RESUMEN

Identification of genetic modulators of lysosomal enzyme activities and glycosphingolipids (GSLs) may facilitate the development of therapeutics for diseases in which they participate, including Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). To this end, we used a systems genetics approach: we measured 11 hepatic lysosomal enzymes and many of their natural substrates (GSLs), followed by modifier gene mapping by GWAS and transcriptomics associations in a panel of inbred strains. Unexpectedly, most GSLs showed no association between their levels and the enzyme activity that catabolizes them. Genomic mapping identified 30 shared predicted modifier genes between the enzymes and GSLs, which are clustered in three pathways and are associated with other diseases. Surprisingly, they are regulated by ten common transcription factors, and their majority by miRNA-340p. In conclusion, we have identified novel regulators of GSL metabolism, which may serve as therapeutic targets for LSDs and may suggest the involvement of GSL metabolism in other pathologies.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

At cell surface gangliosides might associate with signal transducers proteins, grown factor receptors, integrins, small G-proteins and tetraspanins establishing microdomains, which play important role in cell adhesion, cell activation, motility, and growth. Previously, we reported that GM2 and GM3 form a heterodimer that interacts with the tetraspanin CD82, controlling epithelial cell mobility by inhibiting integrin-hepatocyte growth factor-induced cMet tyrosine kinase signaling. By using molecular dynamics simulations to study the molecular basis of GM2/GM3 interaction we demonstrate, here, that intracellular levels of Ca2+ mediate GM2/GM3 complexation via electrostatic interaction with their carboxyl groups, while hydrogen bonds between the ceramide groups likely aid stabilizing the complex. The presence of GM2/GM3 complex alters localization of CD82 on cell surface and therefore downstream signalization. These data contribute for the knowledge of how glycosylation may control signal transduction and phenotypic changes.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

At first glance, the biological function of globoside (Gb) clusters appears to be that of glycosphingolipid (GSL) receptors for bacterial toxins that mediate host-pathogen interaction. Indeed, certain bacterial toxin families have been evolutionarily arranged so that they can enter eukaryotic cells through GSL receptors. A closer look reveals this molecular arrangement allocated on a variety of eukaryotic cell membranes, with its role revolving around physiological regulation and pathological processes. What makes Gb such a ubiquitous functional arrangement? Perhaps its peculiarity is underpinned by the molecular structure itself, the nature of Gb-bound ligands, or the intracellular trafficking unleashed by those ligands. Moreover, Gb biological conspicuousness may not lie on intrinsic properties or on its enzymatic synthesis/degradation pathways. The present review traverses these biological aspects, focusing mainly on globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), a GSL molecule present in cell membranes of distinct cell types, and proposes a wrap-up discussion with a phylogenetic view and the physiological and pathological functional alternatives.

RESUMEN

Contexto: la enfermedad de Fabry se comporta como una enfermedad crónica con compromiso multisistémico y alto costo en salud. Objetivo: generar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de la enfermedad de Fabry con compromiso renal mediante un consenso de expertos. Metodología: a partir de la búsqueda de evidencia en Pubmed, Embase y Google Scholar entre 2010 y agosto 2020, se formulan recomendaciones sobre la definición, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Fabry en población adulta, las cuales se consultan a un panel de expertos a través de la metodología de consenso Delphi modificado. La calidad de los documentos se evaluó por equipo metodológico aplicando herramientas en función del tipo de documento incluido. Resultados: se formularon 53 recomendaciones sobre la definición, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Un panel de cinco expertos clínicos nacionales e internacionales externos al grupo desarrollador participaron en la consulta preconsenso y 50 recomendaciones fueron acordadas para su inclusión, para tres de ellas se requirió una sesión formal de consenso que se dio en una ronda, incorporando tres nuevas recomendaciones. Conclusiones: las recomendaciones basadas en evidencia y experticia clínica permitirán orientar de manera estandarizada a nivel nacional y regional, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de pacientes con sospecha o enfermedad de Fabry con compromiso renal.

