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A. PORTES JULIANA, C. VOMMARO ROSSIANE, AYRES CALDAS LUCIO, S. MARTINS-DUARTE ERICA. Intracellular life of protozoan Toxoplasma gondii: Parasitophorous vacuole establishment and survival strategies. BIOCELL 2023. [DOI: 10.32604/biocell.2023.026629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
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Qian P, Wang X, Guan C, Fang X, Cai M, Zhong CQ, Cui Y, Li Y, Yao L, Cui H, Jiang K, Yuan J. Apical anchorage and stabilization of subpellicular microtubules by apical polar ring ensures Plasmodium ookinete infection in mosquito. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7465. [PMID: 36463257 PMCID: PMC9719560 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35270-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphogenesis of many protozoans depends on a polarized establishment of cortical cytoskeleton containing the subpellicular microtubules (SPMTs), which are apically nucleated and anchored by the apical polar ring (APR). In malaria parasite Plasmodium, APR emerges in the host-invading stages, including the ookinete for mosquito infection. So far, the fine structure and molecular components of APR as well as the underlying mechanism of APR-mediated apical positioning of SPMTs are largely unknown. Here, we resolve an unprecedented APR structure composed of a top ring plus approximate 60 radiating spines. We report an APR-localizing and SPMT-binding protein APR2. APR2 disruption impairs ookinete morphogenesis and gliding motility, leading to Plasmodium transmission failure in mosquitoes. The APR2-deficient ookinetes display defective apical anchorage of APR and SPMT due to the impaired integrity of APR. Using protein proximity labeling, we obtain a Plasmodium ookinete APR proteome and validate ten undescribed APR proteins. Among them, APRp2 and APRp4 directly interact with APR2 and also mediate the apical anchorage of SPMTs. This study sheds light on the molecular basis of APR in the organization of Plasmodium ookinete SPMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengge Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Cuirong Guan
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Mengya Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Chuan-Qi Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yanbin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Luming Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Huiting Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Kai Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
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Role of Host Small GTPases in Apicomplexan Parasite Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071370. [PMID: 35889089 PMCID: PMC9319929 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular parasites responsible for several important human diseases. These protozoan organisms have evolved several strategies to modify the host cell environment to create a favorable niche for their survival. The host cytoskeleton is widely manipulated during all phases of apicomplexan intracellular infection. Moreover, the localization and organization of host organelles are altered in order to scavenge nutrients from the host. Small GTPases are a class of proteins widely involved in intracellular pathways governing different processes, from cytoskeletal and organelle organization to gene transcription and intracellular trafficking. These proteins are already known to be involved in infection by several intracellular pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protozoan parasites. In this review, we recapitulate the mechanisms by which apicomplexan parasites manipulate the host cell during infection, focusing on the role of host small GTPases. We also discuss the possibility of considering small GTPases as potential targets for the development of novel host-targeted therapies against apicomplexan infections.
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Abstract
Apicomplexans, including species of Eimeria, pose a real threat to the health and wellbeing of animals and humans. Eimeria parasites do not infect humans but cause an important economic impact on livestock, in particular on the poultry industry. Despite its high prevalence and financial costs, little is known about the cell biology of these 'cosmopolitan' parasites found all over the world. In this review, we discuss different aspects of the life cycle and stages of Eimeria species, focusing on cellular structures and organelles typical of the coccidian family as well as genus-specific features, complementing some 'unknowns' with what is described in the closely related coccidian Toxoplasma gondii.
