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Zheng Y, Young ND, Song J, Gasser RB. Genome-Wide Analysis of Haemonchus contortus Proteases and Protease Inhibitors Using Advanced Informatics Provides Insights into Parasite Biology and Host-Parasite Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12320. [PMID: 37569696 PMCID: PMC10418638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity within the animal kingdom is associated with extensive molecular diversity. The expansion of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data sets for invertebrate groups and species with unique biological traits necessitates reliable in silico tools for the accurate identification and annotation of molecules and molecular groups. However, conventional tools are inadequate for lesser-known organismal groups, such as eukaryotic pathogens (parasites), so that improved approaches are urgently needed. Here, we established a combined sequence- and structure-based workflow system to harness well-curated publicly available data sets and resources to identify, classify and annotate proteases and protease inhibitors of a highly pathogenic parasitic roundworm (nematode) of global relevance, called Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm). This workflow performed markedly better than conventional, sequence-based classification and annotation alone and allowed the first genome-wide characterisation of protease and protease inhibitor genes and gene products in this worm. In total, we identified 790 genes encoding 860 proteases and protease inhibitors representing 83 gene families. The proteins inferred included 280 metallo-, 145 cysteine, 142 serine, 121 aspartic and 81 "mixed" proteases as well as 91 protease inhibitors, all of which had marked physicochemical diversity and inferred involvements in >400 biological processes or pathways. A detailed investigation revealed a remarkable expansion of some protease or inhibitor gene families, which are likely linked to parasitism (e.g., host-parasite interactions, immunomodulation and blood-feeding) and exhibit stage- or sex-specific transcription profiles. This investigation provides a solid foundation for detailed explorations of the structures and functions of proteases and protease inhibitors of H. contortus and related nematodes, and it could assist in the discovery of new drug or vaccine targets against infections or diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanting Zheng
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Neil D. Young
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Jiangning Song
- Department of Data Science and AI, Faculty of IT, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Data Futures Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
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De-Simone SG, Napoleão-Pêgo P, Gonçalves PS, Lechuga GC, Mandonado A, Graeff-Teixeira C, Provance DW. Angiostrongilus cantonensis an Atypical Presenilin: Epitope Mapping, Characterization, and Development of an ELISA Peptide Assay for Specific Diagnostic of Angiostrongyliasis. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12020108. [PMID: 35207030 PMCID: PMC8878667 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12020108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Background: Angiostrongyliasis, the leading cause universal of eosinophilic meningitis, is an emergent disease due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) larvae, transmitted accidentally to humans. The diagnosis of human angiostrongyliasis is based on epidemiologic characteristics, clinical symptoms, medical history, and laboratory findings, particularly hypereosinophilia in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Thus, the diagnosis is difficult and often confused with those produced by other parasitic diseases. Therefore, the development of a fast and specific diagnostic test for angiostrongyliasis is a challenge mainly due to the lack of specificity of the described tests, and therefore, the characterization of a new target is required. Material and Methods: Using bioinformatics tools, the putative presenilin (PS) protein C7BVX5-1 was characterized structurally and phylogenetically. A peptide microarray approach was employed to identify single and specific epitopes, and tetrameric epitope peptides were synthesized to evaluate their performance in an ELISA-peptide assay. Results: The data showed that the A. cantonensis PS protein presents nine transmembrane domains, the catalytic aspartyl domain [(XD (aa 241) and GLGD (aa 332–335)], between TM6 and TM7 and the absence of the PALP and other characteristics domains of the class A22 and homologous presenilin (PSH). These individualities make it an atypical sub-branch of the PS family, located in a separate subgroup along with the enzyme Haemogonchus contournus and separated from other worm subclasses. Twelve B-linear epitopes were identified by microarray of peptides and validated by ELISA using infected rat sera. In addition, their diagnostic performance was demonstrated by an ELISA-MAP4 peptide. Conclusions: Our data show that the putative AgPS is an atypical multi-pass transmembrane protein and indicate that the protein is an excellent immunological target with two (PsAg3 and PsAg9) A. costarisencis cross-reactive epitopes and eight (PsAg1, PsAg2, PsAg6, PsAg7, PsAg8, PsAg10, PsAg11, PsAg12) apparent unique A. cantonensis epitopes. These epitopes could be used in engineered receptacle proteins to develop a specific immunological diagnostic assay for angiostrongyliasis caused by A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore G. De-Simone
