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de Sousa MCF, Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, Choi R, Hulverson MA, Arnold SLM, Van Voorhis WC, Fan E, Roberto SS, Ortega-Mora LM, Hemphill A. Efficacy of the bumped kinase inhibitor BKI-1708 against the cyst-forming apicomplexan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in vitro and in experimentally infected mice. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100553. [PMID: 38917582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are major worldwide morbidity-causing pathogens. Bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs) are a compound class that has been optimized to target the apicomplexan calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1) - and several members of this class have proven to be safe and highly active in vitro and in vivo. BKI-1708 is based on a 5-aminopyrazole-4-carboxamide scaffold, and exhibited in vitro IC50 values of 120 nM for T. gondii and 480 nM for N. caninum β-galactosidase expressing strains, and did not affect human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) viability at concentrations up to 25 μM. Electron microscopy established that exposure of tachyzoite-infected fibroblasts to 2.5 μM BKI-1708 in vitro induced the formation of multinucleated schizont-like complexes (MNCs), characterized by continued nuclear division and harboring newly formed intracellular zoites that lack the outer plasma membrane. These zoites were unable to finalize cytokinesis to form infective tachyzoites. BKI-1708 did not affect zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo development during the first 96 h following egg hatching at concentrations up to 2 μM. Treatments of mice with BKI-1708 at 20 mg/kg/day during five consecutive days resulted in drug plasma levels ranging from 0.14 to 4.95 μM. In vivo efficacy of BKI-1708 was evaluated by oral application of 20 mg/kg/day from day 9-13 of pregnancy in mice experimentally infected with N. caninum (NcSpain-7) tachyzoites or T. gondii (TgShSp1) oocysts. This resulted in significantly decreased cerebral parasite loads and reduced vertical transmission in both models without drug-induced pregnancy interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Ferreira de Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ryan Choi
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew A Hulverson
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel L M Arnold
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wesley C Van Voorhis
- Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Erkang Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sánchez-Sánchez Roberto
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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2
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Nevers Y, Glover NM, Dessimoz C, Lecompte O. Protein length distribution is remarkably uniform across the tree of life. Genome Biol 2023; 24:135. [PMID: 37291671 PMCID: PMC10251718 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02973-2] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In every living species, the function of a protein depends on its organization of structural domains, and the length of a protein is a direct reflection of this. Because every species evolved under different evolutionary pressures, the protein length distribution, much like other genomic features, is expected to vary across species but has so far been scarcely studied. RESULTS Here we evaluate this diversity by comparing protein length distribution across 2326 species (1688 bacteria, 153 archaea, and 485 eukaryotes). We find that proteins tend to be on average slightly longer in eukaryotes than in bacteria or archaea, but that the variation of length distribution across species is low, especially compared to the variation of other genomic features (genome size, number of proteins, gene length, GC content, isoelectric points of proteins). Moreover, most cases of atypical protein length distribution appear to be due to artifactual gene annotation, suggesting the actual variation of protein length distribution across species is even smaller. CONCLUSIONS These results open the way for developing a genome annotation quality metric based on protein length distribution to complement conventional quality measures. Overall, our findings show that protein length distribution between living species is more uniform than previously thought. Furthermore, we also provide evidence for a universal selection on protein length, yet its mechanism and fitness effect remain intriguing open questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannis Nevers
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Natasha M Glover
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Dessimoz
- Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Life's Origins and Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Odile Lecompte
- Department of Computer Science, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, ICube, UMR 7357, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, Strasbourg, France
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Gharibi Z, Shahbazi B, Gouklani H, Nassira H, Rezaei Z, Ahmadi K. Computational screening of FDA-approved drugs to identify potential TgDHFR, TgPRS, and TgCDPK1 proteins inhibitors against Toxoplasma gondii. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5396. [PMID: 37012275 PMCID: PMC10070243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most successful parasites in the world, because about a third of the world's population is seropositive for toxoplasmosis. Treatment regimens for toxoplasmosis have remained unchanged for the past 20 years, and no new drugs have been introduced to the market recently. This study, performed molecular docking to identify interactions of FDA-approved drugs with essential residues in the active site of proteins of T. gondii Dihydrofolate Reductase (TgDHFR), Prolyl-tRNA Synthetase (TgPRS), and Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (TgCDPK1). Each protein was docked with 2100 FDA-approved drugs using AutoDock Vina. Also, the Pharmit software was used to generate pharmacophore models based on the TgDHFR complexed with TRC-2533, TgPRS in complex with halofuginone, and TgCDPK1 in complex with a bumped kinase inhibitor, RM-1-132. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was also performed for 100 ns to verify the stability of interaction in drug-protein complexes. Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) analysis evaluated the binding energy of selected complexes. Ezetimibe, Raloxifene, Sulfasalazine, Triamterene, and Zafirlukast drugs against the TgDHFR protein, Cromolyn, Cefexim, and Lactulose drugs against the TgPRS protein, and Pentaprazole, Betamethasone, and Bromocriptine drugs against TgCDPK1 protein showed the best results. These drugs had the lowest energy-based docking scores and also stable interactions based on MD analyses with TgDHFR, TgPRS, and TgCDPK1 drug targets that can be introduced as possible drugs for laboratory investigations to treat T. gondii parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Gharibi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Behzad Shahbazi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Gouklani
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Hoda Nassira
- Polymer Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaei
- Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Ahmadi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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Zhang X, Yuan H, Mahmmod YS, Yang Z, Zhao M, Song Y, Luo S, Zhang XX, Yuan ZG. Insight into the current Toxoplasma gondii DNA vaccine: a review article. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:66-89. [PMID: 36508550 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2157818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is a widespread protozoan with significant economic losses and public health importance. But so far, the protective effect of reported DNA-based vaccines fluctuates widely, and no study has demonstrated complete protection. AREAS COVERED This review provides an inclusive summary of T. gondii DNA vaccine antigens, adjuvants, and some other parameters. A total of 140 articles from 2000 to 2021 were collected from five databases. By contrasting the outcomes of acute and chronic challenges, we aimed to investigate and identify viable immunological strategies for optimum protection. Furthermore, we evaluated and discussed the impact of several parameters on challenge outcomes in the hopes of developing some recommendations to assist better future horizontal comparisons among research. EXPERT OPINION In the coming five years of research, the exploration of vaccine cocktails combining invasion antigens and metabolic antigens with genetic adjuvants or novel DNA delivery methods may offer us desirable protection against this multiple stage of life parasite. In addition to finding a better immune strategy, developing better in silico prediction methods, solving problems posed by variables in practical applications, and gaining a more profound knowledge of T.gondii-host molecular interaction is also crucial towards a successful vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Hao Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yasser S Mahmmod
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, 17155, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zipeng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mengpo Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yining Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shengjun Luo
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zi-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
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5
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Zhang L, Chen L, Zhang H, Si H, Liu X, Suo X, Hu D. A comparative study of microRNAs in different stages of Eimeria tenella. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:954725. [PMID: 35937295 PMCID: PMC9353057 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.954725] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites have divergent biogenesis machinery for small RNA generation. Analysis has shown that parasites in Plasmodium and Cryptosporidium as well as many species in Leishmania or Trypanosoma do not have a complete machinery in small RNA biogenesis. Recently, the miRNA-generating system of Toxoplasma has been identified as plant/fungal-like and its miRNAome has been elucidated. However, the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles and their potential regulatory functions in different stages of Eimeria tenella remain largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the RNA silencing machinery of E. tenella and investigated the miRNA population distribution at different life stages by high-throughput sequencing. We characterized the expression of miRNAs in the unsporulated oocyst, sporulated oocyst and schizogony stages, obtaining a total of 392 miRNAs. We identified 58 differentially expressed miRNAs between USO (unsporulated oocysts) and SO (sporulated oocysts) that were significantly enriched for their potential target genes in the regulation of gene expression and chromatin binding, suggesting an epigenetic modulation of sporulating by these miRNAs. In comparing miRNA expression at endogenous and exogenous developmental stages, twenty-four miRNAs were identified differently expressed. Those were mainly associated with the regulation of genes with protein kinase activity, suggesting control of protein phosphorylation. This is the first study about the evolution of miRNA biogenesis system and miRNA control of gene expression in Eimeria species. Our data may lead to functional insights into of the regulation of gene expression during parasite life cycle in apicomplexan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Linlin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Hongbin Si