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Heo I, Dutta D, Schaefer DA, Iakobachvili N, Artegiani B, Sachs N, Boonekamp KE, Bowden G, Hendrickx APA, Willems RJL, Peters PJ, Riggs MW, O'Connor R, Clevers H. Modelling Cryptosporidium infection in human small intestinal and lung organoids. Nat Microbiol 2018; 3:814-823. [PMID: 29946163 PMCID: PMC6027984 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-018-0177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Stem-cell-derived organoids recapitulate in vivo physiology of their original tissues, representing valuable systems to model medical disorders such as infectious diseases. Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite, is a leading cause of diarrhoea and a major cause of child mortality worldwide. Drug development requires detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology of Cryptosporidium, but experimental approaches have been hindered by the lack of an optimal in vitro culture system. Here, we show that Cryptosporidium can infect epithelial organoids derived from human small intestine and lung. The parasite propagates within the organoids and completes its complex life cycle. Temporal analysis of the Cryptosporidium transcriptome during organoid infection reveals dynamic regulation of transcripts related to its life cycle. Our study presents organoids as a physiologically relevant in vitro model system to study Cryptosporidium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inha Heo
- Hubrecht Institute, Oncode Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Devanjali Dutta
- Hubrecht Institute, Oncode Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Schaefer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Nino Iakobachvili
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Benedetta Artegiani
- Hubrecht Institute, Oncode Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Norman Sachs
- Hubrecht Institute, Oncode Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kim E Boonekamp
- Hubrecht Institute, Oncode Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gregory Bowden
- Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Antoni P A Hendrickx
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J L Willems
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Peters
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael W Riggs
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Roberta O'Connor
- Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Oncode Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Princess Máxima Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Kadirvel P, Anishetty S. Potential role of salt-bridges in the hinge-like movement of apicomplexa specific β-hairpin of Plasmodium and Toxoplasma profilins: A molecular dynamics simulation study. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:3683-3696. [PMID: 29236299 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Profilin is one of the actin-binding proteins that regulate dynamics of actin polymerization. It plays a key role in cell motility and invasion. It also interacts with several other proteins notably through its poly-L-proline (PLP) binding site. Profilin in apicomplexa is characterized by a unique mini-domain consisting of a large β-hairpin extension and an acidic loop which is relatively longer in Plasmodium species. Profilin is essential for the invasive blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum. In the current study, unbound profilins from Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), Toxoplasma gondii (Tg), and Homo sapiens (Hs) were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for a timeframe of 100 ns each to understand the conformational dynamics of these proteins. It was found that the β-hairpin of profilins from Pf and Tg shows a hinge-like movement. This movement in Pf profilin may possibly be driven by the loss of a salt-bridge within profilin. The impact of this conformational change on actin binding was assessed by docking three dimensional (3D) structures of profilin from Pf and Tg with their corresponding actins using ClusPro2.0. The stability of docked Pf profilin-actin complex was assessed through a 50 ns MD simulation. As Hs profilin I does not have the apicomplexa specific mini-domain, MD simulation was performed for this protein and its dynamics was compared to that of profilins from Pf and Tg. Using an immunoinformatics approach, potential epitope regions were predicted for Pf profilin. This has a potential application in the design of vaccines as they mapped to its unique mini-domain.
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Chakraborty S, Roy S, Mistry HU, Murthy S, George N, Bhandari V, Sharma P. Potential Sabotage of Host Cell Physiology by Apicomplexan Parasites for Their Survival Benefits. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1261. [PMID: 29081773 PMCID: PMC5645534 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Babesia, and Theileria are the major apicomplexan parasites affecting humans or animals worldwide. These pathogens represent an excellent example of host manipulators who can overturn host signaling pathways for their survival. They infect different types of host cells and take charge of the host machinery to gain nutrients and prevent itself from host attack. The mechanisms by which these pathogens modulate the host signaling pathways are well studied for Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, and Theileria, except for limited studies on Babesia. Theileria is a unique pathogen taking into account the way it modulates host cell transformation, resulting in its clonal expansion. These parasites majorly modulate similar host signaling pathways, however, the disease outcome and effect is different among them. In this review, we discuss the approaches of these apicomplexan to manipulate the host–parasite clearance pathways during infection, invasion, survival, and egress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonti Roy
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Hiral Uday Mistry
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Shweta Murthy
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Neena George
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Paresh Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
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Abstract
Invasive stages of apicomplexan parasites require a host cell to survive, proliferate and advance to the next life cycle stage. Once invasion is achieved, apicomplexans interact closely with the host cell cytoskeleton, but in many cases the different species have evolved distinct mechanisms and pathways to modulate the structural organization of cytoskeletal filaments. The host cell cytoskeleton is a complex network, largely, but not exclusively, composed of microtubules, actin microfilaments and intermediate filaments, all of which are modulated by associated proteins, and it is involved in diverse functions including maintenance of cell morphology and mechanical support, migration, signal transduction, nutrient uptake, membrane and organelle trafficking and cell division. The ability of apicomplexans to modulate the cytoskeleton to their own advantage is clearly beneficial. We here review different aspects of the interactions of apicomplexans with the three main cytoskeletal filament types, provide information on the currently known parasite effector proteins and respective host cell targets involved, and how these interactions modulate the host cell physiology. Some of these findings could provide novel targets that could be exploited for the development of preventive and/or therapeutic strategies.
