1
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Yadav M, Dahiya N, Janjoter S, Kataria D, Dixit R, Sehrawat N. A review on RNA interference studies in Anophelines to reveal candidate genes for malaria transmission blocking vaccine. Life Sci 2024; 351:122822. [PMID: 38866221 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Malaria is a major public health concern. The development of parasite-based vaccine RTS/AS01 has some therapeutic value but its lower efficacy is one of the major limitations. Mosquito-based transmission-blocking vaccines could have a higher potential for parasite inhibition within the mosquitoes. Several genes of mosquito midgut, salivary gland, hemolymph, etc. get activate in response to the Plasmodium-infected blood and helps in parasite invasion directly or indirectly inside the mosquito. The studies of such genes provided a new insight into developing the more efficient vaccines. In the field of malaria genetics research, RNAi has become an innovative strategy used to identify mosquito candidate genes for transmission-blocking vaccines. This review targeted the gene studies that have been conducted in the period 2000-2023 in different malaria vectors against different malarial parasites using the RNAi approach to reveal mosquito novel gene candidates for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Nisha Dahiya
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Sangeeta Janjoter
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Divya Kataria
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | | | - Neelam Sehrawat
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
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Mousavi Shafi ZS, Firouz ZM, Pirahmadi S. Gene expression analysis of Anopheles Meigen, 1818 (Diptera: Culicidae) innate immunity after Plasmodium Marchiafava & Celli, 1885 (Apicomplexa) infection: Toward developing new malaria control strategies. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 123:105650. [PMID: 39089500 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite the critical role of the Anopheles innate immune system in defending against Plasmodium infection, there is still limited information about the key immune mechanisms in Anopheles. This review assesses recent findings on the expression characteristics of immune-related genes in Anopheles following exposure to Plasmodium. A literature review, unrestricted by publication date, was conducted to evaluate immune-related gene expression in different organs of Anopheles after Plasmodium infection. Mosquito immune responses in the midgut are essential for reducing parasite populations. Additionally, innate immune responses in the salivary glands and hemocytes circulating in the hemocoel play key roles in defense against the parasite. Transcriptomic analysis of the mosquito's innate immune response to Plasmodium infection provides valuable insights into key immune mechanisms in mosquito defense. A deeper understanding of immune mechanisms in different organs of Anopheles following Plasmodium infection will aid in discovering critical targets for designing novel control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sadat Mousavi Shafi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Mohammadi Firouz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Gao L, Yang W, Wang J. Implications of mosquito metabolism on vector competence. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:674-682. [PMID: 37907431 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) annually kill nearly half a million people. Due to the lack of effective vaccines and drugs on most MBDs, disease prevention relies primarily on controlling mosquitoes. Despite huge efforts having been put into mosquito control, eco-friendly and sustainable mosquito-control strategies are still lacking and urgently demanded. Most mosquito-transmitted pathogens have lost the capacity of de novo nutrition biosynthesis, and rely on their vertebrate and invertebrate hosts for sustenance during the long-term obligate parasitism process. Therefore, a better understanding of the metabolic interactions between mosquitoes and pathogens will contribute to the discovery of novel metabolic targets or regulators that lead to reduced mosquito populations or vector competence. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the effects of mosquito metabolism on the transmission of multiple pathogens. We also discuss that research in this area remains to be explored to develop multiple biological prevention and control strategies for MBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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4
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Bevivino G, Maurizi L, Ammendolia MG, Longhi C, Arcà B, Lombardo F. Peptides with Antimicrobial Activity in the Saliva of the Malaria Vector Anopheles coluzzii. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5529. [PMID: 38791567 PMCID: PMC11121840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105529] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquito saliva plays a crucial physiological role in both sugar and blood feeding by helping sugar digestion and exerting antihemostatic functions. During meal acquisition, mosquitoes are exposed to the internalization of external microbes. Since mosquitoes reingest significant amounts of saliva during feeding, we hypothesized that salivary antimicrobial components may participate in the protection of mouthparts, the crop, and the gut by inhibiting bacterial growth. To identify novel potential antimicrobials from mosquito saliva, we selected 11 candidates from Anopheles coluzzii salivary transcriptomic datasets and obtained them either using a cell-free transcription/translation expression system or, when feasible, via chemical synthesis. Hyp6.2 and hyp13, which were predicted to be produced as propeptides and cleaved in shorter mature forms, showed the most interesting results in bacterial growth inhibition assays. Hyp6.2 (putative mature form, 35 amino acid residues) significantly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) bacteria. Hyp13 (short form, 19 amino acid residues) dose-dependently inhibited E. coli and S. marcescens growth, inducing membrane disruption in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as indicated with scanning electron microscopy. In conclusion, we identified two A. coluzzii salivary peptides inhibiting Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria growth and possibly contributing to the protection of mosquito mouthparts and digestive tracts from microbial infection during and/or after feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bevivino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Linda Maurizi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Maria Grazia Ammendolia
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Catia Longhi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Bruno Arcà
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (L.M.); (C.L.); (B.A.)
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Samantsidis GR, Kwon H, Wendland M, Fonder C, Smith RC. TNF signaling mediates cellular immune function and promotes malaria parasite killing in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592209. [PMID: 38746363 PMCID: PMC11092648 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine and a master regulator of immune cell function in vertebrates. While previous studies have implicated TNF signaling in invertebrate immunity, the roles of TNF in mosquito innate immunity and vector competence have yet to be explored. Herein, we confirm the identification of a conserved TNF-α pathway in Anopheles gambiae consisting of the TNF-α ligand, Eiger, and its cognate receptors Wengen and Grindelwald. Through gene expression analysis, RNAi, and in vivo injection of recombinant TNF-α, we provide direct evidence for the requirement of TNF signaling in regulating mosquito immune cell function by promoting granulocyte midgut attachment, increased granulocyte abundance, and oenocytoid rupture. Moreover, our data demonstrate that TNF signaling is an integral component of anti-Plasmodium immunity that limits malaria parasite survival. Together, our data support the existence of a highly conserved TNF signaling pathway in mosquitoes that mediates cellular immunity and influences Plasmodium infection outcomes, offering potential new approaches to interfere with malaria transmission by targeting the mosquito host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Megan Wendland
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Catherine Fonder
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Wang Y, Xu Z, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Cao J, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Zhou J. Towards modelling tick-virus interactions using the weakly pathogenic Sindbis virus: Evidence that ticks are competent vectors. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1334351. [PMID: 38567020 PMCID: PMC10985168 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1334351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Most tick-borne viruses (TBVs) are highly pathogenic and require high biosecurity, which severely limits their study. We found that Sindbis virus (SINV), predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes, can replicate in ticks and be subsequently transmitted, with the potential to serve as a model for studying tick-virus interactions. We found that both larval and nymphal stages of Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides can be infected with SINV-wild-type (WT) when feeding on infected mice. SINV replicated in two species of ticks (R. haemaphysaloides and Hyalomma asiaticum) after infecting them by microinjection. Injection of ticks with SINV expressing enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGFP) revealed that SINV-eGFP specifically aggregated in the tick midguts for replication. During blood-feeding, SINV-eGFP migrated from the midguts to the salivary glands and was transmitted to a new host. SINV infection caused changes in expression levels of tick genes related to immune responses, substance transport and metabolism, cell growth and death. SINV mainly induced autophagy during the early stage of infection; with increasing time of infection, the level of autophagy decreased, while the level of apoptosis increased. During the early stages of infection, the transcript levels of immune-related genes were significantly upregulated, and then decreased. In addition, SINV induced changes in the transcription levels of some functional genes that play important roles in the interactions between ticks and tick-borne pathogens. These results confirm that the SINV-based transmission model between ticks, viruses, and mammals can be widely used to unravel the interactions between ticks and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengmao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zedong Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Stryapunina I, Itoe MA, Trinh Q, Vidoudez C, Du E, Mendoza L, Hulai O, Kauffman J, Carew J, Shaw WR, Catteruccia F. Precise coordination between nutrient transporters ensures fertility in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011145. [PMID: 38285728 PMCID: PMC10852252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Females from many mosquito species feed on blood to acquire nutrients for egg development. The oogenetic cycle has been characterized in the arboviral vector Aedes aegypti, where after a bloodmeal, the lipid transporter lipophorin (Lp) shuttles lipids from the midgut and fat body to the ovaries, and a yolk precursor protein, vitellogenin (Vg), is deposited into the oocyte by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Our understanding of how the roles of these two nutrient transporters are mutually coordinated is however limited in this and other mosquito species. Here, we demonstrate that in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, Lp and Vg are reciprocally regulated in a timely manner to optimize egg development and ensure fertility. Defective lipid transport via Lp knockdown triggers abortive ovarian follicle development, leading to misregulation of Vg and aberrant yolk granules. Conversely, depletion of Vg causes an upregulation of Lp in the fat body in a manner that appears to be at least partially dependent on target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling, resulting in excess lipid accumulation in the developing follicles. Embryos deposited by Vg-depleted mothers are completely inviable, and are arrested early during development, likely due to severely reduced amino acid levels and protein synthesis. Our findings demonstrate that the mutual regulation of these two nutrient transporters is essential to safeguard fertility by ensuring correct nutrient balance in the developing oocyte, and validate Vg and Lp as two potential candidates for mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Stryapunina
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Maurice A. Itoe
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Queenie Trinh
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Charles Vidoudez
- Harvard Center for Mass Spectrometry, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Esrah Du
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lydia Mendoza
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Oleksandr Hulai
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jamie Kauffman
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John Carew
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - W. Robert Shaw
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
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Garrigós M, Ylla G, Martínez-de la Puente J, Figuerola J, Ruiz-López MJ. Two avian Plasmodium species trigger different transcriptional responses on their vector Culex pipiens. Mol Ecol 2023:e17240. [PMID: 38108558 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Plasmodium that affects both humans and wildlife. The fitness consequences of infections by avian malaria are well known in birds, however, little information exists on its impact on mosquitoes. Here we study how Culex pipiens mosquitoes transcriptionally respond to infection by two different Plasmodium species, P. relictum and P. cathemerium, differing in their virulence (mortality rate) and transmissibility (parasite presence in exposed mosquitoes' saliva). We studied the mosquito response to the infection at three critical stages of parasite development: the formation of ookinetes at 24 h post-infection (hpi), the release of sporozoites into the hemocoel at 10 days post-infection (dpi), and the storage of sporozoites in the salivary glands at 21 dpi. For each time point, we characterized the gene expression of mosquitoes infected with each P. relictum and P. cathemerium and mosquitoes fed on an uninfected bird and, subsequently, compared their transcriptomic responses. Differential gene expression analysis showed that most transcriptomic changes occurred during the early infection stage (24 hpi), especially when comparing P. relictum and P. cathemerium-infected mosquitoes. Differentially expressed genes in mosquitoes infected with each species were related mainly to the metabolism of the immune response, trypsin, and other serine-proteases. We conclude that these differences in response may partly play a role in the differential virulence and transmissibility previously observed between P. relictum and P. cathemerium in Cx. pipiens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garrigós
