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Nourani L, Ayoub Meigouni M, Afzali S, Zargar M, Pourhashem Z, Yousefi H, Sani JJ, Vand-Rajabpour H, Pirahmadi S, Raz A, Abouie Mehrizi A. Cd loop fusion enhances the immunogenicity and the potential transmission blocking activity of Plasmodium falciparum generative cell specific 1 (GCS1) antigen. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 733:150599. [PMID: 39208643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
TBVs are suggested to inhibit parasite transmission from humans to Anopheles mosquitoes. For the transmission of Plasmodium parasite, a variety of factors are included in gametes fusion phase. In this step, conserved male-specific generative cell specific 1 antigen is necessary for fusion of cytoplasmic membranes of micro- and macro-gametocytes and zygot formation. The partial blocking activities of elicited antibodies against either the HAP2-GCS1 domain or the cd loop of this antigen have been recorded to hinder the transmission of Plasmodium species in Anopheles mid-gut. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate if the cd loop-fusion can enhance the quantity and quality of humoral and cellular immune responses against Plasmodium falciparum GCS1 in comparison to non-fusion antigen (without cd loop), in the adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted mouse groups. The immunogenicity of two constructs of P. falciparum generative cell specific 1 antigen, a fusion protein composed of cd loop and HAP2-GCS1 domain (cd-HAP) and another recombinant PfGCS1 containing solo HAP2-GCS1 domain (HAP2) were assessed to impede Plasmodium gametocytes integration before zygote formation. The antibodies profiling, titer, and avidity of induced antibodies were measured by the immunized mice sera, and the released cytokines (IL-5, TNF, and INF-γ) were analyzed in the supernatants of stimulated splenocytes. Furthermore, the inhibitory potency of the elicited antibodies against HAP2 and cd-HAP was measured during oocyst development by Standard Membrane Feeding Assay (SMFA). The comparative results in the present study showed the higher titer of IgG antibodies and IgG2a subclass, avidity, and transmission-reducing activity (TRA = 72.5 %) when mice were immunized by cd-HAP rather than HAP2. Moreover, our findings confirmed intensified Th1-directed immune responses in group 4 received cd-HAP/Poly(I:C). These findings declared the potential ability of cd loop fusion (cd-HAP) to upsurge humoral and cellular immune responses. However, the immune responses may switch to stronger Th1-type using alternative formulations. Explicitly, the cd-HAP-based vaccine may enhance the overall efficiency of immune responses and present a promising implementation in aiming malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Nourani
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Ayoub Meigouni
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Afzali
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Zargar
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Pourhashem
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hemn Yousefi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar J Sani
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hediye Vand-Rajabpour
- 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
| | - Abbasali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Abouie Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Qu Z, Gong Z, Olajide JS, Wang J, Cai J. CRISPR-Cas9-based method for isolating microgametes of Eimeria tenella. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110131. [PMID: 38301346 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110131] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Eimeria tenella infections are known to cause severe caecal damage and death of the infected chicken. Gamogony is an essential stage in E. tenella life cycle and in the establishment of coccidiosis. Prior research had extensively explored isolation and separation of the parasite gametes - microgamete (male) and macrogamete (female). However, there is little information on the efficient, highly purified and distinctly separated male and female gametes. In this study, we generated a genome editing line expressing mCherry fluorescent protein fused with GCS1 protein in E. tenella by using Toxoplasma gondii CRISPR-Cas9 system, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. This allowed precise separation of E. tenella male and female gametes in the transgenic parasite population. The separation of male and female gametes would not only build on our understanding of E. tenella transmission, but it would also facilitate development of gametocidal compounds as drug targets for E. tenella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigang Qu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhenxing Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Province 750021, People's Republic of China
| | - Joshua Seun Olajide
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Centre for Distance Learning, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Pourhashem Z, Nourani L, Sani JJ, Yousefi H, Pirahmadi S, Sabouri M, Raz A, Djadid ND, Zakeri S, Mehrizi AA. Evaluation of a new fusion antigen, cd loop and HAP2-GCS1 domain (cd-HAP) of Plasmodium falciparum Generative Cell Specific 1 antigen formulated with various adjuvants, as a transmission blocking vaccine. Malar J 2023; 22:374. [PMID: 38071314 PMCID: PMC10710725 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04798-7] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a major global health challenge, and for the elimination and eradication of this disease, transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) are a priority. Plasmodium falciparum Generative Cell Specific 1 (PfGCS1), a promising TBV candidate, is essential for gamete fertilization. The HAP2-GCS1 domain of this antigen as well as its cd loop could induce antibodies that partially inhibit transmission of P. falciparum. METHODS In the current study, a new synthetic fusion antigen containing cd loop and HAP2-GCS1 domain (cd-HAP) of PfGCS1 was evaluated as a transmission blocking vaccine candidate. Initially, the profile of naturally acquired IgG antibodies to the cd-HAP antigen was analysed in Iranian individuals infected with P. falciparum, to confirm that this new fusion protein has the appropriate structure containing common epitopes with the native form of PfGCS1. Then, the immunogenicity of cd-HAP was evaluated in BALB/c mice, using different adjuvant systems such as CpG, MPL, QS-21, and a combination of them (CMQ). Furthermore, the blocking efficacy of polyclonal antibodies induced against these formulations was also assessed by oocyst intensity and infection prevalence in the Standard Membrane Feeding Assay (SMFA). RESULTS The naturally acquired antibodies (dominantly IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses) induced in P. falciparum-infected individuals could recognize the cd-HAP antigen which implies that the new fusion protein has a proper conformation that mimics the native structure of PfGCS1. Concerning the immunogenicity of cd-HAP antigen, the highest IgG levels and titers, by a Th1-type immune profile, and elevated antibody avidity were induced in mice immunized with the cd-HAP antigen formulated with a combination of adjuvants (P < 0.0001). Additionally, cytokine profiling of the immunized mice displayed that a high level of IFN-γ response, a Th1-type immune response, was produced by splenocytes from immunized mice that received cd-HAP antigen in combination with CMQ adjuvants (P < 0.0001). This formulation of cd-HAP antigen with CMQ adjuvants could reduce oocyst intensity and infection prevalence by 82%, evidenced by the SMFA and hold significant implications for future malaria vaccine development. CONCLUSION Altogether, the results showed that cd-HAP antigen formulated with a combination of the adjuvants (CMQ), could be a promising formulation to develop a PfGCS1-based transmission-blocking vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Pourhashem
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Nourani
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar J Sani
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hemn Yousefi
- 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
| | - Mobina Sabouri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbasali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Akram Abouie Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Ukegbu CV, Gomes AR, Giorgalli M, Campos M, Bailey AJ, Besson TRB, Billker O, Vlachou D, Christophides GK. Identification of genes required for Plasmodium gametocyte-to-sporozoite development in the mosquito vector. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1539-1551.e6. [PMID: 37708854 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.08.010] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases. Reverse genetic screens offer a powerful approach to identify genes and molecular processes governing malaria parasite biology. However, the complex regulation of gene expression and genotype-phenotype associations in the mosquito vector, along with sexual reproduction, have hindered the development of screens in this critical part of the parasite life cycle. To address this, we developed a genetic approach in the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei that, in combination with barcode sequencing, circumvents the fertilization roadblock and enables screening for gametocyte-expressed genes required for parasite infection of the mosquito Anopheles coluzzii. Our results confirm previous findings, validating our approach for scaling up, and identify genes necessary for mosquito midgut infection, oocyst development, and salivary gland infection. These findings can aid efforts to study malaria transmission biology and to develop interventions for controlling disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Rita Gomes
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Maria Giorgalli
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Melina Campos
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alexander J Bailey
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Oliver Billker
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Dina Vlachou
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
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5
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Kaneko I, Nishi T, Iwanaga S, Yuda M. Differentiation of Plasmodium male gametocytes is initiated by the recruitment of a chromatin remodeler to a male-specific cis-element. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303432120. [PMID: 37155862 PMCID: PMC10193995 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303432120] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, possess a complex lifecycle; however, the mechanisms of gene regulation involved in the cell-type changes remain unknown. Here, we report that gametocyte sucrose nonfermentable 2 (gSNF2), an SNF2-like chromatin remodeling ATPase, plays an essential role in the differentiation of male gametocytes. Upon disruption of gSNF2, male gametocytes lost the capacity to develop into gametes. ChIP-seq analyses revealed that gSNF2 is widely recruited upstream of male-specific genes through a five-base, male-specific cis-acting element. In gSNF2-disrupted parasites, expression of over a hundred target genes was significantly decreased. ATAC-seq analysis demonstrated that decreased expression of these genes correlated with a decrease of the nucleosome-free region upstream of these genes. These results suggest that global changes induced in the chromatin landscape by gSNF2 are the initial step in male differentiation from early gametocytes. This study provides the possibility that chromatin remodeling is responsible for cell-type changes in the Plasmodium lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Kaneko
- Department of Medical Zoology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Tsu514-8507, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Nishi
- Department of Medical Zoology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Tsu514-8507, Japan
| | - Shiroh Iwanaga
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Center for Infectious Disease Control, Suita, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Masao Yuda
- Department of Medical Zoology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Tsu514-8507, Japan
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6