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Suo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Dandan Hu
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6
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Zhu L, Qi W, Yang G, Yang Y, Wang Y, Zheng L, Fu Y, Cheng X. Toxoplasma gondii Rhoptry Protein 7 (ROP7) Interacts with NLRP3 and Promotes Inflammasome Hyperactivation in THP-1-Derived Macrophages. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101630. [PMID: 35626667 PMCID: PMC9139738 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a common opportunistic protozoan pathogen that can parasitize the karyocytes of humans and virtually all other warm-blooded animals. In the host’s innate immune response to T. gondii infection, inflammasomes can mediate the maturation of pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18, which further enhances the immune response. However, how intercellular parasites specifically provoke inflammasome activation remains unclear. In this study, we found that the T. gondii secretory protein, rhoptry protein 7 (ROP7), could interact with the NACHT domain of NLRP3 through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and co-immunoprecipitation assays. When expressing ROP7 in differentiated THP-1 cells, there was significant up-regulation in NF-κB and continuous release of IL-1β. This process is pyroptosis-independent and leads to inflammasome hyperactivation through the IL-1β/NF-κB/NLRP3 feedback loop. The loss of ROP7 in tachyzoites did not affect parasite proliferation in host cells but did attenuate parasite-induced inflammatory activity. In conclusion, these findings unveil that a T. gondii-derived protein is able to promote inflammasome activation, and further study of ROP7 will deepen our understanding of host innate immunity to parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (L.Z.); (W.Q.); (X.C.)
| | - Wanjun Qi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (L.Z.); (W.Q.); (X.C.)
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
| | - Yurong Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China;
| | - Yuwen Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, The Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; (Y.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, The Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; (Y.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Yongfeng Fu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (L.Z.); (W.Q.); (X.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (L.Z.); (W.Q.); (X.C.)
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7
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Wang ZX, Che L, Hu RS, Sun XL. Comparative Phosphoproteomic Analysis of Sporulated Oocysts and Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii Reveals Stage-Specific Patterns. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27031022. [PMID: 35164288 PMCID: PMC8839046 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27031022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan of severe threat to humans and livestock, whose life history harbors both gamic and apogamic stages. Chinese 1 (ToxoDB#9) was a preponderant genotype epidemic in food-derived animals and humans in China, with a different pathogenesis from the strains from the other nations of the world. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins were critical mediators of the biology, developmental transforms, and pathogenesis of protozoan parasites. The phosphoprotein profiling and the difference between the developmental phases of T. gondii, contributing to development and infectivity, remain unknown. A quantitative phosphoproteomic approach using IBT integrated with TiO2 affinity chromatography was applied to identify and analyze the difference in the phosphoproteomes between the sporulated oocysts and the tachyzoites of the virulent ToxoDB#9 (PYS) strain of T. gondii. A total of 4058 differential phosphopeptides, consisting of 2597 upregulated and 1461 downregulated phosphopeptides, were characterized between sporulated the oocysts and tachyzoites. Twenty-one motifs extracted from the upregulated phosphopeptides contained 19 serine motifs and 2 threonine motifs (GxxTP and TP), whereas 16 motifs identified from downregulated phosphopeptides included 13 serine motifs and 3 threonine motifs (KxxT, RxxT, and TP). Beyond the traditional kinases, some infrequent classes of kinases, including Ab1, EGFR, INSR, Jak, Src and Syk, were found to be corresponding to motifs from the upregulated and downregulated phosphopeptides. Remarkable functional properties of the differentially expressed phosphoproteins were discovered by GO analysis, KEGG pathway analysis, and STRING analysis. S8GFS8 (DNMT1-RFD domain-containing protein) and S8F5G5 (Histone kinase SNF1) were the two most connected peptides in the kinase-associated network. Out of these, phosphorylated modifications in histone kinase SNF1 have functioned in mitosis and interphase of T. gondii, as well as in the regulation of gene expression relevant to differentiation. Our study discovered a remarkable difference in the abundance of phosphopeptides between the sporulated oocysts and tachyzoites of the virulent ToxoDB#9 (PYS) strain of T. gondii, which may provide a new resource for understanding stage-specific differences in PTMs and may enhance the illustration of the regulatory mechanisms contributing to the development and infectivity of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Xiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (L.C.); (X.-L.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Liang Che
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (L.C.); (X.-L.S.)
| | - Rui-Si Hu
- Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China;
| | - Xiao-Lin Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (L.C.); (X.-L.S.)
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Hajj RE, Tawk L, Itani S, Hamie M, Ezzeddine J, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Toxoplasmosis: Current and Emerging Parasite Druggable Targets. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122531. [PMID: 34946133 PMCID: PMC8707595 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent disease affecting a wide range of hosts including approximately one-third of the human population. It is caused by the sporozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which instigates a range of symptoms, manifesting as acute and chronic forms and varying from ocular to deleterious congenital or neuro-toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may cause serious health problems in fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised patients. Recently, associations between toxoplasmosis and various neuropathies and different types of cancer were documented. In the veterinary sector, toxoplasmosis results in recurring abortions, leading to significant economic losses. Treatment of toxoplasmosis remains intricate and encompasses general antiparasitic and antibacterial drugs. The efficacy of these drugs is hindered by intolerance, side effects, and emergence of parasite resistance. Furthermore, all currently used drugs in the clinic target acute toxoplasmosis, with no or little effect on the chronic form. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview on the currently used and emergent drugs and their respective parasitic targets to combat toxoplasmosis. We will also abridge the repurposing of certain drugs, their targets, and highlight future druggable targets to enhance the therapeutic efficacy against toxoplasmosis, hence lessening its burden and potentially alleviating the complications of its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon;
| | - Lina Tawk
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Jana Ezzeddine
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961–1-350000 (ext. 4897)
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9
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Global phosphoproteome analysis reveals significant differences between sporulated oocysts of virulent and avirulent strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Microb Pathog 2021; 161:105240. [PMID: 34655729 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the differences in the phosphoproteomic landscape of sporulated oocysts between virulent and avirulent strains of Toxoplasma gondii were examined using a global phosphoproteomics approach. Phosphopeptides from sporulated oocysts of the virulent PYS strain (Chinese ToxoDB#9) and the avirulent PRU strain (type II) were enriched by titanium dioxide (TiO2) affinity chromatography and quantified using IBT approach. A total of 10,645 unique phosphopeptides, 8181 nonredundant phosphorylation sites and 2792 phosphoproteins were identified. We also detected 4129 differentially expressed phosphopeptides (DEPs) between sporulated oocysts of PYS strain and PRU strain (|log1.5 fold change| > 1 and p < 0.05), including 2485 upregulated and 1644 downregulated phosphopeptides. Motif analysis identified 24 motifs from the upregulated phosphorylated peptides including 22 serine motifs and two threonine motifs (TPE and TP), and 15 motifs from the downregulated phosphorylated peptides including 12 serine motifs and three threonine motifs (TP, RxxT and KxxT) in PYS strain when comparing PYS strain to PRU strain. Several kinases were consistent with motifs of overrepresented phosphopeptides, such as PKA, PKG, CKII, IKK, MAPK, EGFR, INSR, Jak, Syk, Src, Ab1. GO enrichment, KEGG pathway analysis and STRING analysis revealed DEPs significantly enriched in many biological processes and pathways. Kinase related network analysis showed that AGC kinase was the most connected kinase peptide. Our findings reveal significant difference in phosphopeptide profiles of sporulated oocysts between virulent and avirulent T. gondii strains, providing new resources for further elucidation of the mechanisms underpinning the virulence of T. gondii.
