Journal of Microbiology

Journal Article

Vaccine Development for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in Dogs.: Seok-Chan Park, Da-Eun Jeong, Sun-Woo Han, Joon-Seok Chae, Joo-Yong Lee, Hyun-Sook Kim, Bumseok Kim, Jun-Gu Kang; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(4):327-335. Published online April 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00119-y

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Abstract: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a life-threatening viral zoonosis. The causative agent of this disease is the Dabie bandavirus, which is usually known as the SFTS virus (SFTSV). Although the role of vertebrates in SFTSV transmission to humans remains uncertain, some reports have suggested that dogs could potentially transmit SFTSV to humans. Consequently, preventive measures against SFTSV in dogs are urgently needed. In the present study, dogs were immunized three times at two-week intervals with formaldehyde-inactivated SFTSV with two types of adjuvants. SFTSV (KCD46) was injected into all dogs two weeks after the final immunization. Control dogs showed viremia from 2 to 4 days post infection (dpi), and displayed white pulp atrophy in the spleen, along with a high level of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling assay (TUNEL) positive area. However, the inactivated SFTSV vaccine groups exhibited rare pathological changes and significantly reduced TUNEL positive areas in the spleen. Furthermore, SFTSV viral loads were not detected at any of the tested dpi. Our results indicate that both adjuvants can be safely used in combination with an inactivated SFTSV formulation to induce strong neutralizing antibodies. Inactivated SFTSV vaccines effectively prevent pathogenicity and viremia in dogs infected with SFTSV. In conclusion, our study highlighted the potential of inactivated SFTSV vaccination for SFTSV control in dogs.

Review

Searching for a Reliable Viral Indicator of Faecal Pollution in Aquatic Environments: Felana Harilanto Andrianjakarivony , Yvan Bettarel , Christelle Desnues; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(6):589-602. Published online June 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00052-6

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1 Citations

Abstract: The disposal of sewage in significant quantities poses a health hazard to aquatic ecosystems. These effluents can contain a wide range of pathogens, making faecal contamination a leading source of waterborne diseases around the world. Yet monitoring bacteria or viruses in aquatic environments is time consuming and expensive. The standard indicators of faecal pollution all have limitations, including difficulty in determining the source due to lack of host specificity, poor connection with the presence of non-bacterial pathogens, or low environmental persistence. Innovative monitoring techniques are sorely needed to provide more accurate and targeted solutions. Viruses are a promising alternative to faecal indicator bacteria for monitoring, as they are more persistent in ambient water, more abundant in faeces, and are extremely host-specific. Given the range of viruses found in diverse contexts, it is not easy to find one “ideal” viral indicator of faecal pollution; however, several are of interest. In parallel, the ongoing development of molecular techniques coupled with metagenomics and bioinformatics should enable improved ways to detect faecal contamination using viruses. This review examines the evolution of faecal contamination monitoring with the following aims (i) to identify the characteristics of the main viral indicators of faecal contamination, including human enteric viruses, bacteriophages, CRESS and plant viruses, (ii) to assess how these have been used to monitor water pollution in recent years, (iii) to evaluate the reliability of recent detection methods of such viruses, and (iv) to tentatively determine which viruses may be most effective as markers of faecal pollution.

Journal Articles

The velvet repressed vidA gene plays a key role in governing development in Aspergillus nidulans: Min-Ju Kim , Won-Hee Jung , Ye-Eun Son , Jae-Hyuk Yu , Mi-Kyung Lee , Hee-Soo Park; J. Microbiol. 2019;57(10):893-899. Published online August 28, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-019-9214-4

