1
|
Rosa C, Asada M, Hakimi H, Domingos A, Pimentel M, Antunes S. Transient transfection of Babesia ovis using heterologous promoters. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101279. [PMID: 31481343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Babesia species, etiological agents of babesiosis, a recognized emerging tick-borne disease, are a significant animal and human health concern with a worldwide socio-economic impact. The development of genetic manipulation techniques, such as transfection technology, is pivotal to improve knowledge regarding the biology of these poorly studied parasites towards better disease control strategies. For Babesia ovis, responsible for ovine babesiosis, a tick-borne disease of small ruminants, these tools are not yet available. The present study was based on the existence of interchangeable cross-species functional promoters between Babesia species. Herein, we describe for the first time B. ovis transient transfection using two heterologous promoters, the ef-1α-B intergenic regions from B. bovis and B. ovata. Their ability to drive expression of a reporter luciferase in B. ovis supports their cross-species functionality. Also, the ef-1α-B promoter region from B. ovata resulted in statistically significantly higher luminescence values in comparison to the control, thus a possibly suitable promoter for stable gene expression. Evaluation of transfection efficiency using qPCR demonstrated that higher luminescence levels were due to promoter strength rather than a higher transfection efficiency. These findings represent a step forward in the development of methods for B. ovis genetic manipulation, an undoubtedly necessary tool to study this parasite basic biology, including its life cycle, the parasite interactions with host cells and virulence factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Rosa
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (IHMT-UNL), R. da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Masahito Asada
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Hassan Hakimi
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Ana Domingos
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (IHMT-UNL), R. da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal; Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008, Portugal
| | - Madalena Pimentel
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (IHMT-UNL), R. da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal; Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Galon EMS, Adjou Moumouni PF, Ybañez RHD, Ringo AE, Efstratiou A, Lee SH, Liu M, Guo H, Gao Y, Li J, Salces CB, Maurillo BCA, Boldbaatar D, Ybañez AP, Xuan X. First molecular detection and characterization of tick-borne pathogens in water buffaloes in Bohol, Philippines. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:815-821. [PMID: 30952580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The water buffalo industry is a vital part of the Philippine livestock economy and is an essential contributor to the developing local dairy industry. Although relatively less susceptible to diseases, water buffaloes can still be infected and can act as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). However, limited information is available regarding the prevalence of tick-borne infections in water buffaloes in the Philippines. This study was conducted to identify TBPs harbored by water buffaloes and to characterize these pathogens molecularly. One hundred water buffalo blood samples collected from three areas in Bohol, Visayas region, Philippines were screened for various TBPs using pathogen-specific PCR assays. TBPs were detected in 46% of the samples (39% singly infected, 7% coinfected). The pathogens detected were Anaplasma marginale (29%), Babesia bovis (21%), and B. bigemina (3%). None of the blood samples were positive for Theileria annulata, T. orientalis, and B. ovata. A. marginale infection rates were significantly higher (37.5%) among water buffaloes aged ≤6 years (P = 0.046) than those >6 years old (18.2%) and was detected only in Bulgarian Murrah (36.1%) and US Murrah (25.9%) breeds. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that groEL sequences of A. marginale were 100% identical with isolates from the Philippines (Batangas and Cebu) and China. Two B. bigemina RAP-1a gene sequences were identical to each other and were homologous with previous isolates from Thailand, Indonesia, Uruguay, and the Philippines. Moreover, four B. bovis SBP-2 partial sequences obtained in this study had 92.4-99.7% identities. This study is the first molecular detection and characterization of A. marginale, B. bigemina and B. bovis in water buffaloes in the Visayas region, and the first molecular confirmation of B. bovis infection in water buffaloes in the country. The findings presented in this study may serve as baseline data for crafting effective tick-borne disease surveillance and prevention programs in Bohol and in the Philippines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloiza May S Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Rochelle Haidee D Ybañez
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Aaron E Ringo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Artemis Efstratiou
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Seung-Hun Lee
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Huanping Guo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yang Gao
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Jixu Li
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Caro B Salces
- Philippine Carabao Center at Ubay Stock Farm, Ubay, 6315, Bohol, Philippines
| | | | | | - Adrian P Ybañez
