201
|
Hanukoglu I, Hanukoglu A. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) family: Phylogeny, structure-function, tissue distribution, and associated inherited diseases. Gene 2016; 579:95-132. [PMID: 26772908 PMCID: PMC4756657 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is composed of three homologous subunits and allows the flow of Na(+) ions across high resistance epithelia, maintaining body salt and water homeostasis. ENaC dependent reabsorption of Na(+) in the kidney tubules regulates extracellular fluid (ECF) volume and blood pressure by modulating osmolarity. In multi-ciliated cells, ENaC is located in cilia and plays an essential role in the regulation of epithelial surface liquid volume necessary for cilial transport of mucus and gametes in the respiratory and reproductive tracts respectively. The subunits that form ENaC (named as alpha, beta, gamma and delta, encoded by genes SCNN1A, SCNN1B, SCNN1G, and SCNN1D) are members of the ENaC/Degenerin superfamily. The earliest appearance of ENaC orthologs is in the genomes of the most ancient vertebrate taxon, Cyclostomata (jawless vertebrates) including lampreys, followed by earliest representatives of Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) including cartilaginous sharks. Among Euteleostomi (bony vertebrates), Actinopterygii (ray finned-fishes) branch has lost ENaC genes. Yet, most animals in the Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) branch including Tetrapoda, amphibians and amniotes (lizards, crocodiles, birds, and mammals), have four ENaC paralogs. We compared the sequences of ENaC orthologs from 20 species and established criteria for the identification of ENaC orthologs and paralogs, and their distinction from other members of the ENaC/Degenerin superfamily, especially ASIC family. Differences between ENaCs and ASICs are summarized in view of their physiological functions and tissue distributions. Structural motifs that are conserved throughout vertebrate ENaCs are highlighted. We also present a comparative overview of the genotype-phenotype relationships in inherited diseases associated with ENaC mutations, including multisystem pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA1B), Liddle syndrome, cystic fibrosis-like disease and essential hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Israel Hanukoglu
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
| | - Aaron Hanukoglu
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
202
|
Nor B, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Hall RS, Tan P, Lonie A, Gasser RB. Pipeline for the identification and classification of ion channels in parasitic flatworms. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:155. [PMID: 26983991 PMCID: PMC4794918 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1428-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ion channels are well characterised in model organisms, principally because of the availability of functional genomic tools and datasets for these species. This contrasts the situation, for example, for parasites of humans and animals, whose genomic and biological uniqueness means that many genes and their products cannot be annotated. As ion channels are recognised as important drug targets in mammals, the accurate identification and classification of parasite channels could provide major prospects for defining unique targets for designing novel and specific anti-parasite therapies. Here, we established a reliable bioinformatic pipeline for the identification and classification of ion channels encoded in the genome of the cancer-causing liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, and extended its application to related flatworms affecting humans. Methods We built an ion channel identification + classification pipeline (called MuSICC), employing an optimised support vector machine (SVM) model and using the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) classification system. Ion channel proteins were first identified and grouped according to amino acid sequence similarity to classified ion channels and the presence and number of ion channel-like conserved and transmembrane domains. Predicted ion channels were then classified to sub-family using a SVM model, trained using ion channel features. Results Following an evaluation of this pipeline (MuSICC), which demonstrated a classification sensitivity of 95.2 % and accuracy of 70.5 % for known ion channels, we applied it to effectively identify and classify ion channels in selected parasitic flatworms. Conclusions MuSICC provides a practical and effective tool for the identification and classification of ion channels of parasitic flatworms, and should be applicable to a broad range of organisms that are evolutionarily distant from taxa whose ion channels are functionally characterised. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1428-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahiyah Nor
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ross S Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Patrick Tan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore.,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Andrew Lonie
- Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative (VLSCI), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
203
|
Whole genome resequencing of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni reveals population history and effects of selection. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20954. [PMID: 26879532 PMCID: PMC4754680 DOI: 10.1038/srep20954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic fluke that infects millions of people in the developing world. This study presents the first application of population genomics to S. mansoni based on high-coverage resequencing data from 10 global isolates and an isolate of the closely-related Schistosoma rodhaini, which infects rodents. Using population genetic tests, we document genes under directional and balancing selection in S. mansoni that may facilitate adaptation to the human host. Coalescence modeling reveals the speciation of S. mansoni and S. rodhaini as 107.5-147.6KYA, a period which overlaps with the earliest archaeological evidence for fishing in Africa. Our results indicate that S. mansoni originated in East Africa and experienced a decline in effective population size 20-90KYA, before dispersing across the continent during the Holocene. In addition, we find strong evidence that S. mansoni migrated to the New World with the 16-19th Century Atlantic Slave Trade.
Collapse
|
204
|
Cai P, Gobert GN, You H, McManus DP. The Tao survivorship of schistosomes: implications for schistosomiasis control. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:453-63. [PMID: 26873753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, is a major public health problem which contributes substantially to the economic and financial burdens of many nations in the developing world. An array of survival strategies, such as the unique structure of the tegument which acts as a major host-parasite interface, immune modulation mechanisms, gene regulation, and apoptosis and self-renewal have been adopted by schistosome parasites over the course of long-term evolution with their mammalian definitive hosts. Recent generation of complete schistosome genomes together with numerous biological, immunological, high-throughput "-omics" and gene function studies have revealed the Tao or strategies that schistosomes employ not only to promote long-term survival, but also to ensure effective life cycle transmission. New scenarios for the future control of this important neglected tropical disease will present themselves as our understanding of these Tao increases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
205
|
Liu C, Liao SC, Song J, Mauk MG, Li X, Wu G, Ge D, Greenberg RM, Yang S, Bau HH. A high-efficiency superhydrophobic plasma separator. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:553-60. [PMID: 26732765 PMCID: PMC4729584 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01235j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
To meet stringent limit-of-detection specifications for low abundance target molecules, a relatively large volume of plasma is needed for many blood-based clinical diagnostics. Conventional centrifugation methods for plasma separation are not suitable for on-site testing or bedside diagnostics. Here, we report a simple, yet high-efficiency, clamshell-style, superhydrophobic plasma separator that is capable of separating a relatively large volume of plasma from several hundred microliters of whole blood (finger-prick blood volume). The plasma separator consists of a superhydrophobic top cover with a separation membrane and a superhydrophobic bottom substrate. Unlike previously reported membrane-based plasma separators, the separation membrane in our device is positioned at the top of the sandwiched whole blood film to increase the membrane separation capacity and plasma yield. In addition, the device's superhydrophobic characteristics (i) facilitates the formation of well-defined, contracted, thin blood film with a high contact angle; (ii) minimizes biomolecular adhesion to surfaces; (iii) increases blood clotting time; and (iv) reduces blood cell hemolysis. The device demonstrated a "blood in-plasma out" capability, consistently extracting 65 ± 21.5 μL of plasma from 200 μL of whole blood in less than 10 min without electrical power. The device was used to separate plasma from Schistosoma mansoni genomic DNA-spiked whole blood with a recovery efficiency of >84.5 ± 25.8%. The S. mansoni genomic DNA in the separated plasma was successfully tested on our custom-made microfluidic chip by using loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changchun Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA.
| | - Shih-Chuan Liao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA. and Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jinzhao Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA.
| | - Michael G Mauk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA.
| | - Xuanwen Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Gaoxiang Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dengteng Ge
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert M Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Haim H Bau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
206
|
Xu J, Yu Q, Tchuenté LAT, Bergquist R, Sacko M, Utzinger J, Lin DD, Yang K, Zhang LJ, Wang Q, Li SZ, Guo JG, Zhou XN. Enhancing collaboration between China and African countries for schistosomiasis control. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 16:376-83. [PMID: 26851829 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(15)00360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains an important public health issue, with a large number of cases reported across sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia and Latin America. China was once highly endemic, but has made substantial progress and is moving towards elimination of schistosomiasis. Meanwhile, despite long-term, repeated, school-based chemotherapy in many African countries, more than 90% of all schistosomiasis cases are concentrated in Africa, and hence, this continent constitutes the key challenge for schistosomiasis control. Opportunities and issues for international collaboration in the fight against schistosomiasis are outlined with a focus on China's experiences, including the role of public health authorities and intersectoral collaboration, use of new and effective snail control approaches and diagnostic tools adapted to the specific stage of control, as well as the strengthening of risk mapping and surveillance-response mechanisms. Training courses targeting African governmental officials and professionals, coupled with field visits of African scientists and control programme managers to China, and vice versa, are considered important for improved schistosomiasis control and elimination. The crucial question remains whether the Chinese experience can be translated and applied in African countries to improve the effectiveness of health interventions and scale-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Yu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Moussa Sacko
- National Institute for Research in Public Health, Ministry of Health, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dan-Dan Lin
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Wuxi, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Zhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Gang Guo
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
207
|
Zhu L, Zhao J, Wang J, Hu C, Peng J, Luo R, Zhou C, Liu J, Lin J, Jin Y, Davis RE, Cheng G. MicroRNAs Are Involved in the Regulation of Ovary Development in the Pathogenic Blood Fluke Schistosoma japonicum. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005423. [PMID: 26871705 PMCID: PMC4752461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes, blood flukes, are an important global public health concern. Paired adult female schistosomes produce large numbers of eggs that are primarily responsible for the disease pathology and critical for dissemination. Consequently, understanding schistosome sexual maturation and egg production may open novel perspectives for intervening with these processes to prevent clinical symptoms and to interrupt the life-cycle of these blood-flukes. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of many biological processes including development, cell proliferation, metabolism, and signal transduction. Here, we report on the identification of Schistosoma japonicum miRNAs using small RNA deep sequencing in the key stages of male-female pairing, gametogenesis, and egg production. We identified 38 miRNAs, including 10 previously unknown miRNAs. Eighteen of the miRNAs were differentially expressed between male and female schistosomes and during different stages of sexual maturation. We identified 30 potential target genes for 16 of the S. japonicum miRNAs using antibody-based pull-down assays and bioinformatic analyses. We further validated some of these target genes using either in vitro luciferase assays or in vivo miRNA suppression experiments. Notably, suppression of the female enriched miRNAs bantam and miR-31 led to morphological alteration of ovaries in female schistosomes. These findings uncover key roles for specific miRNAs in schistosome sexual maturation and egg production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangping Zhao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Chao Hu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jinbiao Peng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Luo
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Chunjing Zhou
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Youxin Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Richard E. Davis
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
208
|
Chen SB, Ai L, Hu W, Xu J, Bergquist R, Qin ZQ, Chen JH. New Anti-Schistosoma Approaches in The People's Republic of China: Development of Diagnostics, Vaccines and Other New Techniques Belonging to the 'Omics' Group. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 92:385-408. [PMID: 27137453 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A new national schistosomiasis elimination programme will be implemented for the period 2016-20. To support this approach, we have performed a systematic review to assess anti-schistosome approaches in The People's Republic of China and defined research priorities for the coming years. A systematic search was conducted for articles published from January 2000 to March 2015 in international journals. Totally 410 references were published in English between 2000 and 2015 related to schistosomiasis after unrelated references and reviews or comments were further excluded. A set of research priorities has been identified for the near future that would improve the progress toward schistosomiasis elimination in The People's Republic of China. In particular, there is a lack of sensitive and specific tests for the detection of schistosomiasis cases with low parasite burdens, as well as an effective vaccine against schistosomiasis, and there is a need for surveillance tools that can evaluate the epidemic status for guiding the elimination strategy. Hence, we think that schistosomiasis control and elimination will be improved in The People's Republic of China through development of new tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S-B Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - L Ai
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - W Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Fudan University, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - J Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - R Bergquist
- Geospatial Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Z-Q Qin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - J-H Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
209
|