Background: Fabry disease behaves like a chronic condition, with multisystem involvement and high health care costs. Objective: To generate evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of the Anderson-Fabry disease with renal commitment, through an expert consensus. Methodology: Based on the search of evidence in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar between 2010 and August, 2020, recommendations on the definition, diagnosis and treatment of Fabry Disease in adult population were formulated after consulting with an expert panel through the modified Delphi consensus methodology. The quality of the documents was assessed by methodological team applying tools according to the type of document included. Results: 53 recommendations for the definition, diagnosis and treatment were formulated. A panel of five national and international clinical experts external to the developer group participated in the pre-consensus consultation and 50 recommendations were agreed upon for their inclusion. For 3 recommendations, a formal consensus session which took place in one round was required, and 3 new recommendations were incorporated. Conclusions: The recommendations based on evidence and clinical expertise will allow us to guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Fabry disease with renal involvement or suspicion thereof in a standardized manner at national and regional levels.

RESUMEN

Introducción: la enfermedad de Fabry es un defecto lisosomal caracterizado por una alteración de la enzima alfa-galactosidasa y que produce el acúmulo de glucoesfingolípidos en diferentes tejidos. Este defecto enzimático está ligado al cromosoma X y por ende es más frecuente en hombres. Sus manifestaciones clínicas varían de acuerdo al grupo etario afectado e incluyen lesiones en piel, anhidrosis, opacidades corneales, crisis de dolor, daño renal, entre otros. Objetivo: calcular la incidencia de enfermedad de Fabry en pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Materiales y métodos: estudio ambispectivo realizado en los pacientes con diagnóstico de ERC que asistían a controles médicos en tres centros de prevención renal ubicados en el departamento del Atlántico, Colombia, y que además cumplían los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y se tomaron muestras para confirmar la presencia de enfermedad de Fray. Resultados: se identificaron 471 pacientes con ERC y se estableció una incidencia global de 21,23 casos por cada 1.000 habitantes para baja actividad de la alfa-galactosidasa. Sin embargo, solo en el 20% se confirmó la presencia de enfermedad de Fray mediante pruebas genéticas. Conclusiones: la incidencia de la enfermedad de Fabry en la población estudiada es mayor a la reportada en otras cohortes y además fue más frecuente en el sexo femenino.

Introduction: Fabry's disease consists of a lysosomal defect linked to the X chromosome that produces the accumulation of glycosphingolipids in different tissues. The clinical manifestations depend on the age of presentation, and includes skin lesions, acroparesthesia, pain crisis, anhidrosis, corneal opacities and hearing loss, among others. Objectives: Calculate the incidence of Fabry disease in patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease Methodology: An ambispective study was designed, including all patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease under medical control in three renal prevention centers located in the department of Atlántico, and which also met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, the review of the medical records and the sampling were carried out. Results: A total of 471 patients with chronic kidney disease were identified, with an overall incidence of 21.23 cases per 1000 people. However, only 20% were confirmed by genetic tests. Conclusions: The incidence of Fabry disease in the population studied is greater than that reported in other cohorts. In addition, it is more frequent in the female sex.

RESUMEN

Abstract Few current methods are efficient to detect a high number of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) in newborn screening. Therefore, we propose a stepwise procedure that starts with the use of paper borne urine samples (Berry-Woolf specimen) for the inexpensive detection of elevated lysosomal content and the identification of which of the three majors biochemical groups -mucopolysaccharides, oligosaccharides, and glycosphingolipids- is detected. Urine samples are preferable to blood samples because of their higher concentrations of the relevant analytes. Subsequent steps would precisely determine which enzyme deficiency is involved. As a summary, following our previous papers on the detection of elevated oligosaccharides and mucopolysaccharides, here we describe how elevated urinary glycosphingolipids (GSLs) could be fluorometrically detected using the reagent 5-hydroxy-1-tetralone (HOT) and subsequently identified with precision by continuous thin layer chromatography or other techniques. We also outline the steps required for the validation of this procedure for its introduction in newborn screening programs.

