1
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Abosalif KOA, Abdalla AE, Junaid K, Eltayeb LB, Ejaz H. The interleukin-10 family: Major regulators of the immune response against Plasmodium falciparum infections. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103805. [PMID: 37727525 PMCID: PMC10506046 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum strain is more severe because of this protozoan's ability to disrupt the physiology of host cells during the blood stages of development by initiating the production of the interleukin-10 (IL-10) family of cytokines. P. falciparum feeds on hemoglobin and causes host cells to adhere to the walls of blood vessels by remodeling their composition. IL-10 is produced by CD4+ T cells that inhibits antigen-presenting cells' activity to prevent inflammation. This cytokine and its family members are crucial in promoting malarial infection by inhibiting the host's protective immune response, thus initiating Plasmodium parasitemia. IL-10 is also responsible for preventing severe pathology during Plasmodium infection and initiates several signaling pathways to alter the physiology of host cells during malarial infection. This review summarizes the critical aspects of P. falciparum infection, including its role in signaling pathways for cytokine exudation, its effect on microRNA, the human immune response in malaria, and the role played by the liver hormone hepcidin. Moreover, future aspects of vaccine development and therapeutic strategies to combat P. falciparum infections are also discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Omer Abdalla Abosalif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abualgasim Elgaili Abdalla
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kashaf Junaid
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Lienda Bashier Eltayeb
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin AbdulAziz University- Al-Kharj, 11942 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hasan Ejaz
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Wu Y, Leyk S, Torabi H, Höhn K, Honecker B, Tauler MDPM, Cadar D, Jacobs T, Bruchhaus I, Metwally NG. Plasmodium falciparum infection reshapes the human microRNA profiles of red blood cells and their extracellular vesicles. iScience 2023; 26:107119. [PMID: 37534175 PMCID: PMC10391920 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, a human malaria parasite, develops in red blood cells (RBCs), which represent approximately 70% of all human blood cells. Additionally, RBC-derived extracellular vesicles (RBC-EVs) represent 7.3% of the total EV population. The roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the consequences of P. falciparum infection are unclear. Here, we analyzed the miRNA profiles of non-infected human RBCs (niRBCs), ring-infected RBCs (riRBCs), and trophozoite-infected RBCs (trRBCs), as well as those of EVs secreted from these cells. Hsa-miR-451a was the most abundant miRNA in all RBC and RBC-EV populations, but its expression level was not affected by P. falciparum infection. Overall, the miRNA profiles of RBCs and their EVs were altered significantly after infection. Most of the differentially expressed miRNAs were shared between RBCs and their EVs. A target prediction analysis of the miRNAs revealed the possible identity of the genes targeted by these miRNAs (CXCL10, OAS1, IL7, and CCL5) involved in immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Research Group Host Parasite Interaction, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Leyk
- Research Group Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanifeh Torabi
- Research Group Host Parasite Interaction, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Höhn
- Cellular Parasitology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Honecker
- Research Group Host Parasite Interaction, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Dániel Cadar
- Arbovirology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Research Group Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Iris Bruchhaus
- Research Group Host Parasite Interaction, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Biology Department University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nahla Galal Metwally
- Research Group Host Parasite Interaction, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Brandão YDO, Molento MB. A Systematic Review of Apicomplexa Looking into Epigenetic Pathways and the Opportunity for Novel Therapies. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020299. [PMID: 36839571 PMCID: PMC9963874 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Interest in host epigenetic changes during apicomplexan infections increased in the last decade, mainly due to the emergence of new therapies directed to these alterations. This review aims to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the publications related to host epigenetic changes during apicomplexan infections and to summarize the main studied pathways in this context, pointing out those that represent putative drug targets. We used four databases for the article search. After screening, 116 studies were included. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the USA and China had the highest number of relevant publications. The evaluation of the selected studies revealed that Toxoplasma gondii was considered in most of the studies, non-coding RNA was the most frequently reported epigenetic event, and host defense was the most explored pathway. These findings were reinforced by an analysis of the co-occurrence of keywords. Even though we present putative targets for repurposing epidrugs and ncRNA-based drugs in apicomplexan infections, we understand that more detailed knowledge of the hosts' epigenetic pathways is still needed before establishing a definitive drug target.