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Shiba Y, Takahashi T, Ohashi Y, Ueda M, Mimuro A, Sugimoto J, Noguchi Y, Igawa T. Behavior of Male Gamete Fusogen GCS1/HAP2 and the Regulation in Arabidopsis Double Fertilization. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020208. [PMID: 36830580 PMCID: PMC9953686 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In the sexual reproduction of flowering plants, two independent fertilization events occur almost simultaneously: two identical sperm cells fuse with either the egg cell or the central cell, resulting in embryo and endosperm development to produce a seed. GCS1/HAP2 is a sperm cell membrane protein essential for plasma membrane fusion with both female gametes. Other sperm membrane proteins, DMP8 and DMP9, are more important for egg cell fertilization than that of the central cell, suggesting its regulatory mechanism in GCS1/HAP2-driving gamete membrane fusion. To assess the GCS1/HAP2 regulatory cascade in the double fertilization system of flowering plants, we produced Arabidopsis transgenic lines expressing different GCS1/HAP2 variants and evaluated the fertilization in vivo. The fertilization pattern observed in GCS1_RNAi transgenic plants implied that sperm cells over the amount of GCS1/HAP2 required for fusion on their surface could facilitate membrane fusion with both female gametes. The cytological analysis of the dmp8dmp9 sperm cell arrested alone in an embryo sac supported GCS1/HAP2 distribution on the sperm surface. Furthermore, the fertilization failures with both female gametes were caused by GCS1/HAP2 secretion from the egg cell. These results provided a possible scenario of GCS1/HAP2 regulation, showing a potential scheme for capturing additional GCS1/HAP2-interacting proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Shiba
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo 648, Matsudo-shi 271-8510, Japan
| | - Taro Takahashi
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo 648, Matsudo-shi 271-8510, Japan
| | - Yukino Ohashi
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo 648, Matsudo-shi 271-8510, Japan
| | - Minako Ueda
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Department of Ecological Developmental Adaptability Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Suntory Rising Stars Encouragement Program in Life Sciences (SunRiSE), Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Amane Mimuro
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo 648, Matsudo-shi 271-8510, Japan
| | - Jin Sugimoto
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo 648, Matsudo-shi 271-8510, Japan
| | - Yuka Noguchi
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo 648, Matsudo-shi 271-8510, Japan
| | - Tomoko Igawa
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo 648, Matsudo-shi 271-8510, Japan
- Plant Molecular Science Center, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi, Chiba-shi 263-8522, Japan
- Correspondence:
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7
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Capelli-Peixoto J, Saelao P, Johnson WC, Kappmeyer L, Reif KE, Masterson HE, Taus NS, Suarez CE, Brayton KA, Ueti MW. Comparison of high throughput RNA sequences between Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis revealed consistent differential gene expression that is required for the Babesia life cycle in the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1093338. [PMID: 36601308 PMCID: PMC9806345 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1093338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis is an economically important disease that affects cattle worldwide. Both B. bigemina and B. bovis are transovarially transmitted by Rhipicephalus ticks. However, little is known regarding parasite gene expression during infection of the tick vector or mammalian host, which has limited the development of effective control strategies to alleviate the losses to the cattle industry. To understand Babesia gene regulation during tick and mammalian host infection, we performed high throughput RNA-sequencing using samples collected from calves and Rhipicephalus microplus ticks infected with B. bigemina. We evaluated gene expression between B. bigemina blood-stages and kinetes and compared them with previous B. bovis RNA-seq data. The results revealed similar patterns of gene regulation between these two tick-borne transovarially transmitted Babesia parasites. Like B. bovis, the transcription of several B. bigemina genes in kinetes exceeded a 1,000-fold change while a few of these genes had a >20,000-fold increase. To identify genes that may have important roles in B. bigemina and B. bovis transovarial transmission, we searched for genes upregulated in B. bigemina kinetes in the genomic datasets of B. bovis and non-transovarially transmitted parasites, Theileria spp. and Babesia microti. Using this approach, we identify genes that may be potential markers for transovarial transmission by B. bigemina and B. bovis. The findings presented herein demonstrate common Babesia genes linked to infection of the vector or mammalian host and may contribute to elucidating strategies used by the parasite to complete their life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Capelli-Peixoto
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States,*Correspondence: Janaina Capelli-Peixoto,
| | - Perot Saelao
- Veterinary Pest Genetic Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, United States
| | | | - Lowell Kappmeyer
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Reif
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Hayley E. Masterson
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Naomi S. Taus
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kelly A. Brayton
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Program in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States
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8
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Brukman NG, Nakajima KP, Valansi C, Flyak K, Li X, Higashiyama T, Podbilewicz B. A novel function for the sperm adhesion protein IZUMO1 in cell-cell fusion. J Cell Biol 2022; 222:213693. [PMID: 36394541 PMCID: PMC9671554 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202207147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm-egg adhesion depends on the trans-interaction between the sperm-specific type I glycoprotein IZUMO1 and its oocyte-specific GPI-anchored receptor JUNO. However, the mechanisms and proteins (fusogens) that mediate the following step of gamete fusion remain unknown. Using live imaging and content mixing assays in a heterologous system and structure-guided mutagenesis, we unveil an unexpected function for IZUMO1 in cell-to-cell fusion. We show that IZUMO1 alone is sufficient to induce fusion, and that this ability is retained in a mutant unable to bind JUNO. On the other hand, a triple mutation in exposed aromatic residues prevents this fusogenic activity without impairing JUNO interaction. Our findings suggest a second function for IZUMO1 as a unilateral mouse gamete fusogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G. Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kohdai P. Nakajima
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Clari Valansi
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kateryna Flyak
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Kumar S, Valansi C, Haile MT, Li X, Flyak K, Dwivedy A, Abatiyow BA, Leeb AS, Kennedy SY, Camargo NM, Vaughan AM, Brukman NG, Podbilewicz B, Kappe SHI. Malaria parasites utilize two essential plasma membrane fusogens for gamete fertilization. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:549. [PMID: 36241929 PMCID: PMC9568910 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04583-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cell fusion of female and male gametes is the climax of sexual reproduction. In many organisms, the Hapless 2 (HAP2) family of proteins play a critical role in gamete fusion. We find that Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of human malaria, expresses two HAP2 proteins: PfHAP2 and PfHAP2p. These proteins are present in stage V gametocytes and localize throughout the flagellum of male gametes. Gene deletion analysis and genetic crosses show that PfHAP2 and PfHAP2p individually are essential for male fertility and thereby, parasite transmission to the mosquito. Using a cell fusion assay, we demonstrate that PfHAP2 and PfHAP2p are both authentic plasma membrane fusogens. Our results establish nonredundant essential roles for PfHAP2 and PfHAP2p in mediating gamete fusion in Plasmodium and suggest avenues in the design of novel strategies to prevent malaria parasite transmission from humans to mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clari Valansi
- The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Meseret T Haile
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiaohui Li
- The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kateryna Flyak
- The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Abhisek Dwivedy
- Nucleic Acids Programming Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Biley A Abatiyow
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amanda S Leeb
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Spencer Y Kennedy
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nelly M Camargo
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashley M Vaughan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - Stefan H I Kappe
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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10
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Snell WJ. Uncovering an ancestral green ménage à trois: Contributions of Chlamydomonas to the discovery of a broadly conserved triad of plant fertilization proteins. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 69:102275. [PMID: 36007296 PMCID: PMC9899528 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
During sexual reproduction in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas, gametes undergo the conserved cellular events that define fertilization across the tree of life. After initial ciliary adhesion, plus and minus gametes attach to each other at plasma membrane sites specialized for fusion, their bilayers merge, and cell coalescence into a quadri-ciliated cell signals for nuclear fusion. Recent findings show that these conserved cellular events are driven by 3 conserved protein families, FUS1/GEX2, HAP2/GCS1, and KAR5/GEX1. New results also show that species-specific recognition in Chlamydomonas activates the ancestral, viral-like fusogen HAP2 to drive fusion; that the conserved nuclear envelope fusion protein KAR5/GEX1 is also essential for nuclear fusion in Arabidopsis; and that heterodimerization of BELL-KNOX proteins signals for nuclear fusion in Chlamydomonas through early diverging land plants. This review outlines how Chlamydomonas's Janus-like position in evolution along with the ease of working with its gametes have revealed broadly conserved mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Snell
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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11
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Design and development of a self-assembling protein nanoparticle displaying PfHAP2 antigenic determinants recognized by natural acquired antibodies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274275. [PMID: 36094917 PMCID: PMC9467374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds In order to move towards the elimination and eradication of malaria in the world, the development of vaccines is inevitable. Many modern vaccines are based on recombinant technology; however, they may not provide a fully protective, long-lasting immune response. One of the strategies to improve recombinant vaccines is designing the nanovaccines such as self-assembling protein nanoparticles (SAPNs). Hence, the presentation of epitopes in a repeat array and correct conformation should be considered. P. falciparum generative cell-specific 1 (PfGCS1) is a main transmission-blocking vaccine candidate with two highly conserved fragments, HAP2-GCS1 and cd loop, inducing partial malaria transmission inhibitory antibodies. Therefore, to design an effective malaria vaccine, we used cd loop and HAP2-GCS1 fragments at the amino and carboxy terminuses of the SAPN-forming amino acid sequence, respectively. Methodology/Principal findings The SAPN monomer (PfGCS1-SAPN) sequence was designed, and the three-dimensional (3D) structure was predicted. The result of this prediction ensured the presence of antigens on the SAPN surface. Then the accuracy of the predicted 3D structure and its stability were confirmed by 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The designed SAPN substructure sequence was synthesized, cloned, and expressed in Escherichia coli. With a gradual decrease in urea concentration in dialysis solutions, the purified proteins progressed to the final desired structure of the SAPN, which then was confirmed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) tests. According to the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), antigenic determinants were presented on the SAPN surface and interacted with antibodies in the serum of malaria patients. Conclusions/Significance Our results show that the SAPN formed by PfGCS1-SAPN has produced the correct shape and size, and the antigenic determinants are presented on the surface of the SAPN, which indicates that the designed SAPN has great potential to be used in the future as a malaria vaccine.