RESUMEN

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL) are glycolipids mainly produced by pseudo-yeasts. These molecules present remarkable biological activities widely explored in many fields, including medicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This review presents the main biological activity of MEL on the HL60, K562, B16, PC12, and skin cells. There is strong evidence that MEL changes the levels of glycosphingolipids of HL-60 lineage, which induce differentiation into granulocytic cells. Regarding B16 cells, MEL can trigger both apoptosis (10 µM) and cell differentiation (5 µM), in which the MEL concentration is related to each metabolic pathway. MEL can also trigger differentiation in PC12 cells due to the increase in the GalCer content. In this specific case, the effects are transient, and the differentiated cells are unstable and tend to apoptosis. MEL-B can particularly maintain skin hydration and moisture due to their self-assembled structures that resemble the tissue cells. Moreover, MEL-B repair aquaporin expression in the HaCaT keratinocytes damaged with UVA irradiation, whereas MEL-C suppresses the expression of COX-2 protein in fibroblasts, indicating that these glycolipids activate the cellular antioxidant mechanism. Recent findings denoted the anti-melanogenic activity of MEL since they suppress tyrosinase enzyme at mRNA levels in B16 and NHMs cells. MEL act effectively on mammalian cells; however, there is no clear pattern of their metabolic effects. Also, gene expression levels seem to be related to two main factors: chemical structure and concentration. However, the specific signaling cascades that are induced by MEL remain inconclusive. Thus, further investigations are vital to understanding these mechanisms clearly. KEY POINTS: • The four MEL homologs promote different biological responses in mammalian cells. • MEL modifies the pattern of glycosphingolipids in the plasma membrane of tumor cells. • Activation/deactivation of phosphorylation of serine/threonine kinase proteins.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Neuropathic pain is one of the key features of the classical phenotype of Fabry disease (FD). Acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) are H+-gated cation channels, which belong to the epithelial sodium channel/DeGenerin superfamily, sensitive to the diuretic drug Amiloride. Molecular cloning has identified several distinct ASIC subunits. In particular the ASIC1a subunit has been associated to pain and its upregulation has been documented in animal models of pain. We analyzed the expression of ASIC1a channels in cellular models that mimic the accumulation of glycosphingolipids in FD (FD-GLs) like Gb3, and LysoGb3. We used mouse primary neurons from brain cortex and hippocampus -supraspinal structures that accumulate FD-GLs-, as well as HEK293 cells. Incubation with Gb3, lysoGb3 and the inhibitor (1-deoxy-galactonojirymicin, DJG) of the enzyme α-galactosidase A (Gla) lead to the upregulation of ASIC1a channels. In addition, activation of ASIC1a results in the activation of the MAPK ERK pathway, a signaling pathway associated with pain. Moreover, accumulation of glycosphingolipids results in activation of ERK, an effect that was prevented by blocking ASIC1a channels with the specific blocker Psalmotoxin. Our results suggest that FD-GLs accumulation and triggering of the ERK pathway via ASIC channels might be involved in the mechanism responsible for pain in FD, thus providing a new therapeutic target for pain relief treatment.