Cell biology of Trypanosoma cruzi

Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding Trypanosoma cruzi DNA topoisomerase II

The gene encoding Trypanosoma cruzi type II topoisomerase (TcTOP2) was isolated from a genomic library with a heterologous probe corresponding to part of the Trypanosoma brucei type II topoisomerase (TBrTOP2) gene. Nucleotide sequencing of TcTOP2 showed that the gene consists of an open reading frame of 3696 nucleotides (1232 amino acids), predicting a polypeptide product of 138,413 Da. Comparison of the amino acid sequence with that of type II topoisomerases from T. brucei (TBrTOP2) and Crithidia fasciculata (CfaTOP2), shows a high degree of conservation with estimated identities of 78% and 69%, respectively. TcTOP2 is a single copy gene in the genome of T. cruzi Dm28c and is expressed as a 4.5-kb mRNA. PCR mapping showed two distinct mini-exon addition sites at positions 225 and 203 upstream from the initiator AUG.

Purification and characterization of a new 120 kDa alkaline proteinase of Trypanosoma cruzi

A new alkaline proteinase activity was identified in cell-free extracts of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes on the basis of its ability to hydrolyze the fluorogenic substrate N-Z-Gly-Gly-Arg-AMC. The optimal activity was at pH 8.0. After a three step-chromatography procedure using two anionic columns (DEAE-Sepharose and Mono Q) and a chromatofocusing column (Mono P), the proteolytic activity was associated with a single 120 kDa protein and was called Tc 120 proteinase. The molecular mass of the proteinase was confirmed by direct visualization of the proteolytic activity using a fluorometric assay on SDS-PAGE. The Tc 120 proteinase which also cleaves N-Z-Arg-AMC, N-Z-Phe-Arg-AMC and N-glutaryl-Gly-Arg-AMC substrates, is a cysteine-type proteinase with an unusual low sensitivity to E-64.

Expression of the eukaryotic Trypanosoma cruzi CRA gene in Yersinia enterocolitica and induction of an immune response against CRA in mice

The 70-kb plasmid pYV of Yersinia enterocolitica directs the secretion of a set of proteins, called Yops, that are produced during infection of humans and animals. Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of American trypanosomiasis, synthesizes a cytoplasmic protein termed CRA that is considered to be T. cruzi specific. To produce CRA in Y. enterocolitica, we constructed a hybrid yopE-CRA gene that we integrated into plasmid pYV by homologous recombination. Recombinant Y. enterocolitica produced a chimeric Yop-CRA protein that was secreted in large amounts in the surrounding medium. This protein reacted with sera directed against either CRA or YopE. To test the ability of the recombinant strain to induce an immune response against CRA, we inoculated C57BL/6J mice by gastric intubation with live recombinant bacteria. A clear antibody response directed against CRA was detected in the mouse serum. The CRA-presenting Y. enterocolitica strain also carried a bioluminescence detection marker, which allowed us to monitor colonization of the intestinal lumen of infected mice. No significant differences were observed between the infectivity of the CRA antigen-producing and -nonproducing Y. enterocolitica strains, despite the fact that one of them no longer produced YopE.

Trypanosoma cruzi infection of BSC-1 fibroblast cells causes cytoskeletal disruption and changes in intracellular calcium levels

The disruption of vimentin and actin filaments of host BSC-1 fibroblast cells by Trypanosoma cruzi was investigated using a mouse monoclonal anti-vimentin antibody and rhodamine phalloidin, respectively. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that infection of BSC-1 cells by T. cruzi caused disruption of both cytoskeletal components. The disruption was greater as infection progressed. Mechanisms other than mechanical ones may play a role in the disruption since disrupted cytoskeletal elements were well removed from the parasites. In the determination of intracellular calcium concentrations using Fura-2 AM, infected and uninfected cells both showed an initial increase in intracellular calcium levels. At later times of infection (3 to 5 days), intracellular calcium levels of infected cells were significantly lower than those of control cells. There was no specific localization of intracellular calcium in the infected host cells as determined by image analysis.

Stage-specific expression and intracellular shedding of the cell surface trans-sialidase of Trypanosoma cruzi

We have used antibodies to the Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase and to its product, the host cell invasion-related Ssp-3 epitope, to study the expression of the corresponding antigens during the intracellular development of the parasite and in the extracellular trypomastigotes. As soon as 2 h after host cell invasion, trans-sialidase was no longer detected, whereas the Ssp-3 epitope was still present on intracellular parasites. The amastigotes which subsequently developed remained nonreactive with the antibodies. Expression of enzymatically active T. cruzi trans-sialidase started again only after transformation of the amastigotes into trypomastigotes 72 h after host cell invasion. trans-Sialidase was shed from the trypanosomes into the host cell cytoplasm, where the enzyme accumulated until release of the parasites. All released trypomastigotes expressed trans-sialidase on their surfaces and in the flagellar pockets, but stumpy trypomastigotes were stained more intensely than slender trypomastigotes. Ssp-3, the sialylated reaction product of trans-sialidase, was assembled only after rupture of the host cell membrane and was detected on the plasma membranes and in the flagellar pockets of all trypomastigotes.

Trypanosoma cruzi glycoprotein 72: immunological analysis and cellular localization

Two monoclonal antibodies were used to biochemically characterize glycoprotein 72 (GP72) from Trypanosoma cruzi and to localize the protein in live and fixed parasites by indirect immunofluorescence and in thin section of parasites by immunogold electron microscopy. GP72 was shown in immunoblots to be specific for the epimastigote stage; the protein could not be detected in trypomastigotes. Each antibody reacted with a different epitope on the glycoprotein and deglycosylation of GP72 ablated reactivity with one of the antibodies. Indirect immunofluorescence and electron microscopic evaluation of parasite associated gold particles showed the presence of GP72 in the cell surface membrane including the flagellar pocket and the cytostome. In addition, cytoplasmic membrane vesicles of the endosomal-lysosomal system stained intensely.