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10
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Hofmann F. The cGMP system: components and function. Biol Chem 2021; 401:447-469. [PMID: 31747372 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling system is one of the most prominent regulators of a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes in many mammalian and non-mammalian tissues. Targeting this pathway by increasing cGMP levels has been a very successful approach in pharmacology as shown for nitrates, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and stimulators of nitric oxide-guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC) and particulate GC (pGC). This is an introductory review to the cGMP signaling system intended to introduce those readers to this system, who do not work in this area. This article does not intend an in-depth review of this system. Signal transduction by cGMP is controlled by the generating enzymes GCs, the degrading enzymes PDEs and the cGMP-regulated enzymes cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels, cGMP-dependent protein kinases and cGMP-regulated PDEs. Part A gives a very concise introduction to the components. Part B gives a very concise introduction to the functions modulated by cGMP. The article cites many recent reviews for those who want a deeper insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Hofmann
- Pharmakologisches Institut, Technische Universität München, Biedersteiner Str. 29, D-80802 München, Germany
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11
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Abdullahi SA, Unyah NZ, Nordin N, Basir R, Nasir WM, Alapid AA, Hassan Y, Mustapha T, Majid RA. Phytochemicals and Potential Therapeutic Targets on Toxoplasma gondii Parasite. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 20:739-753. [PMID: 31660810 DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666191029105736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Identification of drug target in protozoan T. gondii is an important step in the development of chemotherapeutic agents. Likewise, exploring phytochemical compounds effective against the parasite can lead to the development of new drug agent that can be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of toxoplasmosis. In this review, we searched for the relevant literature on the herbs that were tested against T. gondii either in vitro or in vivo, as well as different phytochemicals and their potential activities on T. gondii. Potential activities of major phytochemicals, such as alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoids and tannins on various target sites on T. gondii as well as other related parasites was discussed. It is believed that the phytochemicals from natural sources are potential drug candidates for the treatment of toxoplasmosis with little or no toxicity to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Alhassan Abdullahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Ngah Zasmy Unyah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noshariza Nordin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rusliza Basir
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wana Mohammed Nasir
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Ashraf Ahmad Alapid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science-Alassaba, University of Gharyan, Gharyan, Libya
| | - Yahaya Hassan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
| | - Tijjani Mustapha
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yobe State University, Damaturi, Nigeria
| | - Roslaini Abd Majid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Selangor, Malaysia
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12
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Dongchao Z, Ning J, Qijun C. Loss of rhoptry protein 9 impeded Toxoplasma gondii infectivity. Acta Trop 2020; 207:105464. [PMID: 32302689 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular parasite that critically depends on active invasion and egress from infected host cells to complete its propagation cycle. T. gondii rhoptry proteins (TgROPs) are virulent factors associated with host cell invasion, growth. In this study, we analyzed the functions of ROP9 in the process of T. gondii infection. The TgROP9 knockout RH strain (RH△ROP9) and its recovery strain (RH-ReROP9) were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The invasion, proliferation, and egress efficiency of the RH△ROP9 strain were evaluated and their pathogenicity to mice was analyzed. Compared with RH wild-type (RH-WT) and RH-ReROP9 strains, the invasion percentage of RH△ROP9 to Vero cells was reduced by about 28.0% (p< 0.01) at 1.5 h, and the relative proliferation percentage was decreased by about 35.0% (p< 0.01) after infection with 102 or 103 parasites. In addition, the RH△ROP9 strain also showed prolonged egress time from host cells. The survival time of the mice (12.6 ± 1.6 or 10.1 ± 1.1 days) were delayed (p < 0.001) after infection with either 200 or 1000 RH△ROP9 parasites. These evidences suggested that ROP9 facilitated T. gondii infection in vitro and in vivo.
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13
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Rastogi S, Xue Y, Quake SR, Boothroyd JC. Differential Impacts on Host Transcription by ROP and GRA Effectors from the Intracellular Parasite Toxoplasma gondii. mBio 2020; 11:e00182-20. [PMID: 32518180 PMCID: PMC7373195 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00182-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii employs a vast array of effector proteins from the rhoptry and dense granule organelles to modulate host cell biology; these effectors are known as ROPs and GRAs, respectively. To examine the individual impacts of ROPs and GRAs on host gene expression, we developed a robust, novel protocol to enrich for ultrapure populations of a naturally occurring and reproducible population of host cells called uninfected-injected (U-I) cells, which Toxoplasma injects with ROPs but subsequently fails to invade. We then performed single-cell transcriptomic analysis at 1 to 3 h postinfection on U-I cells (as well as on uninfected and infected controls) arising from infection with either wild-type parasites or parasites lacking the MYR1 protein, which is required for soluble GRAs to cross the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) and reach the host cell cytosol. Based on comparisons of infected and U-I cells, the host's earliest response to infection appears to be driven primarily by the injected ROPs, which appear to induce immune and cellular stress pathways. These ROP-dependent proinflammatory signatures appear to be counteracted by at least some of the MYR1-dependent GRAs and may be enhanced by the MYR-independent GRAs (which are found embedded within the PVM). Finally, signatures detected in uninfected bystander cells from the infected monolayers suggest that MYR1-dependent paracrine effects also counteract inflammatory ROP-dependent processes.IMPORTANCE This work performs transcriptomic analysis of U-I cells, captures the earliest stage of a host cell's interaction with Toxoplasma gondii, and dissects the effects of individual classes of parasite effectors on host cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchita Rastogi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yuan Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Stephen R Quake
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John C Boothroyd
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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14
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Fan XC, Liu TL, Wang Y, Wu XM, Wang YX, Lai P, Song JK, Zhao GH. Genome-wide analysis of differentially expressed profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs in chickens during Eimeria necatrix infection. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:167. [PMID: 32245514 PMCID: PMC7118956 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eimeria necatrix, the most highly pathogenic coccidian in chicken small intestines, can cause high morbidity and mortality in susceptible birds and devastating economic losses in poultry production, but the underlying molecular mechanisms in interaction between chicken and E. necatrix are not entirely revealed. Accumulating evidence shows that the long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators in various infectious diseases. However, the expression profiles and roles of these two non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) during E. necatrix infection are still unclear. METHODS The expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs in mid-segments of chicken small intestines at 108 h post-infection (pi) with E. necatrix were analyzed by using the RNA-seq technique. RESULTS After strict filtering of raw data, we putatively identified 49,183 mRNAs, 818 lncRNAs and 4153 circRNAs. The obtained lncRNAs were classified into four types, including 228 (27.87%) intergenic, 67 (8.19%) intronic, 166 (20.29%) anti-sense and 357 (43.64%) sense-overlapping lncRNAs; of these, 571 were found to be novel. Five types were also predicted for putative circRNAs, including 180 exonic, 54 intronic, 113 antisense, 109 intergenic and 3697 sense-overlapping circRNAs. Eimeria necatrix infection significantly altered the expression of 1543 mRNAs (707 upregulated and 836 downregulated), 95 lncRNAs (49 upregulated and 46 downregulated) and 13 circRNAs (9 upregulated and 4 downregulated). Target predictions revealed that 38 aberrantly expressed lncRNAs would cis-regulate 73 mRNAs, and 1453 mRNAs could be trans-regulated by 87 differentially regulated lncRNAs. Additionally, 109 potential sponging miRNAs were also identified for 9 circRNAs. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of target mRNAs for lncRNAs, and sponging miRNA targets and source genes for circRNAs identified associations of both lncRNAs and circRNAs with host immune defense and pathogenesis during E. necatrix infection. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the first genome-wide analysis of mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs in chicken small intestines infected with E. necatrix. The obtained data will offer novel clues for exploring the interaction mechanisms between chickens and Eimeria spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Cheng Fan
