1
|
Vallintine T, van Ooij C. Timing of dense granule biogenesis in asexual malaria parasites. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001389. [PMID: 37647112 PMCID: PMC10482371 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is an important infectious disease that continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually. The disease is caused by infection of host erythrocytes by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The parasite contains three different apical organelles - micronemes, rhoptries and dense granules (DGs) - whose contents are secreted to mediate binding to and invasion of the host cell and the extensive remodelling of the host cell that occurs following invasion. Whereas the roles of micronemes and rhoptries in binding and invasion of the host erythrocyte have been studied in detail, the roles of DGs in Plasmodium parasites are poorly understood. They have been proposed to control host cell remodelling through regulated protein secretion after invasion, but many basic aspects of the biology of DGs remain unknown. Here we describe DG biogenesis timing for the first time, using RESA localization as a proxy for the timing of DG formation. We show that DG formation commences approximately 37 min prior to schizont egress, as measured by the recruitment of the DG marker RESA. Furthermore, using a bioinformatics approach, we aimed to predict additional cargo of the DGs and identified the J-dot protein HSP40 as a DG protein, further supporting the very early role of these organelles in the interaction of the parasite with the host cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tansy Vallintine
- Faculty of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christiaan van Ooij
- Faculty of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shakya B, Kilili GK, Wang L, Nakayasu ES, LaCount DJ. Identification of Exported Plasmodium falciparum Proteins That Bind to the Erythrocyte Cytoskeleton. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1438. [PMID: 35889157 PMCID: PMC9320996 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium proteins are exported to the erythrocyte cytoplasm to create an environment that supports parasite replication. Although hundreds of proteins are predicted to be exported through Plasmodium export element (PEXEL)-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the functions of exported proteins are largely uncharacterized. In this study, we used a biochemical screening approach to identify putative exported P. falciparum proteins that bound to inside-out vesicles prepared from erythrocytes. Out of 69 P. falciparum PEXEL-motif proteins tested, 18 bound to inside-out vesicles (IOVs) in two or more independent assays. Using co-affinity purifications followed by mass spectrometry, pairwise co-purification experiments, and the split-luciferase assay, we identified 31 putative protein-protein interactions between erythrocyte cytoskeletal proteins and predicted exported P. falciparum proteins. We further showed that PF3D7_1401600 binds to the spectrin-binding domain of erythrocyte ankyrin via its MESA erythrocyte cytoskeleton binding (MEC) motif and to the N-terminal domains of ankyrin and 4.1R through a fragment that required an intact Plasmodium helical interspersed sub-telomeric (PHIST) domain. Introduction of PF3D7_1401600 into erythrocyte ghosts increased retention in the microsphiltration assay, consistent with previous data that reported a reduction of rigidity in red blood cells infected with PF3D7_1401600-deficient parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bikash Shakya
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (B.S.); (G.K.K.); (L.W.)
| | - Geoffrey Kimiti Kilili
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (B.S.); (G.K.K.); (L.W.)
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (B.S.); (G.K.K.); (L.W.)
| | - Ernesto S. Nakayasu
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Biological Sciences Division, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Douglas J. LaCount
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (B.S.); (G.K.K.); (L.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jonsdottir TK, Counihan NA, Modak JK, Kouskousis B, Sanders PR, Gabriela M, Bullen HE, Crabb BS, de Koning-Ward TF, Gilson PR. Characterisation of complexes formed by parasite proteins exported into the host cell compartment of Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13332. [PMID: 33774908 PMCID: PMC8365696 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During its intraerythrocytic life cycle, the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum supplements its nutritional requirements by scavenging substrates from the plasma through the new permeability pathways (NPPs) installed in the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. Parasite proteins of the RhopH complex: CLAG3, RhopH2, RhopH3, have been implicated in NPP activity. Here, we studied 13 exported proteins previously hypothesised to interact with RhopH2, to study their potential contribution to the function of NPPs. NPP activity assays revealed that the 13 proteins do not appear to be individually important for NPP function, as conditional knockdown of these proteins had no effect on sorbitol uptake. Intriguingly, reciprocal immunoprecipitation assays showed that five of the 13 proteins interact with all members of the RhopH complex, with PF3D7_1401200 showing the strongest association. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics further identified new protein complexes; a cytoskeletal complex and a Maurer's clefts/J‐dot complex, which overall helps clarify protein–protein interactions within the infected RBC (iRBC) and is suggestive of the potential trafficking route of the RhopH complex itself to the RBC membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thorey K Jonsdottir
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Joyanta K Modak
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Australia
| | - Betty Kouskousis
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Micro-imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Mikha Gabriela
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Australia
| | | | - Brendan S Crabb
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Theileria equi claudin like apicomplexan microneme protein contains neutralization-sensitive epitopes and interacts with components of the equine erythrocyte membrane skeleton. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9301. [PMID: 33927329 PMCID: PMC8085155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88902-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileria equi is a widely distributed apicomplexan parasite that causes severe hemolytic anemia in equid species. There is currently no effective vaccine for control of the parasite and understanding the mechanism that T. equi utilizes to invade host cells may be crucial for vaccine development. Unlike most apicomplexan species studied to date, the role of micronemes in T. equi invasion of host cells is unknown. We therefore assessed the role of the T. equi claudin-like apicomplexan microneme protein (CLAMP) in the invasion of equine erythrocytes as a first step towards understanding the role of this organelle in the parasite. Our findings show that CLAMP is expressed in the merozoite and intra-erythrocytic developmental stages of T. equi and in vitro neutralization experiments suggest that the protein is involved in erythrocyte invasion. Proteomic analyses indicate that CLAMP interacts with the equine erythrocyte α-and β- spectrin chains in the initial stages of T. equi invasion and maintains these interactions while also associating with the anion-exchange protein, tropomyosin 3, band 4.1 and cytoplasmic actin 1 after invasion. Additionally, serological analyses show that T. equi-infected horses mount robust antibody responses against CLAMP indicating that the protein is immunogenic and therefore represents a potential vaccine candidate.
Collapse
|
5
|
Host Cytoskeleton Remodeling throughout the Blood Stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:83/4/e00013-19. [PMID: 31484690 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00013-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The asexual intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum, causing the most severe form of human malaria, is marked by extensive host cell remodeling. Throughout the processes of invasion, intracellular development, and egress, the erythrocyte membrane skeleton is remodeled by the parasite as required for each specific developmental stage. The remodeling is facilitated by a plethora of exported parasite proteins, and the erythrocyte membrane skeleton is the interface of most of the observed interactions between the parasite and host cell proteins. Host cell remodeling has been extensively described and there is a vast body of information on protein export or the description of parasite-induced structures such as Maurer's clefts or knobs on the host cell surface. Here we specifically review the molecular level of each host cell-remodeling step at each stage of the intraerythrocytic development of P. falciparum We describe key events, such as invasion, knob formation, and egress, and identify the interactions between exported parasite proteins and the host cell cytoskeleton. We discuss each remodeling step with respect to time and specific requirement of the developing parasite to explain host cell remodeling in a stage-specific manner. Thus, we highlight the interaction with the host membrane skeleton as a key event in parasite survival.