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Abstract: Fungal development is regulated by a variety of transcription factors in Aspergillus nidulans. Previous studies demonstrated that the NF-κB type velvet transcription factors regulate certain target genes that govern fungal differentiation and cellular metabolism. In this study, we characterize one of the VosA/VelB-inhibited developmental genes called vidA, which is predicted to encode a 581-amino acid protein with a C2H2 zinc finger domain at the C-terminus. Levels of vidA mRNA are high during the early and middle phases of asexual development and decrease during the late phase of asexual development and asexual spore (conidium) formation. Deletion of either vosA or velB results in increased vidA mRNA accumulation in conidia, suggesting that vidA transcript accumulation in conidia is repressed by VosA and VelB. Phenotypic analysis demonstrated that deletion of vidA causes decreased colony growth, reduced production of asexual spores, and abnormal formation of sexual fruiting bodies. In addition, the vidA deletion mutant conidia contain more trehalose and β-glucan than wild type. Overall, these results suggest that VidA is a putative transcription factor that plays a key role in governing proper fungal growth, asexual and sexual development, and conidia formation in A. nidulans.

Expression of sexual genes in Aspergillus fumigatus homogeneous culture produced by vegetative mass mating: Joo-Yeon Lim , Hee-Moon Park; J. Microbiol. 2019;57(8):688-693. Published online May 11, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-019-9094-7

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3 Citations

Abstract: There are presently no studies on the genes for sexual development of Aspergillus fumigatus in situ using mating culture, primarily because of challenging experimental conditions that require a significantly long period of induction and produce developmentally heterogenous culture, harboring very few sexual organs. In order to overcome these challenges, we developed an efficient and convenient procedure called ‘vegetative mass mating (VeM)’ for study at a molecular level. The VeM method enabled production of a developmentally homogenous A. fumigatus culture, harboring many sexual organs in a plate within a short period of two weeks. Feasibility of the use of VeM for functional study of genes during A. fumigatus sexual development was evaluated by analyzing the transcription pattern of genes involved in pheromone signal transduction and regulation of sexual development. Here, we present for the first time, an in situ expression pattern of sexual genes during the mating process, induced by the VeM
method
, which will enable and promote the sexual development study of A. fumigatus at the molecular level.

Reviews

MINIREVIEW] Transcriptional control of sexual development in Cryptococcus neoformans: Matthew E. Mead , Christina M. Hull; J. Microbiol. 2016;54(5):339-346. Published online April 20, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-016-6080-1

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6 Citations

Abstract: Developmental processes are essential for the normal life cycles of many pathogenic fungi, and they can facilitate survival in challenging environments, including the human host. Sexual development of the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans not only produces infectious particles (spores) but has also enabled the evolution of new disease-related traits such as drug resistance. Transcription factor networks are essential to the development and pathogenesis of C. neoformans, and a variety of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins control both key developmental transitions and virulence by regulating the expression of their target genes. In this review we discuss the roles of known transcription factors that harbor important connections to both development and virulence. Recent studies of these transcription factors have identified a common theme in which metabolic, stress, and other responses that are required for sexual development appear to have been co-opted for survival in the human host, thus facilitating pathogenesis. Future work elucidating the connection between development and pathogenesis will provide vital insights into the evolution of complex traits in eukaryotes as well as mechanisms that may be used to combat fungal pathogens.

REVIEW] Developmental regulators in Aspergillus fumigatus: Hee-Soo Park , Jae-Hyuk Yu; J. Microbiol. 2016;54(3):223-231. Published online February 27, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-016-5619-5

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53 Citations

Abstract: The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent airborne fungal pathogen causing severe and usually fatal invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. This fungus produces a large number of small hydrophobic asexual spores called conidia as the primary means of reproduction, cell survival, propagation, and infectivity. The initiation, progression, and completion of asexual development (conidiation) is controlled by various regulators that govern expression of thousands of genes associated with formation of the asexual developmental structure conidiophore, and biogenesis of conidia. In this review, we summarize key regulators that directly or indirectly govern conidiation in this important pathogenic fungus. Better understanding these developmental regulators may provide insights into the improvement in controlling both beneficial and detrimental aspects of various Aspergillus species.