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24220-900, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
| | - Priscila S. Gonçalves
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24220-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C. Lechuga
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
| | - Arnaldo Mandonado
- Laboratory of Biology and Parasitology of Wild Mammals Reservoirs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Carlos Graeff-Teixeira
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil;
| | - David W. Provance
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
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Kang JM, Yoo WG, Lê HG, Thái TL, Hong SJ, Sohn WM, Na BK. Partial Characterization of Two Cathepsin D Family Aspartic Peptidases of Clonorchis sinensis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 57:671-680. [PMID: 31914521 PMCID: PMC6960241 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2019.57.6.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cathepsin D (CatD, EC 3.4.23.5) is a member belonging to the subfamily of aspartic endopeptidases, which are classified into the MEROPS clan AA, family A1. Helminth parasites express a large set of different peptidases that play pivotal roles in parasite biology and pathophysiology. However, CatD is less well known than the other classes of peptidases in terms of biochemical properties and biological functions. In this study, we identified 2 novel CatDs (CsCatD1 and CsCatD2) of Clonorchis sinensis and partially characterized their properties. Both CsCatDs represent typical enzymes sharing amino acid residues and motifs that are tightly conserved in the CatD superfamily of proteins. Both CsCatDs showed similar patterns of expression in different developmental stages of C. sinensis, but CsCatD2 was also expressed in metacercariae. CsCatD2 was mainly expressed in the intestines and eggs of C. sinensis. Sera obtained from rats experimentally infected with C. sinensis reacted with recombinant CsCatD2 beginning 2 weeks after infection and the antibody titers were gradually increased by maturation of the parasite. Structural analysis of CsCatD2 revealed a bilobed enzyme structure consisting of 2 antiparallel β-sheet domains packed against each other forming a homodimeric structure. These results suggested a plausible biological role of CsCatD2 in the nutrition and reproduction of parasite and its potential utility as a serodiagnostic antigen in clonorchiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Won-Gi Yoo
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Hương Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Thị Lam Thái
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Sung-Jong Hong
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Woon-Mok Sohn
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea
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Molina-Fernández D, Benítez R, Adroher FJ, Malagón D. Differential proteolytic activity in Anisakis simplex s.s. and Anisakis pegreffii, two sibling species from the complex Anisakis simplex s.l., major etiological agents of anisakiasis. Acta Trop 2019; 195:44-50. [PMID: 30995435 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteolytic activity was studied in two sibling species of Anisakis (Nematoda: Anisakidae), A. simplex s.s. and A. pegreffii, throughout their in vitro development from third larval stage (L3) from the host fish (L3-0h) to fourth larval stage (L4) obtained in culture. Proteases have a significant role in the lifecycle of the parasite and in the pathogen-host relationship. Proteolytic activity peaks were detected at pH 6.0 and 8.5. Protease activity was detected in all the developmental stages of the two species studied at both pH values. These pH values were used for assaying with specific inhibitors which permitted the determination of metalloprotease activity, and, to a lesser extent, that of serine and cysteine protease. Aspartic protease activity was only detected at pH 6.0. At this pH, L4 larvae showed higher proteolytic activity than L3 larvae in both species (p < 0.001), the majority of activity being due to metalloproteases and aspartic proteases, which could be related to nutrition, especially the latter, as occurs in invertebrates. At pH 8.5, proteolytic activity was higher in A. simplex s.s. than in A. pegreffii (p < 0.01). At this pH, the majority of activity was due to metalloproteases in all developmental phases of both species, although, in L3-0h, the activity of these proteases was significantly higher (p < 0.03) in A. simplex s.s. than in A. pegreffii. This could be related to the greater invasive capacity of the former. Serine proteases have frequently been implicated in the invasive capacity and pathogenicity of some parasites. This may be related to the significantly higher activity (p ≤ 0.05) of serine protease in all the larval stages of A. simplex studied at pH 6.0. Thus, there are interspecific differences in proteases that have been related to pathogenesis in nematodes. These differences could thus be contributing to the previously reported differences in pathogenicity between these two Anisakis species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Molina-Fernández
