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Walter-Nuno AB, Taracena-Agarwal M, Oliveira MP, Oliveira MF, Oliveira PL, Paiva-Silva GO. Export of heme by the feline leukemia virus C receptor regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and redox balance in the hematophagous insect Rhodnius prolixus. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23691. [PMID: 38780525 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301671rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Heme is a prosthetic group of proteins involved in vital physiological processes. It participates, for example, in redox reactions crucial for cell metabolism due to the variable oxidation state of its central iron atom. However, excessive heme can be cytotoxic due to its prooxidant properties. Therefore, the control of intracellular heme levels ensures the survival of organisms, especially those that deal with high concentrations of heme during their lives, such as hematophagous insects. The export of heme initially attributed to the feline leukemia virus C receptor (FLVCR) has recently been called into question, following the discovery of choline uptake by the same receptor in mammals. Here, we found that RpFLVCR is a heme exporter in the midgut of the hematophagous insect Rhodnius prolixus, a vector for Chagas disease. Silencing RpFLVCR decreased hemolymphatic heme levels and increased the levels of intracellular dicysteinyl-biliverdin, indicating heme retention inside midgut cells. FLVCR silencing led to increased expression of heme oxygenase (HO), ferritin, and mitoferrin mRNAs while downregulating the iron importers Malvolio 1 and 2. In contrast, HO gene silencing increased FLVCR and Malvolio expression and downregulated ferritin, revealing crosstalk between heme degradation/export and iron transport/storage pathways. Furthermore, RpFLVCR silencing strongly increased oxidant production and lipid peroxidation, reduced cytochrome c oxidase activity, and activated mitochondrial biogenesis, effects not observed in RpHO-silenced insects. These data support FLVCR function as a heme exporter, playing a pivotal role in heme/iron metabolism and maintenance of redox balance, especially in an organism adapted to face extremely high concentrations of heme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Beatriz Walter-Nuno
- Instituto de Bioquimica Medica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mabel Taracena-Agarwal
- Instituto de Bioquimica Medica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matheus P Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquimica Medica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcus F Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquimica Medica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro L Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquimica Medica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela O Paiva-Silva
- Instituto de Bioquimica Medica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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2
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Kloc M, Halasa M, Ghobrial RM. Macrophage niche imprinting as a determinant of macrophage identity and function. Cell Immunol 2024; 399-400:104825. [PMID: 38648700 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2024.104825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Macrophage niches are the anatomical locations within organs or tissues consisting of various cells, intercellular and extracellular matrix, transcription factors, and signaling molecules that interact to influence macrophage self-maintenance, phenotype, and behavior. The niche, besides physically supporting macrophages, imposes a tissue- and organ-specific identity on the residing and infiltrating monocytes and macrophages. In this review, we give examples of macrophage niches and the modes of communication between macrophages and surrounding cells. We also describe how macrophages, acting against their immune defensive nature, can create a hospitable niche for pathogens and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Kloc
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Transplant Immunology, Houston, TX, USA; Houston Methodist Hospital, Department of Surgery, Houston, TX, USA; University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Genetics, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Marta Halasa
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Transplant Immunology, Houston, TX, USA; Houston Methodist Hospital, Department of Surgery, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rafik M Ghobrial
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Transplant Immunology, Houston, TX, USA; Houston Methodist Hospital, Department of Surgery, Houston, TX, USA
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3
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Yu F, Wang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou J, Li J, Chen J, Du G, Zhao X. Biosynthesis, acquisition, regulation, and upcycling of heme: recent advances. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38228501 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2291339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Heme, an iron-containing tetrapyrrole in hemoproteins, including: hemoglobin, myoglobin, catalase, cytochrome c, and cytochrome P450, plays critical physiological roles in different organisms. Heme-derived chemicals, such as biliverdin, bilirubin, and phycocyanobilin, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have shown great potential in fighting viruses and diseases. Therefore, more and more attention has been paid to the biosynthesis of hemoproteins and heme derivatives, which depends on the adequate heme supply in various microbial cell factories. The enhancement of endogenous biosynthesis and exogenous uptake can improve the intracellular heme supply, but the excess free heme is toxic to the cells. Therefore, based on the heme-responsive regulators, several sensitive biosensors were developed to fine-tune the intracellular levels of heme. In this review, recent advances in the: biosynthesis, acquisition, regulation, and upcycling of heme were summarized to provide a solid foundation for the efficient production and application of high-value-added hemoproteins and heme derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xinrui Zhao
- Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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4