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Structure and Function of the Mating-type Locus in the Homothallic Ascomycete, Didymella zeae-maydis: Sung-Hwan Yun , Olen C. Yoder , B. Gillian Turgeon; J. Microbiol. 2013;51(6):814-820. Published online December 19, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-013-3465-2

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15 Citations

Abstract: Homothallic Didymella zeae-maydis undergoes sexual reproduction by selfing. Sequence analysis of the mating type (MAT) locus from this fungus revealed that MAT carries both MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes found in heterothallic Dothideomycetes, separated by ~1.0 kb of noncoding DNA. To understand the mechanistic basis of homothallism in D. zeae-maydis, each of the MAT genes was deleted and the effects on selfing and on ability to cross in a heterothallic manner were determined. The strain carrying an intact MAT1-1-1 but defective MAT1-2-1 gene (MAT1-1-1;ΔMAT1-2-1) was self-sterile, however strains carrying an intact MAT1-2-1 but defective MAT1-1-1 gene (ΔMAT1-1-1;MAT1-2-1), when selfed, showed delayed production of a few ascospores. Attempts to cross the two MAT deletion strains yielded fewer ΔMAT1-1-1;MAT1-2-1 than MAT1-1-1;ΔMAT1-2-1 progeny and very few ascospores overall compared to WT selfs. This study demonstrates that, as in the other homothallic Dothideomycetes, both MAT genes are required for full fertility, but that, in contrast to other cases, the presence of a single MAT1-2-1 gene can induce homothallism, albeit inefficiently, in D. zeae-maydis.

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'ts

A Putative APSES Transcription Factor Is Necessary for Normal Growth and Development of Aspergillus nidulans: Ji-Yeon Lee , Lee-Han Kim , Ha-Eun Kim , Jae-Sin Park , Kap-Hoon Han , Dong-Min Han; J. Microbiol. 2013;51(6):800-806. Published online December 19, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-013-3100-2

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11 Citations

Abstract: The nsdD gene encoding a GATA type transcription factor positively controls sexual development in Aspergillus nidulans. According to microarray data, 20 genes that were upregulated by deleting nsdD during various life cycle stages were randomly selected and deleted for functional analysis. None of the mutants showed apparent changes in growth or development compared with those of the wild-type except the AN3154 gene that encodes a putative APSES transcription factor and is an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae swi4. Deleting AN3154 resulted in retarded growth and development, and the gene was named rgdA (retared growth and development). The rgdA deletion mutant developed a reduced number of conidia even under favorable conditions for asexual development. The retarded growth and development was partially suppressed by the veA1 mutation. The conidial heads of the mutant aborted, showing reduced and irregular shaped phialides. Fruiting body development was delayed compared with that in the wild-type. The mutant did not respond to various nutritional or environmental factors that affected the development patterns. The rgdA gene was expressed at low levels throughout the life cycle and was not significantly affected by several regulators of sexual and asexual development such as nsdD, veA, stuA, or brlA. However, the rgdA gene affected brlA and abaA expression, which function as key regulators of asexual sporulation, suggesting that rgdA functions upstream of those genes.

NOTE] Isolation and Characterization of Self-Fertile Suppressors from the Sterile nsdD Deletion Mutant of Aspergillus nidulans: Dong-Beom Lee , Lee Han Kim , Jin-Pyo Kim , Kap-Hoon Han , Dong-Min Han; J. Microbiol. 2011;49(6):1054-1057. Published online December 28, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-011-1111-4

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3 Citations

Abstract: To identify downstream and/or interactive factors of the nsdD gene, which encodes a positive regulator of sexual development of Aspergillus nidulans, suppressor mutants displaying a self-fertile phenotype were isolated from a sterile nsdD deletion mutant. At least five different loci (sndA-E) were identified and genetically analyzed. In the nsdD+ background, most of the suppressors showed a marked increment of sexual development, even under the stress conditions that normally inhibited sexual development. The common phenotype of the suppressor mutants suggested the involvement of the snd genes in the negative regulation of sexual development in response to the environmental factors.