Collapse
|
6
|
Shakya B, Penn WD, Nakayasu ES, LaCount DJ. The Plasmodium falciparum exported protein PF3D7_0402000 binds to erythrocyte ankyrin and band 4.1. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2017; 216:5-13. [PMID: 28627360 PMCID: PMC5738903 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum extensively modifies the infected red blood cell (RBC), resulting in changes in deformability, shape and surface properties. These alterations suggest that the RBC cytoskeleton is a major target for modification during infection. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to these changes are largely unknown. To begin to address this question, we screened for exported P. falciparum proteins that bound to the erythrocyte cytoskeleton proteins ankyrin 1 (ANK1) and band 4.1 (4.1R), which form critical interactions with other cytoskeletal proteins that contribute to the deformability and stability of RBCs. Yeast two-hybrid screens with ANK1 and 4.1R identified eight interactions with P. falciparum exported proteins, including an interaction between 4.1R and PF3D7_0402000 (PFD0090c). This interaction was first identified in a large-scale screen (Vignali et al., Malaria J, 7:211, 2008), which also reported an interaction between PF3D7_0402000 and ANK1. We confirmed the interactions of PF3D7_0402000 with 4.1R and ANK1 in pair-wise yeast two-hybrid and co-precipitation assays. In both cases, an intact PHIST domain in PF3D7_0402000 was required for binding. Complex purification followed by mass spectrometry analysis provided additional support for the interaction of PF3D7_0402000 with ANK1 and 4.1R. RBC ghost cells loaded with maltose-binding protein (MBP)-PF3D7_0402000 passed through a metal microsphere column less efficiently than mock- or MBP-loaded controls, consistent with an effect of PF3D7_0402000 on RBC rigidity or membrane stability. This study confirmed the interaction of PF3D7_0402000 with 4.1R in multiple independent assays, provided the first evidence that PF3D7_0402000 also binds to ANK1, and suggested that PF3D7_0402000 affects deformability or membrane stability of uninfected RBC ghosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bikash Shakya
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Wesley D Penn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Ernesto S Nakayasu
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Discovery Park, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Douglas J LaCount
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhu X, He Y, Liang Y, Kaneko O, Cui L, Cao Y. Tryptophan-rich domains of Plasmodium falciparum SURFIN 4.2 and Plasmodium vivax PvSTP2 interact with membrane skeleton of red blood cell. Malar J 2017; 16:121. [PMID: 28320404 PMCID: PMC5359885 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1772-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum dramatically alters the morphology and properties of the infected red blood cells (iRBCs). A large group of exported proteins participate in these parasite-host interactions occurring at the iRBC membrane skeleton. SURFIN4.2 is one of iRBC surface protein that belongs to surface-associated interspersed protein (SURFIN) family. Although the intracellular tryptophan-rich domain (WRD) was proposed to be important for the translocation of SURFINs from Maurer’s clefts to iRBC surface, the molecular basis of this observation has yet to be defined. The WRDs of P. falciparum SURFIN proteins and their orthologous Plasmodium vivax subtelomeric transmembrane proteins (PvSTPs) show homology to the intracellular regions of PfEMP1 and Pf332, both of which are involved in RBC membrane skeleton interactions, and contribute to malaria pathology. Methods Two transfected lines expressing recombinant SURFINs (NTC-GFP and NTC-4.2WRD2-GFP) of the 3D7 sequence were generated by transfection in P. falciparum. In vitro binding assays were performed by using recombinant WRDs of SURFIN4.2/PvSTP2 and inside-out vesicles (IOVs). The interactions between the recombinant WRDs of SURFIN4.2/PvSTP2 with actin and spectrin were evaluated by the actin spin down assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based binding assays, respectively. Results The recombinant SURFINs (NTC-4.2WRD2-GFP), in which the second WRD from SURFIN4.2 was added back to NTC-GFP, show diffused pattern of fluorescence in the iRBC cytosol. Furthermore, WRDs of SURFIN4.2/PvSTP2 were found to directly interact with the IOVs of RBC, with binding affinities ranging from 0.26 to 0.68 μM, values that are comparable to other reported parasite proteins that bind to the RBC membrane skeleton. Further experiments revealed that the second WRD of SURFIN4.2 bound to F-actin (Kd = 5.16 μM) and spectrin (Kd = 0.51 μM). Conclusions Because PfEMP1 and Pf332 also bind to actin and/or spectrin, the authors propose that the interaction between WRD and RBC membrane skeleton might be a common feature of WRD-containing proteins and may be important for the translocation of these proteins from Maurer’s clefts to the iRBC surface. The findings suggest a conserved mechanism of host-parasite interactions and targeting this interaction may disrupt the iRBC surface exposure of Plasmodium virulence-related proteins. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1772-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yifan Liang
- 98K 73B Seven-year Programme 127306, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Osamu Kaneko
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China. .,Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aguilar-Toalá J, Santiago-López L, Peres C, Peres C, Garcia H, Vallejo-Cordoba B, González-Córdova A, Hernández-Mendoza A. Assessment of multifunctional activity of bioactive peptides derived from fermented milk by specific Lactobacillus plantarum strains. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:65-75. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
9
|
Plasmodium Helical Interspersed Subtelomeric (PHIST) Proteins, at the Center of Host Cell Remodeling. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016; 80:905-27. [PMID: 27582258 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00014-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During the asexual cycle, Plasmodium falciparum extensively remodels the human erythrocyte to make it a suitable host cell. A large number of exported proteins facilitate this remodeling process, which causes erythrocytes to become more rigid, cytoadherent, and permeable for nutrients and metabolic products. Among the exported proteins, a family of 89 proteins, called the Plasmodium helical interspersed subtelomeric (PHIST) protein family, has been identified. While also found in other Plasmodium species, the PHIST family is greatly expanded in P. falciparum. Although a decade has passed since their first description, to date, most PHIST proteins remain uncharacterized and are of unknown function and localization within the host cell, and there are few data on their interactions with other host or parasite proteins. However, over the past few years, PHIST proteins have been mentioned in the literature at an increasing rate owing to their presence at various localizations within the infected erythrocyte. Expression of PHIST proteins has been implicated in molecular and cellular processes such as the surface display of PfEMP1, gametocytogenesis, changes in cell rigidity, and also cerebral and pregnancy-associated malaria. Thus, we conclude that PHIST proteins are central to host cell remodeling, but despite their obvious importance in pathology, PHIST proteins seem to be understudied. Here we review current knowledge, shed light on the definition of PHIST proteins, and discuss these proteins with respect to their localization and probable function. We take into consideration interaction studies, microarray analyses, or data from blood samples from naturally infected patients to combine all available information on this protein family.
Collapse
|
10
|
de Koning-Ward TF, Dixon MW, Tilley L, Gilson PR. Plasmodium species: master renovators of their host cells. Nat Rev Microbiol 2016; 14:494-507. [DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
11
|
Tibúrcio M, Dixon MWA, Looker O, Younis SY, Tilley L, Alano P. Specific expression and export of the Plasmodium falciparum Gametocyte EXported Protein-5 marks the gametocyte ring stage. Malar J 2015; 14:334. [PMID: 26315106 PMCID: PMC4552133 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0853-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum sexual development plays a fundamental role in the transmission and spread of malaria. The ability to generate gametocytes can be lost during culture in vitro, often associated with the loss of a subtelomeric region of chromosome 9. Gametocytogenesis starts with erythrocyte invasion by a sexually committed merozoite, but the first available specific marker of sexual differentiation appears only from 24 h post invasion. METHODS Specific antibodies and gene fusions were produced to study the timing of expression and the sub-cellular localization of the P. falciparum Gametocyte EXported Protein-5 (PfGEXP5), encoded in the subtelomeric region of chromosome 9. Expression patterns were examined in wild-type parasites and in parasite lines mutated in the Apetala2-G (AP2-G) transcription factor, governing a cascade of early sexual stage specific genes. RESULTS PfGEXP5 is highly expressed in early sexual stages and it is actively exported to the infected erythrocyte cytoplasm from as early as 14 h post-invasion in haemozoin-free, ring stage-like parasites. The pattern of PfGEXP5 expression and export is similar in wild-type parasites and in independent AP2-G defective parasite lines unable to produce gametocytes. CONCLUSIONS PfGEXP5 represents the earliest post-invasion sexual stage marker described to date. This provides a tool that can be used to identify sexually committed ring stage parasites in natural infections. This early gametocyte marker would enable the identification and mapping of malaria transmission reservoirs in human populations and the study of gametocyte sequestration dynamics in infected individuals. The fact that regulation of PfGEXP5 does not depend on the AP2-G master regulator of parasite sexual development suggests that, after sexual commitment, differentiation progresses through multiple checkpoints in the early phase of gametocytogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tibúrcio
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy. .,The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK.
| | - Matthew W A Dixon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Oliver Looker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Sumera Younis Younis
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, PO Box 306, 2280 GH, Rijswijk, The Netherlands.