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Guillem Ylla
- Bioinformatics and Genome Biology Lab, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María José Ruiz-López
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
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Hernandez-Caballero I, Hellgren O, Garcia-Longoria Batanete L. Genomic advances in the study of the mosquito vector during avian malaria infection. Parasitology 2023; 150:1330-1339. [PMID: 37614176 PMCID: PMC10941221 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrate host–parasite associations are one of the keystones in order to understand vector-borne diseases. The study of these specific interactions provides information not only about how the vector is affected by the parasite at the gene-expression level, but might also reveal mosquito strategies for blocking the transmission of the parasites. A very well-known vector for human malaria is Anopheles gambiae. This mosquito species has been the main focus for genomics studies determining essential key genes and pathways over the course of a malaria infection. However, to-date there is an important knowledge gap concerning other non-mammophilic mosquito species, for example some species from the Culex genera which may transmit avian malaria but also zoonotic pathogens such as West Nile virus. From an evolutionary perspective, these 2 mosquito genera diverged 170 million years ago, hence allowing studies in both species determining evolutionary conserved genes essential during malaria infections, which in turn might help to find key genes for blocking malaria cycle inside the mosquito. Here, we extensively review the current knowledge on key genes and pathways expressed in Anopheles over the course of malaria infections and highlight the importance of conducting genomic investigations for detecting pathways in Culex mosquitoes linked to infection of avian malaria. By pooling this information, we underline the need to increase genomic studies in mosquito–parasite associations, such as the one in Culex–Plasmodium, that can provide a better understanding of the infection dynamics in wildlife and reduce the negative impact on ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Hernandez-Caballero
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, E-06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Olof Hellgren
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, SE-22362, Sweden
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Andrade LC, Majerowicz D, Oliveira PL, Guarneri AA. Alterations in energy metabolism of Rhodnius prolixus induced by Trypanosoma rangeli infection. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 159:103987. [PMID: 37429385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan parasite that infects triatomines and mammals in the Americas, producing mixed infections with Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. The former parasite is not pathogenic to humans, but has different levels of pathogenicity, as well as causing physiological and behavioral alterations, to its invertebrate hosts. In this study, we measured locomotory activity, and the glyceride accumulation profile in the hemolymph and fat body, as well as the expression of key genes related to triglyceride metabolism, of Rhodnius prolixus nymphs infected with T. rangeli. We found that the locomotory activity of the insects was correlated with the amount of triglycerides in the fat body. Infected nymphs had increased activity when starved, and also had an accumulation of glycerides in the fat body and hemolymph. These alterations were also associated with a higher expression of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase, lipophorin and lipophorin receptor genes in the fat body. We infer that T. rangeli is able to alter the energetic processes of its invertebrate host, in order to increase the availability of lipids to the parasite, which, in turn modifies the activity levels of the insect. These alterations are discussed with regard to their potential to increase the transmission rate of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila C Andrade
- Vector Behavior and Pathogen Interaction Group, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 30190-009, Brazil
| | - David Majerowicz
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Prédio do CCS, bloco A, 2° andar, sala 48, CEP: 21941-590, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; INCT-EM, Brazil
| | - Pedro L Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil; INCT-EM, Brazil
| | - Alessandra A Guarneri
- Vector Behavior and Pathogen Interaction Group, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 30190-009, Brazil; INCT-EM, Brazil.
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11
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Kuang J, Michel K, Scoglio C. GeCoNet-Tool: a software package for gene co-expression network construction and analysis. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:281. [PMID: 37434115 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05382-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Network analysis is a powerful tool for studying gene regulation and identifying biological processes associated with gene function. However, constructing gene co-expression networks can be a challenging task, particularly when dealing with a large number of missing values. RESULTS We introduce GeCoNet-Tool, an integrated gene co-expression network construction and analysis tool. The tool comprises two main parts: network construction and network analysis. In the network construction part, GeCoNet-Tool offers users various options for processing gene co-expression data derived from diverse technologies. The output of the tool is an edge list with the option of weights associated with each link. In network analysis part, the user can produce a table that includes several network properties such as communities, cores, and centrality measures. With GeCoNet-Tool, users can explore and gain insights into the complex interactions between genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyao Kuang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Caterina Scoglio
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
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12
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Prado Sepulveda CC, Alencar RM, Santana RA, Belém de Souza I, D'Elia GMA, Godoy RSM, Duarte AP, Lopes SCP, de Lacerda MVG, Monteiro WM, Nacif-Pimenta R, Secundino NFC, Koerich LB, Pimenta PFP. Evolution and assembly of Anopheles aquasalis's immune genes: primary malaria vector of coastal Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands. Open Biol 2023; 13:230061. [PMID: 37433331 PMCID: PMC10335856 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Anophelines are vectors of malaria, the deadliest disease worldwide transmitted by mosquitoes. The availability of genomic data from various Anopheles species allowed evolutionary comparisons of the immune response genes in search of alternative vector control of the malarial parasites. Now, with the Anopheles aquasalis genome, it was possible to obtain more information about the evolution of the immune response genes. Anopheles aquasalis has 278 immune genes in 24 families or groups. Comparatively, the American anophelines possess fewer genes than Anopheles gambiae s. s., the most dangerous African vector. The most remarkable differences were found in the pathogen recognition and modulation families like FREPs, CLIP and C-type lectins. Even so, genes related to the modulation of the expression of effectors in response to pathogens and gene families that control the production of reactive oxygen species were more conserved. Overall, the results show a variable pattern of evolution in the immune response genes in the anopheline species. Environmental factors, such as exposure to different pathogens and differences in the microbiota composition, could shape the expression of this group of genes. The results presented here will contribute to a better knowledge of the Neotropical vector and open opportunities for malaria control in the endemic-affected areas of the New World.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Camilo Prado Sepulveda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Maciel Alencar
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Rosa Amélia Santana
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Igor Belém de Souza
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Gigliola Mayra Ayres D'Elia
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Raquel Soares Maia Godoy
- Instituto de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, FIOCRUZ – Belo Horizonte. Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinicius Guimarães de Lacerda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Rafael Nacif-Pimenta
- Departament of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nágila Francinete Costa Secundino
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, FIOCRUZ – Belo Horizonte. Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Barbosa Koerich
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paulo Filemon Paolucci Pimenta
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, FIOCRUZ – Belo Horizonte. Minas Gerais, Brazil
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13
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Adams KL, Selland EK, Willett BC, Carew JW, Vidoudez C, Singh N, Catteruccia F. Selection for insecticide resistance can promote Plasmodium falciparum infection in Anopheles. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011448. [PMID: 37339122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Insecticide resistance is under strong selective pressure in Anopheles mosquitoes due to widespread usage of insecticides in vector control strategies. Resistance mechanisms likely cause changes that profoundly affect mosquito physiology, yet it remains poorly understood how selective pressures imposed by insecticides may alter the ability of the mosquito to host and transmit a Plasmodium infection. From pyrethroid-resistant field-derived Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes, we established resistant (RES) and susceptible (SUS) colonies by either selection for, or loss of insecticide resistance. We show increased oocyst intensity and growth rate as well as increased sporozoite prevalence and intensity in RES compared to SUS females infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The increase in infection intensity in RES females was not associated with the presence of the kdrL1014F mutation and was not impacted by inhibition of Cytochrome P450s. The lipid transporter lipophorin (Lp), which was upregulated in RES compared to SUS, was at least partly implicated in the increased intensity of P. falciparum but not directly involved in the insecticide resistance phenotype. Interestingly, we observed that although P. falciparum infections were not affected when RES females were exposed to permethrin, these females had decreased lipid abundance in the fat body following exposure, pointing to a possible role for lipid mobilization in response to damage caused by insecticide challenge. The finding that selection for insecticide resistance can increase P. falciparum infection intensities and growth rate reinforces the need to assess the overall impact on malaria transmission dynamics caused by selective pressures mosquitoes experience during repeated insecticide challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L Adams
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Emily K Selland
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bailey C Willett
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John W Carew
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Charles Vidoudez
- Harvard Center for Mass Spectrometry, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Naresh Singh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
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Ferreira FC, Videvall E, Seidl CM, Wagner NE, Kilpatrick AM, Fleischer RC, Fonseca DM. Transcriptional response of individual Hawaiian Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum. Malar J 2022; 21:249. [PMID: 36038897 PMCID: PMC9422152 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium parasites that cause bird malaria occur in all continents except Antarctica and are primarily transmitted by mosquitoes in the genus Culex. Culex quinquefasciatus, the mosquito vector of avian malaria in Hawaiʻi, became established in the islands in the 1820s. While the deadly effects of malaria on endemic bird species have been documented for many decades, vector-parasite interactions in avian malaria systems are relatively understudied. Methods To evaluate the gene expression response of mosquitoes exposed to a Plasmodium infection intensity known to occur naturally in Hawaiʻi, offspring of wild-collected Hawaiian Cx. quinquefasciatus were fed on a domestic canary infected with a fresh isolate of Plasmodium relictum GRW4 from a wild-caught Hawaiian honeycreeper. Control mosquitoes were fed on an uninfected canary. Transcriptomes of five infected and three uninfected individual mosquitoes were sequenced at each of three stages of the parasite life cycle: 24 h post feeding (hpf) during ookinete invasion; 5 days post feeding (dpf) when oocysts are developing; 10 dpf when sporozoites are released and invade the salivary glands. Results Differential gene expression analyses showed that during ookinete invasion (24 hpf), genes related to oxidoreductase activity and galactose catabolism had lower expression levels in infected mosquitoes compared to controls. Oocyst development (5 dpf) was associated with reduced expression of a gene with a predicted innate immune function. At 10 dpf, infected mosquitoes had reduced expression levels of a serine protease inhibitor, and further studies should assess its role as a Plasmodium agonist in C. quinquefasciatus. Overall, the differential gene expression response of Hawaiian Culex exposed to a Plasmodium infection intensity known to occur naturally in Hawaiʻi was low, but more pronounced during ookinete invasion. Conclusions This is the first analysis of the transcriptional responses of vectors to malaria parasites in non-mammalian systems. Interestingly, few similarities were found between the response of Culex infected with a bird Plasmodium and those reported in Anopheles infected with human Plasmodium. The relatively small transcriptional changes observed in mosquito genes related to immune response and nutrient metabolism support conclusions of low fitness costs often documented in experimental challenges of Culex with avian Plasmodium. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04271-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco C Ferreira