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12
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Sawada H, Saito T. Mechanisms of Sperm-Egg Interactions: What Ascidian Fertilization Research Has Taught Us. Cells 2022; 11:2096. [PMID: 35805180 PMCID: PMC9265791 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is an essential process in terrestrial organisms for creating a new organism with genetic diversity. Before gamete fusion, several steps are required to achieve successful fertilization. Animal spermatozoa are first activated and attracted to the eggs by egg-derived chemoattractants. During the sperm passage of the egg's extracellular matrix or upon the sperm binding to the proteinaceous egg coat, the sperm undergoes an acrosome reaction, an exocytosis of acrosome. In hermaphrodites such as ascidians, the self/nonself recognition process occurs when the sperm binds to the egg coat. The activated or acrosome-reacted spermatozoa penetrate through the proteinaceous egg coat. The extracellular ubiquitin-proteasome system, the astacin-like metalloproteases, and the trypsin-like proteases play key roles in this process in ascidians. In the present review, we summarize our current understanding and perspectives on gamete recognition and egg coat lysins in ascidians and consider the general mechanisms of fertilization in animals and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Sawada
- Department of Nutritional Environment, College of Human Life and Environment, Kinjo Gakuin University, Nagoya 463-8521, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
| | - Takako Saito
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Shizuoka Institute for the Study of Marine Biology and Chemistry, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
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13
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Dash M, Sachdeva S, Bansal A, Sinha A. Gametogenesis in Plasmodium: Delving Deeper to Connect the Dots. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:877907. [PMID: 35782151 PMCID: PMC9241518 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.877907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the coming decades, eliminating malaria is the foremost goal of many tropical countries. Transmission control, along with an accurate and timely diagnosis of malaria, effective treatment and prevention are the different aspects that need to be met synchronously to accomplish the goal. The current review is focused on one of these aspects i.e., transmission control, by looking deeper into the event called gametogenesis. In the Plasmodium life cycle, gametocytes are the first life forms of the sexual phase. The transmission of the parasite and the disease is critically dependent on the number, viability and sex ratio of mature gametocytes and their further development inside mosquito vectors. Gametogenesis, the process of conversion of gametocytes into viable gametes, takes place inside the mosquito midgut, and is a tightly regulated event with fast and multiple rounds of DNA replication and diverse cellular changes going on within a short period. Interrupting the gametocyte-gamete transition is ought to restrict the successful transmission and progression of the disease and hence an area worth exploring for designing transmission-blocking strategies. This review summarizes an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of the biochemical and physiological mechanism of gametogenesis in Plasmodium, which could be targeted to control parasite and malaria transmission. This review also raises certain key questions regarding gametogenesis biology in Plasmodium and brings out gaps that still accompany in understanding the spectacular process of gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoswini Dash
- Parasite Host Biology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh (GB) Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Sherry Sachdeva
- Parasite Host Biology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhisheka Bansal
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhinav Sinha
- Parasite Host Biology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Abhinav Sinha,
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14
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Satouh Y, Inoue N. Involvement of cellular protrusions in gamete interactions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 129:93-102. [PMID: 35370088 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gamete fusion is of considerable importance in reproductive events, as it determines the gamete pairs or chromosomes that the next generation will inherit. To preserve species specificity with an appropriate karyotype, the fusion between gametes requires regulatory mechanisms to ensure limited fusion competency. In many organisms, gamete surfaces are not smooth, but present constitutive or transient cellular protrusions suggested to be involved in gamete fusion. However, the molecular mechanisms and the factors essential for the membrane-membrane fusion process and cellular protrusion involvement have remained unclear. Recent advances in the identification and functional analysis of the essential factors for gamete interaction have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying their activity regulation and dynamics. In homogametic fertilization, dynamic regulation of the fusion core machinery on cellular protrusions was precisely uncovered. In heterogametic fertilization, oocyte fusion competency was suggested to correlate with the compartmentalization of the fusion essential factor and protrusion formation. These findings shed light on the significance of cellular protrusions in gamete fusion as a physically and functionally specialized site for cellular fusion. In this review, we consider the developments in gamete interaction research in various species with different fertilization modes, highlighting the commonalities in the relationship between gamete fusion and cellular protrusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
| | - Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan.
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15
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Yu S, Wang J, Luo X, Zheng H, Wang L, Yang X, Wang Y. Transmission-Blocking Strategies Against Malaria Parasites During Their Mosquito Stages. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:820650. [PMID: 35252033 PMCID: PMC8889032 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.820650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is still the most widespread parasitic disease and causes the most infections globally. Owing to improvements in sanitary conditions and various intervention measures, including the use of antimalarial drugs, the malaria epidemic in many regions of the world has improved significantly in the past 10 years. However, people living in certain underdeveloped areas are still under threat. Even in some well-controlled areas, the decline in malaria infection rates has stagnated or the rates have rebounded because of the emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria parasites. Thus, new malaria control methods must be developed. As the spread of the Plasmodium parasite is dependent on the part of its life cycle that occurs in mosquitoes, to eliminate the possibility of malaria infections, transmission-blocking strategies against the mosquito stage should be the first choice. In fact, after the gametocyte enters the mosquito body, it undergoes a series of transformation processes over a short period, thus providing numerous potential blocking targets. Many research groups have carried out studies based on targeting the blocking of transmission during the mosquito phase and have achieved excellent results. Meanwhile, the direct killing of mosquitoes could also significantly reduce the probability of malaria infections. Microorganisms that display complex interactions with Plasmodium, such as Wolbachia and gut flora, have shown observable transmission-blocking potential. These could be used as a biological control strategy and play an important part in blocking the transmission of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Yu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Luo
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luhan Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuesen Yang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Wang,
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16
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Brukman NG, Li X, Podbilewicz B. Fusexins, HAP2/GCS1 and Evolution of Gamete Fusion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:824024. [PMID: 35083224 PMCID: PMC8784728 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.824024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamete fusion is the climax of fertilization in all sexually reproductive organisms, from unicellular fungi to humans. Similarly to other cell-cell fusion events, gamete fusion is mediated by specialized proteins, named fusogens, that overcome the energetic barriers during this process. In recent years, HAPLESS 2/GENERATIVE CELL-SPECIFIC 1 (HAP2/GCS1) was identified as the fusogen mediating sperm-egg fusion in flowering plants and protists, being both essential and sufficient for the membrane merger in some species. The identification of HAP2/GCS1 in invertebrates, opens the possibility that a similar fusogen may be used in vertebrate fertilization. HAP2/GCS1 proteins share a similar structure with two distinct families of exoplasmic fusogens: the somatic Fusion Family (FF) proteins discovered in nematodes, and class II viral glycoproteins (e.g., rubella and dengue viruses). Altogether, these fusogens form the Fusexin superfamily. While some attributes are shared among fusexins, for example the overall structure and the possibility of assembly into trimers, some other characteristics seem to be specific, such as the presence or not of hydrophobic loops or helices at the distal tip of the protein. Intriguingly, HAP2/GCS1 or other fusexins have neither been identified in vertebrates nor in fungi, raising the question of whether these genes were lost during evolution and were replaced by other fusion machinery or a significant divergence makes their identification difficult. Here, we discuss the biology of HAP2/GCS1, its involvement in gamete fusion and the structural, mechanistic and evolutionary relationships with other fusexins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Biology, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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17
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Pinello JF, Clark TG. HAP2-Mediated Gamete Fusion: Lessons From the World of Unicellular Eukaryotes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:807313. [PMID: 35071241 PMCID: PMC8777248 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.807313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Most, if not all the cellular requirements for fertilization and sexual reproduction arose early in evolution and are retained in extant lineages of single-celled organisms including a number of important model organism species. In recent years, work in two such species, the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and the free-living ciliate, Tetrahymena thermophila, have lent important new insights into the role of HAP2/GCS1 as a catalyst for gamete fusion in organisms ranging from protists to flowering plants and insects. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge around how mating types from these algal and ciliate systems recognize, adhere and fuse to one another, current gaps in our understanding of HAP2-mediated gamete fusion, and opportunities for applying what we know in practical terms, especially for the control of protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F. Pinello
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Theodore G. Clark
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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18
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Feng J, Dong X, DeCosta A, Su Y, Angrisano F, Sala KA, Blagborough AM, Lu C, Springer TA. Structural basis of malaria transmission blockade by a monoclonal antibody to gamete fusogen HAP2. eLife 2021; 10:74707. [PMID: 34939934 PMCID: PMC8806182 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HAP2 is a transmembrane gamete fusogen found in multiple eukaryotic kingdoms and is structurally homologous to viral class II fusogens. Studies in Plasmodium have suggested that HAP2 is an attractive target for vaccines that block transmission of malaria. HAP2 has three extracellular domains, arranged in the order D2, D1, and D3. Here, we report monoclonal antibodies against the D3 fragment of Plasmodium berghei HAP2 and crystal structures of D3 in complex with Fab fragments of two of these antibodies, one of which blocks fertilization of Plasmodium berghei in vitro and transmission of malaria in mosquitoes. We also show how this Fab binds the complete HAP2 ectodomain with electron microscopy. The two antibodies cross-react with HAP2 among multiple plasmodial species. Our characterization of the Plasmodium D3 structure, HAP2 ectodomain architecture, and mechanism of inhibition provide insights for the development of a vaccine to block malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Feng
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital
| | | | - Adam DeCosta
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital
| | - Yang Su
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital
| | | | | | | | - Chafen Lu
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital
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19