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.,Center of Animal Disease Prevention and Control of Huyi District, Xi'an, 710300, China
| | - Ting-Li Liu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.,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, 730000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xue-Mei Wu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Yu-Xin Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Peng Lai
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jun-Ke Song
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
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15
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Screening of compound libraries for inhibitors of Toxoplasma growth and invasion. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1675-1681. [PMID: 32236711 PMCID: PMC7223663 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06673-9] [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: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans. It can differentiate between rapidly replicating tachyzoites that cause acute infection and slowly growing bradyzoites in tissue cysts. Treatment options for toxoplasmosis are challenging because current therapies cannot eradicate the latent T. gondii infection that is mainly caused by the bradyzoite forms. Accordingly, recurrence of infection is a problem for immunocompromised patients and congenitally infected patients. Protein kinases have been widely studied in eukaryotic cells, and while little is known about signaling in Toxoplasma infection, it is likely that protein kinases play a key role in parasite proliferation, differentiation, and probably invasion. To identify optimized new kinase inhibitors for drug development against T. gondii, we screened a library of kinase inhibitor compounds for anti-Toxoplasma activity and host cell cytotoxicity. Pyrimethamine served as a positive control and 0.5% DMSO was used as a negative control. Among the 80 compounds screened, 6 compounds demonstrated ≥ 80% parasite growth inhibition at concentrations at which 5 compounds did not suppress host cell viability, while 3 kinase inhibitors (Bay 11-7082, Tyrphostin AG 1295 and PD-98059) had suppressive effects individually on parasite growth and host cell invasion, but did not strongly induce bradyzoite formation.
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16
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García-Sánchez M, Jiménez-Pelayo L, Horcajo P, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Collantes-Fernández E, Ortega-Mora LM. Gene Expression Profiling of Neospora caninum in Bovine Macrophages Reveals Differences Between Isolates Associated With Key Parasite Functions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:354. [PMID: 31681630 PMCID: PMC6803445 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraspecific differences in biological traits between Neospora caninum isolates have been widely described and associated with variations in virulence. However, the molecular basis underlying these differences has been poorly studied. We demonstrated previously that Nc-Spain7 and Nc-Spain1H, high- and low-virulence isolates, respectively, show different invasion, proliferation and survival capabilities in bovine macrophages (boMØs), a key cell in the immune response against Neospora, and modulate the cell immune response in different ways. Here, we demonstrate that these differences are related to specific tachyzoite gene expression profiles. Specifically, the low-virulence Nc-Spain1H isolate showed enhanced expression of genes encoding for surface antigens and genes related to the bradyzoite stage. Among the primary up-regulated genes in Nc-Spain7, genes involved in parasite growth and redox homeostasis are particularly noteworthy because of their correlation with the enhanced proliferation and survival rates of Nc-Spain7 in boMØs relative to Nc-Spain1H. Genes potentially implicated in induction of proinflammatory immune responses were found to be up-regulated in the low-virulence isolate, whereas the high-virulence isolate showed enhanced expression of genes that may be involved in immune evasion. These results represent a further step in understanding the parasite effector molecules that may be associated to virulence and thus to disease traits as abortion and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta García-Sánchez
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Jiménez-Pelayo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Saluvet-Innova, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- Saluvet, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Wang ZX, Zhou CX, Calderón-Mantilla G, Petsalaki E, He JJ, Song HY, Elsheikha HM, Zhu XQ. iTRAQ-Based Global Phosphoproteomics Reveals Novel Molecular Differences Between Toxoplasma gondii Strains of Different Genotypes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:307. [PMID: 31508380 PMCID: PMC6716450 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
To gain insights into differences in the virulence among T. gondii strains at the post-translational level, we conducted a quantitative analysis of the phosphoproteome profile of T. gondii strains belonging to three different genotypes. Phosphopeptides from three strains, type I (RH strain), type II (PRU strain) and ToxoDB#9 (PYS strain), were enriched by titanium dioxide (TiO2) affinity chromatography and quantified using iTRAQ technology. A total of 1,441 phosphopeptides, 1,250 phosphorylation sites and 759 phosphoproteins were detected. In addition, 392, 298, and 436 differentially expressed phosphoproteins (DEPs) were identified in RH strain when comparing RH/PRU strains, in PRU strain when comparing PRU/PYS strains, and in PYS strain when comparing PYS/RH strains, respectively. Functional characterization of the DEPs using GO, KEGG, and STRING analyses revealed marked differences between the three strains. In silico kinase substrate motif analysis of the DEPs revealed three (RxxS, SxxE, and SxxxE), three (RxxS, SxxE, and SP), and five (SxxE, SP, SxE, LxRxxS, and RxxS) motifs in RH strain when comparing RH/PRU strains, in PRU strain when comparing PRU/PYS, and in PYS strain when comparing PYS/RH strains, respectively. This suggests that multiple overrepresented protein kinases including PKA, PKG, CKII, IKK, and MAPK could be involved in such a difference between T. gondii strains. Kinase associated network analysis showed that ROP5, ROP16, and cell-cycle-associated protein kinase CDK were the most connected kinase peptides. Our data reveal significant changes in the abundance of phosphoproteins between T. gondii genotypes, which explain some of the mechanisms that contribute to the virulence heterogeneity of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Xiang 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, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chun-Xue Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guillermo Calderón-Mantilla
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelia Petsalaki
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Jun-Jun He
- 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, China
| | - Hai-Yang Song
- 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, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Xing-Quan 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, China
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18