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA. .,Center for Vector Biology, Entomology Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Elin Videvall
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christa M Seidl
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Nicole E Wagner
- Center for Vector Biology, Entomology Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - A Marm Kilpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Robert C Fleischer
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Entomology Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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15
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Kuang J, Buchon N, Michel K, Scoglio C. A global [Formula: see text] gene co-expression network constructed from hundreds of experimental conditions with missing values. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:170. [PMID: 35534830 PMCID: PMC9082846 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04697-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene co-expression networks (GCNs) can be used to determine gene regulation and attribute gene function to biological processes. Different high throughput technologies, including one and two-channel microarrays and RNA-sequencing, allow evaluating thousands of gene expression data simultaneously, but these methodologies provide results that cannot be directly compared. Thus, it is complex to analyze co-expression relations between genes, especially when there are missing values arising for experimental reasons. Networks are a helpful tool for studying gene co-expression, where nodes represent genes and edges represent co-expression of pairs of genes. RESULTS In this paper, we establish a method for constructing a gene co-expression network for the Anopheles gambiae transcriptome from 257 unique studies obtained with different methodologies and experimental designs. We introduce the sliding threshold approach to select node pairs with high Pearson correlation coefficients. The resulting network, which we name AgGCN1.0, is robust to random removal of conditions and has similar characteristics to small-world and scale-free networks. Analysis of network sub-graphs revealed that the core is largely comprised of genes that encode components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and the ribosome, while different communities are enriched for genes involved in distinct biological processes. CONCLUSION Analysis of the network reveals that both the architecture of the core sub-network and the network communities are based on gene function, supporting the power of the proposed method for GCN construction. Application of network science methodology reveals that the overall network structure is driven to maximize the integration of essential cellular functions, possibly allowing the flexibility to add novel functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyao Kuang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
| | - Nicolas Buchon
- Department of Entomology, Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
| | - Caterina Scoglio
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA
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16
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Hixson B, Bing XL, Yang X, Bonfini A, Nagy P, Buchon N. A transcriptomic atlas of Aedes aegypti reveals detailed functional organization of major body parts and gut regional specializations in sugar-fed and blood-fed adult females. eLife 2022; 11:76132. [PMID: 35471187 PMCID: PMC9113746 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes transmit numerous pathogens, but large gaps remain in our understanding of their physiology. To facilitate explorations of mosquito biology, we have created Aegypti-Atlas (http://aegyptiatlas.buchonlab.com/), an online resource hosting RNAseq profiles of Ae. aegypti body parts (head, thorax, abdomen, gut, Malpighian tubules, ovaries), gut regions (crop, proventriculus, anterior and posterior midgut, hindgut), and a gut time course of blood meal digestion. Using Aegypti-Atlas, we provide insights into regionalization of gut function, blood feeding response, and immune defenses. We find that the anterior and posterior midgut possess digestive specializations which are preserved in the blood-fed state. Blood feeding initiates the sequential induction and repression/depletion of multiple cohorts of peptidases. With respect to defense, immune signaling components, but not recognition or effector molecules, show enrichment in ovaries. Basal expression of antimicrobial peptides is dominated by holotricin and gambicin, which are expressed in carcass and digestive tissues, respectively, in a mutually exclusive manner. In the midgut, gambicin and other effectors are almost exclusively expressed in the anterior regions, while the posterior midgut exhibits hallmarks of immune tolerance. Finally, in a cross-species comparison between Ae. aegypti and Anopheles gambiae midguts, we observe that regional digestive and immune specializations are conserved, indicating that our dataset may be broadly relevant to multiple mosquito species. We demonstrate that the expression of orthologous genes is highly correlated, with the exception of a ‘species signature’ comprising a few highly/disparately expressed genes. With this work, we show the potential of Aegypti-Atlas to unlock a more complete understanding of mosquito biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bretta Hixson
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States
| | - Xiao-Li Bing
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States
| | | | - Peter Nagy
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States
| | - Nicolas Buchon
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States
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17
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Shaw WR, Marcenac P, Catteruccia F. Plasmodium development in Anopheles: a tale of shared resources. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:124-135. [PMID: 34548252 PMCID: PMC8758519 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between the Anopheles mosquito vector and Plasmodium parasites shape how malaria is transmitted in endemic regions. The long association of these two organisms has led to evolutionary processes that minimize fitness costs of infection and benefit both players through shared nutrient resources, parasite immune suppression, and mosquito tolerance to infection. In this review we explore recent data describing how Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, associates with one of its most important natural mosquito hosts, Anopheles gambiae, and we discuss the implications of these findings for parasite transmission and vector control strategies currently in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Robert Shaw
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Perrine Marcenac
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Khan MT, Dalvin S, Nilsen F, Male R. Two apolipoproteins in salmon louse ( Lepeophtheirus salmonis), apolipoprotein 1 knock down reduces reproductive capacity. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 28:101156. [PMID: 34729423 PMCID: PMC8545670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis is an ectoparasite of salmonid fish in the Northern Hemisphere, causing large economical losses in the aquaculture industry and represent a threat to wild populations of salmonids. Like other oviparous animals, it is likely that female lice use lipoproteins for lipid transport to maturing oocytes and other organs of the body. As an important component of lipoproteins, apolipoproteins play a vital role in the transport of lipids through biosynthesis of lipoproteins. Apolipoproteins have been studied in detail in different organisms, but no studies have been done in salmon lice. Two apolipoprotein encoding genes (LsLp1 and LsLp2) were identified in the salmon lice genome. Transcriptional analysis revealed both genes to be expressed at all stages from larvae to adult with some variation, LsLp1 generally higher than LsLp2 and both at their highest levels in adult stages of the louse. In adult female louse, the LsLp1 and LsLp2 transcripts were found in the sub-epidermal tissue and the intestine. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of LsLp1 and LsLp2 in female lice resulted in reduced expression of both transcripts. LsLp1 knockdown female lice produced significantly less offspring than control lice, while knockdown of LsLp2 in female lice caused no reduction in the number of offspring. These results suggest that LsLp1 has an important role in reproduction in female salmon lice. Salmon lice are ectoparasites and a major threat to aquaculture industry and wild salmon. Two apolipoproteins in salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). Expressed at all stages from larvae to adult, sub-epidermal tissue and the intestine . RNA interference-mediated knockdown of LsLp1 and LsLp2. LsLp1 knockdown female lice produced significantly less offspring than control lice.
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Key Words
- Apolipoproteins
- CP, clotting protein
- Crustacea
- DIG, Digoxigenin
- Ectoparasite
- Gene expression
- LDL, low density lipoprotein
- LLTP, large lipid transfer protein
- Lp, lipophorin
- Ls, Lepeophtheirus salmonis
- MTP, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein
- RNAi
- RNAi, RNA interference
- Reproduction
- Vit, vitellogenins
- apo B-100, apolipoprotein B-100
- apoCr, apolipocrustaceins
- apoLp-II/I, apolipophorin-II/I
- dLPs, large discoidal lipoproteins
- ef1α, elongation factor 1 alpha
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tanveer Khan
- Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sussie Dalvin
- Sea Lice Research Centre, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Frank Nilsen
- Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune Male
- Sea Lice Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Corresponding author. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, N-5020, Bergen, Norway.
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Bevivino G, Arcà B, Lombardo F. Effects of Local and Systemic Immune Challenges on the Expression of Selected Salivary Genes in the Malaria Mosquito Anopheles coluzzii. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101300. [PMID: 34684249 PMCID: PMC8540153 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Salivary glands play a crucial tripartite role in mosquito physiology. First, they secrete factors that greatly facilitate both sugar and blood meal acquisition. Second, the transmission of pathogens (parasites, bacteria and viruses) to the vertebrate host requires both the recognition and invasion of the salivary glands. Third, they produce immune factors that both protect the organ from invading pathogens and are also able to exert their activity in the crop and the midgut when saliva is re-ingested during feeding. Studies on mosquito sialomes have revealed the presence of several female and/or male salivary gland-specific or enriched genes whose function is completely unknown so far. We focused our attention on these orphan genes, and we selected, according to sequence and structural features, a shortlist of 11 candidates with potential antimicrobial properties. Afterwards, using qPCR, we investigated their expression profile at 5 and 24 h after an infectious sugar meal (local challenge) or thoracic microinjection (systemic challenge) of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, EC) or Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, SA) bacteria. We observed a general increase in the transcript abundance of our salivary candidates between 5 and 24 h after local challenge. Moreover, transcriptional modulation was determined by the nature of the stimulus, with salivary gland-enriched genes (especially hyp15 upon SA stimulus) upregulated shortly after the local challenge and later after the systemic challenge. Overall, this work provides one of the first contributions to the understanding of the immune role of mosquito salivary glands. Further characterization of salivary candidates whose expression is modulated by immune challenge may help in the identification of possible novel antimicrobial peptides.
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Dietary and Plasmodium challenge effects on the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of Anopheles albimanus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11258. [PMID: 34045618 PMCID: PMC8159922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile reflects the insects' physiological states. These include age, sex, reproductive stage, and gravidity. Environmental factors such as diet, relative humidity or exposure to insecticides also affect the CHC composition in mosquitoes. In this work, the CHC profile was analyzed in two Anopheles albimanus phenotypes with different degrees of susceptibility to Plasmodium, the susceptible-White and resistant-Brown phenotypes, in response to the two dietary regimes of mosquitoes: a carbon-rich diet (sugar) and a protein-rich diet (blood) alone or containing Plasmodium ookinetes. The CHCs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry or flame ionization detection, identifying 19 CHCs with chain lengths ranging from 20 to 37 carbons. Qualitative and quantitative changes in CHCs composition were dependent on diet, a parasite challenge, and, to a lesser extent, the phenotype. Blood-feeding caused up to a 40% reduction in the total CHC content compared to sugar-feeding. If blood contained ookinetes, further changes in the CHC profile were observed depending on the Plasmodium susceptibility of the phenotypes. Higher infection prevalence caused greater changes in the CHC profile. These dietary and infection-associated modifications in the CHCs could have multiple effects on mosquito fitness, impacts on disease transmission, and tolerance to insecticides.