- Institute of Molecular Parasitology and Vector-borne Diseases at Main Campus and College of Veterinary Medicine at Barili Campus, Cebu Technological University, Cor. M.J. Cuenco and R. Palma St., Cebu City, 6000, Cebu, Philippines; Regional Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Research and College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Lahug, Cebu City, 6000, Cebu, Philippines.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mtshali PS, Mtshali MS. In silico and phylogenetic analyses of partial BbRAP-1, BbCP2, BbSBP-4 and BbβTUB gene sequences of Babesia bovis isolates from cattle in South Africa. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:383. [PMID: 29216890 PMCID: PMC5721623 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1261-7] [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: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine babesiosis is one of the most economically important tick-borne diseases threatening the livestock industry globally including South Africa. This disease is induced by members of Babesia bovis species. Antigenic variations among geographical strains of B. bovis, and these heterogeneities are cited as the mechanism by which parasites evade from host immune system and they hamper the successful development of a single vaccine that could confer absolute protection. Given the economic importance of livestock industry in South Africa, the extent of genetic diversity among field isolates of B. bovis merits extensive investigation. In this study, we genetically characterized partial genes of B. bovis and studied the phylogenetic relationship among B. bovis isolates of South African origin. The genes, which were PCR-amplified from bovine samples collected from different locations across South Africa, coded for rhoptry-associated protein 1 (BbRAP-1), cysteine peptidase 2 (BbCP2), spherical body protein 4 (BbSBP-4) and β-tubulin (BbβTUB). Phylogenies were inferred from newly determined sequences using the neighbour-joining approach. Results Nested PCR assays with gene-specific primers indicated that, of the 54 bovine samples tested, 59.3% (32/54; 95% CI = 46.0–71.3%), 27.8% (15/54; 95% CI = 17.6–40.9%), 37.0% (20/54; 95% CI = 25.4–50.4%) and 29.6% (16/54; 95% CI = 19.1–42.8%) possessed BbRAP-1, BbCP2, BbSBP-4 and BbβTUB fragments, respectively. Sequencing of PCR-generated fragments revealed that nucleotide sequences of each of the four genes were highly conserved among the B. bovis isolates examined. Phylogenetic analyses of BbCP2, BbSBP-4 and BbβTUB sequences indicated a close phylogenetic relatedness among South African-derived sequences and those of global B. bovis strains. Conclusion The data reported in this study indicated that there is a high conservation among the genes of B. bovis isolates from cattle in South Africa. These findings give an indication that immunologically important proteins encoded by these genes could potentially be considered for exploitation as viable candidates for inclusion in recombinant subunit vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Senzo Mtshali
- Veterinary Parasitology Programme, Research and Scientific Services Department, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Moses Sibusiso Mtshali
- Veterinary Parasitology Programme, Research and Scientific Services Department, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. .,Parasitology Research Programme, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Niu Q, Bonsergent C, Rogniaux H, Guan G, Malandrin L, Moreau E. RAP-1a is the main rhoptry-associated-protein-1 (RAP-1) recognized during infection with Babesia sp. BQ1 (Lintan) (B. motasi-like phylogenetic group), a pathogen of sheep in China. Vet Parasitol 2016; 232:48-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
5
|
Niu Q, Marchand J, Yang C, Bonsergent C, Guan G, Yin H, Malandrin L. Rhoptry-associated protein (rap-1) genes in the sheep pathogen Babesia sp. Xinjiang: Multiple transcribed copies differing by 3' end repeated sequences. Vet Parasitol 2015; 211:158-69. [PMID: 26026806 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sheep babesiosis occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical areas. The sheep parasite Babesia sp. Xinjiang is widespread in China, and our goal is to characterize rap-1 (rhoptry-associated protein 1) gene diversity and expression as a first step of a long term goal aiming at developing a recombinant subunit vaccine. Seven different rap-1a genes were amplified in Babesia sp. Xinjiang, using degenerate primers designed from conserved motifs. Rap-1b and rap-1c gene types could not be identified. In all seven rap-1a genes, the 5' regions exhibited identical sequences over 936 nt, and the 3' regions differed at 28 positions over 147 nt, defining two types of genes designated α and β. The remaining 3' part varied from 72 to 360 nt in length, depending on the gene. This region consists of a succession of two to ten 36 nt repeats, which explains the size differences. Even if the nucleotide sequences varied, 6 repeats encoded the same stretch of amino acids. Transcription of at least four α and two β genes was demonstrated by standard RT-PCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingli Niu
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, LVRI, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Jordan Marchand
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - Congshan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, LVRI, Lanzhou, China
| | - Claire Bonsergent
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, LVRI, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, LVRI, Lanzhou, China
| | - Laurence Malandrin