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Pinello JF, Liu Y, Snell WJ. MAR1 links membrane adhesion to membrane merger during cell-cell fusion in Chlamydomonas. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3380-3392.e9. [PMID: 34813735 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Union of two gametes to form a zygote is a defining event in the life of sexual eukaryotes, yet the mechanisms that underlie cell-cell fusion during fertilization remain poorly characterized. Here, in studies of fertilization in the green alga, Chlamydomonas, we report identification of a membrane protein on minus gametes, Minus Adhesion Receptor 1 (MAR1), that is essential for the membrane attachment with plus gametes that immediately precedes lipid bilayer merger. We show that MAR1 forms a receptor pair with previously identified receptor FUS1 on plus gametes, whose ectodomain architecture we find is identical to a sperm adhesion protein conserved throughout plant lineages. Strikingly, before fusion, MAR1 is biochemically and functionally associated with the ancient, evolutionarily conserved eukaryotic Class II fusion protein HAP2 on minus gametes. Thus, the integral membrane protein MAR1 provides a molecular link between membrane adhesion and bilayer merger during fertilization in Chlamydomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F Pinello
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Yanjie Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA
| | - William J Snell
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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20
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Takashima E, Tachibana M, Morita M, Nagaoka H, Kanoi BN, Tsuboi T. Identification of Novel Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Candidates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:805482. [PMID: 34917521 PMCID: PMC8670312 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.805482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Control measures have significantly reduced malaria morbidity and mortality in the last two decades; however, the downward trends have stalled and have become complicated by the emergence of COVID-19. Significant efforts have been made to develop malaria vaccines, but currently only the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum has been recommended by the WHO, for widespread use among children in sub-Saharan Africa. The efficacy of RTS,S/AS01 is modest, and therefore the development of more efficacious vaccines is still needed. In addition, the development of transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) to reduce the parasite transmission from humans to mosquitoes is required toward the goal of malaria elimination. Few TBVs have reached clinical development, and challenges include low immunogenicity or high reactogenicity in humans. Therefore, novel approaches to accelerate TBV research and development are urgently needed, especially novel TBV candidate discovery. In this mini review we summarize the progress in TBV research and development, novel TBV candidate discovery, and discuss how to accelerate novel TBV candidate discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tachibana
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Masayuki Morita
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Bernard N Kanoi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
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21
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Rensing SA, Weijers D. Flowering plant embryos: How did we end up here? PLANT REPRODUCTION 2021; 34:365-371. [PMID: 34313838 PMCID: PMC8566406 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-021-00427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The seeds of flowering plants are sexually produced propagules that ensure dispersal and resilience of the next generation. Seeds harbor embryos, three dimensional structures that are often miniatures of the adult plant in terms of general structure and primordial organs. In addition, embryos contain the meristems that give rise to post-embryonically generated structures. However common, flowering plant embryos are an evolutionary derived state. Flowering plants are part of a much larger group of embryo-bearing plants, aptly termed Embryophyta. A key question is what evolutionary trajectory led to the emergence of flowering plant embryos. In this opinion, we deconstruct the flowering plant embryo and describe the current state of knowledge of embryos in other plant lineages. While we are far yet from understanding the ancestral state of plant embryogenesis, we argue what current knowledge may suggest and how the knowledge gaps may be closed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan A Rensing
- Plant Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Dolf Weijers
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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22
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Hirai M, Maeta A, Mori T, Mita T. Pb103 Regulates Zygote/Ookinete Development in Plasmodium berghei via Double Zinc Finger Domains. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121536. [PMID: 34959491 PMCID: PMC8707419 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction of Plasmodium parasites takes place in anopheline mosquitoes, where male and female gametes fuse to form zygotes and then ookinetes. These processes are orchestrated by stage-specific protein expression, which is mediated in part by translational repression. Accumulating evidence shows that RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play crucial roles in these processes. Here, we report the characterization of P. berghei 103 (Pb103), which encodes a protein possessing double zinc finger domains (ZFs), an RBP. Reporter parasites expressing azami green fluorescent protein (AGFP) under the endogenous Pb103 gene promoter (Pb103-AGFP reporter) showed that the AGFP fluorescent signal was detected from gametes to ookinetes, while AGFP mRNA was translationally repressed in female gametocytes. The Pb103-disrupted parasites (Pb103(−)) grew and produced gametocytes with similar efficiencies to those of wild-type parasites. However, no oocysts were formed in mosquitoes fed Pb103(−). An in vitro fertilization assay showed abortion at the zygote stage in Pb103(−), suggesting that Pb103 plays a critical role in zygote/ookinete development. Cross-fertilization assays with Pb103(−) and male- or female-sterile parasites revealed that Pb103 was essential exclusively for female gametes. To identify the domains critical for zygote/ookinete development, transgenic parasites expressing partially deleted Pb103 were generated and assayed for ookinete maturation. As a result, deleting either of two ZFs but not the C-terminal region abolished zygote/ookinete development, highlighting the indispensable roles of ZFs in parasite sexual development, most likely via translational repression.
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23
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Abstract
Fertilization is a multistep process that culminates in the fusion of sperm and egg, thus marking the beginning of a new organism in sexually reproducing species. Despite its importance for reproduction, the molecular mechanisms that regulate this singular event, particularly sperm-egg fusion, have remained mysterious for many decades. Here, we summarize our current molecular understanding of sperm-egg interaction, focusing mainly on mammalian fertilization. Given the fundamental importance of sperm-egg fusion yet the lack of knowledge of this process in vertebrates, we discuss hallmarks and emerging themes of cell fusion by drawing from well-studied examples such as viral entry, placenta formation, and muscle development. We conclude by identifying open questions and exciting avenues for future studies in gamete fusion. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, Volume 37 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Deneke
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; ,
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; ,
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24
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Zhang J, Pinello JF, Fernández I, Baquero E, Fedry J, Rey FA, Snell WJ. Species-specific gamete recognition initiates fusion-driving trimer formation by conserved fusogen HAP2. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4380. [PMID: 34282138 PMCID: PMC8289870 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24613-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition and fusion between gametes during fertilization is an ancient process. Protein HAP2, recognized as the primordial eukaryotic gamete fusogen, is a structural homolog of viral class II fusion proteins. The mechanisms that regulate HAP2 function, and whether virus-fusion-like conformational changes are involved, however, have not been investigated. We report here that fusion between plus and minus gametes of the green alga Chlamydomonas indeed requires an obligate conformational rearrangement of HAP2 on minus gametes from a labile, prefusion form into the stable homotrimers observed in structural studies. Activation of HAP2 to undergo its fusogenic conformational change occurs only upon species-specific adhesion between the two gamete membranes. Following a molecular mechanism akin to fusion of enveloped viruses, the membrane insertion capacity of the fusion loop is required to couple formation of trimers to gamete fusion. Thus, species-specific membrane attachment is the gateway to fusion-driving HAP2 rearrangement into stable trimers. HAP2 is essential for gamete fusion during fertilization and is conserved among eukaryotes. Here the authors show that species-specific adhesion between Chlamydomonas plus and minus gametes initiates HAP2 to undergo a fusogenic conformational change into homotrimers via a molecular mechanism akin to that of enveloped viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer F Pinello
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ignacio Fernández
- Unité de Virologie Structurale, Virology Department and CNRS UMR 3569, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Eduard Baquero
- Unité de Virologie Structurale, Virology Department and CNRS UMR 3569, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Fedry
- Unité de Virologie Structurale, Virology Department and CNRS UMR 3569, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Félix A Rey
- Unité de Virologie Structurale, Virology Department and CNRS UMR 3569, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - William J Snell
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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Patel PN, Tolia N. Structural vaccinology of malaria transmission-blocking vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:199-214. [PMID: 33430656 PMCID: PMC11077433 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1873135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The development of effective vaccines remains a major health priority to combat the global burden of malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) elicit antibodies that neutralize the sexual stages of the parasite in blood meals ingested by the Anopheles mosquito, interrupting parasite development in the vector host and preventing disease spread to other individuals.Areas covered: The P. falciparum gametocyte surface antigens Pfs230, Pfs48/45, and Pfs47, the parasite ookinete surface protein Pfs25, and the male gametocyte specific protein PfHAP2 are leading TBV candidates, some of which are in clinical development. The recent expansion of methodology to study monoclonal antibodies isolated directly from humans and animal models, coupled with effective measures for parasite neutralization, has provided unprecedented insight into TBV efficacy and development.Expert opinion: Available structural and functional data on antigen-monoclonal antibody (Ag-mAb) complexes, as well as epitope classification studies, have identified neutralizing epitopes that may aid vaccine development and improve protection. Here, we review the clinical prospects of TBV candidates, progress in the development of novel vaccine strategies for TBVs, and the impact of structural vaccinology in TBV design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak N Patel
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niraj Tolia
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Abstract
During multicellular organism development, complex structures are sculpted to form organs and tissues, which are maintained throughout adulthood. Many of these processes require cells to fuse with one another, or with themselves. These plasma membrane fusions merge endoplasmic cellular content across external, exoplasmic, space. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, such cell fusions serve as a unique sculpting force, involved in the embryonic morphogenesis of the skin-like multinuclear hypodermal cells, but also in refining delicate structures, such as valve openings and the tip of the tail. During post-embryonic development, plasma membrane fusions continue to shape complex neuron structures and organs such as the vulva, while during adulthood fusion participates in cell and tissue repair. These processes rely on two fusion proteins (fusogens): EFF-1 and AFF-1, which are part of a broader family of structurally related membrane fusion proteins, encompassing sexual reproduction, viral infection, and tissue remodeling. The established capabilities of these exoplasmic fusogens are further expanded by new findings involving EFF-1 and AFF-1 in endocytic vesicle fission and phagosome sealing. Tight regulation by cell-autonomous and non-cell autonomous mechanisms orchestrates these diverse cell fusions at the correct place and time-these processes and their significance are discussed in this review.
