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Lê HG, Kang JM, Võ TC, Yoo WG, Hong Y, Na BK. (‒)-Epicatechin reveals amoebicidal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii by activating the programmed cell death pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 125:155389. [PMID: 38306720 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause human infections such as granulomatous amebic encephalitis and acanthamoeba keratitis. However, no specific drug to treat the diseases has been developed. Therefore, the discovery or development of novel drugs for treating Acanthamoeba infections is urgently needed. The anti-protozoan activity of (‒)-epicatechin (EC) has been reported, suggesting it is an attractive anti-protozoal drug candidate. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of EC against A. castellanii was assessed and its mechanism of action was unveiled. METHODS The amoebicidal activity of EC against A. castellanii trophozoites and the cytotoxicity of EC in HCE-2 and C6 cells were determined with cell viability assay. The underlying amoebicidal mechanism of EC against A. castellanii was analyzed by the apoptosis/necrosis assay, TUNEL assay, mitochondrial dysfunction assay, caspase-3 assay, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The cysticidal activity of EC was also investigated. RESULTS EC revealed amoebicidal activity against A. castellanii trophozoites with an IC50 of 37.01 ± 3.96 µM, but was not cytotoxic to HCE-2 or C6 cells. EC induced apoptotic events such as increases in DNA fragmentation and intracellular reactive oxygen species production in A. castellanii. EC also caused mitochondrial dysfunction in the amoebae, as evidenced by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and reductions in ATP production. Caspase-3 activity, autophagosome formation, and the expression levels of autophagy-related genes were also increased in EC-treated amoebae. EC led to the partial death of cysts and the inhibition of excystation. CONCLUSION EC revealed promising amoebicidal activity against A. castellanii trophozoites via programmed cell death events. EC could be a candidate drug or supplemental compound for treating Acanthamoeba infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hương Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Tuấn Cường Võ
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Won Gi Yoo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea
| | - Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, Korea
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Korea.
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Scheckhuber CQ, Damián Ferrara R, Gómez-Montalvo J, Maciver SK, de Obeso Fernández Del Valle A. Oxidase enzyme genes are differentially expressed during Acanthamoeba castellanii encystment. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:116. [PMID: 38289423 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08138-9] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii, a ubiquitous protozoan, is responsible for significant diseases such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. A crucial survival strategy of A. castellanii involves the formation of highly resistant cysts during adverse conditions. This study delves into the cellular processes underpinning encystment, focusing on gene expression changes related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance, with a particular emphasis on mitochondrial processes. Our findings reveal a dynamic response within the mitochondria during encystment, with the downregulation of key enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation (COX, AOX, and NADHalt) during the initial 48 h, followed by their overexpression at 72 h. This orchestrated response likely creates a pro-oxidative environment, facilitating encystment. Analysis of other ROS processing enzymes across the cell reveals differential expression patterns. Notably, antioxidant enzymes, such as catalases, glutaredoxins, glutathione S-transferases, peroxiredoxins, and thioredoxins, mirror the mitochondrial trend of downregulation followed by upregulation. Additionally, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis are downregulated during the early stages in order to potentially balance the metabolic requirement of the cyst. Our study underscores the importance of ROS regulation in Acanthamoeba encystment. Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into infection control and identifies potential therapeutic targets. This work contributes to unraveling the complex biology of A. castellanii and may aid in combatting Acanthamoeba-related infections. Further research into ROS and oxidase enzymes is warranted, given the organism's remarkable respiratory versatility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Q Scheckhuber
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, 64849, Monterrey, N.L, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Damián Ferrara
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, 64849, Monterrey, N.L, Mexico
| | - Jesús Gómez-Montalvo
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, 64849, Monterrey, N.L, Mexico
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK
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Bandyopadhyay A, Ghosh SK. Role of autophagy in stress and drug-responsive cell death in Entamoeba histolytica and its cross-talk with apoptosis-inducing factor. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2023; 256:111593. [PMID: 37708914 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111593] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell death in unicellular protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is not yet reported though it displays several features of autophagic cell death. Autophagic cell death was reported to take place in ancient protozoans under several stresses. Here we report the occurrence of autophagic cell death in the Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites under oxidative stress as well as by the treatment with metronidazole, the most-widely-used drug for amoebiasis treatment and was shown to generate oxidative stress in the trophozoites. The autophagic flux increases during nutrient deprivation and metronidazole treatment and decreases upon oxidative stress. During oxidative stress the autophagy leads to nucleophagy that is ultimately destined to be digested within the lysosomal chamber. The formation of nucleophagosome depends on the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) that translocates to the nucleus from cytoplasm upon oxidative stress. It was experimentally proved that ATG8 (Autophagy-related protein 8) binds with the AIF in the nucleus of the trophozoites and helps in ATG8 recruitment and autophagy initiation overall suggesting that oxidative stress-driven AIF translocation to nucleus results in binding with ATG8 and initiates nucleophagy leading to cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sudip Kumar Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, IIT Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India.