Song J, Liu C, Bais S, Mauk MG, Bau HH, Greenberg RM. Molecular Detection of Schistosome Infections with a Disposable Microfluidic Cassette. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004318. [PMID: 26720725 PMCID: PMC4700990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths such as schistosomes, as well as filarial and soil-transmitted nematodes, are estimated to infect at least a billion people worldwide, with devastating impacts on human health and economic development. Diagnosis and monitoring of infection dynamics and efficacy of treatment depend almost entirely on methods that are inaccurate, labor-intensive, and unreliable. These shortcomings are amplified and take on added significance in mass drug administration programs, where measures of effectiveness depend on accurate monitoring of treatment success (or failure), changes in disease transmission rates, and emergence of possible drug resistance. Here, we adapt isothermal molecular assays such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to a simple, hand-held, custom-made field-ready microfluidic device that allows sensitive and specific detection of schistosome cell-free nucleic acids in serum and plasma (separated with a point-of-care plasma separator) from Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Cell-free S. mansoni DNA was detected with our device without prior extraction from blood. Our chip exhibits high sensitivity (~2 x 10(-17) g/μL), with a positive signal for S. mansoni DNA detectable as early as one week post infection, several weeks before parasite egg production commences. These results indicate that incorporation of isothermal amplification strategies with our chips could represent a strategy for rapid, simple, low-cost diagnosis of both pre-patent and chronic schistosome infections as well as potential monitoring of treatment efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhao Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Changchun Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Swarna Bais
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael G. Mauk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Haim H. Bau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Robert M. Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
210
|
Anderson L, Amaral MS, Beckedorff F, Silva LF, Dazzani B, Oliveira KC, Almeida GT, Gomes MR, Pires DS, Setubal JC, DeMarco R, Verjovski-Almeida S. Schistosoma mansoni Egg, Adult Male and Female Comparative Gene Expression Analysis and Identification of Novel Genes by RNA-Seq. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004334. [PMID: 26719891 PMCID: PMC4699917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide and is a public health problem. Schistosoma mansoni is the most widespread species responsible for schistosomiasis in the Americas, Middle East and Africa. Adult female worms (mated to males) release eggs in the hepatic portal vasculature and are the principal cause of morbidity. Comparative separate transcriptomes of female and male adult worms were previously assessed with using microarrays and Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE), thus limiting the possibility of finding novel genes. Moreover, the egg transcriptome was analyzed only once with limited bacterially cloned cDNA libraries. Methodology/Principal findings To compare the gene expression of S. mansoni eggs, females, and males, we performed RNA-Seq on these three parasite forms using 454/Roche technology and reconstructed the transcriptome using Trinity de novo assembly. The resulting contigs were mapped to the genome and were cross-referenced with predicted Smp genes and H3K4me3 ChIP-Seq public data. For the first time, we obtained separate, unbiased gene expression profiles for S. mansoni eggs and female and male adult worms, identifying enriched biological processes and specific enriched functions for each of the three parasite forms. Transcripts with no match to predicted genes were analyzed for their protein-coding potential and the presence of an encoded conserved protein domain. A set of 232 novel protein-coding genes with putative functions related to reproduction, metabolism, and cell biogenesis was detected, which contributes to the understanding of parasite biology. Conclusions/Significance Large-scale RNA-Seq analysis using de novo assembly associated with genome-wide information for histone marks in the vicinity of gene models constitutes a new approach to transcriptome analysis that has not yet been explored in schistosomes. Importantly, all data have been consolidated into a UCSC Genome Browser search- and download-tool (http://schistosoma.usp.br/). This database provides new ways to explore the schistosome genome and transcriptome and will facilitate molecular research on this important parasite. Schistosomiasis is a public health problem caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, of which S. mansoni is the primary causative agent. The parasite has a complex life cycle; their sexual reproductive stage is dependent on female and male adult worms mating inside the mesenteric circulation of the human host, with the female releasing hundreds of eggs daily. This phase of the life cycle is responsible for the development of pathology, which is proportional to the number of eggs accumulating in the liver and intestine of the human host. Genome and transcriptome sequencing of this parasite represent important advances in schistosome research, but there is still a need for integrated analyses to better understand the biology of this parasite. In this study, we describe the first large-scale transcriptomes of eggs, and female and male adult worms, the parasite forms that are mainly responsible for the pathology of schistosomiasis. We were able to cross-reference the gene transcription regions with promoter regions, thus improving the gene annotations. Moreover, we identified the expression of novel protein-coding genes not yet described in the current genome annotation, advancing the biological knowledge regarding this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Anderson
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Murilo S. Amaral
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Beckedorff
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas F. Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca Dazzani
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katia C. Oliveira
- Núcleo de Enteroparasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Giulliana T. Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monete R. Gomes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - David S. Pires
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João C. Setubal
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ricardo DeMarco
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
211
|
Bais S, Churgin MA, Fang-Yen C, Greenberg RM. Evidence for Novel Pharmacological Sensitivities of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004295. [PMID: 26655809 PMCID: PMC4676680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, is a neglected tropical disease affecting hundreds of millions globally. Praziquantel (PZQ), the only drug currently available for treatment and control, is largely ineffective against juvenile worms, and reports of PZQ resistance lend added urgency to the need for development of new therapeutics. Ion channels, which underlie electrical excitability in cells, are validated targets for many current anthelmintics. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a large family of non-selective cation channels. TRP channels play key roles in sensory transduction and other critical functions, yet the properties of these channels have remained essentially unexplored in parasitic helminths. TRP channels fall into several (7-8) subfamilies, including TRPA and TRPV. Though schistosomes contain genes predicted to encode representatives of most of the TRP channel subfamilies, they do not appear to have genes for any TRPV channels. Nonetheless, we find that the TRPV1-selective activators capsaicin and resiniferatoxin (RTX) induce dramatic hyperactivity in adult worms; capsaicin also increases motility in schistosomula. SB 366719, a highly-selective TRPV1 antagonist, blocks the capsaicin-induced hyperactivity in adults. Mammalian TRPA1 is not activated by capsaicin, yet knockdown of the single predicted TRPA1-like gene (SmTRPA) in S. mansoni effectively abolishes capsaicin-induced responses in adult worms, suggesting that SmTRPA is required for capsaicin sensitivity in these parasites. Based on these results, we hypothesize that some schistosome TRP channels have novel pharmacological sensitivities that can be targeted to disrupt normal parasite neuromuscular function. These results also have implications for understanding the phylogeny of metazoan TRP channels and may help identify novel targets for new or repurposed therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swarna Bais
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew A. Churgin
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christopher Fang-Yen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Robert M. Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
212
|
Wilson RA, Li XH, MacDonald S, Neves LX, Vitoriano-Souza J, Leite LCC, Farias LP, James S, Ashton PD, DeMarco R, Castro Borges W. The Schistosome Esophagus Is a 'Hotspot' for Microexon and Lysosomal Hydrolase Gene Expression: Implications for Blood Processing. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004272. [PMID: 26642053 PMCID: PMC4671649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The schistosome esophagus is divided into anterior and posterior compartments, each surrounded by a dense cluster of gland cell bodies, the source of distinct secretory vesicles discharged into the lumen to initiate the processing of ingested blood. Erythrocytes are lysed in the lumen, leucocytes are tethered and killed and platelets are eliminated. We know little about the proteins secreted from the two glands that mediate these biological processes. Methodology/Principal Findings We have used subtractive RNA-Seq to characterise the complement of genes that are differentially expressed in a head preparation, compared to matched tissues from worm tails. The expression site of representative highlighted genes was then validated using whole munt in situ hybridisation (WISH). Mapping of transcript reads to the S. mansoni genome assembly using Cufflinks identified ~90 genes that were differentially expressed >fourfold in the head preparation; ~50 novel transcripts were also identified by de novo assembly using Trinity. The largest subset (27) of secreted proteins was encoded by microexon genes (MEGs), the most intense focus identified to date. Expression of three (MEGs 12, 16, 17) was confirmed in the anterior gland and five (MEGs 8.1, 9, 11, 15 and 22) in the posterior gland. The other major subset comprised nine lysosomal hydrolases (aspartyl proteases, phospholipases and palmitoyl thioesterase), again localised to the glands. Conclusions A proportion of the MEG-encoded secretory proteins can be classified by their primary structure. We have suggested testable hypotheses about how they might function, in conjunction with the lysosomal hydrolases, to mediate the biological processes that occur in the esophagus lumen. Antibodies bind to the esophageal secretions in both permissive and self-curing hosts, suggesting that the proteins represent a novel panel of untested vaccine candidates. A second major task is to identify which of them can serve as immune targets. Schistosomes feed on blood and we have previously shown that its processing begins in the esophagus, which does not act simply as a conduit. It comprises anterior and posterior compartments, each surrounded by glands that secrete proteins into the lumen. Erythrocytes are ruptured as they pass through the compartments and leucocytes are tethered and killed but blood fails to clot. We wanted to identify the proteins secreted from these glands by sequencing the transcriptomes of head and tail preparations to pinpoint those messenger RNAs predominantly or exclusively present only in the heads. We found approximately 50 such proteins, the largest group of 27 being encoded by microexon genes. A second group comprised hydrolytic enzymes that operate at an acid pH. We showed by hybridisation experiments that expression of these genes is indeed localised to either the anterior or the posterior gland. We have suggested that this complex mixture of secreted proteins act together to perform the biological processes that occur in the lumen or, in the case of O-glycosylated membrane proteins, form a protective lining coat. We now want to discover which of them can serve as immune targets in infected animal hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. Alan Wilson
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiao Hong Li
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sandy MacDonald
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Xavier Neves
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Leonardo P. Farias
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rua Waldemar Falcão, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
| | - Sally James
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Peter D. Ashton
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo DeMarco
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brasil
| | - William Castro Borges
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
213
|
Stroehlein AJ, Young ND, Jex AR, Sternberg PW, Tan P, Boag PR, Hofmann A, Gasser RB. Defining the Schistosoma haematobium kinome enables the prediction of essential kinases as anti-schistosome drug targets. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17759. [PMID: 26635209 PMCID: PMC4669435 DOI: 10.1038/srep17759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium causes urogenital schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects more than 110 million people. Treating this disease by targeted or mass administration with a single chemical, praziquantel, carries the risk that drug resistance will develop in this pathogen. Therefore, there is an imperative to search for new drug targets in S. haematobium and other schistosomes. In this regard, protein kinases have potential, given their essential roles in biological processes and as targets for drugs already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans. In this context, we defined here the kinome of S. haematobium using a refined bioinformatic pipeline. We classified, curated and annotated predicted kinases, and assessed the developmental transcription profiles of kinase genes. Then, we prioritised a panel of kinases as potential drug targets and inferred chemicals that bind to them using an integrated bioinformatic pipeline. Most kinases of S. haematobium are very similar to those of its congener, S. mansoni, offering the prospect of designing chemicals that kill both species. Overall, this study provides a global insight into the kinome of S. haematobium and should assist the repurposing or discovery of drugs against schistosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J. Stroehlein
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil D. Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R. Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul W. Sternberg
- HHMI, Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Patrick Tan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Republic of Singapore
| | - Peter R. Boag
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
214
|
Exploring molecular variation in Schistosoma japonicum in China. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17345. [PMID: 26621075 PMCID: PMC4664899 DOI: 10.1038/srep17345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 200 million people worldwide. The main disease-causing agents, Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni and S. haematobium, are blood flukes that have complex life cycles involving a snail intermediate host. In Asia, S. japonicum causes hepatointestinal disease (schistosomiasis japonica) and is challenging to control due to a broad distribution of its snail hosts and range of animal reservoir hosts. In China, extensive efforts have been underway to control this parasite, but genetic variability in S. japonicum populations could represent an obstacle to eliminating schistosomiasis japonica. Although a draft genome sequence is available for S. japonicum, there has been no previous study of molecular variation in this parasite on a genome-wide scale. In this study, we conducted the first deep genomic exploration of seven S. japonicum populations from mainland China, constructed phylogenies using mitochondrial and nuclear genomic data sets, and established considerable variation between some of the populations in genes inferred to be linked to key cellular processes and/or pathogen-host interactions. Based on the findings from this study, we propose that verifying intraspecific conservation in vaccine or drug target candidates is an important first step toward developing effective vaccines and chemotherapies against schistosomiasis.