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Woo YH, Ansari H, Otto TD, Klinger CM, Kolisko M, Michálek J, Saxena A, Shanmugam D, Tayyrov A, Veluchamy A, Ali S, Bernal A, del Campo J, Cihlář J, Flegontov P, Gornik SG, Hajdušková E, Horák A, Janouškovec J, Katris NJ, Mast FD, Miranda-Saavedra D, Mourier T, Naeem R, Nair M, Panigrahi AK, Rawlings ND, Padron-Regalado E, Ramaprasad A, Samad N, Tomčala A, Wilkes J, Neafsey DE, Doerig C, Bowler C, Keeling PJ, Roos DS, Dacks JB, Templeton TJ, Waller RF, Lukeš J, Oborník M, Pain A. Chromerid genomes reveal the evolutionary path from photosynthetic algae to obligate intracellular parasites. eLife 2015; 4:e06974. [PMID: 26175406 PMCID: PMC4501334 DOI: 10.7554/elife.06974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic phylum Apicomplexa encompasses thousands of obligate intracellular parasites of humans and animals with immense socio-economic and health impacts. We sequenced nuclear genomes of Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis, free-living non-parasitic photosynthetic algae closely related to apicomplexans. Proteins from key metabolic pathways and from the endomembrane trafficking systems associated with a free-living lifestyle have been progressively and non-randomly lost during adaptation to parasitism. The free-living ancestor contained a broad repertoire of genes many of which were repurposed for parasitic processes, such as extracellular proteins, components of a motility apparatus, and DNA- and RNA-binding protein families. Based on transcriptome analyses across 36 environmental conditions, Chromera orthologs of apicomplexan invasion-related motility genes were co-regulated with genes encoding the flagellar apparatus, supporting the functional contribution of flagella to the evolution of invasion machinery. This study provides insights into how obligate parasites with diverse life strategies arose from a once free-living phototrophic marine alga. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06974.001 Single-celled parasites cause many severe diseases in humans and animals. The apicomplexans form probably the most successful group of these parasites and include the parasites that cause malaria. Apicomplexans infect a broad range of hosts, including humans, reptiles, birds, and insects, and often have complicated life cycles. For example, the malaria-causing parasites spread by moving from humans to female mosquitoes and then back to humans. Despite significant differences amongst apicomplexans, these single-celled parasites also share a number of features that are not seen in other living species. How and when these features arose remains unclear. It is known from previous work that apicomplexans are closely related to single-celled algae. But unlike apicomplexans, which depend on a host animal to survive, these algae live freely in their environment, often in close association with corals. Woo et al. have now sequenced the genomes of two photosynthetic algae that are thought to be close living relatives of the apicomplexans. These genomes were then compared to each other and to the genomes of other algae and apicomplexans. These comparisons reconfirmed that the two algae that were studied were close relatives of the apicomplexans. Further analyses suggested that thousands of genes were lost as an ancient free-living algae evolved into the apicomplexan ancestor, and further losses occurred as these early parasites evolved into modern species. The lost genes were typically those that are important for free-living organisms, but are either a hindrance to, or not needed in, a parasitic lifestyle. Some of the ancestor's genes, especially those that coded for the building blocks of flagella (structures which free-living algae use to move around), were repurposed in ways that helped the apicomplexans to invade their hosts. Understanding this repurposing process in greater detail will help to identify key molecules in these deadly parasites that could be targeted by drug treatments. It will also offer answers to one of the most fascinating questions in evolutionary biology: how parasites have evolved from free-living organisms. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06974.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong H Woo
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hifzur Ansari
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Martin Kolisko
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jan Michálek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Alka Saxena
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Annageldi Tayyrov
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaguraj Veluchamy
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS UMR8197 INSERM U1024, Paris, France
| | - Shahjahan Ali
- Bioscience Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Axel Bernal
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Javier del Campo