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Samba-Louaka A, Labruyère E, Matondo M, Locard-Paulet M, Olivo-Marin JC, Guillen N. Encystation and Stress Responses under the Control of Ubiquitin-like Proteins in Pathogenic Amoebae. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2670. [PMID: 38004682 PMCID: PMC10673212 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Amoebae found in aquatic and terrestrial environments encompass various pathogenic species, including the parasite Entamoeba histolytica and the free-living Acanthamoeba castellanii. Both microorganisms pose significant threats to public health, capable of inducing life-threatening effects on humans. These amoebae exist in two cellular forms: trophozoites and cysts. The trophozoite stage is the form used for growth and reproduction while the cyst stage is the resistant and disseminating form. Cysts occur after cellular metabolism slowdown due to nutritional deprivation or the appearance of environmental conditions unfavourable to the amoebae's growth and division. The initiation of encystation is accompanied by the activation of stress responses, and scarce data indicate that encystation shares factors and mechanisms identified in stress responses occurring in trophozoites exposed to toxic compounds derived from human immune defence. Although some "omics" analyses have explored how amoebae respond to diverse stresses, these studies remain limited and rarely report post-translational modifications that would provide knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying amoebae-specific stress responses. In this review, we discuss ubiquitin-like proteins associated with encystation and cell survival during oxidative damage. We aim to shed light on the signalling pathways involved in amoebic defence mechanisms, with a focus on their potential clinical implications against pathogenic amoebae, addressing the pressing need for effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ascel Samba-Louaka
- Université de Poitiers, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7267, Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, TSA51106, 86073 Poitiers, France
| | - Elisabeth Labruyère
- Institut Pasteur, Biological Image Analysis Unit, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3691, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France; (E.L.); (J.-C.O.-M.)
| | - Mariette Matondo
- Institut Pasteur, Proteomics Core Facility, Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UAR 2024, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Marie Locard-Paulet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 5089, Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France;
- Infrastructure Nationale de Proteomique ProFI—FR2048, 2048 Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Olivo-Marin
- Institut Pasteur, Biological Image Analysis Unit, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3691, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France; (E.L.); (J.-C.O.-M.)
| | - Nancy Guillen
- Institut Pasteur, Biological Image Analysis Unit, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3691, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France; (E.L.); (J.-C.O.-M.)
