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Parasite protein phosphatases: biological function, virulence, and host immune evasion. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2703-2715. [PMID: 34309709 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07259-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein phosphatases are enzymes that dephosphorylate tyrosine and serine/threonine amino acid residues. Although their role in cellular processes has been best characterized in higher eukaryotes, they have also been identified and studied in different pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., parasites) in the last two decades. Whereas some parasite protein phosphatases carry out functions similar to those of their homologs in yeast and mammalian cells, others have unique structural and/or functional characteristics. Thus, the latter unique phosphatases may be instrumental as targets for drug therapy or as markers for diagnosis. It is important to better understand the involvement of protein phosphatases in parasites in relation to their cell cycle, metabolism, virulence, and evasion of the host immune response. The up-to-date information about parasite phosphatases of medical and veterinarian relevance is herein reviewed.
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Uribe-Querol E, Rosales C. Immune Response to the Enteric Parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Physiology (Bethesda) 2021; 35:244-260. [PMID: 32490746 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00038.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite responsible for amoebiasis, a disease with a high prevalence in developing countries. Establishing an amoebic infection involves interplay between pathogenic factors for invasion and tissue damage, and immune responses for protecting the host. Here, we review the pathogenicity of E. histolytica and summarize the latest knowledge on immune response and immune evasion mechanisms during amoebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Uribe-Querol
- División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Rosales
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Meyer M, Fehling H, Matthiesen J, Lorenzen S, Schuldt K, Bernin H, Zaruba M, Lender C, Ernst T, Ittrich H, Roeder T, Tannich E, Lotter H, Bruchhaus I. Overexpression of Differentially Expressed Genes Identified in Non-pathogenic and Pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica Clones Allow Identification of New Pathogenicity Factors Involved in Amoebic Liver Abscess Formation. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005853. [PMID: 27575775 PMCID: PMC5004846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We here compared pathogenic (p) and non-pathogenic (np) isolates of Entamoeba histolytica to identify molecules involved in the ability of this parasite to induce amoebic liver abscess (ALA)-like lesions in two rodent models for the disease. We performed a comprehensive analysis of 12 clones (A1–A12) derived from a non-pathogenic isolate HM-1:IMSS-A and 12 clones (B1–B12) derived from a pathogenic isolate HM-1:IMSS-B. “Non-pathogenicity” included the induction of small and quickly resolved lesions while “pathogenicity” comprised larger abscess development that overstayed day 7 post infection. All A-clones were designated as non-pathogenic, whereas 4 out of 12 B-clones lost their ability to induce ALAs in gerbils. No correlation between ALA formation and cysteine peptidase (CP) activity, haemolytic activity, erythrophagocytosis, motility or cytopathic activity was found. To identify the molecular framework underlying different pathogenic phenotypes, three clones were selected for in-depth transcriptome analyses. Comparison of a non-pathogenic clone A1np with pathogenic clone B2p revealed 76 differentially expressed genes, whereas comparison of a non-pathogenic clone B8np with B2p revealed only 19 differentially expressed genes. Only six genes were found to be similarly regulated in the two non-pathogenic clones A1np and B8np in comparison with the pathogenic clone B2p. Based on these analyses, we chose 20 candidate genes and evaluated their roles in ALA formation using the respective gene-overexpressing transfectants. We conclude that different mechanisms lead to loss of pathogenicity. In total, we identified eight proteins, comprising a metallopeptidase, C2 domain proteins, alcohol dehydrogenases and hypothetical proteins, that affect the pathogenicity of E. histolytica. The pathogen Entamoeba histolytica can live asymptomatically in the human gut, or it can disrupt the intestinal barrier and induce life-threatening abscesses in different organs, most often in the liver. The molecular framework that enables this invasive, highly pathogenic phenotype is still not well understood. In order to identify factors that are positively or negatively correlated for invasion and destruction of the liver, we used a unique tool, E. histolytica clones that differ dramatically in their pathogenicity, while sharing almost identical genetic background. Based on comprehensive transcriptome studies of these clones, we identified a set of candidate genes that are potentially involved in pathogenicity. Using ectopic overexpression of the most promising candidates, either in pathogenic or in non-pathogenic Entamoeba clones, we identified genes where high expression reduced pathogenicity and only one gene that increased pathogenicity to a certain extend. Taken together, the current study identifies novel pathogenicity factors of E. histolytica and highlights the observation that various different genes contribute to pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Meyer
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Helena Fehling
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jenny Matthiesen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Lorenzen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schuldt
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Bernin
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mareen Zaruba
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Lender
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Department and Clinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harald Ittrich
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Department and Clinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Zoological Institute, Molecular Physiology, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hannelore Lotter
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Iris Bruchhaus
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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Chávez-Munguía B, Salazar-Villatoro L, Omaña-Molina M, Espinosa-Cantellano M, Ramírez-Flores E, Lorenzo-Morales J, Martínez-Palomo A. Acanthamoeba culbertsoni: Electron-Dense Granules in a Highly Virulent Clinical Isolate. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2016; 63:744-750. [PMID: 27087641 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The virulence of various amoebic parasites has been correlated with the presence of electron-dense granules (EDGs) in the cytoplasm of trophozoites. Here, we report the finding by transmission electron microscopy of a large number of EDGs in a recent culture of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, isolated from a severe case of human keratitis. When this isolate was maintained in culture for 6 mo, the granules almost disappeared. However, after induction of mice brain lesions with the long-term cultured isolate, recovered amoebas had abundant EDGs. Trophozoites of the original isolate, or those recovered from experimental lesions, secreted EDGs into the medium when incubated with MDCK cells. To analyze a possible cytotoxic effect the conditioned medium was incubated with MDCK monolayers. After 5 h, the media containing EDGs produced opening of the tight junctions; at 24 h, cell viability was compromised, and at 48 h most of the cells were detached from the monolayer. In contrast, trophozoites in long-term cultures did not release EDGs to the medium during incubation with MDCK cells, and the corresponding conditioned medium did not have any effect on MDCK monolayers. Our observations further support the hypothesis that EDGs play a role in the cytopathogenic mechanisms of A. culbertsoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana Chávez-Munguía
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico City, 07360, Mexico.