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Bumped kinase inhibitor 1369 is effective against Cystoisospora suis in vivo and in vitro. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 10:9-19. [PMID: 30959327 PMCID: PMC6453670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cystoisosporosis is a leading diarrheal disease in suckling piglets. With the confirmation of resistance against the only available drug toltrazuril, there is a substantial need for novel therapeutics to combat the infection and its negative effects on animal health. In closely related apicomplexan species, bumped kinase inhibitors (BKIs) targeting calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1) were shown to be effective in inhibiting host-cell invasion and parasite growth. Therefore, the gene coding for Cystoisospora suis CDPK1 (CsCDPK1) was identified and cloned to investigate activity and thermal stabilization of the recombinant CsCDPK1 enzyme by BKI 1369. In this comprehensive study, the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of BKI 1369 in piglets experimentally infected with Cystoisospora suis (toltrazuril-sensitive, Wien-I and toltrazuril-resistant, Holland-I strains) were determined in vivo and in vitro using an established animal infection model and cell culture, respectively. BKI 1369 inhibited merozoite proliferation in intestinal porcine epithelial cells-1 (IPEC-1) by at least 50% at a concentration of 40 nM, and proliferation was almost completely inhibited (>95%) at 200 nM. Nonetheless, exposure of infected cultures to 200 nM BKI 1369 for five days did not induce structural alterations in surviving merozoites as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Five-day treatment with BKI 1369 (10 mg/kg BW twice a day) effectively suppressed oocyst excretion and diarrhea and improved body weight gains in treated piglets without obvious side effects for both toltrazuril-sensitive, Wien-I and resistant, Holland-I C. suis strains. The plasma concentration of BKI 1369 in piglets increased to 11.7 μM during treatment, suggesting constant drug accumulation and exposure of parasites to the drug. Therefore, oral applications of BKI 1369 could potentially be a therapeutic alternative against porcine cystoisosporosis. For use in pigs, future studies on BKI 1369 should be directed towards ease of drug handling and minimizing treatment frequencies. Oral application of BKI 1369 effectively reduced oocyst excretion and diarrhea in Cystoisospora suis infected piglets. 200 nM of BKI 1369 almost completely suppressed parasite proliferation in vitro. IC50 and IC95 concentrations of BKI 1369 did not induce morphological alterations in in vitro cultured merozoites. Cystoisosporasuis CDPK1, the putative target of BKI 1369, has glycine as gatekeeper residue.
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19
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Foroutan M, Ghaffarifar F, Sharifi Z, Dalimi A, Jorjani O. Rhoptry antigens as Toxoplasma gondii vaccine target. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2019; 8:4-26. [PMID: 30775347 PMCID: PMC6369123 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2019.8.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic infection, caused by a unicellular protozoan parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa. It is estimated that over one-third of the world's population has been exposed and are latently infected with the parasite. In humans, toxoplasmosis is predominantly asymptomatic in immunocompetent persons, while among immunocompromised individuals may be cause severe and progressive complications with poor prognosis. Moreover, seronegative pregnant mothers are other risk groups for acquiring the infection. The life cycle of T. gondii is very complex, indicating the presence of a plurality of antigenic epitopes. Despite of great advances, recognize and construct novel vaccines for prevent and control of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals is still remains a great challenge for researchers to select potential protein sequences as the ideal antigens. Notably, in several past years, constant efforts of researchers have made considerable advances to elucidate the different aspects of the cell and molecular biology of T. gondii mainly on microneme antigens, dense granule antigens, surface antigens, and rhoptry proteins (ROP). These attempts thereby provided great impetus to the present focus on vaccine development, according to the defined subcellular components of the parasite. Although, currently there is no commercial vaccine for use in humans. Among the main identified T. gondii antigens, ROPs appear as a putative vaccine candidate that are vital for invasion procedure as well as survival within host cells. Overall, it is estimated that they occupy about 1%–30% of the total parasite cell volume. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress of ROP-based vaccine development through various strategies from DNA vaccines, epitope or multi epitope-based vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines to vaccines based on live-attenuated vectors and prime-boost strategies in different mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhosein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ogholniaz Jorjani
- Laboratory Science Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
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20
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Kim YH, Bhatt L, Ahn HJ, Yang Z, Lee WK, Nam HW. Suppressors for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2/4 (HER2/4): A New Family of Anti-Toxoplasmic Agents in ARPE-19 Cells. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:491-503. [PMID: 29103264 PMCID: PMC5678465 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.5.491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were evaluated on growth inhibition of intracellular Toxoplasma gondii in host ARPE-19 cells. The number of tachyzoites per parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) was counted after treatment with TKIs. T. gondii protein expression was assessed by western blot. Immunofluorescence assay was performed using Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) and T. gondii GRA3 antibodies. The TKIs were divided into 3 groups; non-epidermal growth factor receptor (non-EGFR), anti-human EGFR 2 (anti-HER2), and anti-HER2/4 TKIs, respectively. Group I TKIs (nintedanib, AZD9291, and sunitinib) were unable to inhibit proliferation without destroying host cells. Group II TKIs (lapatinib, gefitinib, erlotinib, and AG1478) inhibited proliferation up to 98% equivalent to control pyrimethamine (5 μM) at 20 μM and higher, without affecting host cells. Group III TKIs (neratinib, dacomitinib, afatinib, and pelitinib) inhibited proliferation up to 98% equivalent to pyrimethamine at 1–5 μM, but host cells were destroyed at 10–20 μM. In Group I, TgHSP90 and SAG1 inhibitions were weak, and GRA3 expression was moderately inhibited. In Group II, TgHSP90 and SAG1 expressions seemed to be slightly enhanced, while GRA3 showed none to mild inhibition; however, AG1478 inhibited all proteins moderately. Protein expression was blocked in Group III, comparable to pyrimethamine. PDCD4 and GRA3 were well localized inside the nuclei in Group I, mildly disrupted in Group II, and were completely disrupted in Group III. This study suggests the possibility of a vital T. gondii TK having potential HER2/4 properties, thus anti-HER2/4 TKIs may inhibit intracellular parasite proliferation with minimal adverse effects on host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Hoon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Lokraj Bhatt
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Zhaoshou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Won-Kyu Lee
- Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju 28160, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Jin X, Li G, Zhang X, Gong P, Yu Y, Li J. Activation of a Neospora caninum EGFR-Like Kinase Facilitates Intracellular Parasite Proliferation. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1980. [PMID: 29075245 PMCID: PMC5643468 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular protozoan, causes serious diseases in a number of mammalian species, especially in cattle. Infection with N. caninum is associated with abortions in both dairy and beef cattle worldwide which have a major economic impact on the cattle industry. However, the mechanism by which N. caninum proliferates within host cells is poorly understood. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein kinase ubiquitously expressed, present on cell surfaces in numerous species, which has been confirmed to be essential in signal transduction involved in cell growth, proliferation, survival, and many other intracellular processes. However, the presence of EGFR in N. caninum and its role in N. caninum proliferation remain unclear. In the present study, we identified a putative EGFR-like kinase in N. caninum, which could be activated in tachyzoites by infection or treatment with rNcMIC3 [containing four epidermal growth factor (EGF) domains] or human EGF. Blockade of EGFR-like in tachyzoites by AG1478 significantly reduced parasite proliferation in host cells. Our data suggested that the activation of tachyzoite EGFR-like might facilitate the intracellular proliferation of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Jin
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guojiang Li
- Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanhui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, China
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22
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Sun H, Wang S, Zhao X, Yao C, Zhuang H, Huang Y, Chen X, Yang Y, Du A. Targeted overexpression of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase subunit in Toxoplasma gondii promotes replication and virulence in host cells. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:248-255. [PMID: 28807302 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most common parasite that can infect almost any warm-blooded animals including humans. The cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase (PKA) regulates a spectrum of intracellular signal pathways in many organisms. Protein kinase catalytic subunit (PKAC) is the core of the whole protein, and plays an important role in the life cycle of T.gondii. Here, T.gondii PKAC (TgPKAC) overexpression strain (TgPKAC-OE) was constructed. The growth of the TgPKAC-OE, RH△Ku80, and TgPKAC inhibition strains (TgPKAC-H89) were analysed by SYBR-green real-time PCR, and the ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The survival rate in mice was also recorded to analyse the virulence of the parasites. We also investigated the subcellular localization of TgPKAC in Vero cells by laser scanning microscope. We found that TgPKAC-OE strain exhibited obviously increased growth rate in Vero cells in vitro, and infected mice survived for a shorter time compared to wild type strain. Ultrastructural analysis found more autophagosomes-like structures in TgPKAC-H89 parasite compared to RH△Ku80 strain, and the relative expression level of Toxoplasma gondii autophagy-related protein (ATG8) in TgPKAC-H89 parasite was higher than wild type parasite. Laser confocal results showed that TgPKAC was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of Vero cells. In conclusion, we hypothesized that inhibition of TgPKAC could cause autophagy of Toxoplasma gondii and then influence the replication of the parasite. TgPKAC plays an important role in parasite virulence in vivo, and the subcellular localization was successfully detected in Vero cells. Our data will provide a basis for further study of TgPKAC function and help screen drug targets of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchao Sun