- Institut Pasteur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique ERL9195, 75015 Paris, France
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de Obeso Fernández Del Valle A, Scheckhuber CQ, Chavaro-Pérez DA, Ortega-Barragán E, Maciver SK. mRNA Sequencing Reveals Upregulation of Glutathione S-Transferase Genes during Acanthamoeba Encystation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:992. [PMID: 37110414 PMCID: PMC10142586 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Some members of the genus Acanthamoeba are facultative pathogens typically with a biphasic lifestyle: trophozoites and cysts. Acanthamoeba is capable of infecting the cornea, resulting in Acanthamoeba keratitis. The cyst is one of the key components for the persistence of infection. Gene expression during Acanthamoeba encystation showed an upregulation of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes and other closely related proteins. mRNA sequencing showed GST, and five genes with similar sequences were upregulated after 24 h of inducing encystation. GST overexpression was verified with qPCR using the HPRT and the cyst-specific protein 21 genes as controls. The GST inhibitor ethacrynic acid was found to decrease cell viability by 70%. These results indicate a role of GST in successful encystation, possibly by maintaining redox balance. GST and associated processes could be targets for potential treatments alongside regular therapies to reduce relapses of Acanthamoeba infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro de Obeso Fernández Del Valle
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Christian Quintus Scheckhuber
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - David Armando Chavaro-Pérez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Erandi Ortega-Barragán
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, Scotland, UK
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Romano PS, Akematsu T, Besteiro S, Bindschedler A, Carruthers VB, Chahine Z, Coppens I, Descoteaux A, Alberto Duque TL, He CY, Heussler V, Le Roch KG, Li FJ, de Menezes JPB, Menna-Barreto RFS, Mottram JC, Schmuckli-Maurer J, Turk B, Tavares Veras PS, Salassa BN, Vanrell MC. Autophagy in protists and their hosts: When, how and why? AUTOPHAGY REPORTS 2023; 2:2149211. [PMID: 37064813 PMCID: PMC10104450 DOI: 10.1080/27694127.2022.2149211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic protists are a group of organisms responsible for causing a variety of human diseases including malaria, sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis, among others. These diseases, which affect more than one billion people globally, mainly the poorest populations, are characterized by severe chronic stages and the lack of effective antiparasitic treatment. Parasitic protists display complex life-cycles and go through different cellular transformations in order to adapt to the different hosts they live in. Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular degradation process, has emerged as a key mechanism required for these differentiation processes, as well as other functions that are crucial to parasite fitness. In contrast to yeasts and mammals, protist autophagy is characterized by a modest number of conserved autophagy-related proteins (ATGs) that, even though, can drive the autophagosome formation and degradation. In addition, during their intracellular cycle, the interaction of these pathogens with the host autophagy system plays a crucial role resulting in a beneficial or harmful effect that is important for the outcome of the infection. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on autophagy and other related mechanisms in pathogenic protists and their hosts. We sought to emphasize when, how, and why this process takes place, and the effects it may have on the parasitic cycle. A better understanding of the significance of autophagy for the protist life-cycle will potentially be helpful to design novel anti-parasitic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Silvia Romano
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y de la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. (IHEM-CONICET-UNCUYO). Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Av. Libertador 80 (5500), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Takahiko Akematsu
- Department of Biosciences, College of Humanities and Sciences, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Vern B Carruthers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zeinab Chahine
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Isabelle Coppens
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute. Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, QC
| | - Thabata Lopes Alberto Duque
- Autophagy Inflammation and Metabolism Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Cynthia Y He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Volker Heussler
- Institute of Cell Biology.University of Bern. Baltzerstr. 4 3012 Bern
| | - Karine G Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Feng-Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Jeremy C Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Patricia Sampaio Tavares Veras
- Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Fiocruz-Bahia
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Tropical Diseases - National Council for Scientific Research and Development (CNPq)
| | - Betiana Nebai Salassa
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y de la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. (IHEM-CONICET-UNCUYO). Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Av. Libertador 80 (5500), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Cristina Vanrell
- Laboratorio de Biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y de la célula hospedadora. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. (IHEM-CONICET-UNCUYO). Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Av. Libertador 80 (5500), Mendoza, Argentina