Characterization and expression of proteases during Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclogenesis

Investigation of protease activities during the transformation of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes into metacyclic trypomastigoes (metacyclo-genesis) revealed three major components with apparent molecular weights of 65, 52, and 40 kDa. The 65-kDa protease is a metacyclic trypomastigote stage-specific protease with an isoelectric point of 5.2 whose activity is inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline, suggesting that it might be a metalloprotease. The 52-kDa component is also a metalloprotease which is constitutively expressed in epimastigotes and metacyclic trypomastigoes. On the other hand, the 40-kDa component is apparently made up of several isoforms of a cysteine protease which is expressed in much higher levels in epimastigotes than in metacyclic trypomastigote forms. The fact that the 65- and 40-kDa proteases are developmentally regulated suggests that proteases might be important for T. cruzi differentiation. Accordingly, T. cruzi metacyclogenesis is blocked by metallo- and cysteine-protease inhibitors.

Trypanosoma cruzi: amastigotes and trypomastigotes interact with different structures on the surface of HeLa cells

It is generally accepted that Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes represent the infective forms of the etiological agent of Chagas' disease. However, the invasive capacity of amastigotes and their ability to sustain a complete infective cycle in mammalian cultured cells and hosts has been recently demonstrated. In order to compare the process of cell invasion by these different infective forms, I examined the interactions of trypomastigotes and amastigotes with HeLa cells using a new and simple method that improves parasite-cell interactions and significantly reduces incubation periods. T. cruzi forms were centrifuged onto HeLa cells grown on coverslips and parasite-cell interactions were examined by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. As expected, it was observed that all parasite forms attach and eventually enter the cells. However, whereas trypomastigotes preferentially invade HeLa cells at the edges, as has recently been demonstrated for other cell types, the initial steps of amastigote-HeLa cell interaction involve binding and entangling of the parasite to surface microvilli. Thus, different T. cruzi infective forms interact with different cell surface structures that could express different receptors at the HeLa cell membrane.

A novel cell surface trans-sialidase of Trypanosoma cruzi generates a stage-specific epitope required for invasion of mammalian cells

When trypomastigotes of T. cruzi emerge from cells of the mammalian host, they contain little or no sialic acids on their surfaces. However, rapidly upon entering the circulation, they express a unique cell surface trans-sialidase activity. This enzyme specifically transfers alpha (2-3)-linked sialic acid from extrinsic host-derived macromolecules to parasite surface molecules, leading to the assembly of Ssp-3, a trypomastigote-specific epitope. The T. cruzi trans-sialidase does not utilize cytidine 5' monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid as a donor substrate, but readily transfers sialic acid from exogenously supplied alpha (2-3)-sialyllactose. Monoclonal antibodies that recognize sialic acid residues of Ssp-3 inhibit attachment of trypomastigotes to host cells, suggesting that the unusual trans-sialidase provides Ssp-3 with structural features required for target cell recognition.

Ultrastructural alterations induced by ICI 195,739, a bis-triazole derivative with strong antiproliferative action against Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi

The ultrastructural alterations induced in vitro by ICI 195,739, a recently developed bis-triazole derivative with potent antiproliferative effects on Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi, are reported. On epimastigotes, the triazole at its minimum growth-inhibitory concentration (0.1 microM) produced immediately (within 24 h) gross alterations in the organization of chromatin and the appearance of large electron-dense granules; at this time, many cells were binucleated, indicating a blockade in cytokinesis. At later times (120 h), mitochondrial swelling, a characteristic effect reported previously for the dioxolane-imidazole ketoconazole when the performed ergosterol pool is depleted, was the predominant effect and led to cell lysis. In amastigotes proliferating in Vero cells, the drug at 10 nM produced mitochondrial swelling, autophagic vacuoles, and massive alterations of the plasma membrane, leading to complete parasite destruction after 96 h of incubation of the infected monolayers with the drug. The results support previous conclusions that ICI 195,739 has a dual mechanism of action against T. cruzi, involving blockade of ergosterol biosynthesis and a direct effect on cell division which cannot be reversed by addition of exogenous ergosterol.

Attachment of Trypanosoma cruzi to mammalian cells requires parasite energy, and invasion can be independent of the target cell cytoskeleton

We have previously shown that the binding of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes to glutaraldehyde-fixed mammalian cells has the characteristics of a receptor-mediated process and that it mimics the attachment step of the invasion of live cells by this parasite. In this study we examined the metabolic requirements for the attachment of trypomastigotes to glutaraldehyde-fixed fibroblasts. The attachment of trypomastigotes to fixed cells is prevented when the energy conservation mechanisms are inhibited with the drugs 2-deoxyglucose, sodium azide, antimycin, crystal violet, oligomycin, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone. However, under the same experimental conditions, the movement of parasites is not significantly affected. Several of these drugs totally inhibit the penetration of the parasite into live target cells. We conclude that the attachment of trypomastigotes to mammalian cells is an active process that requires trypomastigote energy. In addition, we present evidence that penetration into nonphagocytic cells can also be an active process. Trypomastigotes can be seen in scanning electron micrographs traversing extended lamellipodia and entering paraformaldehyde-fixed epithelial cells. Cytochalasin D, a drug that disrupts microfilaments and prevents the formation of plasma membrane extensions mediated by actin, had little or no effect on trypomastigote invasion, while it inhibited Salmonella entry into epithelial cells.

Development and interactions of Trypanosoma cruzi within the insect vector

Transmission of Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis depends on Trypanosoma cruzi development and differentiation within its triatomine insect vector. In this review, Eloi Garcia and Patricia de Azambuja aim to outline the current areas of research that may explain aspects of the parasite-vector interaction.

Further characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi GP57/51 as the major antigen expressed by differentiating epimastigotes

Study of Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclogenesis under chemically defined conditions showed that the expression of a group of acidic polypeptides with a molecular weight of 45-50 kDa is markedly increased on adhesion of epimastigotes to the culture vessels. Immunochemical analysis revealed that these developmentally regulated polypeptides are structurally related to, and possibly homologous with, a major T. cruzi antigen, namely, GP57/51, a glycoprotein that has recently been characterized as a cysteine proteinase. The differentiation of epimastigotes into metacyclic trypomastigotes is accompanied by a 2- to 5-fold reduction in the concentration of GP57/51 antigen as determined by radioimmunoassays using monoclonal antibodies. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of metabolically labelled parasites indicated that this antigen is synthesized as a precursor with a molecular weight of 60 kDa, which is then processed to a level of 45-50 kDa via the formation of at least one intermediate processing product. The observation that expression of GP57/51-related products increases during epimastigote differentiation suggests an important role for this proteinase during the life cycle of T. cruzi.

Modulation of host cell metabolism by Trypanosoma cruzi

Chagas disease, caused by the hemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi, is a complicated and devastating disease. It is hypothesized that an important target of infection may be the endothelial cell and that both the acute and chronic forms of the disease involve abnormalities in the microcirculation. Stephen Morris and colleagues suggest that endothelial cell dysfunction occurs as a consequence of amastigote-associated interference in host cell metabolism.

Development of Trypanosoma fallisi in the leech, Desserobdella picta, in toads (Bufo americanus), and in vitro. A light and electron microscopic study

The development of Trypanosoma fallisi of Bufo americanus from Algonquin Park, Ontario was studied by light and electron microscopy in blood culture, in its leech vector Desserobdella (= Batracobdella) picta, and in its toad host. In culture, bloodstream trypomastigotes transformed within one day to elongate epimastigotes which divided into rosettes. These gave rise to amastigotes, spheromastigotes, stumpy and elongate epimastigotes, and slender metacyclic trypomastigotes over a 4- to 6-day period. Development in the leech crop was similar to that in culture, with fewer amastigotes and no spheromastigotes observed. The stages in the leech were similar in size to their culture counterparts, except for metacyclic trypomastigotes, which were larger in culture. Culture and leech stages possessed a well developed cytostome-cytopharyngeal complex and prominent reservosomes. The kinetoplast of crop stages was small with a rectangular profile, but became larger and basket-like in the proboscis forms. Migration of trypanosomes to the proboscis appeared to depend on the rate of digestion of the bloodmeal. Flagellates in the leech were also characterized by the presence of intracellular microorganisms. Development of culture forms to mature stages in the toad was completed within 8 days postinoculation, with the organisms transforming into the typical "C"-shape with a large square kinetoplast. Natural infection of B. americanus was detected at 3 days postfeeding by D. picta and the resulting bloodstream trypomastigotes developed more slowly than inoculated cultured stages.

Evidence that the entire length of a kinetoplast DNA minicircle is transcribed in Trypanosoma cruzi

A 1.3 kb cDNA (cDNA52) was derived from Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigote mRNA. Using single stranded probes in Northern blots, we identified the putative coding strand of cDNA52. In addition, a minor band was detected in RNA from epimastigotes that was absent in RNA from trypomastigotes. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that cDNA52 was highly homologous to T. cruzi kinetoplast DNA minicircle sequences. All four conserved regions of T. cruzi minicircles were identified in cDNA52. Using several criteria, we demonstrated that the hybridization signals were not caused by contaminating minicircle DNA in the RNA preparations. The data provide direct evidence for the unprecedented finding that the entire length of a kDNA minicircle is transcribed in T. cruzi.

Ultrastructural alterations induced by two ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors, ketoconazole and terbinafine, on epimastigotes and amastigotes of Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi

We report the ultrastructural alterations induced during the proliferative stages of Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease, by two ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors, ketoconazole and terbinafine, which had previously been shown to be potent growth inhibitors whose effects are potentiated when used in combination (J. A. Urbina, K. Lazardi, T. Aguirre, M. M. Piras, and R. Piras, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 32:1237-1242, 1988). Epimastigotes treated with a low concentration of ketoconazole (1 microM), which blocks ergosterol biosynthesis at the level of C-14 demethylation of lanosterol and induces cell lysis coincident with total ergosterol depletion, showed gross alterations of the kinetoplast-mitochondrion complex, which swelled and lost the organization of its inner membrane and the electron-dense bodies of its matrix. Thus, coincident with the beginning of cell lysis, the kinetoplast-mitochondrion complex occupied greater than 80% of the cell volume, while other subcellular structures such as the nucleus and subpellicular microtubules were not affected. Terbinafine, which blocks ergosterol synthesis in these cells at the level of squalene synthetase and thus leads to almost immediate arrest of growth at concentrations greater than 1 microM, produced proliferation of glycosomelike bodies, binucleated cells (arrest at cytokinesis), and eventually massive vacuolization. When the drugs were combined, the predominant effect was mitochondrial swelling, which was more drastic and took place earlier than that observed in cells treated with ketoconazole alone. In amastigotes proliferating in Vero cells, ketoconazole at the concentration required to eradicate the parasites (10 nM) produced mitochondrial swelling, the appearance of autophagic vacuoles containing partially degraded subcellular material, and finally a general breakdown of the subcellular structures. Terbinafine at 3 microM induced more limited ultrastructural damage to the amastigotes consistent with increased vacuolization of the cells and the appearance of occasional autophagic vacuoles. When the drugs were used in combination, just 1 nM was required for the total eradication of parasites, the ultrastructural effects were more extensive, and cell disintegration occurred earlier than when any of the drugs was used alone at a much higher concentration. No effect of the drugs on the ultrastructure of the host cells were observed at any of the concentrations tested.

A cyclic AMP inducible gene expressed during the development of infective stages of Trypanosoma cruzi

By using a subtractive hybridization strategy, we have identified a gene (TC26) that is expressed in metacyclic and tissue culture derived trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi but not log stage epimastigotes and is induced during the differentiation of metacyclic stages in vitro. In contrast, the TC26 transcript is absent from stationary phase epimastigotes of a strain that fails to undergo metacyclogenesis under the same culture conditions. Transcription of TC26 can be induced in epimastigotes by incubation with cyclic AMP and cyclic AMP analogues but it is inhibited by activators of cAMP dependent phosphodiesterases. Cyclic AMP fails to enhance tubulin gene expression in the same parasites. While present in the genome in multiple copies, the TC26 gene is expressed as a single mRNA species of approximately 5 kb. Computer analysis of the sequence of a 650-bp cDNA clone revealed no significant homologies at either the nucleotide or amino acid levels with other known proteins. Possible roles for the TC26 gene product in metacyclogenesis are discussed.

Trypanosoma cruzi proliferation and differentiation are blocked by topoisomerase II inhibitors

Bacterial topoisomerase II inhibitors (ofloxacin and its commercial derivative Tarivid, nalidixic acid, and novobiocin) were tested as blockers of Trypanosoma cruzi differentiation and proliferation. The transformation of either epimastigotes into metacyclic trypomastigotes or amastigotes into trypomastigotes was inhibited by the drugs in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of epimastigote differentiation was also dependent on the time of drug addition to the medium. Proliferation of T. cruzi was also blocked in a dose-dependent manner by the drugs, with the exception of novobiocin, which did not inhibit epimastigote replication and resulted in cell lysis when it was used at high concentrations. On the other hand, the transformation of amastigotes into epimastigotes in axenic culture was not inhibited; this process did not require either kinetoplast (mitochondrial) DNA replication or changes in the DNA network organization. Electron microscopy of cells treated with Tarivid (ofloxacin) showed damage to the kinetoplast, suggesting that this organelle might be the target of the drug. These results indicate that a bacterial-like topoisomerase II plays an important role in T. cruzi proliferation and differentiation.

Trypanosoma cruzi: identification of a surface antigen restricted to the flagellar region of the infective form of the parasite

A hybridoma cell line was derived from spleen cells of B6D2 mice infected with the Peru strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. The monoclonal antibody produced by this hybridoma, designated mAb20H1, reacts exclusively with molecular components of trypomastigotes, the infective form of the parasite. The results of indirect immunofluorescence and of immunoelectron microscopy with gold-tagged antibodies indicate that the 20H1 antigen is restricted to the surface of the part of the flagellum in contact with the cell body and to the surface of the cell body in the immediate vicinity of this organelle. Western blot analysis showed that the 20H1 antigen consists of four to five different molecules with sizes between 34 and 41 kDa, and that these molecules are glycoproteins with affinity for concanavalin A. In other strains of T. cruzi, mAb20H1 reacts with glycoproteins with apparent sizes that range between 37 and 43 kDa in the CL, Esmeraldo and Y strains, and between 41 and 45 kDa in the Silvio strain.

A light and electron microscopic study of Trypanosoma fallisi N. Sp. in toads (Bufo americanus) from Algonquin Park, Ontario

Trypanosoma fallisi n. sp. is described from Bufo americanus in Ontario. The parasite was observed in 65 of 94 toads examined. The trypanosomes were pleomorphic with respect to the age of infections, being longer and broader in early infections (during spring and summer) and shorter and more slender during late summer and autumn. They ranged in size from 38-76 microns in body length and 3-8 microns in width, with a free flagellum 6-30 microns long. Epizootiological and experimental evidence suggests that this trypanosome is transmitted to the toads by the leech, Batracobdella picta. Trypanosoma fallisi is morphologically similar to T. bufophlebotomi described in Bufo boreas from California, but geographic isolation, host and vector differences as well as slight morphological differences indicate that speciation has occurred. Similar trypanosomes from Bufo americanus (which were identified as T. bufophlebotomi) in Michigan, are probably T. fallisi. This species shares many ultrastructural features with trypanosomes of other lower vertebrates and also of mammals.

Cloning and characterization of a gene coding for a protein (KAP) associated with the kinetoplast of epimastigotes and amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi

We have cloned and characterized a gene of Trypanosoma cruzi which encodes a protein, KAP (kinetoplasts-associated protein), expressed in the kinetoplasts of epimastigotes and amastigotes, the replicative stages of the parasite, but not in kinetoplasts of trypomastigotes. The single-copy gene is transcribed into a 3900-nt polyadenylated mRNA. Its trans-splicing acceptor site is preceded by a run of 15 adenosine residues. An open reading frame of 1052 codons is followed by a 3' untranslated region containing short sequences characteristic of rapidly degradable RNAs. The potential translation product of the KAP gene contains a central region composed of four blocks of repeats of a 9-amino-acid motif. Rabbit antibodies raised against three synthetic peptides containing KAP sequence recognized a 175-kDa protein in epimastigotes and amastigotes which appears by indirect immunofluorescence to be associated with their kinetoplasts. The antibodies do not recognize the kinetoplast of trypomastigotes. The amino terminus of KAP contains features compatible with mitochondrial topogenic sequences.

Differential energetic metabolism during Trypanosoma cruzi differentiation. II. Hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase

The activities of hexokinase (ATP:hexose-6-phosphate transferase, E.C. 2.7.1.1), phosphofructokinase (ATP:fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase, E.C.2.7.1.11) and pyruvate kinase (ATP:pyruvate transferase, E.C. 2.7.1.40), and their kinetic behaviour in two morphological forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (epimastigotes and metacyclic trypomastigotes) have been studied. The kinetic responses of the three enzymes to their respective substrates were normalized to hyperbolic forms on a velocity versus substrate concentration plots. Hexokinase and phosphofructokinase showed a higher activity in epimastigotes than in metacyclics, whereas pyruvate kinase had similar activity in both forms of the parasite. The specific activity of hexokinase from epimastigotes was 102.00 mUnits/mg of protein and the apparent Km value for glucose was 35.4 microM. Metacyclic forms showed a specific activity of 55.25 mUnits/mg and a Km value of 46.3 microM. The kinetic parameters (specific activity and Km for fructose 6-phosphate) of phosphofructokinase for epimastigotes were 42.60 mUnits/mg and 0.31 mM and for metacyclics 13.97 mUnits/mg and 0.16 mM, respectively. On the contrary, pyruvate kinase in both forms of T. cruzi did not show significant differences in its kinetic parameters. The specific activity in epimastigotes was 37.00 mUnits/mg and the Km for phosphoenolpyruvate was 0.47 mM, whereas in metacyclics these values were 42.94 mUnits/mg and 0.46 mM, respectively. The results presented in this work, clearly demonstrate a quantitative change in the glycolytic pathway of both culture forms of T. cruzi.