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4
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Micro-RNAs in Human Placenta: Tiny Molecules, Immense Power. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185943. [PMID: 36144676 PMCID: PMC9501247 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding single-stranded RNAs that modulate the expression of various target genes after transcription. The expression and distribution of kinds of miRNAs have been characterized in human placenta during different gestational stages. The identified miRNAs are recognized as key mediators in the regulation of placental development and in the maintenance of human pregnancy. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is associated with compromised pregnancies in humans, and dysregulation of those miRNAs contributes to the occurrence and development of related diseases during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), recurrent miscarriage, preterm birth (PTB) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). Thus, having a better understanding of the expression and functions of miRNAs in human placenta during pregnancy and thereby developing novel drugs targeting the miRNAs could be a potentially promising method in the prevention and treatment of relevant diseases in future. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the expression pattern and function regulation of miRNAs in human placental development and related diseases.
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5
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An update on cerebral malaria for therapeutic intervention. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10579-10591. [PMID: 35670928 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07625-5] [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: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral malaria is often pronounced as a major life-threatening neurological complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection. The complex pathogenic landscape of the parasite and the associated neurological complications are still not elucidated properly. The growing concerns of drugresistant parasite strains along with the failure of anti-malarial drugs to subdue post-recovery neuro-cognitive dysfunctions in cerebral malaria patients have called for a demand to explore novel biomarkers and therapeutic avenues. Due course of the brain infection journey of the parasite, events such as sequestration of infected RBCs, cytoadherence, inflammation, endothelial activation, and blood-brain barrier disruption are considered critical. METHODS In this review, we briefly summarize the diverse pathogenesis of the brain-invading parasite associated with loss of the blood-brain barrier integrity. In addition, we also discuss proteomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics strategies to identify an array of new biomarkers and drug candidates. CONCLUSION A proper understanding of the parasite biology and mechanism of barrier disruption coupled with emerging state-of-art therapeutic approaches could be helpful to tackle cerebral malaria.
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Rojas-Pirela M, Andrade-Alviárez D, Medina L, Castillo C, Liempi A, Guerrero-Muñoz J, Ortega Y, Maya JD, Rojas V, Quiñones W, Michels PA, Kemmerling U. MicroRNAs: master regulators in host-parasitic protist interactions. Open Biol 2022; 12:210395. [PMID: 35702995 PMCID: PMC9198802 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs present in a wide diversity of organisms. MiRNAs regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level through their interaction with the 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs, inducing translational inhibition or mRNA destabilization and degradation. Thus, miRNAs regulate key biological processes, such as cell death, signal transduction, development, cellular proliferation and differentiation. The dysregulation of miRNAs biogenesis and function is related to the pathogenesis of diseases, including parasite infection. Moreover, during host-parasite interactions, parasites and host miRNAs determine the probability of infection and progression of the disease. The present review is focused on the possible role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diseases of clinical interest caused by parasitic protists. In addition, the potential role of miRNAs as targets for the design of drugs and diagnostic and prognostic markers of parasitic diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Diego Andrade-Alviárez
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Chile
| | - Ana Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Jesús Guerrero-Muñoz
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Yessica Ortega
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Juan Diego Maya
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
| | - Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Wilfredo Quiñones
- Laboratorio de Enzimología de Parásitos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Paul A. Michels
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution and Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile 8380453, Chile
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7