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Chiu YL, Shikina S, Yoshioka Y, Shinzato C, Chang CF. De novo transcriptome assembly from the gonads of a scleractinian coral, Euphyllia ancora: molecular mechanisms underlying scleractinian gametogenesis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:732. [PMID: 33087060 PMCID: PMC7579821 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07113-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual reproduction of scleractinians has captured the attention of researchers and the general public for decades. Although extensive ecological data has been acquired, underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, to better understand mechanisms underlying gametogenesis, we isolated ovaries and testes at different developmental phases from a gonochoric coral, Euphyllia ancora, and adopted a transcriptomic approach to reveal sex- and phase-specific gene expression profiles. In particular, we explored genes associated with oocyte development and maturation, spermiogenesis, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization. RESULTS 1.6 billion raw reads were obtained from 24 gonadal samples. De novo assembly of trimmed reads, and elimination of contigs derived from symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) and other organisms yielded a reference E. ancora gonadal transcriptome of 35,802 contigs. Analysis of 4 developmental phases identified 2023 genes that were differentially expressed during oogenesis and 678 during spermatogenesis. In premature/mature ovaries, 631 genes were specifically upregulated, with 538 in mature testes. Upregulated genes included those involved in gametogenesis, gamete maturation, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization in other metazoans, including humans. Meanwhile, a large number of genes without homology to sequences in the SWISS-PROT database were also observed among upregulated genes in premature / mature ovaries and mature testes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that scleractinian gametogenesis shares many molecular characteristics with that of other metazoans, but it also possesses unique characteristics developed during cnidarian and/or scleractinian evolution. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to create a gonadal transcriptome assembly from any scleractinian. This study and associated datasets provide a foundation for future studies regarding gametogenesis and differences between male and female colonies from molecular and cellular perspectives. Furthermore, our transcriptome assembly will be a useful reference for future development of sex-specific and/or stage-specific germ cell markers that can be used in coral aquaculture and ecological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Chiu
- Doctoral Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.,Doctoral Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shinya Shikina
- Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan. .,Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Rd, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Yuki Yoshioka
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan.
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Rd, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan. .,Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.
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28
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Qiu Y, Zhao Y, Liu F, Ye B, Zhao Z, Thongpoon S, Roobsoong W, Sattabongkot J, Cui L, Fan Q, Cao Y. Evaluation of Plasmodium vivax HAP2 as a transmission-blocking vaccine candidate. Vaccine 2020; 38:2841-2848. [PMID: 32093983 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) is a promising strategy to interfere with the transmission of malaria. To date, only limited TBV candidate antigens have been identified for Plasmodium vivax. HAP2 is a gamete membrane fusion protein, with homology to the class II viral fusion proteins. Herein we reported the characterization of the PvHAP2 for its potential as a TBV candidate for P. vivax. The HAP2/GCS1 domain of PvHAP2 was expressed in the baculovirus expression system and the recombinant protein was used to raise antibodies in rabbits. Indirect immunofluorescence assays showed that anti-PvHAP2 antibodies reacted only with the male gametocytes on blood smears. Direct membrane feeding assays were conducted using four field P. vivax isolates in Anopheles dirus. At a mean infection intensity of 72.4, 70.7, 51.3, and 15.6 oocysts/midgut with the control antibodies, anti-PvHAP2 antibodies significantly reduced the midgut oocyst intensity by 40.3, 44.4, 61.9, and 89.7%. Whereas the anti-PvHAP2 antibodies were not effective in reducing the infection prevalence at higher parasite exposure (51.3-72.4 oocysts/midgut in the control group), the anti-PvHAP2 antibodies reduced infection prevalence by 50% at a low challenge (15.6 oocysts/midgut). Multiple sequence alignment showed 100% identity among these Thai P. vivax isolates, suggesting that polymorphism may not be an impediment for the utilization of PvHAP2 as a TBV antigen. In conclusion, our results suggest that PvHAP2 could serve as a TBV candidate for P. vivax, and further optimization and evaluation are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qiu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Bo Ye
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhenjun Zhao
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Sataporn Thongpoon
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Wanlapa Roobsoong
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Suite 304, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Qi Fan
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China.
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29
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Bloomfield G. The molecular foundations of zygosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:323-330. [PMID: 31203379 PMCID: PMC11105095 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Zygosis is the generation of new biological individuals by the sexual fusion of gamete cells. Our current understanding of eukaryotic phylogeny indicates that sex is ancestral to all extant eukaryotes. Although sexual development is extremely diverse, common molecular elements have been retained. HAP2-GCS1, a protein that promotes the fusion of gamete cell membranes that is related in structure to certain viral fusogens, is conserved in many eukaryotic lineages, even though gametes vary considerably in form and behaviour between species. Similarly, although zygotes have dramatically different forms and fates in different organisms, diverse eukaryotes share a common developmental programme in which homeodomain-containing transcription factors play a central role. These common mechanistic elements suggest possible common evolutionary histories that, if correct, would have profound implications for our understanding of eukaryogenesis.
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30
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Liu F, Liu Q, Yu C, Zhao Y, Wu Y, Min H, Qiu Y, Jin Y, Miao J, Cui L, Cao Y. An MFS-Domain Protein Pb115 Plays a Critical Role in Gamete Fertilization of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium berghei. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2193. [PMID: 31616399 PMCID: PMC6764285 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction is an essential process in the Plasmodium life cycle and a vulnerable step for blocking transmission from the human host to mosquitoes. In this study, we characterized the functions of a conserved cell membrane protein P115 in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Pb115 was expressed in both asexual stages (schizonts) and sexual stages (gametocytes, gametes, and ookinetes), and was localized on the plasma membrane of gametes and ookinetes. In P. berghei, genetic deletion of Pb115 (Δpb115) did not affect asexual multiplication, nor did it affect gametocyte development or exflagellation of the male gametocytes. However, mosquitoes fed on Δpb115-infected mice showed 74% reduction in the prevalence of infection and 96.5% reduction in oocyst density compared to those fed on wild-type P. berghei-infected mice. The Δpb115 parasites showed significant defects in the interactions between the male and female gametes, and as a result, very few zygotes were formed in ookinete cultures. Cross fertilization with the male-defective Δpbs48/45 line and the female-defective Δpfs47 line further indicated that the fertilization defects of the Δpb115 lines were present in both male and female gametes. We evaluated the transmission-blocking potential of Pb115 by immunization of mice with a recombinant Pb115 fragment. In vivo mosquito feeding assay showed Pb115 immunization conferred modest, but significant transmission reducing activity with 44% reduction in infection prevalence and 39% reduction in oocyst density. Our results described functional characterization of a conserved membrane protein as a fertility factor in Plasmodium and demonstrated transmission-blocking potential of this antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingyang Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chunyun Yu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yudi Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Min
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Yue Qiu
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun Miao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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31
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See-through observation of malaria parasite behaviors in the mosquito vector. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1768. [PMID: 30742010 PMCID: PMC6370880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38529-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although it is known that malaria parasites proliferate in the midgut of mosquito vector, their detailed behaviors, from gamete maturation to formation of next generation sporozoite, have not been fully understood at cellular or molecular level. This is mainly attributed to technical difficulties of dissection and whole-mount observation, of delicate and opaque mosquito body contents. In addition, blood pigment surrounding parasites immediately after blood meal also complicates tracing mosquito-stage parasites. Recent revolutionary studies have overcome such negative factors in tissue observation by clearing organisms. CUBIC reagents succeeded to remove both light scattering and blood pigment from various mouse tissues, and to whole-organ image fluorescence-labeled cell structures. In this study, we utilized the advanced version of CUBIC technology and high sensitivity fluorescent markers for see-through observation of mosquito vector after engulfment of rodent malaria parasites to clarify their behaviors during mosquito stage. As a result, we succeeded to visualize oocysts, sporozoites, female gametes and ookinetes in the mosquito bodies without any dissection.