Immunocytochemical localization of neuraminidase in Trypanosoma cruzi

A polyclonal antibody obtained against neuraminidase purified from Trypanosoma cruzi was used for the localization of the protein in whole cells by immunofluorescence microscopy and in thin sections of parasites (epimastigote, amastigote, and trypomastigote forms) embedded at a low temperature in Lowicryl K4M resin. The intensity of labeling, as evaluated by the number of gold particles associated with the parasite, varied according to the protozoan developmental stage. In the noninfective epimastigote forms, labeling of the cell surface was very weak. However, an intense labeling of some cytoplasmic vacuoles was observed. Labeling of the surfaces of most of the trypomastigote forms was weak, while gold particles were seen in association with the flagellar pockets of these forms, which suggests that the enzyme is secreted through this region. Intense labeling of the surfaces of many, but not all, transition forms between trypomastigote and amastigote forms was observed. Amastigote forms found in the supernatant of infected cell cultures had their surfaces intensely labeled, while few particles were seen on the surfaces of intracellular amastigotes. The results obtained are discussed in relation to the role played by T. cruzi neuraminidase in the process of parasite-host cell interaction.

The Cytoskeleton of trypanosomes

From the concept of cells as mere bags full of enzymes, cell biology has come a long way towards understanding the highly complex structural organization of eukaryotic cells. The cytoskeleton, ie. the complex of fibrous elements that are crucial for cell shape, motility and the structural organization of cytoplasm and cell membranes, is now recognized as vital for supporting many critical functions in eukaryotic cells. Surprisingly, this subject, which has provided scores of cell biologists with excitement and fascination, has been largely overlooked with respect to parasitic protozoa. A notable change of perception has taken place over the past few years as the cytoskeleton of parasitic protozoa has been increasingly recognized as a potential target for antiparasitic intervention. The following article by Thomas Seebeck, Andrew Hemphill and Durward Lawson highlights some recent developments in the analysis of what is presently the best-studied parasite cytoskeleton, that of the trypanosome.

The karyotype of Trypanosoma cruzi Dm 28c: comparison with other T. cruzi strains and trypanosomatids

Chromosome-sized DNA molecules from Trypanosoma cruzi clone Dm 28c were analyzed and compared with other T. cruzi strains and monogenetic trypanosomatids by orthogonal field alteration gel electrophoresis. The results showed that T. cruzi Dm 28c displays at least 18 chromosomes ranging from 550 to more than 1500 kb and that in general the trypanosomatids have smaller chromosomes distributed in the size range from 300 to 1500 kb. With the exception of T. cruzi strain G49, there is no evidence of minichromosomes, suggesting they are not widely distributed among different isolates of the parasite. The hybridization of T. cruzi chromosomal Southern blots with probes for T. cruzi-specific genes showed that their location can change from one strain to another, supporting the idea of the plasticity of the parasite genome. Furthermore, the chromosome pattern is strictly conserved during the transformation of T. cruzi Dm 28c epimastigotes to metacyclic trypomastigotes, suggesting that extensive chromosomal rearrangements do not occur during at least part of the life cycle of the parasite.

A stereological study of the differentiation process in Trypanosoma cruzi

When epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi grown in a rich medium (LIT) are transferred to a simple, chemically defined medium (TAU3AAG, containing Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, L-proline, L-glutamate, and L-aspartate in phosphate buffer) they transform into trypomastigote forms. Morphometric analysis of transmission electron micrographs of thin sections of parasites collected at different steps of the transformation process showed that no changes occurred in the volume density of mitochondria and cytoplasmic vacuoles. However, a significant increase in the volume density of the kinetoplast DNA network as well as the lipid inclusions and a decrease in that of the reservosome (a special type of endosome) was observed. These observations suggest that during differentiation, T. cruzi accumulates lipids and uses molecules contained in the reservosome as its main energy source.

A surface antigen of Trypanosoma cruzi involved in cell invasion (Tc-85) is heterogeneous in expression and molecular constitution

A monoclonal antibody (McAb), H1A10, causes 46-96% inhibition of the invasion of tissue culture cells by trypomastigotes from different strains and clones of Trypanosoma cruzi. Higher inhibition was observed when axenic medium-derived metacyclic trypomastigotes (72-96%) were employed instead of tissue culture-derived trypomastigotes (46-60%). In contrast to the metacyclic population, in which all individuals reacted with the McAb, part of the tissue-cultured trypomastigote population did not bind the antibody. The molecular masses and isoelectric points of the glycoproteins recognized by the H1A10 McAb differed when tissue culture trypomastigotes of the Y strain and YuYu strain were analyzed. Variability between the strains was also observed when the antigens were metabolically labelled in the presence of tunicamycin. These results suggest that the differences described are probably not due solely to the carbohydrate portion of the molecule.

Antigenuria in chronic chagasic patients detected by a monoclonal antibody raised against Trypanosoma cruzi

A monoclonal antibody (B2/5) raised against Trypanosoma cruzi was able to immunoprecipitate a major 100 kDa polypeptide in 84% of the urines collected from chronic chagasic patients. Other polypeptides were also detected. The antibody recognized polypeptides on the surface of epimastigotes (150-25 kDa) and metacyclic trypomastigotes (150-50 kDa), suggesting that the antigens share a common epitope.