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Pietro Alano
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie e Immunomediate, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pesce ER, Blatch GL, Edkins AL. Hsp40 Co-chaperones as Drug Targets: Towards the Development of Specific Inhibitors. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2015_92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
13
|
Tarr SJ, Moon RW, Hardege I, Osborne AR. A conserved domain targets exported PHISTb family proteins to the periphery of Plasmodium infected erythrocytes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 196:29-40. [PMID: 25106850 PMCID: PMC4165601 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple P. falciparum PHISTb proteins localise to the erythrocyte periphery. Solubility profiling indicates that these proteins associate with the red cell cytoskeleton. The PRESAN domain and a preceding N-terminal sequence is a novel targeting domain. A protein targeted to the red cell periphery is essential for parasite survival. P. knowlesi and P. vivax homologous domains also confer similar localisation.
During blood-stage infection, malaria parasites export numerous proteins to the host erythrocyte. The Poly-Helical Interspersed Sub-Telomeric (PHIST) proteins are an exported family that share a common ‘PRESAN’ domain, and include numerous members in Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium knowlesi. In P. falciparum, PHIST proteins have been implicated in protein trafficking and intercellular communication. A number of PHIST proteins are essential for parasite survival. Here, we identify nine members of the PHISTb sub-class of PHIST proteins, including one protein known to be essential for parasite survival, that localise to the erythrocyte periphery. These proteins have solubility characteristics consistent with their association with the erythrocyte cytoskeleton. Together, an extended PRESAN domain, comprising the PRESAN domain and preceding sequence, form a novel targeting-domain that is sufficient to localise a protein to the erythrocyte periphery. We validate the role of this domain in RESA, thus identifying a cytoskeleton-binding domain in RESA that functions independently of its known spectrin-binding domain. Our data suggest that some PHISTb proteins may act as cross-linkers of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton. We also show for the first time that peripherally-localised PHISTb proteins are encoded in genomes of P. knowlesi and vivax indicating a conserved role for the extended PRESAN domain of these proteins in targeting to the erythrocyte periphery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Tarr
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, Birkbeck and University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert W Moon
- Division of Parasitology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, UK
| | - Iris Hardege
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, Birkbeck and University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew R Osborne
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, Birkbeck and University College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Remodeling of human red cells infected with Plasmodium falciparum and the impact of PHIST proteins. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2013; 51:195-202. [PMID: 23880461 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 06/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In an infected erythrocyte (iRBC), renovation and decoration are crucial for malarial parasite survival, pathogenesis and reproduction. Host cell remodeling is mediated by an array of diverse parasite-encoded export proteins that traffic within iRBC. These remodeling proteins extensively modify the membrane and cytoskeleton of iRBC and help in formation of parasite-induced novel organelles such as 'Maurer's Cleft (MC), tubulovesicular network (TVN) and parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) inside the iRBC. The genome sequence of Plasmodium falciparum shows expansion of export proteins, which suggests a complex requirement of these export proteins for specific pathogenesis and erythrocyte remodeling. Plasmodium helical intersperse sub-telomeric (PHIST) is a family of seventy-two small export proteins and many of its recently discovered functional characteristics suggest an intriguing putative role in modification of an iRBC. This review highlights the recent advances in parasite genomics, proteomics, and cell biology studies unraveling the host cell modification; providing a speculation on the impact of PHIST proteins in modification of the iRBC.
Collapse
|
15
|
Nilsson S, Angeletti D, Wahlgren M, Chen Q, Moll K. Plasmodium falciparum antigen 332 is a resident peripheral membrane protein of Maurer's clefts. PLoS One 2012. [PMID: 23185236 PMCID: PMC3502387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During the intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite remodels the host cell cytosol by inducing membranous structures termed Maurer's clefts and inserting parasite proteins into the red blood cell cytoskeleton and plasma membrane. Pf332 is the largest known asexual malaria antigen that is exported into the red blood cell cytosol where it associates with Maurer's clefts. In the current work, we have utilized a set of different biochemical assays to analyze the solubility of the endogenous Pf332 molecule during its trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum within the parasite to the host cell cytosol. Solubilization studies demonstrate that Pf332 is synthesized and trafficked within the parasite as a peripheral membrane protein, which after export into the host cell cytosol associates with the cytoplasmic side of Maurer's clefts in a peripheral manner. By immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, we show that Pf332 persists in close association with Maurer's clefts throughout trophozoite maturation and schizogony, and does not become exposed at the host cell surface. Our data also indicate that Pf332 interacts with the host cell cytoskeleton, but only in very mature parasite stages. Thus, the present study describes Pf332 as a resident peripheral membrane protein of Maurer's clefts and suggests that the antigen participates in host cytoskeleton modifications at completion of the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Nilsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (SN); (KM)
| | - Davide Angeletti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Wahlgren
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qijun Chen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kirsten Moll
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (SN); (KM)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pf155/RESA protein influences the dynamic microcirculatory behavior of ring-stage Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells. Sci Rep 2012; 2:614. [PMID: 22937223 PMCID: PMC3430879 DOI: 10.1038/srep00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins exported by Plasmodium falciparum to the red blood cell (RBC) membrane modify the structural properties of the parasitized RBC (Pf-RBC). Although quasi-static single cell assays show reduced ring-stage Pf-RBCs deformability, the parameters influencing their microcirculatory behavior remain unexplored. Here, we study the dynamic properties of ring-stage Pf-RBCs and the role of the parasite protein Pf155/Ring-Infected Erythrocyte Surface Antigen (RESA). Diffraction phase microscopy revealed RESA-driven decreased Pf-RBCs membrane fluctuations. Microfluidic experiments showed a RESA-dependent reduction in the Pf-RBCs transit velocity, which was potentiated at febrile temperature. In a microspheres filtration system, incubation at febrile temperature impaired traversal of RESA-expressing Pf-RBCs. These results show that RESA influences ring-stage Pf-RBCs microcirculation, an effect that is fever-enhanced. This is the first identification of a parasite factor influencing the dynamic circulation of young asexual Pf-RBCs in physiologically relevant conditions, offering novel possibilities for interventions to reduce parasite survival and pathogenesis in its human host.
Collapse
|
17
|
Pantaleo A, Ferru E, Vono R, Giribaldi G, Lobina O, Nepveu F, Ibrahim H, Nallet JP, Carta F, Mannu F, Pippia P, Campanella E, Low PS, Turrini F. New antimalarial indolone-N-oxides, generating radical species, destabilize the host cell membrane at early stages of Plasmodium falciparum growth: role of band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 52:527-36. [PMID: 22142474 PMCID: PMC3385926 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although indolone-N-oxide (INODs) genereting long-lived radicals possess antiplasmodial activity in the low-nanomolar range, little is known about their mechanism of action. To explore the molecular basis of INOD activity, we screened for changes in INOD-treated malaria-infected erythrocytes (Pf-RBCs) using a proteomics approach. At early parasite maturation stages, treatment with INODs at their IC(50) concentrations induced a marked tyrosine phosphorylation of the erythrocyte membrane protein band 3, whereas no effect was observed in control RBCs. After INOD treatment of Pf-RBCs we also observed: (i) accelerated formation of membrane aggregates containing hyperphosphorylated band 3, Syk kinase, and denatured hemoglobin; (ii) dose-dependent release of microvesicles containing the membrane aggregates; (iii) reduction in band 3 phosphorylation, Pf-RBC vesiculation, and antimalarial effect of INODs upon addition of Syk kinase inhibitors; and (iv) correlation between the IC(50) and the INOD concentrations required to induce band 3 phosphorylation and vesiculation. Together with previous data demonstrating that tyrosine phosphorylation of oxidized band 3 promotes its dissociation from the cytoskeleton, these results suggest that INODs cause a profound destabilization of the Pf-RBC membrane through a mechanism apparently triggered by the activation of a redox signaling pathway rather than direct oxidative damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Physiological, Biochemical, and Cell Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rug M, Maier AG. The heat shock protein 40 family of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. IUBMB Life 2011; 63:1081-6. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
19
|
Functional analysis of the exported type IV HSP40 protein PfGECO in Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2011; 10:1492-503. [PMID: 21965515 DOI: 10.1128/ec.05155-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During Plasmodium falciparum infection, host red blood cell (RBC) remodeling is required for the parasite's survival. Such modifications are mediated by the export of parasite proteins into the RBC that alter the architecture of the RBC membrane and enable cytoadherence. It is probable that some exported proteins also play a protective role against the host defense response. This may be of particular importance for the gametocyte stage of the life cycle that is responsible for malaria transmission, since the gametocyte remains in contact with blood as it proceeds through five morphological stages (I to V) during its 12-day maturation. Using microarray analysis, we identified several genes with encoded secretory or export sequences that were differentially expressed during early gametocytogenesis. One of these, PfGECO, encodes a predicted type IV heat shock protein 40 (HSP40) that we show is expressed in gametocyte stages I to IV and is exported to the RBC cytoplasm. HSPs are traditionally induced under stressful conditions to maintain homeostasis, but PfGECO expression was not increased upon heat shock, suggesting an alternate function. Targeted disruption of PfGECO indicated that the gene is not essential for gametocytogenesis in vitro, and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) showed that there was no compensatory expression of the other type IV HSP40 genes. Although P. falciparum HSP40 members are implicated in the trafficking of proteins to the RBC surface, removal of PfGECO did not affect the targeting of other exported gametocyte proteins. This work has expanded the repertoire of known gametocyte-exported proteins to include a type IV HSP40, PfGECO.