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Wang Y, Jiang L, Zhao Y, Ju X, Wang L, Jin L, Fine RD, Li M. Biological characteristics and pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1147077. [PMID: 37089530 PMCID: PMC10113681 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1147077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoa, which exists widely in nature and is mainly distributed in soil and water. Acanthamoeba usually exists in two forms, trophozoites and cysts. The trophozoite stage is one of growth and reproduction while the cyst stage is characterized by cellular quiescence, commonly resulting in human infection, and the lack of effective monotherapy after initial infection leads to chronic disease. Acanthamoeba can infect several human body tissues such as the skin, cornea, conjunctiva, respiratory tract, and reproductive tract, especially when the tissue barriers are damaged. Furthermore, serious infections can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, skin, and lung infections. With an increasing number of Acanthamoeba infections in recent years, the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba is becoming more relevant to mainstream clinical care. This review article will describe the etiological characteristics of Acanthamoeba infection in detail from the aspects of biological characteristic, classification, disease, and pathogenic mechanism in order to provide scientific basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Acanthamoeba infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Wang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
| | - Linzhe Jiang
- General Surgery, Jilin People’s Hospital, Jilin City, China
| | - Yitong Zhao
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
| | - Xiaohong Ju
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin City, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin City, China
| | - Ryan D. Fine
- Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Mingguang Li
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin City, China
- *Correspondence: Mingguang Li,
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Lacerda-Abreu MA, Dick CF, Meyer-Fernandes JR. The Role of Inorganic Phosphate Transporters in Highly Proliferative Cells: From Protozoan Parasites to Cancer Cells. MEMBRANES 2022; 13:42. [PMID: 36676849 PMCID: PMC9860751 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In addition to their standard inorganic phosphate (Pi) nutritional function, Pi transporters have additional roles in several cells, including Pi sensing (the so-called transceptor) and a crucial role in Pi metabolism, where they control several phenotypes, such as virulence in pathogens and tumour aggressiveness in cancer cells. Thus, intracellular Pi concentration should be tightly regulated by the fine control of intake and storage in organelles. Pi transporters are classified into two groups: the Pi transporter (PiT) family, also known as the Pi:Na+ symporter family; and the Pi:H+ symporter (PHS) family. Highly proliferative cells, such as protozoan parasites and cancer cells, rely on aerobic glycolysis to support the rapid generation of biomass, which is equated with the well-known Warburg effect in cancer cells. In protozoan parasite cells, Pi transporters are strongly associated with cell proliferation, possibly through their action as intracellular Pi suppliers for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity. Similarly, the growth rate hypothesis (GRH) proposes that the high Pi demands of tumours when achieving accelerated proliferation are mainly due to increased allocation to P-rich nucleic acids. The purpose of this review was to highlight recent advances in understanding the role of Pi transporters in unicellular eukaryotes and tumorigenic cells, correlating these roles with metabolism in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antonio Lacerda-Abreu
- Leopoldo de Meis Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Claudia Fernanda Dick
- National Center of Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Leopoldo de Meis Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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Carvalho-Kelly LF, Dick CF, Rocco-Machado N, Gomes-Vieira AL, Paes-Vieira L, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Anaerobic ATP synthesis pathways and inorganic phosphate transport and their possible roles in encystment in Acanthamoeba castellanii. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1288-1298. [PMID: 35673988 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is the etiological agent of amoebic keratitis and is present in the environment in trophozoite or cyst forms. Both forms can infect the vertebrate host and colonize different tissues. The high resistance of cysts to standard drugs used in clinics contributes to the lack of effective treatments. Therefore, in this context, studies have emerged to understand cyst physiology and metabolism. Phosphate transporters are proteins responsible for the uptake of extracellular inorganic phosphate and transport to the cytosol. This work aims to verify the relationship between Pi transport and energetic metabolism in cysts of A. castellanii. The phosphate uptake ratio was higher in cysts compared with trophozoites. Recently, three sequences related to phosphate transporters have been identified in the A. castellanii genome (AcPHS1, AcPHS2, and AcPHS3); the messenger RNA expression levels of which differ depending on the amoeba life form. Pi uptake in cysts displayed peak activity at alkaline pH, whereas Pi transport in trophozoites was not affected in the same pH ranges. Cysts harbor a low-affinity Pi transport system (K0,5 and Vmax values of 1.76 ± 0.26 mM and 104.6 ± 6.3 nmol Pi × h-1 × 106 cells) compared to the trophozoite phosphate transport system. Pi transport seems important for anaerobic adenosine triphosphate synthesis in cysts, which initially occurs through the glycolytic pathway and subsequently through the pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase pathway. Altogether, these results suggest that contrary to that previously postulated, cysts are active metabolic forms, and, as noted in trophozoites, phosphate uptake is important for energetic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Fernanda Dick
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Nathalia Rocco-Machado
