101
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Schwarz RS, Bauchan GR, Murphy CA, Ravoet J, de Graaf DC, Evans JD. Characterization of Two Species of Trypanosomatidae from the Honey Bee Apis mellifera: Crithidia mellificae Langridge and McGhee, and Lotmaria passim n. gen., n. sp. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2015; 62:567-83. [PMID: 25712037 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are increasingly recognized as prevalent in European honey bees (Apis mellifera) and by default are attributed to one recognized species, Crithidia mellificae Langridge and McGhee, 1967. We provide reference genetic and ultrastructural data for type isolates of C. mellificae (ATCC 30254 and 30862) in comparison with two recent isolates from A. mellifera (BRL and SF). Phylogenetics unambiguously identify strains BRL/SF as a novel taxonomic unit distinct from C. mellificae strains 30254/30862 and assign all four strains as lineages of a novel clade within the subfamily Leishmaniinae. In vivo analyses show strains BRL/SF preferably colonize the hindgut, lining the lumen as adherent spheroids in a manner identical to previous descriptions from C. mellificae. Microscopy images show motile forms of C. mellificae are distinct from strains BRL/SF. We propose the binomial Lotmaria passim n. gen., n. sp. for this previously undescribed taxon. Analyses of new and previously accessioned genetic data show C. mellificae is still extant in bee populations, however, L. passim n. gen., n. sp. is currently the predominant trypanosomatid in A. mellifera globally. Our findings require that previous reports of C. mellificae be reconsidered and that subsequent trypanosomatid species designations from Hymenoptera provide genetic support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Schwarz
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - East, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bldg 306, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Gary R Bauchan
- Electron and Confocal Microscopy Unit, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - West, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bldg 012, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Charles A Murphy
- Electron and Confocal Microscopy Unit, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - West, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bldg 012, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Jorgen Ravoet
- Laboratory of Zoophysiology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk C de Graaf
- Laboratory of Zoophysiology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jay D Evans
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - East, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bldg 306, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
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102
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Gluenz E, Wheeler RJ, Hughes L, Vaughan S. Scanning and three-dimensional electron microscopy methods for the study of Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania mexicana flagella. Methods Cell Biol 2015; 127:509-42. [PMID: 25837406 PMCID: PMC4419368 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional electron microscopy tools have revolutionized our understanding of cell structure and molecular complexes in biology. Here, we describe methods for studying flagellar ultrastructure and biogenesis in two unicellular parasites-Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania mexicana. We describe methods for the preparation of these parasites for scanning electron microscopy cellular electron tomography, and serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM). These parasites have a highly ordered cell shape and form, with a defined positioning of internal cytoskeletal structures and organelles. We show how knowledge of these can be used to dissect cell cycles in both parasites and identify the old flagellum from the new in T. brucei. Finally, we demonstrate the use of SBFSEM three-dimensional models for analysis of individual whole cells, demonstrating the excellent potential this technique has for future studies of mutant cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Gluenz
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Louise Hughes
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Sue Vaughan
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
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103
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Abstract
Over 100 years after trypanosomatids were first discovered in plant tissues, Phytomonas parasites have now been isolated across the globe from members of 24 different plant families. Most identified species have not been associated with any plant pathology and to date only two species are definitively known to cause plant disease. These diseases (wilt of palm and coffee phloem necrosis) are problematic in areas of South America where they threaten the economies of developing countries. In contrast to their mammalian infective relatives, our knowledge of the biology of Phytomonas parasites and how they interact with their plant hosts is limited. This review draws together a century of research into plant trypanosomatids, from the first isolations and experimental infections to the recent publication of the first Phytomonas genomes. The availability of genomic data for these plant parasites opens a new avenue for comparative investigations into trypanosomatid biology and provides fresh insight into how this important group of parasites have adapted to survive in a spectrum of hosts from crocodiles to coconuts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Jaskowska
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Butler
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gail Preston
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Kelly
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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104