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Juez-Castillo G, Valencia-Vidal B, Orrego LM, Cabello-Donayre M, Montosa-Hidalgo L, Pérez-Victoria JM. FiCRoN, a deep learning-based algorithm for the automatic determination of intracellular parasite burden from fluorescence microscopy images. Med Image Anal 2024; 91:103036. [PMID: 38016388 DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2023.103036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Protozoan parasites are responsible for dramatic, neglected diseases. The automatic determination of intracellular parasite burden from fluorescence microscopy images is a challenging problem. Recent advances in deep learning are transforming this process, however, high-performance algorithms have not been developed. The limitations in image acquisition, especially for intracellular parasites, make this process complex. For this reason, traditional image-processing methods are not easily transferred between different datasets and segmentation-based strategies do not have a high performance. Here, we propose a novel method FiCRoN, based on fully convolutional regression networks (FCRNs), as a promising new tool for estimating intracellular parasite burden. This estimation requires three values, intracellular parasites, infected cells and uninfected cells. FiCRoN solves this problem as multi-task learning: counting by regression at two scales, a smaller one for intracellular parasites and a larger one for host cells. It does not use segmentation or detection, resulting in a higher generalization of counting tasks and, therefore, a decrease in error propagation. Linear regression reveals an excellent correlation coefficient between manual and automatic methods. FiCRoN is an innovative freedom-respecting image analysis software based on deep learning, designed to provide a fast and accurate quantification of parasite burden, also potentially useful as a single-cell counter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Juez-Castillo
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientìficas, (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Research Group Osiris&Bioaxis, Faculty of Engineering, El Bosque University, 110121 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Brayan Valencia-Vidal
- Research Group Osiris&Bioaxis, Faculty of Engineering, El Bosque University, 110121 Bogotá, Colombia; Department of Computer Engineering, Automation and Robotics, Research Centre for Information and Communication Technologies, University of Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain.
| | - Lina M Orrego
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientìficas, (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - María Cabello-Donayre
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientìficas, (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, 26006 La Rioja, Spain
| | - Laura Montosa-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientìficas, (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - José M Pérez-Victoria
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientìficas, (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
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5
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Goto Y, Ito T, Ghosh S, Mukherjee B. Access and utilization of host-derived iron by Leishmania parasites. J Biochem 2023; 175:17-24. [PMID: 37830941 PMCID: PMC10771036 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is involved in many biochemical processes including oxygen transport, ATP production, DNA synthesis and antioxidant defense. The importance of iron also applies to Leishmania parasites, an intracellular protozoan pathogen causing leishmaniasis. Leishmania are heme-auxotrophs, devoid of iron storage proteins and the heme synthesis pathway. Acquisition of iron and heme from the surrounding niche is thus critical for the intracellular survival of Leishmania inside the host macrophages. Moreover, Leishmania parasites are also exposed to oxidative stress within phagolysosomes of macrophages in mammalian hosts, and they need iron superoxide dismutase for overcoming this stress. Therefore, untangling the strategy adopted by these parasites for iron acquisition and utilization can be good targets for the development of antileishmanial drugs. Here, in this review, we will address how Leishmania parasites acquire and utilize iron and heme during infection to macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Goto
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsumi Ito
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Souradeepa Ghosh
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Budhaditya Mukherjee
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
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6
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Goes WM, Brasil CRF, Reis-Cunha JL, Coqueiro-Dos-Santos A, Grazielle-Silva V, de Souza Reis J, Souto TC, Laranjeira-Silva MF, Bartholomeu DC, Fernandes AP, Teixeira SMR. Complete assembly, annotation of virulence genes and CRISPR editing of the genome of Leishmania amazonensis PH8 strain. Genomics 2023; 115:110661. [PMID: 37263313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We report the sequencing and assembly of the PH8 strain of Leishmania amazonensis one of the etiological agents of leishmaniasis. After combining data from long Pacbio reads, short Illumina reads and synteny with the Leishmania mexicana genome, the sequence of 34 chromosomes with 8317 annotated genes was generated. Multigene families encoding three virulence factors, A2, amastins and the GP63 metalloproteases, were identified and compared to their annotation in other Leishmania species. As they have been recently recognized as virulence factors essential for disease establishment and progression of the infection, we also identified 14 genes encoding proteins involved in parasite iron and heme metabolism and compared to genes from other Trypanosomatids. To follow these studies with a genetic approach to address the role of virulence factors, we tested two CRISPR-Cas9 protocols to generate L. amazonensis knockout cell lines, using the Miltefosine transporter gene as a proof of concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanessa Moreira Goes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Carlos Rodolpho Ferreira Brasil
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - João Luis Reis-Cunha
- Departamento de Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil; Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Anderson Coqueiro-Dos-Santos
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Viviane Grazielle-Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Júlia de Souza Reis
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Cristina Souto
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Laranjeira-Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Daniella Castanheira Bartholomeu
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Fernandes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil; Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Rua Professor José Vieira de Mendonça 770, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31.210-360, Brazil
| | - Santuza Maria Ribeiro Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil; Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Rua Professor José Vieira de Mendonça 770, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31.210-360, Brazil.