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Suhua Wang
- Wenzhou Entry-exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xianfeng Zhao
- Shenzhen Entry-exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518045, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Haohan Zhuang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yechuan Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Abstract
The increasing prevalence of infections involving intracellular apicomplexan parasites such as Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and Cryptosporidium (the causative agents of malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis, respectively) represent a significant global healthcare burden. Despite their significance, few treatments are available; a situation that is likely to deteriorate with the emergence of new resistant strains of parasites. To lay the foundation for programs of drug discovery and vaccine development, genome sequences for many of these organisms have been generated, together with large-scale expression and proteomic datasets. Comparative analyses of these datasets are beginning to identify the molecular innovations supporting both conserved processes mediating fundamental roles in parasite survival and persistence, as well as lineage-specific adaptations associated with divergent life-cycle strategies. The challenge is how best to exploit these data to derive insights into parasite virulence and identify those genes representing the most amenable targets. In this review, we outline genomic datasets currently available for apicomplexans and discuss biological insights that have emerged as a consequence of their analysis. Of particular interest are systems-based resources, focusing on areas of metabolism and host invasion that are opening up opportunities for discovering new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Parkinson
- a Program in Molecular Structure and Function , Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
- b Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular Genetics and Computer Science , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
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24
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The p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, inhibits cell invasion by Neospora caninum. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:813-819. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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25
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Wang S, Wang Z, Gu Y, Li Z, Li Z, Wei F, Liu Q. Toxoplasma gondii mitogen-activated protein kinases are associated with inflammasome activation in infected mice. Microbes Infect 2016; 18:696-700. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Targeted disruption of CK1α in Toxoplasma gondii increases acute virulence in mice. Eur J Protistol 2016; 56:90-101. [PMID: 27567091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, encodes two casein kinase 1 (CK1) isoforms, CK1α and CK1β, with only CK1α having enzyme activity. Here we investigated the biological role of CK1α by construction of a CK1α deletion mutant (Δck1α) based on the type I parasite, and complement the mutant with restored expression of CK1α. Deletion of CK1α resulted in markedly defective parasite replication in vitro. Infected mice with Δck1α parasite caused suppression of IL-12 production, severe liver damage, higher tissue burdens, and short survival time relative to the CK1α-positive parental strain. Western blot analysis revealed that deletion of CK1α led to increased activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 in infected mice and bone marrow-derived microphages. The transcriptome analysis showed that deletion of CK1α may increase expression of rhoptry proteins (ROPs). Western blot showed enhanced expression of ROP16 in the Δck1α parasite as compared with the wild-type and complemented parasites. These findings demonstrated that deletion of CK1α may increase acute virulence of T. gondii in mice by increased expression of ROPs, activation of STAT3, and suppression of IL-12 production, which have important implications for elucidating regulation mechanism of virulence factors for T. gondii.
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Ajani OO, Aderohunmu DV, Ikpo CO, Adedapo AE, Olanrewaju IO. Functionalized Benzimidazole Scaffolds: Privileged Heterocycle for Drug Design in Therapeutic Medicine. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2016; 349:475-506. [PMID: 27213292 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201500464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Benzimidazole derivatives are crucial structural scaffolds found in diverse libraries of biologically active compounds which are therapeutically useful agents in drug discovery and medicinal research. They are structural isosteres of naturally occurring nucleotides, which allows them to interact with the biopolymers of living systems. Hence, there is a need to couple the latest information with the earlier documentations to understand the current status of the benzimidazole nucleus in medicinal chemistry research. This present work unveils the benzimidazole core as a multifunctional nucleus that serves as a resourceful tool of information for synthetic modifications of old existing candidates in order to tackle drug resistance bottlenecks in therapeutic medicine. This manuscript deals with the recent advances in the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives, the widespread biological activities as well as pharmacokinetic reports. These present them as a toolbox for fighting infectious diseases and also make them excellent candidates for future drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka O Ajani
- Department of Chemistry, Covenant University, CST, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Damilola V Aderohunmu
- Department of Chemistry, Covenant University, CST, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Chinwe O Ikpo
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adebusayo E Adedapo
- Department of Chemistry, Covenant University, CST, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Si K, Wei L, Yu X, Wu F, Li X, Li C, Cheng Y. Effects of (+)-usnic acid and (+)-usnic acid-liposome on Toxoplasma gondii. Exp Parasitol 2016; 166:68-74. [PMID: 27004468 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii pathogen is a threat to human health that results in economic burden. Unfortunately, there are very few high-efficiency and low-toxicity drugs for toxoplasmosis in the clinic. (+)-Usnic acid derived from lichen species has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-parasitology, and even anti-cancer activities. Herein, the systematic effect of (+)-usnic acid and (+)-usnic acid-liposome on toxoplasma were studied in vitro and in vivo. The viability of toxoplasma tachyzoite was assayed with trypan blue and Giemsa staining; while the invasive capability of tachyzoite to cardiofibroblasts was detected using Giemsa staining. The survival time of mice and the changes in tachyzoite ultrastructure were studied in vivo. The results showed that (+)-usnic acid inhibited the viability of tachyzoite; pretreatment with (+)-usnic acid significantly decreased the invasion of tachyzoite to cardiofibroblasts in vitro; (+)-usnic acid and (+)-usnic acid-liposome extensively prolonged the survival time of mice about 90.9% and 117%, respectively; and improved the ultrastructural changes of tachyzoite, especially in dense granules, rhoptries, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and other membrane organelles. In summary, these results demonstrate that (+)-usnic acid and (+)-usnic acid-liposome with low toxicity have an inhibitory effect on the viability of toxoplasma tachyzoite, and mainly destructed membrane organelles which are connected with the virulence of toxoplasma. These findings provide the basis for further study and development of usnic acid as a potential agent for treating toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwei Si
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Linlin Wei
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 157 West Five Road, Xi'an, 710004, PR China
| | - Xiaozhuo Yu
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Feng Wu
- Center of Teaching Experiment for Postgraduate in Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Xiaoqi Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Yanbin Cheng
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China.