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jaromír Cihlář
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Flegontov
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Eva Hajdušková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Horák
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Janouškovec
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Fred D Mast
- Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, United States
| | - Diego Miranda-Saavedra
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tobias Mourier
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raeece Naeem
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mridul Nair
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aswini K Panigrahi
- Bioscience Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neil D Rawlings
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Eriko Padron-Regalado
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abhinay Ramaprasad
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadira Samad
- School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Aleš Tomčala
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jon Wilkes
- Wellcome Trust Centre For Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel E Neafsey
- Broad Genome Sequencing and Analysis Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States
| | - Christian Doerig
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Chris Bowler
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS UMR8197 INSERM U1024, Paris, France
| | - Patrick J Keeling
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David S Roos
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Joel B Dacks
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Thomas J Templeton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States
| | - Ross F Waller
- School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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Ganter M, Rizopoulos Z, Schüler H, Matuschewski K. Pivotal and distinct role for Plasmodium actin capping protein alpha during blood infection of the malaria parasite. Mol Microbiol 2015; 96:84-94. [PMID: 25565321 PMCID: PMC4413046 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Accurate regulation of microfilament dynamics is central to cell growth, motility and response to environmental stimuli. Stabilizing and depolymerizing proteins control the steady-state levels of filamentous (F-) actin. Capping protein (CP) binds to free barbed ends, thereby arresting microfilament growth and restraining elongation to remaining free barbed ends. In all CPs characterized to date, alpha and beta subunits form the active heterodimer. Here, we show in a eukaryotic parasitic cell that the two CP subunits can be functionally separated. Unlike the beta subunit, the CP alpha subunit of the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium is refractory to targeted gene deletion during blood infection in the mammalian host. Combinatorial complementation of Plasmodium berghei CP genes with the orthologs from Plasmodium falciparum verified distinct activities of CP alpha and CP alpha/beta during parasite life cycle progression. Recombinant Plasmodium CP alpha could be produced in Escherichia coli in the absence of the beta subunit and the protein displayed F-actin capping activity. Thus, the functional separation of two CP subunits in a parasitic eukaryotic cell and the F-actin capping activity of CP alpha expand the repertoire of microfilament regulatory mechanisms assigned to CPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Ganter
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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11
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Frénal K, Soldati-Favre D. [The glideosome, a unique machinery that assists the Apicomplexa in gliding into host cells]. Med Sci (Paris) 2013; 29:515-22. [PMID: 23732101 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2013295015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa are of considerable medical and veterinary significance. These obligate intracellular parasites use a unique form of locomotion to traverse biological barriers and actively invade in and egress from host cells. An actin-myosin-based complex named "glideosome" drives this unusual substrate-dependent motility, which is essential for the establishment of the infection. The mechanisms involved in motility, invasion and egress are conserved throughout the phylum. This article describes the current knowledge on the invasion process of two experimentally tractable apicomplexan parasites: Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Frénal
- Département de microbiologie et médecine moléculaire, faculté de médecine, université de Genève, centre médical universitaire, 1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Genève, Suisse.