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Lodde V, Floris M, Muroni MR, Cucca F, Idda ML. Non-coding RNAs in malaria infection. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2022; 13:e1697. [PMID: 34651456 PMCID: PMC9286032 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most severe infectious diseases affecting humans and it is caused by protozoan pathogens of the species Plasmodium (spp.). The malaria parasite Plasmodium is characterized by a complex, multistage life cycle that requires tight gene regulation which allows for host invasion and defense against host immune responses. Unfortunately, the mechanisms regulating gene expression during Plasmodium infection remain largely elusive, though several lines of evidence implicate a major involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The ncRNAs have been found to play a key role in regulating transcriptional and post-transcriptional events in a broad range of organisms including Plasmodium. In Plasmodium ncRNAs have been shown to regulate key events in the multistage life cycle and virulence ability. Here we review recent progress involving ncRNAs (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs) and their role as regulators of gene expression during Plasmodium infection in human hosts with focus on the possibility of using these molecules as biomarkers for monitoring disease status. We also discuss the surprising function of ncRNAs in mediating the complex interplay between parasite and human host and future perspectives of the field. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lodde
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of SassariSassariItaly
| | - Matteo Floris
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of SassariSassariItaly
| | - Maria Rosaria Muroni
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental SciencesUniversity of SassariSassariItaly
| | - Francesco Cucca
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of SassariSassariItaly
| | - Maria Laura Idda
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR)SassariItaly
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8
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He X, Pan W. Host–parasite interactions mediated by cross-species microRNAs. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:478-488. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Kataria P, Surela N, Chaudhary A, Das J. MiRNA: Biological Regulator in Host-Parasite Interaction during Malaria Infection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042395. [PMID: 35206583 PMCID: PMC8874942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a severe life-threatening disease caused by the bites of parasite-infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It remains a significant problem for the most vulnerable children and women. Recent research has helped establish the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and many other diseases. MiRNAs are the class of small non-coding RNAs consisting of 18–23 nucleotides in length that are evolutionarily conserved and regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level and play a significant role in various molecular mechanisms such as cell survival, cell proliferation, and differentiation. MiRNAs can help detect malaria infection as the malaria parasite could alter the miRNA expression of the host. These alterations can be diagnosed by the molecular diagnostic tool that can indicate disease. We summarize the current understanding of miRNA during malaria infection. miRNAs can also be used as biomarkers, and initial research has unearthed their potential in diagnosing and managing various diseases such as malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Kataria
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India; (P.K.); (N.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Neha Surela
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India; (P.K.); (N.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Amrendra Chaudhary
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India; (P.K.); (N.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Jyoti Das
- Parasite-Host Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India; (P.K.); (N.S.); (A.C.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +91-25307203; Fax: +91-25307177
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10
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Chakrabarti M, Garg S, Munjal A, Karan S, Pati S, Garg LC, Singh S. A Fast-Track Phenotypic Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum Vaccine Antigens through Lyse-Reseal Erythrocytes Mediated Delivery (LyRED) of RNA Interference for Targeted Translational Repression. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2410:539-553. [PMID: 34914066 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1884-4_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The minimal success of the malaria vaccine with available antigens indicates the need for intensive and accelerated research to identify and characterize new antigens that confer protection against infection, clinical manifestation, and even malaria transmission. Further, the genetic manipulation tools to characterize such antigens are very time-consuming and laborious due to the very low efficiency of transfection in the malaria parasite. Here, we report a human miRNA-mediated translational repression of antigens in Plasmodium falciparum as a fast-track method for understanding and validating their function. In this method, candidate miRNAs are designed based on favorable hybridization energy against a parasite gene, and miRNA mimics are delivered to the parasite by loading them as cargo in the erythrocytes by simple lyse-reseal method. Incubation of the miRNA loaded erythrocytes with purified mature trophozoites or schizonts results in the loaded erythrocytes' infection. The miRNA mimics are translocated to parasites, and the effect of miRNA-mediated translation repression can be monitored within 48-72 h post-invasion. Unlike other transfection based methods, this method is fast, reproducible, and robust. We call this method as lyse-reseal erythrocytes for delivery (LyRED) of miRNA, which is a rapid and straight-forward method providing an efficient alternative to the existing genetic tools for P. falciparum to characterize the function of antigens or genes. The identification of crucial antigens from the different stages of the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle by the miRNA targeting approach can fuel the development of efficacious subunit vaccines against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malabika Chakrabarti