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Casanova M, de Monbrison F, van Dijk J, Janke C, Pagès M, Bastien P. Characterisation of polyglutamylases in trypanosomatids. Int J Parasitol 2014; 45:121-32. [PMID: 25444861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules are subject to post-translational modifications, which are thought to have crucial roles in the function of complex microtubule-based organelles. Among these, polyglutamylation was relatively recently discovered, and was related to centrosome stability, axonemal maintenance and mobility, and neurite outgrowth. In trypanosomatids, parasitic protozoa where microtubules constitute the essential component of the cytoskeleton, the function of polyglutamylated microtubules is unknown. Here, in order to better understand the role of this conserved but highly divergent post-translational modification, we characterised glutamylation and putative polyglutamylases in these parasites. We showed that microtubules are intensely glutamylated in all stages of the cell cycle, including interphase. Moreover, a cell cycle-dependent gradient of glutamylation was observed along the cell anteroposterior axis, which might be related to active growth of the microtubule 'corset' during the cell cycle. We also identified two putative polyglutamylase proteins (among seven analysed here) which appeared to be clearly and directly involved in microtubule polyglutamylation in in vitro activity assays. Paradoxically, in view of the importance of tubulins and of their extensive glutamylation in these organisms, RNA interference-based knockdown of all these proteins had no effect on cell growth, suggesting either functional redundancy or, more likely, subtle roles such as function modulation or interaction with protein partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Casanova
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 5290-IRD 224-University Montpellier 1, Research Unit "MIVEGEC", Montpellier, France
| | - Frédérique de Monbrison
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 5290-IRD 224-University Montpellier 1, Research Unit "MIVEGEC", Montpellier, France
| | - Juliette van Dijk
- CNRS UMR 5237 - University Montpellier 2 and 1, Research Unit "Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire", Montpellier, France
| | - Carsten Janke
- CNRS UMR 5237 - University Montpellier 2 and 1, Research Unit "Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire", Montpellier, France
| | - Michel Pagès
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 5290-IRD 224-University Montpellier 1, Research Unit "MIVEGEC", Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Bastien
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 5290-IRD 224-University Montpellier 1, Research Unit "MIVEGEC", Montpellier, France; CHU (Hospital University Centre) of Montpellier and University Montpellier 1 (Faculty of Medicine), Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Montpellier, France.
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105
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Haouas N, Remadi L, Chaara D, Chargui N, Dabghi R, Jbeniani H, Babba H, Ravel C. Unexpected co-detection of promastigote and amastigote Leishmania forms in a human cutaneous lesion: implications for leishmaniasis physiopathology and treatment. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 81:18-20. [PMID: 25312011 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis pathogenicity depends on the survival and replication of the parasitic protozoa in the form of non-motile amastigotes inside macrophages. Here, we report the unprecedented observation of both Leishmania major amastigote and promastigote forms (the latter is normally detected only in the mid gut of the insect vector or in vitro culture) in a cutaneous lesion of a 6-year-old boy. This finding suggests that modifications of the skin lesion environment, such as maceration and changes in pH or temperature, could promote the in situ transformation of Leishmania amastigotes into promastigotes. This observation raises questions about the physiopathology of cutaneous leishmaniasis and the influence of micro-environmental changes on the efficiency of topical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najoua Haouas
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Département de Biologie Clinique B, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Latifa Remadi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Département de Biologie Clinique B, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Dhekra Chaara
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Département de Biologie Clinique B, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Najla Chargui
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Département de Biologie Clinique B, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Henda Jbeniani
- Centre d'Hygiène et des Soins de Santé de Base de Kairouan, Tunisia
| | - Hamouda Babba
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Département de Biologie Clinique B, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Christophe Ravel
- French Reference Centre on Leishmaniasis, UMR5290 MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, Department of Parasitology, Montpellier, France
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106
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N-butyl-[1-(4-methoxy)phenyl-9H-β-carboline]-3-carboxamide prevents cytokinesis in Leishmania amazonensis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:7112-20. [PMID: 25224005 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03340-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a complex of diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, is endemic in 98 countries, affecting approximately 12 million people worldwide. Current treatments for leishmaniasis have many disadvantages, such as toxicity, high costs, and prolonged treatment, making the development of new treatment alternatives highly relevant. Several studies have verified the antileishmanial activity of β-carboline compounds. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro antileishmanial activity of N-butyl-[1-(4-methoxy)phenyl-9H-β-carboline]-3-carboxamide (β-CB) against Leishmania amazonensis. The compound was active against promastigote, axenic amastigote, and intracellular amastigote forms of L. amazonensis, exhibiting high selectivity for the parasite. Moreover, β-CB did not exhibit hemolytic or mutagenic potential. Promastigotes treated with the alkaloid presented rounding of the body cell, cell membrane projections, an increase in the number of promastigotes presenting two flagella, and parasites of abnormal phenotype, with three or more flagella and/or nuclei. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the subpopulation of cells in the G2/M stage of the cell cycle. Altogether, these results suggest that β-CB likely prevents cytokinesis, although it does not interfere with the duplication of cell structures. We also verified an increase in O2(·-) production and the accumulation of lipid storage bodies. Cell membrane integrity was maintained, in addition to the absence of phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation, and autophagosomes. Although the possibility of an apoptotic process cannot be discarded, β-CB likely exerts its antileishmanial activity through a cytostatic effect, thus preventing cellular proliferation.