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Gangliosides are constituents of the mammalian cell membranes and participate in the inflammatory response. However, little is known about the presence and enzymatic activity of ganglioside sialyltransferases at the cell surface of macrophages, one of the most important immune cells involved in the innate inflammatory process. In the present study, using biochemical and fluorescent microscopy approaches, we found that endogenous ST8Sia-I is present at the plasma membrane (ecto-ST8Sia-I) of murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, ecto-ST8Sia-I can synthetize GD3 ganglioside at the cell surface in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages even when LPS-stimulated macrophages reduced the total ST8Sia-I expression levels. Besides, cotreatment of LPS with an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase recovered the ecto-ST8Sia-I expression, suggesting that NO production is involved in the reduction of ST8Sia-I expression. The diminution of ST8Sia-I expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages correlated with a reduction of GD3 and GM1 gangliosides and with an increment of GD1a. Taken together, the data supports the presence and activity of sialyltransferases at the plasma membrane of RAW264.7 cells. The variations of ecto-ST8Sia-I and ganglioside levels in stimulated macrophages constitutes a promissory pathway to further explore the physiological role of this and others ganglioside metabolism-related enzymes at the cell surface during the immune response.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Aim: Glycosphingolipids are conserved lipids displaying a variety of functions in fungal cells, such as determination of cell polarity and virulence. They have been considered as potent targets for new antifungal drugs. The present work aimed to test two inhibitors, myriocin and DL-threo-1-Phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol, in Scedosporium boydii, a pathogenic fungus which causes a wide range of disease. Materials & methods: Mass spectrometry, microscopy and cell biology approaches showed that treatment with both inhibitors led to defects in fungal growth and membrane integrity, and caused an increased susceptibility to the current antifungal agents. Conclusion: These data demonstrate the antifungal potential of drugs inhibiting sphingolipid biosynthesis, as well as the usefulness of sphingolipids as promising targets for the development of new therapeutic options.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Abstract Background: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the alpha galactosidase A gene (GLA) that lead to the enzymatic deficiency of alpha galactosidase (α-Gal A), resulting in the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3), causing multiple organ dysfunctions. Objective: To perform GLA gene screening in a group of patients with echocardiographic diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with HCM patients from a university hospital. Patients with coronary artery disease and valvulopathies were excluded. Mutation analysis of the GLA gene was performed. In male subjects, the analysis was performed after evidence of low α-Gal A activity. Results: 60 patients with echocardiographic diagnosis of HCM were included. Age ranged from 12 to 85 years and 60% were women. Mean myocardial fibrosis percentage on MRI was 10.7 ± 13.1% and mean ventricular thickness was18.7 ± 6.7 mm. Four patients had the following GLA gene mutations: c.967C>A (p.Pro323Thr), not yet described in the literature; c.937G>T (p.Asp313Tyr); and c.352C>T (p.Arg118Cys). All patients had normal levels of lyso-Gb3 and non-ischemic myocardial fibrosis on magnetic resonance imaging; one patient had proteinuria and one patient had ventricular tachycardia. Conclusion: in this study, the frequency of mutation in the GLA gene in patients with HCM was 6.7%. A novel mutation in exon 6 of the GLA gene, c.967C>A (p.Pro323Thr), was identified. Patients with HCM may have GLA mutations and FD should be ruled out. Plasma (lyso-Gb3) levels do not seem to be sufficient to attain a diagnosis and organ biopsy should be considered.