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Swati Garg
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Akshay Munjal
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sweta Karan
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Soumya Pati
- Department of Life Science, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Lalit C Garg
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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11
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Mohanty A, Rajendran V. Mammalian host microRNA response to plasmodial infection: role as therapeutic target and potential biomarker. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3341-3353. [PMID: 34423387 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07293-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The appearance of increasing drug resistance in apicomplexan intracellular Plasmodium falciparum presents a significant challenge. P. falciparum infection results in cerebral malaria (CM), causing irreversible damage to the brain leading to high mortality cases. To enhance the clinical outcome of the disease, further research is required to identify new molecular targets involved in disease manifestations. Presently, the role of non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from different cells implicated in CM pathogenesis is still barely understood. Despite the absence of miRNA machinery in Plasmodium, host-parasite interactions can lead to disease severity or impart resistance to malaria. Cytoadherence and sequestration of parasitized RBCs dysregulate the miRNA profile of brain endothelial cells, leukocytes, monocytes, and platelets, disrupting blood-brain barrier integrity and activating inflammatory signaling pathways. The abundance of miRNA in blood plasma samples of CM patients directly correlates to cerebral symptoms compared to non-CM patients and healthy individuals. Moreover, the differential host-miRNA signatures distinguish P. falciparum from P. vivax infection. Here, we review the diverse functions of host-miRNA, either protective, pathogenic, or a combination of the two, which may act as prognostic markers and novel antimalarial drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinab Mohanty
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Vinoth Rajendran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India.
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12
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Prabhu SR, Ware AP, Saadi AV. Erythrocyte miRNA regulators and malarial pathophysiology. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:105000. [PMID: 34252617 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pathophysiology of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in malaria vis a vis host and the parasite genome interactions has been deciphered recently to present the biology of cerebral malaria, severe anaemia and placental malaria. Small non-coding RNAs have exhibited their potential to be considered as indicators and regulators of diseases. The malarial pathologies and their associated mechanisms mediated by miRNAs and their role in haematopoiesis and red cell-related disorders are elucidated. Evidence of miRNA carrying exosome-like vesicles released during infection, delivering signals to endothelial cells enhancing gene expression, resulting in parasite sequestration and complications leading to pathologies of cerebral malaria are important breakthroughs. Pregnancy malaria showed Plasmodium surface antigen promoted erythrocyte sequestration in the placental intervillous space, provoking disease development and assorted complications. Syncytiotrophoblast-derived microparticles during pregnancy and fetus development may predict pathophysiological progression on account of their altered miRNA cargoes in malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya R Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Akshay P Ware
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Abdul Vahab Saadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
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13
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Orosz F. Apicortin, a Constituent of Apicomplexan Conoid/Apical Complex and Its Tentative Role in Pathogen-Host Interaction. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6030118. [PMID: 34209186 PMCID: PMC8293464 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2009, apicortin was identified in silico as a characteristic protein of apicomplexans that also occurs in the placozoa, Trichoplax adhaerens. Since then, it has been found that apicortin also occurs in free-living cousins of apicomplexans (chromerids) and in flagellated fungi. It contains a partial p25-α domain and a doublecortin (DCX) domain, both of which have tubulin/microtubule binding properties. Apicortin has been studied experimentally in two very important apicomplexan pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum. It is localized in the apical complex in both parasites. In T. gondii, apicortin plays a key role in shaping the structure of a special tubulin polymer, conoid. In both parasites, its absence or downregulation has been shown to impair pathogen–host interactions. Based on these facts, it has been suggested as a therapeutic target for treatment of malaria and toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Orosz