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Tachibana M, Ishino T, Tsuboi T, Torii M. The Plasmodium yoelii microgamete surface antigen (PyMiGS) induces anti-malarial transmission blocking immunity that reduces microgamete motility/release from activated male gametocytes. Vaccine 2018; 36:7463-7471. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.10.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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33
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Fedry J, Forcina J, Legrand P, Péhau-Arnaudet G, Haouz A, Johnson M, Rey FA, Krey T. Evolutionary diversification of the HAP2 membrane insertion motifs to drive gamete fusion across eukaryotes. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2006357. [PMID: 30102690 PMCID: PMC6089408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HAPLESS2 (HAP2) is a broadly conserved, gamete-expressed transmembrane protein that was shown recently to be structurally homologous to viral class II fusion proteins, which initiate fusion with host cells via insertion of fusion loops into the host membrane. However, the functional conformation of the HAP2 fusion loops has remained unknown, as the reported X-ray structure of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii HAP2 lacked this critical region. Here, we report a structure-guided alignment that reveals diversification of the proposed HAP2 fusion loops. Representative crystal structures show that in flowering plants, HAP2 has a single prominent fusion loop projecting an amphipathic helix at its apex, while in trypanosomes, three small nonpolar loops of HAP2 are poised to interact with the target membrane. A detailed structure-function analysis of the Arabidopsis HAP2 amphipathic fusion helix defines key residues that are essential for membrane insertion and for gamete fusion. Our study suggests that HAP2 may have evolved multiple modes of membrane insertion to accommodate the diversity of membrane environments it has encountered during eukaryotic evolution. The fusion of gamete plasma membranes is the fundamental cellular event that brings two parental cells together to form a new individual, yet we know surprisingly little about this process at the molecular level. HAPLESS 2 (HAP2) is a conserved sperm plasma membrane protein that is essential for gamete fusion in a diverse array of eukaryotes. It was recently shown to share a common ancestor with viral proteins that drive fusion of the viral envelope with host membranes, but its mechanism of action remained elusive, since the reported structure did not resolve the proposed membrane interaction surface. Here, we report two new HAP2 structures revealing that HAP2 has evolved diverse membrane interaction surfaces. In the flowering plants, HAP2 uses an amphipathic helix that presents nonpolar residues to the target membrane; in trypanosomes, the membrane interaction surface comprises three shallow nonpolar loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Fedry
- Unité de Virologie Structurale, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
- Universite Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jennifer Forcina
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Pierre Legrand
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, L'Orme des Merisiers, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Ahmed Haouz
- Protéopôle, CNRS UMR 3528, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mark Johnson
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MJ); (FAR); (TK)
| | - Felix A. Rey
- Unité de Virologie Structurale, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (MJ); (FAR); (TK)
| | - Thomas Krey
- Unité de Virologie Structurale, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail: (MJ); (FAR); (TK)
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34
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Wood FC, Heidari A, Tekle YI. Genetic Evidence for Sexuality in Cochliopodium (Amoebozoa). J Hered 2018; 108:769-779. [PMID: 29036297 PMCID: PMC5892394 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esx078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial eukaryotes, including amoeboids, display diverse and complex life cycles that may or may not involve sexual reproduction. A recent comprehensive gene inventory study concluded that the Amoebozoa are ancestrally sexual. However, the detection of sex genes in some lineages known for their potentially sexual life cycle was very low. Particularly, the genus Cochliopodium, known to undergo a process of cell fusion, karyogamy, and subsequent fission previously described as parasexual, had no meiosis genes detected. This is likely due to low data representation, given the extensive nuclear fusion observed in the genus. In this study, we generate large amounts of transcriptome data for 2 species of Cochliopodium, known for their high frequency of cellular and nuclear fusion, in order to study the genetic basis of the complex life cycle observed in the genus. We inventory 60 sex-related genes, including 11 meiosis-specific genes, and 31 genes involved in fusion and karyogamy. We find a much higher detection of sex-related genes, including 5 meiosis-specific genes not previously detected in Cochliopodium, in this large transcriptome data. The expressed genes form a near-complete recombination machinery, indicating that Cochliopodium is an actively recombining sexual lineage. We also find 9 fusion-related genes in Cochliopodium, although no conserved fusion-specific genes were detected in the transcriptomes. Cochliopodium thus likely uses lineage specific genes for the fusion and depolyploidization processes. Our results demonstrate that Cochliopodium possess the genetic toolkit for recombination, while the mechanism involving fusion and genome reduction remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona C Wood
- Department of Biology, Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane Southwest, Atlanta, GA 30314
| | - Alireza Heidari
- Department of Biology, Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane Southwest, Atlanta, GA 30314
| | - Yonas I Tekle
- Department of Biology, Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane Southwest, Atlanta, GA 30314
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Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Distinct Gene Expression and Heterogeneity in Male and Female Plasmodium falciparum Gametocytes. mSphere 2018; 3:3/2/e00130-18. [PMID: 29643077 PMCID: PMC5909122 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00130-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Most human deaths that result from malaria are caused by the eukaryotic parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The only form of this parasite that is transmitted to the mosquito is the sexual form, called the gametocyte. The production of mature gametocytes can take up to 2 weeks and results in phenotypically distinct males and females, although what causes this gender-specific differentiation remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate the first use of microfluidic technology to capture single gametocytes and determine their temporal sex-specific gene expression in an unbiased manner. We were able to determine male or female identity of single cells based on the upregulation of gender-specific genes as early as mid-stage gametocytes. This analysis has revealed strong markers for male and female gametocyte differentiation that were previously concealed in population analyses. Similar single-cell analyses in eukaryotic pathogens using this method may uncover rare cell types and heterogeneity previously masked in population studies. Sexual reproduction is an obligate step in the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle, with mature gametocytes being the only form of the parasite capable of human-to-mosquito transmission. Development of male and female gametocytes takes 9 to 12 days, and although more than 300 genes are thought to be specific to gametocytes, only a few have been postulated to be male or female specific. Because these genes are often expressed during late gametocyte stages and for some, male- or female-specific transcript expression is debated, the separation of male and female populations is technically challenging. To overcome these challenges, we have developed an unbiased single-cell approach to determine which transcripts are expressed in male versus female gametocytes. Using microfluidic technology, we isolated single mid- to late-stage gametocytes to compare the expression of 91 genes, including 87 gametocyte-specific genes, in 90 cells. Such analysis identified distinct gene clusters whose expression was associated with male, female, or all gametocytes. In addition, a small number of male gametocytes clustered separately from female gametocytes based on sex-specific expression independent of stage. Many female-enriched genes also exhibited stage-specific expression. RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization of male and female markers validated the mutually exclusive expression pattern of male and female transcripts in gametocytes. These analyses uncovered novel male and female markers that are expressed as early as stage III gametocytogenesis, providing further insight into Plasmodium sex-specific differentiation previously masked in population analyses. Our single-cell approach reveals the most robust markers for sex-specific differentiation in Plasmodium gametocytes. Such single-cell expression assays can be generalized to all eukaryotic pathogens. IMPORTANCE Most human deaths that result from malaria are caused by the eukaryotic parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The only form of this parasite that is transmitted to the mosquito is the sexual form, called the gametocyte. The production of mature gametocytes can take up to 2 weeks and results in phenotypically distinct males and females, although what causes this gender-specific differentiation remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate the first use of microfluidic technology to capture single gametocytes and determine their temporal sex-specific gene expression in an unbiased manner. We were able to determine male or female identity of single cells based on the upregulation of gender-specific genes as early as mid-stage gametocytes. This analysis has revealed strong markers for male and female gametocyte differentiation that were previously concealed in population analyses. Similar single-cell analyses in eukaryotic pathogens using this method may uncover rare cell types and heterogeneity previously masked in population studies.
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36
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Tachibana M, Ishino T, Takashima E, Tsuboi T, Torii M. A male gametocyte osmiophilic body and microgamete surface protein of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii (PyMiGS) plays a critical role in male osmiophilic body formation and exflagellation. Cell Microbiol 2018; 20:e12821. [PMID: 29316140 PMCID: PMC5901010 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Anopheles mosquitoes transmit Plasmodium parasites of mammals, including the species that cause malaria in humans. Malaria pathology is caused by rapid multiplication of parasites in asexual intraerythrocytic cycles. Sexual stage parasites are also produced during the intraerythrocytic cycle and are ingested by the mosquito, initiating gametogenesis and subsequent sporogonic stage development. Here, we present a Plasmodium protein, termed microgamete surface protein (MiGS), which has an important role in male gametocyte osmiophilic body (MOB) formation and microgamete function. MiGS is expressed exclusively in male gametocytes and microgametes, in which MiGS localises to the MOB and microgamete surface. Targeted gene disruption of MiGS in a rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL generated knockout parasites (ΔPyMiGS) that proliferate normally in erythrocytes and form male and female gametocytes. The number of MOB in male gametocyte cytoplasm is markedly reduced and the exflagellation of microgametes is impaired in ΔPyMiGS. In addition, anti‐PyMiGS antibody severely blocked the parasite development in the Anopheles stephensi mosquito. MiGS might thus be a potential novel transmission‐blocking vaccine target candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Tachibana
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ishino
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Motomi Torii
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
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Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is essential for fertilization and organ development. Dedicated proteins known as fusogens are responsible for mediating membrane fusion. However, until recently, these proteins either remained unidentified or were poorly understood at the mechanistic level. Here, we review how fusogens surmount multiple energy barriers to mediate cell-cell fusion. We describe how early preparatory steps bring membranes to a distance of ∼10 nm, while fusogens act in the final approach between membranes. The mechanical force exerted by cell fusogens and the accompanying lipidic rearrangements constitute the hallmarks of cell-cell fusion. Finally, we discuss the relationship between viral and eukaryotic fusogens, highlight a classification scheme regrouping a superfamily of fusogens called Fusexins, and propose new questions and avenues of enquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier M Hernández
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Benjamin Podbilewicz
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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Camacho-Nuez M, Hernández-Silva DJ, Castañeda-Ortiz EJ, Paredes-Martínez ME, Rocha-Martínez MK, Alvarez-Sánchez ME, Mercado-Curiel RF, Aguilar-Tipacamu G, Mosqueda J. Hap2, a novel gene in Babesia bigemina is expressed in tick stages, and specific antibodies block zygote formation. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:568. [PMID: 29132437 PMCID: PMC5683354 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2510-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. In their host vector, Babesia spp. undergo sexual reproduction. Therefore, the development of sexual stages and the subsequent formation of the zygote are essential for the parasite to invade the intestinal cells of the vector tick and continue its life-cycle. HAP2/GCS1 is a protein identified in plants, protozoan parasites and other organisms that has an important role during membrane fusion in fertilization processes. The identification and characterization of HAP-2 protein in Babesia would be very significant to understand the biology of the parasite and to develop a transmission-blocking vaccine in the future. Results To isolate and sequence the hap2 gene DNA from an infected bovine with Babesia bigemina was purified. The hap2 gene was amplified, cloned and sequenced. The sequences of hap2 from four geographically different strains showed high conservation at the amino acid level, including the typical structure with a signal peptide and the HAP2/GSC domain. Antisera anti-HAP2 against the conserved extracellular region of the HAP2 amino acid sequence were obtained from rabbits. The expression of hap2 in the host and vector tissues was analyzed by using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and the protein was examined by western blot and immunofluorescence. Based on the RT-PCR and WB results, HAP2 is expressed in both, sexual stages induced in vitro, and in infected ticks as well. We did not detect any expression in asexual erythrocytic stages of B. bigemina, relevantly anti-HAP2 specific antibodies were able to block zygotes formation in vitro. Conclusion Babesia bigemina HAP2 is expressed only in tick-infecting stages, and specific antibodies block zygote formation. Further studies regarding the function of HAP2 during tick infection may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of sexual reproduction of the parasite. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2510-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minerva Camacho-Nuez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico
| | - Diego Josimar Hernández-Silva
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias s/n Col Juriquilla, C.P, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Jacqueline Castañeda-Ortiz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico
| | - María Elena Paredes-Martínez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico.,Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias s/n Col Juriquilla, C.P, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Marisol Karina Rocha-Martínez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico
| | - María Elizbeth Alvarez-Sánchez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, San Lorenzo, esquina Roberto Gayol, Colonia del Valle Sur, Delegación Benito Juárez, C.P. 03100, Mexico D.F, Mexico
| | | | - Gabriela Aguilar-Tipacamu
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias s/n Col Juriquilla, C.P, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Juan Mosqueda
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Av. de las Ciencias s/n Col Juriquilla, C.P, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico.