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Molad T, Fleiderovitz L, Leibovitz B, Wolkomirsky R, Behar A, Markovics A. Differentiation between Israeli B. bovis vaccine strain and field isolates. Vet Parasitol 2015; 208:159-68. [PMID: 25636460 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study demonstrated for the first time the ability to distinguish between the Israeli Babesia bovis vaccine strain and field isolates. The existence of an additional EcoRI restriction site in the rhoptry-associated protein-1 (rap-1) gene, which is unique to the Israeli vaccine strain, and the abolition of one of the HaeIII restriction sites in the rap-1 gene of the vaccine strain enabled distinction between the Israeli B. bovis vaccine strain and field isolates, and this was the basis for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) development. ClustalW sequence alignment of RAP-1-deduced amino acids of the Israeli B. bovis strains and of field isolates showed that the total sequence identity among the RAP-1 amino acid sequences ranged from 97.5% to 100%. However, comparison between amino acids of RAP-1 of the Israeli vaccine strain and of field isolates, on the one hand, and B. bovis strains from Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and USA, on the other hand, revealed 90% identity. The PCR-RFLP assay offered the great advantage of being able to distinguish between vaccine and field isolates in mixtures and provide new insight into the molecular epidemiology of B. bovis infections in Israel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Molad
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - L Fleiderovitz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - B Leibovitz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - R Wolkomirsky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - A Behar
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - A Markovics
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Niu Q, Valentin C, Bonsergent C, Malandrin L. Strong conservation of rhoptry-associated-protein-1 (RAP-1) locus organization and sequence among Babesia isolates infecting sheep from China (Babesia motasi-like phylogenetic group). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 28:21-32. [PMID: 25200723 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rhoptry-associated-protein 1 (RAP-1) is considered as a potential vaccine candidate due to its involvement in red blood cell invasion by parasites in the genus Babesia. We examined its value as a vaccine candidate by studying RAP-1 conservation in isolates of Babesia sp. BQ1 Ningxian, Babesia sp. Tianzhu and Babesia sp. Hebei, responsible for ovine babesiosis in different regions of China. The rap-1 locus in these isolates has very similar features to those described for Babesia sp. BQ1 Lintan, another Chinese isolate also in the B. motasi-like phylogenetic group, namely the presence of three types of rap-1 genes (rap-1a, rap-1b and rap-1c), multiple conserved rap-1b copies (5) interspaced with more or less variable rap-1a copies (6), and the 3' localization of one rap-1c. The isolates Babesia sp. Tianzhu, Babesia sp. BQ1 Lintan and Ningxian were almost identical (average nucleotide identity of 99.9%) over a putative locus of about 31 Kb, including the intergenic regions. Babesia sp. Hebei showed a similar locus organization but differed in the rap-1 locus sequence, for each gene and intergenic region, with an average nucleotide identity of 78%. Our results are in agreement with 18S rDNA phylogenetic studies performed on these isolates. However, in extremely closely related isolates the rap-1 locus seems more conserved (99.9%) than the 18S rDNA (98.7%), whereas in still closely related isolates the identities are much lower (78%) compared with the 18S rDNA (97.7%). The particularities of the rap-1 locus in terms of evolution, phylogeny, diagnosis and vaccine development are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingli Niu
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - Charlotte Valentin
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - Claire Bonsergent
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | - Laurence Malandrin
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, CS 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR1300 BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Niu Q, Bonsergent C, Guan G, Yin H, Malandrin L. Sequence and organization of the rhoptry-associated-protein-1 (rap-1) locus for the sheep hemoprotozoan Babesia sp. BQ1 Lintan (B. motasi phylogenetic group). Vet Parasitol 2013; 198:24-38. [PMID: 24075419 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a frequent infection of animals worldwide by tick borne pathogen Babesia, and several species are responsible for ovine babesiosis. Recently, several Babesia motasi-like isolates were described in sheep in China. In this study, we sequenced the multigenic rap-1 gene locus of one of these isolates, Babesia sp. BQ1 Lintan. The RAP-1 proteins are involved in the process of red blood cells invasion and thus represent a potential target for vaccine development. A complex composition and organization of the rap-1 locus was discovered with: (1) the presence of 3 different types of rap-1 sequences (rap-1a, rap-1b and rap-1c); (2) the presence of multiple copies of rap-1a and rap-1b; (3) polymorphism among the rap-1a copies, with two classes (named rap-1a61 and rap-1a67) having a similarity of 95.7%, each class represented by two close variants; (4) polymorphism between rap-1a61-1 and rap-1a61-2 limited to three nucleotide positions; (5) a difference of eight nucleotides between rap-1a67-1 and rap-1a67-2 from position 1270 to the putative stop site of rap-1a67-1 which might produce two putative proteins of slightly different sizes; (6) the ratio of rap-1a copies corresponding to one rap-1a67, one rap-1a61-1 and one rap-1a61-2; (7) the presence of three different intergenic regions separating rap-1a, rap-1b and rap-1c; (8) interspacing of the rap-1a copies with rap-1b copies; and (9) the terminal position of rap-1c in the locus. A 31kb locus composed of 6 rap-1a sequences interspaced with 5 rap-1b sequences and with a terminal rap-1c copy was hypothesized. A strikingly similar sequence composition (rap-1a, rap-1b and rap-1c), as well as strong gene identities and similar locus organization with B. bigemina were found and highlight the conservation of synteny at this locus in this phylogenetic clade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingli Niu