Collapse
|
20
|
Pallavi R, Acharya P, Chandran S, Daily JP, Tatu U. Chaperone expression profiles correlate with distinct physiological states of Plasmodium falciparum in malaria patients. Malar J 2010; 9:236. [PMID: 20719001 PMCID: PMC2933700 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-9-236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular chaperones have been shown to be important in the growth of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and inhibition of chaperone function by pharmacological agents has been shown to abrogate parasite growth. A recent study has demonstrated that clinical isolates of the parasite have distinct physiological states, one of which resembles environmental stress response showing up-regulation of specific molecular chaperones. METHODS Chaperone networks operational in the distinct physiological clusters in clinical malaria parasites were constructed using cytoscape by utilizing their clinical expression profiles. RESULTS Molecular chaperones show distinct profiles in the previously defined physiologically distinct states. Further, expression profiles of the chaperones from different cellular compartments correlate with specific patient clusters. While cluster 1 parasites, representing a starvation response, show up-regulation of organellar chaperones, cluster 2 parasites, which resemble active growth based on glycolysis, show up-regulation of cytoplasmic chaperones. Interestingly, cytoplasmic Hsp90 and its co-chaperones, previously implicated as drug targets in malaria, cluster in the same group. Detailed analysis of chaperone expression in the patient cluster 2 reveals up-regulation of the entire Hsp90-dependent pro-survival circuitries. In addition, cluster 2 also shows up-regulation of Plasmodium export element (PEXEL)-containing Hsp40s thought to have regulatory and host remodeling roles in the infected erythrocyte. CONCLUSION In all, this study demonstrates an intimate involvement of parasite-encoded chaperones, PfHsp90 in particular, in defining pathogenesis of malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rani Pallavi
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 Karnataka, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Waller KL, Stubberfield LM, Dubljevic V, Buckingham DW, Mohandas N, Coppel RL, Cooke BM. Interaction of the exported malaria protein Pf332 with the red blood cell membrane skeleton. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2010; 1798:861-71. [PMID: 20132790 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2010.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2009] [Revised: 01/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Intra-erythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites synthesize and export numerous proteins into the red blood cell (RBC) cytosol, where some bind to the RBC membrane skeleton. These interactions are responsible for the altered antigenic, morphological and functional properties of parasite-infected red blood cells (IRBCs). Plasmodium falciparum protein 332 (Pf332) is a large parasite protein that associates with the membrane skeleton and who's function has recently been elucidated. Using recombinant fragments of Pf332 in in vitro interaction assays, we have localised the specific domain within Pf332 that binds to the RBC membrane skeleton to an 86 residue sequence proximal to the C-terminus of Pf332. We have shown that this region partakes in a specific and saturable interaction with actin (K(d)=0.60 microM) but has no detectable affinity for spectrin. The only exported malaria protein previously known to bind to actin is PfEMP3 but here we demonstrate that there is no competition for actin-binding between PfEMP3 and Pf332, suggesting that they bind to different target sequences in actin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karena L Waller
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Moyano EM, González LM, Cuevas L, Perez-Pastrana E, Santa-Maria Y, Benito A. Molecular cloning and characterisation of the RESA gene, a marker of genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum. Mol Biol Rep 2009; 37:2893-902. [PMID: 19816792 PMCID: PMC2900597 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-009-9849-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 09/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
To identity immunodiagnostic antigen genes, a Plasmodium falciparum (Dd2 clone) expression library was screened using human immune sera. The ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) was isolated: this antigen of the resistant clone presents repeat tandem sequences like the 3D7 clone, albeit in different numbers. RESA has been studied as a marker of genetic diversity, with different sizes being observed in different isolates and clones of Plasmodium falciparum. The native protein was localised in cultures by western-blot and immuno-transmission electron microscopy. The antigenicity of RESA was evaluated by ELISA, using the carboxy-terminal repeat region as antigen. The assay’s sensitivity and specificity were 78.2 and 94% respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Moyano
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Sinesio Delgado, 6; Pabellón 13, 28020 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel González
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laureano Cuevas
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esperanza Perez-Pastrana
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ysmael Santa-Maria
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Benito
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Sinesio Delgado, 6; Pabellón 13, 28020 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Maier AG, Cooke BM, Cowman AF, Tilley L. Malaria parasite proteins that remodel the host erythrocyte. Nat Rev Microbiol 2009; 7:341-54. [PMID: 19369950 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro2110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Exported proteins of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum interact with proteins of the erythrocyte membrane and induce substantial changes in the morphology, physiology and function of the host cell. These changes underlie the pathology that is responsible for the deaths of 1-2 million children every year due to malaria infections. The advent of molecular transfection technology, including the ability to generate deletion mutants and to introduce fluorescent reporter proteins that track the locations and dynamics of parasite proteins, has increased our understanding of the processes and machinery for export of proteins in P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes and has provided us with insights into the functions of the parasite protein exportome. We review these developments, focusing on parasite proteins that interact with the erythrocyte membrane skeleton or that promote delivery of the major virulence protein, PfEMP1, to the erythrocyte membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Maier
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Molecular chaperones in pathogen virulence: emerging new targets for therapy. Cell Host Microbe 2009; 4:519-27. [PMID: 19064253 PMCID: PMC2752846 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2008.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2008] [Revised: 10/17/2008] [Accepted: 10/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Infectious organisms have to cope with demanding and rapidly changing environments during establishment in the host. This is particularly relevant for pathogens that utilize different hosts to complete their life cycle. In addition to homeotic environmental challenges, other stressful factors, such as oxidative bursts, are often triggered in response to infection. It is not surprising that many successful pathogens have developed robust chaperone systems to conquer the stressful environments in the host. In addition to discussing ingenious ways by which pathogens have utilized chaperones, the potential of exploiting pathogen chaperones as drug targets is also discussed.
Collapse
|
25
|
Refractive index maps and membrane dynamics of human red blood cells parasitized by Plasmodium falciparum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:13730-5. [PMID: 18772382 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0806100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitization by malaria-inducing Plasmodium falciparum leads to structural, biochemical, and mechanical modifications to the host red blood cells (RBCs). To study these modifications, we investigate two intrinsic indicators: the refractive index and membrane fluctuations in P. falciparum-invaded human RBCs (Pf-RBCs). We report experimental connections between these intrinsic indicators and pathological states. By employing two noninvasive optical techniques, tomographic phase microscopy and diffraction phase microscopy, we extract three-dimensional maps of refractive index and nanoscale cell membrane fluctuations in isolated RBCs. Our systematic experiments cover all intraerythrocytic stages of parasite development under physiological and febrile temperatures. These findings offer potential, and sufficiently general, avenues for identifying, through cell membrane dynamics, pathological states that cause or accompany human diseases.