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21
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Ferdous Z, Fuchs S, Behrends V, Trasanidis N, Waterhouse RM, Vlachou D, Christophides GK. Anopheles coluzzii stearoyl-CoA desaturase is essential for adult female survival and reproduction upon blood feeding. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009486. [PMID: 34015060 PMCID: PMC8171932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation require anautogenous female Anopheles mosquitoes to obtain a bloodmeal from a vertebrate host. The bloodmeal is rich in proteins that are readily broken down into amino acids in the midgut lumen and absorbed by the midgut epithelial cells where they are converted into lipids and then transported to other tissues including ovaries. The stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) plays a pivotal role in this process by converting saturated (SFAs) to unsaturated (UFAs) fatty acids; the latter being essential for maintaining cell membrane fluidity amongst other housekeeping functions. Here, we report the functional and phenotypic characterization of SCD1 in the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles coluzzii. We show that RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of SCD1 and administration of sterculic acid (SA), a small molecule inhibitor of SCD1, significantly impact on the survival and reproduction of female mosquitoes following blood feeding. Microscopic observations reveal that the mosquito thorax is quickly filled with blood, a phenomenon likely caused by the collapse of midgut epithelial cell membranes, and that epithelial cells are depleted of lipid droplets and oocytes fail to mature. Transcriptional profiling shows that genes involved in protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and immunity-related genes are the most affected by SCD1 knock down (KD) in blood-fed mosquitoes. Metabolic profiling reveals that these mosquitoes exhibit increased amounts of saturated fatty acids and TCA cycle intermediates, highlighting the biochemical framework by which the SCD1 KD phenotype manifests as a result of a detrimental metabolic syndrome. Accumulation of SFAs is also the likely cause of the potent immune response observed in the absence of infection, which resembles an auto-inflammatory condition. These data provide insights into mosquito bloodmeal metabolism and lipid homeostasis and could inform efforts to develop novel interventions against mosquito-borne diseases. Female mosquitoes can become infected with malaria parasites upon ingestion of blood from an infected person and can transmit the disease when they bite another person some days later. The bloodmeal is rich in proteins which female mosquitoes use to develop their eggs after converting them first to saturated and then to unsaturated fatty acids inside their gut cells. Here, we present the characterization of the enzyme that mosquitoes use to convert saturated to unsaturated fatty acids and show that when this enzyme is eliminated or inhibited mosquitoes cannot produce eggs and die soon after they feed on blood. The mosquito death appears to be primarily associated with the collapse of their gut epithelial barrier due to the loss of cell membrane integrity, leading to their inner body cavity being filled with the ingested blood. These mosquitoes also suffer from an acute and detrimental auto-inflammatory condition due to mounting of a potent immune response in the absence of any infection. We conclude that this enzyme and the mechanism of converting blood-derived proteins to unsaturated fatty acids as a whole can be a good target of interventions aiming at limiting the mosquito abundance and blocking malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zannatul Ferdous
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Silke Fuchs
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Volker Behrends
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Health Science Research Centre, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaos Trasanidis
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M. Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dina Vlachou
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Yu S, Wang P, Qin J, Zheng H, Wang J, Liu T, Yang X, Wang Y. Bacillus sphaericus exposure reduced vector competence of Anopheles dirus to Plasmodium yoelii by upregulating the Imd signaling pathway. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:446. [PMID: 32891162 PMCID: PMC7487769 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04321-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector control with Bacillus sphaericus (Bs) is an effective way to block the transmission of malaria. However, in practical application of Bs agents, a sublethal dose effect was often caused by insufficient dosing, and it is little known whether the Bs exposure would affect the surviving mosquitoes’ vector capacity to malaria. Methods A sublethal dose of the Bs 2362 strain was administrated to the early fourth-instar larvae of Anopheles dirus to simulate shortage use of Bs in field circumstance. To determine vector competence, mosquitoes were dissected and the oocysts in the midguts were examined on day 9–11 post-infection with Plasmodium yoelii. Meanwhile, a SYBR quantitative PCR assay was conducted to examine the transcriptional level of the key immune molecules of mosquitoes, and RNA interference was utilized to validate the role of key immune effector molecule TEP1. Results The sublethal dose of Bs treatment significantly reduced susceptibility of An. dirus to P. yoelii, with the decrease of P. yoelii infection intensity and rate. Although there existed a melanization response of adult An. dirus following challenge with P. yoelii, it was not involved in the decrease of vector competence as no significant difference of melanization rates and densities between the control and Bs groups was found. Further studies showed that Bs treatment significantly increased TEP1 expression in the fourth-instar larvae (L4), pupae (Pu), 48 h post-infection (hpi) and 72 hpi (P < 0.001). Further, gene-silencing of TEP1 resulted in disappearance of the Bs impact on vector competence of An. dirus to P. yoelii. Moreover, the transcriptional level of PGRP-LC and Rel2 were significantly elevated by Bs treatment with decreased expression of the negative regulator Caspar at 48 hpi, which implied that the Imd signaling pathway was upregulated by Bs exposure. Conclusions Bs exposure can reduce the vector competence of An. dirus to malaria parasites through upregulating Imd signaling pathway and enhancing the expression of TEP1. The data could not only help us to understand the impact and mechanism of Bs exposure on Anopheles’ vector competence to malaria but also provide us with novel clues for wiping out malaria using vector control.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Yu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jie Qin
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xuesen Yang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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23
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Yang J, Schleicher TR, Dong Y, Park HB, Lan J, Cresswell P, Crawford J, Dimopoulos G, Fikrig E. Disruption of mosGILT in Anopheles gambiae impairs ovarian development and Plasmodium infection. J Exp Med 2020; 217:e20190682. [PMID: 31658986 PMCID: PMC7037243 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium infection in Anopheles is influenced by mosquito-derived factors. We previously showed that a protein in saliva from infected Anopheles, mosquito gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (mosGILT), inhibits the ability of sporozoites to traverse cells and readily establish infection of the vertebrate host. To determine whether mosGILT influences Plasmodium within the mosquito, we generated Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes carrying mosaic mutations in the mosGILT gene using CRISPR/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9). Here, we show that female mosaic mosGILT mutant mosquitoes display defects in ovarian development and refractoriness to Plasmodium. Following infection by either Plasmodium berghei or Plasmodium falciparum, mutant mosquitoes have significantly reduced oocyst numbers as a result of increased thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1)-dependent parasite killing. Expression of vitellogenin (Vg), the major yolk protein that can reduce the parasite-killing efficiency of TEP1, is severely impaired in mutant mosquitoes. MosGILT is a mosquito factor that is essential for ovarian development and indirectly protects both human and rodent Plasmodium species from mosquito immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Tyler R. Schleicher
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Yuemei Dong
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Hyun Bong Park
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT
| | - Jiangfeng Lan
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peter Cresswell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jason Crawford
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD
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24
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Tan W, Acevedo T, Harris EV, Alcaide TY, Walters JR, Hunter MD, Gerardo NM, Roode JC. Transcriptomics of monarch butterflies (
Danaus plexippus
) reveals that toxic host plants alter expression of detoxification genes and down‐regulate a small number of immune genes. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:4845-4863. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen‐Hao Tan
- Department of Biology Emory University Atlanta GA USA
| | - Tarik Acevedo
- Department of Biology Emory University Atlanta GA USA
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management Pennsylvania State University State College PA USA
| | | | - Tiffanie Y. Alcaide
- Department of Biology Emory University Atlanta GA USA
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management Pennsylvania State University State College PA USA
| | - James R. Walters
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Kansas Lawrence KS USA
| | - Mark D. Hunter
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
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25
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Wolanin K, Fontinha D, Sanches-Vaz M, Nyboer B, Heiss K, Mueller AK, Prudêncio M. A crucial role for the C-terminal domain of exported protein 1 during the mosquito and hepatic stages of the Plasmodium berghei life cycle. Cell Microbiol 2019; 21:e13088. [PMID: 31364224 PMCID: PMC6771729 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular Plasmodium parasites develop inside a parasitophorous vacuole (PV), a specialised compartment enclosed by a membrane (PVM) that contains proteins of both host and parasite origin. Although exported protein 1 (EXP1) is one of the earliest described parasitic PVM proteins, its function throughout the Plasmodium life cycle remains insufficiently understood. Here, we show that whereas the N-terminus of Plasmodium berghei EXP1 (PbEXP1) is essential for parasite survival in the blood, parasites lacking PbEXP1's entire C-terminal (CT) domain replicate normally in the blood but cause less severe pathology than their wild-type counterparts. Moreover, truncation of PbEXP1's CT domain not only impairs parasite development in the mosquito but also abrogates PbEXP1 localization to the PVM of intrahepatic parasites, severely limiting their replication and preventing their egress into the blood. Our findings highlight the importance of EXP1 during the Plasmodium life cycle and identify this protein as a promising target for antiplasmodial intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Wolanin
- Parasitology Unit, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana Fontinha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Sanches-Vaz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Britta Nyboer
- Parasitology Unit, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Heiss
- Parasitology Unit, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, Heidelberg Division, Heidelberg, Germany.,PEPperPRINT GmbH, Research & Development Division, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Mueller
- Parasitology Unit, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, Heidelberg Division, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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26
