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Long T, Vanderstraete M, Cailliau K, Morel M, Lescuyer A, Gouignard N, Grevelding CG, Browaeys E, Dissous C. SmSak, the second Polo-like kinase of the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni: conserved and unexpected roles in meiosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40045. [PMID: 22768216 PMCID: PMC3386946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinases (Plks) are a family of conserved regulators of a variety of events throughout the cell cycle, expanded from one Plk in yeast to five Plks in mammals (Plk1-5). Plk1 is the best characterized member of the Plk family, homolog to the founding member Polo of Drosophila, and plays a major role in cell cycle progression by triggering G2/M transition. Plk4/Sak (for Snk (Serum-inducible kinase) akin kinase) is a unique member of the family, structurally distinct from other Plk members, with essential functions in centriole duplication. The genome of the trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni contains only two Plk genes encoding SmPlk1 and SmSak. SmPlk1 has been shown already to be required for gametogenesis and parasite reproduction. In this work, in situ hybridization indicated that the structurally conserved Plk4 protein, SmSak, was largely expressed in schistosome female ovary and vitellarium. Expression of SmSak in Xenopus oocytes confirmed its Plk4 conserved function in centriole amplification. Moreover, analysis of the function of SmSak in meiosis progression of G2-blocked Xenopus oocytes indicated that, in contrast to SmPlk1, SmSak cannot induce G2/M transition in the absence of endogenous Plk1 (Plx1). Unexpectedly, meiosis progression was spontaneously observed in Plx1-depleted oocytes co-expressing SmSak and SmPlk1. Molecular interaction between SmSak and SmPlk1 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation of both proteins. These data indicate that Plk1 and Plk4 proteins have the potential to interact and cross-activate in cells, thus attributing for the first time a potential role of Plk4 proteins in meiosis/mitosis entry. This unexpected role of SmSak in meiosis could be relevant to further consider the function of this novel Plk in schistosome reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thavy Long
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Katia Cailliau
- EA 4479, IFR 147, Universite Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Marion Morel
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Arlette Lescuyer
- EA 4479, IFR 147, Universite Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Nadege Gouignard
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Edith Browaeys
- EA 4479, IFR 147, Universite Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
| | - Colette Dissous
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, University Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
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Pierce RJ, Dubois-Abdesselem F, Caby S, Trolet J, Lancelot J, Oger F, Bertheaume N, Roger E. Chromatin regulation in schistosomes and histone modifying enzymes as drug targets. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2012; 106:794-801. [PMID: 22124550 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762011000700003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Only one drug is currently available for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis and the increasing risk of selecting strains of schistosome that are resistant to praziquantel means that the development of new drugs is urgent. With this objective we have chosen to target the enzymes modifying histones and in particular the histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDAC). Inhibitors of HDACs (HDACi) are under intense study as potential anti-cancer drugs and act via the induction of cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. Schistosomes like other parasites can be considered as similar to tumours in that they maintain an intense metabolic activity and rate of cell division that is outside the control of the host. We have shown that HDACi can induce apoptosis and death of schistosomes maintained in culture and have set up a consortium (Schistosome Epigenetics: Targets, Regulation, New Drugs) funded by the European Commission with the aim of developing inhibitors specific for schistosome histone modifying enzymes as novel lead compounds for drug development.
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Lustigman S, Geldhof P, Grant WN, Osei-Atweneboana MY, Sripa B, Basáñez MG. A research agenda for helminth diseases of humans: basic research and enabling technologies to support control and elimination of helminthiases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1445. [PMID: 22545160 PMCID: PMC3335859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful and sustainable intervention against human helminthiases depends on optimal utilisation of available control measures and development of new tools and strategies, as well as an understanding of the evolutionary implications of prolonged intervention on parasite populations and those of their hosts and vectors. This will depend largely on updated knowledge of relevant and fundamental parasite biology. There is a need, therefore, to exploit and apply new knowledge and techniques in order to make significant and novel gains in combating helminthiases and supporting the sustainability of current and successful mass drug administration (MDA) programmes. Among the fields of basic research that are likely to yield improved control tools, the Disease Reference Group on Helminth Infections (DRG4) has identified four broad areas that stand out as central to the development of the next generation of helminth control measures: 1) parasite genetics, genomics, and functional genomics; 2) parasite immunology; 3) (vertebrate) host–parasite interactions and immunopathology; and 4) (invertebrate) host–parasite interactions and transmission biology. The DRG4 was established in 2009 by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR). The Group was given the mandate to undertake a comprehensive review of recent advances in helminthiases research in order to identify notable gaps and highlight priority areas. This paper summarises recent advances and discusses challenges in the investigation of the fundamental biology of those helminth parasites under the DRG4 Group's remit according to the identified priorities, and presents a research and development agenda for basic parasite research and enabling technologies that will help support control and elimination efforts against human helminthiases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lustigman
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, USA.
