Insights and Perspectives on the Role of Proteostasis and Heat Shock Proteins in Fungal Infections

Author(s)

Neves-da-Rocha, Joao ; Santos-Saboya, Maria J. ; Lopes, Marcos E. R. ; Rossi, Antonio ; Martinez-Rossi, Nilce M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MICROORGANISMS; v. 11, n. 8, p. 25-pg., 2023-08-01.

Abstract

Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that infect humans, animals, and plants. To successfully colonize their hosts, pathogenic fungi must continuously adapt to the host's unique environment, e.g., changes in temperature, pH, and nutrient availability. Appropriate protein folding, assembly, and degradation are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and survival under stressful conditions. Therefore, the regulation of proteostasis is crucial for fungal pathogenesis. The heat shock response (HSR) is one of the most important cellular mechanisms for maintaining proteostasis. It is activated by various stresses and regulates the activity of heat shock proteins (HSPs). As molecular chaperones, HSPs participate in the proteostatic network to control cellular protein levels by affecting their conformation, location, and degradation. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has highlighted the crucial yet understudied role of stress response circuits in fungal infections. This review explores the role of protein homeostasis and HSPs in fungal pathogenicity, including their contributions to virulence and host-pathogen interactions, as well as the concerted effects between HSPs and the main proteostasis circuits in the cell. Furthermore, we discuss perspectives in the field and the potential for targeting the components of these circuits to develop novel antifungal therapies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/04263-2 - Integrated proteostasis and cell signaling circuits for the control of the stress response in fungi
• Grantee: João Neves da Rocha Fonseca
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 19/22596-9 - Molecular mechanisms associated with pathogenicity and resistance in fungi: strategies for treating dermatophytosis
• Grantee: Nilce Maria Martinez-Rossi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/15282-0 - Alternative splicing in HSPs coding genes related to pathogenicity of dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum
• Grantee: Maria Júlia Santos Saboya Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation