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Jiang H, Wang X, Guo L, Tan X, Gui X, Liao Z, Li Z, Chen X, Wu X. Effect of sunitinib against Echinococcus multilocularis through inhibition of VEGFA-induced angiogenesis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:407. [PMID: 37936208 PMCID: PMC10631006 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05999-4] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a lethal zoonosis caused by the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. The disease is difficult to treat, and an effective therapeutic drug is urgently needed. Echinococcus multilocularis-associated angiogenesis is required by the parasite for growth and metastasis; however, whether antiangiogenic therapy is effective for treating AE is unclear. METHODS The in vivo efficacy of sunitinib malate (SU11248) was evaluated in mice by secondary infection with E. multilocularis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to evaluate treatment effects on serum IL-4 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels after SU11248 treatment. Gross morphological observations and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the impact of SU11248 on angiogenesis and the expression of pro-angiogenic factors VEGFA and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in the metacestode tissues. Furthermore, the anthelmintic effects of SU11248 were tested on E. multilocularis metacestodes in vitro. The effect of SU11248 on the expression of VEGFA, VEGFR2, and phosphorylated VEGFR2 (p-VEGFR2) in liver cells infected with protoscoleces in vitro was detected by western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The influence of SU11248 on endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) proliferation and migration was determined using CCK8 and transwell assays. RESULTS In vivo, SU11248 treatment markedly reduced neovascular lesion formation and substantially inhibited E. multilocularis metacestode growth in mice. Further, it exhibited high anti-hydatid activity as efficiently as albendazole (ABZ), and the treatment resulted in reduced protoscolex development. In addition, VEGFA, VEGFR2, and p-VEGFR2 expression was significantly decreased in the metacestode tissues after SU11248 treatment. However, no effect of SU11248 on serum IL-4 levels was observed. In vitro, SU11248 exhibited some anthelmintic effects and damaged the cellular structure in the germinal layer of metacestodes at concentrations below those generally considered acceptable for treatment (0.12-0.5 μM). Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and ELISA showed that in co-cultured systems, only p-VEGFR2 levels tended to decrease with increasing SU11248 concentrations. Furthermore, SU11248 was less toxic to Reuber rat hepatoma (RH) cells and metacestodes than to EPCs, and 0.1 μM SU11248 completely inhibited EPC migration to the supernatants of liver cell and protoscolex co-cultures. CONCLUSIONS SU11248 is a potential candidate drug for the treatment of AE, which predominantly inhibits parasite-induced angiogenesis. Host-targeted anti-angiogenesis treatment strategies constitute a new avenue for the treatment of AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijiao Jiang
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Lijiao Guo
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaowu Tan
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xianwei Gui
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhenyu Liao
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Jintang First People's Hospital West China Hospital Sichuan University Jintang Hospital, Chengdu, 610400, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xueling Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Xiangwei Wu
- National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China.
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Loos JA, Franco M, Chop M, Rodriguez Rodrigues C, Cumino AC. Resveratrol against Echinococcus sp.: Discrepancies between In Vitro and In Vivo Responses. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:460. [PMID: 37888588 PMCID: PMC10610609 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In an attempt to find new anti-echinococcal drugs, resveratrol (Rsv) effectiveness against the larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis was evaluated. The in vitro effect of Rsv on parasites was assessed via optical and electron microscopy, RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in murine models of cystic (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE). The impact of infection and drug treatment on the mouse bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) population and its differentiation into dendritic cells (BMDCs) was investigated via flow cytometry and RT-qPCR. In vitro treatment with Rsv reduced E. granulosus metacestode and protoscolex viability in a concentration-dependent manner, caused ultrastructural damage, increased autophagy gene transcription, and raised Eg-Atg8 expression while suppressing Eg-TOR. However, the intraperitoneal administration of Rsv was not only ineffective, but also promoted parasite development in mice with CE and AE. In the early infection model of AE treated with Rsv, an expansion of HSCs was observed followed by their differentiation towards BMCDs. The latter showed an anti-inflammatory phenotype and reduced LPS-stimulated activation compared to control BMDCs. We suggest that Rsv ineffectiveness could have been caused by the low intracystic concentration achieved in vivo and the drug's hormetic effect, with opposite anti-parasitic and immunomodulatory responses in different doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Loos
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina;
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; (M.C.); (C.R.R.)
| | - Micaela Franco
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Dr. Oscar E Alende”, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina;
| | - Maia Chop
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; (M.C.); (C.R.R.)
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
| | - Christian Rodriguez Rodrigues
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; (M.C.); (C.R.R.)
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
| | - Andrea C. Cumino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel Cero, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina;
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; (M.C.); (C.R.R.)
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Nivel 2, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
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Müller J, Preza M, Kaethner M, Rufener R, Braga S, Uldry AC, Heller M, Lundström-Stadelmann B. Targeted and non-targeted proteomics to characterize the parasite proteins of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1170763. [PMID: 37325510 PMCID: PMC10266102 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1170763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis. To investigate the biology of these stages and to test novel compounds, metacestode cultures represent a suitable in vitro model system. These metacestodes are vesicles surrounded by an envelope formed by the vesicle tissue (VT), which is formed by the laminated and germinal layer, and filled with vesicle fluid (VF). We analyzed the proteome of VF and VT by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and identified a total of 2,954 parasite proteins. The most abundant protein in VT was the expressed conserved protein encoded by EmuJ_000412500, followed by the antigen B subunit AgB8/3a encoded by EmuJ_000381500 and Endophilin B1 (protein p29). In VF, the pattern was different and dominated by AgB subunits. The most abundant protein was the AgB8/3a subunit followed by three other AgB subunits. In total, the AgB subunits detected in VF represented 62.1% of the parasite proteins. In culture media (CM), 63 E. multilocularis proteins were detected, of which AgB subunits made up 93.7% of the detected parasite proteins. All AgB subunits detected in VF (encoded by EmuJ_000381100-700, corresponding to AgB8/2, AgB8/1, AgB8/4, AgB8/3a, AgB8/3b, and AgB8/3c) were also found in CM, except the subunit encoded by EmuJ_000381800 (AgB8/5) that was very rare in VF and not detected in CM. The relative abundance of the AgB subunits in VF and CM followed the same pattern. In VT, only the subunits EmuJ_000381500 (AgB8/3a) and EmuJ_000381200 (AgB8/1) were detected among the 20 most abundant proteins. To see whether this pattern was specific to VF from in vitro cultured metacestodes, we analyzed the proteome of VF from metacestodes grown in a mouse model. Here, the AgB subunits encoded by EmuJ_000381100-700 constituted the most abundant proteins, namely, 81.9% of total protein, with the same order of abundance as in vitro. Immunofluorescence on metacestodes showed that AgB is co-localized to calcareous corpuscles of E. multilocularis. Using targeted proteomics with HA-tagged EmuJ_000381200 (AgB8/1) and EmuJ_000381100 (AgB8/2), we could show that uptake of AgB subunits from CM into VF occurs within hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matías Preza
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marc Kaethner
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Rufener
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Braga
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Christine Uldry
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Heller
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Song HY, Zhan JF, Hua RQ, He X, Du XD, Xu J, He R, Xie Y, Gu XB, Peng XR, Yang GY. Molecular characterization and immunological properties of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1) ADK1 and ADK8. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07857-9. [PMID: 37148368 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07857-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Adenylate kinases (ADKs) are one of the important enzymes regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism in Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The objective of the present study was to explore the molecular characteristics and immunological properties of E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1) adenylate kinase 1 (EgADK1) and adenylate kinase 8 (EgADK8). EgADK1 and EgADK8 were cloned and expressed, and the molecular characteristics of EgADK1 and EgADK8 were analyzed through different bioinformatics tools. Western blotting was used to examine the reactogenicity of recombinant adenylate kinase 1 (rEgADK1) and recombinant adenylate kinase 8 (rEgADK8) and to evaluate their diagnostic value. The expression profiles of EgADK1 and EgADK8 in 18-day-old strobilated worms and protoscoleces were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, and their distribution in 18-day-old strobilated worms, the germinal layer, and protoscoleces was determined by immunofluorescence localization. EgADK1 and EgADK8 were successfully cloned and expressed. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that EgADK1 and EgADK8 have multiple phosphorylation sites and B-cell epitopes. Compared with EgADK8, EgADK1 and other parasite ADKs have higher sequence similarity. In addition, both cystic echinococcosis (CE)-positive sheep sera and Cysticercus tenuicollis-infected goat sera could recognize rEgADK1 and rEgADK8. EgADK1 and EgADK8 were localized in protoscoleces, the germinal layer, and 18-day-old strobilated worms. EgADK1 and EgADK8 showed no significant difference in their transcription level in 18-day-old strobilated worms and protoscoleces, suggesting that EgADK1 and EgADK8 may play an important role in the growth and development of E. granulosus sensu lato. Since EgADK1 and EgADK8 can be recognized by other parasite-positive sera, they are not suitable as candidate antigens for the diagnosis of CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Song
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jia-Fei Zhan
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Rui-Qi Hua
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xue He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiao-Di Du
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xue-Rong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guang-You Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Eren S, Aydın S, Kantarci M, Kızılgöz V, Levent A, Şenbil DC, Akhan O. Percutaneous management in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: A sum of single center experiences and a brief overview of the literature. World J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 15:398-407. [PMID: 37032805 PMCID: PMC10080597 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i3.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is a serious zoonotic infection that affects humans. It may have a tumor-like appearance at times. Percutaneous treatment of HAE patients is extremely relaxing for them. HAE is a significant human zoonotic infection caused by the fox tapeworm Echinococcus Multilocularis larvae. It possesses the characteristics of an invasive tumor-like lesion due to its infiltrative growth pattern and protracted incubation period. The disease is endemic over central Europe, Asia, and North America.
AIM To characterize HAE patients who were treated percutaneously, their outcomes, and the major technical features of percutaneous treatment in HAE.
METHODS Patients who were treated with percutaneous cyst drainage and/or percutaneous biliary drainage were included in the study. Uncorrected abnormal coagulation values and solid or non-infected HAE with minor necrotic change were excluded.
RESULTS Thirty-two patients underwent percutaneous cyst drainage, two patients underwent percutaneous biliary drainage, and four patients underwent percutaneous biliary drainage alone. Interventional radiology is utilized to drain echinococcal necrosis and abscesses within/without the liver, as well as diseased and clogged bile ducts.
CONCLUSION Percutaneous drainage of cyst contents and/or biliary channels using a minimally invasive technique is a very beneficial. Percutaneous cyst drainage with albendazole therapy improves quality of life in patients who are unable to undergo surgery, even when the mass resolves with long-term treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suat Eren
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum 25100, Turkey
| | - Sonay Aydın
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan 24100, Turkey
| | - Mecit Kantarci
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan 24100, Turkey
| | - Volkan Kızılgöz
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan 24100, Turkey
| | - Akın Levent
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan 24100, Turkey
| | - Düzgün Can Şenbil
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan 24100, Turkey
| | - Okan Akhan
- Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06090, Turkey
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Derakhshani A, Mousavi SM, Rezaei M, Afgar A, Keyhani AR, Mohammadi MA, Dabiri S, Fasihi Harandi M. Natural history of Echinococcus granulosus microcyst development in long term in vitro culture and molecular and morphological changes induced by insulin and BMP-4. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1068602. [PMID: 36699324 PMCID: PMC9868913 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1068602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus is a disease of worldwide public health and economic importance. The determinants and underlying cellular mechanisms of CE development and fate in intermediate hosts are largely unknown. Hormones and cytokines such as insulin and BMP-4 are the key players in the development, differentiation, and apoptosis. In this study, we evaluated the long term natural history of E. granulosus microcysts in an vitro setting and the molecular and morphological changes induced by the growth factors, insulin and BMP4 during the development of metacestode stage of E. granulosus. Methods E. granulosus protoscoleces were cultivated and the parasite development was followed in the long term mono-phasic culture for 105 days and the morphometric, molecular and immunohistochemical changes were evaluated, including the microcysts number and size, microcysts development and deformation rates as well as the markers of calcification (Alizarin Red staining) and apoptosis (BAX, BCL2, Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and TNF-α expression) in the microcysts. Also the biological, histological and molecular consequences of insulin and BMP-4 treatment on the parasite development were evaluated. Results Insulin and BMP-4 treatment of microcysts resulted in significant increase in microcyst formation, increased size, reduced apoptosis and deformation of the microcysts. Alizarin red staining of the microcysts treated with the insulin and BMP-4 confirmed that calcium deposition is significantly lower than the untreated microcysts. Also Alizarin Red staining and Immunohistochemistry of the microcysts indicates that calcium accumulation in deformed microcysts is higher than the normal ones on day 105. The microcysts began to wrinkle and the germinal layer was partially detached from the laminated layer on day 84. Conclusion Results of the present study suggest that the degenerative changes in hydatid cysts can be slowed down by insulin and BMP-4, indicating that cellular factors and host hormones could contribute to the longevity of hydatid cysts. Significant evidences are provided suggesting that the microcysts cultivated in vitro can undergo calcification and apoptotic processes similar to what have been observed in the natural hydatid infection in the intermediate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Derakhshani
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Mousavi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoud Rezaei
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Afgar
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mohammadi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Department of Pathology, Afzalipour Medical School, Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Fasihi Harandi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,*Correspondence: Majid Fasihi Harandi ✉
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Alvi MA, Alsayeqh AF. Food-borne zoonotic echinococcosis: A review with special focus on epidemiology. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1072730. [PMID: 36605765 PMCID: PMC9807814 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1072730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a neglected, WHO-listed cyclozoonotic parasitic disease that is caused by a number of species belonging to the genus Echinococcus. This disease is widespread across the globe, resulting in heavy economic losses for farmers and cystic disease in aberrant human hosts. This review paper briefly discussed taxonomy, a brief history, the magnitude of economic losses, host spectrum and life cycle, risk factors, and clinical manifestations. Furthermore, the copro- and sero-ELISA-based prevalence of echinococcosis on different continents was summarized. Finally, the authors analyzed the frequency and use of molecular epidemiology in the taxonomy of Echinococcus species based on molecular markers. This review will serve as a quick reference to Echinococcus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mughees Aizaz Alvi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
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Feng C, Cheng Z, Xu Z, Tian Y, Tian H, Liu F, Luo D, Wang Y. EmCyclinD-EmCDK4/6 complex is involved in the host EGF-mediated proliferation of Echinococcus multilocularis germinative cells via the EGFR-ERK pathway. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:968872. [PMID: 36033888 PMCID: PMC9410764 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.968872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis (AE), one of the most lethal helminthic infections in humans. The tumor-like growth and development of the metacestode larvae within host organs are driven by a population of somatic stem cells, the germinative cells, which represent the only proliferative cells in the parasite. Host-derived factors have been shown to promote germinative cell proliferation. Since cells sense the external signal mainly in G1 phase of the cell cycle, host factors are expected to exert impacts on the machinery regulating G1/S phase of the germinative cells, which still remains largely unknown in E. multilocularis. In this study, we described the characterization of two key members of the G1/S phase cell-cycle regulation, EmCyclinD and EmCDK4/6. Our data show that EmCyclinD and EmCDK4/6 display significant sequence similarity to their respective mammalian homologs, and that EmCyclinD interacts with EmCDK4/6, forming a kinase-active complex to activate its substrate Rb1. EmCyclinD was actively expressed in the germinative cells. Addition of human EGF caused an elevated expression of EmCyclinD while inhibition of the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway in the parasite reduced the expression of EmCyclinD and downstream transcriptional factors. Treatment with Palbociclib, a specific CDK4/6 inhibitor, downregulated the expression of cell cycle-related factors and impeded germinative cell proliferation and vesicle formation from protoscoleces. Our data demonstrated that the EmCyclinD-EmCDK4/6 complex participates in the cell cycle regulation of germinative cells which is mediated by host EGF via the EGFR-ERK-EmCyclinD pathway in E. multilocularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonglv Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhe Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Zhe Cheng,
| | - Zhijian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ye Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Huimin Tian
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Damin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yanhai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Yanhai Wang,
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Yang HC, Zhang HW, Yang J, Liu SW, Zhang SJ. Autocrine osteopontin is involved in maintaining the growth and metastasis of Echinococcus multilocularis. Acta Trop 2022; 228:106328. [PMID: 35085512 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106328] [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: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease that seriously endangers human health. This study aims to investigate the effects of osteopontin on the growth and intra- or extra-hepatic metastasis of Echinococcus multilocularis. Mice were randomly divided into untreated (control group, n = 25), PBS (n = 25), Lv3-NC (n = 25), and Lv-OPN-734 (n = 25) groups. Knockdown OPN by injecting lentivirus through the intraperitoneal portal vein, the metastatic lesions infected with Echinococcus multilocularis and adjacent liver tissues were observed, and the expression of osteopontin and epidermal growth factor receptor pathway-related molecules were studied. Gross observation of specimens suggested that there was no extra- hepatic metastasis, and mild intrahepatic invasion was observed in the Lv-OPN-734 group after 4 months of infection, and lung metastasis occurred in the Lv3-NC group. Western-blot and immunohistochemical staining results showed that the protein expression of OPN, phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor and downstream molecules of the pathway decreased significantly after osteopontin knockdown, whereas the levels of non-phosphorylated proteins did not change significantly. In human tissues, through western-blot and immunohistochemical staining we found that compared with the control group, the expression of OPN in the liver tissues infected with Echinococcus multilocularis were higher than that in the control group. These findings indicate that osteopontin is involved in maintaining the growth and metastasis of Echinococcus multilocularis, suggesting that osteopontin may be a potential target for the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Cheng Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China; School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hong-Wei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jian Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shi-Wen Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shi-Jie Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Shihezi, Xinjiang, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China.
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10
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Kalifu B, Maitiseyiti A, Ge X, Chen X, Meng Y. Expression profile of circular RNAs in cystic echinococcosis pericystic tissue. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 35:e23687. [PMID: 33411343 PMCID: PMC7957996 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the pericystic tissue of patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE). Patients and methods CircRNA expression profiles were obtained by circRNA microarray of four matched pairs of pericystic tissues affected by CE and adjacent normal liver tissues. qRT‐PCR was used to validate the differential expression of some circRNAs identified by the microarray analysis. The potential functions of the differentially expressed circRNAs in the CE pericystic tissues were predicted by bioinformatic analysis. Results Compared with the adjacent normal liver tissues, 177 circRNAs were upregulated and 166 circRNAs were downregulated in CE pericystic tissues based on a ≥2.0‐fold change. The top 10 upregulated circRNAs were hsa_circRNA_001654,hsa_circRNA_103361,hsa_circRNA_001490,hsa_circRNA_104310,hsa_circRNA_100395,hsa_circRNA_102485,hsa_circRNA_001459,hsa_circRNA_104193,hsa_circRNA_400043, and hsa_circRNA_006773; The top 10 downregulated circRNAs were hsa_circRNA_400633,hsa_circRNA_404974,hsa_circRNA_068482 ,hsa_circRNA_100974,hsa_circRNA_049637,hsa_circRNA_404798,hsa_circRNA_400064,hsa_circRNA_004045,hsa_circRNA_101379, and hsa_circRNA_016771;The circRNA‐seq results for 15 selected differentially expressed circRNAs were validated by qRT‐PCR. The qRT‐PCR analysis showed that hsa_circRNA_006773, hsa_circRNA_049637, hsa_circRNA_104349, and hsa_circRNA_406281 were differentially expressed in CE pericystic tissues when compared with their expression in the adjacent normal liver tissues. Interestingly, 319 miRNAs and 52 mRNAs were predicted to be adsorbed by these four differentially expressed circRNAs. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these circRNAs may be involved in the response to organic cyclic compounds and endogenous stimuli and in cellular organismal processes. Conclusion Differential expression of circRNAs may be associated with the development and progression of CE, and these circRNAs might be useful as biomarkers for prognosis prediction and as treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baheti Kalifu
- Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,Department of Vascular and Hepatobilliry Surgery, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Abulaihaiti Maitiseyiti
- Department of Vascular and Hepatobilliry Surgery, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaohu Ge
- Department of Vascular and Hepatobilliry Surgery, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiong Chen
- Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- Department of Vascular and Hepatobilliry Surgery, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
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11
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Alvi MA, Ohiolei JA, Li L, Saqib M, Hussain MH, Tayyab MH, Ghafoor M, Qamar W, Faridi NY, Alvi AA, Fu BQ, Yan HB, Jia WZ. In-House Developed ELISA Indicates High Prevalence of Anti- Echinococcus granulosus IgG in Sheep Population-An Update from Pakistan. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110905. [PMID: 33137933 PMCID: PMC7693474 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a World Health Organization (WHO)-listed neglected tropical farm economy jeopardizing and public health concern disease. This study was aimed at furnishing sero-epidemiological baseline data of CE in sheep in Pakistan, where data are non-existent. For this purpose, two sheep-rich provinces of Pakistan were selected, and 728 sheep sera were collected using probability proportional to size (PPS) statistical technique. Epidemiological information was recorded on a questionnaire for the estimation of potential risk factors. The serum samples were analyzed for IgG antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus using an in-house-developed EgAgB-based ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence recorded was 21.98% (160/728) in the tested sheep, suggesting higher seropositivity in sheep from Punjab (23.73%) as compared to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) (19.04%). The overall apparent prevalence observed by this ELISA method was almost similar to the calculated true prevalence (21.77%). Prevalence was significantly different (p < 0.05) among sheep from different districts. Higher prevalence was found in females (22.54%, OR 1.41), age group > 5 years (29.66%, OR 1.64), crossbreeds (42.85%, OR 2.70), and sheep with pasture access (25.96%, OR 3.06). Being in age group > 5 years and having pasture access were the factors significantly associated with seropositivity (p < 0.05). This study provides serological evidence of E. granulosus infection in sheep and can be used as a model for ante-mortem screening of the sheep globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mughees Aizaz Alvi
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory of Animal Hydatidosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - John Asekhaen Ohiolei
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory of Animal Hydatidosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory of Animal Hydatidosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38400, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Haleem Tayyab
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38400, Pakistan
| | - Muzafar Ghafoor
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38400, Pakistan
| | - Warda Qamar
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore Sub-Campus Jhang 12-Km Chiniot Road, Jhang 35200, Pakistan
| | - Noman Yousaf Faridi
- Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development, Government of Punjab, Chiniot 35400, Pakistan
| | | | - Bao-Quan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory of Animal Hydatidosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Hong-Bin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory of Animal Hydatidosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Wan-Zhong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory of Animal Hydatidosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
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12
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Nosratabadi SJ, Hayati Roodbari N, Afgar A, Modarressi MH, Farsinejad A, Fasihi Harandi M. In vitro effects of glutathione on Transforming Growth Factor beta and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor genes expression in the protoscoleces and strobilated worms of Echinococcus granulosus. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Metformin Suppresses Development of the Echinococcus multilocularis Larval Stage by Targeting the TOR Pathway. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01808-19. [PMID: 32540980 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01808-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis Current chemotherapeutic treatment options based on benzimidazoles are of limited effectiveness, which underlines the need to find new antiechinococcosis drugs. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic and antiproliferative agent that shows activity against the related parasite Echinococcus granulosus Hence, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo effects of the drug on E. multilocularis Metformin exerted significant dose-dependent killing effects on in vitro cultured parasite stem cells and protoscoleces and significantly reduced the dedifferentiation of protoscoleces into metacestodes. Likewise, oral administration of metformin (50 mg/kg of body weight/day for 8 weeks) was effective in achieving a significant reduction of parasite weight in a secondary murine AE model. Our results revealed mitochondrial membrane depolarization, activation of Em-AMPK, suppression of Em-TOR, and overexpression of Em-Atg8 in the germinal layer of metformin-treated metacestode vesicles. The opposite effects on the level of active Em-TOR in response to exogenous insulin and rapamycin suggest that Em-TOR is part of the parasite's insulin signaling pathway. Finally, the presence of the key lysosomal pathway components, through which metformin reportedly acts, was confirmed in the parasite by in silico assays. Taken together, these results introduce metformin as a promising candidate for AE treatment. Although our study highlights the importance of those direct mechanisms by which metformin reduces parasite viability, it does not necessarily preclude any additional systemic effects of the drug that might reduce parasite growth in vivo.
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14
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In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacies of the EGFR/MEK/ERK Signaling Inhibitors in the Treatment of Alveolar Echinococcosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00341-20. [PMID: 32482675 PMCID: PMC7526812 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00341-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, is a lethal disease in humans. Novel therapeutic options are urgently needed since the current chemotherapy displays limited efficiency in AE treatment. In this study, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo effects of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling inhibitors, including BIBW2992, CI-1033, and U0126, on E. multilocularis. Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, is a lethal disease in humans. Novel therapeutic options are urgently needed since the current chemotherapy displays limited efficiency in AE treatment. In this study, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo effects of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling inhibitors, including BIBW2992, CI-1033, and U0126, on E. multilocularis. Our data showed that BIBW2992, CI-1033, and U0126 all displayed in vitro effects on the viability of the E. multilocularis metacestode. These inhibitors also showed protoscolicidal activities and caused severe ultrastructural alterations in the parasite. Moreover, BIBW2992 and CI-1033 exhibited potent proapoptotic effects on E. multilocularis metacestodes. Strikingly, a large portion of the apoptotic cells were found to be the germinative cells. In vivo studies showed that BIBW2992 and U0126 significantly reduced parasite burden, and the parasite obtained from BIBW2992-treated mice displayed impaired structural integrity of the germinal layer. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the potential of EGFR-mediated signaling as a target for the development of novel anti-AE agents. The EGFR inhibitor BIBW2992 represents a promising drug candidate and/or a lead compound for anti-AE chemotherapy.
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15
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Wen H, Vuitton L, Tuxun T, Li J, Vuitton DA, Zhang W, McManus DP. Echinococcosis: Advances in the 21st Century. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 32:e00075-18. [PMID: 30760475 PMCID: PMC6431127 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00075-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 498] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by cestodes of the genus Echinococcus (family Taeniidae). This serious and near-cosmopolitan disease continues to be a significant public health issue, with western China being the area of highest endemicity for both the cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) forms of echinococcosis. Considerable advances have been made in the 21st century on the genetics, genomics, and molecular epidemiology of the causative parasites, on diagnostic tools, and on treatment techniques and control strategies, including the development and deployment of vaccines. In terms of surgery, new procedures have superseded traditional techniques, and total cystectomy in CE, ex vivo resection with autotransplantation in AE, and percutaneous and perendoscopic procedures in both diseases have improved treatment efficacy and the quality of life of patients. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, management, control, and prevention of CE and AE. Currently there is no alternative drug to albendazole to treat echinococcosis, and new compounds are required urgently. Recently acquired genomic and proteomic information can provide a platform for improving diagnosis and for finding new drug and vaccine targets, with direct impact in the future on the control of echinococcosis, which continues to be a global challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia and WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, Urumqi, China
| | - Lucine Vuitton
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis and French National Centre for Echinococcosis, University Bourgogne Franche-Comte and University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Tuerhongjiang Tuxun
- Department of Liver and Laparoscopic Surgery, Digestive and Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia and WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, Urumqi, China
- Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Dominique A Vuitton
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis and French National Centre for Echinococcosis, University Bourgogne Franche-Comte and University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia and WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, Urumqi, China
- Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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16
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Lundström-Stadelmann B, Rufener R, Ritler D, Zurbriggen R, Hemphill A. The importance of being parasiticidal… an update on drug development for the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00040. [PMID: 32095613 PMCID: PMC7034016 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The lethal disease alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode stage of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Current chemotherapeutical treatment of AE relies on albendazole and mebendazole, with the caveat that these compounds are not parasiticidal. Drugs have to be taken for a prolonged period of time, often life-long, which can cause adverse effects and reduces the patients' quality of life. In some individuals, benzimidazoles are inactive or cause toxicity, leading to treatment discontinuation. Alternatives to benzimidazoles are urgently needed. Over the recent years, in vivo and in vitro models for low-to-medium throughput drug discovery against AE have been set in place. In vitro drug tests include the phosphoglucose-isomerase (PGI) assay to measure physical damage induced to metacestodes, and viability assays to assess parasiticidal activity against metacestodes and stem cells. In vitro models are also employed for studies on mechanisms of action. In vivo models are thus far based on rodents, mainly mice, and benefits could be gained in future by comparative approaches in naturally infected dogs or captive monkeys. For the identification of novel drugs against AE, a rare disease with a low expected market return, drug-repurposing is the most promising strategy. A variety of chemically synthesized compounds as well as natural products have been analyzed with respect to in vitro and/or in vivo activities against AE. We here review and discuss the most active of these compounds including anti-infective compounds (benzimidazoles, nitazoxanide, amphotericin B, itraconazole, clarithromycin, DB1127, and buparvaquone), the anti-infective anti-malarials (artemisinin, ozonids, mefloquine, and MMV665807) and anti-cancer drugs (isoflavones, 2-methoxyestradiol, methotrexate, navelbine, vincristine, kinase inhibitors, metallo-organic ruthenium complexes, bortezomib, and taxanes). Taking into account the efficacy as well as the potential availability for patients, the most promising candidates are new formulations of benzimidazoles and mefloquine. Future drug-repurposing approaches should also target the energy metabolism of E. multilocularis, in particular the understudied malate dismutation pathway, as this offers an essential target in the parasite, which is not present in mammals. Benzimidazoles are used to treat AE, but new drugs are needed. New drugs against AE can be identified by drug repurposing. Drugs against other infectious diseases and cancer can be repurposed against AE. Most promising are new formulations of benzimidazoles and mefloquine. Future approaches should include targeting the energy metabolism of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Rufener
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Ritler
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Zurbriggen
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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17
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Gui WF, Xu S, Dang ZS, Zhao YM. In Vitro and in Vivo Effect of Mapk Signal Transduction Pathway Inhibitors on Echinococcus multilocularis. J Parasitol 2019. [DOI: 10.1645/18-121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-feng Gui
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Xu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-sheng Dang
- Key Laboratory on Biology of Parasite and Vector, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China; and WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China; and National
| | - Yu-min Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, People's Republic of China
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18
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Basika T, Paludo GP, Araujo FM, Salim AC, Pais F, Maldonado L, Macchiaroli N, Camargo de Lima J, Rosenzvit M, Oliveira GC, Kamenetzky L, Ferreira HB. Transcriptomic profile of two developmental stages of the cestode parasite Mesocestoides corti. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 229:35-46. [PMID: 30797776 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cestode development involves complex morphological and physiological changes. Here, we performed a differential expression analysis of gene transcripts between two developmental stages of the model cestode Mesocestoides corti. A RNA-seq-based approach was used to compare the transcriptomes of the tetrathyridium (larval, TT) and strobilated worm (ST) stages of the parasite. We found 19,053 transcripts, from which ∼45% were complete matches to genes previously annotated in the available M. corti draft genome sequence, ∼24% were considered novel isoforms, and ∼24% were considered potential novel transcripts. Stage-specific transcripts were found for both TTs (66) and STs (136), along with shared transcripts significantly overrepresented in one stage (342 in TTs, and 559 in STs). Differential expression and Gene Ontology term enrichment analyzes provided evidence of upregulation of different sets of transcripts associated with 'cytoskeleton', 'metabolism' and 'oxidation-reduction' processes in each stage, suggesting functional involvement of the corresponding genes with stage-specific features. Transcripts and processes enriched in the TT reflect typical larval processes that occur with the parasite in the intermediate host, such as asexual reproduction and budding, as well as active migration from the peritoneum to the liver and vice versa. In STs, transcripts associated with 'development', 'cell growth', and 'morphogenesis' were enriched, along with processes related to sexual reproduction, represented by the upregulation of numerous transcription factors, protein kinases, and histones. Overall, our results contributed to significantly increase the knowledge on the M. corti gene repertoire and expression profile in two developmental stages. Functional implications for the biology of larval and adult cestode parasites and for host-parasite interactions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Basika
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia (CBiot), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Cestódeos, CBiot, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, CBiot, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - G P Paludo
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia (CBiot), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, CBiot, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - F M Araujo
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - A C Salim
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - F Pais
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - L Maldonado
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N Macchiaroli
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Camargo de Lima
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia (CBiot), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, CBiot, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - M Rosenzvit
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G C Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - L Kamenetzky
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - H B Ferreira
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia (CBiot), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Cestódeos, CBiot, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, CBiot, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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19
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Yuan M, Song X, Lv W, Xin Q, Wang L, Gao Q, Zhang G, Liao W, Lian S, Jing T. Effect of anacardic acid against echinococcosis through inhibition of VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Vet Res 2019; 50:3. [PMID: 30642401 PMCID: PMC6332641 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-019-0621-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by cestode species of the genus Echinococcus, with limited treatment options. It is urgent to develop new anti-hydatid agent. In this paper, we reported anacardic acid (AA), a natural product isolated from the Brazilian cashew-nut shell liquid, which presented a high activity against metacestodes of Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) and Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (E. granulosus s.s.) in vitro and in vivo. AA exerted a better efficacy on E. granulosus s.s. protoscoleces and E. multilocularis metacestodes than that of albendazole (ABZ) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in vitro, and an inhibition on the growth of Echinococcus metacestode as effective as ABZ in vivo. Moreover, we also found that one of the mechanisms of AA against Echinococcus could be the suppression of angiogenesis on/in the metacestode mass through inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)—induced signalling pathways. This work finds that AA is a new promising potential candidate drug for echinococcosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunotherapy, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaoxia Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Hospital of Qinghai Province, Xining, 810007, China
| | - Wei Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qi Xin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qi Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Guochao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wenzhen Liao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Sen Lian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochip, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tao Jing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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20
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Identification of Functional MKK3/6 and MEK1/2 Homologs from Echinococcus granulosus and Investigation of Protoscolecidal Activity of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway Inhibitors In Vitro and In Vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 63:AAC.01043-18. [PMID: 30348669 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01043-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato There is an urgent need to develop new drugs for the treatment of this disease. In this study, we identified two new members of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, MKK3/6 and MEK1/2 homologs (termed EgMKK1 and EgMKK2, respectively), from E. granulosus sensu stricto Both EgMKK1 and EgMKK2 were expressed at the larval stages. As shown by yeast two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation analyses, EgMKK1 interacted with the previously identified Egp38 protein but not with EgERK. EgMKK2, on the other hand, interacted with EgERK. In addition, EgMKK1 and EgMKK2 displayed kinase activity toward the substrate myelin basic protein. When sorafenib tosylate, PD184352, or U0126-ethanol (EtOH) was added to the medium for in vitro culture of E. granulosus protoscoleces (PSCs) or cysts, an inhibitory and cytolytic effect was observed via suppressed phosphorylation of EgMKKs and EgERK. Nonviability of PSCs treated with sorafenib tosylate or U0126-EtOH, and not with PD184352, was confirmed through bioassays, i.e., inoculation of treated and untreated protoscoleces into mice. In vivo treatment of E. granulosus sensu stricto-infected mice with sorafenib tosylate or U0126-EtOH for 4 weeks demonstrated a reduction in parasite weight, but the results did not show a significant difference. In conclusion, the MAPK cascades were identified as new targets for drug development, and E. granulosus was efficiently inhibited by their inhibitors in vitro The translation of these findings into in vivo efficacy requires further adjustment of treatment regimens using sorafenib tosylate or, possibly, other kinase inhibitors.
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21
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Molecular Characterization of Annexin B2, B3 and B12 in Taenia multiceps. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9110559. [PMID: 30463204 PMCID: PMC6267623 DOI: 10.3390/genes9110559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Coenurus cerebralis, the metacestode of Taenia multiceps, causes coenurosis, a disease severely affecting goat, sheep, cattle and yak farming and resulting in huge economic losses annually. Annexins bind calcium ions and play an important role in flatworm parasite development. To explore potential functions of annexins in T. multiceps, three homologous genes, namely, TmAnxB2, TmAnxB3 and TmAnxB12, were screened from the transcriptome dataset, amplified from C. cerebralis cDNA and subjected to bioinformatics analysis. Then, polyclonal antibodies recognizing the recombinant TmAnxB2 (rTmAnxB2) and rTmAnxB3 were prepared for localization of TmAnxB2 and TmAnxB3 in different tissues and developmental stages by immunofluorescence. The transcription of all three genes was also measured by relative fluorescent quantitative PCR. The sizes of rTmAnxB2, rTmAnxB3 and rTmAnxB12 were 58.00, 53.06 and 53.51 kDa, respectively, and rTmAnxB12 was unstable. Both rTmAnxB2 and rTmAnxB3 were recognized by goat-positive T. multiceps sera in Western blots. Immunofluorescence revealed that TmAnxB2 and TmAnxB3 were localized in the protoscolex and cyst wall and TmAnxB3 was also detected in adult cortex. TmAnxB2 and TmAnxB12 mRNA levels were determined to be highest in oncospheres and protoscolex, whereas transcription of TmAnxB3 was highest in scolex and immature segments. Taken together, these findings indicate that TmAnxB2 and TmAnxB12 may play critical roles in T. multiceps larvae, while TmAnxB3 may have important functions in adults. These results will lay the foundation for functional research of annexins in T. multiceps.
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22
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Islam MA, Torigoe D, Kameda Y, Irie T, Kouguchi H, Nakao R, Masum MA, Ichii O, Kon Y, Tag-El-Din-Hassan HT, Morimatsu M, Yagi K, Agui T. Analysis for genetic loci controlling protoscolex development in the Echinococcus multilocularis infection using congenic mice. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 65:65-71. [PMID: 30030204 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The resistance/susceptibility to Echinococcus multilocularis infection in mice is genetically controlled. However, genetic factors responsible for these differences remain unknown. Our previous study in genetic linkage analysis has revealed that there is a significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for the establishment of cyst (Emcys1), and a highly significant QTL for the development of protoscolex of E. multilocularis larvae (Empsc1), on mouse chromosomes 6 and 1, respectively. The current study aimed to confirm these QTLs and narrow down the critical genetic region that controls resistance/susceptibility to E. multilocularis infection by establishing congenic and subcongenic lines from C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (D2) mice. For protoscolex development phenotype, two congenic lines, B6.D2-Empsc1 and D2.B6-Empsc1 were developed, where responsible QTL, Empsc1 was introgressed from D2 into B6 background and vice versa. For cyst establishment phenotype, two congenic lines, B6.D2-Emcys1 and D2.B6-Emcys1 were developed, where responsible QTL, Emcys1 was introgressed from D2 into B6 background and vice versa. Because there was no significant difference in cyst establishment between B6.D2-Emcys1 and D2.B6-Emcys1 mice after challenge with E. multilocularis, it is suggested that the Emcys1 does not solely control the cyst establishment in mouse liver. However, infection experiments with B6.D2-Empsc1 and D2.B6-Empsc1 mice showed a significant difference in protoscolex development in the cyst. It confirms that the Empsc1 controls phenotype of the protoscolex development in the cyst. Subsequently, two subcongenic lines, B6.D2-Empsc1.1 and B6.D2-Empsc1.2 from B6.D2-Emcys1 and one subcongenic line, D2.B6-Empsc1.1 from D2.B6-Empsc1 were developed to narrow down the critical region responsible for protoscolex development. From the results of infection experiments with E. multilocularis in these subcongenic mice, it is concluded that a gene responsible for protoscolex development is located between D1Mit290 (68.1 cM) and D1Mit511 (97.3 cM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Atiqul Islam
- Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Daisuke Torigoe
- Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yayoi Kameda
- Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Takao Irie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, Sapporo 060-0819, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kouguchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, Sapporo 060-0819, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Md Abdul Masum
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Osamu Ichii
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kon
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hassan T Tag-El-Din-Hassan
- Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; Poultry Production Department, Mansour University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.; Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Masami Morimatsu
- Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kinpei Yagi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido Institute of Public Health, Sapporo 060-0819, Japan
| | - Takashi Agui
- Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan; Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Department of Applied Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan.
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23
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Grubor NM, Jovanova-Nesic KD, Shoenfeld Y. Liver cystic echinococcosis and human host immune and autoimmune follow-up: A review. World J Hepatol 2017; 9:1176-1189. [PMID: 29109850 PMCID: PMC5666304 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i30.1176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an infectious disease caused by the larvae of parasite Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). To successfully establish an infection, parasite release some substances and molecules that can modulate host immune functions, stimulating a strong anti-inflammatory reaction to carry favor to host and to reserve self-survival in the host. The literature was reviewed using MEDLINE, and an open access search for immunology of hydatidosis was performed. Accumulating data from animal experiments and human studies provided us with exciting insights into the mechanisms involved that affect all parts of immunity. In this review we used the existing scientific data and discuss how these findings assisted with a better understanding of the immunology of E. granulosus infection in man. The aim of this study is to point the several facts that challenge immune and autoimmune responses to protect E. granulosus from elimination and to minimize host severe pathology. Understanding the immune mechanisms of E. granulosus infection in an intermediate human host will provide, we believe, a more useful treatment with immunomodulating molecules and possibly better protection from parasitic infections. Besides that, the diagnosis of CE has improved due to the application of a new molecular tool for parasite identification by using of new recombinant antigens and immunogenic peptides. More studies for the better understanding of the mechanisms of parasite immune evasion is necessary. It will enable a novel approach in protection, detection and improving of the host inflammatory responses. In contrast, according to the "hygiene hypothesis", clinical applications that decrease the incidence of infection in developed countries and recently in developing countries are at the origin of the increasing incidence of both allergic and autoimmune diseases. Thus, an understanding of the immune mechanisms of E. granulosus infection is extremely important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikica M Grubor
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Surgical University Hospital, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katica D Jovanova-Nesic
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Virology, Vaccine and Sera-Torlak, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
- European Center for Peace and Development, University for Peace in the United Nation established in Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, 5265601 Tel-Hashomer, Tel Aviv, Israel
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24
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Monteiro KM, Lorenzatto KR, de Lima JC, Dos Santos GB, Förster S, Paludo GP, Carvalho PC, Brehm K, Ferreira HB. Comparative proteomics of hydatid fluids from two Echinococcus multilocularis isolates. J Proteomics 2017; 162:40-51. [PMID: 28442449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hydatid fluid (HF) that fills Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode vesicles is a complex mixture of proteins from both parasite and host origin. Here, a LC-MS/MS approach was used to compare the HF composition of E. multilocularis H95 and G8065 isolates (EmH95 and EmG8065, respectively), which present differences in terms of growth and fertility. Overall, 446 unique proteins were identified, 392 of which (88%) were from parasite origin and 54 from culture medium. At least 256 of parasite proteins were sample exclusive, and 82 of the 136 shared proteins presented differential abundance between E. multilocularis isolates. The parasite's protein repertoires in EmH95 and EmG8065 HF samples presented qualitative and quantitative differences involving antigens, signaling proteins, proteolytic enzymes, protease inhibitors and chaperones, highlighting intraspecific singularities that could be correlated to biological features of each isolate. The repertoire of medium proteins found in the HF was also differential between isolates, and the relevance of the HF exogenous protein content for the parasite's biology is discussed. The repertoires of identified proteins also provided potential molecular markers for important biological features, such as parasite growth rate and fertility, as well potential protein targets for the development of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for alveolar echinococcosis. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE E. multilocularis metacestode infection of mammal hosts involve complex interactions mediated by excretory/secretory (ES) products. The hydatid fluid (HF) that fills the E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles contains complex repertoires of parasite ES products and host proteins that mediate important molecular interactions determinant for parasite survival and development, and, consequently, to the infection outcome. HF has been also extensively reported as the main source of proteins for the immunodiagnosis of echinococcosis. The performed proteomic analysis provided a comprehensive profiling of the HF protein composition of two E. multilocularis isolates. This allowed us to identify proteins of both parasite and exogenous (medium) origin, many of which present significant differential abundances between parasite isolates and may correlate to their differential biological features, including fertility and growth rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M Monteiro
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Biociências, Centro de Biotecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Karina R Lorenzatto
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jeferson C de Lima
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme B Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Cestódeos, Centro de Biotecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Sabine Förster
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela P Paludo
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Paulo C Carvalho
- Laboratório de Proteômica e Engenharia de Proteínas, Instituto Carlos Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Klaus Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henrique B Ferreira
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural e Funcional, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Biociências, Centro de Biotecnologia, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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25
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Macchiaroli N, Maldonado LL, Zarowiecki M, Cucher M, Gismondi MI, Kamenetzky L, Rosenzvit MC. Genome-wide identification of microRNA targets in the neglected disease pathogens of the genus Echinococcus. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2017; 214:91-100. [PMID: 28385564 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, are key regulators of gene expression at post-transcriptional level and play essential roles in biological processes such as development. MiRNAs silence target mRNAs by binding to complementary sequences in the 3'untranslated regions (3'UTRs). The parasitic helminths of the genus Echinococcus are the causative agents of echinococcosis, a zoonotic neglected disease. In previous work, we performed a comprehensive identification and characterization of Echinococcus miRNAs. However, current knowledge about their targets is limited. Since target prediction algorithms rely on complementarity between 3'UTRs and miRNA sequences, a major limitation is the lack of accurate sequence information of 3'UTR for most species including parasitic helminths. We performed RNA-seq and developed a pipeline that integrates the transcriptomic data with available genomic data of this parasite in order to identify 3'UTRs of Echinococcus canadensis. The high confidence set of 3'UTRs obtained allowed the prediction of miRNA targets in Echinococcus through a bioinformatic approach. We performed for the first time a comparative analysis of miRNA targets in Echinococcus and Taenia. We found that many evolutionarily conserved target sites in Echinococcus and Taenia may be functional and under selective pressure. Signaling pathways such as MAPK and Wnt were among the most represented pathways indicating miRNA roles in parasite growth and development. Genome-wide identification and characterization of miRNA target genes in Echinococcus provide valuable information to guide experimental studies in order to understand miRNA functions in the parasites biology. miRNAs involved in essential functions, especially those being absent in the host or showing sequence divergence with respect to host orthologs, might be considered as novel therapeutic targets for echinococcosis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Macchiaroli
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médicas (IMPaM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas L Maldonado
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médicas (IMPaM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Magdalena Zarowiecki
- Parasite Genomics Group, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Marcela Cucher
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médicas (IMPaM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Laura Kamenetzky
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médicas (IMPaM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mara Cecilia Rosenzvit
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médicas (IMPaM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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26
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Vendelova E, Hrčková G, Lutz MB, Brehm K, Nono JK. In vitro culture of Mesocestoides corti metacestodes and isolation of immunomodulatory excretory-secretory products. Parasite Immunol 2017; 38:403-13. [PMID: 27120409 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cestode-mediated diseases hold the interesting feature of persisting metacestode larvae dwelling within the host tissues, in the midst of the immune response. Excretory-secretory (ES) products of the metacestode larval stage modulate the host immune response and modify the outcome of the disease. Therefore, isolation and analysis of axenic metacestode ES products are crucial to study their properties. Here, we report the development of a system for long-term in vitro cultivation of the metacestode of the parasitic cestode Mesocestoides corti (syn. Mesocestoides vogae). Although feeder cells and host serum supported the early growth of the parasite, long-term survival was not dependent on host serum or host-derived factors enabling the collection of parasite released products in serum-free medium. Functionally, these axenic ES products recapitulated M. corti tetrathyridia's ability to inhibit LPS-driven IL-12p70 secretion by dendritic cells. Thus, our new axenic culture system will simplify the identification and characterization of M. corti-derived immunomodulatory factors that will indirectly enable the identification and characterization of corresponding factors in the metacestode larvae of medically relevant cestodes such as Echinococcus multilocularis that are not yet amenable to serum-free cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vendelova
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - G Hrčková
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - M B Lutz
- Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - K Brehm
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - J K Nono
- Division of Immunology and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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27
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Cheng Z, Liu F, Li X, Dai M, Wu J, Guo X, Tian H, Heng Z, Lu Y, Chai X, Wang Y. EGF-mediated EGFR/ERK signaling pathway promotes germinative cell proliferation in Echinococcus multilocularis that contributes to larval growth and development. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005418. [PMID: 28241017 PMCID: PMC5344531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Larvae of the tapeworm E. multilocularis cause alveolar echinococcosis (AE), one of the most lethal helminthic infections in humans. A population of stem cell-like cells, the germinative cells, is considered to drive the larval growth and development within the host. The molecular mechanisms controlling the behavior of germinative cells are largely unknown. Methodology/Principal findings Using in vitro cultivation systems we show here that the EGFR/ERK signaling in the parasite can promote germinative cell proliferation in response to addition of human EGF, resulting in stimulated growth and development of the metacestode larvae. Inhibition of the signaling by either the EGFR inhibitors CI-1033 and BIBW2992 or the MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 impairs germinative cell proliferation and larval growth. Conclusions/Significance These data demonstrate the contribution of EGF-mediated EGFR/ERK signaling to the regulation of germinative cells in E. multilocularis, and suggest the EGFR/ERK signaling as a potential therapeutic target for AE and perhaps other human cestodiasis. E. multilocularis is considered as one of the most lethal parasitic helminth in humans. It grows like tumors mainly in human liver and infiltrates other tissues, and even metastasizes. It is believed that the parasite possesses a population of stem cell-like cells, the germinative cells. These cells are totipotent, have the ability for extensive self-renewal, and drive the parasite’s development and growth in the host. However, mechanisms controlling the behavior of germinative cells are poorly understood. Here, we show that the highly conserved EGFR/ERK signaling pathway in the parasite promoted germinative cell proliferation upon addition of human EGF (epidermal growth factor) in vitro, resulting in stimulated growth and development of the parasite. Our study provides information important for understanding this mechanism regulating germinative cells and the complex host-parasite interaction, and we hope it will help in developing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of human helminthic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Mengya Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jianjian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xinrui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Huimin Tian
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhijie Heng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoli Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yanhai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- * E-mail:
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Brehm K, Koziol U. Echinococcus-Host Interactions at Cellular and Molecular Levels. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 95:147-212. [PMID: 28131363 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The potentially lethal zoonotic diseases alveolar and cystic echinococcosis are caused by the metacestode larval stages of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus, respectively. In both cases, metacestode growth and proliferation occurs within the inner organs of mammalian hosts, which is associated with complex molecular host-parasite interactions that regulate nutrient uptake by the parasite as well as metacestode persistence and development. Using in vitro cultivation systems for parasite larvae, and informed by recently released, comprehensive genome and transcriptome data for both parasites, these molecular host-parasite interactions have been subject to significant research during recent years. In this review, we discuss progress in this field, with emphasis on parasite development and proliferation. We review host-parasite interaction mechanisms that occur early during an infection, when the invading oncosphere stage undergoes a metamorphosis towards the metacestode, and outline the decisive role of parasite stem cells during this process. We also discuss special features of metacestode morphology, and how this parasite stage takes up nutrients from the host, utilizing newly evolved or expanded gene families. We comprehensively review mechanisms of host-parasite cross-communication via evolutionarily conserved signalling systems and how the parasite signalling systems might be exploited for the development of novel chemotherapeutics. Finally, we point to an urgent need for the development of functional genomic techniques in this parasite, which will be imperative for hypothesis-driven analyses into Echinococcus stem cell biology, developmental mechanisms and immunomodulatory activities, which are all highly relevant for the development of anti-infective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - U Koziol
- University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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29
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Wang J, Gottstein B. Immunoregulation in larval Echinococcus multilocularis infection. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:182-92. [PMID: 26536823 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a clinically very severe zoonotic helminthic disease, characterized by a chronic progressive hepatic damage caused by the continuous proliferation of the larval stage (metacestode) of Echinococcus multilocularis. The proliferative potential of the parasite metacestode tissue is dependent on the nature/function of the periparasitic immune-mediated processes of the host. Immune tolerance and/or down-regulation of immunity are a marked characteristic increasingly observed when disease develops towards its chronic (late) stage of infection. In this context, explorative studies have clearly shown that T regulatory (Treg) cells play an important role in modulating and orchestrating inflammatory/immune reactions in AE, yielding a largely Th2-biased response, and finally allowing thus long-term parasite survival, proliferation and maturation. AE is fatal if not treated appropriately, but the current benzimidazole chemotherapy is far from optimal, and novel options for control are needed. Future research should focus on the elucidation of the crucial immunological events that lead to anergy in AE, and focus on providing a scientific basis for the development of novel and more effective immunotherapeutical options to support cure AE by abrogating anergy, anticipating also that a combination of immuno- and chemotherapy could provide a synergistic therapeutical effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - B Gottstein
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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30
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Abstract
Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are severe chronic helminthic diseases caused by the cystic growth or the intrahepatic tumour-like growth of the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis, respectively. Both parasites have evolved sophisticated strategies to escape host immune responses, mainly by manipulating and directing this immune response towards anergy and/or tolerance. Recent research studies have revealed a number of respective immunoregulatory mechanisms related to macrophages and dendritic cell as well as T cell activities (regulatory T cells, Tregs). A better understanding of this complex parasite-host relationship, and the elucidation of specific crucial events that lead to disease, represents targets towards the development of novel treatment strategies and options.
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Efficacy of osthole for Echinococcus granulosus in vitro and Echinococcus multilocularis in vivo. Vet Parasitol 2016; 226:38-43. [PMID: 27514881 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by cestode species of the genus Echinococcus; in addition, this zoonosis has long been neglected as a parasitic disease and has limited treatment options. Clinical drugs such as benzimidazole derivatives have limited treatment efficacy. The current study evaluated a novel drug, osthole, with low toxicity and high activity against Echinococcus in vitro and in vivo. The results in vitro indicated that the viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces in the group treated with osthole (120μM) decreased by 100% within 3days. In vivo experiments were conducted using parasite-infected mice. For this purpose, three groups of infected mice were treated daily for 6 weeks with albendazole (ABZ, 100mg/kg, positive control group), osthole (100mg/kg, experimental group), or honey/PBS (100mg/kg, negative control group), respectively. The osthole- and ABZ-treated groups presented a significant reduction in wet weight of metacestodes, increase in the level of interleukin (IL)-4 and the percentage of eosinophils compared with the control group. Osthole exhibited a high activity against echinococcosis in vivo. In addition, the toxicity of osthole was evaluated via an in vitro 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, as well as via morphological observation and calculation of liver and kidney function indexes in vivo. No obvious toxic effects of osthole were observed in our study. Therefore, this novel drug may be a promising alternative to benzimidazole in anti-echinococcosis chemotherapy.
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Abstract
Alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, caused by the metacestode larval stages of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus, respectively, are life-threatening diseases and very difficult to treat. The introduction of benzimidazole-based chemotherapy, which targets parasite β-tubulin, has significantly improved the life-span and prognosis of echinococcosis patients. However, benzimidazoles show only parasitostatic activity, are associated with serious adverse side effects and have to be administered for very long time periods, underlining the need for new drugs. Very recently, the nuclear genomes of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus have been characterised, revealing a plethora of data for gaining a deeper understanding of host-parasite interaction, parasite development and parasite evolution. Combined with extensive transcriptome analyses of Echinococcus life cycle stages these investigations also yielded novel clues for targeted drug design. Recent years also witnessed significant advancements in the molecular and cellular characterisation of the Echinococcus 'germinative cell' population, which forms a unique stem cell system that differs from stem cells of other organisms in the expression of several genes associated with the maintenance of pluripotency. As the only parasite cell type capable of undergoing mitosis, the germinative cells are central to all developmental transitions of Echinococcus within the host and to parasite expansion via asexual proliferation. In the present article, we will briefly introduce and discuss recent advances in Echinococcus genomics and stem cell research in the context of drug design and development. Interestingly, it turns out that benzimidazoles seem to have very limited effects on Echinococcus germinative cells, which could explain the high recurrence rates observed after chemotherapeutic treatment of echinococcosis patients. This clearly indicates that future efforts into the development of parasitocidal drugs should also target the parasite's stem cell system.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Koziol
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany; Sección Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - K Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany.
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Gottstein B, Wang J, Boubaker G, Marinova I, Spiliotis M, Müller N, Hemphill A. Susceptibility versus resistance in alveolar echinococcosis (larval infection with Echinococcus multilocularis). Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:103-9. [PMID: 26260407 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the majority of human individuals exposed to infection with Echinococcus spp. eggs exhibit resistance to disease as shown by either seroconversion to parasite--specific antigens, and/or the presence of 'dying out' or 'aborted' metacestodes, not including hereby those individuals who putatively got infected but did not seroconvert and who subsequently allowed no development of the pathogen. For those individuals where infection leads to disease, the developing parasite is partially controlled by host immunity. In infected humans, the type of immune response developed by the host accounts for the subsequent trichotomy concerning the parasite development: (i) seroconversion proving infection, but lack of any hepatic lesion indicating the failure of the parasite to establish and further develop within the liver; or resistance as shown by the presence of fully calcified lesions; (ii) controlled susceptibility as found in the "conventional" alveolar echinococcosis (AE) patients who experience clinical signs and symptoms approximately 5-15 years after infection, and (iii) uncontrolled hyperproliferation of the metacestode due to an impaired immune response (AIDS or other immunodeficiencies). Immunomodulation of host immunity toward anergy seems to be triggered by parasite metabolites. Beside immunomodulating IL-10, TGFβ-driven regulatory T cells have been shown to play a crucial role in the parasite-modulated progressive course of AE. A novel CD4+CD25+ Treg effector molecule FGL2 recently yielded new insight into the tolerance process in Echinococcus multilocularis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Gottstein
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Junhua Wang
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irina Marinova
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Spiliotis
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
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La X, Zhang F, Li Y, Li J, Guo Y, Zhao H, Pang N, Ma X, Wen H, Fan H, Ding J. Upregulation of PD-1 on CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells is associated with immunosuppression in liver of mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 26:357-66. [PMID: 25907244 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) infection. The relationship between PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and Tregs at different stages of E. multilocularis infection has rarely been reported. This study aims to investigate the role of PD-1/PD-L1 in immunosuppression of Tregs in E. multilocularis infection. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR analysis, cytometric bead array and MTT assay were used to analyze liver pathological changes, percentages of PD-1(+) Tregs and PD-L1(+) dendritic cells (DCs), expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1 and Foxp3, levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and proliferation of lymphocytes. During middle-late stage (day 30 to day 330) the percentages of PD-1(+) Tregs and PD-L1(+) DCs together with levels of Foxp3, IL-10 and TGF-β increased significantly and maintained at high level. The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 was increased with the enlarging erosion of E. multilocularis, and was mainly distributed in hepatic sinus, fibrous wall of alveolar hydatid and germinal layer around foci of infection. PD-1/PD-L1 promoted the secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β. Our results indicate that engagement of the PD-1 and PD-L1 correlates with inhibition of T-cell effector function, cytokine secretion and proliferation. High expression of PD-1/PD-L1 may play an important role in stimulating CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells, and maintaining peripheral tolerance and immune evasion during chronic infection of E. multilocularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin La
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Fengbo Zhang
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jun Li
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yuyuan Guo
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Nannan Pang
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiumin Ma
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hao Wen
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Haining Fan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, 251 Xining Road, 810000, Xi-ning, Qinghai, China.
| | - Jianbing Ding
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Hydatid Fundamental Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 393 Xinyi Road, 830011,Urumqi, Xinjiang, China; Department of Immunology, School of Preclinical Medicine of Xinjiang Medical University 393 Xinyi Road, 830011, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.
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35
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Identification and characterization of functional Smad8 and Smad4 homologues from Echinococcus granulosus. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3745-57. [PMID: 25039015 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Smad family proteins are essential cellular mediators of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. In the present study, we identified two members of the Smad proteins, Smad8 and Smad4 homologues (termed as EgSmadE and EgSmadD, respectively), from Echinococcus granulosus, the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis (CE). Phylogenetic analysis placed EgSmadE in the Smad1, 5, and 8 subgroup of the R-Smad sub-family and EgSmadD in the Co-Smad family. Furthermore, EgSmadE and EgSmadD attained a high homology to EmSmadE and EmSmadD of E. multilocularis, respectively. Both EgSmadE and EgSmadD were co-expressed in the larval stages and exhibited the highest transcript levels in activated protoscoleces, and their encoded proteins were co-localized in the sub-tegumental and tegumental layer of the parasite. As shown by yeast two-hybrid and pull-down analysis, EgSmadE displayed a positive binding interaction with EgSmadD. In addition, EgSmadE localized in the nuclei of Mv1Lu cells (mink lung epithelial cells) upon treatment with human TGF-β1 or human BMP2, indicating that EgSmadE is capable of being translocated into nucleus, in vitro. Our study suggests that EgSmadE and EgSmadD may take part in critical biological processes, including echinococcal growth, development, and parasite-host interaction.
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Targeting Echinococcus multilocularis stem cells by inhibition of the Polo-like kinase EmPlk1. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2870. [PMID: 24901228 PMCID: PMC4046951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a life-threatening disease caused by larvae of the fox-tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Crucial to AE pathology is continuous infiltrative growth of the parasite's metacestode stage, which is driven by a population of somatic stem cells, called germinative cells. Current anti-AE chemotherapy using benzimidazoles is ineffective in eliminating the germinative cell population, thus leading to remission of parasite growth upon therapy discontinuation. Methodology/Principal findings We herein describe the characterization of EmPlk1, encoded by the gene emplk1, which displays significant homologies to members of the Plk1 sub-family of Polo-like kinases that regulate mitosis in eukaryotic cells. We demonstrate germinative cell-specific expression of emplk1 by RT-PCR, transcriptomics, and in situ hybridization. We also show that EmPlk1 can induce germinal vesicle breakdown when heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes, indicating that it is an active kinase. This activity was significantly suppressed in presence of BI 2536, a Plk1 inhibitor that has been tested in clinical trials against cancer. Addition of BI 2536 at concentrations as low as 20 nM significantly blocked the formation of metacestode vesicles from cultivated Echinococcus germinative cells. Furthermore, low concentrations of BI 2536 eliminated the germinative cell population from mature metacestode vesicles in vitro, yielding parasite tissue that was no longer capable of proliferation. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that BI 2536 effectively inactivates E. multilocularis germinative cells in parasite larvae in vitro by direct inhibition of EmPlk1, thus inducing mitotic arrest and germinative cell killing. Since germinative cells are decisive for parasite proliferation and metastasis formation within the host, BI 2536 and related compounds are very promising compounds to complement benzimidazoles in AE chemotherapy. The lethal disease AE is characterized by continuous and infiltrative growth of the metacestode larva of the tapeworm E. multilocularis within host organs. This cancer-like progression is exclusively driven by a population of parasite stem cells (germinative cells) that have to be eliminated for an effective cure of the disease. Current treatment options, using benzimidazoles, are parasitostatic only, and thus obviously not effective in germinative cell killing. We herein describe a novel, druggable parasite enzyme, EmPlk1, that specifically regulates germinative cell proliferation. We show that a compound, BI 2536, originally designed to inhibit the human ortholog of EmPlk1, can also inhibit the parasite protein at low doses. Furthermore, low doses of BI 2536 eliminated germinative cells from Echinococcus larvae in vitro and prevented parasite growth and development. We propose that BI 2536 and related compounds are promising drugs to complement current benzimidazole treatment for achieving parasite killing.
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Hou J, Luo X, Wang S, Yin C, Zhang S, Zhu X, Dou Y, Cai X. Sequence analysis and molecular characterization of Wnt4 gene in metacestodes of Taenia solium. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2014; 52:163-8. [PMID: 24850959 PMCID: PMC4028453 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.2.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Wnt proteins are a family of secreted glycoproteins that are evolutionarily conserved and considered to be involved in extensive developmental processes in metazoan organisms. The characterization of wnt genes may improve understanding the parasite's development. In the present study, a wnt4 gene encoding 491amino acids was amplified from cDNA of metacestodes of Taenia solium using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Bioinformatics tools were used for sequence analysis. The conserved domain of the wnt gene family was predicted. The expression profile of Wnt4 was investigated using real-time PCR. Wnt4 expression was found to be dramatically increased in scolex evaginated cysticerci when compared to invaginated cysticerci. In situ hybridization showed that wnt4 gene was distributed in the posterior end of the worm along the primary body axis in evaginated cysticerci. These findings indicated that wnt4 may take part in the process of cysticerci evagination and play a role in scolex/bladder development of cysticerci of T. solium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Xuenong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Cai Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Xueliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Yongxi Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Xuepeng Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, P. R. China
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Domínguez MF, Koziol U, Porro V, Costábile A, Estrade S, Tort J, Bollati-Fogolin M, Castillo E. A new approach for the characterization of proliferative cells in cestodes. Exp Parasitol 2014; 138:25-9. [PMID: 24468551 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cestodes show a remarkable proliferative capability that sustains the constant growth and differentiation of proglottids essential for their lifestyle. It is believed that a separate population of undifferentiated stem cells (the so-called germinative cells) are the only cells capable of proliferation during growth and development. The study of this particular cell subpopulation is hampered by the current lack of methods to isolate it. In this work, we developed a reproducible flow cytometry and cell sorting method to quantify and isolate the proliferating cells in the tetrathyridia larvae of the model cestode Mesocestoides corti, based on the DNA content of the cells. The isolated cells display the typical germinative cell morphology, and can be used for RNA isolation with a yield in the ng to μg range. We expect that this approach may facilitate the characterization of the germinative cells in M. corti and other model tapeworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Domínguez
- Sección Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - U Koziol
- Sección Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - V Porro
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Costábile
- Sección Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay; Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - S Estrade
- Sección Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - J Tort
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Bollati-Fogolin
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - E Castillo
- Sección Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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39
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Hemer S, Konrad C, Spiliotis M, Koziol U, Schaack D, Förster S, Gelmedin V, Stadelmann B, Dandekar T, Hemphill A, Brehm K. Host insulin stimulates Echinococcus multilocularis insulin signalling pathways and larval development. BMC Biol 2014; 12:5. [PMID: 24468049 PMCID: PMC3923246 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-12-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metacestode of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis, a lethal zoonosis. Infections are initiated through establishment of parasite larvae within the intermediate host's liver, where high concentrations of insulin are present, followed by tumour-like growth of the metacestode in host organs. The molecular mechanisms determining the organ tropism of E. multilocularis or the influences of host hormones on parasite proliferation are poorly understood. RESULTS Using in vitro cultivation systems for parasite larvae we show that physiological concentrations (10 nM) of human insulin significantly stimulate the formation of metacestode larvae from parasite stem cells and promote asexual growth of the metacestode. Addition of human insulin to parasite larvae led to increased glucose uptake and enhanced phosphorylation of Echinococcus insulin signalling components, including an insulin receptor-like kinase, EmIR1, for which we demonstrate predominant expression in the parasite's glycogen storage cells. We also characterized a second insulin receptor family member, EmIR2, and demonstrated interaction of its ligand binding domain with human insulin in the yeast two-hybrid system. Addition of an insulin receptor inhibitor resulted in metacestode killing, prevented metacestode development from parasite stem cells, and impaired the activation of insulin signalling pathways through host insulin. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that host insulin acts as a stimulant for parasite development within the host liver and that E. multilocularis senses the host hormone through an evolutionarily conserved insulin signalling pathway. Hormonal host-parasite cross-communication, facilitated by the relatively close phylogenetic relationship between E. multilocularis and its mammalian hosts, thus appears to be important in the pathology of alveolar echinococcosis. This contributes to a closer understanding of organ tropism and parasite persistence in larval cestode infections. Furthermore, our data show that Echinococcus insulin signalling pathways are promising targets for the development of novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Klaus Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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40
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Development of a cell line from Echinococcus granulosus germinal layer. Acta Trop 2013; 128:124-9. [PMID: 23860182 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In vitro culture of parasitic helminths provides an important tool to study cell regeneration and physiology, as well as for molecular biology and genetic engineering studies. In the present study, we established in vitro propagation of cells from Echinococcus granulosus germinal cyst layer. E. granulosus germinal cells grew beyond 100 passages and showed no signs of reduced proliferation capacity. Microscopic analysis revealed that cells grew both attached to the substrate and in suspension, forming three-dimensional structures like mammalian stem cell aggregates. Examination of the chromosome number of attached germinal cells showed a high degree of heteroploidy, suggesting the occurrence of transformation during culture. Monolayer cells survived cryopreservation and were able to proliferate after thawing. Based on the characteristics displayed by E. granulosus germinal cells, we establish a cell line from the E. granulosus germinal layer. Furthermore, we propose that this cell line could be useful for drug screening and for obtaining parasite material.
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41
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Pouchkina-Stantcheva NN, Cunningham LJ, Hrčkova G, Olson PD. RNA-mediated gene suppression and in vitro culture in Hymenolepis microstoma. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:641-6. [PMID: 23639265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Hymenolepis microstoma, the mouse bile-duct tapeworm, is a classical rodent-hosted model that provides easy laboratory access to all stages of the life cycle. Recent characterisation of its genome has greatly advanced its utility for molecular research, albeit contemporary techniques such as those for assaying gene function have yet to be developed in the system. Here we present research on the development of RNA-mediated gene suppression via RNA interference (RNAi), and on in vitro culture of the enteric, adult phase of the life cycle to support this work. We demonstrate up to 80% quantitative suppression of a Hox transcript via soaking activated juvenile worms with double-stranded RNAs. However, we were unable to achieve segmentation of the worms in culture despite extensive manipulations of the culture media and supplements, preventing functional interpretation. An alternative, in vivo approach to RNAi was also tested by exposing cysticercoids prior to inoculation in mice, but fluorescent labelling showed that the RNAs did not sufficiently penetrate the cyst body and no difference in expression was found between exposed and control groups grown in vivo. Genomic and transcriptomic data revealed that H. microstoma has two orthologs each of Dicer, Drosha and Ago-1-like genes and that expression of one of the Ago-1 genes appears exclusive to germline development, suggesting that two or more independent RNA-mediated pathways are in operation. These studies demonstrate the viability of RNAi in H. microstoma and extend the utility of the model for research in the genomic era.
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42
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Hemer S, Brehm K. In vitro efficacy of the anticancer drug imatinib on Echinococcus multilocularis larvae. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2012; 40:458-62. [PMID: 22947125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The metacestode stage of Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a lethal zoonosis with very limited treatment options. Chemotherapy of AE currently employs benzimidazoles (BZs); however, these exert only a parasitostatic action in vivo and have to be given life-long. In the search for novel drug targets, we have concentrated on parasite signalling pathways. Here we report significant antiparasitic effects of imatinib, an ABL kinase inhibitor that is in clinical use to treat certain cancers. At concentrations of 25 μM, imatinib was highly effective in killing Echinococcus stem cells, metacestode vesicles and protoscoleces in vitro. Moreover, already at concentrations as low as 10 μM, imatinib significantly inhibited the formation of metacestode vesicles from parasite stem cells, inactivated 50% of vesicles after 7 days, and induced morphological alterations in the metacestode upon short-term treatment. We also demonstrate that E. multilocularis larvae express enzymes with high homology to previously identified ABL-like kinases that act as imatinib targets in Schistosoma mansoni. In particular, amino acids known to mediate the binding of imatinib to target kinases are well conserved between human and Echinococcus ABL kinases. Taken together, these data demonstrate effective inactivation of Echinococcus larvae using imatinib concentrations that do not significantly affect cultivated human cells, indicating that imatinib might be a promising alternative to BZs in anti-AE chemotherapy. Furthermore, imatinib can also act as a lead substance for the identification of related compounds with higher antiparasitic activity, the identification of which will be facilitated by the Echinococcus ABL kinase sequences determined in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hemer
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
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43
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Olson PD, Zarowiecki M, Kiss F, Brehm K. Cestode genomics - progress and prospects for advancing basic and applied aspects of flatworm biology. Parasite Immunol 2012; 34:130-50. [PMID: 21793855 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2011.01319.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Characterization of the first tapeworm genome, Echinococcus multilocularis, is now nearly complete, and genome assemblies of E. granulosus, Taenia solium and Hymenolepis microstoma are in advanced draft versions. These initiatives herald the beginning of a genomic era in cestodology and underpin a diverse set of research agendas targeting both basic and applied aspects of tapeworm biology. We discuss the progress in the genomics of these species, provide insights into the presence and composition of immunologically relevant gene families, including the antigen B- and EG95/45W families, and discuss chemogenomic approaches toward the development of novel chemotherapeutics against cestode diseases. In addition, we discuss the evolution of tapeworm parasites and introduce the research programmes linked to genome initiatives that are aimed at understanding signalling systems involved in basic host-parasite interactions and morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D Olson
- Department of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, London, UK
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44
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Nono JK, Pletinckx K, Lutz MB, Brehm K. Excretory/secretory-products of Echinococcus multilocularis larvae induce apoptosis and tolerogenic properties in dendritic cells in vitro. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1516. [PMID: 22363826 PMCID: PMC3283565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alveolar echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus multilocularis larvae, is a chronic disease associated with considerable modulation of the host immune response. Dendritic cells (DC) are key effectors in shaping the immune response and among the first cells encountered by the parasite during an infection. Although it is assumed that E.multilocularis, by excretory/secretory (E/S)-products, specifically affects DC to deviate immune responses, little information is available on the molecular nature of respective E/S-products and their mode of action. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We established cultivation systems for exposing DC to live material from early (oncosphere), chronic (metacestode) and late (protoscolex) infectious stages. When co-incubated with Echinococcus primary cells, representing the invading oncosphere, or metacestode vesicles, a significant proportion of DC underwent apoptosis and the surviving DC failed to mature. In contrast, DC exposed to protoscoleces upregulated maturation markers and did not undergo apoptosis. After pre-incubation with primary cells and metacestode vesicles, DC showed a strongly impaired ability to be activated by the TLR ligand LPS, which was not observed in DC pre-treated with protoscolex E/S-products. While none of the larvae induced the secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-12p70, the production of immunosuppressive IL-10 was elevated in response to primary cell E/S-products. Finally, upon incubation with DC and naïve T-cells, E/S-products from metacestode vesicles led to a significant expansion of Foxp3+ T cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report on the induction of apoptosis in DC by cestode E/S-products. Our data indicate that the early infective stage of E. multilocularis is a strong inducer of tolerance in DC, which is most probably important for generating an immunosuppressive environment at an infection phase in which the parasite is highly vulnerable to host attacks. The induction of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells through metacestode E/S-products suggests that these cells fulfill an important role for parasite persistence during chronic echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Komguep Nono
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katrien Pletinckx
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Manfred B. Lutz
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
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45
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Doerr HW, Cinatl J. Recent publications in medical microbiology and immunology: a retrospective. Med Microbiol Immunol 2011; 201:1-5. [PMID: 22033658 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-011-0219-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A look back is done to some clinical and basic research activities recently published in medical microbiology and immunology. The review covers clinical experiences and in vitro experiments to understand the emergency, pathogenicity, epidemic spread, and vaccine-based prevention of avian and swine-origin flu. Some new developments and concepts in diagnosis, (molecular) epidemiology, and therapy of AIDS, viral hepatitis C, and herpesvirus-associated diseases are outlined. Regulation of immune system has been discussed in a special issue 2010 including some aspects of CNS affections (measles). Mycobacterial infection and its prevention by modern recombinant vaccines have reached new interest, as well as new concepts of vaccination and prophylaxis against several other bacteria. Adaptation to host niches enables immune escape (example brucella) and determines virulence (example N. meningitidis). Chlamydia pneumoniae, previously considered to trigger atherosclerosis, is hypothetically associated to Alzheimer disease, while CMV, another putative trigger of atherosclerosis, gains evidence of oncomodulation in CNS tumor diseases. In terms of globalization, exotic virus infections are increasingly imported from southern countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Doerr
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital of Frankfurt/M., Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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Nakao R, Kameda Y, Kouguchi H, Matsumoto J, Dang Z, Simon AY, Torigoe D, Sasaki N, Oku Y, Sugimoto C, Agui T, Yagi K. Identification of genetic loci affecting the establishment and development of Echinococcus multilocularis larvae in mice. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:1121-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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47
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Epping K, Brehm K. Echinococcus multilocularis: molecular characterization of EmSmadE, a novel BR-Smad involved in TGF-β and BMP signaling. Exp Parasitol 2011; 129:85-94. [PMID: 21802416 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Smad transcription factors are central components of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways in metazoans, and regulate key developmental processes such as body axis formation or regeneration. In the present study, we have identified and characterized a novel member of this protein family, EmSmadE, in the human parasitic cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis. The cDNA of the corresponding gene, emsmadE, was fully sequenced and shown to encode a protein with considerable homologies to known members of the receptor regulated Smad (R-Smad) family of a wide variety of organisms. EmSmadE contains highly conserved MH1- and MH2-domains and, on the basis of sequence features around the L3 loop region, could be assigned to the BR-Smad subfamily that typically transmits BMP signals. RT-PCR analyses indicated expression of emsmadE in all larval stages that are involved in the infection of the intermediate host. Yeast two-hybrid interaction studies demonstrated that EmSmadE can form homodimers, and is capable of heterodimer formation with the previously identified common Smad (Co-Smad) EmSmadD and the R-Smads, EmSmadA, and EmSmadB. In a heterologous expression system, EmSmadE was specifically phosphorylated at a conserved C-terminal SSVS motif by the human BMP type I receptor and, despite being structurally a BR-Smad, also by the human TGF-β type I receptor. Taken together, these data indicate that EmSmadE is a functionally active R-Smad that is involved in larval Echinococcus development. The data presented herein will be important for further analyses on the role of TGF-β/BMP signaling pathways in Echinococcus pattern formation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Epping
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
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48
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Kern P, Grüner B, Wahlers K. Diagnosis and course of echinococcocal diseases in the transplant setting. Transpl Infect Dis 2011; 13:217-21. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2011.00643.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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49
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Förster S, Günthel D, Kiss F, Brehm K. Molecular characterisation of a serum-responsive, DAF-12-like nuclear hormone receptor of the fox-tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. J Cell Biochem 2011; 112:1630-42. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.23073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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50
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Cucher M, Prada L, Mourglia-Ettlin G, Dematteis S, Camicia F, Asurmendi S, Rosenzvit M. Identification of Echinococcus granulosus microRNAs and their expression in different life cycle stages and parasite genotypes. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:439-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2010.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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