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - André Luiz Gomes-Vieira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Lisvane Paes-Vieira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Institute of National Science and Technology of Structural Biology and Bioimage (INCTBEB), CCS, Bloco H, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Boonhok R, Sangkanu S, Phumjan S, Jongboonjua R, Sangnopparat N, Kwankaew P, Tedasen A, Lim CL, Pereira MDL, Rahmatullah M, Wilairatana P, Wiart C, Dolma KG, Paul AK, Gupta M, Nissapatorn V. Curcumin effect on Acanthamoeba triangularis encystation under nutrient starvation. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13657. [PMID: 35811814 PMCID: PMC9261923 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Curcumin is an active compound derived from turmeric, Curcuma longa, and is known for its benefits to human health. The amoebicidal activity of curcumin against Acanthamoeba triangularis was recently discovered. However, a physiological change of intracellular pathways related to A. triangularis encystation mechanism, including autophagy in the surviving amoeba after curcumin treatment, has never been reported. This study aims to investigate the effect of curcumin on the survival of A. triangularis under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition, as well as to evaluate the A. triangularis encystation and a physiological change of Acanthamoeba autophagy at the mRNA level. Methods In this study, A. triangularis amoebas were treated with a sublethal dose of curcumin under nutrient starvation and nutrient-rich condition and the surviving amoebas was investigated. Cysts formation and vacuolization were examined by microscopy and transcriptional expression of autophagy-related genes and other encystation-related genes were evaluated by real-time PCR. Results A. triangularis cysts were formed under nutrient starvation. However, in the presence of the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the percentage of cysts was significantly reduced. Interestingly, in the presence of curcumin, most of the parasites remained in the trophozoite stage in both the starvation and nutrient-rich condition. In vacuolization analysis, the percentage of amoebas with enlarged vacuole was increased upon starvation. However, the percentage was significantly declined in the presence of curcumin and 3-MA. Molecular analysis of A. triangularis autophagy-related (ATG) genes showed that the mRNA expression of the ATG genes, ATG3, ATG8b, ATG12, ATG16, under the starvation with curcumin was at a basal level along the treatment. The results were similar to those of the curcumin-treated amoebas under a nutrient-rich condition, except AcATG16 which increased later. On the other hand, mRNA expression of encystation-related genes, cellulose synthase and serine proteinase, remained unchanged during the first 18 h, but significantly increased at 24 h post treatment. Conclusion Curcumin inhibits cyst formation in surviving trophozoites, which may result from its effect on mRNA expression of key Acanthamoeba ATG-related genes. However, further investigation into the mechanism of curcumin in A. triangularis trophozoites arrest and its association with autophagy or other encystation-related pathways is needed to support the future use of curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Suganya Phumjan
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Ramita Jongboonjua
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Nawarat Sangnopparat
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Pattamaporn Kwankaew
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Aman Tedasen
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chooi Ling Lim
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Rachathewee, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Christophe Wiart
- The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Karma G. Dolma
- Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim, India
| | - Alok K. Paul
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Thai Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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11
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Boonhok R, Sangkanu S, Norouzi R, Siyadatpanah A, Mirzaei F, Mitsuwan W, Charong N, Wisessombat S, Pereira MDL, Rahmatullah M, Wilairatana P, Wiart C, Tabo HA, Dolma KG, Nissapatorn V. Amoebicidal activity of Cassia angustifolia extract and its effect on Acanthamoeba triangularis autophagy-related gene expression at the transcriptional level. Parasitology 2021; 148:1074-1082. [PMID: 33966667 PMCID: PMC11010062 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cassia angustifolia Vahl. plant is used for many therapeutic purposes, for example, in people with constipation, skin diseases, including helminthic and parasitic infections. In our study, we demonstrated an amoebicidal activity of C. angustifolia extract against Acanthamoeba triangularis trophozoite at a micromolar level. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images displayed morphological changes in the Acanthamoeba trophozoite, which included the formation of pores in cell membrane and the membrane rupture. In addition to the amoebicidal activity, effects of the extract on surviving trophozoites were observed, which included cyst formation and vacuolization by a microscope and transcriptional expression of Acanthamoeba autophagy in response to the stress by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our data showed that the surviving trophozoites were not transformed into cysts and the trophozoite number with enlarged vacuole was not significantly different from that of untreated control. Molecular analysis data demonstrated that the mRNA expression of AcATG genes was slightly changed. Interestingly, AcATG16 decreased significantly at 12 h post treatment, which may indicate a transcriptional regulation by the extract or a balance of intracellular signalling pathways in response to the stress, whereas AcATG3 and AcATG8b remained unchanged. Altogether, these data reveal the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of C. angustifolia extract and the autophagic response in the surviving trophozoites under the plant extract pressure, along with data on the formation of cysts. These represent a promising plant for future drug development. However, further isolation and purification of an active compound and cytotoxicity against human cells are needed, including a study on the autophagic response at the protein level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat80160, Thailand
| | - Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat80160, Thailand
| | - Roghayeh Norouzi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz51664, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand9717853577, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Mirzaei
- Department Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd14188-15971, Iran
| | - Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat80160, Thailand
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, and Research Center of Excellence in Innovation of Essential Oil, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat80160, Thailand
| | - Nurdina Charong
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat80160, Thailand
| | - Sueptrakool Wisessombat
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat80160, Thailand
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- Department of Medical Sciences, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Aveiro3810-193, Portugal
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative Lalmatia, Dhaka1209, Bangladesh
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok10400, Thailand
| | - Christophe Wiart
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Selangor43500, Malaysia
| | - Hazel Anne Tabo
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science and Computer Studies, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, Cavite4115, Philippines
| | - Karma G. Dolma
- Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), Gangtok, Sikkim737102, India
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat80160, Thailand
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat80160, Thailand
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12
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Boonhok R, Sangkanu S, Chuprom J, Srisuphanunt M, Norouzi R, Siyadatpanah A, Mirzaei F, Mitsuwan W, Wisessombat S, de Lourdes Pereira M, Rahmatullah M, Wilairatana P, Wiart C, Ling LC, Dolma KG, Nissapatorn V. Peganum harmala Extract Has Antiamoebic Activity to Acanthamoeba triangularis Trophozoites and Changes Expression of Autophagy-Related Genes. Pathogens 2021; 10:842. [PMID: 34357992 PMCID: PMC8308471 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Peganum harmala, a well-known medicinal plant, has been used for several therapeutic purposes as it contains numerous pharmacological active compounds. Our study reported an anti-parasitic activity of P. harmala seed extract against Acanthamoeba triangularis. The stress induced by the extract on the surviving trophozoites for Acanthamoeba encystation and vacuolization was examined by microscopy, and transcriptional expression of Acanthamoeba autophagy-related genes was investigated by quantitative PCR. Our results showed that the surviving trophozoites were not transformed into cysts, and the number of trophozoites with enlarged vacuoles were not significantly different from that of untreated control. Molecular analysis data demonstrated that the mRNA expression of tested AcATG genes, i.e., ATG3, ATG8b, and ATG16, was at a basal level along the treatment. However, upregulation of AcATG16 at 24 h post treatment was observed, which may indicate an autophagic activity of this protein in response to the stress. Altogether, these data revealed the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of P. harmala extract and indicated the association of autophagy mRNA expression and cyst formation under the extract stress, representing a promising plant for future drug development. However, further identification of an active compound and a study of autophagy at the protein level are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (R.B.); (M.S.); (S.W.)
| | - Suthinee Sangkanu
- Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (S.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Julalak Chuprom
- Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (S.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Mayuna Srisuphanunt
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (R.B.); (M.S.); (S.W.)
| | - Roghayeh Norouzi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran;
| | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Ferdows School of Paramedical and Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 9717853577, Iran;
| | - Farzaneh Mirzaei
- Department Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd 14188-15971, Iran;
| | - Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College and Research Center of Excellence in Innovation of Essential Oil, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand;
| | - Sueptrakool Wisessombat
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (R.B.); (M.S.); (S.W.)
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Lalmatia, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh;
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Christophe Wiart
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Selangor 43500, Malaysia;
| | - Lim Chooi Ling
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Karma G. Dolma
- Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), Sikkim 737102, India;
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (R.B.); (M.S.); (S.W.)
- Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; (S.S.); (J.C.)
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13
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The Autophagy Machinery in Human-Parasitic Protists; Diverse Functions for Universally Conserved Proteins. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051258. [PMID: 34069694 PMCID: PMC8161075 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a eukaryotic cellular machinery that is able to degrade large intracellular components, including organelles, and plays a pivotal role in cellular homeostasis. Target materials are enclosed by a double membrane vesicle called autophagosome, whose formation is coordinated by autophagy-related proteins (ATGs). Studies of yeast and Metazoa have identified approximately 40 ATGs. Genome projects for unicellular eukaryotes revealed that some ATGs are conserved in all eukaryotic supergroups but others have arisen or were lost during evolution in some specific lineages. In spite of an apparent reduction in the ATG molecular machinery found in parasitic protists, it has become clear that ATGs play an important role in stage differentiation or organelle maintenance, sometimes with an original function that is unrelated to canonical degradative autophagy. In this review, we aim to briefly summarize the current state of knowledge in parasitic protists, in the light of the latest important findings from more canonical model organisms. Determining the roles of ATGs and the diversity of their functions in various lineages is an important challenge for understanding the evolutionary background of autophagy.