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107
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Resveratrol is active against Leishmania amazonensis: in vitro effect of its association with Amphotericin B. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:6197-208. [PMID: 25114129 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00093-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in black grapes and red wine and has many biological activities. In this study, we evaluated the effect of resveratrol alone and in association with amphotericin B (AMB) against Leishmania amazonensis. Our results demonstrate that resveratrol possesses both antipromastigote and antiamastigote effects, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 27 and 42 μM, respectively. The association of resveratrol with AMB showed synergy for L. amazonensis amastigotes, as demonstrated by the mean sums of fractional inhibitory index concentration (mean ΣFIC) of 0.483, although for promastigotes, this association was indifferent. Treatment with resveratrol increased the percentage of promastigotes in the sub-G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, reduced the mitochondrial potential, and showed an elevated choline peak and CH2-to-CH3 ratio in the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis; all these features indicate parasite death. Resveratrol also decreased the activity of the enzyme arginase in uninfected and infected macrophages with and without stimulation with interleukin-4 (IL-4), also implicating arginase inhibition in parasite death. The anti-Leishmania effect of resveratrol and its potential synergistic association with AMB indicate that these compounds should be subjected to further studies of drug association therapy in vivo.
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108
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Guha K, Bhandari D, Sen T, Saha P. Ubiquitination-mediated interaction among domains is responsible for inhibition of RNA endonuclease activity of mRNA cycling sequence binding protein from L. donovani (LdCSBP). Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2941-9. [PMID: 24908431 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3956-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In nearly complete absence of transcriptional regulation, messenger RNA (mRNA) turnover mediated through specific cis-elements plays a predominant role in the control of differential gene expression for the disease causing trypanosomatid parasites. In these organisms, the periodic accumulation of S-phase messages during cell cycle is determined by the presence of one or more copies of a conserved CAUAGAAG octanucleotide motif in the untranslated regions of mRNAs. In our previous studies, a multi-domain cycling sequence binding protein LdCSBP from Leishmania donovani was characterized, which binds specifically to the octamer-containing RNAs via its uniquely arranged CCCH-type Zn fingers and degrades them through its small MutS-related (Smr) endonuclease domain, indicative of its potential role in the turnover of the S-phase mRNAs. Interestingly, the protein is modified by the incorporation of a monoubiquitin residue, and the posttranslational modification inhibits its riboendonuclease activity. However, the mechanism of such inhibition was previously unknown. Here, we establish that the CCCH-type Zn finger domain is the site of ubiquitination in LdCSBP and the interaction of CUE domain of the protein with the ubiquitinated Zn finger domain is responsible for inhibition of its riboendonuclease activity. The findings elucidate an inhibitory mechanism of RNA cleavage through ubiquitination-mediated intramolecular interaction among domains of the enzyme. Furthermore, the riboendonuclease activity is inhibited by anti-leishmanial drug paromomycin suggesting that the regulation of RNA metabolism could be a target of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasturi Guha
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, 700064, India
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109
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Selvapandiyan A, Dey R, Gannavaram S, Solanki S, Salotra P, Nakhasi HL. Generation of growth arrested Leishmania amastigotes: a tool to develop live attenuated vaccine candidates against visceral leishmaniasis. Vaccine 2014; 32:3895-901. [PMID: 24837513 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 04/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is fatal if not treated and is prevalent widely in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of world. VL is caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani or Leishmania infantum. Although several second generation vaccines have been licensed to protect dogs against VL, there are no effective vaccines against human VL [1]. Since people cured of leishmaniasis develop lifelong protection, development of live attenuated Leishmania parasites as vaccines, which can have controlled infection, may be a close surrogate to leishmanization. This can be achieved by deletion of genes involved in the regulation of growth and/or virulence of the parasite. Such mutant parasites generally do not revert to virulence in animal models even under conditions of induced immune suppression due to complete deletion of the essential gene(s). In the Leishmania life cycle, the intracellular amastigote form is the virulent form and causes disease in the mammalian hosts. We developed centrin gene deleted L. donovani parasites that displayed attenuated growth only in the amastigote stage and were found safe and efficacious against virulent challenge in the experimental animal models. Thus, targeting genes differentially expressed in the amastigote stage would potentially attenuate only the amastigote stage and hence controlled infectivity may be effective in developing immunity. This review lays out the strategies for attenuation of the growth of the amastigote form of Leishmania for use as live vaccine against leishmaniasis, with a focus on visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ranadhir Dey
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sumit Solanki
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, New Delhi, India; C.G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Tarsadi, Gujarat, India