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Santana RAG, Oliveira MC, Cabral I, Junior RCAS, de Sousa DRT, Ferreira L, Lacerda MVG, Monteiro WM, Abrantes P, Guerra MDGVB, Silveira H. Anopheles aquasalis transcriptome reveals autophagic responses to Plasmodium vivax midgut invasion. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:261. [PMID: 31126324 PMCID: PMC6534896 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3506-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Elimination of malaria depends on mastering transmission and understanding the biological basis of Plasmodium infection in the vector. The first mosquito organ to interact with the parasite is the midgut and its transcriptomic characterization during infection can reveal effective antiplasmodial responses able to limit the survival of the parasite. The vector response to Plasmodium vivax is not fully characterized, and its specificities when compared with other malaria parasites can be of fundamental interest for specific control measures. Methods Experimental infections were performed using a membrane-feeding device. Three groups were used: P. vivax-blood-fed, blood-fed on inactivated gametocytes, and unfed mosquitoes. Twenty-four hours after feeding, the mosquitoes were dissected and the midgut collected for transcriptomic analysis using RNAseq. Nine cDNA libraries were generated and sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq2500. Readings were checked for quality control and analysed using the Trinity platform for de novo transcriptome assembly. Transcript quantification was performed and the transcriptome was functionally annotated. Differential expression gene analysis was carried out. The role of the identified mechanisms was further explored using functional approaches. Results Forty-nine genes were identified as being differentially expressed with P. vivax infection: 34 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Half of the P. vivax-related differentially expressed genes could be related to autophagy; therefore, the effect of the known inhibitor (wortmannin) and activator (spermidine) was tested on the infection outcome. Autophagic activation significantly reduced the intensity and prevalence of infection. This was associated with transcription alterations of the autophagy regulating genes Beclin, DRAM and Apg8. Conclusions Our data indicate that P. vivax invasion of An. aquasalis midgut epithelium triggers an autophagic response and its activation reduces infection. This suggests a novel mechanism that mosquitoes can use to fight Plasmodium infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3506-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Amélia Gonçalves Santana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Maurício Costa Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Iria Cabral
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Rubens Celso Andrade Silva Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Débora Raysa Teixeira de Sousa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Lucas Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Guimarães Lacerda
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil.,Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Abrantes
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria das Graças Vale Barbosa Guerra
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Henrique Silveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil. .,Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
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27
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Werling K, Shaw WR, Itoe MA, Westervelt KA, Marcenac P, Paton DG, Peng D, Singh N, Smidler AL, South A, Deik AA, Mancio-Silva L, Demas AR, March S, Calvo E, Bhatia SN, Clish CB, Catteruccia F. Steroid Hormone Function Controls Non-competitive Plasmodium Development in Anopheles. Cell 2019; 177:315-325.e14. [PMID: 30929905 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Transmission of malaria parasites occurs when a female Anopheles mosquito feeds on an infected host to acquire nutrients for egg development. How parasites are affected by oogenetic processes, principally orchestrated by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), remains largely unknown. Here we show that Plasmodium falciparum development is intimately but not competitively linked to processes shaping Anopheles gambiae reproduction. We unveil a 20E-mediated positive correlation between egg and oocyst numbers; impairing oogenesis by multiple 20E manipulations decreases parasite intensities. These manipulations, however, accelerate Plasmodium growth rates, allowing sporozoites to become infectious sooner. Parasites exploit mosquito lipids for faster growth, but they do so without further affecting egg development. These results suggest that P. falciparum has adopted a non-competitive evolutionary strategy of resource exploitation to optimize transmission while minimizing fitness costs to its mosquito vector. Our findings have profound implications for currently proposed control strategies aimed at suppressing mosquito populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Werling
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - W Robert Shaw
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maurice A Itoe
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kathleen A Westervelt
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Perrine Marcenac
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Douglas G Paton
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Duo Peng
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Naresh Singh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrea L Smidler
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Adam South
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amy A Deik
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Liliana Mancio-Silva
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Allison R Demas
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sandra March
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Sangeeta N Bhatia
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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28
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Ruiz JL, Yerbanga RS, Lefèvre T, Ouedraogo JB, Corces VG, Gómez-Díaz E. Chromatin changes in Anopheles gambiae induced by Plasmodium falciparum infection. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:5. [PMID: 30616642 PMCID: PMC6322293 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-018-0250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection by the human malaria parasite leads to important changes in mosquito phenotypic traits related to vector competence. However, we still lack a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms and, in particular, of the epigenetic basis for these changes. We have examined genome-wide distribution maps of H3K27ac, H3K9ac, H3K9me3 and H3K4me3 by ChIP-seq and the transcriptome by RNA-seq, of midguts from Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes blood-fed uninfected and infected with natural isolates of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in Burkina Faso. RESULTS We report 15,916 regions containing differential histone modification enrichment between infected and uninfected, of which 8339 locate at promoters and/or intersect with genes. The functional annotation of these regions allowed us to identify infection-responsive genes showing differential enrichment in various histone modifications, such as CLIP proteases, antimicrobial peptides-encoding genes, and genes related to melanization responses and the complement system. Further, the motif analysis of regions differentially enriched in various histone modifications predicts binding sites that might be involved in the cis-regulation of these regions, such as Deaf1, Pangolin and Dorsal transcription factors (TFs). Some of these TFs are known to regulate immunity gene expression in Drosophila and are involved in the Notch and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of malaria infection-induced chromatin changes in mosquitoes is important not only to identify regulatory elements and genes underlying mosquito responses to P. falciparum infection, but also for possible applications to the genetic manipulation of mosquitoes and to other mosquito-borne systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L. Ruiz
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Seville, Spain
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra (IPBLN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Rakiswendé S. Yerbanga
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 01 BP 171, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Thierry Lefèvre
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 01 BP 171, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean B. Ouedraogo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), 01 BP 171, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Victor G. Corces
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Elena Gómez-Díaz
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092 Seville, Spain
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra (IPBLN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 18016 Granada, Spain
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29
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Gondim KC, Atella GC, Pontes EG, Majerowicz D. Lipid metabolism in insect disease vectors. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 101:108-123. [PMID: 30171905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
More than a third of the world population is at constant risk of contracting some insect-transmitted disease, such as Dengue fever, Zika virus disease, malaria, Chagas' disease, African trypanosomiasis, and others. Independent of the life cycle of the pathogen causing the disease, the insect vector hematophagous habit is a common and crucial trait for the transmission of all these diseases. This lifestyle is unique, as hematophagous insects feed on blood, a diet that is rich in protein but relatively poor in lipids and carbohydrates, in huge amounts and low frequency. Another unique feature of these insects is that blood meal triggers essential metabolic processes, as molting and oogenesis and, in this way, regulates the expression of various genes that are involved in these events. In this paper, we review current knowledge of the physiology and biochemistry of lipid metabolism in insect disease vectors, comparing with classical models whenever possible. We address lipid digestion and absorption, hemolymphatic transport, and lipid storage by the fat body and ovary. In this context, both de novo fatty acid and triacylglycerol synthesis are discussed, including the related fatty acid activation process and the intracellular lipid binding proteins. As lipids are stored in order to be mobilized later on, e.g. for flight activity or survivorship, lipolysis and β-oxidation are also considered. All these events need to be finely regulated, and the role of hormones in this control is summarized. Finally, we also review information about infection, when vector insect physiology is affected, and there is a crosstalk between its immune system and lipid metabolism. There is not abundant information about lipid metabolism in vector insects, and significant current gaps in the field are indicated, as well as questions to be answered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia C Gondim
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Georgia C Atella
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emerson G Pontes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - David Majerowicz
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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30
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Yang H, Peng Y, Shi Y, Tian J, Wang J, Song Q, Lv Z, Xie C, Wang Z. Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the immunity function of venom glands in Pardosa pseudoannulata in responses to cadmium toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:23875-23882. [PMID: 29881962 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2468-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to some similarity of innate immunity between insects and mammals, the study of the molecular mechanism of innate immunity in insects has become a focus of research. However, the exact molecular and cellular basis of immune system in insect remains poorly understood. Characterization of the transcriptomic response to Cd of spider is an effective approach to understanding the innate immunity mechanisms. In this study, we carried out transcriptome sequencing and gene expression analyses to develop molecular resources for Pardosa pseudoannulata venom glands with and without Cd treatments. A total of 92,778 assembled unigenes and 237 Cd stress-associated differentially expressed genes between the Cd-treated and control groups were obtained. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that immunity-related genes involved in bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, leukocyte transendothelial migration, platelet activation, apoptosis, phagosome, and Rap1 signaling pathway were upregulated by Cd exposure, except the genes involved in PPAR signaling pathway were downregulated. Our results provide the first comprehensive transcriptome dataset of venom glands in P. pseudoannulata response to Cd, which is valuable for throws light on the immunotoxicity mechanism of Cd, and the innate immunity complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Yang
- College of Orient Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, No. 1 Nongda Road, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, No. 1 Nongda Road, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Yuande Peng
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Yixue Shi
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, No. 1 Nongda Road, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Jianxiang Tian
- College of Continuing Education, Hunan Agricultural University, No. 1 Nongda Road, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, No. 1 Nongda Road, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Zhiyue Lv
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chunliang Xie
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, No. 1 Nongda Road, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China.
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China.