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14
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Samba-Louaka A, Delafont V, Rodier MH, Cateau E, Héchard Y. Free-living amoebae and squatters in the wild: ecological and molecular features. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 43:415-434. [DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Free-living amoebae are protists frequently found in water and soils. They feed on other microorganisms, mainly bacteria, and digest them through phagocytosis. It is accepted that these amoebae play an important role in the microbial ecology of these environments. There is a renewed interest for the free-living amoebae since the discovery of pathogenic bacteria that can resist phagocytosis and of giant viruses, underlying that amoebae might play a role in the evolution of other microorganisms, including several human pathogens. Recent advances, using molecular methods, allow to bring together new information about free-living amoebae. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly gathered insights into (1) the free-living amoeba diversity, assessed with molecular tools, (2) the gene functions described to decipher the biology of the amoebae and (3) their interactions with other microorganisms in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ascel Samba-Louaka
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
| | - Vincent Delafont
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Rodier
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU La Milétrie, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Estelle Cateau
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie, CHU La Milétrie, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Yann Héchard
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions (EBI), Equipe Microbiologie de l'Eau, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA51106, 86073 POITIERS Cedex 9, France
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Functional Characterization of Ubiquitin-Like Core Autophagy Protein ATG12 in Dictyostelium discoideum. Cells 2019; 8:cells8010072. [PMID: 30669443 PMCID: PMC6356199 DOI: 10.3390/cells8010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved intracellular degradative pathway that is crucial for cellular homeostasis. During autophagy, the core autophagy protein ATG12 plays, together with ATG5 and ATG16, an essential role in the expansion of the autophagosomal membrane. In this study we analyzed gene replacement mutants of atg12 in Dictyostelium discoideum AX2 wild-type and ATG16‾ cells. RNAseq analysis revealed a strong enrichment of, firstly, autophagy genes among the up-regulated genes and, secondly, genes implicated in cell motility and phagocytosis among the down-regulated genes in the generated ATG12‾, ATG16‾ and ATG12‾/16‾ cells. The mutant strains showed similar defects in fruiting body formation, autolysosome maturation, and cellular viability, implying that ATG12 and ATG16 act as a functional unit in canonical autophagy. In contrast, ablation of ATG16 or of ATG12 and ATG16 resulted in slightly more severe defects in axenic growth, macropinocytosis, and protein homeostasis than ablation of only ATG12, suggesting that ATG16 fulfils an additional function in these processes. Phagocytosis of yeast, spore viability, and maximal cell density were much more affected in ATG12‾/16‾ cells, indicating that both proteins also have cellular functions independent of each other. In summary, we show that ATG12 and ATG16 fulfil autophagy-independent functions in addition to their role in canonical autophagy.