Collapse
|
215
|
Cabezas-Cruz A, Valdés JJ, Lancelot J, Pierce RJ. Fast evolutionary rates associated with functional loss in class I glucose transporters of Schistosoma mansoni. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:980. [PMID: 26584526 PMCID: PMC4653847 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2144-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The trematode parasite, Schistosoma mansoni, has evolved to switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in the presence of glucose immediately after invading the human host. This metabolic switch is dependent on extracellular glucose concentration. Four glucose transporters are encoded in the genome of S. mansoni, however, only two were shown to facilitate glucose diffusion. Results By modeling the phase of human host infection, we showed that transporter transcript expression profiles of recently transformed schistosomula have two opposing responses to increased glucose concentrations. Concurring with the transcription profiles, our phylogenetic analyses revealed that S. mansoni glucose transporters belong to two separate clusters, one associated with class I glucose transporters from vertebrates and insects, and the other specific to parasitic Platyhelminthes. To study the evolutionary paths of both groups and their functional implications, we determined evolutionary rates, relative divergence times, genomic organization and performed structural analyses with the protein sequences. We finally used the modelled structures of the S. mansoni glucose transporters to biophysically (i) analyze the dynamics of key residues during glucose binding, (ii) test glucose stability within the active site, and (iii) demonstrate glucose diffusion. The two S. mansoni Platyhelminthes-specific glucose transporters, which seem to be younger than the other two, exhibit slower rates of molecular evolution, are encoded by intron-poor genes, and transport glucose. Interestingly, our molecular dynamic analyses suggest that S. mansoni class I glucose transporters are not able to transport glucose. Conclusions The glucose transporter family in S. mansoni exhibit different evolutionary histories. Our results suggested that S. mansoni class I glucose transporters lost their capacity to transport glucose and that this function evolved independently in the Platyhelminthes-specific glucose transporters. Finally, taking into account the differences in the dynamics of glucose transport of the Platyhelminthes-specific transporters of S. mansoni compared to that of humans, we conclude that S. mansoni glucose transporters may be targets for rationally designed drugs against schistosomiasis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-2144-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - James J Valdés
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Julien Lancelot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Raymond J Pierce
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, F-59000, Lille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
216
|
Oliveira KC, Carvalho MLP, Bonatto JMC, Schechtman D, Verjovski-Almeida S. Human TNF-α induces differential protein phosphorylation in Schistosoma mansoni adult male worms. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:817-28. [PMID: 26547565 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4812-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni and its vertebrate host have a complex and intimate connection in which several molecular stimuli are exchanged and affect both organisms. Human tumor necrosis factor alpha (hTNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is known to induce large-scale gene expression changes in the parasite and to affect several parasite biological processes such as metabolism, egg laying, and worm development. Until now, the molecular mechanisms for TNF-α activity in worms are not completely understood. Here, we aimed at exploring the effect of hTNF-α on S. mansoni protein phosphorylation by 2D gel electrophoresis followed by a quantitative analysis of phosphoprotein staining and protein identification by mass spectrometry. We analyzed three biological replicates of adult male worms exposed to hTNF-α and successfully identified 32 protein spots with a statistically significant increase in phosphorylation upon in vitro exposure to hTNF-α. Among the differentially phosphorylated proteins, we found proteins involved in metabolism, such as glycolysis, galactose metabolism, urea cycle, and aldehyde metabolism, as well as proteins related to muscle contraction and to cytoskeleton remodeling. The most differentially phosphorylated protein (30-fold increase in phosphorylation) was 14-3-3, whose function is known to be modulated by phosphorylation, belonging to a signal transduction protein family that regulates a variety of processes in all eukaryotic cells. Further, 75% of the identified proteins are known in mammals to be related to TNF-α signaling, thus suggesting that TNF-α response may be conserved in the parasite. We propose that this work opens new perspectives to be explored in the study of the molecular crosstalk between host and pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katia C Oliveira
- Núcleo de Enteroparasitas, Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, 01614-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana L P Carvalho
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Matheus C Bonatto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Debora Schechtman
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Instituto Butantan, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
217
|
Nowacki FC, Swain MT, Klychnikov OI, Niazi U, Ivens A, Quintana JF, Hensbergen PJ, Hokke CH, Buck AH, Hoffmann KF. Protein and small non-coding RNA-enriched extracellular vesicles are released by the pathogenic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. J Extracell Vesicles 2015; 4:28665. [PMID: 26443722 PMCID: PMC4595467 DOI: 10.3402/jev.v4.28665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Penetration of skin, migration through tissues and establishment of long-lived intravascular partners require Schistosoma parasites to successfully manipulate definitive host defences. While previous studies of larval schistosomula have postulated a function for excreted/secreted (E/S) products in initiating these host-modulatory events, the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has yet to be considered. Here, using preparatory ultracentrifugation as well as methodologies to globally analyse both proteins and small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), we conducted the first characterization of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula EVs and their potential host-regulatory cargos. Results Transmission electron microscopy analysis of EVs isolated from schistosomula in vitro cultures revealed the presence of numerous, 30–100 nm sized exosome-like vesicles. Proteomic analysis of these vesicles revealed a core set of 109 proteins, including homologs to those previously found enriched in other eukaryotic EVs, as well as hypothetical proteins of high abundance and currently unknown function. Characterization of E/S sncRNAs found within and outside of schistosomula EVs additionally identified the presence of potential gene-regulatory miRNAs (35 known and 170 potentially novel miRNAs) and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs; nineteen 5′ tsRNAs and fourteen 3′ tsRNAs). Conclusions The identification of S. mansoni EVs and the combinatorial protein/sncRNA characterization of their cargo signifies that an important new participant in the complex biology underpinning schistosome/host interactions has now been discovered. Further work defining the role of these schistosomula EVs and the function/stability of intra- and extra-vesicular sncRNA components presents tremendous opportunities for developing novel schistosomiasis diagnostics or interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oleg I Klychnikov
- Centre for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Umar Niazi
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Alasdair Ivens
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Juan F Quintana
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul J Hensbergen
- Centre for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H Hokke
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Amy H Buck
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
218
|
Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Post-Genomic Era. Trends Genet 2015; 31:539-555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
219
|
Dvořák J, Fajtová P, Ulrychová L, Leontovyč A, Rojo-Arreola L, Suzuki BM, Horn M, Mareš M, Craik CS, Caffrey CR, O'Donoghue AJ. Excretion/secretion products from Schistosoma mansoni adults, eggs and schistosomula have unique peptidase specificity profiles. Biochimie 2015; 122:99-109. [PMID: 26409899 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of a number of chronic helminth diseases of poverty that severely impact personal and societal well-being and productivity. Peptidases (proteases) are vital to successful parasitism, and can modulate host physiology and immunology. Interference of peptidase action by specific drugs or vaccines can be therapeutically beneficial. To date, research on peptidases in the schistosome parasite has focused on either the functional characterization of individual peptidases or their annotation as part of global genome or transcriptome studies. We were interested in functionally characterizing the complexity of peptidase activity operating at the host-parasite interface, therefore the excretory-secretory products of key developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni that parasitize the human were examined. Using class specific peptidase inhibitors in combination with a multiplex substrate profiling assay, a number of unique activities derived from endo- and exo-peptidases were revealed in the excretory-secretory products of schistosomula (larval migratory worms), adults and eggs. The data highlight the complexity of the functional degradome for each developmental stage of this parasite and facilitate further enquiry to establish peptidase identity, physiological and immunological function, and utility as drug or vaccine candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dvořák
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 142 20, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice CZ - 370 05, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic; First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague CZ - 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Ulrychová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 142 20, Czech Republic; Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague CZ - 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Adrian Leontovyč
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic; First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague CZ - 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Liliana Rojo-Arreola
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Brian M Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Charles S Craik
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Anthony J O'Donoghue
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
220
|
Almeida GT, Lage RCG, Anderson L, Venancio TM, Nakaya HI, Miyasato PA, Rofatto HK, Zerlotini A, Nakano E, Oliveira G, Verjovski-Almeida S. Synergy of Omeprazole and Praziquantel In Vitro Treatment against Schistosoma mansoni Adult Worms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004086. [PMID: 26402251 PMCID: PMC4581627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment and morbidity control of schistosomiasis relies on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ), and the selection of resistant worms under repeated treatment is a concern. Therefore, there is a pressing need to understand the molecular effects of PZQ on schistosomes and to investigate alternative or synergistic drugs against schistosomiasis. Methodology We used a custom-designed Schistosoma mansoni expression microarray to explore the effects of sublethal doses of PZQ on large-scale gene expression of adult paired males and females and unpaired mature females. We also assessed the efficacy of PZQ, omeprazole (OMP) or their combination against S. mansoni adult worms with a survival in vitro assay. Principal Findings We identified sets of genes that were affected by PZQ in paired and unpaired mature females, however with opposite gene expression patterns (up-regulated in paired and down-regulated in unpaired mature females), indicating that PZQ effects are heavily influenced by the mating status. We also identified genes that were similarly affected by PZQ in males and females. Functional analyses of gene interaction networks were performed with parasite genes that were differentially expressed upon PZQ treatment, searching for proteins encoded by these genes whose human homologs are targets of different drugs used for other diseases. Based on these results, OMP, a widely prescribed proton pump inhibitor known to target the ATP1A2 gene product, was chosen and tested. Sublethal doses of PZQ combined with OMP significantly increased worm mortality in vitro when compared with PZQ or OMP alone, thus evidencing a synergistic effect. Conclusions Functional analysis of gene interaction networks is an important approach that can point to possible novel synergistic drug candidates. We demonstrated the potential of this strategy by showing that PZQ in combination with OMP displayed increased efficiency against S. mansoni adult worms in vitro when compared with either drug alone. Schistosomiasis causes severe health problems in endemic areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment of at-risk populations; however, evolution of resistant worms under repeated treatment is of great concern. Combining praziquantel with another drug could not only increase efficacy of praziquantel, but also eventually hamper development of drug resistance. Our study reports the global praziquantel-induced transcriptional changes of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms in vitro, in the context of the mature female mating status (paired or unpaired). We identified sets of genes that were differentially affected in paired or unpaired mature females; we also identified genes that were similarly affected in males and females. Aiming to find possible new candidates to be tested as synergistic drugs, we used functional analysis of gene interaction networks to identify parasite genes whose expression was affected by praziquantel, and encode proteins whose human homologs are targets of different drugs already used to treat other diseases. This analysis suggested omeprazole, a widely prescribed drug, as a potential partner for praziquantel in a combination treatment. Finally, we demonstrated that this praziquantel-omeprazole combination resulted in increased worm lethality in vitro when compared with praziquantel or omeprazole alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulliana T. Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Regina C. G. Lage