Resumo Fundamento: A doença de Fabry (DF) é uma doença de armazenamento lisossômico ligada ao cromossomo X, devido a mutações no gene da alfa galactosidase A (GLA), levando a deficiência enzimática de alfa-galactosidase (α-Gal A) e acúmulo de globotriaosilceramida (Gb3) e globotriaosilsulfingosina (liso-Gb3), causando disfunção de múltiplos órgãos. Objetivo: realizar a triagem do gene GLA em um grupo de pacientes com diagnóstico ecocardiográfico de cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH). Métodos: estudo transversal realizado com pacientes com CMH em um hospital universitário. Pacientes com doença arterial coronariana e valvopatias foram excluídos. Foi realizada análise de mutação do gene GLA. Em indivíduos do sexo masculino, a análise foi realizada após evidência de baixa atividade de α-Gal A. Resultados: Foram incluídos 60 pacientes com diagnostico ecocardiográfico de CMH. A idade variou de 12 a 85 anos e 60% eram mulheres. O percentual médio de fibrose miocárdica na RM foi 10,7 ± 13,1% e a espessura ventricular média foi 18,7 ± 6,7 mm. Quatro pacientes tinham as seguintes mutações do GLA: c.967C>A (p.Pro323Thr), ainda não descrita na literatura; c.937G>T (p.Asp313Tyr); e c.352C>T (p.Arg118Cys). Todos os pacientes apresentavam níveis normais de liso-Gb3 e fibrose miocárdica não isquêmica na ressonância magnética; um paciente apresentou proteinúria; um paciente apresentou taquicardia ventricular. Conclusão: Neste estudo, a frequência de mutação no gene GLA em pacientes com CMH foi 6,7%. Uma nova mutação no exon 6 do gene GLA, c.967C>A (p.Pro323Thr), foi identificada. Pacientes com CMH podem ter mutações do GLA e a DF deve ser excluída. Os níveis plasmáticos de (liso-Gb3) não parecem ser suficientes para fazer um diagnóstico e biópsia de órgãos deve ser considerada.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Recognition and internalisation of intracellular pathogens by host cells is a multifactorial process, involving both stable and transient interactions. The plasticity of the host cell plasma membrane is fundamental in this infectious process. Here, the participation of macrophage lipid microdomains during adhesion and internalisation of the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc) was investigated. An increase in membrane lateral organisation, which is a characteristic of lipid microdomains, was observed during the first steps of Hc-macrophage interaction. Cholesterol enrichment in macrophage membranes around Hc contact regions and reduced levels of Hc-macrophage association after cholesterol removal also suggested the participation of lipid microdomains during Hc-macrophage interaction. Using optical tweezers to study cell-to-cell interactions, we showed that cholesterol depletion increased the time required for Hc adhesion. Additionally, fungal internalisation was significantly reduced under these conditions. Moreover, macrophages treated with the ceramide-glucosyltransferase inhibitor (P4r) and macrophages with altered ganglioside synthesis (from B4galnt1-/- mice) showed a deficient ability to interact with Hc. Coincubation of oligo-GM1 and treatment with Cholera toxin Subunit B, which recognises the ganglioside GM1, also reduced Hc association. Although purified GM1 did not alter Hc binding, treatment with P4 significantly increased the time required for Hc binding to macrophages. The content of CD18 was displaced from lipid microdomains in B4galnt1-/- macrophages. In addition, macrophages with reduced CD18 expression (CD18low ) were associated with Hc at levels similar to wild-type cells. Finally, CD11b and CD18 colocalised with GM1 during Hc-macrophage interaction. Our results indicate that lipid rafts and particularly complex gangliosides that reside in lipid rafts stabilise Hc-macrophage adhesion and mediate efficient internalisation during histoplasmosis.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Parasites of the genus Plasmodium responsible for Malaria are obligate intracellular pathogens residing in mammalian red blood cells, hepatocytes, or mosquito midgut epithelial cells. Regarding that detailed knowledge on the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway of the apicomplexan protozoan parasites is scarce, different stages of Plasmodium falciparum were treated with tamoxifen in order to evaluate the effects of this drug on the glycosphingolipid biosynthesis. Thin layer chromatography, High performance reverse phase chromatography and UV-MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry were the tools used for the analysis. In the ring forms, the increase of NBD-phosphatidyl inositol biosynthesis was notorious but differences at NBD-GlcCer levels were undetectable. In trophozoite forms, an abrupt decrease of NBD-acylated GlcDHCer and NBD-GlcDHCer in addition to an increase of NBD-PC biosynthesis was observed. On the contrary, in schizonts, tamoxifen seems not to be producing substantial changes in lipid biosynthesis. Our findings indicate that in this parasite, tamoxifen is exerting an inhibitory action on Glucosylceramidesynthase and sphingomyelin synthase levels. Moreover, regarding that Plasmodium does not biosynthesize inositolphosphoceramides, the accumulation of phosphatidylinositol should indicate an inhibitory action on glycosylinositol phospholipid synthesis.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease endemic in Latin America. Polyclonal antibodies to acidic glycosphingolipids (GSLs) from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis opsonized yeast forms in vitro increasing phagocytosis and reduced the fungal burden of infected animals. Antibodies to GSL were active in both prophylactic and therapeutic protocols using a murine intratracheal infection model. Pathological examination of the lungs of animals treated with antibodies to GSL showed well-organized granulomas and minimally damaged parenchyma compared to the untreated control. Murine peritoneal macrophages activated by IFN-γ and incubated with antibodies against acidic GSLs more effectively phagocytosed and killed P. brasiliensis yeast cells as well as produced more nitric oxide compared to controls. The present work discloses a novel target of protective antibodies against P. brasiliensis adding to other well-studied mediators of the immune response to this fungus.