- INRA, UMR1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health, BP 40706, F-44307 Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, UMR BioEpAR, F-44307 Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Genetic conservation of potentially immunogenic proteins among Brazilian isolates of Babesia bovis. Vet Parasitol 2012; 187:548-52. [PMID: 22309798 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bovis remains an important constraint for the development of cattle industries worldwide. Effective control can be achieved by vaccination with live attenuated phenotypes of the parasite. However, these vaccines have a number of drawbacks, which justifies the search for better, safer vaccines. In recent years, a number of parasite proteins with immunogenic potential have been discovered. However, there is little information on the genetic conservation of these proteins among different parasite isolates, which hinders their assessment as immunogens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the conservation of the genes ama-1, acs-1, rap-1, trap, p0 and msa2c among five Brazilian isolates of B. bovis. Through polymerase chain reaction, genetic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of the genes, a high degree of conservation (98-100%) was found among Brazilian isolates of B. bovis and the T2Bo isolate. Thus, these genes are worth considering as viable candidates to be included in a recombinant cocktail vaccine for cattle babesiosis caused by B. bovis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Baravalle M, Thompson C, de Echaide ST, Palacios C, Valentini B, Suárez C, Christensen MF, Echaide I. The novel protein BboRhop68 is expressed by intraerythrocytic stages of Babesia bovis. Parasitol Int 2010; 59:571-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2010] [Revised: 06/19/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
11
|
Bhoora R, Quan M, Zweygarth E, Guthrie AJ, Prinsloo SA, Collins NE. Sequence heterogeneity in the gene encoding the rhoptry-associated protein-1 (RAP-1) of Babesia caballi isolates from South Africa. Vet Parasitol 2010; 169:279-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 12/02/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
12
|
Transfection systems for Babesia bovis: A review of methods for the transient and stable expression of exogenous genes. Vet Parasitol 2010; 167:205-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
13
|
Yokoyama N, Okamura M, Igarashi I. Erythrocyte invasion by Babesia parasites: Current advances in the elucidation of the molecular interactions between the protozoan ligands and host receptors in the invasion stage. Vet Parasitol 2006; 138:22-32. [PMID: 16504403 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
During an asexual growth cycle of Babesia parasites in a natural host, the extracellular merozoites invade (i.e., attach to, penetrate, and internalize) the host erythrocytes (RBC) via multiple adhesive interactions of several protozoan ligands with the target receptors on the host cell surface. After internalizing the host RBC, they asexually multiply, egress from the RBC by rupturing the host cells, and then invade the new RBC again. In the invasion stage, several surface-coating molecules of merozoites might be involved in the initial attachment to the RBC, while proteins secreted from apical organelles (rhoptry, microneme, and spherical body) are proposed to play roles mainly in erythrocyte penetration or internalization. On the other hand, several components located on the surface of the RBC, such as sialic acid residues, protease-sensitive proteins, or sulphated glycosaminoglycans, are identified or suspected as the host receptors of erythrocyte invasion by Babesia parasites. The detailed molecular interactions between Babesia merozoites and the host RBC are incompletely understood. In this review, these identified or suspected molecules (protozoan ligands/erythrocyte receptors) are described by especially focusing on Babesia bovis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Suarez CE, Palmer GH, LeRoith T, Florin-Christensen M, Crabb B, McElwain TF. Intergenic regions in the rhoptry associated protein-1 (rap-1) locus promote exogenous gene expression in Babesia bovis. Int J Parasitol 2004; 34:1177-84. [PMID: 15380689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2004.