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leticia Anderson
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. Venancio
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helder I. Nakaya
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adhemar Zerlotini
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Genomics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Vale Technology Institute, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
221
|
Ressurreição M, Kirk RS, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Page NM, Walker AJ. Sensory Protein Kinase Signaling in Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae: Host Location and Invasion. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:1787-97. [PMID: 26401028 PMCID: PMC4633769 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni cercariae display specific behavioral responses to abiotic/biotic stimuli enabling them to locate and infect the definitive human host. Here we report the effect of such stimulants on signaling pathways of cercariae in relation to host finding and invasion. Cercariae exposed to various light/temperature regimens displayed modulated protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activities, with distinct responses at 37°C and intense light/dark, when compared to 24°C under normal light. Kinase activities were localized to regions including the oral sensory papillae, acetabular ducts, tegument, acetabular glands, and nervous system. Furthermore, linoleic acid modulated PKC and ERK activities concurrent with the temporal release of acetabular gland components. Attenuation of PKC, ERK, and p38 MAPK activities significantly reduced gland component release, particularly in response to linoleic acid, demonstrating the importance of these signaling pathways to host penetration mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| | - Ruth S Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| | - David Rollinson
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M Emery
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M Page
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| |
Collapse
|
222
|
Chan JD, Agbedanu PN, Grab T, Zamanian M, Dosa PI, Day TA, Marchant JS. Ergot Alkaloids (Re)generate New Leads as Antiparasitics. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004063. [PMID: 26367744 PMCID: PMC4569474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) is a key therapy for treatment of parasitic flatworm infections of humans and livestock, but the mechanism of action of this drug is unresolved. Resolving PZQ-engaged targets and effectors is important for identifying new druggable pathways that may yield novel antiparasitic agents. Here we use functional, genetic and pharmacological approaches to reveal that serotonergic signals antagonize PZQ action in vivo. Exogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) rescued PZQ-evoked polarity and mobility defects in free-living planarian flatworms. In contrast, knockdown of a prevalently expressed planarian 5-HT receptor potentiated or phenocopied PZQ action in different functional assays. Subsequent screening of serotonergic ligands revealed that several ergot alkaloids possessed broad efficacy at modulating regenerative outcomes and the mobility of both free living and parasitic flatworms. Ergot alkaloids that phenocopied PZQ in regenerative assays to cause bipolar regeneration exhibited structural modifications consistent with serotonergic blockade. These data suggest that serotonergic activation blocks PZQ action in vivo, while serotonergic antagonists phenocopy PZQ action. Importantly these studies identify the ergot alkaloid scaffold as a promising structural framework for designing potent agents targeting parasitic bioaminergic G protein coupled receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John D. Chan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Prince N. Agbedanu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Thomas Grab
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Peter I. Dosa
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Timothy A. Day
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jonathan S. Marchant
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
223
|
The Epigenome of Schistosoma mansoni Provides Insight about How Cercariae Poise Transcription until Infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003853. [PMID: 26305466 PMCID: PMC4549315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chromatin structure can control gene expression and can define specific transcription states. For example, bivalent methylation of histone H3K4 and H3K27 is linked to poised transcription in vertebrate embryonic stem cells (ESC). It allows them to rapidly engage specific developmental pathways. We reasoned that non-vertebrate metazoans that encounter a similar developmental constraint (i.e. to quickly start development into a new phenotype) might use a similar system. Schistosomes are parasitic platyhelminthes that are characterized by passage through two hosts: a mollusk as intermediate host and humans or rodents as definitive host. During its development, the parasite undergoes drastic changes, most notable immediately after infection of the definitive host, i.e. during the transition from the free-swimming cercariae into adult worms. Methodology/Principal Findings We used Chromatin Immunoprecipitation followed by massive parallel sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to analyze genome-wide chromatin structure of S. mansoni on the level of histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K27me3, H3K9me3, and H3K9ac) in cercariae, schistosomula and adults (available at http://genome.univ-perp.fr). We saw striking differences in chromatin structure between the developmental stages, but most importantly we found that cercariae possess a specific combination of marks at the transcription start sites (TSS) that has similarities to a structure found in ESC. We demonstrate that in cercariae no transcription occurs, and we provide evidences that cercariae do not possess large numbers of canonical stem cells. Conclusions/Significance We describe here a broad view on the epigenome of a metazoan parasite. Most notably, we find bivalent histone H3 methylation in cercariae. Methylation of H3K27 is removed during transformation into schistosomula (and stays absent in adults) and transcription is activated. In addition, shifts of H3K9 methylation and acetylation occur towards upstream and downstream of the transcriptional start site (TSS). We conclude that specific H3 modifications are a phylogenetically older and probably more general mechanism, i.e. not restricted to stem cells, to poise transcription. Since adult couples must form to cause the disease symptoms, changes in histone modifications appear to be crucial for pathogenesis and represent therefore a therapeutic target. The blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni causes intestinal bilharzia. The parasite has a complex life cycle in which a freshwater snail serves as intermediate host from which the human infecting larvae hatch. These larvae will actively seek skin contact, penetrate through the epithelium and start developing straight away into adult worms. Development from larvae into adults needs thorough adjustment of gene expression through repositioning or modification of proteins that are associated with DNA (the chromatin). We decided to compare the chromatin of human infective larvae (cercariae), the first developmental stage after infection of the vertebrate host (schistosomula) and adults of S. mansoni. We found that cercariae possess chromatin structures (modifications of histone H3) around the beginning of genes that are very different from schistosomula and adults. We conclude that this structure serves to keep gene transcription in a poised state, i.e. transcription is initiated and can start immediately when the blocking histone modification is removed. A similar type of histone modification was found in embryonic stem cells of vertebrates and our data indicate that it is either a more ancient and/or more general means to poise transcription than previously assumed. Since many parasites possess infective stages that develop rapidly within the host, this particular chromatin structure could be a therapeutic target for a new class of antiparasitic drugs.
Collapse
|
224
|
Panic G, Vargas M, Scandale I, Keiser J. Activity Profile of an FDA-Approved Compound Library against Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003962. [PMID: 26230921 PMCID: PMC4521867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As plans to expand mass drug treatment campaigns to fight schistosomiasis form, worries about reliance on praziquantel as the sole available treatment motivate the investigation for novel antischistosomal compounds. Drug repurposing might be an inexpensive and effective source of novel antischistosomal leads. METHODOLOGY 1600 FDA approved compounds were first assayed against Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula at a concentration of 10 µM. Active compounds identified from this screen were advanced to the adult worm screen at 33.33 µM, followed by hit characterization. Leads with complementary pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles were then selected for in vivo studies. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The in vitro screen identified 121 and 36 compounds active against the schistosomula and adult stage, respectively. Further, in vitro characterization and comparison with already available pharmacokinetic and toxicity data identified 11 in vivo candidates. Doramectin (10 mg/kg) and clofazimine (400 mg/kg) were found to be active in vivo with worm burden reductions of 60.1% and 82.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The work presented here expands the knowledge of antischistosomal properties of already approved compounds and underscores variations observed between target-based and phenotypic approaches and among laboratories. The two in vivo-active drugs identified in this study, doramectin and clofazimine are widely available and present as novel drug classes as starting points for further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Panic
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Vargas
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
225
|
Parker-Manuel SJ, Hahnel S, Grevelding CG. Inhibition of Schistosoma mansoni ether-a-go-go related gene-encoded potassium channels leads to hypermotility and impaired egg production. Exp Parasitol 2015; 158:48-54. [PMID: 26188142 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of ether-a-go-go related gene (ERG) potassium channel inhibition on Schistosoma mansoni. Use of dofetilide to block the schistosome ERGs resulted in a striking 'corkscrew' effect. The worms were unable to control their motility; they were hypermotile. The treated worms produced abnormal eggs, some of which consisted of little more than a spine. One of the S. mansoni ERGs (SmERGs), Smp_161140, was chosen for further study by RNAi. The transcript was knocked down to 50% compared to the controls. These RNAi-treated worms demonstrated seizure-like movements. In S. mansoni, as in other organisms, ERG channels seem to play a role in regulating muscle excitability. This work shows that egg production can be greatly reduced by effectively targeting muscle coordination in these important parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S J Parker-Manuel
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany.