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Yang Z, Ahn HJ, Park YH, Nam HW. Afatinib Reduces STAT6 Signaling of Host ARPE-19 Cells Infected with Toxoplasma gondii. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 54:31-8. [PMID: 26951976 PMCID: PMC4792312 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.1.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Specific gene expressions of host cells by spontaneous STAT6 phosphorylation are major strategy for the survival of intracellular Toxoplasma gondii against parasiticidal events through STAT1 phosphorylation by infection provoked IFN-γ. We determined the effects of small molecules of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on the growth of T. gondii and on the relationship with STAT1 and STAT6 phosphorylation in ARPE-19 cells. We counted the number of T. gondii RH tachyzoites per parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) after treatment with TKIs at 12-hr intervals for 72 hr. The change of STAT6 phosphorylation was assessed via western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Among the tested TKIs, Afatinib (pan ErbB/EGFR inhibitor, 5 µM) inhibited 98.0% of the growth of T. gondii, which was comparable to pyrimethamine (5 µM) at 96.9% and followed by Erlotinib (ErbB1/EGFR inhibitor, 20 µM) at 33.8% and Sunitinib (PDGFR or c-Kit inhibitor, 10 µM) at 21.3%. In the early stage of the infection (2, 4, and 8 hr after T. gondii challenge), Afatinib inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT6 in western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Both JAK1 and JAK3, the upper hierarchical kinases of cytokine signaling, were strongly phosphorylated at 2 hr and then disappeared entirely after 4 hr. Some TKIs, especially the EGFR inhibitors, might play an important role in the inhibition of intracellular replication of T. gondii through the inhibition of the direct phosphorylation of STAT6 by T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoshou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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Shrestha A, Abd-Elfattah A, Freudenschuss B, Hinney B, Palmieri N, Ruttkowski B, Joachim A. Cystoisospora suis - A Model of Mammalian Cystoisosporosis. Front Vet Sci 2015; 2:68. [PMID: 26664994 PMCID: PMC4672278 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2015.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystoisospora suis is a coccidian species that typically affects suckling piglets. Infections occur by oral uptake of oocysts and are characterized by non-hemorrhagic transient diarrhea, resulting in poor weight gain. Apparently, primary immune responses to C. suis cannot readily be mounted by neonates, which contributes to the establishment and rapid development of the parasite, while in older pigs age-resistance prevents disease development. However, the presence of extraintestinal stages, although not unequivocally demonstrated, is suspected to enable parasite persistence together with the induction and maintenance of immune response in older pigs, which in turn may facilitate the transfer of C. suis-specific factors from sow to offspring. It is assumed that neonates are particularly prone to clinical disease because infections with C. suis interfere with the establishment of the gut microbiome. Clostridia have been especially inferred to profit from the altered intestinal environment during parasite infection. New tools, particularly in the area of genomics, might illustrate the interactions between C. suis and its host and pave the way for the development of new control methods not only for porcine cystoisosporosis but also for other mammalian Cystoisospora infections. The first reference genome for C. suis is under way and will be a fertile ground to discover new drugs and vaccines. At the same time, the establishment and refinement of an in vivo model and an in vitro culture system, supporting the complete life cycle of C. suis, will underpin the functional characterization of the parasite and shed light on its biology and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Shrestha
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Ahmed Abd-Elfattah
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Barbara Freudenschuss
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Nicola Palmieri
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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Deletion of mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 inhibits development and growth of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:797-805. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4807-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Xu Y, Zhang NZ, Wang M, Dong H, Feng SY, Guo HC, Zhu XQ. A long-lasting protective immunity against chronic toxoplasmosis in mice induced by recombinant rhoptry proteins encapsulated in poly (lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4195-203. [PMID: 26243574 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4652-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans and animals is a worldwide zoonosis. Prevention and control of toxoplasmosis based on vaccination is one of the promising strategies. In the present study, recombinant T. gondii rhoptry proteins 38 and 18 (TgROP38 and TgROP18) were encapsulated into poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) (1:1), respectively, to obtain the stable water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion. Female Kunming mice were then immunized with the protein vaccines twice at a 2-week interval. Eight weeks after the second immunization, 10 mice from each group were challenged with T. gondii PRU strain (genotype II). The entrapment rates of PLG-rROP38 and PLG-rROP18 ranged from 65.5 to 77.7% and 58.1 to 72.3%, respectively. Immunization of mice with rROP38 and rROP18 proteins encapsulated into PLG microparticles elicited strongly humoral and cell-mediated responses against T. gondii, associated with relatively high levels of total IgG, IgG2a isotype, and IFN-γ, as well as the mixed Th1/Th2 immunity responses. Immunization with various protein vaccines induced significant reduction of the brain cysts after chronic infection with the T. gondii PRU strain, and the most effective protection was achieved in the PLG-rROP38-rROP18-immunized mice, with a cyst reduction of 81.3%. The findings of the present study indicated that recombinant rhoptry antigens encapsulated in PLG could maintain the protein immunogenicity in an extended period and elicit effective protection against chronic T. gondii infection, which has implications for the development of long-lasting vaccines against chronic toxoplasmosis in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- 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 Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Nian-Zhang 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 Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng 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 Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Dong
- 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 Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Yong Feng
- 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 Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Chen Guo
- 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 Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xing-Quan 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 Province, 730046, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of the Bumped Kinase Inhibitor 1294 in the Related Cyst-Forming Apicomplexans Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:6361-74. [PMID: 26248379 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01236-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on the in vitro effects of the bumped kinase inhibitor 1294 (BKI-1294) in cultures of virulent Neospora caninum isolates Nc-Liverpool (Nc-Liv) and Nc-Spain7 and in two strains of Toxoplasma gondii (RH and ME49), all grown in human foreskin fibroblasts. In these parasites, BKI-1294 acted with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) ranging from 20 nM (T. gondii RH) to 360 nM (N. caninum Nc-Liv), and exposure of intracellular stages to 1294 led to the nondisjunction of newly formed tachyzoites, resulting in the formation of multinucleated complexes similar to complexes previously observed in BKI-1294-treated N. caninum beta-galactosidase-expressing parasites. However, such complexes were not seen in a transgenic T. gondii strain that expressed CDPK1 harboring a mutation (G to M) in the gatekeeper residue. In T. gondii ME49 and N. caninum Nc-Liv, exposure of cultures to BKI-1294 resulted in the elevated expression of mRNA coding for the bradyzoite marker BAG1. Unlike in bradyzoites, SAG1 expression was not repressed. Immunofluorescence also showed that these multinucleated complexes expressed SAG1 and BAG1 and the monoclonal antibody CC2, which binds to a yet unidentified bradyzoite antigen, also exhibited increased labeling. In a pregnant mouse model, BKI-1294 efficiently inhibited vertical transmission in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with one of the two virulent isolates Nc-Liv or Nc-Spain7, demonstrating proof of concept that this compound protected offspring from vertical transmission and disease. The observed deregulated antigen expression effect may enhance the immune response during BKI-1294 therapy and will be the subject of future studies.