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Benítez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Adroher
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - David Malagón
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Chen KY, Lu PJ, Cheng CJ, Jhan KY, Yeh SC, Wang LC. Proteomic analysis of excretory-secretory products from young adults of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2019; 114:e180556. [PMID: 31241649 PMCID: PMC6594673 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760180556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiostrongyliasis is caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus
cantonensis and can lead to eosinophilic meningitis and
meningoencephalitis in humans. The young adult worms play central pathogenic
roles in the central nervous system (CNS); however, the underlying mechanism
is unclear. Excretory-secretory products (ESPs) are good investigation
targets for studying the relationship between a host and its parasite. OBJECTIVES We aimed to profile, identify, and characterise the proteins in the ESPs of
A. cantonensis young adults. METHODS The ESPs of young adult worms were collected from culture medium after
incubation ranging from 24 to 96 h. Proteomic and bioinformatics analyses
were performed to characterise the ESPs. FINDINGS A total of 51 spots were identified, and the highly expressed proteins
included two protein disulphide isomerases, one calreticulin, and three
uncharacterised proteins. Subsequently, approximately 254 proteins were
identified in the ESPs of A. cantonensis young adults via
liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, and these were
further classified according to their characteristics and biological
functions. Finally, we identified the immunoreactive proteins from a
reference map of ESPs from A. cantonensis young adults.
Approximately eight proteins were identified, including a protein disulphide
isomerase, a putative aspartic protease, annexin, and five uncharacterised
proteins. The study established and identified protein reference maps for
the ESPs of A. cantonensis young adults. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The identified proteins may be potential targets for the development of
diagnostic or therapeutic agents for human angiostrongyliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yao Chen
- China Medical University, School of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Taichung, Taiwan.,Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jhen Lu
- Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ju Cheng
- Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Yuan Jhan
- Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chien Yeh
- Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Molecular Infectious Disease Research Centre, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Angiostrongylus cantonensis: a review of its distribution, molecular biology and clinical significance as a human pathogen. Parasitology 2016; 143:1087-118. [PMID: 27225800 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016000652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a metastrongyloid nematode found widely in the Asia-Pacific region, and the aetiological agent of angiostrongyliasis; a disease characterized by eosinophilic meningitis. Rattus rats are definitive hosts of A. cantonensis, while intermediate hosts include terrestrial and aquatic molluscs. Humans are dead-end hosts that usually become infected upon ingestion of infected molluscs. A presumptive diagnosis is often made based on clinical features, a history of mollusc consumption, eosinophilic pleocytosis in cerebral spinal fluid, and advanced imaging such as computed tomography. Serological tests are available for angiostrongyliasis, though many tests are still under development. While there is no treatment consensus, therapy often includes a combination of anthelmintics and corticosteroids. Angiostrongyliasis is relatively rare, but is often associated with morbidity and sometimes mortality. Recent reports suggest the parasites' range is increasing, leading to fatalities in regions previously considered Angiostrongylus-free, and sometimes, delayed diagnosis in newly invaded regions. Increased awareness of angiostrongyliasis would facilitate rapid diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes. This paper summarizes knowledge on the parasites' life cycle, clinical aspects and epidemiology. The molecular biology of Angiostrongylus spp. is also discussed. Attention is paid to the significance of angiostrongyliasis in Australia, given the recent severe cases reported from the Sydney region.