| | - S Hahnel
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - C G Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
226
|
Human IgG1 Responses to Surface Localised Schistosoma mansoni Ly6 Family Members Drop following Praziquantel Treatment. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003920. [PMID: 26147973 PMCID: PMC4492491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The heptalaminate-covered, syncytial tegument is an important anatomical adaptation that enables schistosome parasites to maintain long-term, intravascular residence in definitive hosts. Investigation of the proteins present in this surface layer and the immune responses elicited by them during infection is crucial to our understanding of host/parasite interactions. Recent studies have revealed a number of novel tegumental surface proteins including three (SmCD59a, SmCD59b and Sm29) containing uPAR/Ly6 domains (renamed SmLy6A SmLy6B and SmLy6D in this study). While vaccination with SmLy6A (SmCD59a) and SmLy6D (Sm29) induces protective immunity in experimental models, human immunoglobulin responses to representative SmLy6 family members have yet to be thoroughly explored. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a PSI-BLAST-based search, we present a comprehensive reanalysis of the Schistosoma mansoni Ly6 family (SmLy6A-K). Our examination extends the number of members to eleven (including three novel proteins) and provides strong evidence that the previously identified vaccine candidate Sm29 (renamed SmLy6D) is a unique double uPAR/Ly6 domain-containing representative. Presence of canonical cysteine residues, signal peptides and GPI-anchor sites strongly suggest that all SmLy6 proteins are cell surface-bound. To provide evidence that SmLy6 members are immunogenic in human populations, we report IgG1 (as well as IgG4 and IgE) responses against two surface-bound representatives (SmLy6A and SmLy6B) within a cohort of S. mansoni-infected Ugandan males before and after praziquantel treatment. While pre-treatment IgG1 prevalence for SmLy6A and SmLy6B differs amongst the studied population (7.4% and 25.3% of the cohort, respectively), these values are both higher than IgG1 prevalence (2.7%) for a sub-surface tegumental antigen, SmTAL1. Further, post-treatment IgG1 levels against surface-associated SmLy6A and SmLy6B significantly drop (p = 0.020 and p < 0.001, respectively) when compared to rising IgG1 levels against sub-surface SmTAL1. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, these results expand the number of SmLy6 proteins found within S. mansoni and specifically demonstrate that surface-associated SmLy6A and SmLy6B elicit immunological responses during infection in endemic communities. Adult schistosome parasites can live in the human bloodstream for years without being adversely affected by the host immune response. Identifying which proteins are on the surface of the parasite and understanding how they contribute to long-term host/parasite relationships is an essential step in developing novel intervention strategies. Here, utilising a comprehensive bioinformatics approach to identify Schistosoma mansoni gene products sharing distinct surface-associated features including signal peptides, hydrophobic C-termini, disulfide bonds and uPAR/Ly6 domains, we identified eleven proteins of interest. These proteins, reassuringly, include three representatives previously found associated with the schistosome surface (here termed SmLy6A, SmLy6B and SmLy6D) as well as three novel members (SmLy6G, SmLy6H and SmLy6J). To identify if surface-associated SmLy6 members are recognized by S. mansoni infected individuals, we specifically examined antibody responses to SmLy6A and SmLy6B in an endemic human population. Our work expands the number of putative cell surface associated schistosome proteins and provides a greater understanding of the dynamics of antibody responses in endemic communities against two representatives.
Collapse
|
227
|
MacDonald K, Kimber MJ, Day TA, Ribeiro P. A constitutively active G protein-coupled acetylcholine receptor regulates motility of larval Schistosoma mansoni. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2015; 202:29-37. [PMID: 26365538 PMCID: PMC4607267 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The neuromuscular system of helminths controls a variety of essential biological processes and therefore represents a good source of novel drug targets. The neuroactive substance, acetylcholine controls movement of Schistosoma mansoni but the mode of action is poorly understood. Here, we present first evidence of a functional G protein-coupled acetylcholine receptor in S. mansoni, which we have named SmGAR. A bioinformatics analysis indicated that SmGAR belongs to a clade of invertebrate GAR-like receptors and is related to vertebrate muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Functional expression studies in yeast showed that SmGAR is constitutively active but can be further activated by acetylcholine and, to a lesser extent, the cholinergic agonist, carbachol. Anti-cholinergic drugs, atropine and promethazine, were found to have inverse agonist activity towards SmGAR, causing a significant decrease in the receptor's basal activity. An RNAi phenotypic assay revealed that suppression of SmGAR activity in early-stage larval schistosomulae leads to a drastic reduction in larval motility. In sum, our results provide the first molecular evidence that cholinergic GAR-like receptors are present in schistosomes and are required for proper motor control in the larvae. The results further identify SmGAR as a possible candidate for antiparasitic drug targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin MacDonald
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Michael J Kimber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Tim A Day
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Paula Ribeiro
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
228
|
Pereira RV, de S Gomes M, Olmo RP, Souza DM, Cabral FJ, Jannotti-Passos LK, Baba EH, Andreolli ABP, Rodrigues V, Castro-Borges W, Guerra-Sá R. Ubiquitin-specific proteases are differentially expressed throughout the Schistosoma mansoni life cycle. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:349. [PMID: 26112833 PMCID: PMC4485857 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0957-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The ubiquitination process can be reversed by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). These proteases are involved in ubiquitin processing, in the recovery of modified ubiquitin trapped in inactive forms, and in the recycling of ubiquitin monomers from polyubiquitinated chains. The diversity of DUB functions is illustrated by their number and variety of their catalytic domains with specific 3D architectures. DUBs can be divided into five subclasses: ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases (UCHs), ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs or UBPs), ovarian tumour proteases (OTUs), Machado-Joseph disease proteases (MJDs) and JAB1/MPN/Mov34 metalloenzymes (JAMMs). Methods Considering the role that the ubiquitin-proteasome system has been shown to play during the development of Schistosoma mansoni, our main goal was to identify and characterize SmUSPs. Here, we showed the identification of putative ubiquitin-specific proteases using bioinformatic approaches. We also evaluated the gene expression profile of representative USP family members using qRT-PCR. Results We reported 17 USP family members in S. mansoni that present a conservation of UCH domains. Furthermore, the putative SmUSP transcripts analysed were detected in all investigated stages, showing distinct expression during S. mansoni development. The SmUSPs exhibiting high expression profiles were SmUSP7, SmUSP8, SmUSP9x and SmUSP24. Conclusion S. mansoni USPs showed changes in expression levels for different life cycle stages indicating their involvement in cellular processes required for S. mansoni development. These data will serve as a basis for future functional studies of USPs in this parasite. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0957-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta V Pereira
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil.
| | - Matheus de S Gomes
- Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brasil.
| | - Roenick P Olmo
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil.
| | - Daniel M Souza
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil.
| | - Fernanda J Cabral
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Butantã, SP, Brasil.
| | | | - Elio H Baba
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
| | | | - Vanderlei Rodrigues
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
| | - William Castro-Borges
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil.
| | - Renata Guerra-Sá
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil. .,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas/Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas - Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas - ICEB2, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Sala 045, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil.
| |
Collapse
|
229
|
Gleichsner AM, Thiele EA, Minchella DJ. It's All about Those Bases: The Need for Incorporating Parasite Genetic Heterogeneity into the Development of Schistosome Vaccines. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003805. [PMID: 26086424 PMCID: PMC4472511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M. Gleichsner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Elizabeth A. Thiele
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York, United States of America
| | - Dennis J. Minchella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
230
|
Characterization and expression analysis of Wnt5 in Schistosoma japonicum at different developmental stages. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3261-9. [PMID: 26077755 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is a key pathway involving the regulation of cell development and growth in metazoa. An analysis of Wnt signaling in Schistosoma japonicum might provide information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying parasite development, which might be useful for vaccine screening and identification of pharmaceutical targets. The SjWnt5 gene, a member of the Wnt gene family, contained an 1149-bp open reading frame that encoded a 382-aa protein. Analysis of the SjWnt5 amino acid sequence revealed a domain that was conserved among members of the Wnt protein family. Expression of SjWnt5 was observed at all of the developmental stages in definitive hosts, and the highest level of SjWnt5 messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected at the schistosomula stage. Higher levels of SjWnt5 mRNA and protein were observed in mature male worms, compared with those in mature females. SjWnt5 mRNA was expressed at higher levels in maldeveloped worms from nonpermissive host or single-sex infection than in normal worms from permissive host and mixed-sex infection. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that SjWnt5 protein was expressed in the subtegumental musculature and acetabulum musculature of schistosomulum and adult worms, suggesting that SjWnt5 may play a role in regulation of parasite muscle development. Furthermore, SjWnt5 was found prominently expressed in the testes of the male and the ovary as well as the vitellarium of the female, suggesting that SjWnt5 may involve in the development of the reproductive organs of both sexes.
Collapse
|
231
|
Fajtová P, Štefanić S, Hradilek M, Dvořák J, Vondrášek J, Jílková A, Ulrychová L, McKerrow JH, Caffrey CR, Mareš M, Horn M. Prolyl Oligopeptidase from the Blood Fluke Schistosoma mansoni: From Functional Analysis to Anti-schistosomal Inhibitors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003827. [PMID: 26039195 PMCID: PMC4454677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma cause schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that infects over 240 million people worldwide, and for which there is a need to identify new targets for chemotherapeutic interventions. Our research is focused on Schistosoma mansoni prolyl oligopeptidase (SmPOP) from the serine peptidase family S9, which has not been investigated in detail in trematodes. Methodology/Principal Findings We demonstrate that SmPOP is expressed in adult worms and schistosomula in an enzymatically active form. By immunofluorescence microscopy, SmPOP is localized in the tegument and parenchyma of both developmental stages. Recombinant SmPOP was produced in Escherichia coli and its active site specificity investigated using synthetic substrate and inhibitor libraries, and by homology modeling. SmPOP is a true oligopeptidase that hydrolyzes peptide (but not protein) substrates with a strict specificity for Pro at P1. The inhibition profile is analogous to those for mammalian POPs. Both the recombinant enzyme and live worms cleave host vasoregulatory, proline-containing hormones such as angiotensin I and bradykinin. Finally, we designed nanomolar inhibitors of SmPOP that induce deleterious phenotypes in cultured schistosomes. Conclusions/Significance We provide the first localization and functional analysis of SmPOP together with chemical tools for measuring its activity. We briefly discuss the notion that SmPOP, operating at the host-parasite interface to cleave host bioactive peptides, may contribute to the survival of the parasite. If substantiated, SmPOP could be a new target for the development of anti-schistosomal drugs. Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a major global health problem caused by the schistosome flatworm which lives in the bloodstream. Treatment and control of the disease relies on a single drug, and should resistance emerge, there would be increased pressure to discover new drug targets. Proteolytic enzymes are fundamental to the survival of parasites, and, hence, are attractive targets for drug intervention. Oligopeptidases from the S9 family are known virulence factors for protozoan trypanosomatids but have yet to be studied in parasitic flukes. We, therefore, investigated prolyl oligopeptidase in Schistosoma mansoni (SmPOP) and found that it is expressed in those developmental stages that infect humans. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the peptidase’s expression, localization and functional biochemical properties. Interestingly, SmPOP, which is found in the tegument and parenchyma of the parasite, can cleave blood peptides involved in vasoregulation and we discuss how this ability may aid the parasite’s survival. Finally, we designed potent inhibitors of SmPOP that cause deleterious changes in cultured parasites. We conclude that SmPOP is important for parasite survival and may be a potential target for the development of anti-schistosomal drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Saša Štefanić
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Hradilek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Dvořák
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Vondrášek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adéla Jílková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Ulrychová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Innovation and Discovery in Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
232
|
Characterization of a Thioredoxin-1 Gene from Taenia solium and Its Encoding Product. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:453469. [PMID: 26090410 PMCID: PMC4452251 DOI: 10.1155/2015/453469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Taenia solium thioredoxin-1 gene (TsTrx-1) has a length of 771 bp with three exons and two introns. The core promoter gene presents two putative stress transcription factor binding sites, one putative TATA box, and a transcription start site (TSS). TsTrx-1 mRNA is expressed higher in larvae than in adult. This gene encodes a protein of 107 amino acids that presents the Trx active site (CGPC), the classical secondary structure of the thioredoxin fold, and the highest degree of identity with the Echinococcus granulosus Trx. A recombinant TsTrx-1 (rTsTrx-1) was produced in Escherichia coli with redox activity. Optimal activity for rTsTrx-1 was at pH 6.5 in the range of 15 to 25°C. The enzyme conserved activity for 3 h and lost it in 24 h at 37°C. rTsTrx-1 lost 50% activity after 1 h and lost activity completely in 24 h at temperatures higher than 55°C. Best storage temperature for rTsTrx-1 was at −70°C. It was inhibited by high concentrations of H2O2 and methylglyoxal (MG), but it was inhibited neither by NaCl nor by anti-rTsTrx-1 rabbit antibodies that strongly recognized a ~12 kDa band in extracts from several parasites. These TsTrx-1 properties open the opportunity to study its role in relationship T. solium-hosts.