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Chen C, Hamza I. Notes from the Underground: Heme Homeostasis in C. elegans. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1149. [PMID: 37509184 PMCID: PMC10377359 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme is an iron-containing tetrapyrrole that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including oxygen transport, electron transport, signal transduction, and catalysis. However, free heme is hydrophobic and potentially toxic to cells. Organisms have evolved specific pathways to safely transport this essential but toxic macrocycle within and between cells. The bacterivorous soil-dwelling nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful animal model for studying heme-trafficking pathways, as it lacks the ability to synthesize heme but instead relies on specialized trafficking pathways to acquire, distribute, and utilize heme. Over the past 15 years, studies on this microscopic animal have led to the identification of a number of heme-trafficking proteins, with corresponding functional homologs in vertebrates. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the heme-trafficking proteins identified in C. elegans and their corresponding homologs in related organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyong Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Iqbal Hamza
- Center for Blood Oxygen Transport and Hemostasis, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Genetic Iron Overload Hampers Development of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021669. [PMID: 36675185 PMCID: PMC9864902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival, growth, and virulence of Leishmania spp., a group of protozoan parasites, depends on the proper access and regulation of iron. Macrophages, Leishmania's host cell, may divert iron traffic by reducing uptake or by increasing the efflux of iron via the exporter ferroportin. This parasite has adapted by inhibiting the synthesis and inducing the degradation of ferroportin. To study the role of iron in leishmaniasis, we employed Hjv-/- mice, a model of hemochromatosis. The disruption of hemojuvelin (Hjv) abrogates the expression of the iron hormone hepcidin. This allows unrestricted iron entry into the plasma from ferroportin-expressing intestinal epithelial cells and tissue macrophages, resulting in systemic iron overload. Mice were injected with Leishmania major in hind footpads or intraperitoneally. Compared with wild-type controls, Hjv-/- mice displayed transient delayed growth of L. major in hind footpads, with a significant difference in parasite burden 4 weeks post-infection. Following acute intraperitoneal exposure to L. major, Hjv-/- peritoneal cells manifested increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (Il1b, Tnfa, Cxcl2, and Ccl2). In response to infection with L. infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, Hjv-/- and control mice developed similar liver and splenic parasite burden despite vastly different tissue iron content and ferroportin expression. Thus, genetic iron overload due to hemojuvelin deficiency appears to mitigate the early development of only cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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New Insights on Heme Uptake in Leishmania spp. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810501. [PMID: 36142411 PMCID: PMC9504327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Leishmania, responsible for leishmaniasis, is one of the few aerobic organisms that cannot synthesize the essential molecule heme. Therefore, it has developed specialized pathways to scavenge it from its host. In recent years, some proteins involved in the import of heme, such as LHR1 and LFLVCRB, have been identified, but relevant aspects regarding the process remain unknown. Here, we characterized the kinetics of the uptake of the heme analogue Zn(II) Mesoporphyrin IX (ZnMP) in Leishmania major promastigotes as a model of a parasite causing cutaneous leishmaniasis with special focus on the force that drives the process. We found that ZnMP uptake is an active, inducible, and pH-dependent process that does not require a plasma membrane proton gradient but requires the presence of the monovalent cations Na+ and/or K+. In addition, we demonstrated that this parasite can efflux this porphyrin against a concentration gradient. We also found that ZnMP uptake differs among different dermotropic or viscerotropic Leishmania species and does not correlate with LHR1 or LFLVCRB expression levels. Finally, we showed that these transporters have only partially overlapping functions. Altogether, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of an important process in the biology of this parasite.