RESUMEN

Glucosylceramides (GlcCer) are the main neutral glycosphingolipids expressed in fungal cells. In this work, glucosylceramides (GlcCer) were extracted from three strains of Scedosporium (Pseudallescheria) boydii, one strain of Pseudallescheria ellipsoidea and one strain of Pseudallescheria angusta and purified by several chromatographic steps. Using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), we found a similarity between GlcCer obtained from all of the analysed strains. A detailed structural analysis of the P. ellipsoidea GlcCer was performed via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and confirmed in 1- and 2-D heteronuclear NMR experiments ((1)H-(13) C HSQC). GlcCer species produced by mycelial forms of these strains displayed the same structure previously demonstrated by our group for P. boydii, Cryptococcus neoformans, Pseudallescheria minustipora, Fusarium solani, and Colletotrichum gloesporioides. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) against GlcCer was used for immunofluorescence experiments. Our results revealed that GlcCer is present on the surface of these fungi, and no difference was observed in the GlcCer structure of the present set of strains in terms of geographic or clinical origin, suggesting a conserved GlcCer structure similar to those previously described for Scedosporium apiospermum, Scedosporium aurantiacum, and P. minutispora. The surface distribution of GlcCer in these fungi is suggestive of the involvement of this molecule in fungal growth.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are ubiquitous membrane components and have key roles in biological systems, acting as second messengers or modulators of signal transduction by affecting several events, ranging from cell adhesion, cell growth, cell motility, regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle. Over the last 20 years our laboratory and other research groups determined the glycan and ceramide structures of more than 20 GSLs from several pathogenic/opportunistic fungi, using a combination of gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance as well as other immunochemical and biochemical techniques. Fungal GSLs can be divided in two major classes: neutral GSLs, galactosyl- and glucosylceramide (GlcCer), and acidic GSLs, the glycosylinositol-phosphorylceramides (GIPCs). Glycosyl structures in fungal GIPCs exhibited significant structural diversity and distinct composition when compared to mammalian GSLs, e.g., the expression of inositol-mannose and inositol-glucosamine cores and the terminal residue of ß-D-galactofuranose which are absent in mammalian cells. Studies performed by our group demonstrated that GIPC (Galfß 6[Manα3]Manα2InsPCer) elicited in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis an immune response with production of antibodies directed to the terminal residue of ß-D-galactofuranose. Further studies also showed that inhibition of GlcCer biosynthetic pathways affects fungal colony formation, spore germination and hyphal growth, indicating that enzymes involved in GlcCer biosynthesis may represent promising targets for the therapy of fungal infections. Recently, it was shown that GlcCer and GIPCs are preferentially localized in membrane microdomains and monoclonal antibodies directed to these GSLs interfere in several fungal biological processes such as growth and morphological transition. This review focuses on glycan structures carried on sphingolipids of pathogenic/opportunistic fungi, and aspects of their biological significance are discussed.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Recently, glycosphingolipids have been attracting attention due to their role on biological systems as second messengers or modulators of signal transduction, affecting several events, which range from apoptosis to regulation of the cell cycle. In pathogenic fungi, glycolipids are expressed in two classes: neutral monohexosylceramides (glucosyl-or galactosylceramide) and acidic glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides (the latter class carries longer glycan chains). It is worth to mention that monohexosylceramides exhibit significant structural differences in their lipid moieties compared to their mammalian counterparts, whereas the glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides exhibit remarkable structural differences in their carbohydrate moieties in comparison to mammal glycosphingolipids counterpart. We observed that glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides are capable of promoting immune response in infected humans. In addition, inhibiting fungal glycosphingolipid biosynthetic pathways leads to an inhibition of colony formation, spore germination, cell cycle, dimorphism and hyphal growth. Other pathogens, such as trypanosomatids, also present unique glycolipids, which may have an important role for the parasite development and/or disease establishment. Regarding host-pathogen interaction, cell membrane rafts, which are enriched in sphingolipids and sterols, participate in parasite/fungal infection. In this review, it is discussed the different biological roles of (glyco) (sphingo) lipids of pathogenic/opportunistic fungi and trypanosomatids.