Collapse
|
233
|
Breugelmans B, Ansell BRE, Young ND, Amani P, Stroehlein AJ, Sternberg PW, Jex AR, Boag PR, Hofmann A, Gasser RB. Flatworms have lost the right open reading frame kinase 3 gene during evolution. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9417. [PMID: 25976756 PMCID: PMC4894443 DOI: 10.1038/srep09417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
All multicellular organisms studied to date have three right open reading frame kinase genes (designated riok-1, riok-2 and riok-3). Current evidence indicates that riok-1 and riok-2 have essential roles in ribosome biosynthesis, and that the riok-3 gene assists this process. In the present study, we conducted a detailed bioinformatic analysis of the riok gene family in 25 parasitic flatworms (platyhelminths) for which extensive genomic and transcriptomic data sets are available. We found that none of the flatworms studied have a riok-3 gene, which is unprecedented for multicellular organisms. We propose that, unlike in other eukaryotes, the loss of RIOK-3 from flatworms does not result in an evolutionary disadvantage due to the unique biology and physiology of this phylum. We show that the loss of RIOK-3 coincides with a loss of particular proteins associated with essential cellular pathways linked to cell growth and apoptosis. These findings indicate multiple, key regulatory functions of RIOK-3 in other metazoan species. Taking advantage of a known partial crystal structure of human RIOK-1, molecular modelling revealed variability in nucleotide binding sites between flatworm and human RIOK proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bert Breugelmans
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan R E Ansell
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Parisa Amani
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andreas J Stroehlein
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul W Sternberg
- HHMI, Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter R Boag
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- 1] Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia [2] Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
234
|
Lu Z, Quack T, Hahnel S, Gelmedin V, Pouokam E, Diener M, Hardt M, Michel G, Baal N, Hackstein H, Grevelding CG. Isolation, enrichment and primary characterisation of vitelline cells from Schistosoma mansoni obtained by the organ isolation method. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:663-72. [PMID: 25937359 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the emerging era of post-genomic research on schistosomes, new methods are required to functionally analyse genes of interest in more detail. Among other tools, schistosome cell lines are needed to overcome present research constraints. Based on a recently established organ isolation protocol for adult Schistosoma mansoni, we report here on the successful enrichment of vitellarium tissue and isolation of vitelline cells. Morphological analyses performed by bright field, fluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed typical features of S1 to S4 stage vitelline cells. In addition, molecular analyses using reverse transcription-PCR confirmed the identity of vitelline cells. Cytological and physiological studies included staining experiments with viability dyes and a neutral lipid stain, as well as calcium (Ca2+) imaging. Together they demonstrated cell viability, the possibility to define the differentiation stage of individual vitelline cells, and the suitability to investigate Ca(2+)-associated processes herein. Finally, fluorescence-activated cell sorting was shown to be a convenient way to separate and enrich S1 to S4 stage vitelline cells. In summary, these results demonstrate the expedience of the organ isolation protocol to obtain vitellarium tissue. Importantly, the protocol allows vitelline cells representing defined differentiation stages to be purified, which can be cultured in vitro and used to investigate diverse aspects of schistosome reproductive biology in the post-genomic era.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Lu
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Quack
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Steffen Hahnel
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Verena Gelmedin
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ervice Pouokam
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Diener
- Institute for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Hardt
- BFS, Imaging Unit, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Michel
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, BFS FACS Unit, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nelli Baal
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, BFS FACS Unit, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Holger Hackstein
- Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, BFS FACS Unit, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
235
|
Wijayawardena BK, Minchella DJ, DeWoody JA. Horizontal gene transfer in schistosomes: A critical assessment. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2015; 201:57-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
236
|
Rinaldi G, Yan H, Nacif-Pimenta R, Matchimakul P, Bridger J, Mann VH, Smout MJ, Brindley PJ, Knight M. Cytometric analysis, genetic manipulation and antibiotic selection of the snail embryonic cell line Bge from Biomphalaria glabrata, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:527-35. [PMID: 25907768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The invertebrate cell line, Bge, from embryos of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata, remains to date the only established cell line from any species of the Phylum Mollusca. Since its establishment in 1976 by Eder Hansen, few studies have focused on profiling its cytometrics, growth characteristics or sensitivity to xenobiotics. Bge cells are reputed to be challenging to propagate and maintain. Therefore, even though this cell line is a noteworthy resource, it has not been studied widely. With growing interest in functional genomics, including genetic transformation, to elucidate molecular aspects of the snail intermediate hosts responsible for transmission of schistosomiasis, and aiming to enhance the convenience of maintenance of this molluscan cell line, we deployed the xCELLigene real time approach to study Bge cells. Doubling times for three isolates of Bge, termed CB, SL and UK, were longer than for mammalian cell lines - longer than 40 h in complete Bge medium supplemented with 7% fetal bovine serum at 25°C, ranging from ∼42 h to ∼157 h when 40,000 cells were seeded. To assess the potential of the cells for genetic transformation, antibiotic selection was explored. Bge cells were sensitive to the aminonucleoside antibiotic puromycin (from Streptomyces alboniger) from 5 μg/ml to 200 ng/ml, displaying a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ∼1.91 μg/ml. Sensitivity to puromycin, and a relatively quick kill time (<48 h in 5 μg/ml) facilitated use of this antibiotic, together with the cognate resistance gene (puromycin N-acetyl-transferase) for selection of Bge cells transformed with the PAC gene (puroR). Bge cells transfected with a plasmid encoding puroR were partially rescued when cultured in the presence of 5 μg/ml of puromycin. These findings pave the way for the development of functional genomic tools applied to the host-parasite interaction during schistosomiasis and neglected tropical trematodiases at large.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Hongbin Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Rafael Nacif-Pimenta
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Laboratorio de Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pitchaya Matchimakul
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Tropical Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | | | - Victoria H Mann
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Michael J Smout
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Matty Knight
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for the Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
237
|
Smit CH, van Diepen A, Nguyen DL, Wuhrer M, Hoffmann KF, Deelder AM, Hokke CH. Glycomic Analysis of Life Stages of the Human Parasite Schistosoma mansoni Reveals Developmental Expression Profiles of Functional and Antigenic Glycan Motifs. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 14:1750-69. [PMID: 25883177 PMCID: PMC4587318 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.048280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycans present on glycoproteins and glycolipids of the major human parasite Schistosoma mansoni induce innate as well as adaptive immune responses in the host. To be able to study the molecular characteristics of schistosome infections it is therefore required to determine the expression profiles of glycans and antigenic glycan-motifs during a range of critical stages of the complex schistosome lifecycle. We performed a longitudinal profiling study covering schistosome glycosylation throughout worm- and egg-development using a mass spectrometry-based glycomics approach. Our study revealed that during worm development N-glycans with Galβ1–4(Fucα1–3)GlcNAc (LeX) and core-xylose motifs were rapidly lost after cercariae to schistosomula transformation, whereas GalNAcβ1–4GlcNAc (LDN)-motifs gradually became abundant and predominated in adult worms. LeX-motifs were present on glycolipids up to 2 weeks of schistosomula development, whereas glycolipids with mono- and multifucosylated LDN-motifs remained present up to the adult worm stage. In contrast, expression of complex O-glycans diminished to undetectable levels within days after transformation. During egg development, a rich diversity of N-glycans with fucosylated motifs was expressed, but with α3-core fucose and a high degree of multifucosylated antennae only in mature eggs and miracidia. N-glycan antennae were exclusively LDN-based in miracidia. O-glycans in the mature eggs were also diverse and contained LeX- and multifucosylated LDN, but none of these were associated with miracidia in which we detected only the Galβ1–3(Galβ1–6)GalNAc core glycan. Immature eggs also exhibited short O-glycan core structures only, suggesting that complex fucosylated O-glycans of schistosome eggs are derived primarily from glycoproteins produced by the subshell envelope in the developed egg. Lipid glycans with multifucosylated GlcNAc repeats were present throughout egg development, but with the longer highly fucosylated stretches enriched in mature eggs and miracidia. This global analysis of the developing schistosome's glycome provides new insights into how stage-specifically expressed glycans may contribute to different aspects of schistosome-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelis H Smit
- From the ‡Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angela van Diepen
- From the ‡Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - D Linh Nguyen
- From the ‡Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- §Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karl F Hoffmann
- ¶Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3FG, United Kingdom
| | - André M Deelder
- §Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H Hokke
- From the ‡Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| |
Collapse
|
238
|
Cwiklinski K, Dalton JP, Dufresne PJ, La Course J, Williams DJ, Hodgkinson J, Paterson S. The Fasciola hepatica genome: gene duplication and polymorphism reveals adaptation to the host environment and the capacity for rapid evolution. Genome Biol 2015; 16:71. [PMID: 25887684 PMCID: PMC4404566 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-015-0632-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica is a major pathogen of livestock worldwide, causing huge economic losses to agriculture, as well as 2.4 million human infections annually. Results Here we provide a draft genome for F. hepatica, which we find to be among the largest known pathogen genomes at 1.3 Gb. This size cannot be explained by genome duplication or expansion of a single repeat element, and remains a paradox given the burden it may impose on egg production necessary to transmit infection. Despite the potential for inbreeding by facultative self-fertilisation, substantial levels of polymorphism were found, which highlights the evolutionary potential for rapid adaptation to changes in host availability, climate change or to drug or vaccine interventions. Non-synonymous polymorphisms were elevated in genes shared with parasitic taxa, which may be particularly relevant for the ability of the parasite to adapt to a broad range of definitive mammalian and intermediate molluscan hosts. Large-scale transcriptional changes, particularly within expanded protease and tubulin families, were found as the parasite migrated from the gut, across the peritoneum and through the liver to mature in the bile ducts. We identify novel members of anti-oxidant and detoxification pathways and defined their differential expression through infection, which may explain the stage-specific efficacy of different anthelmintic drugs. Conclusions The genome analysis described here provides new insights into the evolution of this important pathogen, its adaptation to the host environment and external selection pressures. This analysis also provides a platform for research into novel drugs and vaccines. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-015-0632-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Cwiklinski
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. .,School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - John Pius Dalton
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. .,Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Philippe J Dufresne
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. .,Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | | | - Diana Jl Williams
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Jane Hodgkinson
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Steve Paterson
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
239
|
Modelling the effects of mass drug administration on the molecular epidemiology of schistosomes. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2015; 87:293-327. [PMID: 25765198 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
As national governments scale up mass drug administration (MDA) programs aimed to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), novel selection pressures on these parasites increase. To understand how parasite populations are affected by MDA and how to maximize the success of control programmes, it is imperative for epidemiological, molecular and mathematical modelling approaches to be combined. Modelling of parasite population genetic and genomic structure, particularly of the NTDs, has been limited through the availability of only a few molecular markers to date. The landscape of infectious disease research is being dramatically reshaped by next-generation sequencing technologies and our understanding of how repeated selective pressures are shaping parasite populations is radically altering. Genomics can provide high-resolution data on parasite population structure, and identify how loci may contribute to key phenotypes such as virulence and/or drug resistance. We discuss the incorporation of genetic and genomic data, focussing on the recently sequenced Schistosoma spp., into novel mathematical transmission models to inform our understanding of the impact of MDA and other control methods. We summarize what is known to date, the models that exist and how population genetics has given us an understanding of the effects of MDA on the parasites. We consider how genetic and genomic data have the potential to shape future research, highlighting key areas where data are lacking, and how future molecular epidemiology knowledge can aid understanding of transmission dynamics and the effects of MDA, ultimately informing public health policy makers of the best interventions for NTDs.