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Boy RL, Hong A, Aoki JI, Floeter-Winter LM, Laranjeira-Silva MF. Reporter gene systems: a powerful tool for Leishmania studies. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2022; 3:100165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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Wang Z, Zeng P, Zhou B. Identification and characterization of a heme exporter from the MRP family in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Biol 2022; 20:126. [PMID: 35655259 PMCID: PMC9161523 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The heme group constitutes a major functional form of iron, which plays vital roles in various biological processes including oxygen transport and mitochondrial respiration. Heme is an essential nutrient, but its pro-oxidant nature may have toxic cellular effects if present at high levels, and its synthesis is therefore tightly regulated. Deficiency and excess of heme both lead to pathological processes; however, our current understanding of metazoan heme transport is largely limited to work in mammals and the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, while functional analyses of heme transport in the genetically amenable Drosophila melanogaster and other arthropods have not been explored. RESULTS We implemented a functional screening in Schneider 2 (S2) cells to identify putative heme transporters of D. melanogaster. A few multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) members were found to be induced by hemin and/or involved in heme export. Between the two plasma membrane-resident heme exporters CG4562 and CG7627, the former is responsible for heme transit across the intestinal epithelium. CG4562 knockdown resulted in heme accumulation in the intestine and lethality that could be alleviated by heme synthesis inhibition, human MRP5 (hMRP5) expression, heme oxygenase (HO) expression, or zinc supplement. CG4562 is mainly expressed in the gastric caeca and the anterior part of the midgut, suggesting this is the major site of heme absorption. It thus appears that CG4562 is the functional counterpart of mammalian MRP5. Mutation analyses in the transmembrane and nucleotide binding domains of CG4562 characterized some potential binding sites and conservative ATP binding pockets for the heme transport process. Furthermore, some homologs in Aedes aegypti, including that of CG4562, have also been characterized as heme exporters. CONCLUSIONS Together, our findings suggest a conserved heme homeostasis mechanism within insects, and between insects and mammals. We propose the fly model may be a good complement to the existing platforms of heme studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Peng Zeng
- Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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12
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Ansari I, Basak R, Mukhopadhyay A. Hemoglobin Endocytosis and Intracellular Trafficking: A Novel Way of Heme Acquisition by Leishmania. Pathogens 2022; 11:585. [PMID: 35631106 PMCID: PMC9143042 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania species are causative agents of human leishmaniasis, affecting 12 million people annually. Drugs available for leishmaniasis are toxic, and no vaccine is available. Thus, the major thrust is to identify new therapeutic targets. Leishmania is an auxotroph for heme and must acquire heme from the host for its survival. Thus, the major focus has been to understand the heme acquisition process by the parasites in the last few decades. It is conceivable that the parasite is possibly obtaining heme from host hemoprotein, as free heme is not available in the host. Current understanding indicates that Leishmania internalizes hemoglobin (Hb) through a specific receptor by a clathrin-mediated endocytic process and targets it to the parasite lysosomes via the Rab5 and Rab7 regulated endocytic pathway, where it is degraded to generate intracellular heme that is used by the parasite. Subsequently, intra-lysosomal heme is initially transported to the cytosol and is finally delivered to the mitochondria via different heme transporters. Studies using different null mutant parasites showed that these receptors and transporters are essential for the survival of the parasite. Thus, the heme acquisition process in Leishmania may be exploited for the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amitabha Mukhopadhyay
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India; (I.A.); (R.B.)