| | - Poonam Salotra
- National Institute of Pathology (ICMR), New Delhi, India
| | - Hira L Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Bethesda, MD, USA
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110
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Ali KS, Rees RC, Terrell-Nield C, Ali SA. Virulence loss and amastigote transformation failure determine host cell responses to Leishmania mexicana. Parasite Immunol 2014; 35:441-56. [PMID: 23869911 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The effect of alterations in virulence and transformation by long-term in vitro culture of Leishmania mexicana promastigotes on infectivity and immune responses was investigated. Fresh parasite cultures harvested from Balb/c mice were passaged 20 times in vitro. Infectivity was decreased and was completely avirulent after 20 passages. The qPCR results showed a down-regulation of GP63, LPG2, CPC, CPB2, CPB2.8, CHT1, LACK and LDCEN3 genes after passage seven concomitant with a reduced and absence of infectivity by passages seven and 20, respectively. Parasites at passages one and 20 are referred to as virulent and avirulent, respectively. The growth of avirulent and virulent parasite was affected by conditioned media derived from macrophages or monocytes infected with parasites for 2 h. Giemsa staining showed the failure of avirulent but not virulent parasites to transform to the amastigote stage in infected host cells with both virulent and avirulent modulating the expression of CCL-22, Tgad51, Cox2, IL-1, IL-10, TGF-β, TNF-α, Rab7, Rab9 and A2 genes; virulent but not avirulent L. mexicana significantly up-regulated Th2-associated cytokines, but down-regulated Rab7 and Rab9 gene expression. In conclusion, a model for L. mexicana is reported, which is of potential value in studying host-parasite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Ali
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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111
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Lancaster OM, Baum B. Shaping up to divide: coordinating actin and microtubule cytoskeletal remodelling during mitosis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 34:109-15. [PMID: 24607328 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cell division requires the wholesale reorganization of cell architecture. At the same time as the microtubule network is remodelled to generate a bipolar spindle, animal cells entering mitosis replace their interphase actin cytoskeleton with a contractile mitotic actomyosin cortex that is tightly coupled to the plasma membrane--driving mitotic cell rounding. Here, we consider how these two processes are coordinated to couple chromosome segregation and cell division. In doing so we explore the relative roles of cell shape and the actin cortex in spindle morphogenesis, orientation and positioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar M Lancaster
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Buzz Baum
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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112
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Brum FL, Catta-Preta CMC, de Souza W, Schenkman S, Elias MC, Motta MCM. Structural characterization of the cell division cycle in Strigomonas culicis, an endosymbiont-bearing trypanosomatid. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2014; 20:228-237. [PMID: 24397934 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927613013925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Strigomonas culicis (previously referred to as Blastocrithidia culicis) is a monoxenic trypanosomatid harboring a symbiotic bacterium, which maintains an obligatory relationship with the host protozoan. Investigations of the cell cycle in symbiont harboring trypanosomatids suggest that the bacterium divides in coordination with other host cell structures, particularly the nucleus. In this study we used light and electron microscopy followed by three-dimensional reconstruction to characterize the symbiont division during the cell cycle of S. culicis. We observed that during this process, the symbiotic bacterium presents different forms and is found at different positions in relationship to the host cell structures. At the G1/S phase of the protozoan cell cycle, the endosymbiont exhibits a constricted form that appears to elongate, resulting in the bacterium division, which occurs before kinetoplast and nucleus segregation. During cytokinesis, the symbionts are positioned close to each nucleus to ensure that each daughter cell will inherit a single copy of the bacterium. These observations indicated that the association of the bacterium with the protozoan nucleus coordinates the cell cycle in both organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Lopes Brum
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Carolina Moura Costa Catta-Preta
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Sergio Schenkman
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina Elias
- Laboratório Especial de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Machado Motta
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil
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113
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Singh K, Veluru NK, Trivedi V, Gupta CM, Sahasrabuddhe AA. An actin-like protein is involved in regulation of mitochondrial and flagellar functions as well as in intramacrophage survival of Leishmania donovani. Mol Microbiol 2014; 91:562-78. [PMID: 24354789 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Actin-related proteins are ubiquitous actin-like proteins that show high similarity with actin in terms of their amino acid sequence and three-dimensional structure. However, in lower eukaryotes, such as trypanosomatids, their functions have not yet been explored. Here, we show that a novel actin-related protein (ORF LmjF.13.0950) is localized mainly in the Leishmania mitochondrion. We further reveal that depletion of the intracellular levels of this protein leads to an appreciable decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential as well as in the ATP production, which appears to be accompanied with impairment in the flagellum assembly and motility. Additionally, we report that the mutants so generated fail to survive inside the mouse peritoneal macrophages. These abnormalities are, however, reversed by the episomal gene complementation. Our results, for the first time indicate that apart from their classical roles in the cytoplasm and nucleus, actin-related proteins may also regulate the mitochondrial function, and in case of Leishmania donovani they may also serve as the essential factor for their survival in the host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Singh