Collapse
|
240
|
The genomic proliferation of transposable elements in colonizing populations: Schistosoma mansoni in the new world. Genetica 2015; 143:287-98. [PMID: 25681233 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-015-9825-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genes with an inherent ability to move within and among genomes. Theory predicts that TEs proliferate extensively during physiological stress due to the breakdown of TE repression systems. We tested this hypothesis in Schistosoma mansoni, a widespread trematode parasite that causes the human disease schistosomiasis. According to phylogenetic analysis, S. mansoni invaded the new world during the last 500 years. We hypothesized that new world strains of S. mansoni would have more copies of TEs than old world strains due to the physiological stress associated with invasion of the new world. We quantified the copy number of six TEs (Saci-1, Saci-2 and Saci-3, Perere-1, Merlin-sm1, and SmTRC1) in the genome and the transcriptome of old world and new world strains of S. mansoni, using qPCR relative quantification. As predicted, the genomes of new world parasites contain significantly more copies of class I and class II TEs in both laboratory and field strains. However, such differences are not observed in the transcriptome suggesting that either TE silencing mechanisms have reactivated to control the expression of these elements or the presence of inactive truncated copies of TEs.
Collapse
|
241
|
Neves BJ, Braga RC, Bezerra JCB, Cravo PVL, Andrade CH. In silico repositioning-chemogenomics strategy identifies new drugs with potential activity against multiple life stages of Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e3435. [PMID: 25569258 PMCID: PMC4287566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Morbidity and mortality caused by schistosomiasis are serious public health problems in developing countries. Because praziquantel is the only drug in therapeutic use, the risk of drug resistance is a concern. In the search for new schistosomicidal drugs, we performed a target-based chemogenomics screen of a dataset of 2,114 proteins to identify drugs that are approved for clinical use in humans that may be active against multiple life stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Each of these proteins was treated as a potential drug target, and its amino acid sequence was used to interrogate three databases: Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DrugBank and STITCH. Predicted drug-target interactions were refined using a combination of approaches, including pairwise alignment, conservation state of functional regions and chemical space analysis. To validate our strategy, several drugs previously shown to be active against Schistosoma species were correctly predicted, such as clonazepam, auranofin, nifedipine, and artesunate. We were also able to identify 115 drugs that have not yet been experimentally tested against schistosomes and that require further assessment. Some examples are aprindine, gentamicin, clotrimazole, tetrabenazine, griseofulvin, and cinnarizine. In conclusion, we have developed a systematic and focused computer-aided approach to propose approved drugs that may warrant testing and/or serve as lead compounds for the design of new drugs against schistosomes. Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by schistosome parasites that affects millions of people worldwide. The current reliance on a single drug (Praziquantel) for treatment and control of the disease calls for the urgent discovery of novel schistosomicidal agents. One approach that can expedite drug discovery is to find new uses for existing approved drugs, a practice known as drug repositioning. Currently, modern drug repositioning strategies entail the search for compounds that act on a specific target, often a protein known or suspected to be required for survival of the parasite. Drug repositioning approaches for schistosomiasis are now greatly facilitated by the availability of comprehensive schistosome genome data in user-friendly databases. Here, we report a drug repositioning computational strategy that involves identification of novel schistosomicidal drug candidates using similarity between schistosome proteins and known drug targets. Researchers can now use the list of predicted drugs as a basis for deciding which potential schistosomicidal candidates can be tested experimentally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno J. Neves
- LabMol – Laboratory for Drug Design and Modeling, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rodolpho C. Braga
- LabMol – Laboratory for Drug Design and Modeling, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiaânia, Brazil
| | - José C. B. Bezerra
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Pedro V. L. Cravo
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Centro de Malária e Doenças Tropicais, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carolina H. Andrade
- LabMol – Laboratory for Drug Design and Modeling, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
242
|
Philippsen GS, Wilson RA, DeMarco R. Accelerated evolution of schistosome genes coding for proteins located at the host-parasite interface. Genome Biol Evol 2015; 7:431-43. [PMID: 25567667 PMCID: PMC4350168 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Study of proteins located at the host–parasite interface in schistosomes might provide clues about the mechanisms utilized by the parasite to escape the host immune system attack. Micro-exon gene (MEG) protein products and venom allergen-like (VAL) proteins have been shown to be present in schistosome secretions or associated with glands, which led to the hypothesis that they are important components in the molecular interaction of the parasite with the host. Phylogenetic and structural analysis of genes and their transcripts in these two classes shows that recent species-specific expansion of gene number for these families occurred separately in three different species of schistosomes. Enrichment of transposable elements in MEG and VAL genes in Schistosoma mansoni provides a credible mechanism for preferential expansion of gene numbers for these families. Analysis of the ratio between synonymous and nonsynonymous substitution rates (dN/dS) in the comparison between schistosome orthologs for the two classes of genes reveals significantly higher values when compared with a set of a control genes coding for secreted proteins, and for proteins previously localized in the tegument. Additional analyses of paralog genes indicate that exposure of the protein to the definitive host immune system is a determining factor leading to the higher than usual dN/dS values in those genes. The observation that two genes encoding S. mansoni vaccine candidate proteins, known to be exposed at the parasite surface, also display similar evolutionary dynamics suggests a broad response of the parasite to evolutionary pressure imposed by the definitive host immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisele S Philippsen
- Departamento de Física e Ciência Interdisciplinar, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R Alan Wilson
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo DeMarco
- Departamento de Física e Ciência Interdisciplinar, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
243
|
Abstract
The genomes of more than 20 helminths have now been sequenced. Here we perform a meta-analysis of all sequenced genomes of nematodes and Platyhelminthes, and attempt to address the question of what are the defining characteristics of helminth genomes. We find that parasitic worms lack systems for surface antigenic variation, instead maintaining infections using their surfaces as the first line of defence against the host immune system, with several expanded gene families of genes associated with the surface and tegument. Parasite excretory/secretory products evolve rapidly, and proteases even more so, with each parasite exhibiting unique modifications of its protease repertoire. Endoparasitic flatworms show striking losses of metabolic capabilities, not matched by nematodes. All helminths do however exhibit an overall reduction in auxiliary metabolism (biogenesis of co-factors and vitamins). Overall, the prevailing pattern is that there are few commonalities between the genomes of independently evolved parasitic worms, with each parasite having undergone specific adaptations for their particular niche.
Collapse
|
244
|
Martin J, Rosa BA, Ozersky P, Hallsworth-Pepin K, Zhang X, Bhonagiri-Palsikar V, Tyagi R, Wang Q, Choi YJ, Gao X, McNulty SN, Brindley PJ, Mitreva M. Helminth.net: expansions to Nematode.net and an introduction to Trematode.net. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 43:D698-706. [PMID: 25392426 PMCID: PMC4383941 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth.net (http://www.helminth.net) is the new moniker for a collection of databases: Nematode.net and Trematode.net. Within this collection we provide services and resources for parasitic roundworms (nematodes) and flatworms (trematodes), collectively known as helminths. For over a decade we have provided resources for studying nematodes via our veteran site Nematode.net (http://nematode.net). In this article, (i) we provide an update on the expansions of Nematode.net that hosts omics data from 84 species and provides advanced search tools to the broad scientific community so that data can be mined in a useful and user-friendly manner and (ii) we introduce Trematode.net, a site dedicated to the dissemination of data from flukes, flatworm parasites of the class Trematoda, phylum Platyhelminthes. Trematode.net is an independent component of Helminth.net and currently hosts data from 16 species, with information ranging from genomic, functional genomic data, enzymatic pathway utilization to microbiome changes associated with helminth infections. The databases’ interface, with a sophisticated query engine as a backbone, is intended to allow users to search for multi-factorial combinations of species’ omics properties. This report describes updates to Nematode.net since its last description in NAR, 2012, and also introduces and presents its new sibling site, Trematode.net.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Martin
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Bruce A Rosa
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Philip Ozersky
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | | | - Xu Zhang
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | | | - Rahul Tyagi
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Young-Jun Choi
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Xin Gao
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Samantha N McNulty
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
245
|
Systems biology studies of adult paragonimus lung flukes facilitate the identification of immunodominant parasite antigens. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3242. [PMID: 25329661 PMCID: PMC4199545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactive proteins, and these warrant further study as diagnostic candidates. Conclusions The transcriptome, proteome and immunolome of adult P. kellicotti represent a major advance in the study of Paragonimus species. These data provide a powerful foundation for translational research to develop improved diagnostic tests. Similar integrated approaches may be useful for identifying novel targets for drugs and vaccines in the future. Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection that people acquire when they eat raw or undercooked crustaceans. Disease symptoms (including cough, fever, blood in sputum, etc.) can be similar to those observed in patients with tuberculosis or bacterial pneumonia, frequently resulting in misdiagnosis. Although the infection is relatively easy to treat, diagnosis is complicated. Available diagnostic assays rely on total parasite homogenate to facilitate the detection of Paragonimus-specific antibodies in patients. Though these blot-based assays have shown high sensitivity and specificity, they are inconvenient because total parasite homogenate is not readily available. This study used next generation genomic and proteomic methods to identify transcripts and proteins expressed in adult Paragonimus flukes. We then used sera from patients infected with P. kellicotti to isolate immunoreactive proteins, and these were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The annotated transcriptome and the associated proteome of the antibody immune response represent a significant advance in research on Paragonimus. This information will be a valuable resource for further research on Paragonimus and paragonimiasis. Thus this project illustrates the potential power of employing systems biology for translational research in parasitology.