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Hussein HE, Bastos RG, Schneider DA, Johnson WC, Adham FK, Davis WC, Laughery JM, Herndon DR, Alzan HF, Ueti MW, Suarez CE. The Babesia bovis hap2 gene is not required for blood stage replication, but expressed upon in vitro sexual stage induction. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005965. [PMID: 28985216 PMCID: PMC5646870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia bovis, is a tick borne apicomplexan parasite responsible for important cattle losses globally. Babesia parasites have a complex life cycle including asexual replication in the mammalian host and sexual reproduction in the tick vector. Novel control strategies aimed at limiting transmission of the parasite are needed, but transmission blocking vaccine candidates remain undefined. Expression of HAP2 has been recognized as critical for the fertilization of parasites in the Babesia-related Plasmodium, and is a leading candidate for a transmission blocking vaccine against malaria. Hereby we identified the B. bovis hap2 gene and demonstrated that it is widely conserved and differentially transcribed during development within the tick midgut, but not by blood stage parasites. The hap2 gene was disrupted by transfecting B. bovis with a plasmid containing the flanking regions of the hap2 gene and the GPF-BSD gene under the control of the ef-1α-B promoter. Comparison of in vitro growth between a hap2-KO B. bovis clonal line and its parental wild type strain showed that HAP2 is not required for the development of B. bovis in erythrocytes. However, xanthurenic acid-in vitro induction experiments of sexual stages of parasites recovered after tick transmission resulted in surface expression of HAP2 exclusively in sexual stage induced parasites. In addition, hap2-KO parasites were not able to develop such sexual stages as defined both by morphology and by expression of the B. bovis sexual marker genes 6-Cys A and B. Together, the data strongly suggests that tick midgut stage differential expression of hap2 is associated with the development of B. bovis sexual forms. Overall these studies are consistent with a role of HAP2 in tick stages of the parasite and suggest that HAP2 is a potential candidate for a transmission blocking vaccine against bovine babesiosis. Babesia bovis, is a tick borne apicomplexan parasite responsible for important cattle losses globally. Babesia parasites have a complex life cycle including asexual replication in the mammalian host and sexual reproduction in the tick vector. Novel control strategies aimed at limiting transmission of the parasite are needed, but transmission blocking vaccine candidates remain undefined. In this study we analyze the conservation and role of the hap2 gene in the erythrocyte stage of the life cycle of the parasite and found that expression of the gene is not required for the development of the parasite in erythrocytic stages, using a hap2 mutated parasite line. In addition, we developed an in vitro system for the induction of sexual forms of B. bovis and found expression of the hap2 gene and surface localization of the protein. However, hap2-KO parasites are unable to develop sexual stages. We concluded that HAP2 is a leading candidate for a transmission blocking vaccine against bovine babesiosis due of the high level of conservation, surface exposure, and specific expression in tick stage and in in vitro induced sexual stages parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala E. Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - David A. Schneider
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Wendell C. Johnson
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Fatma K. Adham
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - William C. Davis
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - David R. Herndon
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Heba F. Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Egypt
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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40
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Yamato KT, Kuchitsu K. "Fusion" in fertilization: interdisciplinary collaboration among plant and animal scientists. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2017; 130:419-421. [PMID: 28396963 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-017-0937-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuyuki T Yamato
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Kinokawa, Wakayama, 649-6493, Japan.
| | - Kazuyuki Kuchitsu
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
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41
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Abstract
Compared with the animal kingdom, fertilization is particularly complex in flowering plants (angiosperms). Sperm cells of angiosperms have lost their motility and require transportation as a passive cargo by the pollen tube cell to the egg apparatus (egg cell and accessory synergid cells). Sperm cell release from the pollen tube occurs after intensive communication between the pollen tube cell and the receptive synergid, culminating in the lysis of both interaction partners. Following release of the two sperm cells, they interact and fuse with two dimorphic female gametes (the egg and the central cell) forming the major seed components embryo and endosperm, respectively. This process is known as double fertilization. Here, we review the current understanding of the processes of sperm cell reception, gamete interaction, their pre-fertilization activation and fusion, as well as the mechanisms plants use to prevent the fusion of egg cells with multiple sperm cells. The role of Ca(2+) is highlighted in these various processes and comparisons are drawn between fertilization mechanisms in flowering plants and other eukaryotes, including mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dresselhaus
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Sprunck
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Biochemie-Zentrum Regensburg, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gary M Wessel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
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42
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Bennink S, Kiesow MJ, Pradel G. The development of malaria parasites in the mosquito midgut. Cell Microbiol 2016; 18:905-18. [PMID: 27111866 PMCID: PMC5089571 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito midgut stages of malaria parasites are crucial for establishing an infection in the insect vector and to thus ensure further spread of the pathogen. Parasite development in the midgut starts with the activation of the intraerythrocytic gametocytes immediately after take-up and ends with traversal of the midgut epithelium by the invasive ookinetes less than 24 h later. During this time period, the plasmodia undergo two processes of stage conversion, from gametocytes to gametes and from zygotes to ookinetes, both accompanied by dramatic morphological changes. Further, gamete formation requires parasite egress from the enveloping erythrocytes, rendering them vulnerable to the aggressive factors of the insect gut, like components of the human blood meal. The mosquito midgut stages of malaria parasites are unprecedented objects to study a variety of cell biological aspects, including signal perception, cell conversion, parasite/host co-adaptation and immune evasion. This review highlights recent insights into the molecules involved in gametocyte activation and gamete formation as well as in zygote-to-ookinete conversion and ookinete midgut exit; it further discusses factors that can harm the extracellular midgut stages as well as the measures of the parasites to protect themselves from any damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Bennink
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Meike J Kiesow
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pradel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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43
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Lasonder E, Rijpma SR, van Schaijk BCL, Hoeijmakers WAM, Kensche PR, Gresnigt MS, Italiaander A, Vos MW, Woestenenk R, Bousema T, Mair GR, Khan SM, Janse CJ, Bártfai R, Sauerwein RW. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of P. falciparum gametocytes: molecular insight into sex-specific processes and translational repression. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:6087-101. [PMID: 27298255 PMCID: PMC5291273 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual differentiation of malaria parasites into gametocytes in the vertebrate host and subsequent gamete fertilization in mosquitoes is essential for the spreading of the disease. The molecular processes orchestrating these transitions are far from fully understood. Here, we report the first transcriptome analysis of male and female Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes coupled with a comprehensive proteome analysis. In male gametocytes there is an enrichment of proteins involved in the formation of flagellated gametes; proteins involved in DNA replication, chromatin organization and axoneme formation. On the other hand, female gametocytes are enriched in proteins required for zygote formation and functions after fertilization; protein-, lipid- and energy-metabolism. Integration of transcriptome and proteome data revealed 512 highly expressed maternal transcripts without corresponding protein expression indicating large scale translational repression in P. falciparum female gametocytes for the first time. Despite a high degree of conservation between Plasmodium species, 260 of these ‘repressed transcripts’ have not been previously described. Moreover, for some of these genes, protein expression is only reported in oocysts and sporozoites indicating that repressed transcripts can be partitioned into short- and long-term storage. Finally, these data sets provide an essential resource for identification of vaccine/drug targets and for further mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Lasonder
- School of Biomedical and Healthcare Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Sanna R Rijpma
- Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ben C L van Schaijk
- Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands Malaria Epigenomics Group, Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wieteke A M Hoeijmakers
- Malaria Epigenomics Group, Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Philip R Kensche
- Malaria Epigenomics Group, Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annet Italiaander
- Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn W Vos
- Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Woestenenk
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Teun Bousema
- Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gunnar R Mair
- Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shahid M Khan
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chris J Janse
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Richárd Bártfai
- Malaria Epigenomics Group, Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud University, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Robert W Sauerwein
- Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Matsubayashi M, Kawahara F, Hatta T, Yamagishi J, Miyoshi T, Anisuzzaman, Sasai K, Isobe T, Kita K, Tsuji N. Transcriptional profiles of virulent and precocious strains of Eimeria tenella at sporozoite stage; novel biological insight into attenuated asexual development. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 40:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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45
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Okamoto M, Yamada L, Fujisaki Y, Bloomfield G, Yoshida K, Kuwayama H, Sawada H, Mori T, Urushihara H. Two HAP2-GCS1 homologs responsible for gamete interactions in the cellular slime mold with multiple mating types: Implication for common mechanisms of sexual reproduction shared by plants and protozoa and for male-female differentiation. Dev Biol 2016; 415:6-13. [PMID: 27189178 PMCID: PMC4910948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization is a central event in sexual reproduction, and understanding its molecular mechanisms has both basic and applicative biological importance. Recent studies have uncovered the molecules that mediate this process in a variety of organisms, making it intriguing to consider conservation and evolution of the mechanisms of sexual reproduction across phyla. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum undergoes sexual maturation and forms gametes under dark and humid conditions. It exhibits three mating types, type-I, -II, and -III, for the heterothallic mating system. Based on proteome analyses of the gamete membranes, we detected expression of two homologs of the plant fertilization protein HAP2-GCS1. When their coding genes were disrupted in type-I and type-II strains, sexual potency was completely lost, whereas disruption in the type-III strain did not affect mating behavior, suggesting that the latter acts as female in complex organisms. Our results demonstrate the highly conserved function of HAP2-GCS1 in gamete interactions and suggest the presence of additional allo-recognition mechanisms in D. discoideum gametes. Two HAP2-GCS1 homologs are expressed in Dictyostelium discoideum gametes. Both homologs are responsible for the sexual cell fusion. One mating type (III) out of 3 is HAP2-GCS1-independent, corresponding to female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Okamoto
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Lixy Yamada
- Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, 429-63 Sugashima, Toba, Mie 517-0004, Japan
| | - Yukie Fujisaki
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Gareth Bloomfield
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Kentaro Yoshida
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Kuwayama
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sawada
- Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, 429-63 Sugashima, Toba, Mie 517-0004, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Mori
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hideko Urushihara
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.