Recentemente, glicoesfingolipídeos têm atraído atenção devido ao seu papel na biologia celular como segundo-mensageiro ou moduladores da transdução de sinal, afetando vários eventos, desde apoptose até a regulação do ciclo celular. Em fungos patogênicos, existem duas classes de glicolipídeos: monohexosil ceramidas neutras (glucosil-ou galactosilceramida) e glicosilinositol fosforilceramidas (os quais apresentam cadeias de carboidratos mais longas). É importante enfatizar que as monohexosil ceramidas exibem diferenças estruturais nas suas porções lipídicas quando comparadas às de mamíferos, enquanto que glicosilinositol fosforilceramidas exibem diferenças estruturais marcantes em suas porções carboidratos em comparação aos glicoesfingolipídeos de mamíferos. Observamos também que glicosilinositol fosforilceramidas são capazes de promover resposta imune em indíviduos infectados. Além do mais, inibição das vias biossintéticas de glicoesfingolipídeos de fungos acarreta a inibição da formação de colônias, germinação de esporos, ciclo celular, dimorfismo e crescimento de hifas. Outros patógenos, como os tripanosomatídeos, também apresentam glicolipídeos únicos, os quais apresentam um papel importante para o desenvolvimento do parasita e/ou para o estabelecimento da doença. Em relação à interação hospedeiro-patógeno, os "membrane rafts", estruturas da membrana plasmática enriquecidas em esfingolipídeos e esteróis, têm participação fundamental na infecção do parasita/fungo. Nesta revisão, discutimos os diferentes papéis biológicos dos (glico) (esfingo) lipídeos de fungos patogênicos/oportunistas e de tripanosomatídeos.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The fate of organochlorine 14C-dicofol in activated sludge process was investigated. Results showed that the major part of radioactivity remained adsorbed on biological sludge. Consequently, its final disposal deserves special attention. The small amounts of dicofol, biotransformed or not, which remained in the treated effluent could contaminate receiving bodies.

Glicoproteínas, glicoesfingolipídios e polissacarídios, expostos nas camadas mais externas da parede celular dos fungos, estão envolvidos em diferentes tipos de interações com o ambiente extracelular. Essas moléculas são componentes essenciais desses organismos, contribuindo para a estrutura, integridade, crescimento celular, diferenciação e sinalização. Alguns são compostos imunologicamente ativos com potencial para regular a patogênese e a resposta imune do hospedeiro, Algumas dessas estruturas podem ser especificamente reconhecidas por anticorpos presentes no soro de pacientes, sugerindo uma possível utilização como ferramenta no diagnóstico das infecções fúngicas.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Glycoproteins, glycosphingolipids and polysaccharides exposed at the most external layers of the wall are involved in several types of interactions of fungal cells with the exocellular environment. These molecules are fundamental building blocks of organisms, contributing to the structure, integrity, cell growth, differentiation and signaling. Several of them are immunologically active compounds with potential as regulators of pathogenesis and the immune response of the host. Some of these structures can be specifically recognized by antibodies from patients' sera, suggesting that they can be also useful in the diagnosis of fungal infections.