Screening of Growth- or Development-related Genes by Using Genomic Library with Inducible Promoter in Aspergillus nidulans: Bang-Yong Lee , Sang-Yong Han , Han Gil Choi , Jee Hyun Kim , Kap-Hoon Han , Dong-Min Han; J. Microbiol. 2005;43(6):523-528.; DOI: https://doi.org/2295 [pii]

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Abstract: Using the genomic library constructed at the downstream of the niiA promoter, which induces the over-expression of an inserted DNA fragment, we have attempted to screen the genes affecting growth or development by over-expression. The wild-type strain was transformed using the AMA-niiA(p) library and cultured on 1.2 M sorbitol media, in which asexual sporulation is induced, but sexual development is repressed. Over 100,000 strains transformed to pyrG+ were analyzed with regard to any changes in phenotype. Consequently, seven strains were isolated for further analyses. These strains were designated NOT [niiA(p) over-expression transformants] stains. Four of the strains were of the inducible type, and the remaining strains were of the multi-copy suppression type. Two of the inducible-type strains, NOT1 and NOT40, harbored genes which had been inserted in reverse direction, suggesting that the mutant phenotypes had been derived from an excess amount of anti-sense mRNA. Domain analyses of the deduced polypeptides from the DNA fragments rescued from the transformants revealed that NOT1, NOT40 and NOT6 harbored a LisH motif, a forkhead domain, and a Zn(II)2Cys6 binuclear zinc cluster, respectively.

Fungal-sporulation suppressing substances produced by pseudomonas aeruginosa KMCS-1: Min, Bu Yong , Shim, Jae Young , Kim, Kun Woo , Lee, Jong Kyu , Yoon, Kwon Sang; J. Microbiol. 1996;34(3):284-288.

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Abstract: Among the bacteria isolated form compost piles of cattle excretion in a pasture located at the suburbs of Chunchon city, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KMCS-1 was selected for the test of antifungal substances produced. Six fractions were separated by silica gel column chromatography, and then the antifungal activity of each fraction was assayed against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus nidulans, Coprinus cinereus, and Pyricularia oryzae by paper disc method. Two fractions showed significant suppressive activities against A. nidulans, C. cinereus, and P. oryzae; however, their mycelial growth was not affected by neither of these fractions. Inhibitory activities of these fractions to sporulation was assayed at the concentration of 50. 25, 12. 5, and 6.25 ㎍/ml and the average inhibition rates against sporulation of A. nidulans, C. cinereus, and P. oryzae were 94.0, 98.3, and 77.9%, respectively. Further purification and analysis of active substances are now being conducted.

Quantitative Analysis of Expressed Genes in Aspergillus Oryzae by Sequencing 3'-directed cDNA Clones: Hwang, Hyun Ah , Lee, Dong Whan , Kim, Jong Hwa , Lee, Tae Kyoo , Yang, Moon Sik , Chae, Keon Sang; J. Microbiol. 1998;36(2):111-117.

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Abstract: Sequence analysis of randomly selected 3'-directed cKNA clones has been known to be one of the most powerful methods of examining the genes highly expressed in a tissue or cell type. We constructed a 3'-directed cDNA libraty from Aspergillus oryzae mycelia, and sequenced 345 randomly selected 3'-directed cDNA clones. Determined nucleotide sequences, not shorter than 30nt, were compared with one other to generate gene signatures (GSs) and were then compared with GenBank entries to analyze sequence similarity to known genes. A GS for the most highly expressed gene appeared six times, one GS five times, five GSs four times, five GSs three times and 22 GSs twice. In total, 324 clones yielded 268 GSs consisting of 34 redundant GSs appeaning at least twice and 234 solitary ones. Forty-three GSs showed similarities ranging from 60% to 99% with known sequences from Genbank. A considerable number of A. oryzae GSs mateched those obtained from the sexual structures of A. nidulans suggests that A. oryzae may not be phylogentically distant from A. nidulans and that A. oryzae may have a sexual life cycle from the ancient period.

