over traditional antifungal agents and are considered a promising option for treating a wide range of microbial infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES (2022)
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Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Antibiofilm Effect of Lavandula multifida Essential Oil: A New Approach for Chronic Infections
Jorge Alves-Silva, Monica Zuzarte, Carlos Cavaleiro, Ligia Salgueiro
Summary: Fungal infections are prevalent with high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in patients with underlying health complications. Plant-based antifungal products show promise in mitigating these infections, and Lavandula multifida essential oil has been found to have strong inhibitory and disruptive effects on fungal biofilms. The oil significantly decreased biofilm mass and viability, and induced morphological alterations in fungal biofilms, making it a potential candidate for the development of effective antifungal products.
PHARMACEUTICS (2023)
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Article Infectious Diseases
Giving a Hand: Synthetic Peptides Boost the Antifungal Activity of Itraconazole against Cryptococcus neoformans
Tawanny K. B. Aguiar, Ricardo M. Feitosa, Nilton A. S. Neto, Ellen A. Malveira, Francisco I. R. Gomes, Ana C. M. Costa, Cleverson D. T. Freitas, Felipe P. Mesquita, Pedro F. N. Souza
Summary: Combining synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) with the antifungal drug itraconazole (ITR) significantly enhances the activity of ITR against multidrug-resistant Cryptococcus neoformans. The enhanced activity is achieved through the induction of pore formation in the membrane and the overaccumulation of ROS on the fungal cells. Synthetic peptides have the potential to assist antifungal agents in treating Cryptococcal infections.
ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL (2023)
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Article Microbiology
In Vitro Antifungal Activity of LL-37 Analogue Peptides against Candida spp.
Gladys Pinilla, Yenifer Tatiana Coronado, Gabriel Chaves, Liliana Munoz, Jeannette Navarrete, Luz Mary Salazar, Carlos Pelleschi Taborda, Julian E. Munoz
Summary: Fungal infections have become a major problem in immunosuppressed or ICU patients, and the resistance of fungi to conventional antifungal treatments is increasing. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of LL-37 analogue peptides against Candida spp. The results suggest that LL37-1 and AC-2 have the best inhibitory effect on Candida strains.
JOURNAL OF FUNGI (2022)
Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Synthetic peptides bioinspired in temporin-PTa with antibacterial and antibiofilm activity
Patricia Souza e Silva, Marcos Antonio Ferreira, Luiz Filipe Ramalho de Moraes, Elizangela de Barros, Sergio Leandro Espindola Preza, Marlon Henrique Cardoso, Octavio Luiz Franco, Ludovico Migliolo
Summary: This study reports the design and activity of two new synthetic peptides Hp-MAP1 and Hp-MAP2. These peptides exhibit antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria without causing hemolysis. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that these peptides can adopt α-helical structures in specific environments.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN (2022)
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Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Candidiasis: From cutaneous to systemic, new perspectives of potential targets and therapeutic strategies
Hui Lu, Ting Hong, Yuanying Jiang, Malcolm Whiteway, Shiqun Zhang
Summary: Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida, most commonly Candida albicans. It can cause various infections on mucous membranes and throughout the body, especially in immunocompromised individuals. However, the immune mechanisms of the host and current antifungal drugs are not fully understood. Therefore, it is important to uncover host immune defenses and develop new antifungal strategies.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS (2023)
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Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
In vivo antifungal activity of farnesol combined with antifungal drugs on oral mucosal candidiasis in mice
Chengxi Li, Zheng Xu, Siqi Liu, Rhyme Huang, Wei Duan, Xin Wei
Summary: This study investigated the therapeutic effects of a combination of farnesol and antifungal drugs for oral candidiasis, and found that the co-application could reduce the number of Candida albicans and enhance the therapeutic activity of antifungal agents against the infection.