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Makkonen M, Bertling E, Chebotareva NA, Baum J, Lappalainen P. Mammalian and malaria parasite cyclase-associated proteins catalyze nucleotide exchange on G-actin through a conserved mechanism. J Biol Chem 2012. [PMID: 23184938 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.435719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclase-associated proteins (CAPs) are among the most highly conserved regulators of actin dynamics, being present in organisms from mammals to apicomplexan parasites. Yeast, plant, and mammalian CAPs are large multidomain proteins, which catalyze nucleotide exchange on actin monomers from ADP to ATP and recycle actin monomers from actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin for new rounds of filament assembly. However, the mechanism by which CAPs promote nucleotide exchange is not known. Furthermore, how apicomplexan CAPs, which lack many domains present in yeast and mammalian CAPs, contribute to actin dynamics is not understood. We show that, like yeast Srv2/CAP, mouse CAP1 interacts with ADF/cofilin and ADP-G-actin through its N-terminal α-helical and C-terminal β-strand domains, respectively. However, in the variation to yeast Srv2/CAP, mouse CAP1 has two adjacent profilin-binding sites, and it interacts with ATP-actin monomers with high affinity through its WH2 domain. Importantly, we revealed that the C-terminal β-sheet domain of mouse CAP1 is essential and sufficient for catalyzing nucleotide exchange on actin monomers, although the adjacent WH2 domain is not required for this function. Supporting these data, we show that the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum CAP, which is entirely composed of the β-sheet domain, efficiently promotes nucleotide exchange on actin monomers. Collectively, this study provides evidence that catalyzing nucleotide exchange on actin monomers via the β-sheet domain is the most highly conserved function of CAPs from mammals to apicomplexan parasites. Other functions, including interactions with profilin and ADF/cofilin, evolved in more complex organisms to adjust the specific role of CAPs in actin dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarit Makkonen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
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13
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Zuccala ES, Gout AM, Dekiwadia C, Marapana DS, Angrisano F, Turnbull L, Riglar DT, Rogers KL, Whitchurch CB, Ralph SA, Speed TP, Baum J. Subcompartmentalisation of proteins in the rhoptries correlates with ordered events of erythrocyte invasion by the blood stage malaria parasite. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46160. [PMID: 23049965 PMCID: PMC3458004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Host cell infection by apicomplexan parasites plays an essential role in lifecycle progression for these obligate intracellular pathogens. For most species, including the etiological agents of malaria and toxoplasmosis, infection requires active host-cell invasion dependent on formation of a tight junction – the organising interface between parasite and host cell during entry. Formation of this structure is not, however, shared across all Apicomplexa or indeed all parasite lifecycle stages. Here, using an in silico integrative genomic search and endogenous gene-tagging strategy, we sought to characterise proteins that function specifically during junction-dependent invasion, a class of proteins we term invasins to distinguish them from adhesins that function in species specific host-cell recognition. High-definition imaging of tagged Plasmodium falciparum invasins localised proteins to multiple cellular compartments of the blood stage merozoite. This includes several that localise to distinct subcompartments within the rhoptries. While originating from the same organelle, however, each has very different dynamics during invasion. Apical Sushi Protein and Rhoptry Neck protein 2 release early, following the junction, whilst a novel rhoptry protein PFF0645c releases only after invasion is complete. This supports the idea that organisation of proteins within a secretory organelle determines the order and destination of protein secretion and provides a localisation-based classification strategy for predicting invasin function during apicomplexan parasite invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Zuccala
- Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander M. Gout
- Bioinformatics Divisions, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chaitali Dekiwadia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danushka S. Marapana
- Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Angrisano
- Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynne Turnbull
- The ithree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David T. Riglar
- Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kelly L. Rogers
- Imaging Facility, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cynthia B. Whitchurch
- The ithree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart A. Ralph
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence P. Speed
- Bioinformatics Divisions, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jake Baum
- Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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14
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Douse CH, Green JL, Salgado PS, Simpson PJ, Thomas JC, Langsley G, Holder AA, Tate EW, Cota E. Regulation of the Plasmodium motor complex: phosphorylation of myosin A tail-interacting protein (MTIP) loosens its grip on MyoA. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:36968-77. [PMID: 22932904 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.379842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the C-terminal tail of myosin A (MyoA) and its light chain, myosin A tail domain interacting protein (MTIP), is an essential feature of the conserved molecular machinery required for gliding motility and cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites. Recent data indicate that MTIP Ser-107 and/or Ser-108 are targeted for intracellular phosphorylation. Using an optimized MyoA tail peptide to reconstitute the complex, we show that this region of MTIP is an interaction hotspot using x-ray crystallography and NMR, and S107E and S108E mutants were generated to mimic the effect of phosphorylation. NMR relaxation experiments and other biophysical measurements indicate that the S108E mutation serves to break the tight clamp around the MyoA tail, whereas S107E has a smaller but measurable impact. These data are consistent with physical interactions observed between recombinant MTIP and native MyoA from Plasmodium falciparum lysates. Taken together these data support the notion that the conserved interactions between MTIP and MyoA may be specifically modulated by this post-translational modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Douse