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
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14
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Grinev A, Fokina N, Bogomolov D, Berechikidze I, Lazareva Y. Prediction of gene expression regulation by human microRNAs in Plasmodium falciparum. Genes Environ 2021; 43:22. [PMID: 34130734 PMCID: PMC8204574 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-021-00198-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a disease annually causing over 400,000 deaths. Deep understanding of molecular and genetic processes underlying its life cycle and pathogenicity is required to efficiently resist it. RNA interference is a mechanism of the gene expression regulation typical for a wide variety of species. Even though the existence of this phenomenon in Plasmodium falciparum has long been rejected, several recent works pose hypotheses and provide direct and indirect evidence of the existence of mechanisms similar to RNA interference in this organism. In particular, the possibility of regulation of P. falciparum gene expression through human microRNAs is of great importance both for fundamental biology and for medicine. In the present work we address the problem of possibility of the existence in the P. falciparum genome of the nucleotide sequences such that mRNAs transcribed from genes containing these sequences could form duplexes with human microRNAs. Using bioinformatics methods we have analysed genomes of 15 P. falciparum isolates for sequences homological to these microRNAs. RESULTS The analysis has demonstrated the existence of a vast number of genes that could potentially be regulated by the human microRNAs in the plasmodial genome. CONCLUSIONS Despite the fact that the numbers of homological intervals vary significantly between isolates, the hsa-miR-451a and hsa-miR-223-3p microRNAs are expected to make the most notable contribution to the pathogenesis of P. falciparum malaria. The majority of homological intervals occur in genes encoding cell adhesion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Grinev
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
| | - Natalya Fokina
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis Bogomolov
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Iza Berechikidze
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya Lazareva
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Ketprasit N, Cheng IS, Deutsch F, Tran N, Imwong M, Combes V, Palasuwan D. The characterization of extracellular vesicles-derived microRNAs in Thai malaria patients. Malar J 2020; 19:285. [PMID: 32778117 PMCID: PMC7418320 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03360-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been broadly studied in malaria for nearly a decade. These vesicles carry various functional biomolecules including RNA families such as microRNAs (miRNA). These EVs-derived microRNAs have numerous roles in host-parasite interactions and are considered promising biomarkers for disease severity. However, this field lacks clinical studies of malaria-infected samples. In this study, EV specific miRNAs were isolated from the plasma of patients from Thailand infected with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. In addition, it is postulated that these miRNAs were differentially expressed in these groups of patients and had a role in disease onset through the regulation of specific target genes. Methods EVs were purified from the plasma of Thai P. vivax-infected patients (n = 19), P. falciparum-infected patients (n = 18) and uninfected individuals (n = 20). EV-derived miRNAs were then prepared and abundance of hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-let-7a-5p and hsa-miR-150-5p was assessed in these samples. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed, and relative expression of each miRNA was calculated using hsa-miR-451a as endogenous control. Then, the targets of up-regulated miRNAs and relevant pathways were predicted by using bioinformatics. Receiver Operating Characteristic with Area under the Curve (AUC) was then calculated to assess their diagnostic potential. Results The relative expression of hsa-miR-150-5p and hsa-miR-15b-5p was higher in P. vivax-infected patients compared to uninfected individuals, but hsa-let-7a-5p was up-regulated in both P. vivax-infected patients and P. falciparum-infected patients. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these miRNAs might regulate genes involved in the malaria pathway including the adherens junction and the transforming growth factor-β pathways. All up-regulated miRNAs could potentially be used as disease biomarkers as determined by AUC; however, the sensitivity and specificity require further investigation. Conclusion An upregulation of hsa-miR-150-5p and hsa-miR-15b-5p was observed in P. vivax-infected patients while hsa-let-7a-5p was up-regulated in both P. vivax-infected and P. falciparum-infected patients. These findings will require further validation in larger cohort groups of malaria patients to fully understand the contribution of these EVs miRNAs to malaria detection and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutpakal Ketprasit
- Graduate Programme in Clinical Hematology Sciences, Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Malaria and Microvesicles Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Technology of Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Iris Simone Cheng