- Molecular and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, PIN-226031, Uttar Pradesh, India
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114
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da Silva MS, Monteiro JP, Nunes VS, Vasconcelos EJ, Perez AM, Freitas-Júnior LDH, Elias MC, Cano MIN. Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes present two distinct modes of nucleus and kinetoplast segregation during cell cycle. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81397. [PMID: 24278433 PMCID: PMC3836779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we show the morphological events associated with organelle segregation and their timing in the cell cycle of a reference strain of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes, the main causative agent of Tegumentary leishmaniasis in the Americas. We show evidences that during the cell cycle, L. amazonensis promastigotes present two distinct modes of nucleus and kinetoplast segregation, which occur in different temporal order in different proportions of cells. We used DAPI-staining and EdU-labeling to monitor the segregation of DNA-containing organelles and DNA replication in wild-type parasites. The emergence of a new flagellum was observed using a specific monoclonal antibody. The results show that L. amazonensis cell cycle division is peculiar, with 65% of the dividing cells duplicating the kinetoplast before the nucleus, and the remaining 35% doing the opposite or duplicating both organelles concomitantly. In both cases, the new flagellum appeared during S to G2 phase in 1N1K cells and thus before the segregation of both DNA-containing organelles; however, we could not determine the exact timing of flagellar synthesis. Most of these results were confirmed by the synchronization of parasites using hydroxyurea. Altogether, our data show that during the cell cycle of L. amazonensis promastigotes, similarly to L. donovani, the segregation of nucleus and kinetoplast do not follow a specific order, especially when compared to other trypanosomatids, reinforcing the idea that this characteristic seems to be species-specific and may represent differences in cellular biology among members of the Leishmania genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Santos da Silva
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jomar Patrício Monteiro
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa) Caprinos e Ovinos, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Santana Nunes
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Arina Marina Perez
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lúcio de Holanda Freitas-Júnior
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina Elias
- Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Nogueira Cano
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Wheeler RJ, Gluenz E, Gull K. The limits on trypanosomatid morphological diversity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79581. [PMID: 24260255 PMCID: PMC3834336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell shape is one, often overlooked, way in which protozoan parasites have adapted to a variety of host and vector environments and directional transmissions between these environments. Consequently, different parasite life cycle stages have characteristic morphologies. Trypanosomatid parasites are an excellent example of this in which large morphological variations between species and life cycle stage occur, despite sharing well-conserved cytoskeletal and membranous structures. Here, using previously published reports in the literature of the morphology of 248 isolates of trypanosomatid species from different hosts, we perform a meta-analysis of the occurrence and limits on morphological diversity of different classes of trypanosomatid morphology (trypomastigote, promastigote, etc.) in the vertebrate bloodstream and invertebrate gut environments. We identified several limits on cell body length, cell body width and flagellum length diversity which can be interpreted as biomechanical limits on the capacity of the cell to attain particular dimensions. These limits differed for morphologies with and without a laterally attached flagellum which we suggest represent two morphological superclasses, the ‘juxtaform’ and ‘liberform’ superclasses. Further limits were identified consistent with a selective pressure from the mechanical properties of the vertebrate bloodstream environment; trypanosomatid size showed limits relative to host erythrocyte dimensions. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the limits of morphological diversity in any protozoan parasite, revealing the morphogenetic constraints and extrinsic selection pressures associated with the full diversity of trypanosomatid morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard John Wheeler
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Eva Gluenz
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Gull