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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15
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Gomes-Santos CSS, Itoe MA, Afonso C, Henriques R, Gardner R, Sepúlveda N, Simões PD, Raquel H, Almeida AP, Moita LF, Frischknecht F, Mota MM. Highly dynamic host actin reorganization around developing Plasmodium inside hepatocytes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29408. [PMID: 22238609 PMCID: PMC3253080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium sporozoites are transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes and infect hepatocytes, where a single sporozoite replicates into thousands of merozoites inside a parasitophorous vacuole. The nature of the Plasmodium-host cell interface, as well as the interactions occurring between these two organisms, remains largely unknown. Here we show that highly dynamic hepatocyte actin reorganization events occur around developing Plasmodium berghei parasites inside human hepatoma cells. Actin reorganization is most prominent between 10 to 16 hours post infection and depends on the actin severing and capping protein, gelsolin. Live cell imaging studies also suggest that the hepatocyte cytoskeleton may contribute to parasite elimination during Plasmodium development in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina S. S. Gomes-Santos
- Malaria Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maurice A. Itoe
- Malaria Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Afonso
- Malaria Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Henriques
- Cell Biology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rui Gardner
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- Center of Statistics and Applications, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro D. Simões
- Cell Biology of the Immune System Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Raquel
- Cell Biology of the Immune System Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Paulo Almeida
- Unidade de Entomologia Médica/UPMM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luis F. Moita
- Cell Biology of the Immune System Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail: (FF); (MMM)
| | - Maria M. Mota
- Malaria Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail: (FF); (MMM)
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16
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Li RW, Schroeder SG. Cytoskeleton remodeling and alterations in smooth muscle contractility in the bovine jejunum during nematode infection. Funct Integr Genomics 2011; 12:35-44. [PMID: 22203460 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-011-0259-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes of the genus Cooperia are arguably the most important parasites of cattle. The bovine jejunal transcriptome was characterized in response to Cooperia oncophora infection using RNA-seq technology. Approximately 71% of the 25,670 bovine genes were detected in the jejunal transcriptome. However, 16,552 genes were expressed in all samples tested, probably representing the core component of the transcriptome. Twenty of the most abundant genes accounted for 12.7% of the sequences from the transcriptome. A 164-h infection seemingly induced a minor change in the transcriptome (162 genes). Additionally, a total of 162,412 splice junctions were identified. Among them, 1,164 appeared unique to 1 of the 2 groups: 868 splice junctions were observed only in infected animals, while 278 were only present in all 4 control animals. Biological functions associated with muscle contraction were predominant Gene Ontology terms enriched in the genes differentially expressed by infection. The primary function of two of the four regulatory networks impacted was related to skeletal and muscular systems. A total of 34 pathways were significantly impacted by infection. Several pathways were directly related to host immune responses, such as acute phase response, leukocyte extravasation, and antigen presentation, consistent with previous findings. Calcium signaling and actin cytoskeleton signaling were among the pathways most significantly impacted by infection in the bovine jejunum. Together, these data suggest that smooth muscle hypercontractility may be initiated as a result of a primary C. oncophora infection, which may represent a mechanism for host responses in the jejunum during nematode infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Li
- Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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17
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Siden-Kiamos I, Louis C, Matuschewski K. Evidence for filamentous actin in ookinetes of a malarial parasite. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 181:186-9. [PMID: 22101204 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular stages of apicomplexan parasites utilize their own actin myosin motor machinery for gliding locomotion, penetration of cell barriers, and host cell invasion. Thus far, filamentous actin could not be visualized by standard microscopic techniques in vivo. Here, we describe the generation of a novel peptide antibody against the divergent amino-terminal portion of the major Plasmodium isoform, actin I. We show that our antiserum, termed Ab-actinI-I, is conformation-specific. In motile ookinetes it recognizes actin in rod-like structures, which are sensitive to inhibitors interfering with actin polymerization. The average size of the rods is 600 nm, which is considerably longer than what has been detected in in vitro studies of actin filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Siden-Kiamos
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, FORTH, N. Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion 700 13, Crete, Greece.