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Activation of Sonic Hedgehog Leads to Survival Enhancement of Astrocytes via the GRP78-Dependent Pathway in Mice Infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:674371. [PMID: 25961032 PMCID: PMC4415671 DOI: 10.1155/2015/674371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection may cause elevation of ROS and antioxidants in the CSF of infected mice. Astrocytes may protect the surrounding neurons from oxidative stress-induced cell death by secreting Sonic hedgehog (Shh) via the PI3-K/AKT/Bcl-2 pathway. This study was conducted to determine the role of the Shh signaling pathway in A. cantonensis-infected BABL/c mice by coculturing astrocytes with living fifth-stage larvae or soluble antigens. The Shh pathway was activated with corresponding increases in the level of the Shh. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Shh were increased in astrocyte cocultured with living fifth-stage larvae or soluble antigens. The survival of astrocytes pretreated with Shh was significantly elevated in cocultures with the antigens but reduced by its inhibitor cyclopamine. The expression of GRP78 and Bcl-2 was significantly higher in astrocytes pretreated with recombinant Shh. These findings suggest that the expression of Shh may inhibit cell death by activating Bcl-2 through a GRP78-dependent pathway.
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8
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Chang SH, Tang P, Lai CH, Kuo ML, Wang LC. Identification and characterisation of microRNAs in young adults of Angiostrongylus cantonensis via a deep-sequencing approach. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 108:699-706. [PMID: 24037191 PMCID: PMC3970689 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276108062013005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important causative agent of
eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that participate in a wide range of
biological processes. This study employed a deep-sequencing approach to study
miRNAs from young adults of A. cantonensis. Based on 16,880,456
high-quality reads, 252 conserved mature miRNAs including 10 antisense miRNAs
that belonging to 90 families, together with 10 antisense miRNAs were identified
and characterised. Among these sequences, 53 miRNAs from 25 families displayed
50 or more reads. The conserved miRNA families were divided into four groups
according to their phylogenetic distribution and a total of nine families
without any members showing homology to other nematodes or adult worms were
identified. Stem-loop real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of
aca-miR-1-1 and aca-miR-71-1 demonstrated that their level of expression
increased dramatically from infective larvae to young adults and then decreased
in adult worms, with the male worms exhibiting significantly higher levels of
expression than female worms. These findings provide information related to the
regulation of gene expression during the growth, development and pathogenesis of
young adults of A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsin Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, TaoyuanCounty, Taiwan
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Chang SH, Tang P, Yen CM, Chow KPN, Wang LC. A transcriptomic analysis on gene expressions in the infective third and pathogenic fifth larval stages of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:42-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Chen J, Liu Q, Yang X, Wu X, Zhang D, He A, Zhan X. Characterization and immunolocalization of mutated ornithine decarboxylase antizyme from Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2013; 190:76-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Wang LC, Chen KY, Chang SH, Chung LY, Gan RCR, Cheng CJ, Tang P. Transcriptome profiling of the fifth-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis by next-generation sequencing. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3193-202. [PMID: 23828188 PMCID: PMC3742962 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important zoonotic nematode. It is the causative agent of eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. However, information of this parasite at the genomic level is very limited. In the present study, the transcriptomic profiles of the fifth-stage larvae (L5) of A. cantonensis were investigated by next-generation sequencing (NGS). In the NGS database established from the larvae isolated from the brain of Sprague–Dawley rats, 31,487 unique genes with a mean length of 617 nucleotides were assembled. These genes were found to have a 46.08 % significant similarity to Caenorhabditis elegans by BLASTx. They were then compared with the expressed