Collapse
|
26
|
Rodriguez LE, Curtidor H, Urquiza M, Cifuentes G, Reyes C, Patarroyo ME. Intimate Molecular Interactions of P. falciparum Merozoite Proteins Involved in Invasion of Red Blood Cells and Their Implications for Vaccine Design. Chem Rev 2008; 108:3656-705. [DOI: 10.1021/cr068407v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hernando Curtidor
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia, Carrera 50 No. 26-00, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mauricio Urquiza
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia, Carrera 50 No. 26-00, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gladys Cifuentes
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia, Carrera 50 No. 26-00, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Reyes
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia, Carrera 50 No. 26-00, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
The malaria secretome: from algorithms to essential function in blood stage infection. PLoS Pathog 2008; 4:e1000084. [PMID: 18551176 PMCID: PMC2408878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2007] [Accepted: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The malaria agent Plasmodium falciparum is predicted to export a “secretome” of several hundred proteins to remodel the host erythrocyte. Prediction of protein export is based on the presence of an ER-type signal sequence and a downstream Host-Targeting (HT) motif (which is similar to, but distinct from, the closely related Plasmodium Export Element [PEXEL]). Previous attempts to determine the entire secretome, using either the HT-motif or the PEXEL, have yielded large sets of proteins, which have not been comprehensively tested. We present here an expanded secretome that is optimized for both P. falciparum signal sequences and the HT-motif. From the most conservative of these three secretome predictions, we identify 11 proteins that are preserved across human- and rodent-infecting Plasmodium species. The conservation of these proteins likely indicates that they perform important functions in the interaction with and remodeling of the host erythrocyte important for all Plasmodium parasites. Using the piggyBac transposition system, we validate their export and find a positive prediction rate of ∼70%. Even for proteins identified by all secretomes, the positive prediction rate is not likely to exceed ∼75%. Attempted deletions of the genes encoding the conserved exported proteins were not successful, but additional functional analyses revealed the first conserved secretome function. This gave new insight into mechanisms for the assembly of the parasite-induced tubovesicular network needed for import of nutrients into the infected erythrocyte. Thus, genomic screens combined with functional assays provide unexpected and fundamental insights into host remodeling by this major human pathogen. The parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes malaria by replicating inside red blood cells of infected individuals. By exporting many different proteins into the host cell, the parasite changes many of its properties. Knowledge of the identity and function of all the exported proteins will both increase our understanding of the modifications required for parasite survival and provide us with targets that can be inhibited to block the growth of the parasites. Several years ago, a motif within the exported proteins was discovered that allowed them to be exported, which was used to predict the total set of proteins exported to the host cell (the secretome). We show here that the earlier studies have either under- or overestimated the total number of proteins exported into the host cell, and derive a more accurate prediction of proteins exported to the host cell. We validate the predictions by making parasites that express a fusion of predicted exported proteins to the Green Fluorescent Protein (which allows the localization of the protein to be determined visually). This revealed a positive prediction rate of ∼70%. In addition, several proteins were identified that are very likely to play an essential role in infection, with at least one involved in the formation of a structure required for nutrient import.
Collapse
|
28
|
Kats LM, Cooke BM, Coppel RL, Black CG. Protein Trafficking to Apical Organelles of Malaria Parasites - Building an Invasion Machine. Traffic 2007; 9:176-86. [PMID: 18047549 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0854.2007.00681.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lev M Kats
- NHMRC Program in Malaria, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pei X, Guo X, Coppel R, Mohandas N, An X. Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 3 (PfEMP3) destabilizes erythrocyte membrane skeleton. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:26754-26758. [PMID: 17626011 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m701612200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 3 (PfEMP3) is a parasite-derived protein that appears on the cytoplasmic surface of the host cell membrane in the later stages of the parasite's development where it associates with membrane skeleton. We have recently demonstrated that a 60-residue fragment (FIa1, residues 38-97) of PfEMP3 bound to spectrin. Here we show that this polypeptide binds specifically to a site near the C terminus of alpha-spectrin at the point that spectrin attaches to actin and protein 4.1R in forming the junctions of the membrane skeletal network. We further show that this polypeptide disrupts formation of the ternary spectrin-actin-4.1R complex in solution. Importantly, when incorporated into the cell, the PfEMP3 fragment causes extensive reduction in shear resistance of the cell. We conjecture that the loss of mechanical cohesion of the membrane may facilitate the exit of the mature merozoites from the cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Pei
- Red Cell Physiology Laboratory, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065
| | - Xinhua Guo
- Red Cell Physiology Laboratory, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065
| | - Ross Coppel
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Monash, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Narla Mohandas
- Red Cell Physiology Laboratory, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065
| | - Xiuli An
- Red Cell Physiology Laboratory, New York Blood Center, New York, New York 10065.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mills JP, Diez-Silva M, Quinn DJ, Dao M, Lang MJ, Tan KSW, Lim CT, Milon G, David PH, Mercereau-Puijalon O, Bonnefoy S, Suresh S. Effect of plasmodial RESA protein on deformability of human red blood cells harboring Plasmodium falciparum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:9213-7. [PMID: 17517609 PMCID: PMC1874230 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0703433104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During intraerythrocytic development, Plasmodium falciparum exports proteins that interact with the host cell plasma membrane and subplasma membrane-associated spectrin network. Parasite-exported proteins modify mechanical properties of host RBCs, resulting in altered cell circulation. In this work, optical tweezers experiments of cell mechanical properties at normal physiological and febrile temperatures are coupled, for the first time, with targeted gene disruption techniques to measure the effect of a single parasite-exported protein on host RBC deformability. We investigate Pf155/Ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA), a parasite protein transported to the host spectrin network, on deformability of ring-stage parasite-harboring human RBCs. Using a set of parental, gene-disrupted, and revertant isogenic clones, we found that RESA plays a major role in reducing deformability of host cells at the early ring stage of parasite development, but not at more advanced stage. We also show that the effect of RESA on deformability is more pronounced at febrile temperature, which ring-stage parasite-harboring RBCs can be exposed to during a malaria attack, than at normal body temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Mills
- Departments of *Materials Science and Engineering and
| | - M. Diez-Silva
- Departments of *Materials Science and Engineering and
- Unité d'Immunologie Moléculaire des Parasites, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité de Recherche Associée 2581, Département de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France
| | | | - M. Dao
- Departments of *Materials Science and Engineering and
| | - M. J. Lang
- Division of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - K. S. W. Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Yoo Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597
| | - C. T. Lim
- Division of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576; and
| | - G. Milon
- **Unité d'Immunophysiologie et Parasitisme Intracellulaire, Département de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France
| | - P. H. David
- Unité d'Immunologie Moléculaire des Parasites, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité de Recherche Associée 2581, Département de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France
| | - O. Mercereau-Puijalon
- Unité d'Immunologie Moléculaire des Parasites, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité de Recherche Associée 2581, Département de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France
| | - S. Bonnefoy
- Unité d'Immunologie Moléculaire des Parasites, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité de Recherche Associée 2581, Département de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: or
| | - S. Suresh
- Departments of *Materials Science and Engineering and
- Mechanical Engineering and
- Division of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: or
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Waller KL, Stubberfield LM, Dubljevic V, Nunomura W, An X, Mason AJ, Mohandas N, Cooke BM, Coppel RL. Interactions of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 3 with the red blood cell membrane skeleton. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2007; 1768:2145-56. [PMID: 17570341 PMCID: PMC4768760 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2007.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2006] [Revised: 04/17/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum parasites express and traffick numerous proteins into the red blood cell (RBC), where some associate specifically with the membrane skeleton. Importantly, these interactions underlie the major alterations to the modified structural and functional properties of the parasite-infected RBC. P. falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 3 (PfEMP3) is one such parasite protein that is found in association with the membrane skeleton. Using recombinant PfEMP3 proteins in vitro, we have identified the region of PfEMP3 that binds to the RBC membrane skeleton, specifically to spectrin and actin. Kinetic studies revealed that residues 38-97 of PfEMP3 bound to purified spectrin with moderately high affinity (K(D(kin))=8.5 x 10(-8) M). Subsequent deletion mapping analysis further defined the binding domain to a 14-residue sequence (IFEIRLKRSLAQVL; K(D(kin))=3.8 x 10(-7) M). Interestingly, this same domain also bound to F-actin in a specific and saturable manner. These interactions are of physiological relevance as evidenced by the binding of this region to the membrane skeleton of inside-out RBCs and when introduced into resealed RBCs. Identification of a 14-residue region of PfEMP3 that binds to both spectrin and actin provides insight into the potential function of PfEMP3 in P. falciparum-infected RBCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karena L. Waller