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18
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Evolutionarily divergent, unstable filamentous actin is essential for gliding motility in apicomplexan parasites. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002280. [PMID: 21998582 PMCID: PMC3188518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites rely on a novel form of actin-based motility called gliding, which depends on parasite actin polymerization, to migrate through their hosts and invade cells. However, parasite actins are divergent both in sequence and function and only form short, unstable filaments in contrast to the stability of conventional actin filaments. The molecular basis for parasite actin filament instability and its relationship to gliding motility remain unresolved. We demonstrate that recombinant Toxoplasma (TgACTI) and Plasmodium (PfACTI and PfACTII) actins polymerized into very short filaments in vitro but were induced to form long, stable filaments by addition of equimolar levels of phalloidin. Parasite actins contain a conserved phalloidin-binding site as determined by molecular modeling and computational docking, yet vary in several residues that are predicted to impact filament stability. In particular, two residues were identified that form intermolecular contacts between different protomers in conventional actin filaments and these residues showed non-conservative differences in apicomplexan parasites. Substitution of divergent residues found in TgACTI with those from mammalian actin resulted in formation of longer, more stable filaments in vitro. Expression of these stabilized actins in T. gondii increased sensitivity to the actin-stabilizing compound jasplakinolide and disrupted normal gliding motility in the absence of treatment. These results identify the molecular basis for short, dynamic filaments in apicomplexan parasites and demonstrate that inherent instability of parasite actin filaments is a critical adaptation for gliding motility.
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19
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Lek A, Lek M, North KN, Cooper ST. Phylogenetic analysis of ferlin genes reveals ancient eukaryotic origins. BMC Evol Biol 2010; 10:231. [PMID: 20667140 PMCID: PMC2923515 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-10-231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ferlin gene family possesses a rare and identifying feature consisting of multiple tandem C2 domains and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Much currently remains unknown about the fundamental function of this gene family, however, mutations in its two most well-characterised members, dysferlin and otoferlin, have been implicated in human disease. The availability of genome sequences from a wide range of species makes it possible to explore the evolution of the ferlin family, providing contextual insight into characteristic features that define the ferlin gene family in its present form in humans. RESULTS Ferlin genes were detected from all species of representative phyla, with two ferlin subgroups partitioned within the ferlin phylogenetic tree based on the presence or absence of a DysF domain. Invertebrates generally possessed two ferlin genes (one with DysF and one without), with six ferlin genes in most vertebrates (three DysF, three non-DysF). Expansion of the ferlin gene family is evident between the divergence of lamprey (jawless vertebrates) and shark (cartilaginous fish). Common to almost all ferlins is an N-terminal C2-FerI-C2 sandwich, a FerB motif, and two C-terminal C2 domains (C2E and C2F) adjacent to the transmembrane domain. Preservation of these structural elements throughout eukaryotic evolution suggests a fundamental role of these motifs for ferlin function. In contrast, DysF, C2DE, and FerA are optional, giving rise to subtle differences in domain topologies of ferlin genes. Despite conservation of multiple C2 domains in all ferlins, the C-terminal C2 domains (C2E and C2F) displayed higher sequence conservation and greater conservation of putative calcium binding residues across paralogs and orthologs. Interestingly, the two most studied non-mammalian ferlins (Fer-1 and Misfire) in model organisms C. elegans and D. melanogaster, present as outgroups in the phylogenetic analysis, with results suggesting reproduction-related divergence and specialization of species-specific functions within their genus. CONCLUSIONS Our phylogenetic studies provide evolutionary insight into the ferlin gene family. We highlight the existence of ferlin-like proteins throughout eukaryotic evolution, from unicellular phytoplankton and apicomplexan parasites, through to humans. We characterise the preservation of ferlin structural motifs, not only of C2 domains, but also the more poorly characterised ferlin-specific motifs representing the DysF, FerA and FerB domains. Our data suggest an ancient role of ferlin proteins, with lessons from vertebrate biology and human disease suggesting a role relating to vesicle fusion and plasma membrane specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lek
- Institute for Neuroscience and Muscle Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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Armadillo-repeat protein functions: questions for little creatures. Trends Cell Biol 2010; 20:470-81. [PMID: 20688255 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Armadillo (ARM)-repeat proteins form a large family with diverse and fundamental functions in many eukaryotes. ARM-repeat proteins have largely been characterised in multicellular organisms and much is known about how a subset of these proteins function. The structure of ARM-repeats allows proteins containing them to be functionally very versatile. Are the ARM-repeat proteins in 'little creatures' as multifunctional as their better-studied relatives? The time is now right to start analysing ARM-repeat proteins in these new systems to better understand their cell biology. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the many cellular roles of both well-known and novel ARM-repeat proteins.