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Beckmann S, Hahnel S, Cailliau K, Vanderstraete M, Browaeys E, Dissous C, Grevelding CG. Characterization of the Src/Abl hybrid kinase SmTK6 of Schistosoma mansoni. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:42325-42336. [PMID: 22013071 PMCID: PMC3234968 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.210336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular protein-tyrosine kinases play key roles in signal transduction processes in eukaryotes. SmTK4 was the first Syk kinase identified in a parasite and found to be tissue-specifically transcribed in the gonads of adult Schistosoma mansoni. Functional analyses confirmed its role in oogenesis and spermatogenesis. As an SmTK4 upstream binding partner, the cellular protein-tyrosine kinase SmTK6 was isolated from a yeast two-hybrid library. Phylogenetic analyses performed in this study confirmed the first suggestions of a hybrid character of SmTK6. Biochemical studies made in Xenopus oocytes using inhibitors against Src (herbimycin A) and Abl (imatinib) kinases exhibited a biochemical inhibition profile of SmTK6, which was intermediate of Src and Abl kinases. As SmTK6 upstream interaction partners, we identified among others the known Src kinase SmTK3 and the Venus kinase receptor SmVKR1 of S. mansoni by yeast two-hybrid analyses, all of which co-localized in the gonads. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed interactions between SmTK6 and SmTK3 or SmVKR1. In Xenopus oocytes, it was finally shown that SmVKR1 but also SmTK3 were able to activate SmTK6 enzymatic activity indicating its functions in a receptor tyrosine kinase signal transduction cascade. These results not only demonstrate an intermediate but Src-biased profile of the unusual kinase SmTK6. They also strongly substantiate previous indications for a kinase complex, consisting of a receptor tyrosine kinase, Syk and Src kinases, which has been hypothesized to be involved in proliferation and differentiation processes in the gonads of schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Beckmann
- Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Steffen Hahnel
- Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Katia Cailliau
- EA 4479, IFR 147, Universite Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur Lille, 59019 Lille, France
| | - Edith Browaeys
- EA 4479, IFR 147, Universite Lille 1 Sciences et Technologies, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Colette Dissous
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur Lille, 59019 Lille, France
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Dissous C, Grevelding CG, Long T. Schistosoma mansoni Polo-like kinases and their function in control of mitosis and parasite reproduction. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2011; 83:627-35. [PMID: 21670883 DOI: 10.1590/s0001-37652011000200022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinases are important regulators of cell cycle progression and mitosis. They constitute a family of conserved serine/threonine kinases which are highly related in their catalytic domains and contain polo boxes involved in protein-protein interactions and subcellular localization. In mammals, five Plks (Plk 1-5) encompass diverse roles in centrosome dynamics, spindle formation, intra S-phase and G2/M checkpoints and DNA damage response. Plk1 is a key positive regulator of mitosis and is overexpressed in various types of cancers. Plk4 is a divergent member of the Plk family, with essential functions in centriole duplication. Homozygous disruption of Plk1 or Plk4 in mice is lethal in embryos. Two Plk members SmPlk1 and SmSak, homologous to Plk1 and Plk4 respectively, are present in the parasitic platyhelminth Schistosoma mansoni. Structural and functional analyses of SmPlk1 have demonstrated its conserved function in the regulation of cell cycle G2/M transition in Xenopus oocytes. The anti-cancer drug BI 2536 (the most potent and selective Plk1 inhibitor) inhibits specifically the catalytic activity of SmPlk1 and induced profound alterations in schistosome gonads, indicating a role of SmPlk1 in parasite gametogenesis and its potential as a novel chemotherapeutic target against schistosomiasis. Functions of SmSak in cell cycle regulation and schistosome gonad development are currently investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Dissous
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille Inserm, CNRS UMR, Institut Pasteur de Lille, University Lille Nord de France, France.
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Walker AJ. Insights into the functional biology of schistosomes. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:203. [PMID: 22013990 PMCID: PMC3206467 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The need to discover new treatments for human schistosomiasis has been an important driver for molecular research on schistosomes, a major breakthrough being the publication of the Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum genomes in 2009. This 'Primer' considers recent advances in the understanding of schistosome biology by providing a snapshot of selected areas of contemporary functional schistosome research, including that on the genome, the tegument, cell signalling and developmental biology, offering biologists a valuable insight into the life of these fascinating parasites at the basic and molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony John Walker
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT12EE, UK.
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Functional Diversity of the Schistosoma mansoni Tyrosine Kinases. JOURNAL OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION 2011; 2011:603290. [PMID: 21776387 PMCID: PMC3135232 DOI: 10.1155/2011/603290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni, one of the causative agents of schistosomiasis, has a complex life cycle infecting over 200 million people worldwide. Such a successful and prolific parasite life cycle has been shown to be dependent on the adaptive interaction between the parasite and hosts. Tyrosine kinases (TKs) play a key role in signaling pathways as demonstrated by a large body of experimental work in eukaryotes. Furthermore, comparative genomics have allowed the identification of TK homologs and provided insights into the functional role of TKs in several biological systems. Finally, TK structural biology has provided a rational basis for obtaining selective inhibitors directed to the treatment of human diseases. This paper covers the important aspects of the phospho-tyrosine signaling network in S. mansoni, Caenorhabditis elegans, and humans, the main process of functional diversification of TKs, that is, protein-domain shuffling, and also discusses TKs as targets for the development of new anti-schistosome drugs.
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Gouignard N, Vanderstraete M, Cailliau K, Lescuyer A, Browaeys E, Dissous C. Schistosoma mansoni: structural and biochemical characterization of two distinct Venus Kinase Receptors. Exp Parasitol 2011; 132:32-9. [PMID: 21616067 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Venus Kinase Receptors (VKRs) are atypical transmembrane proteins composed of an extracellular Venus FlyTrap module linked through a single helix to a tyrosine kinase domain similar to that of insulin receptors. This structure was first described in Schistosoma mansoni, then in a selected range of invertebrates, including many insects. The preferential expression of VKRs in larvae and gonads suggested their role in development and reproduction. While a single vkr gene was consistently found in all genomes, we identified two distinct vkr genes in S. mansoni. Our data indicated that Smvkr1 and Smvkr2 are very similar in structure and likely originated from gene duplication. Both genes are expressed in all the parasite stages and encode homologous proteins with a conserved VKR structure. Recombinant SmVKR1 and SmVKR2 exhibit tyrosine kinase activities dependent on the binding of distinct small ligand molecules. SmVKR1 and SmVKR2 could represent paralogs with different functions in the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadege Gouignard
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille, France
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