BIOFOULING (2021)
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Article Microbiology
Antimicrobial Peptides With Antibiofilm Activity Against Xylella fastidiosa
Luis Moll, Esther Badosa, Marta Planas, Lidia Feliu, Emilio Montesinos, Anna Bonaterra
Summary: Xylella fastidiosa, a plant pathogen recently introduced in Europe, is causing havoc to its agriculture. Despite great research efforts, no effective method to prevent or cure hosts from infections has been found. Antimicrobial peptides have emerged as promising candidates to combat this bacterium due to their broad spectrum of activity and low environmental impact.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY (2021)
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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Synthetic Star Nanoengineered Antimicrobial Polymers as Antibiofilm Agents: Bacterial Membrane Disruption and Cell Aggregation
Sophie Laroque, Ramoin Garcia Maset, Alexia Hapeshi, Fannie Burgevin, Katherine E. S. Loco*ck, Seibastien Perrier
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue, and the emergence of multiresistant bacterial strains is alarming. Multivalent antimicrobial polymer architectures, such as bottle brush or star polymers, have shown great potential in enhancing interactions with bacterial cell membranes. In this study, amphiphilic star copolymers and their linear equivalents were synthesized and tested for their antimicrobial activity and hemocompatibility. The star copolymer S-SP25 exhibited improved antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa PA14 compared to its linear counterpart, although it also induced increased red blood cell aggregation. Shifting the position of the cationic block in the structure prevented cell aggregation while maintaining strong antimicrobial activity for the smallest star copolymer. Additionally, this compound showed antibiofilm properties against in vitro biofilm models.
BIOMACROMOLECULES (2023)
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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Prenylated Flavonoids with Potential Antimicrobial Activity: Synthesis, Biological Activity, and In Silico Study
Mauricio Osorio, Marcela Carvajal, Alejandra Vergara, Estefania Butassi, Susana Zacchino, Carolina Mascayano, Margarita Montoya, Sophia Mejias, Marcelo Cortez-San Martin, Yesseny Vasquez-Martinez
Summary: Prenylated flavonoids are important natural compounds with significant biological activity, particularly in antimicrobial functions. Compounds 11, 12, and 13 showed strong inhibitory activity against human pathogenic fungi and clinical isolated Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, indicating the key structural requirements for antibacterial activity. Additionally, the combination of prenylated flavonoids with commercial antibiotics significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity against drug-resistant bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES (2021)
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Article Microbiology
Assessment of the In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Activity of NSC319726 against Candida auris
ji*zhou Li, Alix T. Coste, Daniel Bachmann, Dominique Sanglard, Frederic Lamoth
Summary: NSC319726 exhibited in vitro activity against C. auris and in vivo efficacy in an invertebrate model. It may have the potential to serve as a novel antifungal therapy for C. auris infection.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM (2021)
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Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Biomaterials for the Prevention of Oral Candidiasis Development
Dan Cristian Gheorghe, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Summary: This paper focuses on the newest therapeutic options against oral Candida infections, including compounds and biomaterials with inherent antifungal properties, improved materials for dental prostheses and denture adhesives, drug delivery systems, and combined approaches towards developing the optimum treatment. Novel treatments have to be developed and implemented in clinical practice to address the severe adverse effects often associated with traditional antifungal agents.
PHARMACEUTICS (2021)
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Article Plant Sciences
Chromosome numbers in Homalolepis Turcz. and their significance in Simaroubaceae evolution
Maria Romero-da-Cruz, Rafael Guimaraes, Marcelo F. Devecchi, Jose R. Pirani, Eliana R. Forni-Martins
Summary: The study conducted the first cytogenetic analysis of Homalolepis and reconstructed the evolution of chromosome numbers in the Simaroubaceae family by surveying chromosome numbers of other representatives. The results showed that Homalolepis species have 2n = 32 chromosome numbers, with several CMA(+) bands and diverse distribution of ribosomal DNA sites among different species.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY (2022)
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Review Plant Sciences
Chromosome numbers and their evolutionary meaning in the Sapindales order: an overview
Rafael Guimaraes, Eliana Regina Forni-Martins
Summary: Sapindales consists of six larger families and three smaller families, with controversies surrounding their inter-family relations and chromosome numbers. There is a great diversity of chromosome numbers within each family, with Rutaceae and Sapindaceae having the highest percentages of species with known chromosome counts. Polyploidy played a significant role in the diversification of large families, particularly in Meliaceae and Rutaceae. Dysploidy is also frequent in the diversification of the large families.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY (2022)
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Article Microbiology
The Caspofungin Paradoxical Effect is a Tolerant Eagle Effect in the Filamentous Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus
Clara Valero, Ana Cristina Colabardini, Patricia Alves de Castro, Jorge Amich, Michael J. Bromley, Gustavo H. Goldman
Summary: The Eagle effect, which describes the ability of some strains to grow above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antimicrobial agents, has been known for bacterial species but not fully understood in fungi. In this study, the caspofungin paradoxical effect (CPE) in Aspergillus fumigatus isolates was characterized, demonstrating that CPE+ strains could grow in high drug levels while CPE- strains did not show this paradoxical growth. This research provides insights into the multifactorial nature of CPE and suggests that it should be considered as a tolerant phenotype in A. fumigatus.