Collapse
|
246
|
Morel M, Vanderstraete M, Cailliau K, Lescuyer A, Lancelot J, Dissous C. Compound library screening identified Akt/PKB kinase pathway inhibitors as potential key molecules for the development of new chemotherapeutics against schistosomiasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:256-66. [PMID: 25516836 PMCID: PMC4266776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of PK inhibitors affects schistosome viability and reproduction. Structure and activity of the Akt/PKB protein are highly conserved in Schistosoma mansoni. Commercial Akt inhibitors are active on the recombinant SmAkt protein. Akt pathway inhibitors have schistosomicidal activity in vitro. SmAkt can be considered as a potential target for the control of schistosomiasis.
Protein kinases (PKs) are one of the largest protein families in most eukaryotic organisms. These enzymes are involved in the control of cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism and a large number of the anticancer drugs currently used are directed against PKs. The structure and function of PKs are well conserved throughout evolution. In schistosome parasites, PKs were shown to be involved in essential functions at every stage of the parasite life cycle, making these enzymes promising anti-parasite drug targets. In this study, we tested a panel of commercial inhibitors for various PKs and analyzed their effects on pairing and egg production by schistosomes as well as their toxicity towards schistosomula larvae. Results obtained confirmed the deleterious effect of PK targeting on Schistosoma mansoni physiology and the important function of different tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases in the biology and reproduction of this parasite. They also indicated for the first time that the Protein kinase B (also called Akt) which is a major downstream target of many receptor tyrosine kinases and a central player at the crossroads of signal transduction pathways activated in response to growth factors and insulin, can constitute a novel target for anti-schistosome chemotherapy. Structural and functional studies have shown that SmAkt is a conserved kinase and that its activity can be inhibited by commercially available Akt inhibitors. In treated adult worms, Akt/PKB kinase pathway inhibitors induced profound alterations in pairing and egg laying and they also greatly affected the viability of schistosomula larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Morel
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Katia Cailliau
- Laboratoire de Régulation des Signaux de Division, Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technology, EA 4479, IFR 147, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Arlette Lescuyer
- Laboratoire de Régulation des Signaux de Division, Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technology, EA 4479, IFR 147, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Julien Lancelot
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Colette Dissous
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
247
|
Mourão MDM, Bitar M, Lobo FP, Peconick AP, Grynberg P, Prosdocimi F, Waisberg M, Cerqueira GC, Macedo AM, Machado CR, Yoshino T, Franco GR. A directed approach for the identification of transcripts harbouring the spliced leader sequence and the effect of trans-splicing knockdown in Schistosoma mansoni. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 108:707-17. [PMID: 24037192 PMCID: PMC3970683 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276108062013006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease caused by trematodes from the genus Schistosoma. Because schistosomes exhibit a complex life cycle and numerous mechanisms for regulating gene expression, it is believed that spliced leader (SL) trans-splicing could play an important role in the biology of these parasites. The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of trans-splicing in Schistosoma mansoni through analysis of genes that may be regulated by this mechanism and via silencing SL-containing transcripts through RNA interference. Here, we report our analysis of SL transcript-enriched cDNA libraries from different S. mansoni life stages. Our results show that the trans-splicing mechanism is apparently not associated with specific genes, subcellular localisations or life stages. In cross-species comparisons, even though the sets of genes that are subject to SL trans-splicing regulation appear to differ between organisms, several commonly shared orthologues were observed. Knockdown of trans-spliced transcripts in sporocysts resulted in a systemic reduction of the expression levels of all tested trans-spliced transcripts; however, the only phenotypic effect observed was diminished larval size. Further studies involving the findings from this work will provide new insights into the role of trans-splicing in the biology of S. mansoni and other organisms. All Expressed Sequence Tags generated in this study were submitted to dbEST as five different libraries. The accessions for each library and for the individual sequences are as follows: (i) adult worms of mixed sexes (LIBEST_027999: JZ139310 - JZ139779), (ii) female adult worms (LIBEST_028000: JZ139780 - JZ140379), (iii) male adult worms (LIBEST_028001: JZ140380 - JZ141002), (iv) eggs (LIBEST_028002: JZ141003 - JZ141497) and (v) schistosomula (LIBEST_028003: JZ141498 - JZ141974).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina de Moraes Mourão
- Grupo de Genômica e Biologia Computacional, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo HorizonteMG, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
248
|
Barrett CF, Freudenstein JV, Li J, Mayfield-Jones DR, Perez L, Pires JC, Santos C. Investigating the path of plastid genome degradation in an early-transitional clade of heterotrophic orchids, and implications for heterotrophic angiosperms. Mol Biol Evol 2014; 31:3095-112. [PMID: 25172958 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic organisms exemplify morphological and genomic reduction. Some heterotrophic, parasitic plants harbor drastically reduced and degraded plastid genomes resulting from relaxed selective pressure on photosynthetic function. However, few studies have addressed the initial stages of plastome degradation in groups containing both photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic species. Corallorhiza is a genus of leafless, heterotrophic orchids that contains both green, photosynthetic species and nongreen, putatively nonphotosynthetic species, and represents an ideal system in which to assess the beginning of the transition to a "minimal plastome." Complete plastomes were generated for nine taxa of Corallorhiza using Illumina paired-end sequencing of genomic DNA to assess the degree of degradation among taxa, and for comparison with a general model of degradation among angiosperms. Quantification of total chlorophyll suggests that nongreen Corallorhiza still produce chlorophyll, but at 10-fold lower concentrations than green congeners. Complete plastomes and partial nuclear rDNA cistrons yielded a fully resolved tree for Corallorhiza, with at least two independent losses of photosynthesis, evidenced by gene deletions and pseudogenes in Co. striata and nongreen Co. maculata. All Corallorhiza show some evidence of degradation in genes of the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complex. Among genes with open reading frames, photosynthesis-related genes displayed evidence of neutral evolution in nongreen Corallorhiza, whereas genes of the ATP synthase complex displayed some evidence of positive selection in these same groups, though for reasons unknown. Corallorhiza spans the early stages of a general model of plastome degradation and has added critical insight for understanding the process of plastome evolution in heterotrophic angiosperms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig F Barrett
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles
| | - John V Freudenstein
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology and the Museum of Biological Diversity, Ohio State University
| | - Jeff Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles
| | | | - Leticia Perez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles
| | - J Chris Pires
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri
| | - Cristian Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
249
|
Piao X, Hou N, Cai P, Liu S, Wu C, Chen Q. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis shows extensive alternative RNA splicing in the zoonotic parasite Schistosoma japonicum. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:715. [PMID: 25156522 PMCID: PMC4203478 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma japonicum is a pathogen of the phylum Platyhelminthes that causes zoonotic schistosomiasis in China and Southeast Asian countries where a lack of efficient measures has hampered disease control. The development of tools for diagnosis of acute and chronic infection and for novel antiparasite reagents relies on understanding the biological mechanisms that the parasite exploits. RESULTS In this study, the polyadenylated transcripts from the male and female S. japonicum were sequenced using a high-throughput RNA-seq technique. Bioinformatic and experimental analyses focused on post-transcriptional RNA processing, which revealed extensive alternative splicing events in the adult stage of the parasite. The numbers of protein-coding sequences identified in the transcriptomes of the female and male S. japonicum were 15,939 and 19,501 respectively, which is more than predicted from the annotated genome sequence. Further, we identified four types of post-transcriptional processing, or alternative splicing, in both female and male worms of S. japonicum: exon skipping, intron retention, and alternative donor and acceptor sites. Unlike mammalian organisms, in S. japonicum, the alternative donor and acceptor sites were more common than the other two types of post-transcriptional processing. In total, respectively 13,438 and 16,507 alternative splicing events were predicted in the transcriptomes of female and male S. japonicum. CONCLUSIONS By using RNA-seq technology, we obtained the global transcriptomes of male and female S. japonicum. These results further provide a comprehensive view of the global transcriptome of S. japonicum. The findings of a substantial level of alternative splicing events dynamically occurring in S. japonicum parasitization of mammalian hosts suggest complicated transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms employed by the parasite. These data should not only significantly improve the re-annotation of the genome sequences but also should provide new information about the biology of the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Qijun Chen
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
250
|
Beckmann S, Long T, Scheld C, Geyer R, Caffrey CR, Grevelding CG. Serum albumin and α-1 acid glycoprotein impede the killing of Schistosoma mansoni by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Imatinib. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:287-95. [PMID: 25516839 PMCID: PMC4266805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Abl tyrosine-kinase inhibitor Imatinib is toxic to S. mansoni in vitro but not in vivo in rodents. Blood components like serum albumin and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) negated Imatinib’s toxicity in vitro. Erythromycin partially restored the toxicity of Imatinib in vitro. High levels of AGP upon infection make rodents poor models for examining some small molecule inhibitors.
In the search for new drugs and drug targets to treat the flatworm disease schistosomiasis, protein kinases (PKs) have come under particular scrutiny because of their essential roles in developmental and physiological processes in schistosome parasites. In this context the application of the anti-cancer Abl tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor Imatinib (Gleevec/Glivec; STI-571) to adult Schistosoma mansoni in vitro has indicated negative effects on diverse physiological processes including survival. Motivated by these in vitro findings, we performed in vivo experiments in rodent models of S. mansoni infection. Unexpectedly, Imatinib had no effect on worm burden or egg-production. We found that the blood components serum albumin (SA) and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP or orosomucoid) negated Imatinib’s deleterious effects on adult S. mansoni and schistosomula (post-infective larvae) in vitro. This negative effect was partially reversed by erythromycin. AGP synthesis can increase as a consequence of inflammatory processes or infection; in addition upon infection AGP levels are 6–8 times higher in mice compared to humans. Therefore, mice and probably other rodents are poor infection models for measuring the effects of Imatinib in vivo. Accordingly, we suggest the routine evaluation of the ability of AGP and SA to block in vitro anti-schistosomal effects of small molecules like Imatinib prior to laborious and expensive animal experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Beckmann
- BFS, Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thavy Long
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christina Scheld
- BFS, Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Geyer
- Institute for Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|