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | | | - Wataru Nunomura
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Xuili An
- New York Blood Center, New York NY 10021, USA
| | | | | | - Brian M. Cooke
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
- Corresponding Authors: Ross L. Coppel, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia, Tel: +61 3 9905 4822; Fax: +61 3 9905 4811; ; Brian M. Cooke, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia, Tel: +61 3 9905 4827; Fax: +61 3 9905 4811;
| | - Ross L. Coppel
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
- Corresponding Authors: Ross L. Coppel, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia, Tel: +61 3 9905 4822; Fax: +61 3 9905 4811; ; Brian M. Cooke, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia, Tel: +61 3 9905 4827; Fax: +61 3 9905 4811;
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pei X, Guo X, Coppel R, Bhattacharjee S, Haldar K, Gratzer W, Mohandas N, An X. The ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) of Plasmodium falciparum stabilizes spectrin tetramers and suppresses further invasion. Blood 2007; 110:1036-42. [PMID: 17468340 PMCID: PMC1924765 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2007-02-076919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum releases the ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) inside the red cell on entry. The protein migrates to the host cell membrane, where it binds to spectrin, but neither the nature of the interaction nor its functional consequences have previously been defined. Here, we identify the binding motifs involved in the interaction and describe a possible function. We have found that spectrin binds to a 108-amino acid fragment (residues 663-770) of RESA, and that this RESA fragment binds to repeat 16 of the beta-chain, close to the labile dimer-dimer self-association site. We further show that the RESA fragment stabilizes the spectrin tetramer against dissociation into its constituent dimers, both in situ and in solution. This is accompanied by enhanced resistance of the cell to both mechanical and thermal degradation. Resealed erythrocytes containing RESA(663-770) display resistance to invasion by merozoites of P falciparum. We infer that the evolutionary advantage of RESA to the parasite lies in its ability to prevent invasion of cells that are already host to a developing parasite, as well as possibly to guard the cell against thermal damage at the elevated body temperatures prevailing in febrile crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Pei
- Red Cell Physiology Laboratory, New York Blood Center, 310 E. 67th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mercier C, Adjogble KDZ, Däubener W, Delauw MFC. Dense granules: are they key organelles to help understand the parasitophorous vacuole of all apicomplexa parasites? Int J Parasitol 2006; 35:829-49. [PMID: 15978597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2005.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2004] [Revised: 03/07/2005] [Accepted: 03/18/2005] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Together with micronemes and rhoptries, dense granules are specialised secretory organelles of Apicomplexa parasites. Among Apicomplexa, Plasmodium represents a model of parasites propagated by way of an insect vector, whereas Toxoplasma is a model of food borne protozoa forming cysts. Through comparison of both models, this review summarises data accumulated over recent years on alternative strategies chosen by these parasites to develop within a parasitophorous vacuole and explores the role of dense granules in this process. One of the characteristics of the Plasmodium erythrocyte stages is to export numerous parasite proteins into both the host cell cytoplasm and/or plasma membrane via the vacuole used as a step trafficking compartment. Whether this feature can be correlated to few storage granules and a restricted number of dense granule proteins, is not yet clear. By contrast, the Toxoplasma developing vacuole is decorated by abundantly expressed dense granule proteins and is characterised by a network of membranous nanotubes. Although the exact function of most of these proteins remains currently unknown, recent data suggest that some of these dense granule proteins could be involved in building the intravacuolar membranous network. Conserved expression of the Toxoplasma dense granule proteins throughout most of the parasite stages suggests that they could also be key elements of the cyst formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Mercier
- Institut Jean Roget, Université Joseph Fourier, CNRS UMR 5163, Place du Commandant Nal., 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Affiliation(s)
- Chwee Teck LIM
- Division of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, NUS Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Initiative, National University of Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Silva MD, Cooke BM, Guillotte M, Buckingham DW, Sauzet JP, Le Scanf C, Contamin H, David P, Mercereau-Puijalon O, Bonnefoy S. A role for the Plasmodium falciparum RESA protein in resistance against heat shock demonstrated using gene disruption. Mol Microbiol 2005; 56:990-1003. [PMID: 15853885 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2005.04603.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
During erythrocyte invasion, the Plasmodium falciparum Ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) establishes specific interactions with spectrin. Based on analysis of strains with a large chromosome 1 deletion, RESA has been assigned several functions, none of which is firmly established. Analysis of parasites with a disrupted resa1 gene and isogenic parental or resa3-disrupted controls confirmed the critical role of RESA in the surface reactivity of immune adult sera on glutaraldehyde-fixed ring stages. Absence of RESA did not influence merozoite invasion or erythrocyte membrane rigidity, was associated with a modest increase of cytoadhesion to CD36 under conditions of flow, but resulted in marked susceptibility to heat shock. resa1-KO-infected erythrocytes were prone to heat-induced vesiculation like uninfected erythrocytes, whereas parental or resa3-KO infected erythrocytes remained undamaged. Furthermore, a 6 h exposure of ring stages at 41 degrees C resulted in 33% culture inhibition of resa1-KO parasites while marginally impacting parental and resa3-KO parasite growth. This points to a role for RESA in protecting the infected erythrocyte cytoskeleton during febrile episodes. Infection patterns of resa1-KO and parental parasites in Saimiri sciureus indicated that RESA does not, at least on its own, modulate virulence in the squirrel monkey, as had been previously suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Diez Silva
- Unité d'Immunologie Moléculaire des Parasites, CNRS URA 2581, Département de Parasitologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pei X, An X, Guo X, Tarnawski M, Coppel R, Mohandas N. Structural and functional studies of interaction between Plasmodium falciparum knob-associated histidine-rich protein (KAHRP) and erythrocyte spectrin. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:31166-71. [PMID: 16006556 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m505298200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum dramatically modifies the structure and function of the membrane of the parasitized host erythrocyte. Altered membrane properties are the consequence of the interaction of a group of exported malaria proteins with host cell membrane proteins. KAHRP (the knob-associated histidine-rich protein), a member of this group, has been shown to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeletal protein spectrin. However, the molecular basis for this interaction has yet to be defined. In the present study, we defined the binding motifs in both KAHRP and spectrin and identified a functional role for this interaction. We showed that spectrin bound to a 72-amino-acid KAHRP fragment (residues 370-441). Among nine-spectrin fragments, which encompass the entire alpha and beta spectrin molecules (four alpha spectrin and five beta spectrin fragments), KAHRP bound only to one, the alpha N-5 fragment. The KAHRP-binding site within the alpha N-5 fragment was localized uniquely to repeat 4. The interaction of full-length spectrin dimer to KAHRP was inhibited by repeat 4 of alpha spectrin. Importantly, resealing of this repeat peptide into erythrocytes mislocalized KAHRP in the parasitized cells. We concluded that the interaction of KAHRP with spectrin is critical for appropriate membrane localization of KAHRP in parasitized erythrocytes. As the presence of KAHRP at the erythrocyte membrane is necessary for cytoadherence in vivo, our findings have implications for the development of new therapies for mitigating the severity of malaria infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Pei
- Red Cell Physiology Laboratory, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, 10021, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cooke BM, Lingelbach K, Bannister LH, Tilley L. Protein trafficking in Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells. Trends Parasitol 2004; 20:581-9. [PMID: 15522668 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2004.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum inhabits a niche within the most highly terminally differentiated cell in the human body--the mature red blood cell. Life inside this normally quiescent cell offers the parasite protection from the host's immune system, but provides little in the way of cellular infrastructure. To survive and replicate in the red blood cell, the parasite exports proteins that interact with and dramatically modify the properties of the host red blood cell. As part of this process, the parasite appears to establish a system within the red blood cell cytosol that allows the correct trafficking of parasite proteins to their final cellular destinations. In this review, we examine recent developments in our understanding of the pathways and components involved in the delivery of important parasite-encoded proteins to their final destination in the host red blood cell. These complex processes are not only fundamental to the survival of malaria parasites in vivo, but are also major determinants of the unique pathogenicity of this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Cooke