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2004] [Revised: 06/30/2004] [Accepted: 07/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Members of the Babesiarap-1 gene family are expressed during multiple parasite stages, and are regulated by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. In all Babesia species, tandemly arranged rap-1 gene copies are separated by an intergenic (IG) region that is hypothesized to regulate gene expression. In this study, we tested that hypothesis by determining whether the Babesia bovisrap-1 IG region could promote extra-chromosomal expression of exogenous genes introduced into merozoites by transfection, and whether a tandem arrangement of IG regions similar to the rap-1 locus enhances exogenous gene expression. Initially, electroporation conditions of B. bovis parasites were determined using expression of the reporter luciferase gene. Both B. bovis transfected by electroporation and Escherichia coli transformed with plasmid p40-15-luc containing the luciferase gene under the control of the B. bovisrap-1 IG and 3' flanking regions were able to express luciferase, indicating that the rap-1 IG region contains a functional promoter. The chromosomal organization of the B. bovisrap-1 locus includes two identical rap-1 open reading frames and IG regions in a head to tail orientation. To determine whether this orientation enhanced expression of exogenous genes, plasmid constructs containing two rap-1-IG regions controlling expression of the luc and human dihydrofolate reductase (hdhfr) genes, and oriented either in head to head (pLuc-H-13) or head to tail (pLuc-H-18) arrangement, were compared. The head to tail orientation of the gene cassettes resulted in a significant increase in the level of luciferase as compared to either head to head orientation or a single IG region construct (p40-15-luc). Thus, an organization that mimics the native structure of the rap-1 locus results in enhanced luciferase expression. These results are the first to demonstrate exogenous gene expression in B. bovis after transfection, and to confirm that the B. bovisrap-1 IG region can promote extra-chromosomal gene expression in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Suarez
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Suarez CE, Palmer GH, Florin-Christensen M, Hines SA, Hötzel I, McElwain TF. Organization, transcription, and expression of rhoptry associated protein genes in the Babesia bigemina rap-1 locus. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2003; 127:101-12. [PMID: 12672519 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(02)00311-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The Babesia bigemina rap-1 gene locus contains five tandemly arranged copies of rap-1a genes. However, the size of the locus, as defined by conserved, unrelated orfs at the 5' and 3' ends, suggests that additional genes may be present. In this study, we identified all additional genes in the locus and characterized their pattern of expression in merozoites. The rap-1a genes are separated by 3.38-kbp intergenic (IG) regions, each of which contains an identical copy of a related gene designated rap-1b. One additional copy of rap-1b and one copy of another related gene designated rap-1c is present in the 3' end of the locus. Common sequence features that define the Babesia rap-1 family are present in rap-1b and rap-1c, but otherwise these genes average only 27% identity to rap-1a. Homologues of the rap-1b and rap-1c genes identified in diverse B. bigemina strains have a high degree of predicted amino acid sequence conservation (averaging >90%), with the largest number of changes in the carboxyl end of RAP-1c. We tested whether all rap-1 genes in the locus are co-transcribed in merozoites using RT-PCR, Northern blots, and quantitative real-time PCR. Rap-1a genes produce the most abundant transcripts of the family, while rap-1b transcripts are the least abundant despite the large number of gene copies. Similar patterns of transcription were observed whether merozoites were obtained from in vitro cultures or in vivo infection. Immunoblot analysis of merozoites revealed the expected RAP-1a expression but failed to detect expressed RAP-1b and RAP-1c, indicating that expression of the rap-1 genes is regulated both at the transcriptional and translational levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Suarez
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Swan DG, Stern R, McKellar S, Phillips K, Oura CA, Karagenc TI, Stadler L, Shiels BR. Characterisation of a cluster of genes encoding Theileria annulata AT hook DNA-binding proteins and evidence for localisation to the host cell nucleus. J Cell Sci 2001; 114:2747-54. [PMID: 11683409 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.114.15.2747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection of bovine leukocytes by the apicomplexan parasite Theileria annulata results in alteration of host cell gene expression and stimulation of host cell proliferation. At present, the parasite-derived factors involved in these processes are unknown. Recently, we described the characterisation of a parasite gene (TashAT2), whose polypeptide product bears AT hook DNA-binding motifs and may be transported from the parasite to the host nucleus. We now describe the isolation of a further two genes (TashAT1 and TashAT3) that are very closely related to TashAT2. All three TashAT genes are located together in a tight cluster, interspersed by two further small open reading frames, all facing head to tail. TashAT2 was shown to be expressed in all T. annulata cell lines examined, whereas TashAT1 and TashAT3 were expressed in the sporozoite stage of the parasite, and also in infected cell lines, where their expression was found to vary between different cell lines. Evidence for transport was provided by antisera raised against TashAT1 and TashAT3 that reacted with the host nucleus of T. annulata-infected cells. Reactivity was particularly strong against the host nuclei of the T. annulata-infected cloned cell line D7B12, which is attenuated for differentiation. A polypeptide in the size range predicted for TashAT3 was preferentially detected in host enriched D7B12 nuclear extracts. DNA-binding analysis demonstrated that fusion proteins containing the AT hook region of either TashAT1 or TashAT2 bound preferentially to AT rich DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D G Swan
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|