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Wheeler RJ, Scheumann N, Wickstead B, Gull K, Vaughan S. Cytokinesis in Trypanosoma brucei differs between bloodstream and tsetse trypomastigote forms: implications for microtubule-based morphogenesis and mutant analysis. Mol Microbiol 2013; 90:1339-55. [PMID: 24164479 PMCID: PMC4159584 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosomes use a microtubule‐focused mechanism for cell morphogenesis and cytokinesis. We used scanning electron and video microscopy of living cells to provide the first detailed description of cell morphogenesis and cytokinesis in the early‐branching eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei. We outline four distinct stages of cytokinesis and show that an asymmetric division fold bisects the two daughter cells, with a cytoplasmic bridge‐like structure connecting the two daughters immediately prior to abscission. Using detection of tyrosinated α‐tubulin as a marker for new or growing microtubules and expression of XMAP215, a plus end binding protein, as a marker for microtubule plus ends we demonstrate spatial asymmetry in the underlying microtubule cytoskeleton throughout the cell division cycle. This leads to inheritance of different microtubule cytoskeletal patterns and demonstrates the major role of microtubules in achieving cytokinesis. RNA interference techniques have led to a large set of mutants, often with variations in phenotype between procyclic and bloodstream life cycle forms. Here, we show morphogenetic differences between these two life cycle forms of this parasite during new flagellum growth and cytokinesis. These discoveries are important tools to explain differences between bloodstream and procyclic form RNAi phenotypes involving organelle mis‐positioning during cell division and cytokinesis defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Wheeler
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
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117
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Moreno I, Álvarez J, García N, de la Fuente S, Martínez I, Marino E, Toraño A, Goyache J, Vilas F, Domínguez L, Domínguez M. Detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in sylvatic lagomorphs from an epidemic area of Madrid using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Vet Parasitol 2013; 199:264-7. [PMID: 24211046 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
An outbreak of human leishmaniasis was confirmed in the southwest of the province of Madrid, Spain, between July 2009 and December 2012. Incidence of Leishmania infection in dogs was unchanged in this period, prompting a search for alternative sylvatic infection reservoirs. We evaluated exposure to Leishmania in serum samples from animals in the area with an indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT). Using promastigotes from six culture passages and a 1/25 threshold titer, we found anti-Leishmania infantum seroreactivity in 9.3% of cats (4 of 43), 45.7% of rabbits (16/35) and 74.1% of hares (63/85). Use of promastigotes from >10 in vitro passages resulted in a notably IFAT lower titer, suggesting antigenic changes during extended culture. Postmortem inspection of seropositive animals showed no clinical signs of infection. The results clearly suggest that asymptomatic hares were the main reservoir in the outbreak, and corroborate IFAT as a sensitive serological surveillance method to detect such cryptic Leishmania infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Moreno
- Área de Inmunología, Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana e Inmunogenética, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Mahadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Álvarez
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea García
- Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET), Universidad Complutense Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago de la Fuente
- Dirección General de Ordenación e Inspección, Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid, 28001 Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Martínez
- Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET), Universidad Complutense Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eloy Marino
- Dirección General de Ordenación e Inspección, Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid, 28001 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfredo Toraño
- Área de Inmunología, Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana e Inmunogenética, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Mahadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Joaquin Goyache
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Vilas
- Dirección General de Ordenación e Inspección, Consejería de Sanidad de la Comunidad de Madrid, 28001 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET), Universidad Complutense Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Domínguez
- Área de Inmunología, Unidad de Inmunología Microbiana e Inmunogenética, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Mahadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
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118
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Gadelha APR, Cunha-e-Silva NL, de Souza W. Assembly of the Leishmania amazonensis flagellum during cell differentiation. J Struct Biol 2013; 184:280-92. [PMID: 24041804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2013.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The flagellar cytoskeleton of Leishmania promastigotes contains the canonical 9+2 microtubular axoneme and a filamentous structure, the paraflagellar rod (PFR), which is present alongside the axoneme. In contrast to promastigotes, which contain a long and motile flagellum, the amastigote form of Leishmania displays a short flagellum without a PFR that is limited to the flagellar pocket domain. Here, we investigated the biogenesis of the Leishmania flagellum at 0, 4, 6 and 24h of differentiation. Light and electron microscopy observations of the early stages of L. amazonensis differentiation showed that the intermediate forms presented a short and wider flagellum that did not contain a PFR and presented reduced motion. 3D-reconstruction analysis of electron tomograms revealed the presence of vesicles and electron-dense aggregates at the tip of the short flagellum. In the course of differentiation, cells were able to adhere and proliferate with a doubling time of about 6h. The new flagellum emerged from the flagellar pocket around 4h after initiation of cell cycle. Close contact between the flagellar membrane and the flagellar pocket membrane was evident in the intermediate forms. At a later stage of differentiation, intermediate cells exhibited a longer flagellum (shorter than in promastigotes) that contained a PFR and electron dense aggregates in the flagellar matrix. In some cells, PFR profiles were observed inside the flagellar pocket. Taken together, these data contribute to the understanding of flagellum biogenesis and organisation during L. amazonensis differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Rocha Gadelha