Fatty acid composition of amastigote and trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

The fatty acid composition of total lipids from trypomastigote and amastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi and of Vero cells before and after parasite infection were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Even-numbered, saturated, monoenoic and polyenoic acids ranging from C-12 to C-18 were characterized in both T. cruzi development stages. Significant changes in the fatty acid composition occurred during the T. cruzi life cycle. Oleic and linoleic acids were prominent in trypomastigote forms, whereas palmitic acid was the major fatty acid of amastigotes. Other differences include higher stearic acid and lower palmitoleic and linolenic acid levels as well as the absence of lauric acid in amastigotes as compared with trypomastigote forms. The fatty acid pattern of Vero cells before T. cruzi infection as compared with that after infection showed mostly qualitative differences. Linoleic and linolenic acids were observed only in T. cruzi infected cells.

Plasma membrane and cytoskeletal constituents in Leishmania mexicana

The presence and the localization of actin, spectrin and ankyrin are studied by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting in Leishmania mexicana promastigotes growing in vitro. These proteins, amphitropic in nature, coexist both in soluble and insoluble forms. Our results demonstrate that the Triton insoluble form of these proteins constitutes beside tubulin the cytoskeletal scaffold of promastigotes in close association with the plasma membrane, the axoneme and the basal body of the parasite.

Isolation of a subpellicular microtubule protein from Trypanosoma brucei that mediates crosslinking of microtubules

The cell body of Trypanosomatidae is enclosed in densely packed, crosslinked, subpellicular microtubules closely underlying the plasma membrane. We isolated the subpellicular microtubules from bloodstream Trypanosoma brucei parasites by use of a zwitterion detergent. These cold stable structures were solubilized by a high ionic strength salt solution, and the soluble proteins that contained tubulin along with several other proteins were further fractionated by Mono S cation exchange column chromatography. Two distinct peaks were eluted containing one protein each, which had an apparent molecular weight of 52 kDa and 53 kDa. (Mr was determined by SDS-gel electrophoresis). Only the 52 kDa protein showed specific tubulin binding properties, which were demonstrated by exposure of nitrocellulose-bound trypanosome proteins to brain tubulin. When this protein was added to brain tubulin in the presence of taxol and GTP, microtubule bundles were formed with regular crosslinks between the parallel closely packed microtubules. The crosslinks were about 7.2 nm apart (center to center). Under the same conditions, but with the 53 kDA protein or without trypanosome derived proteins, brain tubulin polymerized to single microtubules. It is thus suggested that the unique structural organization of the subpellicular microtubules is dictated by specific parasite proteins and is not an inherent property of the polymerizing tubulin. The in vitro reconstituted microtubule bundles are strikingly similar to the subpellicular microtubule network of the parasite.

Trypanosoma cruzi: cell biological behavior of epimastigote and amastigote forms in axenic culture

A simple protocol to maintain Trypanosoma cruzi amastigote stocks indefinitely in axenic culture is described. The growth characteristics of amastigotes differ markedly from epimastigotes cultured under identical conditions. The amastigotes replicate for two generations, followed by a transformation to epimastigotes and resumption of growth. By changing the culture medium at the end of the second amastigote generation, transformation to epimastigotes is inhibited. Therefore, the protocol used to maintain amastigotes in culture is based upon changing the culture medium at preselected intervals. Flow cytometric analyses indicate that at the end of the exponential phase of growth the amastigote population consists of predominately G1 cells; changing the medium induces the amastigotes to begin a para-synchronous round of DNA synthesis without a pre-replicative lag phase. In contrast, when exponentially growing or stationary-phase epimastigotes are transferred to fresh culture medium, they grow asynchronously until reaching a limiting cell density. Amastigotes also differ from epimastigotes in being resistant to the lytic activity of human complement. These data demonstrate that marked differences in phenotypic expression exist between developmental stages of T. cruzi even when cultured under identical conditions.

Trypanosoma cruzi invade a mammalian epithelial cell in a polarized manner

We have determined that parasite entry into host cells can be influenced by cell polarity using a DNA probe to quantitate the infection of cultured Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells by Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas' disease. Confluent MDCK cells are polarized, with their plasma membrane separated by tight junctions into two domains, apical and basolateral. We show that T. cruzi forms corresponding to the insect infective stages (metacyclics) and the vertebrate blood stages (trypomastigotes) enter confluent MDCK cells preferentially through their basolateral domains. Sparsely plated MDCK cells are less polarized and are better infected than confluent cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed that 92% +/- 4% of the parasites entered at the edges of cells.

Amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi sustain an infective cycle in mammalian cells

The two main stages of development of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi found in the vertebrate host are the trypomastigote and the amastigote. It has been generally assumed that only trypomastigotes are capable of entering cells and that amastigotes are the intracellular replicative form of the parasite. We show here that after incubation for 4 h with human monocytes in vitro 90% or more of extracellularly derived (24 h) amastigotes of T. cruzi are taken up by the cells. Within 2 h they escape the phagocytic vacuole and enter the cytoplasm, where they divide and after 4-5 d transform into trypomastigotes. Trypomastigotes also invade cultured human monocytes. However, they show a lag of several hours between invasion and the start of DNA duplication, while amastigotes commence replication without an apparent lag. Amastigotes also infect cultured fibroblasts, albeit with lower efficiency. When injected intraperitoneally into mice, amastigotes are as infective as trypomastigotes. Based on these results, and on prior findings that amastigotes are found free in the circulation of mice during the acute stage of the disease (3), it seems likely that the cellular uptake of amastigotes can initiate an alternative subcycle within the life cycle of this parasite in the mammalian host. Also, because trypomastigotes and amastigotes have diverse surface antigens, they may use different strategies to invade host cells.