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Rug M, Wickham ME, Foley M, Cowman AF, Tilley L. Correct promoter control is needed for trafficking of the ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen to the host cytosol in transfected malaria parasites. Infect Immun 2004; 72:6095-105. [PMID: 15385514 PMCID: PMC517558 DOI: 10.1128/iai.72.10.6095-6105.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2004] [Revised: 05/22/2004] [Accepted: 06/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Following invasion of human erythrocytes, the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, exports proteins beyond the confines of its own plasma membrane to modify the properties of the host red cell membrane. These modifications are critical to the pathogenesis of malaria. Analysis of the P. falciparum genome sequence has identified a large number of molecules with putative atypical signal sequences. The signals remain poorly characterized; however, a number of molecules with these motifs localize to the host erythrocyte. To examine the role of these atypical signal sequences in the export of parasite proteins, we have generated transfected parasites expressing a chimeric protein comprising the N-terminal region of the P. falciparum ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) appended to green fluorescent protein (GFP). This N-terminal region contains a hydrophobic stretch of amino acids that is presumed to act as a noncanonical secretory signal sequence. Modulation of the timing of transgene expression demonstrates that trafficking of malaria proteins into the host erythrocyte is dependent on both the presence of an appropriate transport signal and the timing of expression. Transgene expression under the control of a trophozoite-specific promoter mistargets the chimeric molecule to the parasitophorous vacuole surrounding the parasite. However, expression of RESA-GFP in schizont stages, under the control of the RESA promoter, enables correct trafficking of a population of the chimeric protein to the host erythrocyte.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Rug
- Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Isarankura Na Ayudhya C, Prachayasittikul V, Galla HJ. Binding of chimeric metal-binding green fluorescent protein to lipid monolayer. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2004; 33:522-34. [PMID: 14997358 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-004-0393-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2003] [Revised: 01/26/2004] [Accepted: 01/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Membrane-based bioanalytical devices for metal determination using green fluorescent protein as the sensor molecule may be a useful future biomimetic material. However, in order to develop such a device, it is necessary first to understand the interaction of the protein with lipid membranes. Thus we have investigated the interaction between chimeric cadmium-binding green fluorescent proteins (CdBPGFPs) and lipid monolayers, using a film-balance technique complemented with epifluorescence microscopy. The binding avidity was monitored from the surface pressure vs. area isotherms or from the measured increase in the lateral pressure upon injection of the chimeric CdBPGFPs beneath the lipid monolayer. Increased fluidization as well as expansion of the surface area were shown to depend on the concentration of the CdBPGFPs. The kinetics of the protein-induced increase in lateral pressure was found to be biphasic. The chimeric CdBPGFPs possessed high affinity to the 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) monolayer with a dissociation constant of Kd = 10(-8)M. Epifluorescence measurements showed that this affinity is due to the presence of the Cd-binding peptide, which caused the GFP to incorporate preferentially to the liquid phase and defect part of the rigid domain at low interfacial pressure. At high compression, the Cd-binding peptide could neither incorporate nor remain in the lipid core. However, specific orientation of the chimeric CdBPGFPs underneath the air-water interface was achieved, even under high surface pressure, when the proteins were applied to the metal-chelating lipid-containing surfaces. This specific binding could be controlled reversibly by the addition of metal ions or metal chelator. The reversible binding of the chimeric CdBPGFPs to metal-chelating lipids provided a potential approach for immobilization, orientation and lateral organization of a protein at the membrane interface. Furthermore, the feasibility of applying the chelator lipids for the codetermination of metal ions with specific ligands was also revealed. Our finding clearly demonstrates that a strong interaction, particularly with fluid lipid domains, could potentially be used for sensor development in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chartchalerm Isarankura Na Ayudhya
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, 2 Prannok Road, Bangkok-Noi, 10700 Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
The highly A+T rich genomes of human and rodent malarial parasites offer unprecedented glimpses of a lineage that is distinct from other model organisms. Plasmodium is distinguished by the presence of numerous low complexity inserts within globular domains of proteins. It displays several peculiarities in its transcription apparatus, and its DNA repair system appears to favor a certain innate level of mutability. Plasmodium possesses many cell surface molecules with "animal-like" adhesion modules. Potential genetic footprints of the ancestral eukaryotic algal precursor of the apicoplast are also detectable in its genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Téllez MDM, Matesanz F, Alcina A. The C-terminal domain of the Plasmodium falciparum acyl-CoA synthetases PfACS1 and PfACS3 functions as ligand for ankyrin. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2003; 129:191-8. [PMID: 12850263 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(03)00123-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Infection of erythrocytes by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum results in the export of several parasite proteins into the erythrocyte cytoplasm establishing novel interactions between host and parasite proteins, particularly at the membrane skeleton that modifies both the structural and functional properties of the red cell. We present evidences that two members of the P. falciparum acyl-CoA synthetase (PfACS) family, responsible for the activation of long-chain fatty acids by thio-esterification with CoA, are transported in vesicle-like structures toward the host erythrocyte cytoplasm where they interact with the cytoskeletal protein ankyrin. Carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) overlay studies indicated that PfACS1 and PfACS3 bind to the 78-kDa fragment of ankyrin corresponding with its spectrin-binding domain. Co-immunoprecipitation of ankyrin and PfACS1/3 indicates that at least a fraction of these proteins are physically associated in the infected erythrocytes and provide evidence for a novel specific interaction which suggest that such a binding may bring these enzymes closer to the host erythrocyte membrane where exogenous fatty acids are available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria- del-Mar Téllez
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Parasitologi;a y Biomedicina "López Neyra", CSIC, 18001 Granada, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is a complex eukaryote parasite with a dynamic pattern of genomic expression, enabling it to exploit a series of different habitats in human and mosquito hosts. In the human bloodstream, the parasite grows and multiplies within red blood cells and modifies them in various ways to gain nutrients and combat the host's defences, before escaping and invading new red blood cells by a multi-step process. These events are reflected in the constantly changing structure of the organism during the red blood cell cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Bannister
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Human Biology, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' School of Biomedical Science, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cooke BM, Glenister FK, Mohandas N, Coppel RL. Assignment of functional roles to parasite proteins in malaria-infected red blood cells by competitive flow-based adhesion assay. Br J Haematol 2002; 117:203-11. [PMID: 11918556 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2002.03404.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Adhesion of parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs) to endothelial cells and subsequent accumulation in the microvasculature are pivotal events in the pathogenesis of falciparum malaria. During intraerythrocytic development, numerous proteins exported from the parasite associate with the RBC membrane skeleton but the precise function of many of these proteins remain unknown. Their cellular location, however, suggests that some may play a role in adhesion. The adhesive properties of PRBCs are best studied under flow conditions in vitro; however, experimental variation in levels of cytoadherence in currently available assays make subtle alterations in adhesion difficult to quantify. Here, we describe a flow-based assay that can quantify small differences in adhesion and document the extent to which a number of parasite proteins influence adhesion using parasite lines that no longer express specific proteins. Loss of parasite proteins ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA), knob-associated histidine-rich protein (KAHRP) or Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 3 (PfEMP3) had a significant effect on the ability of PRBCs to adhere, whereas loss of mature parasite-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (MESA) had no effect. Our studies indicate that a number of membrane skeleton-associated parasite proteins, although not exposed on the RBC surface, can collectively affect the adhesive properties of PRBCs and further our understanding of pathophysiologically relevant structure/function relationships in malaria-infected RBCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Cooke