MBIO (2022)
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Letter Immunology
Triazole-resistant Aspergillus luchuensis, an industrially important black Aspergillus spp. used in fermentation in East Asia, isolated from the patient with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in China
Qiqi Wang, Yun Li, Yanming Li, Nir Osherov, Gustavo H. Goldman, Paul E. Verweij, Bo Zheng, Ruoyu Li, Wei Chen, Tianyu Liang, Zhe Wan, Wei Liu
Summary: This study describes the isolation of Aspergillus luchuensis from an immunocompromised patient in China, who showed resistance to multiple antifungal drugs. The detected mutation in the cyp51A gene may contribute to the development of drug resistance.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS (2022)
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Article Microbiology
Aspergillus fumigatus FhdA Transcription Factor Is Important for Mitochondrial Activity and Codon Usage Regulation during the Caspofungin Paradoxical Effect
Ana Cristina Colabardini, Norman Van Rhijn, Abigail L. LaBella, Clara Valero, Lauren Dineen, Antonis Rokas, Gustavo H. Goldman
Summary: The transcription factor FhdA regulates genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II and III, and influences the expression of tRNAs important for mitochondrial function upon treatment with the antifungal drug caspofungin.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY (2022)
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Article Microbiology
Examination of Genome-Wide Ortholog Variation in Clinical and Environmental Isolates of the Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus
Maria Augusta C. Horta, Jacob L. Steenwyk, Matthew E. Mead, Luciano H. Braz dos Santos, Shu Zhao, John G. Gibbons, Marina Marcet-Houben, Toni Gabaldon, Antonis Rokas, Gustavo H. Goldman
Summary: This study investigated the genomic variation in 206 Aspergillus fumigatus isolates and found that there were differences in gene distribution among isolates, but these differences were not related to the clinical or environmental origin of the isolates.
MBIO (2022)
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Article Infectious Diseases
Behind the Curtain: In Silico and In Vitro Experiments Brought to Light New Insights into the Anticryptococcal Action of Synthetic Peptides
Tawanny K. B. Aguiar, Nilton A. S. Neto, Romerio R. S. Silva, Cleverson D. T. Freitas, Felipe P. P. Mesquita, Luciana M. R. Alencar, Ralph Santos-Oliveira, Gustavo H. H. Goldman, Pedro F. N. Souza
Summary: In this study, the mechanisms of action of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) against Cryptococcus neoformans were investigated through computational and experimental analyses. The results revealed that SAMPs interacted with the PHO36 membrane receptor, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. Additionally, SAMPs affected ergosterol biosynthesis, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and induced apoptosis by decoupling cytochrome c from the mitochondria in C. neoformans cells. These findings demonstrate the potential of SAMPs in treating C. neoformans infections by targeting multiple mechanisms and interfering with resistance development.
ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL (2023)
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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of potential biotechnological strains of Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma atroviride, and Trichoderma reesei
Rafaela Rossi Rosolen, Maria Augusta Crivelente Horta, Paulo Henrique Campiteli de Azevedo, Carla Cristina da Silva, Danilo Augusto Sforca, Gustavo Henrique Goldman, Anete Pereira de Souza
Summary: The genome sequencing and analysis of Trichoderma atroviride and Trichoderma harzianum revealed their potential in biocontrol and lignocellulose conversion. The study provided insights into the genetic diversity of these strains and their potential applications in biotechnology and industry.