sequence tags of 18 other nematodes, and significant matches of 36.09–59.12 % were found. Among these genes, 3,338 were found to participate in 124 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. These pathways included 1,514 metabolisms, 846 genetic information processing, 358 environmental information processing, 264 cellular processes, and 91 organismal systems. Analysis of 30,816 sequences with the gene ontology database indicated that their annotations included 5,656 biological processes (3,364 cellular processes, 3,061 developmental processes, and 3,191 multicellular organismal processes), 7,218 molecular functions (4,597 binding and 3,084 catalytic activities), and 4,719 cellular components (4,459 cell parts and 4,466 cells). Moreover, stress-related genes (112 heat stress and 33 oxidation stress) and genes for proteases (159) were not uncommon. This study is the first NGS-based study to set up a transcriptomic database of A. cantonensis L5. The results provide new insights into the survival, development, and host–parasite interactions of this blood-feeding nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
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Cloning and molecular analysis of the aspartic protease Sc-ASP110 gene transcript in Steinernema carpocapsae. Parasitology 2013; 140:1158-67. [PMID: 23731543 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182013000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Many protease genes have previously been shown to be involved in parasitism and in the development of Steinernema carpocapsae, including a gene predicted to encode an aspartic protease, Sc-ASP110, which was cloned and was analysed in this study. A cDNA encoding Sc-ASP110 was cloned based on an expressed sequence tag (EST) fragment from our EST library. The full-length cDNA of Sc-ASP110 consists of 1112 nucleotides with a catalytic aspartic domain (aa18-337). The putative 341 amino acid residues have a calculated molecular mass of 37·1 kDa and a theoretical pI of 4·7. BLASTp analysis of the Sc-ASP110 amino acid sequence showed 45-77% amino acid sequence identity to parasitic and non-parasitic nematode aspartic proteases. An expression analysis showed that the sc-asp110 gene was upregulated during the late parasitic stage, L4, and 24 h after induction of in vitro nematodes. A sequence comparison revealed that Sc-ASP110 was a member of an aspartic protease family; additionally, a phylogenetic analysis indicated that Sc-ASP110 was clustered with the closely related nematode Steinernema feltiae. In situ hybridization showed that sc-asp110 was expressed in the body walls of dorsal cells. The upregulated Sc-ASP110 expression revealed that this protease could play a role in the late parasitic process. In this study, we have cloned and analysed the gene transcript of Sc-ASP110 in S. carpocapsae.
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Rebello KM, Siqueira CRD, Ribeiro EL, Valente RH, Mota EM, Perales J, Neves-Ferreira AGDC, Lenzi HL. Proteolytic activity in the adult and larval stages of the human roundworm parasite Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 107:752-9. [PMID: 22990964 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000600008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus costaricensis is a nematode that causes abdominal angiostrongyliasis, a widespread human parasitism in Latin America. This study aimed to characterize the protease profiles of different developmental stages of this helminth. First-stage larvae (L1) were obtained from the faeces of infected Sigmodon hispidus rodents and third-stage larvae (L3) were collected from mollusks Biomphalaria glabrata previously infected with L1. Adult worms were recovered from rodent mesenteric arteries. Protein extraction was performed after repeated freeze-thaw cycles followed by maceration of the nematodes in 40 mM Tris base. Proteolysis of gelatin was observed by zymography and found only in the larval stages. In L3, the gelatinolytic activity was effectively inhibited by orthophenanthroline, indicating the involvement of metalloproteases. The mechanistic class of the gelatinases from L1 could not be precisely determined using traditional class-specific inhibitors. Adult worm extracts were able to hydrolyze haemoglobin in solution, although no activity was observed by zymography. This haemoglobinolytic activity was ascribed to aspartic proteases following its effective inhibition by pepstatin, which also inhibited the haemoglobinolytic activity of L1 and L3 extracts. The characterization of protease expression throughout the A. costaricensis life cycle may reveal key factors influencing the process of parasitic infection and thus foster our understanding of the disease pathogenesis.