Microscopic Examination of the Suppressive Action of Antifungal Substances from Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Asexual Sporulation of Fungi: Yoon, Kwon S. , Min, Bu Y. , Choi, Hyoung T. , Lee, Jong K. , Kim, Kun W.; J. Microbiol. 1999;37(1):27-34.

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Abstract: Two fractions with unusual antifungal activity that suppress asexual sporulation of several fungi were obtained from culture filtrate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and were partially purified through the repeated silicagel flash column chromatographies. The sporulation-suppressive actions of these fractions in Aspergillus nidulans, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Coprinus cinereus, were analyzed by light and electron microscopes. The germination ability of the spores produced in the presence of these fractions were also checked to determine the persistent effects of these antifungal substances on the next generation. Light microscopic observation of developing sporangia of R. stolonifer grown in the presence of both fractions revealed that the significant number of sporangia failed to reach maturity, and frequently, uncontrolled growths of hyphae and rhizoids from the sporangiophores were found. In A. nidulans addition of these fractions appeared to cause different classes of morphological abnormality in conidia development, which included aborted formation of conidiogenous cells from the apex of conidiophores and enhanced hyphal growths either at the tip or middle of the conidiophores. Germination abilities of spores obtained from the cultures grown in the presence of antifungal fractions were 40∼60% in Aspergillus, 50∼80% in Coprinus (thallic spores), and 30∼40% in Rhizopus compared to those of normal spores.

Promotion of Asexual Development and Inhibition of Sexual Development of Aspergillus nidulans by Short-Chain Primary Amines: Myung Hoon Song , Kuppusamy Selvam , Chang-Jun Choi , Kwang-Yeop Jahng , Dong-Min Han , Keon-Sang Chae; J. Microbiol. 2002;40(3):230-233.

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Abstract: Effects of short-chain primary amines on Aspergillus nidulans development were analyzed. Propylamine induced asexual development and inhibited sexual development. Even on medium containing lactose as the sole carbon source, on which little conidial heads are formed and sexual structures are formed preferentially, or when sexual development was induced, propylamine induced asexual development and inhibited sexual development. These effects of propylamine seemed to be due to accumulation of mRNA of the brlA gene, which has been identified as a positive regulator of asexual development, and due to the reduction of the veA mRNA level. The veA gene has been identified as an activator of sexual development and also as an inhibitor of asexual development. Other primary amines, methylamine and ethylamine, showed identical effects on development where short-chain primary amine also promoted asexual development and inhibited sexual development.

Environmental factors affecting development of Aspergillus nidulans: Kap-Hoon Han , Dong-Beom Lee , Jong-Hak Kim , Min-Su Kim , Kyu-Yong Han , Won-Shin Kim , Young-Soon Park , Heui-Baik Kim^ , Dong-Min Han^; J. Microbiol. 2003;41(1):34-40.

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Abstract: Aspergillus nidulans, a homothalic ascomycete, has a complete sexual reproductive cycle as well as an asexual one. Both sexual and asexual development are known to be genetically programmed, but are also strongly affected by environmental factors including nutrients, light, temperature and osmolarity. We have examined these factors to define favored conditions for fruiting body (cleistothecium) formation. In general, fruiting body formation was enhanced where carbon and nitrogen sources were sufficient. Limitation of C-source caused predominant asexual development while inhibiting sexual development. When higher concentrations of glucose were supplied, more cleistothecia were formed. Other carbon sources including lactose, galactose and glycerol made the fungus develop cleistothecia very well, whereas acetate caused asexual sporulation only. Organic nitrogen sources like casein hydrolysate and glycine, and an increase in nitrate or ammonium concentration also enhanced sexual development. In addition to nutrient effects, low levels of aerobic respiration, caused either by platesealing or treatment with various chemicals, favored sexual development. Carbon limitation, light exposure and a high concentration of salts promoted asexual development preferentially, suggesting that stress conditions may drive the cell to develop asexual sporulation while comfortable and wellnourished growth conditions favored sexual development.

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