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Hol WGJ. Three-dimensional structures in the design of therapeutics targeting parasitic protozoa: reflections on the past, present and future. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2015; 71:485-99. [PMID: 25945701 PMCID: PMC4427157 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x15004987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic protozoa cause a range of diseases which threaten billions of human beings. They are responsible for tremendous mortality and morbidity in the least-developed areas of the world. Presented here is an overview of the evolution over the last three to four decades of structure-guided design of inhibitors, leads and drug candidates aiming at targets from parasitic protozoa. Target selection is a crucial and multi-faceted aspect of structure-guided drug design. The major impact of advances in molecular biology, genome sequencing and high-throughput screening is touched upon. The most advanced crystallographic techniques, including XFEL, have already been applied to structure determinations of drug targets from parasitic protozoa. Even cryo-electron microscopy is contributing to our understanding of the mode of binding of inhibitors to parasite ribosomes. A number of projects have been selected to illustrate how structural information has assisted in arriving at promising compounds that are currently being evaluated by pharmacological, pharmacodynamic and safety tests to assess their suitability as pharmaceutical agents. Structure-guided approaches are also applied to incorporate properties into compounds such that they are less likely to become the victim of resistance mechanisms. A great increase in the number of novel antiparasitic compounds will be needed in the future. These should then be combined into various multi-compound therapeutics to circumvent the diverse resistance mechanisms that render single-compound, or even multi-compound, drugs ineffective. The future should also see (i) an increase in the number of projects with a tight integration of structural biology, medicinal chemistry, parasitology and pharmaceutical sciences; (ii) the education of more `medicinal structural biologists' who are familiar with the properties that compounds need to have for a high probability of success in the later steps of the drug-development process; and (iii) the expansion of drug-development capabilities in middle- and low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim G. J. Hol
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomolecular Structure Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Bussière FI, Brossier F, Le Vern Y, Niepceron A, Silvestre A, de Sablet T, Lacroix-Lamandé S, Laurent F. Reduced parasite motility and micronemal protein secretion by a p38 MAPK inhibitor leads to a severe impairment of cell invasion by the apicomplexan parasite Eimeria tenella. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116509. [PMID: 25689363 PMCID: PMC4331428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
E. tenella infection is associated with a severe intestinal disease leading to high economic losses in poultry industry. Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are implicated in early response to infection and are divided in three pathways: p38, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Our objective was to determine the importance of these kinases on cell invasion by E. tenella. We evaluated the effect of specific inhibitors (ERK: PD98059, JNKII: SP600125, p38 MAPK: SB203580) on the invasion of epithelial cells. Incubation of SP600125 and SB203580 with epithelial cells and parasites significantly inhibited cell invasion with the highest degree of inhibition (90%) for SB203580. Silencing of the host p38α MAPK expression by siRNA led to only 20% decrease in cell invasion. In addition, when mammalian epithelial cells were pre-treated with SB203580, and washed prior infection, a 30% decrease in cell invasion was observed. This decrease was overcome when a p38 MAPK activator, anisomycin was added during infection. This suggests an active but limited role of the host p38 MAPK in this process. We next determined whether SB203580 has a direct effect on the parasite. Indeed, parasite motility and secretion of micronemal proteins (EtMIC1, 2, 3 and 5) that are involved in cell invasion were both decreased in the presence of the inhibitor. After chasing the inhibitor, parasite motility and secretion of micronemal proteins were restored and subsequently cell invasion. SB203580 inhibits cell invasion by acting partly on the host cell and mainly on the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise I. Bussière
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Fabien Brossier
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Yves Le Vern
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
- Plate-forme d’Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules, Laboratoire de Cytométrie et Fluorimétrie, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Alisson Niepceron
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Anne Silvestre
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Thibaut de Sablet
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Sonia Lacroix-Lamandé
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Fabrice Laurent
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
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Kim JJ, Flueck C, Franz E, Sanabria-Figueroa E, Thompson E, Lorenz R, Bertinetti D, Baker DA, Herberg FW, Kim C. Crystal structures of the carboxyl cGMP binding domain of the Plasmodium falciparum cGMP-dependent protein kinase reveal a novel capping triad crucial for merozoite egress. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004639. [PMID: 25646845 PMCID: PMC4412288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Plasmodium falciparum cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PfPKG) is a key regulator across the malaria parasite life cycle. Little is known about PfPKG’s activation mechanism. Here we report that the carboxyl cyclic nucleotide binding domain functions as a “gatekeeper” for activation by providing the highest cGMP affinity and selectivity. To understand the mechanism, we have solved its crystal structures with and without cGMP at 2.0 and 1.9 Å, respectively. These structures revealed a PfPKG-specific capping triad that forms upon cGMP binding, and disrupting the triad reduces kinase activity by 90%. Furthermore, mutating these residues in the parasite prevents blood stage merozoite egress, confirming the essential nature of the triad in the parasite. We propose a mechanism of activation where cGMP binding allosterically triggers the conformational change at the αC-helix, which bridges the regulatory and catalytic domains, causing the capping triad to form and stabilize the active conformation. Malaria causes up to a million fatalities per year worldwide. Most of these deaths are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which has a complex life cycle in both humans and mosquitoes. One key regulator of this process is P. falciparum cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PfPKG), the main effector of the cGMP-signaling pathway. Specifically blocking this kinase stops both replication and transmission of the parasites, suggesting that PfPKG is a promising drug target. Here we identified the carboxyl cGMP-binding domain of PfPKG serving as a gatekeeper for activation of the entire kinase by having the highest affinity and selectivity for cGMP. High-resolution crystal structures with and without cGMP allowed us to identify a novel cGMP capping triad that dynamically forms upon binding cGMP and stabilizes the activated conformation. Mutation of the capping triad forming residues not only reduces its kinase activity, but also prevents blood stage merozoite egress, demonstrating its crucial role in PfPKG activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Joo Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Hesse, Germany
| | - Christian Flueck
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eugen Franz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Hesse, Germany
| | | | - Eloise Thompson
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Lorenz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Hesse, Germany
| | - Daniela Bertinetti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Hesse, Germany
| | - David A. Baker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Choel Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yang Z, Ahn HJ, Nam HW. Gefitinib inhibits the growth of Toxoplasma gondii in HeLa cells. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2014; 52:439-41. [PMID: 25246725 PMCID: PMC4170042 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.4.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis with symptoms of congenital neurological and ocular diseases and acquired lymphadenitis, retinochoroiditis, and meningoencephalitis. Small molecules which block the activity of protein kinases were tested in in vitro culture of T. gondii to find new therapeutic drugs of safer and more effective than the combined administration of pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine that sometimes provoke lethal Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Among them, Gefitinib and Crizotinib inhibited intracellular growth of T. gondii in HeLa cells by counting the number of T. gondii per parasitophorous vacuolar membrane whereas Sunitinib did not. Gefitinib inhibited the growth of T. gondii in a dose-dependent manner over 5 µM up to the tolerable concentration of HeLa cells and halted the division of the parasite immediately from the time point of treatment. Gefitinib inhibition suggests that tyrosine kinases of EGFR family or other homologous kinases of the parasite itself may be the target to cause the block of T. gondii growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoshou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
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