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Kořený L, Oborník M, Horáková E, Waller RF, Lukeš J. The convoluted history of haem biosynthesis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:141-162. [PMID: 34472688 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The capacity of haem to transfer electrons, bind diatomic gases, and catalyse various biochemical reactions makes it one of the essential biomolecules on Earth and one that was likely used by the earliest forms of cellular life. Since the description of haem biosynthesis, our understanding of this multi-step pathway has been almost exclusively derived from a handful of model organisms from narrow taxonomic contexts. Recent advances in genome sequencing and functional studies of diverse and previously neglected groups have led to discoveries of alternative routes of haem biosynthesis that deviate from the 'classical' pathway. In this review, we take an evolutionarily broad approach to illuminate the remarkable diversity and adaptability of haem synthesis, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, showing the range of strategies that organisms employ to obtain and utilise haem. In particular, the complex evolutionary histories of eukaryotes that involve multiple endosymbioses and horizontal gene transfers are reflected in the mosaic origin of numerous metabolic pathways with haem biosynthesis being a striking case. We show how different evolutionary trajectories and distinct life strategies resulted in pronounced tensions and differences in the spatial organisation of the haem biosynthesis pathway, in some cases leading to a complete loss of a haem-synthesis capacity and, rarely, even loss of a requirement for haem altogether.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luděk Kořený
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, U.K
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice (Budweis), 370 05, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská, České Budějovice (Budweis), 31, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Horáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice (Budweis), 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, U.K
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice (Budweis), 370 05, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská, České Budějovice (Budweis), 31, Czech Republic
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Perner J, Hatalova T, Cabello-Donayre M, Urbanova V, Sojka D, Frantova H, Hartmann D, Jirsova D, Pérez-Victoria JM, Kopacek P. Haem-responsive gene transporter enables mobilization of host haem in ticks. Open Biol 2021; 11:210048. [PMID: 34465215 PMCID: PMC8437232 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks, notorious blood-feeders and disease-vectors, have lost a part of their genetic complement encoding haem biosynthetic enzymes and are, therefore, dependent on the acquisition and distribution of host haem. Solute carrier protein SLC48A1, aka haem-responsive gene 1 protein (HRG1), has been implicated in haem transport, regulating the availability of intracellular haem. HRG1 transporter has been identified in both free-living and parasitic organisms ranging from unicellular kinetoplastids, nematodes, up to vertebrates. However, an HRG1 homologue in the arthropod lineage has not yet been identified. We have identified a single HRG1 homologue in the midgut transcriptome of the tick Ixodes ricinus, denoted as IrHRG, and have elucidated its role as a haem transporter. Data from haem biosynthesis-deficient yeast growth assays, systemic RNA interference and the evaluation of gallium protoporphyrin IX-mediated toxicity through tick membrane feeding clearly show that IrHRG is the bona fide tetrapyrrole transporter. We argue that during evolution, ticks profited from retaining a functional hrg1 gene in the genome because its protein product facilitates host haem escort from intracellularly digested haemoglobin, rendering haem bioavailable for a haem-dependent network of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - T. Hatalova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - M. Cabello-Donayre
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine ‘López-Neyra’, CSIC, (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - V. Urbanova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - D. Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - H. Frantova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - D. Hartmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - D. Jirsova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - J. M. Pérez-Victoria
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine ‘López-Neyra’, CSIC, (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - P. Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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Kirti A, Sharma M, Rani K, Bansal A. CRISPRing protozoan parasites to better understand the biology of diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 180:21-68. [PMID: 33934837 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Precise gene editing techniques are paramount to gain deeper insights into the biological processes such as host-parasite interactions, drug resistance mechanisms, and gene-function relationships. Discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 system has spearheaded mechanistic understanding of protozoan parasite biology as evident from the number of reports in the last decade. Here, we have described the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in understanding the biology of medically important protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Babesia and Trichomonas. In spite of intrinsic difficulties in genome editing in these protozoan parasites, CRISPR-Cas9 has acted as a catalyst for faster generation of desired transgenic parasites. Modifications in the CRISPR-Cas9 system for improving the efficiency have been useful in better understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with repair of double strand breaks in the parasites. Moreover, improvement in reagents used for CRISPR mediated gene editing have been instrumental in addressing the issue of non-specificity and toxicity for therapeutic use. These application-based modifications may help in further increasing the efficiency of gene editing in protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Kirti
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Manish Sharma
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Rani
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhisheka Bansal
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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16
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Pagura L, Tevere E, Merli ML, Cricco JA. A new model for Trypanosoma cruzi heme homeostasis depends on modulation of TcHTE protein expression. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:13202-13212. [PMID: 32709751 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme is an essential cofactor for many biological processes in aerobic organisms, which can synthesize it de novo through a conserved pathway. Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, as well as other trypanosomatids relevant to human health, are heme auxotrophs, meaning they must import it from their mammalian hosts or insect vectors. However, how these species import and regulate heme levels is not fully defined yet. It is known that the membrane protein TcHTE is involved in T. cruzi heme transport, although its specific role remains unclear. In the present work, we studied endogenous TcHTE in the different life cycle stages of the parasite to gain insight into its function in heme transport and homeostasis. We have confirmed that TcHTE is predominantly detected in replicative stages (epimastigote and amastigote), in which heme transport activity was previously validated. We also showed that in epimastigotes, TcHTE protein and mRNA levels decrease in response to increments in heme concentration, confirming it as a member of the heme response gene family. Finally, we demonstrated that T. cruzi epimastigotes can sense intracellular heme by an unknown mechanism and regulate heme transport to adapt to changing conditions. Based on these results, we propose a model in which T. cruzi senses intracellular heme and regulates heme transport activity by adjusting the expression of TcHTE. The elucidation and characterization of heme transport and homeostasis will contribute to a better understanding of a critical pathway for T. cruzi biology allowing the identification of novel and essential proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Pagura
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Evelyn Tevere
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Marcelo L Merli
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Julia A Cricco
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina; Área Biofísica, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina.