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Mehrizi AA, Dodangeh F, Zakeri S, Djadid ND. Worldwide population genetic analysis and natural selection in the Plasmodium vivax Generative Cell Specific 1 (PvGCS1) as a transmission-blocking vaccine candidate. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 43:50-7. [PMID: 27180894 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
GENERATIVE CELL SPECIFIC 1 (GCS1) is one of the Transmission Blocking Vaccine (TBV) candidate antigens, which is expressed on the surface of male gametocytes and gametes of Plasmodium species. Since antigenic diversity could inhibit the successful development of a malaria vaccine, it is crucial to determine the diversity of gcs1 gene in global malaria-endemic areas. Therefore, gene diversity and selection of gcs1 gene were analyzed in Iranian Plasmodium vivax isolates (n=52) and compared with the corresponding sequences from worldwide clinical P. vivax isolates available in PlasmoDB database. Totally 12 SNPs were detected in the pvgcs1 sequences as compared to Sal-1 sequence. Five out of 12 SNPs including three synonymous (T797C, G1559A, and G1667T) and two amino acid replacements (Y133S and Q634P) were detected in Iranian pvgcs1 sequences. According to four amino acid replacements (Y133S, N575S, Q634P and D637N) observed in all world PvGCS1 sequences, totally 5 PvGCS1 haplotypes were detected in the world, that three of them observed in Iranian isolates including the PvGCS-A (133S/634Q, 92.3%), PvGCS-B (133Y/634Q, 5.8%), and PvGCS-C (133S/634P, 1.9%). The overall nucleotide diversity (π) for all 52 sequences of Iranian pvgcs1 gene was 0.00018±0.00006, and the value of dN-dS (-0.00031) were negative, however, it was not statistically significant. In comparison with global isolates, Iranian and PNG pvgcs1 sequences had the lowest nucleotide and haplotype diversity, while the highest nucleotide and haplotype diversity was observed in China population. Moreover, epitope prediction in this antigen showed that all B-cell epitopes were located in conserved regions. However, Q634P (in one Iranian isolate) and D637N (observed in Thailand, China, Vietnam and North Korea) mutations are involved in predicted IURs. The obtained results in this study could be used in development of PvGCS1 based malaria vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Abouie Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Dodangeh
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
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47
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Ramiro RS, Khan SM, Franke-Fayard B, Janse CJ, Obbard DJ, Reece SE. Hybridization and pre-zygotic reproductive barriers in Plasmodium. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20143027. [PMID: 25854886 PMCID: PMC4426616 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.3027] [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] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction is an obligate step in the life cycle of many parasites, including the causative agents of malaria (Plasmodium). Mixed-species infections are common in nature and consequently, interactions between heterospecific gametes occur. Given the importance of managing gene flow across parasite populations, remarkably little is understood about how reproductive isolation between species is maintained. We use the rodent malaria parasites P. berghei and P. yoelii to investigate the ecology of mixed-species mating groups, identify proteins involved in pre-zygotic barriers, and examine their evolution. Specifically, we show that (i) hybridization occurs, but at low frequency; (ii) hybridization reaches high levels when female gametes lack the surface proteins P230 or P48/45, demonstrating that these proteins are key for pre-zygotic reproductive isolation; (iii) asymmetric reproductive interference occurs, where the fertility of P. berghei gametes is reduced in the presence of P. yoelii and (iv) as expected for gamete recognition proteins, strong positive selection acts on a region of P230 and P47 (P48/45 paralogue). P230 and P48/45 are leading candidates for interventions to block malaria transmission. Our results suggest that depending on the viability of hybrids, applying such interventions to populations where mixed-species infections occur could either facilitate or hinder malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo S Ramiro
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
| | - Shahid M Khan
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden Malaria Research Group, LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, ZA Leiden 2333, The Netherlands
| | - Blandine Franke-Fayard
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden Malaria Research Group, LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, ZA Leiden 2333, The Netherlands
| | - Chris J Janse
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden Malaria Research Group, LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, ZA Leiden 2333, The Netherlands
| | - Darren J Obbard
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
| | - Sarah E Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
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48
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Mori T, Kawai-Toyooka H, Igawa T, Nozaki H. Gamete Dialogs in Green Lineages. MOLECULAR PLANT 2015; 8:1442-54. [PMID: 26145252 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Gamete fusion is a core process of sexual reproduction and, in both plants and animals, different sex gametes fuse within species. Although most of the molecular factors involved in gamete interaction are still unknown in various sex-possessing eukaryotes, reports of such factors in algae and land plants have been increasing in the past decade. In particular, knowledge of gamete interaction in flowering plants and green algae has increased since the identification of the conserved gamete fusion factor generative cell specific 1/hapless 2 (GCS1/HAP2). GCS1 was first identified as a pollen generative cell-specific transmembrane protein in the lily (Lilium longiflorum), and was then shown to function not only in flowering plant gamete fusion but also in various eukaryotes, including unicellular protists and metazoans. In addition, although initially restricted to Chlamydomonas, knowledge of gamete attachment in flowering plants was also acquired. This review focuses on recent progress in the study of gamete interaction in volvocine green algae and flowering plants and discusses conserved mechanisms of gamete recognition, attachment, and fusion leading to zygote formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Mori
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Hiroko Kawai-Toyooka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomoko Igawa
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648 Matsudo, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8510, Japan
| | - Hisayoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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49
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Tartakoff AM. Cell biology of yeast zygotes, from genesis to budding. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1853:1702-14. [PMID: 25862405 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The zygote is the essential intermediate that allows interchange of nuclear, mitochondrial and cytosolic determinants between cells. Zygote formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is accomplished by mechanisms that are not characteristic of mitotic cells. These include shifting the axis of growth away from classical cortical landmarks, dramatically reorganizing the cell cortex, remodeling the cell wall in preparation for cell fusion, fusing with an adjacent partner, accomplishing nuclear fusion, orchestrating two steps of septin morphogenesis that account for a delay in fusion of mitochondria, and implementing new norms for bud site selection. This essay emphasizes the sequence of dependent relationships that account for this progression from cell encounters through zygote budding. It briefly summarizes classical studies of signal transduction and polarity specification and then focuses on downstream events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan M Tartakoff
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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50
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Nagahara S, Takeuchi H, Higashiyama T. Generation of a homozygous fertilization-defective gcs1 mutant by heat-inducible removal of a rescue gene. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2015; 28:33-46. [PMID: 25673573 PMCID: PMC4333230 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-015-0256-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Key message: New gametic homozygous mutants. In angiosperms, a haploid male gamete (sperm cell) fuses with a haploid female gamete (egg cell) during fertilization to form a zygote carrying paternally and maternally derived chromosomes. Several fertilization-defective mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana, including a generative cell-specific 1 (gcs1)/hapless 2 mutant, the sperm cells of which are unable to fuse with female gametes, can only be maintained as heterozygous lines due to the infertile male or female gametes. Here, we report successful generation of a gcs1 homozygous mutant by heat-inducible removal of the GCS1 transgene. Using the gcs1 homozygous mutant as male, the defect in gamete fusion was observed with great frequency; in our direct observation by semi-in vivo fertilization assay using ovules, 100 % of discharged sperm cells in culture failed to show gamete fusion. More than 70 % of ovules in the pistil received a second pollen tube as attempted fertilization recovery. Moreover, gcs1 mutant sperm cells could fertilize female gametes at a low frequency in the pistil. This strategy to generate homozygous fertilization-defective mutants will facilitate novel approaches in plant reproduction research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Nagahara
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602 Japan
| | - Hidenori Takeuchi
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602 Japan
- JST ERATO Higashiyama Live-Holonics Project, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602 Japan
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602 Japan
- JST ERATO Higashiyama Live-Holonics Project, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602 Japan
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602 Japan
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