- Divisão de Biologia Estrutural, Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciências da Vida, Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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119
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Abstract
SUMMARYAn ideal culture medium forLeishmaniapromastigotes should retain the basic characteristics of promastigotes found in sandflies (morphology and infectivity). Furthermore, the media should not create a bias in experimental settings, thus enabling the proper extrapolation of results. To assess this we studied several established media for promastigote growth. We analysed morphology, viability, cell cycle progression, metacyclic profile, capacity to differentiate into axenic amastigotes and infectivity. Furthermore, using a rational approach from the evaluated media we developed a simple serum-free medium (cRPMI). We report that parasites growing in different media present different biological characteristics and distinctin vitroandin vivoinfectivities. The developed medium, cRPMI, proved to be a less expensive substitute for traditional serum-supplemented media for thein vitromaintenance of promastigotes. In fact, cRPMI is ideal for the maintenance of parasites in the laboratory, diminishing the expected loss of virulence over time typical of the parasite cultivation. Ultimately this report is a clear warning that the normalization of culture media should be a real concern in the field as media-specific phenomena are sufficient to induce biological bias with consequences in infectivity and general parasite biology.
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120
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Santarém N, Racine G, Silvestre R, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Ouellette M. Exoproteome dynamics in Leishmania infantum. J Proteomics 2013; 84:106-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Castro EV, Yoneyama KG, Haapalainen EF, Toledo MS, Takahashi HK, Straus AH. Myriocin, a Serine Palmitoyltransferase Inhibitor, Blocks Cytokinesis in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis
Promastigotes. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2013; 60:377-87. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erica V. Castro
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Kelly G. Yoneyama
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Edna F. Haapalainen
- Electron Microscopy Center; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Marcos S. Toledo
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Helio K. Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
| | - Anita H. Straus
- Department of Biochemistry; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; Rua Botucatu 862 São Paulo SP 04023-900 Brazil
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122
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de Morais MAB, de Souza TDACB, Murakami MT. Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the mitochondrial tryparedoxin peroxidase from Leishmania braziliensis. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2013; 69:408-11. [PMID: 23545647 PMCID: PMC3614166 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309113003989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Tryparedoxin peroxidase (TXNPx) is an essential constituent of the main enzymatic scavenger system for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in trypanosomatids. Genetic studies have demonstrated the importance of this system for the development and virulence of these parasites, representing a potential target for the discovery of new trypanocidal drugs. In this work, the mitochondrial TXNPx from Leishmania braziliensis was cloned, overexpressed, purified and crystallized. The crystals diffracted to 3.3 Å resolution and belonged to space group P4(2)2(1)2, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 131.8, c = 44.4 Å. These studies will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in ROS detoxification by trypanosomatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Abrahão Bueno de Morais
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron (LNLS), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas-SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Tatiana de Arruda Campos Brasil de Souza
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron (LNLS), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas-SP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Mario Tyago Murakami
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Laboratório Nacional de Luz Síncrotron (LNLS), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas-SP 13083-970, Brazil
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123
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Lysine acetylation: elucidating the components of an emerging global signaling pathway in trypanosomes. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:452934. [PMID: 23093844 PMCID: PMC3470893 DOI: 10.1155/2012/452934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past ten years the number of acetylated proteins reported in literature grew exponentially. Several authors have proposed that acetylation might be a key component in most eukaryotic signaling pathways, as important as phosphorylation. The enzymes involved in this process are starting to emerge; acetyltransferases and deacetylases are found inside and outside the nuclear compartment and have different regulatory functions. In trypanosomatids several of these enzymes have been described and are postulated to be novel antiparasitic targets for the rational design of drugs. In this paper we overview the most important known acetylated proteins and the advances made in the identification of new acetylated proteins using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Also, we summarize what is known so far about the acetyltransferases and deacetylases in eukaryotes, focusing on trypanosomes and their potential use as chemotherapeutic targets.
