Production and composition evaluation of extracellular vesicles by Candida haemulonii

Author(s)

Bianca Teixeira Morais de Oliveira

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2022-03-16

Examining board members

Fausto Bruno dos Reis Almeida; Paulo Sergio Rodrigues Coelho

• Advisor: Fausto Bruno dos Reis Almeida

Abstract

Candida haemulonii is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungus. The infection success is dependent to releasing molecules to the extracellular environment, established by the extracellular vesicles (EVs) secretion, which cross the fungal cell wall to reach the extracellular space and mediates bidirectional communication with the host. Fungal EVs are composed from several biomolecules and can play crucial roles in the pathophysiological process. There are few studies with C. haemulonii. To characterize the production and composition of EVs from C. haemulonii, as well as to understand the EVs function must be critical to develop new antifungal therapies. Thus, we have characterized the production of VEs by C. haemulonii through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), which shows size ranging from 25 to 400 nm. Furthermore, we have identified the EVs dimensions through Transmission Electron Microscopy. The EVs composition were identified by RNA-Seq and proteomic analysis, which identified important molecules related to the infection process. Moreover, we have verified the effect of C. haemulonii EVs on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by macrophages. Our data suggest that EVs produced by C. haemulonii can decrease the ROS production, affecting the fungal infection. Taken together, our results suggest that EVs produced by Candida haemulonii can plays a crucial role in pathogenesis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/02841-6 - Production evaluation and composition of extracellular vesicles by Candida haemulonii
• Grantee: Bianca Teixeira Morais de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master