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Balasubramanian N, Nascimento G, Ferreira R, Martinez M, Simões N. Pepsin-like aspartic protease (Sc-ASP155) cloning, molecular characterization and gene expression analysis in developmental stages of nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. Gene 2012; 500:164-71. [PMID: 22503896 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Steinernema carpocapsae is an insect parasitic nematode associated with the bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila. These symbiotic complexes are virulent against the insect host. Many protease genes were shown previously to be induced during parasitism, including one predicted to encode an aspartic protease, which was cloned and analyzed in this study. A cDNA encoding Sc-ASP155 was cloned based on the EST fragment. The full-length cDNA of Sc-ASP155 consists of 955 nucleotides with multiple domains, including a signal peptide (aa1-15), a pro-peptide region (aa16-45), and a typical catalytic aspartic domain (aa71-230). The putative 230 amino acid residues have a calculated molecular mass of 23,812Da and a theoretical pI of 5.01. Sc-ASP155 blastp analysis showed 40-62% amino acid sequence identity to aspartic proteases from parasitic and free-living nematodes. Expression analysis showed that the sc-asp155 gene was up-regulated during the initial parasitic stage, especially in L3 gut and 6h induced nematodes. Sequence comparison revealed that Sc-ASP155 was a member of an aspartic protease family and phylogenetic analysis indicated that Sc-ASP155 was clustered with Sc-ASP113. In situ hybridization showed that sc-asp155 was expressed in subventral cells. Additionally, we determined that sc-asp155 is a single-copy gene in S. carpocapsae. Homology modeling showed that Sc-ASP155 adopts a typical aspartic protease structure. The up-regulated Sc-ASP155 expression revealed that this protease could play a role in the parasitic process. In this study, we have cloned the gene and determined the expression of the pepsin-like aspartic protease Sc-ASP155 in S. carpocapsae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natesan Balasubramanian
- CIRN and Department of Biology, University of Azores, 9501-855 Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal.
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Liu Q, Yang X, Zhang M, Wang L, Liu J, Chen J, He A, Li Z, Wu Z, Zhan X. Molecular characterization and immunolocalization of a protein disulfide isomerase from Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasitol Res 2012; 110:2501-7. [PMID: 22218922 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2791-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs), belonging to the thioredoxin superfamily, are oxidoreductases that catalyze the formation, reduction, and isomerization of disulfide bonds among cysteine residues of proteins. In this study, we report the cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a protein disulfide isomerase (AcPDI) from a cDNA library of fourth-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The deduced amino acid sequence contains two thioredoxin domains and exhibits high identity to the homologues from other species. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed at the third-stage larvae, fourth-stage larvae, and adult stage of A. cantonensis, and the results revealed that the AcPDI mRNA, while expressed at all three stages, is expressed at a significantly higher level in female adult worms. Results of immunohistochemical studies indicated that the AcPDI expression was specifically localized in the tegument and uterus wall of female adult worms. Biochemical analysis showed that recombinant AcPDI was biologically active in vitro and exhibited the typical biochemical functions of PDIs: oxidase/isomerase and reductase activities. Collectively, these results implied that AcPDI may be a female-enriched protein and associated with the reproductive development of A. cantonensis. In addition, considering its biochemical properties, AcPDI may be involved in the formation of the cuticle of A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2 Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510089, People's Republic of China
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Chang SH, Tang P, Wang LC. A transcriptomic study on the pepsin-activated infective larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 179:47-50. [PMID: 21624399 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the pepsin-activated infective (third-stage) larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis at the transcriptomic level, 1496 ESTs were generated from a cDNA library and clustered into 161 contigs and 757 singletons. Among these unigenes, 54.5% had significant sequence homology with known proteins. The most abundantly expressed transcripts were cathepsin B-like cysteine protease 1 and 2, metalloprotease I, metalloprotease 1 precursor, and extracellular superoxide dismutase. Protein complex was the most common Gene Ontology classification within the 'cellular component' category, embryonic development ending in birth or egg hatching within 'biological process', and protein binding within 'molecular function'. Moreover, 280 clusters were mapped to 158 KEGG pathways and 134 had unique EC numbers. These findings suggest that treatment with pepsin-HCl not only digests the tissues of the snail host but also activates the infective larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsin Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan 33332, Taiwan
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