- Malaria and Microvesicles Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Technology of Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Fiona Deutsch
- Non-coding RNA Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University Technology of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nham Tran
- Non-coding RNA Cancer Group, School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University Technology of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Valery Combes
- Malaria and Microvesicles Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Technology of Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Duangdao Palasuwan
- Oxidation in Red Cell Disorders Research Unit, Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 154 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Chakrabarti M, Garg S, Rajagopal A, Pati S, Singh S. Targeted repression of Plasmodium apicortin by host microRNA impairs malaria parasite growth and invasion. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:13/6/dmm042820. [PMID: 32493727 PMCID: PMC7286292 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.042820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mature human erythrocytes contain a rich pool of microRNAs (miRNAs), which result from differentiation of the erythrocytes during the course of haematopoiesis. Recent studies have described the effect of erythrocytic miRNAs on the invasion and growth of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum during the asexual blood stage of its life cycle. In this work, we have identified two erythrocytic miRNAs, miR-150-3p and miR-197-5p, that show favourable in silico hybridization with Plasmodium apicortin, a protein with putative microtubule-stabilizing properties. Co-expression of P. falciparum apicortin and these two miRNAs in a cell line model resulted in downregulation of apicortin at both the RNA and protein level. To create a disease model of erythrocytes containing miRNAs, chemically synthesized mimics of miR-150-3p and miR-197-5p were loaded into erythrocytes and subsequently used for invasion by the parasite. Growth of the parasite was hindered in miRNA-loaded erythrocytes, followed by impaired invasion; micronemal secretion was also reduced, especially in the case of miR-197-5p. Apicortin expression was found to be reduced in miRNA-loaded erythrocytes. To interpret the effect of downregulation of apicortin on parasite invasion to host erythrocytes, we investigated the secretion of the invasion-related microneme protein apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). AMA1 secretion was found to be reduced in miRNA-treated parasites. Overall, this study identifies apicortin as a novel target within the malaria parasite and establishes miR-197-5p as its miRNA inhibitor. This miRNA represents an unconventional nucleotide-based therapeutic and provides a new host factor-inspired strategy for the design of antimalarial molecular medicine. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: The role of host erythrocyte microRNA in the downregulation of malaria parasite gene expression is investigated. Two microRNAs are identified, miR-197-5p and miR-150-3p, which affect parasite growth and invasion when enriched in erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malabika Chakrabarti
- Host Parasite Interactions and Disease Modeling Lab, Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Swati Garg
- Host Parasite Interactions and Disease Modeling Lab, Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ayana Rajagopal
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Naamsestraat 59 - Box 2465, Belgium
| | - Soumya Pati
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida, UP 201314, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Host Parasite Interactions and Disease Modeling Lab, Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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Leitão AL, Costa MC, Gabriel AF, Enguita FJ. Interspecies Communication in Holobionts by Non-Coding RNA Exchange. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072333. [PMID: 32230931 PMCID: PMC7177868 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex organisms are associations of different cells that coexist and collaborate creating a living consortium, the holobiont. The relationships between the holobiont members are essential for proper homeostasis of the organisms, and they are founded on the establishment of complex inter-connections between all the cells. Non-coding RNAs are regulatory molecules that can also act as communication signals between cells, being involved in either homeostasis or dysbiosis of the holobionts. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells can transmit signals via non-coding RNAs while using specific extracellular conveyors that travel to the target cell and can be translated into a regulatory response by dedicated molecular machinery. Within holobionts, non-coding RNA regulatory signaling is involved in symbiotic and pathogenic relationships among the cells. This review analyzes current knowledge regarding the role of non-coding RNAs in cell-to-cell communication, with a special focus on the signaling between cells in multi-organism consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lúcia Leitão
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
- MEtRICs, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Marina C. Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.C.); (A.F.G.)
| | - André F. Gabriel
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.C.); (A.F.G.)
| | - Francisco J. Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.C.); (A.F.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-217999480
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