MOLECULAR GENETICS AND GENOMICS (2023)
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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences
A host defense peptide mimetic, brilacidin, potentiates caspofungin antifungal activity against human pathogenic fungi
Thaila Fernanda dos Reis, Patricia Alves de Castro, Rafael Wesley Bastos, Camila Figueiredo Pinzan, Pedro F. N. Souza, Suzanne Ackloo, Mohammad Anwar Hossain, David Harold Drewry, Sondus Alkhazraji, Ashraf S. Ibrahim, Hyunil Jo, Jorge D. Lightfoot, Emily M. Adams, Kevin K. Fuller, William F. deGrado, Gustavo H. Goldman
Summary: This study demonstrates the synergistic activity of the host defense peptide mimetic brilacidin with caspofungin against various fungal strains, including those that are resistant to caspofungin. These findings suggest that the combination of brilacidin with antifungal drugs currently in clinical use can improve the treatment outcome of aspergillosis and other fungal infections.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2023)
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Article Microbiology
COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis Isolates Are Genomically Diverse but Similar to Each Other in Their Responses to Infection-Relevant Stresses
Matthew E. Mead, Patricia Alves L. de Castro, Jacob L. Steenwyk, Jean-Pierre Gangneux, Martin Hoenigl, Juergen Prattes, Riina Rautemaa-Richardson, Helene B. Guegan, Caroline B. Moore, Cornelia Lass-Floerl, Florian Reizine, Clara Valero, Norman J. Van Rhijn, Michael J. Bromley, Antonis H. Rokas, Gustavo H. Goldman, Sara Gago, ECMM CAPA Study Grp
Summary: Secondary infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of death in severe COVID-19 patients. Genomic analysis of 11 A. fumigatus isolates from CAPA patients in Europe revealed that CAPA isolates do not cluster based on geographic origin. Phenotypically, CAPA isolates are more similar to the A1160 reference strain, but differ from the Af293 strain in infection-relevant stresses. Further research is needed to understand the molecular epidemiology of CAPA and identify genetic factors contributing to copathogenicity and antifungal resistance in COVID-19 patients.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM (2023)
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Article Immunology
Caryocar coriaceum fruits as a potential alternative to combat fungal and bacterial infections: In vitro evaluation of methanolic extracts
Jose Weverton Almeida-Bezerra, Rafael Pereira da Cruz, Raimundo Luiz Silva Pereira, Viviane Bezerra da Silva, Daniele de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa, Joao Xavier Da Silva Neto, Larissa Alves Lopes de Souza, Nadine Monteiro Salgueiro Araujo, Rafael Guimaraes Gomes Silva, Daniel Luna Lucetti, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho, Maria Flaviana Bezerra Morais-Braga, Antonio Fernando Morais de Oliveira
Summary: In this study, it was found that the fruits of Caryocar coriaceum, commonly known as 'pequi', have bioactive chemical constituents that can enhance the antimicrobial activity of certain drugs and inhibit Candida strains. The major classes of compounds found in the fruit were phenolics and flavonoids. These findings support the traditional use of pequi fruit pulp for the treatment of infectious and parasitic diseases.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS (2023)
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Article Microbiology
Aspergillus fumigatus Can Display Persistence to the Fungicidal Drug Voriconazole
Jennifer Scott, Clara Valero, Alvaro Mato-Lopez, Ian J. Donaldson, Alejandra Roldan, Harry Chown, Norman Van Rhijn, Rebeca Lobo-Vega, Sara Gago, Takanori Furukawa, Alma Morogovsky, Ronen Ben Ami, Paul Bowyer, Nir Osherov, Thierry Fontaine, Gustavo H. Goldman, Emilia Mellado, Michael Bromley, Jorge Amich
Summary: Aspergillus fumigatus, a filamentous fungus, can infect the lungs of immunosuppressed and/or patients with underlying lung diseases. Resistance to the first-line antifungal drugs, azoles, has emerged and spread, leading to higher mortality and reduced treatment options. Treatment failure is also common in patients infected with susceptible isolates, which may be due to poor drug absorption. Persistence to voriconazole, a first-line antifungal, has been observed in some A. fumigatus isolates, which reduces treatment efficacy and has a distinct transcriptional profile. This study highlights the importance of azole persistence in influencing the outcome of human aspergillosis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM (2023)
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