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124
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Kumar D, Rajanala K, Minocha N, Saha S. Histone H4 lysine 14 acetylation in Leishmania donovani is mediated by the MYST-family protein HAT4. Microbiology (Reading) 2012; 158:328-337. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.050211-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Devanand Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Kalpana Rajanala
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Neha Minocha
- Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Swati Saha
- Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
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125
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Wheeler RJ, Gull K, Gluenz E. Detailed interrogation of trypanosome cell biology via differential organelle staining and automated image analysis. BMC Biol 2012; 10:1. [PMID: 22214525 PMCID: PMC3398262 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-10-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many trypanosomatid protozoa are important human or animal pathogens. The well defined morphology and precisely choreographed division of trypanosomatid cells makes morphological analysis a powerful tool for analyzing the effect of mutations, chemical insults and changes between lifecycle stages. High-throughput image analysis of micrographs has the potential to accelerate collection of quantitative morphological data. Trypanosomatid cells have two large DNA-containing organelles, the kinetoplast (mitochondrial DNA) and nucleus, which provide useful markers for morphometric analysis; however they need to be accurately identified and often lie in close proximity. This presents a technical challenge. Accurate identification and quantitation of the DNA content of these organelles is a central requirement of any automated analysis method. RESULTS We have developed a technique based on double staining of the DNA with a minor groove binding (4'', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)) and a base pair intercalating (propidium iodide (PI) or SYBR green) fluorescent stain and color deconvolution. This allows the identification of kinetoplast and nuclear DNA in the micrograph based on whether the organelle has DNA with a more A-T or G-C rich composition. Following unambiguous identification of the kinetoplasts and nuclei the resulting images are amenable to quantitative automated analysis of kinetoplast and nucleus number and DNA content. On this foundation we have developed a demonstrative analysis tool capable of measuring kinetoplast and nucleus DNA content, size and position and cell body shape, length and width automatically. CONCLUSIONS Our approach to DNA staining and automated quantitative analysis of trypanosomatid morphology accelerated analysis of trypanosomatid protozoa. We have validated this approach using Leishmania mexicana, Crithidia fasciculata and wild-type and mutant Trypanosoma brucei. Automated analysis of T. brucei morphology was of comparable quality to manual analysis while being faster and less susceptible to experimentalist bias. The complete data set from each cell and all analysis parameters used can be recorded ensuring repeatability and allowing complete data archiving and reanalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Wheeler
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
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126
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Allahverdiyev AM, Bagirova M, Elcicek S, Koc RC, Oztel ON. Effect of human urine on cell cycle and infectivity of Leismania species promastigotes in vitro. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2011; 85:639-43. [PMID: 21976564 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro cultivation of Leishmania parasites plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis and in vaccine and drug development studies. Conversely, long-term cultivation of Leishmania parasites usually results in decreased infectivity potential. Some studies reported a stimulatory effect of human urine in Leishmania promastigotes. However, there is no information about the effects of urine within culture on the infectivity of Leishmania parasites. Analysis of the effect of urine have showed that proliferation indexes were significantly increased in culture medium supplemented with human urine (L. tropica = 38.17 ± 5.12, L. donovani = 34.74 ± 5.6, L. major = 34.22 ± 4.66, and L. infantum 35.88 ± 6.40) than in controls. Infection indexes were 13 ± 1.7 for L. tropica, 55 ± 2.2 for L. infantum, 41 ± 3.14 for L. donovani, and 49 ± 3.26 for L. major. Our results showed that human urine increased the infectivity and proliferation of Leishmania parasites.
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127
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Morphological events during the cell cycle of Leishmania major. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2011; 10:1429-38. [PMID: 21926331 DOI: 10.1128/ec.05118-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The morphological events involved in the Leishmania major promastigote cell cycle have been investigated in order to provide a detailed description of the chronological processes by which the parasite replicates its set of single-copy organelles and generates a daughter cell. Immunofluorescence labeling of β-tubulin was used to follow the dynamics of the subcellular cytoskeleton and to monitor the division of the nucleus via visualization of the mitotic spindle, while RAB11 was found to be a useful marker to track flagellar pocket division and to follow mitochondrial DNA (kinetoplast) segregation. Classification and quantification of these morphological events were used to determine the durations of phases of the cell cycle. Our results demonstrate that in L. major promastigotes, the extrusion of the daughter flagellum precedes the onset of mitosis, which in turn ends after kinetoplast segregation, and that significant remodelling of cell shape accompanies mitosis and cytokinesis. These findings contribute to a more complete foundation for future studies of cell cycle control in Leishmania.
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