Modulation of azole sensitivity and filamentation by GPI15, encoding a subunit of the first GPI biosynthetic enzyme, in Candida albicans.

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins are important for virulence of many pathogenic organisms including the human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. GPI biosynthesis is initiated by a multi-subunit enzyme, GPI-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GPI-GnT). We showed previously that two GPI-GnT subunits, encoded by CaGPI2 and CaGPI19, are mutually repressive. CaGPI19 also co-regulates CaERG11, the target of azoles while CaGPI2 controls Ras signaling and hyphal morphogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of a third subunit. We show that CaGpi15 is functionally homologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gpi15. CaGPI15 is a master activator of CaGPI2 and CaGPI19. Hence, CaGPI15 mutants are azole-sensitive and hypofilamentous. Altering CaGPI19 or CaGPI2 expression in CaGPI15 mutant can elicit alterations in azole sensitivity via CaERG11 expression or hyphal morphogenesis, respectively. Thus, CaGPI2 and CaGPI19 function downstream of CaGPI15. One mode of regulation is via H3 acetylation of the respective GPI-GnT gene promoters by Rtt109. Azole sensitivity of GPI-GnT mutants is also due to decreased H3 acetylation at the CaERG11 promoter by Rtt109. Using double heterozygous mutants, we also show that CaGPI2 and CaGPI19 can independently activate CaGPI15. CaGPI15 mutant is more susceptible to killing by macrophages and epithelial cells and has reduced ability to damage either of these cell lines relative to the wild type strain, suggesting that it is attenuated in virulence.

Unusually large erupted complex odontoma: A rare case report.

Odontomas are nonaggressive, hamartomatous developmental malformations composed of mature tooth substances and may be compound or complex depending on the extent of morphodifferentiation or on their resemblance to normal teeth. Among them, complex odontomas are relatively rare tumors. They are usually asymptomatic in nature. Occasionally, these tumors become large, causing bone expansion followed by facial asymmetry. Odontoma eruptions are uncommon, and thus far, very few cases of erupted complex odontomas have been reported in the literature. Here, we report the case of an unusually large, painless, complex odontoma located in the right posterior mandible.

Chromatin remodeling protein SMAR1 regulates NF-κB dependent Interleukin-8 transcription in breast cancer.

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a pleiotropic chemokine involved in metastasis and angiogenesis of breast tumors. The expression of IL-8 is deregulated in metastatic breast carcinomas owing to aberrant NF-κB activity, which is known to positively regulate IL-8 transcription. Earlier, we have shown that tumor suppressor SMAR1 suppresses NF-κB transcriptional activity by modulating IκBα function. Here, we show that NF-κB target gene IL-8, is a direct transcriptional target of SMAR1. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays, we demonstrate that SMAR1 binds to IL-8 promoter MAR (matrix attachment region) and recruits HDAC1 dependent co-repressor complex. Further, we also show that SMAR1 antagonizes p300-mediated acetylation of RelA/p65, a post-translational modification indispensable for IL-8 transactivation. Thus, we decipher a new role of SMAR1 in NF-κB dependent transcriptional regulation of pro-angiogenic chemokine IL-8.

First step of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis cross-talks with ergosterol biosynthesis and Ras signaling in Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a leading cause of fungal infections worldwide. It has several glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored virulence factors. Inhibiting GPI biosynthesis attenuates its virulence. Building on our previous work, we explore the interaction of GPI biosynthesis in C. albicans with ergosterol biosynthesis and hyphal morphogenesis. This study is also the first report of transcriptional co-regulation existing between two subunits of the multisubunit enzyme complex, GPI-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GPI-GnT), involved in the first step of GPI anchor biosynthesis in eukaryotes. Using mutational analysis, we show that the accessory subunits, GPI2 and GPI19, of GPI-GnT exhibit opposite effects on ergosterol biosynthesis and Ras signaling (which determines hyphal morphogenesis). This is because the two subunits negatively regulate one another; GPI19 mutants show up-regulation of GPI2, whereas GPI2 mutants show up-regulation of GPI19. Two different models were examined as follows. First, the two GPI-GnT subunits independently interact with ergosterol biosynthesis and Ras signaling. Second, the two subunits mutually regulate one another and thereby regulate sterol levels and Ras signaling. Analysis of double mutants of these subunits indicates that GPI19 controls ergosterol biosynthesis through ERG11 levels, whereas GPI2 determines the filamentation by cross-talk with Ras1 signaling. Taken together, this suggests that the first step of GPI biosynthesis talks to and regulates two very important pathways in C. albicans. This could have implications for designing new antifungal strategies.

Targeting efflux pumps-In vitro investigations with acridone derivatives and identification of a lead molecule for MDR modulation.

To search multi drug resistance modulators, acridones carrying hydroxyl amine substituent at N-10 and COOH/Cl at C-4 were investigated for their interactions with the three components of efflux pump viz. P-gp, ATP, and Mg(2+). Experimental and theoretical results indicated that the compounds with COOH group at C-4 interact with P-gp and Mg(2+) while other set of compounds with Cl at C-4 interact with ATP and Mg(2+). Spot assay and R6G influx/efflux assay of compound 3 using Candida albicans showed decrease in the fungal growth and efflux of R6G, respectively, in presence of compound 3 suggesting the suitability of this compound for MDR modulation.