| | - Lizbeth Salazar-Villatoro
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico City, 07360, Mexico
| | - Maritza Omaña-Molina
- School of Superior Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, 54090, Mexico
| | - Martha Espinosa-Cantellano
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico City, 07360, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Ramírez-Flores
- School of Superior Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, 54090, Mexico
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, 38203, Spain
| | - Adolfo Martínez-Palomo
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico City, 07360, Mexico
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Fernandes HC, Costa AF, Freitas MAR, Martins AS, Pesquero JL, Rabelo ÉM, Gomes MA. Entamoeba histolytica: gene expression analysis of cells invading tissues. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:364264. [PMID: 24605052 PMCID: PMC3925561 DOI: 10.1155/2014/364264] [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: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that presents a risk to the health of millions of people worldwide. Due to the existence of different clinical forms caused by the parasite and also different virulence levels presented by one strain, one would expect differences in the profile of gene transcripts between virulent and nonvirulent cultures. In this study we used the differential display to select gene segments related to invasiveness of amoeba. One Brazilian strain of E. histolytica in two conditions, able or not to cause lesions in experimental animals, was used. RNA from this strain, was used to study the differential expression of genes. 29 specific gene fragments differentially expressed in the virulent strain were selected. By real-time PCR, six of these genes had confirmed their differential expression in the virulent culture. These genes may have important roles in triggering invasive amoebiasis and may be related to adaptation of trophozoites to difficulties encountered during colonization of the intestinal epithelium and liver tissue. Future studies with these genes may elucidate its actual role in tissue invasion by E. histolytica generating new pathways for diagnosis and treatment of amoebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen C. Fernandes
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana F. Costa
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Michelle A. R. Freitas
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Almir S. Martins
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jorge L. Pesquero
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Élida M. Rabelo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria A. Gomes
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Wilson IW, Weedall GD, Hall N. Host-Parasite interactions in Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar: what have we learned from their genomes? Parasite Immunol 2012; 34:90-9. [PMID: 21810102 PMCID: PMC3378717 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2011.01325.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Invasive amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a major global health problem. Virulence is a rare outcome of infection, occurring in fewer than 1 in 10 infections. Not all strains of the parasite are equally virulent, and understanding the mechanisms and causes of virulence is an important goal of Entamoeba research. The sequencing of the genome of E. histolytica and the related avirulent species Entamoeba dispar has allowed whole-genome-scale analyses of genetic divergence and differential gene expression to be undertaken. These studies have helped elucidate mechanisms of virulence and identified genes differentially expressed in virulent and avirulent parasites. Here, we review the current status of the E. histolytica and E. dispar genomes and the findings of a number of genome-scale studies comparing parasites of different virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- I W Wilson
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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ChÁvez-munguÍa B, CastaÑÓN G, HernÁNdez-RamÍRez V, GonzÁLez-LÁZARO MÓN, TalamÁS-Rohana P, MartÍNez-Palomo A. Entamoeba histolyticaelectrondense granules secretion in vitro and in vivo: Ultrastructural study. Microsc Res Tech 2011; 75:189-96. [DOI: 10.1002/jemt.21042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 05/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Characterization of an Entamoeba histolytica high-mobility-group box protein induced during intestinal infection. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2008; 7:1565-72. [PMID: 18658254 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00123-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The unicellular eukaryote Entamoeba histolytica is a human parasite that causes amebic dysentery and liver abscess. A genome-wide analysis of gene expression modulated by intestinal colonization and invasion identified an upregulated transcript that encoded a putative high-mobility-group box (HMGB) protein, EhHMGB1. We tested if EhHMGB1 encoded a functional HMGB protein and determined its role in control of parasite gene expression. Recombinant EhHMGB1 was able to bend DNA in vitro, a characteristic of HMGB proteins. Core conserved residues required for DNA bending activity in other HMGB proteins were demonstrated by mutational analysis to be essential for EhHMGB1 activity. EhHMGB1 was also able to enhance the binding of human p53 to its cognate DNA sequence in vitro, which is expected for an HMGB1 protein. Confocal microscopy, using antibodies against the recombinant protein, confirmed its nuclear localization. Overexpression of EhHMGB1 in HM1:IMSS trophozoites led to modulation of 33 transcripts involved in a variety of cellular functions. Of these, 20 were also modulated at either day 1 or day 29 in the mouse model of intestinal amebiasis. Notably, four transcripts with known roles in virulence, including two encoding Gal/GalNAc lectin light chains, were modulated in response to EhHMGB1 overexpression. We concluded that EhHMGB1 was a bona fide HMGB protein with the capacity to recapitulate part of the modulation of parasite gene expression seen during adaptation to the host intestine.
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