Cell-substrate adhesion during Trypanosoma cruzi differentiation

The transformation of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes to the mammal infective metacyclic trypomastigotes (metacyclogenesis) can be performed in vitro under chemically defined conditions. Under these conditions, differentiating epimastigotes adhere to a surface before their transformation into metacyclic trypomastigotes. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of adhered and non-adhered parasites during the metacyclogenesis process show that only epimastigotes and few transition forms are found in the first population, whereas metacyclic trypomastigotes are exclusively found in the cell culture supernatant. PAGE analysis of the [35S]methionine metabolic labeling products of adhered and non-adhered parasites shows that although most of the polypeptides are conserved, adhered parasites express specifically four polypeptides in the range of 45-50 kD with an isoelectric point of 4.8. These proteins might be involved in the adhesion process and are recognized by an antiserum against total adhered parasite proteins. This antiserum also recognized a group of 45-50 kD in the iodine-radiolabeled surface proteins of differentiating cells, providing direct evidence that these components are indeed surface antigens. The results suggest that epimastigotes must adhere to a substrate before their transformation to metacyclic trypomastigotes, being released to the medium as the metacyclogenesis process is accomplished. This could correspond to the process naturally occurring within the triatomine invertebrate host.

A monoclonal antibody to alpha tubulin recognizes host cell and Trypanosoma cruzi tubulins

A mouse monoclonal anti-alpha-tubulin antibody was used to investigate the disposition of the cytoskeletal microtubules of three tissue culture cell lines--J774 macrophages, BSC-1, and Vero cells--infected with the Brazil strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. Indirect immunofluorescence light microscopy was used to demonstrate the antigenic response in host cells and parasites, simultaneously. In all morphotypes of T. cruzi, the monoclonal antibody reacted with all subpopulations of microtubules, inclusively, the subpellicular, flagellar, cytopharyngeal, and mitotic. The host cell cytoskeletal microtubule framework was revealed and the redistribution and destruction of the microtubular lattice in response to parasite infection over a 120 h period recorded. Our results show that after the initial inoculation of tissue cultures with trypomastigotes, the parasites penetrate the cells and locate in the perinuclear region of the cell where they multiply. The number and distribution of host cell microtubules were altered during the infection. The normal radial distribution of microtubules extending from the center of the cell to the periphery was destroyed. The remaining microtubules were observed at the periphery encircling, but well removed from the proliferating parasites. The complete transformation of the parasites was monitored throughout the infection with the end result being the liberation of parasites and the near complete destruction of the microtubular framework of the host cell. A residual population of dividing spheromastigotes was observed in cells liberating trypomastigotes. Colloidal gold labeling of thin sections as seen in the electron microscope affirmed the specificity of our monoclonal antibody to all subpopulations of microtubules in T. cruzi.

Circulating Trypanosoma cruzi from the same cloned population show differences in the ability to infect cells and to cause lethal infection in mice

Two subpopulations of circulating parasites displaying different abilities to infect mammalian cells and to cause lethal infection when inoculated into normal mice were demonstrated in the blood of mice acutely infected with T. cruzi. Parasites of one subpopulation rapidly penetrated mouse fibroblasts and were readily phagocytized by normal mouse peritoneal macrophages whereas parasites of the other subpopulation showed little ability to invade non-phagocytic cells and resisted phagocytosis. Inoculation of organisms of this latter population into mice resulted in infections with lower parasitemias and longer time to death as compared to controls inoculated with organisms from a population containing both types of parasites. When a population of parasites containing both types of trypanosomes was cultured in acellular medium at 28 degrees C a decrease in the number of parasites was noted to occur in the initial days of culture. This decrease was not noted when parasites of the subpopulation of trypanosomes resistant to phagocytosis were cultured similarly.

Neuraminidase from Trypanosoma cruzi: analysis of enhanced expression of the enzyme in infectious forms

We purified the neuraminidase (sialidase, acylneuraminyl hydrolase, EC 3.2.1.18) from the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, strain Y, and examined the developmental regulation of the enzyme. The detectable amount of enzyme activity increased 10- to 20-fold upon conversion of the parasite from the noninfectious epimastigote form to the infectious trypomastigote form. The enzyme was purified from membranes of trypomastigotes greater than 5000-fold to apparent homogeneity and migrated as an entity of Mr 60,000 under denaturing conditions. Antibodies produced in rabbits against the denatured protein recognized the neuraminidase in membrane extracts from the infectious stage but not from the noninfectious stage. Sera from a patient with acute chagasic disease also reacted strongly with the neuraminidase. Other T. cruzi strains exhibited similar neuraminidase activities and induction rates. The coincidence of infectivity and enhanced expression of neuraminidase in trypomastigotes suggests that this enzyme constitutes a virulence factor in T. cruzi.

Ultrastructural visualization of lipids in trypanosomatids

An imidazole-buffered osmium tetroxide solution was used to visualize lipids at the ultrastructural level in the following members of the family Trypanosomatidae: Trypanosoma cruzi, T. dionisii, T. vespertilionis. T. rangeli, Crithidia deanei, C. fasciculata, C. oncopelti, and Blastocrithidia culicis. Electron-dense material was seen in various lipid droplets found in all parasites and in the multivesicular structure of members of the sub-genus Schizotrypanum. High contrast of some membranes, mainly those which enclose the mitochondrion, the nucleus, and the endoplasmic reticulum, was observed even in unstained sections. X-ray microanalysis confirmed that the electron density of lipid droplets of B. culicis and membrane-bounded dense granules of C. oncopelti was due to the presence of osmium.

Leishmania mexicana: distribution of intramembranous particles and filipin sterol complexes in amastigotes and promastigotes

The density and distribution of intramembranous particles was analyzed in freeze fracture replicas of the plasma membrane of amastigotes, and infective as well as noninfective promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana amazonensis. The density of intramembranous particles on both protoplasmic and extracellular faces was higher in infective than in noninfective promastigotes and it was lower in amastigotes than in promastigotes. Amastigotes purified immediately after tissue homogenization were surrounded by a membrane which corresponded to the membrane which lined the endocytic vacuoles where the parasites were located within the tissue macrophages. Aggregation of the particles was seen in the flagellar membrane at the point of emergence of the flagellum from the flagellar pocket. Differences in the organization of the particles were seen in the membrane which lined the flagellar pocket of amastigotes and promastigotes. The polyene antibiotic, filipin, was used as a probe for the detection of sterols in the plasma membrane of L. m. amazonensis. The effect of filipin in the parasite's structure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and by transmission electron microscopy of thin sections and freeze fracture replicas. Filipin sterol complexes were distributed throughout the membrane which lined the cell body, the flagellar pocket, and the flagellum. No filipin sterol complexes were seen in the cell body-flagellar adhesion zone. The density of filipin sterol complexes was lower in the membrane lining the flagellum than in that lining the cell body of promastigotes.