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Blackman MJ, Bannister LH. Apical organelles of Apicomplexa: biology and isolation by subcellular fractionation. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2001; 117:11-25. [PMID: 11551628 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(01)00328-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The apical organelles are characteristic secretory vesicles of Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium and other apicomplexan organisms. They consist of rhoptries, micronemes and dense granules. Recent research has provided much new data concerning their structure, contents, functions and development. All of these organelles contain complex mixtures of proteins, with broad homologies as well as differences in molecular structure between species and genera. Many of the proteins interact with host cell membranes, and are thought to mediate selective adhesion to host cells as well as membrane modification during intracellular invasion. Micronemal proteins are important in the initial selection of host cells, and in enabling gliding motility of the parasites, while rhoptries appear to be more important in parasitophorous vacuole formation. Dense granules are involved predominantly in modifying the host cell after invasion. Research into apical organellar composition and function depends on accurate assignment of molecular identity. This requires the simultaneous application of several complementary approaches including immunolocalisation by light- and electron-microscopy, subcellular fractionation, and transgene expression. The merits and limitations of these different types of approach are discussed, and the importance of cell fractionation methods in characterising apical organelle proteins is stressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Blackman
- Division of Parasitology, National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, NW7 1AA, London, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Newton PN, Chotivanich K, Chierakul W, Ruangveerayuth R, Teerapong P, Silamut K, Looareesuwan S, White NJ. A comparison of the in vivo kinetics of Plasmodium falciparum ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen-positive and -negative erythrocytes. Blood 2001; 98:450-7. [PMID: 11435316 DOI: 10.1182/blood.v98.2.450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA)-positive, Plasmodium falciparum-negative red blood cells (RBCs) are cells from which the malaria parasite has been removed by the host without the destruction of the erythrocyte ("pitting"). The survival of RESA-RBCs in vivo was assessed in 14 severe and 6 uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients. The mean RESA-RBC life of 183 hours (95% confidence interval [CI], 136-246) was longer than the median parasite clearance time of 66 hours (range, 30-108 hours) but shorter than the mean red cell life of 1027 hours (95% CI, 840-1213) (P =.0004), with a median ratio of 0.2:1.0 (range, 0.1-0.7). The estimated median percentage of parasites pitted/body transit was 0.003% (range, 0.001%-0.05%). The rate of rise of the RESA-RBC count during the first 24 hours after antimalarial treatment was significantly faster (P =.036) and the subsequent RESA-RBC survival significantly shorter (P =.017) after treatment with an artemisinin derivative than after treatment with quinine. Parasitization of red cells leads to changes in the erythrocyte that shorten their survival even if the parasite is removed subsequently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P N Newton
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cooke BM, Mohandas N, Coppel RL. The malaria-infected red blood cell: structural and functional changes. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2001; 50:1-86. [PMID: 11757330 PMCID: PMC7130133 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(01)50029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The asexual stage of malaria parasites of the genus Plasmodium invade red blood cells of various species including humans. After parasite invasion, red blood cells progressively acquire a new set of properties and are converted into more typical, although still simpler, eukaryotic cells by the appearance of new structures in the red blood cell cytoplasm, and new proteins at the red blood cell membrane skeleton. The red blood cell undergoes striking morphological alterations and its rheological properties are considerably altered, manifesting as red blood cells with increased membrane rigidity, reduced deformability and increased adhesiveness for a number of other cells including the vascular endothelium. Elucidation of the structural changes in the red blood cell induced by parasite invasion and maturation and an understanding of the accompanying functional alterations have the ability to considerably extend our knowledge of structure-function relationships in the normal red blood cell. Furthermore, interference with these interactions may lead to previously unsuspected means of reducing parasite virulence and may lead to the development of novel antimalarial therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B M Cooke
- Department of Microbiology, P.O. Box 53, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Preiser P, Kaviratne M, Khan S, Bannister L, Jarra W. The apical organelles of malaria merozoites: host cell selection, invasion, host immunity and immune evasion. Microbes Infect 2000; 2:1461-77. [PMID: 11099933 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(00)01301-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. These obligate intracellular parasites depend on the successful invasion of an appropriate host cell for their survival. This article is a broad overview of the molecular strategies employed by the merozoite, an invasive form of the malaria parasite, to successfully invade a suitable red blood cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Preiser
- Division of Parasitology, The National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1AA, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Albano FR, Foley M, Tilley L. Export of parasite proteins to the erythrocyte cytoplasm: secretory machinery and traffic signals. NOVARTIS FOUNDATION SYMPOSIUM 2000; 226:157-72; discussion 173-5. [PMID: 10645545 DOI: 10.1002/9780470515730.ch12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
To the malaria parasite, the prospect of setting up residence within a human erythrocyte represents a formidable challenge. The mature human erythrocyte is essentially a bag of haemoglobin with no internal organelles and no protein synthesis machinery. The parasite needs, therefore, to assemble all the essential amenities--foundations, plumbing and furnishings--from scratch. The parasite remodels its adopted home by exporting proteins to the erythrocyte membrane. To reach their final destinations, the exported proteins must cross the parasite plasma membrane, the parasitophorous vacuole membrane and the erythrocyte cytosol. To further understand this unusual and complex trafficking pathway, we have searched for proteins that may form part of the trafficking machinery of the infected erythrocyte. We have identified an ER-located, calcium-binding homologue of reticulocalbin (PfERC) that co-localizes with the ER molecular chaperone, PfGRP. We have also identified a homologue of the GTP-binding protein, Sar1p, a small GTPase that, in other eukaryotic cells, is thought to play a crucial role in trafficking proteins between the ER and the Golgi. PfSar1p is located in discrete structures near the periphery of the parasite cytoplasm that may represent specialized export compartments. PfSar1p is exported to structures outside the parasite in the erythrocyte cytoplasm. The malaria parasite appears to be capable of elaborating components of the 'classical' vesicle mediated trafficking machinery outside the boundaries of its own plasma membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F R Albano
- Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Vera Bravo R, Marín V, García J, Urquiza M, Torres E, Trujillo M, Rosas J, Patarroyo ME. Amino terminal peptides of the ring infected erythrocyte surface antigen of Plasmodium falciparum bind specifically to erythrocytes. Vaccine 2000; 18:1289-93. [PMID: 10618523 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(99)00405-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Ring-Infected Erythrocyte Surface Antigen (Pf155/RESA) sequence was chemically synthesized in fifty four 20-mer sequential peptides, covering the entire protein, each of which was tested in erythrocyte binding assays. Peptides 6671 and 6673, corresponding to residues 141-160 and 181-200, respectively, presented a high specific binding activity to erythrocytes with affinity constants of 190 nM and 105 nM respectively. Their binding was sensitive to previous enzymatic treatment of erythrocytes. A region of peptide 6673 has been identified, very recently, as a B-cell epitope, target of neutralizing antibodies (Siddique AB, Iqbal J, Ahlborg N, Wâhlin FB, Perlmann P, Berzins K. Antibodies to nonrepeat sequences of antigen Pf155/RESA of Plasmodium falciparum inhibit parasite growth in vitro. Parasitol Res 1998;84:485-91). The critical residues for erythrocyte binding for peptide 6671 (MTDVNRYRYSNNYEAIPHIS) and for peptide 6673 (LGRSGGDIIKKMQTLWDEIM) were recognized. Based on these data, the presence of five functional regions of RESA is postulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Vera Bravo
- Instituto de Inmunología. Hospital San Juan de Dios, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Av. No 10-01, Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Adda CG, Tilley L, Anders RF, Foley M. Isolation of peptides that mimic epitopes on a malarial antigen from random peptide libraries displayed on phage. Infect Immun 1999; 67:4679-88. [PMID: 10456916 PMCID: PMC96794 DOI: 10.1128/iai.67.9.4679-4688.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) is a dense-granule protein of Plasmodium falciparum which binds to the cytoskeletal structure of the erythrocyte after parasite invasion. It is currently under trial as a vaccine candidate. In an effort to characterize further the antibody responses to this antigen, we have panned two independent libraries of random peptides expressed on the surface of filamentous phage with a monoclonal antibody (MAb 18/2) against RESA. One library consisted of a potentially constrained 17-mer peptide fused with the gpVIII phage coat protein, and the other displayed an unconstrained 15-mer as a fusion with the minor phage coat protein gpIII. Several rounds of biopanning resulted in enrichment from both libraries clones that interacted specifically with MAb 18/2 in protein-blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments. Nucleotide sequencing of the random oligonucleotide insert revealed a common predominant motif: (S/T)AVDD. Several other clones had related but degenerate motifs. Thus, a monoclonal antibody against a malarial antigen can select common mimotopes from different random peptide libraries. We envisage many uses for this technology in malaria research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C G Adda
- Department of Biochemistry, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|