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López-López E, Barrientos-Salcedo C, Prieto-Martínez FD, Medina-Franco JL. In silico tools to study molecular targets of neglected diseases: inhibition of TcSir2rp3, an epigenetic enzyme of Trypanosoma cruzi. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 122:203-229. [PMID: 32951812 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing interest to study and address neglected tropical diseases (NTD). To this end, in silico methods can serve as the bridge that connects academy and industry, encouraging the development of future treatments against these diseases. This chapter discusses current challenges in the development of new therapies, available computational methods and successful cases in computer-aided design with particular focus on human trypanosomiasis. Novel targets are also discussed. As a case study, we identify amentoflavone as a potential inhibitor of TcSir2rp3 (sirtuine) from Trypanosoma cruzi (20.03 μM) with a workflow that integrates chemoinformatic approaches, molecular modeling, and theoretical affinity calculations, as well as in vitro assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar López-López
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico; Department of Pharmacology, Center of Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Fernando D Prieto-Martínez
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José L Medina-Franco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
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18
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Kloehn J, Harding CR, Soldati-Favre D. Supply and demand-heme synthesis, salvage and utilization by Apicomplexa. FEBS J 2020; 288:382-404. [PMID: 32530125 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The Apicomplexa phylum groups important human and animal pathogens that cause severe diseases, encompassing malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. In common with most organisms, apicomplexans rely on heme as cofactor for several enzymes, including cytochromes of the electron transport chain. This heme derives from de novo synthesis and/or the development of uptake mechanisms to scavenge heme from their host. Recent studies have revealed that heme synthesis is essential for Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites, as well as for the mosquito and liver stages of Plasmodium spp. In contrast, the erythrocytic stages of the malaria parasites rely on scavenging heme from the host red blood cell. The unusual heme synthesis pathway in Apicomplexa spans three cellular compartments and comprises enzymes of distinct ancestral origin, providing promising drug targets. Remarkably given the requirement for heme, T. gondii can tolerate the loss of several heme synthesis enzymes at a high fitness cost, while the ferrochelatase is essential for survival. These findings indicate that T. gondii is capable of salvaging heme precursors from its host. Furthermore, heme is implicated in the activation of the key antimalarial drug artemisinin. Recent findings established that a reduction in heme availability corresponds to decreased sensitivity to artemisinin in T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, providing insights into the possible development of combination therapies to tackle apicomplexan parasites. This review describes the microeconomics of heme in Apicomplexa, from supply, either from de novo synthesis or scavenging, to demand by metabolic pathways, including the electron transport chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Clare R Harding
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
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Deda DK, Iglesias BA, Alves E, Araki K, Garcia CRS. Porphyrin Derivative Nanoformulations for Therapy and Antiparasitic Agents. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25092080. [PMID: 32365664 PMCID: PMC7249045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25092080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Porphyrins and analogous macrocycles exhibit interesting photochemical, catalytic, and luminescence properties demonstrating high potential in the treatment of several diseases. Among them can be highlighted the possibility of application in photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial/antiparasitic PDT, for example, of malaria parasite. However, the low efficiency generally associated with their low solubility in water and bioavailability have precluded biomedical applications. Nanotechnology can provide efficient strategies to enhance bioavailability and incorporate targeted delivery properties to conventional pharmaceuticals, enhancing the effectiveness and reducing the toxicity, thus improving the adhesion to the treatment. In this way, those limitations can be overcome by using two main strategies: (1) Incorporation of hydrophilic substituents into the macrocycle ring while controlling the interaction with biological systems and (2) by including them in nanocarriers and delivery nanosystems. This review will focus on antiparasitic drugs based on porphyrin derivatives developed according to these two strategies, considering their vast and increasing applications befitting the multiple roles of these compounds in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana K. Deda
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, Butanta, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil; (D.K.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Bernardo A. Iglesias
- Bioinorganic and Porphyrinoid Materials Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil;
| | - Eduardo Alves
- Department of Life Science, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Koiti Araki