Protein biosynthesis changes in Trypanosoma cruzi induced by supra-optimal temperature

Early during vertebrate infection, T. cruzi is exposed to the host blood at an elevated temperature. Bearing this in mind, the pattern of protein synthesis of two parasite forms was examined. SDS-PAGE of heated organisms showed an increase in at least four proteins (103, 92, 75 and 61 kD). The temperature effect is also manifested in cells whose RNA synthesis is reduced by actinomycin D treatment. The synthesis of the '29 degrees proteins' is inhibited at 40 degrees C in organisms growing in culture medium; when the organisms were maintained in serum, the inhibition was not observed. The inhibitory effect observed at 40 degrees C was reversed when the temperature was shifted to 29 degrees C. These proteins were synthesized for 180 min at 37 degrees C or 360 min at 40 degrees C. The increased protein synthesis manifested at 37 degrees C had decreased 45 min after the temperature was lowered to 29 degrees C. When the cells were pre-incubated at 40 degrees C and shifted to 29 degrees C, the synthesis of the heat-induced proteins proceeded for at least 180 min. This pattern of heat induction in epimastigotes and trypomastigotes is the same irrespective of whether the incubation medium is LIT (for epimastigotes), M-16 (for trypomastigotes), or when serum was used for both cell types.

Cross-reactive polysaccharides from Trypanosoma cruzi and fungi (especially Dactylium dendroides)

Cross-reactivity between fungal and Trypanosoma cruzi polysaccharides, owing to common residues of beta-D-galactofuranose, beta-D-galactopyranose, and alpha-D-mannopyranose, was demonstrated by using rabbit immune sera against T. cruzi epimastigotes and sera from patients with Chagas' disease. Several chagasic (Ch) sera precipitated partly purified galactomannans from Aspergillus fumigatus and from T. cruzi epimastigotes and also the galactoglucomannan from Dactylium dendroides. Reaction of one Ch serum with T. cruzi galactomannan (GM) was completely inhibited by synthetic beta-D-Galf-(1----3)-Me alpha-D-Manp, and that of another Ch serum with a purified D. dendroides galactoglucomannan (GGM) was partly inhibited by (1----6)-linked (81%) or by (1----3)-linked (33%) beta-D-Galf-Me alpha-D-Manp. The beta-D-Galf-(1----3)-alpha-D-Manp epitope was present in both T. cruzi and D. dendroides polysaccharides. Rabbit anti-T. cruzi antisera precipitated A. fumigatus GM, T. cruzi antigenic extracts containing the lipopeptidophosphoglycan (LPPG), T. cruzi alkali-extracted GM, a synthetic GM, and D. dendroides GGM. Weak reactivities were obtained for a Torulopsis lactis-condensi GM containing beta-D-Galp terminal residues and for baker's yeast mannan with alpha-D-Manp-(1----3)-alpha-D-Manp-(1----2)-alpha-D-Manp+ ++-(1----2) side chains. An anti-LPPG rabbit serum precipitated D. dendroides GGM--a reaction inhibited (82%) by beta-D-Galf-(1----3)-Me alpha-D-Manp and. less efficiently, by a (1----5)-linked beta-D-Galf-tetrasaccharide. Sera from mice immunized with D. dendroides whole cells reacted with CL-strain trypomastigotes as shown by indirect immunofluorescence, by a Staphylococcus adherence test, but were not lytic. Mice immunized with D. dendroides were not protected against a challenge with virulent T. cruzi trypomastigotes.

Interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi with macrophages: effect of previous incubation of the parasites or the host cells with lectins

The effect of incubation with lectins of the macrophages or two evolutive stages of Trypanosoma cruzi (noninfective epimastigotes and infective trypomastigotes) on the ingestion of the parasites by mouse peritoneal macrophages was studied. Lectins which bind to residues of mannose (Lens culinaris, LCA), N-acetyl-D-glucosamine or N-acetylneuraminic acid (Triticum vulgaris, WGA), beta-D-galactose (Ricinus communis, RCA), N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (Phaseolus vulgaris, PHA; Dolichos biflorus, DBA; and Wistaria floribunda, WFA), fucose (Lotus tetragonolobus, LTA), and N-acetylneuraminic acid (Limulus polyphemus, LPA) were used. By lectin blockage we concluded that, alpha-D-mannose-like, beta-D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (PHA, reagent) residues, located on the macrophage's surface are required for both epi- and trypomastigote uptake, while N-acetylneuraminic acid and fucose residues, impede trypomastigote ingestion but do not interfere with epimastigote interiorization. Macrophages' N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues are required for epimastigote uptake. On the other hand, from the T. cruzi surface, mannose residues prevent ingestion of epi- and trypomastigotes. Galactose residues participate in endocytosis of trypomastigotes, but hinder epimastigote interiorization. Exposed N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues are required for uptake of the two evolutive forms. N-acetylneuraminic acid residues on the trypomastigote membrane prevent their endocytosis by macrophages. These results together with those reported previously showing the effect of monosaccharides on the T. cruzi-macrophage interaction, indicate that (a) sugar residues located on the parasite and on macrophage surface play some role in the process of recognition of T. cruzi, (b) different macrophage carbohydrate-containing receptors are involved in the recognition of epimastigotes and trypomastigotes forms of T. cruzi, (c) N-acetylneuraminic acid residues located on the surface of trypomastigotes or macrophages impede the interaction of the parasite with these host cells, and suggest that (d) sugar-binding proteins located on the macrophage surface participate in the recognition of beta-D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues located on the surface of trypomastigotes and exposed after blockage or splitting off of N-acetylneuraminic acid residues. Some lectins which bind to macrophages and block the ingestion of parasites did not interfere with their adhesion.