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31
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Simões ML, Caragata EP, Dimopoulos G. Diverse Host and Restriction Factors Regulate Mosquito-Pathogen Interactions. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:603-616. [PMID: 29793806 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes transmit diseases that seriously impact global human health. Despite extensive knowledge of the life cycles of mosquito-borne parasites and viruses within their hosts, control strategies have proven insufficient to halt their spread. An understanding of the relationships established between such pathogens and the host tissues they inhabit is therefore paramount for the development of new strategies that specifically target these interactions, to prevent the pathogens' maturation and transmission. Here we present an updated account of the antagonists and host factors that affect the development of Plasmodium, the parasite causing malaria, and mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue virus and Zika virus, within their mosquito vectors, and we discuss the similarities and differences between Plasmodium and viral systems, looking toward the elucidation of new targets for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; These authors contributed equally
| | - Eric P Caragata
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; These authors contributed equally
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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32
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Smith ML, Styczynski MP. Systems Biology-Based Investigation of Host-Plasmodium Interactions. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:617-632. [PMID: 29779985 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a serious, complex disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Plasmodium parasites affect multiple tissues as they evade immune responses, replicate, sexually reproduce, and transmit between vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. The explosion of omics technologies has enabled large-scale collection of Plasmodium infection data, revealing systems-scale patterns, mechanisms of pathogenesis, and the ways that host and pathogen affect each other. Here, we provide an overview of recent efforts using systems biology approaches to study host-Plasmodium interactions and the biological themes that have emerged from these efforts. We discuss some of the challenges in using systems biology for this goal, key research efforts needed to address those issues, and promising future malaria applications of systems biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren L Smith
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Malaria Host-Pathogen Interaction Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mark P Styczynski
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Malaria Host-Pathogen Interaction Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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33
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Bartholomay LC, Michel K. Mosquito Immunobiology: The Intersection of Vector Health and Vector Competence. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 63:145-167. [PMID: 29324042 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-010715-023530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
As holometabolous insects that occupy distinct aquatic and terrestrial environments in larval and adult stages and utilize hematophagy for nutrient acquisition, mosquitoes are subjected to a wide variety of symbiotic interactions. Indeed, mosquitoes play host to endosymbiotic, entomopathogenic, and mosquito-borne organisms, including protozoa, viruses, bacteria, fungi, fungal-like organisms, and metazoans, all of which trigger and shape innate infection-response capacity. Depending on the infection or interaction, the mosquito may employ, for example, cellular and humoral immune effectors for septic infections in the hemocoel, humoral infection responses in the midgut lumen, and RNA interference and programmed cell death for intracellular pathogens. These responses often function in concert, regardless of the infection type, and provide a robust front to combat infection. Mosquito-borne pathogens and entomopathogens overcome these immune responses, employing avoidance or suppression strategies. Burgeoning methodologies are capitalizing on this concerted deployment of immune responses to control mosquito-borne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyric C Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin 53706;
| | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506;
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34
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Mitchell SN, Catteruccia F. Anopheline Reproductive Biology: Impacts on Vectorial Capacity and Potential Avenues for Malaria Control. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:a025593. [PMID: 28389513 PMCID: PMC5710097 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a025593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vectorial capacity is a mathematical approximation of the efficiency of vector-borne disease transmission, measured as the number of new infections disseminated per case per day by an insect vector. Multiple elements of mosquito biology govern their vectorial capacity, including survival, population densities, feeding preferences, and vector competence. Intriguingly, biological pathways essential to mosquito reproductive fitness directly or indirectly influence a number of these elements. Here, we explore this complex interaction, focusing on how the interplay between mating and blood feeding in female Anopheles not only shapes their reproductive success but also influences their ability to sustain Plasmodium parasite development. Central to malaria transmission, mosquito reproductive biology has recently become the focus of research strategies aimed at malaria control, and we discuss promising new methods based on the manipulation of key reproductive steps. In light of widespread resistance to all public health-approved insecticides targeting mosquito reproduction may prove crucial to the success of malaria-eradication campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N Mitchell
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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35
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Papa F, Windbichler N, Waterhouse RM, Cagnetti A, D'Amato R, Persampieri T, Lawniczak MKN, Nolan T, Papathanos PA. Rapid evolution of female-biased genes among four species of Anopheles malaria mosquitoes. Genome Res 2017; 27:1536-1548. [PMID: 28747381 PMCID: PMC5580713 DOI: 10.1101/gr.217216.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how phenotypic differences between males and females arise from the sex-biased expression of nearly identical genomes can reveal important insights into the biology and evolution of a species. Among Anopheles mosquito species, these phenotypic differences include vectorial capacity, as it is only females that blood feed and thus transmit human malaria. Here, we use RNA-seq data from multiple tissues of four vector species spanning the Anopheles phylogeny to explore the genomic and evolutionary properties of sex-biased genes. We find that, in these mosquitoes, in contrast to what has been found in many other organisms, female-biased genes are more rapidly evolving in sequence, expression, and genic turnover than male-biased genes. Our results suggest that this atypical pattern may be due to the combination of sex-specific life history challenges encountered by females, such as blood feeding. Furthermore, female propensity to mate only once in nature in male swarms likely diminishes sexual selection of post-reproductive traits related to sperm competition among males. We also develop a comparative framework to systematically explore tissue- and sex-specific splicing to document its conservation throughout the genus and identify a set of candidate genes for future functional analyses of sex-specific isoform usage. Finally, our data reveal that the deficit of male-biased genes on the X Chromosomes in Anopheles is a conserved feature in this genus and can be directly attributed to chromosome-wide transcriptional regulation that de-masculinizes the X in male reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Papa
- Section of Genomics and Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Nikolai Windbichler
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M Waterhouse
- University of Geneva Medical School and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Cagnetti
- Section of Genomics and Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Polo d'Innovazione di Genomica, Genetica e Biologia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Rocco D'Amato
- Section of Genomics and Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Tania Persampieri
- Section of Genomics and Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
- Polo d'Innovazione di Genomica, Genetica e Biologia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Tony Nolan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom
| | - Philippos Aris Papathanos
- Section of Genomics and Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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36
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de la Fuente J, Antunes S, Bonnet S, Cabezas-Cruz A, Domingos AG, Estrada-Peña A, Johnson N, Kocan KM, Mansfield KL, Nijhof AM, Papa A, Rudenko N, Villar M, Alberdi P, Torina A, Ayllón N, Vancova M, Golovchenko M, Grubhoffer L, Caracappa S, Fooks AR, Gortazar C, Rego ROM. Tick-Pathogen Interactions and Vector Competence: Identification of Molecular Drivers for Tick-Borne Diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:114. [PMID: 28439499 PMCID: PMC5383669 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and the pathogens they transmit constitute a growing burden for human and animal health worldwide. Vector competence is a component of vectorial capacity and depends on genetic determinants affecting the ability of a vector to transmit a pathogen. These determinants affect traits such as tick-host-pathogen and susceptibility to pathogen infection. Therefore, the elucidation of the mechanisms involved in tick-pathogen interactions that affect vector competence is essential for the identification of molecular drivers for tick-borne diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of tick-pathogen molecular interactions for bacteria, viruses, and protozoa affecting human and animal health. Additionally, the impact of tick microbiome on these interactions was considered. Results show that different pathogens evolved similar strategies such as manipulation of the immune response to infect vectors and facilitate multiplication and transmission. Furthermore, some of these strategies may be used by pathogens to infect both tick and mammalian hosts. Identification of interactions that promote tick survival, spread, and pathogen transmission provides the opportunity to disrupt these interactions and lead to a reduction in tick burden and the prevalence of tick-borne diseases. Targeting some of the similar mechanisms used by the pathogens for infection and transmission by ticks may assist in development of preventative strategies against multiple tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State UniversityStillwater, OK, USA
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de LisboaLisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR INRA-ANSES-ENVAMaisons-Alfort, France.,Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of ParasitologyCeske Budejovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South BohemiaČeské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Ana G Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de LisboaLisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Nicholas Johnson
- Animal and Plant Health AgencySurrey, UK.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of SurreyGuildford, UK
| | - Katherine M Kocan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State UniversityStillwater, OK, USA
| | - Karen L Mansfield
- Animal and Plant Health AgencySurrey, UK.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of LiverpoolLiverpool, UK
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität BerlinBerlin, Germany
| | - Anna Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of ThessalonikiThessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nataliia Rudenko
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of ParasitologyCeske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Alessandra Torina
- National Center of Reference for Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia and Theileria, Intituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SiciliaSicily, Italy
| | - Nieves Ayllón
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Marie Vancova
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of ParasitologyCeske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Maryna Golovchenko
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of ParasitologyCeske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of ParasitologyCeske Budejovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South BohemiaČeské Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Santo Caracappa
- National Center of Reference for Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia and Theileria, Intituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della SiciliaSicily, Italy
| | - Anthony R Fooks
- Animal and Plant Health AgencySurrey, UK.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of LiverpoolLiverpool, UK
| | - Christian Gortazar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos CSIC-UCLM-JCCMCiudad Real, Spain
| | - Ryan O M Rego
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of ParasitologyCeske Budejovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South BohemiaČeské Budějovice, Czechia
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37
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Domingos A, Pinheiro-Silva R, Couto J, do Rosário V, de la Fuente J. The Anopheles gambiae transcriptome - a turning point for malaria control. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:140-151. [PMID: 28067439 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are important vectors of several pathogens and thereby contribute to the spread of diseases, with social, economic and public health impacts. Amongst the approximately 450 species of Anopheles, about 60 are recognized as vectors of human malaria, the most important parasitic disease. In Africa, Anopheles gambiae is the main malaria vector mosquito. Current malaria control strategies are largely focused on drugs and vector control measures such as insecticides and bed-nets. Improvement of current, and the development of new, mosquito-targeted malaria control methods rely on a better understanding of mosquito vector biology. An organism's transcriptome is a reflection of its physiological state and transcriptomic analyses of different conditions that are relevant to mosquito vector competence can therefore yield important information. Transcriptomic analyses have contributed significant information on processes such as blood-feeding parasite-vector interaction, insecticide resistance, and tissue- and stage-specific gene regulation, thereby facilitating the path towards the development of new malaria control methods. Here, we discuss the main applications of transcriptomic analyses in An. gambiae that have led to a better understanding of mosquito vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Domingos
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Lisboa, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R Pinheiro-Silva
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Couto
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - V do Rosário
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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38
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Matetovici I, Caljon G, Van Den Abbeele J. Tsetse fly tolerance to T. brucei infection: transcriptome analysis of trypanosome-associated changes in the tsetse fly salivary gland. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:971. [PMID: 27884110 PMCID: PMC5123318 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For their transmission, African trypanosomes rely on their blood feeding insect vector, the tsetse fly (Glossina sp.). The ingested Trypanosoma brucei parasites have to overcome a series of barriers in the tsetse fly alimentary tract to finally develop into the infective metacyclic forms in the salivary glands that are transmitted to a mammalian host by the tsetse bite. The parasite population in the salivary gland is dense with a significant number of trypanosomes tightly attached to the epithelial cells. Our current knowledge on the impact of the infection on the salivary gland functioning is very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to gain a deeper insight into the global gene expression changes in the salivary glands of Glossina morsitans morsitans in response to an infection with the T. brucei parasite. A detailed whole transcriptome comparison of midgut-infected tsetse with and without a mature salivary gland infection was performed to study the impact of a trypanosome infection on different aspects of the salivary gland functioning and the mechanisms that are induced in this tissue to tolerate the infection i.e. to control the negative impact of the parasite presence. Moreover, a transcriptome comparison with age-matched uninfected flies was done to see whether gene expression in the salivary glands is already affected by a trypanosome infection in the tsetse midgut. Results By a RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) approach we compared the whole transcriptomes of flies with a T. brucei salivary gland/midgut infection versus flies with only a midgut infection or versus non-infected flies, all with the same age and feeding history. More than 7500 salivary gland transcripts were detected from which a core group of 1214 differentially expressed genes (768 up- and 446 down-regulated) were shared between the two transcriptional comparisons. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and detailed gene expression comparisons showed a diverse impact at the gene transcript level. Increased expression was observed for transcripts encoding for proteins involved in immunity (like several genes of the Imd-signaling pathway, serine proteases, serpins and thioester-containing proteins), detoxification of reactive species, cell death, cytoskeleton organization, cell junction and repair. Decreased expression was observed for transcripts encoding the major secreted proteins such as 5′-nucleotidases, adenosine deaminases and the nucleic acid binding proteins Tsals. Moreover, expression of some gene categories in the salivary glands were found to be already affected by a trypanosome midgut infection, before the parasite reaches the salivary glands. Conclusions This study reveals that the T. brucei population in the tsetse salivary gland has a negative impact on its functioning and on the integrity of the gland epithelium. Our RNA-seq data suggest induction of a strong local tissue response in order to control the epithelial cell damage, the ROS intoxication of the cellular environment and the parasite infection, resulting in the fly tolerance to the infection. The modified expression of some gene categories in the tsetse salivary glands by a trypanosome infection at the midgut level indicate a putative anticipatory response in the salivary glands, before the parasite reaches this tissue. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3283-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Matetovici
- Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium.,Present address: Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium.