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21
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Hayashida K, Hattori M, Nakao R, Tanaka Y, Kim JY, Inoue N, Nene V, Sugimoto C. A schizont-derived protein, TpSCOP, is involved in the activation of NF-kappaB in Theileria parva-infected lymphocytes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2010; 174:8-17. [PMID: 20540970 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2010.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Theileria parva is a tick-transmitted intracellular protozoan parasite that causes East Coast fever, a fatal bovine lymphoproliferative disease. The molecular mechanisms that underlie host cell transformation by T. parva schizonts have been studied extensively, and it is known that the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) is activated in schizont-infected cells, making T. parva-transformed cells resistant to apoptosis. However, the mechanism by which the parasite triggers the activation of NF-kappaB remains enigmatic. In the present study, we biochemically characterized a novel protein, which we termed TpSCOP (T. parvaschizont-derived cytoskeleton-binding protein), which is expressed in the schizont stage of T. parva. TpSCOP was shown to interact with F-actin in vitro. Expression of TpSCOP in a murine lymphocytic cell line resulted in the activation of NF-kappaB signaling pathways, leading to apoptosis resistance. The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), was also detected. Furthermore, the introduction of TpSCOP into T. parva-infected cells also enhanced the activation of NF-kappaB. This is the first report to demonstrate that a parasite-derived molecule has the ability to activate the host NF-kappaB pathway. Based on these results, TpSCOP likely plays an important role in apoptosis inhibition during Theileria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Hayashida
- Department of Education and Collaboration, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-20, Nishi-10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0020, Japan
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22
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Seitzer U, Gerber S, Beyer D, Dobschanski J, Kullmann B, Haller D, Ahmed JS. Schizonts of Theileria annulata interact with the microtubuli network of their host cell via the membrane protein TaSP. Parasitol Res 2010; 106:1085-102. [PMID: 20162433 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1747-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 01/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular leukoproliferative Theileria are unique as eukaryotic organisms that transform the immune cells of their ruminant host. Theileria utilize the uncontrolled proliferation for rapid multiplication and distribution into host daughter cells. The parasite distribution into the daughter cells is accompanied by a tight association with the host cell mitotic apparatus. Since the molecular basis for this interaction is largely unknown, we investigated the possible involvement of the immunodominant Theileria annulata surface protein, TaSP, in the attachment of the parasite to host cell microtubule network. Confocal microscopic analyses showed co-localization of the TaSP protein with alpha-tubulin and reciprocal immuno-co-precipitation experiments demonstrated an association of TaSP with alpha-tubulin in vivo. In addition, the partially expressed predicted extracellular domain of TaSP co-localized with the mitotic spindle of dividing cells and was co-immunoprecipitated with alpha-tubulin in transiently transfected Cos-7 cells devoid of other T. annulata expressed proteins. Pull-down studies showed that there is a direct interaction between TaSP and polymerized microtubules. Analysis of the interaction of TaSP and host microtubulin during host cell mitosis indicated that TaSP co-localizes and interacts with the spindle poles, the mitotic spindle apparatus and the mid-body. Moreover, TaSP was demonstrated to be localized to the microtubule organizing center and to physically interact with gamma-tubulin. These data support the notion that the TaSP-microtubule interaction may be playing a potential role in parasite distribution into daughter host cells and give rise to the speculation that TaSP may be involved in regulation of microtubule assembly in the host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Seitzer
- Division of Veterinary Infection Biology and Immunology, Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Research Center Borstel, Parkallee 22, 23845, Borstel, Germany,
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23
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Münter S, Sabass B, Selhuber-Unkel C, Kudryashev M, Hegge S, Engel U, Spatz JP, Matuschewski K, Schwarz US, Frischknecht F. Plasmodium Sporozoite Motility Is Modulated by the Turnover of Discrete Adhesion Sites. Cell Host Microbe 2009; 6:551-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2009.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Revised: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 11/19/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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