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, Butanta, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil; (D.K.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Celia R. S. Garcia
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-2648-0954
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20
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Laranjeira-Silva MF, Hamza I, Pérez-Victoria JM. Iron and Heme Metabolism at the Leishmania-Host Interface. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:279-289. [PMID: 32005611 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Species of the protozoan Leishmania are causative agents of human leishmaniasis, a disease that results in significant death, disability, and disfigurement around the world. The parasite is transmitted to a mammalian host by a sand fly vector where it develops as an intracellular parasite within macrophages. This process requires the acquisition of nutritional iron and heme from the host as Leishmania lacks the capacity for de novo heme synthesis and does not contain cytosolic iron-storage proteins. Proteins involved in Leishmania iron and heme transport and metabolism have been identified and shown to be crucial for the parasite's growth and replication within the host. Consequently, a detailed understanding of how these parasites harness host pathways for survival may lay the foundation for promising new therapeutic intervention against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iqbal Hamza
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - José M Pérez-Victoria
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina 'López-Neyra', CSIC, (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
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21
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Krishnan A, Kloehn J, Lunghi M, Soldati-Favre D. Vitamin and cofactor acquisition in apicomplexans: Synthesis versus salvage. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:701-714. [PMID: 31767680 PMCID: PMC6970920 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.aw119.008150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Apicomplexa phylum comprises diverse parasitic organisms that have evolved from a free-living ancestor. These obligate intracellular parasites exhibit versatile metabolic capabilities reflecting their capacity to survive and grow in different hosts and varying niches. Determined by nutrient availability, they either use their biosynthesis machineries or largely depend on their host for metabolite acquisition. Because vitamins cannot be synthesized by the mammalian host, the enzymes required for their synthesis in apicomplexan parasites represent a large repertoire of potential therapeutic targets. Here, we review recent advances in metabolic reconstruction and functional studies coupled to metabolomics that unravel the interplay between biosynthesis and salvage of vitamins and cofactors in apicomplexans. A particular emphasis is placed on Toxoplasma gondii, during both its acute and latent stages of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Matteo Lunghi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland
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Orrego LM, Cabello-Donayre M, Vargas P, Martínez-García M, Sánchez C, Pineda-Molina E, Jiménez M, Molina R, Pérez-Victoria JM. Heme synthesis through the life cycle of the heme auxotrophic parasite Leishmania major. FASEB J 2019; 33:13367-13385. [PMID: 31553893 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901274rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Heme is an essential molecule synthetized through a broadly conserved 8-step route that has been lost in trypanosomatid parasites. Interestingly, Leishmania reacquired by horizontal gene transfer from γ-proteobacteria the genes coding for the last 3 enzymes of the pathway. Here we show that intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania major can scavenge heme precursors from the host cell to fulfill their heme requirements, demonstrating the functionality of this partial pathway. To dissect its role throughout the L. major life cycle, the significance of L. major ferrochelatase (LmFeCH), the terminal enzyme of the route, was evaluated. LmFeCH expression in a heterologous system demonstrated its activity. Knockout promastigotes lacking lmfech were not able to use the ferrochelatase substrate protoporphyrin IX as a source of heme. In vivo infection of Phlebotomus perniciosus with knockout promastigotes shows that LmFeCH is not required for their development in the sandfly. In contrast, the replication of intracellular amastigotes was hampered in vitro by the deletion of lmfech. However, LmFeCH-/- parasites produced disease in a cutaneous leishmaniasis murine model in a similar way as control parasites. Therefore, although L. major can synthesize de novo heme from macrophage precursors, this activity is dispensable being an unsuited target for leishmaniasis treatment.-Orrego, L. M., Cabello-Donayre, M., Vargas, P., Martínez-García, M., Sánchez, C., Pineda-Molina, E., Jiménez, M., Molina, R., Pérez-Victoria, J. M. Heme synthesis through the life cycle of the heme auxotrophic parasite Leishmania major.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina M Orrego
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Cabello-Donayre
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Paola Vargas
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marta Martínez-García
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Clara Sánchez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Estela Pineda-Molina
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Unidad de Entomología Médica, Servicio de Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Pérez-Victoria
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS) Granada, Granada, Spain
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