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39
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Saraiva RG, Kang S, Simões ML, Angleró-Rodríguez YI, Dimopoulos G. Mosquito gut antiparasitic and antiviral immunity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 64:53-64. [PMID: 26827888 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of diseases with a serious impact on global human health, such as malaria and dengue. All mosquito-transmitted pathogens complete part of their life cycle in the insect gut, where they are exposed to mosquito-encoded barriers and active factors that can limit their development. Here we present the current understanding of mosquito gut immunity against malaria parasites, filarial worms, and viruses such as dengue, Chikungunya, and West Nile. The most recently proposed immune mediators involved in intestinal defenses are discussed, as well as the synergies identified between the recognition of gut microbiota and the mounting of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl G Saraiva
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seokyoung Kang
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maria L Simões
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yesseinia I Angleró-Rodríguez
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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40
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Smith RC, Barillas-Mury C. Plasmodium Oocysts: Overlooked Targets of Mosquito Immunity. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:979-990. [PMID: 27639778 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although the ability of mosquitoes to limit Plasmodium infection is well documented, many questions remain as to how malaria parasites are recognized and killed by the mosquito host. Recent evidence suggests that anti-Plasmodium immunity is multimodal, with different immune mechanisms regulating ookinete and oocyst survival. However, most experiments determine the number of mature oocysts, without considering that different immune mechanisms may target different developmental stages of the parasite. Complement-like proteins have emerged as important determinants of early immunity targeting the ookinete stage, yet the mechanisms by which the mosquito late-phase immune response limits oocyst survival are less understood. Here, we describe the known components of the mosquito immune system that limit oocyst development, and provide insight into their possible mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Smith
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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Smith RC, King JG, Tao D, Zeleznik OA, Brando C, Thallinger GG, Dinglasan RR. Molecular Profiling of Phagocytic Immune Cells in Anopheles gambiae Reveals Integral Roles for Hemocytes in Mosquito Innate Immunity. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:3373-3387. [PMID: 27624304 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m116.060723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response is highly conserved across all eukaryotes and has been studied in great detail in several model organisms. Hemocytes, the primary immune cell population in mosquitoes, are important components of the mosquito innate immune response, yet critical aspects of their biology have remained uncharacterized. Using a novel method of enrichment, we isolated phagocytic granulocytes and quantified their proteomes by mass spectrometry. The data demonstrate that phagocytosis, blood-feeding, and Plasmodium falciparum infection promote dramatic shifts in the proteomic profiles of An. gambiae granulocyte populations. Of interest, large numbers of immune proteins were induced in response to blood feeding alone, suggesting that granulocytes have an integral role in priming the mosquito immune system for pathogen challenge. In addition, we identify several granulocyte proteins with putative roles as membrane receptors, cell signaling, or immune components that when silenced, have either positive or negative effects on malaria parasite survival. Integrating existing hemocyte transcriptional profiles, we also compare differences in hemocyte transcript and protein expression to provide new insight into hemocyte gene regulation and discuss the potential that post-transcriptional regulation may be an important component of hemocyte gene expression. These data represent a significant advancement in mosquito hemocyte biology, providing the first comprehensive proteomic profiling of mosquito phagocytic granulocytes during homeostasis blood-feeding, and pathogen challenge. Together, these findings extend current knowledge to further illustrate the importance of hemocytes in shaping mosquito innate immunity and their principal role in defining malaria parasite survival in the mosquito host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Smith
- From the ‡W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.,**Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
| | - Jonas G King
- From the ‡W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.,‡‡Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi 39762
| | - Dingyin Tao
- From the ‡W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.,§§Division of Pre-clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Oana A Zeleznik
- §Bioinformatics, Institute for Knowledge Discovery, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria.,¶Core Facility Bioinformatics, Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, 8010 Graz, Austria.,‖BioTechMed OMICS Center Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Clara Brando
- From the ‡W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Gerhard G Thallinger
- §Bioinformatics, Institute for Knowledge Discovery, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria.,¶Core Facility Bioinformatics, Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, 8010 Graz, Austria.,‖BioTechMed OMICS Center Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Rhoel R Dinglasan
- From the ‡W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205; .,¶¶Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
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Kajla M, Choudhury TP, Kakani P, Gupta K, Dhawan R, Gupta L, Kumar S. Silencing of Anopheles stephensi Heme Peroxidase HPX15 Activates Diverse Immune Pathways to Regulate the Growth of Midgut Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1351. [PMID: 27630620 PMCID: PMC5006007 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anopheles mosquito midgut harbors a diverse group of endogenous bacteria that grow extensively after the blood feeding and help in food digestion and nutrition in many ways. Although, the growth of endogenous bacteria is regulated by various factors, however, the robust antibacterial immune reactions are generally suppressed in this body compartment by a heme peroxidase HPX15 crosslinked mucins barrier. This barrier is formed on the luminal side of the midgut and blocks the direct interactions and recognition of bacteria or their elicitors by the immune reactive midgut epithelium. We hypothesized that in the absence of HPX15, an increased load of exogenous bacteria will enormously induce the mosquito midgut immunity and this situation in turn, can easily regulate mosquito-pathogen interactions. In this study, we found that the blood feeding induced AsHPX15 gene in Anopheles stephensi midgut and promoted the growth of endogenous as well as exogenous fed bacteria. In addition, the mosquito midgut also efficiently regulated the number of these bacteria through the induction of classical Toll and Imd immune pathways. In case of AsHPX15 silenced midguts, the growth of midgut bacteria was largely reduced through the induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) gene, a downstream effector molecule of the JAK/STAT pathway. Interestingly, no significant induction of the classical immune pathways was observed in these midguts. Importantly, the NOS is a well known negative regulator of Plasmodium development, thus, we proposed that the induction of diverged immune pathways in the absence of HPX15 mediated midgut barrier might be one of the strategies to manipulate the vectorial capacity of Anopheles mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithilesh Kajla
- Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, India
| | - Tania P Choudhury
- Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, India
| | - Parik Kakani
- Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, India
| | - Kuldeep Gupta
- Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, India
| | - Rini Dhawan
- Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, India
| | - Lalita Gupta
- Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and SciencePilani, India; Department of Zoology, Chaudhary Bansi Lal UniversityBhiwani, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and SciencePilani, India; Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Bansi Lal UniversityBhiwani, India
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Kamareddine L, Nakhleh J, Osta MA. Functional Interaction between Apolipophorins and Complement Regulate the Mosquito Immune Response to Systemic Infections. J Innate Immun 2016; 8:314-26. [PMID: 26950600 DOI: 10.1159/000443883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement-like protein thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1) is the hallmark effector molecule against Plasmodium ookinetes in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. We have previously shown that the knockdown of the noncatalytic clip domain serine protease CLIPA2 increased TEP1-mediated killing rendering mosquitoes more resistant to Plasmodium, bacterial and fungal infections. Here, CLIPA2 coimmunoprecipitation from the hemolymph of Beauveria bassiana-infected mosquitoes followed by mass spectrometry and functional genetic analysis led to the identification of the Apolipophorin-II/I gene, encoding the two lipid carrier proteins Apo-I and II, as a novel negative regulator of TEP1-mediated immune response during mosquito systemic infections. Apo-II/I exhibits a similar RNAi phenotype as CLIPA2 in mosquito bioassays characterized by increased resistance to B. bassiana and Escherichia coli infections. We provide evidence that this enhanced resistance to systemic infections is TEP1 dependent. Interestingly, silencing Apo-II/I but not CLIPA2 upregulated the expression of TEP1 following systemic infections with E. coli and B. bassiana in a c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway-dependent manner. Our results suggest that mosquito Apo-II/I plays an important immune regulatory role during systemic infections and provide novel insight into the functional interplay between lipid metabolism and immune gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Kamareddine
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Judice CC, Bourgard C, Kayano ACAV, Albrecht L, Costa FTM. MicroRNAs in the Host-Apicomplexan Parasites Interactions: A Review of Immunopathological Aspects. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:5. [PMID: 26870701 PMCID: PMC4735398 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding regulatory RNAs, have been detected in a variety of organisms ranging from ancient unicellular eukaryotes to mammals. They have been associated with numerous molecular mechanisms involving developmental, physiological and pathological changes of cells and tissues. Despite the fact that miRNA-silencing mechanisms appear to be absent in some Apicomplexan species, an increasing number of studies have reported a role for miRNAs in host-parasite interactions. Host miRNA expression can change following parasite infection and the consequences can lead, for instance, to parasite clearance. In this context, the immune system signaling appears to have a crucial role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla C Judice
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Catarina Bourgard
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ana C A V Kayano
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Fabio T M Costa
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
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Valzano M, Cecarini V, Cappelli A, Capone A, Bozic J, Cuccioloni M, Epis S, Petrelli D, Angeletti M, Eleuteri AM, Favia G, Ricci I. A yeast strain associated to Anopheles mosquitoes produces a toxin able to kill malaria parasites. Malar J 2016; 15:21. [PMID: 26754943 PMCID: PMC4709964 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-1059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria control strategies are focusing on new approaches, such as the symbiotic control, which consists in the use of microbial symbionts to prevent parasite development in the mosquito gut and to block the transmission of the infection to humans. Several microbes, bacteria and fungi, have been proposed for malaria or other mosquito-borne diseases control strategies. Among these, the yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus has been recently isolated from the gut of Anopheles mosquitoes, where it releases a natural antimicrobial toxin. Interestingly, many environmental strains of W. anomalus exert a wide anti-bacterial/fungal activity and some of these ‘killer’ yeasts are already used in industrial applications as food and feed bio-preservation agents. Since a few studies showed that W. anomalus killer strains have antimicrobial effects also against protozoan parasites, the possible anti-plasmodial activity of the yeast was investigated. Methods A yeast killer toxin (KT), purified through combined chromatographic techniques from a W. anomalus strain isolated from the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi, was tested as an effector molecule to target the sporogonic stages of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei, in vitro. Giemsa staining was used to detect morphological damages in zygotes/ookinetes after treatment with the KT. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of action of the KT was investigated pre-incubating the protein with castanospermine, an inhibitor of β-glucanase activity. Results A strong anti-plasmodial effect was observed when the P. berghei sporogonic stages were treated with KT, obtaining an inhibition percentage up to around 90 %. Microscopy analysis revealed several ookinete alterations at morphological and structural level, suggesting the direct implication of the KT-enzymatic activity. Moreover, evidences of the reduction of KT activity upon treatment with castanospermine propose a β-glucanase-mediated activity. Conclusion The results showed the in vitro killing efficacy of a protein produced by a mosquito strain of W. anomalus against malaria parasites. Further studies are required to test the KT activity against the sporogonic stages in vivo, nevertheless this work opens new perspectives for the possible use of killer strains in innovative strategies to impede the development of the malaria parasite in mosquito vectors by the means of microbial symbionts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-015-1059-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Valzano
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Valentina Cecarini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Alessia Cappelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Aida Capone
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Jovana Bozic
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Cuccioloni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Dezemona Petrelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Mauro Angeletti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Eleuteri
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Guido Favia
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Irene Ricci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
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46
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Jain S, Shrinet J, Tridibes A, Bhatnagar RK, Sunil S. miRNA⁻mRNA Conflux Regulating Immunity and Oxidative Stress Pathways in the Midgut of Blood-Fed Anopheles stephensi. Noncoding RNA 2015; 1:222-245. [PMID: 29861425 PMCID: PMC5932549 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna1030222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood feeding in Anopheles stephensi initiates a cascade of events that modulate several physiological functions in the mosquito. The midgut epithelium activates several of its molecules, most important among these being microRNAs, which regulate some of the physiological changes by targeting diverse mRNAs. The present study was conducted to identify and evaluate interactions between targets of eight miRNAs that are regulated on blood feeding. Identified from our previous study, we show these eight miRNAs exhibited distinct tissue specific expression. Targets of these miRNAs were predicted using computational approaches involving bioinformatics, co-expression analysis of the transcriptome and miRNome of blood-fed An. stephensi midgut. Using degradome sequencing, we identified some cleaved mRNAs of these microRNAs and, by using antagomiR knockdown technology to repress the miRNAs, the targets were validated in an An. stephensi cell line and in An. stephensi mosquitoes. In-depth analysis of predicted and identified targets revealed that the regulated miRNAs modulate well-characterized molecules that are involved in combating oxidative stress and immunity pathways through a dynamic miRNA:mRNA network. Our study is the first to identify miRNA:mRNA interactomes that play important role in maintaining redox homeostasis during blood feeding in the midgut of An. stephensi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanu Jain
- Insect Resistance Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India.
| | - Jatin Shrinet
- Insect Resistance Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India.
| | - Adak Tridibes
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi-110077, India.
| | - Raj K Bhatnagar
- Insect Resistance Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India.
| | - Sujatha Sunil
- Insect Resistance Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India.
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Contreras-Garduño J, Rodríguez MC, Hernández-Martínez S, Martínez-Barnetche J, Alvarado-Delgado A, Izquierdo J, Herrera-Ortiz A, Moreno-García M, Velazquez-Meza ME, Valverde V, Argotte-Ramos R, Rodríguez MH, Lanz-Mendoza H. Plasmodium berghei induced priming in Anopheles albimanus independently of bacterial co-infection. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 52:172-181. [PMID: 26004500 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Priming in invertebrates is the acquired capacity to better combat a pathogen due to a previous exposure to sub-lethal doses of the same organism. It is proposed to be functionally analogous to immune memory in vertebrates. Previous studies with Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes provide evidence that the inhibitory response to a second challenge by the malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei resulted from a sustained activation of hemocytes by midgut bacteria. These bacteria probably accessed the hemolymph during a first aborted infection through lesions produced by parasites invading the midgut. Since the mosquito immune responses to midgut bacteria and Plasmodium overlap, it is difficult to determine the priming responses of each. We herein document priming induced in the aseptic An. albimanus midgut by P. berghei, probably independent of the immune response induced by midgut bacteria. This idea is further evidenced by experiments with Pbs 25-28 knock out parasites (having an impaired capacity for invading the mosquito midgut) and dead ookinetes. Priming protection against a homologous challenge with P. berghei lasted up to 12 days. There was greater incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine into midgut cell nuclei (indicative of DNA synthesis without mitosis) and increased transcription of hnt (a gene required for the endocycle of midgut cells) in primed versus unprimed mosquitoes, suggesting that endoreplication was the underlying mechanism of priming. Moreover, the transcription of hnt and antimicrobial peptides related to an anti-Plasmodium response (attacin, cecropin and gambicin) was enhanced in a biphasic rather than sustained response after priming An. albimanus with P. berghei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Contreras-Garduño
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Noria Alta, 36050 Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - María Carmen Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Salvador Hernández-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jesús Martínez-Barnetche
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alvarado-Delgado
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Javier Izquierdo
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Antonia Herrera-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Miguel Moreno-García
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Maria Elena Velazquez-Meza
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Veronica Valverde
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Rocio Argotte-Ramos
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Mario Henry Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Humberto Lanz-Mendoza
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, C. P. 62508 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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Smith RC, Vega-Rodríguez J, Jacobs-Lorena M. The Plasmodium bottleneck: malaria parasite losses in the mosquito vector. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015. [PMID: 25185005 PMCID: PMC4156458 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276130597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly one million people are killed every year by the malaria parasite Plasmodium. Although the disease-causing forms of the parasite exist only in the human blood, mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are the obligate vector for transmission. Here, we review the parasite life cycle in the vector and highlight the human and mosquito contributions that limit malaria parasite development in the mosquito host. We address parasite killing in its mosquito host and bottlenecks in parasite numbers that might guide intervention strategies to prevent transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Smith
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Immunology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel Vega-Rodríguez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Immunology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Immunology, Baltimore, MD, USA
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49
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Hoxmeier JC, Thompson BD, Broeckling CD, Small P, Foy BD, Prenni J, Dobos KM. Analysis of the metabolome of Anopheles gambiae mosquito after exposure to Mycobacterium ulcerans. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9242. [PMID: 25784490 PMCID: PMC4363836 DOI: 10.1038/srep09242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans causes Buruli Ulcer, a neglected tropical disease. Mosquito vectors are suspected to participate in the transmission and environmental maintenance of the bacterium. However, mechanisms and consequences of mosquito contamination by M. ulcerans are not well understood. We evaluated the metabolome of the Anopheles gambiae mosquito to profile the metabolic changes associated with bacterial colonization. Contamination of mosquitoes with live M. ulcerans bacilli results in disruptions to lipid metabolic pathways of the mosquito, specifically the utilization of glycerolipid molecules, an affect that was not observed in mosquitoes exposed to dead M. ulcerans. These results are consistent with aberrations of lipid metabolism described in other mycobacterial infections, implying global host-pathogen interactions shared across diverse saprophytic and pathogenic mycobacterial species. This study implicates features of the bacterium, such as the putative M. ulcerans encoded phospholipase enzyme, which promote virulence, survival, and active adaptation in concert with mosquito development, and provides significant groundwork for enhanced studies of the vector-pathogen interactions using metabolomics profiling. Lastly, metabolic and survival data suggest an interaction which is unlikely to contribute to transmission of M. ulcerans by A. gambiae and more likely to contribute to persistence of M. ulcerans in waters cohabitated by both organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Charles Hoxmeier
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Brice D Thompson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Corey D Broeckling
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Pamela Small
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996
| | - Brian D Foy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Jessica Prenni
- 1] Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 [2] Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Karen M Dobos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
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50
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Shrinet J, Nandal UK, Adak T, Bhatnagar RK, Sunil S. Inference of the oxidative stress network in Anopheles stephensi upon Plasmodium infection. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114461. [PMID: 25474020 PMCID: PMC4256432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ookinete invasion of Anopheles midgut is a critical step for malaria transmission; the parasite numbers drop drastically and practically reach a minimum during the parasite's whole life cycle. At this stage, the parasite as well as the vector undergoes immense oxidative stress. Thereafter, the vector undergoes oxidative stress at different time points as the parasite invades its tissues during the parasite development. The present study was undertaken to reconstruct the network of differentially expressed genes involved in oxidative stress in Anopheles stephensi during Plasmodium development and maturation in the midgut. Using high throughput next generation sequencing methods, we generated the transcriptome of the An. stephensi midgut during Plasmodium vinckei petteri oocyst invasion of the midgut epithelium. Further, we utilized large datasets available on public domain on Anopheles during Plasmodium ookinete invasion and Drosophila datasets and arrived upon clusters of genes that may play a role in oxidative stress. Finally, we used support vector machines for the functional prediction of the un-annotated genes of An. stephensi. Integrating the results from all the different data analyses, we identified a total of 516 genes that were involved in oxidative stress in An. stephensi during Plasmodium development. The significantly regulated genes were further extracted from this gene cluster and used to infer an oxidative stress network of An. stephensi. Using system biology approaches, we have been able to ascertain the role of several putative genes in An. stephensi with respect to oxidative stress. Further experimental validations of these genes are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatin Shrinet
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Umesh Kumar Nandal
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tridibes Adak
- National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Raj K. Bhatnagar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sujatha Sunil
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
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