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16
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Chan LL, Mak JW, Ambu S, Chong PY. Identification and ultrastructural characterization of Acanthamoeba bacterial endocytobionts belonging to the Alphaproteobacteria class. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204732. [PMID: 30356282 PMCID: PMC6200196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection and identification of two endocytobiotic bacterial strains, one affiliated to the “Candidatus Caedibacter acanthamoebae”/“Ca. Paracaedimonas acanthamoeba”, and another to the endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba UWC8 and “Ca. Jidaibacter acanthamoeba” are described. For endocytobiont screening, we developed a PCR method with a set of broad-range bacterial 16S rRNA primers to substitute the commonly used but technically demanding fluorescent in situ hybridization technique. Our PCR test alone without sequencing failed to discriminate the endocytobiont-containing and endocytobiont-free Acanthamoeba sp. due to the presence of mismatched primers to host mitochondrial DNA. We highlighted the need to perform bacterial primer checking against the Acanthamoeba genome to avoid false positive detection in PCR. Although the genetic aspect of “Ca. Caedibacter acanthamoebae”/“Ca. Paracaedimonas acanthamoeba” and the endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba UWC8/“Ca. Jidaibacter acanthamoeba” are well studied, knowledge pertaining to their morphologies are quite vague. Hence, we used transmission electron microscopy to examine our endocytobionts which are affiliated to previously described intracellular bacteria of Acanthamoeba sp. We used good-quality TEM images for the localization and the fate of the current endocytobionts inside different life stages of the hosts. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, our TEM findings are the first to provide morphological evidence for the clearance of defective Acanthamoeba endocytobionts via an autophagic-like process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li Chan
- Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Joon Wah Mak
- Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Stephen Ambu
- Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Yee Chong
- Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Schaap P, Schilde C. Encystation: the most prevalent and underinvestigated differentiation pathway of eukaryotes. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2018; 164:727-739. [PMID: 29620506 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Not long ago, protists were considered one of four eukaryote kingdoms, but recent gene-based phylogenies show that they contribute to all nine eukaryote subdomains. The former kingdoms of animals, plants and fungi are now relegated to lower ranks within subdomains. Most unicellular protists respond to adverse conditions by differentiating into dormant walled cysts. As cysts, they survive long periods of starvation, drought and other environmental threats, only to re-emerge when conditions improve. For protists pathogens, the resilience of their cysts can prevent successful treatment or eradication of the disease. In this context, effort has been directed towards understanding the molecular mechanisms that control encystation. We here firstly summarize the prevalence of encystation across protists and next focus on Amoebozoa, where most of the health-related issues occur. We review current data on processes and genes involved in encystation of the obligate parasite Entamoeba histolytica and the opportunistic pathogen Acanthamoeba. We show how the cAMP-mediated signalling pathway that controls spore and stalk cell encapsulation in Dictyostelium fruiting bodies could be retraced to a stress-induced pathway controlling encystation in solitary Amoebozoa. We highlight the conservation and prevalence of cAMP signalling genes in Amoebozoan genomes and the suprisingly large and varied repertoire of proteins for sensing and processing environmental signals in individual species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Schaap
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD15EH, UK
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18
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Identification of Atg8 from Acanthamoeba castellanii by genetic complementation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 210:55-57. [PMID: 27585717 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a eukaryotic process responsible for the degradation of intracellular content such as damaged organelles. Several putative autophagy-related genes have been identified within the annotated genome of the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii. However, the involvement of the corresponding proteins in the autophagy pathway had not been formerly established. Here, we report that AcAtg8 cDNA can complement ATG8-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
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19
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Werner A, Herzog B, Frey S, Pöggeler S. Autophagy-Associated Protein SmATG12 Is Required for Fruiting-Body Formation in the Filamentous Ascomycete Sordaria macrospora. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157960. [PMID: 27309377 PMCID: PMC4911038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In filamentous fungi, autophagy functions as a catabolic mechanism to overcome starvation and to control diverse developmental processes under normal nutritional conditions. Autophagy involves the formation of double-membrane vesicles, termed autophagosomes that engulf cellular components and bring about their degradation via fusion with vacuoles. Two ubiquitin-like (UBL) conjugation systems are essential for the expansion of the autophagosomal membrane: the UBL protein ATG8 is conjugated to the lipid phosphatidylethanolamine and the UBL protein ATG12 is coupled to ATG5. We recently showed that in the homothallic ascomycete Sordaria macrospora autophagy-related genes encoding components of the conjugation systems are required for fruiting-body development and/or are essential for viability. In the present work, we cloned and characterized the S. macrospora (Sm)atg12 gene. Two-hybrid analysis revealed that SmATG12 can interact with SmATG7 and SmATG3. To examine its role in S. macrospora, we replaced the open reading frame of Smatg12 with a hygromycin resistance cassette and generated a homokaryotic ΔSmatg12 knockout strain, which displayed slower vegetative growth under nutrient starvation conditions and was unable to form fruiting bodies. In the hyphae of S. macrospora EGFP-labeled SmATG12 was detected in the cytoplasm and as punctate structures presumed to be phagophores or phagophore assembly sites. Delivery of EGFP-labelled SmATG8 to the vacuole was entirely dependent on SmATG12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Werner
- Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Department of Genetics of Eukaryotic Microorganisms, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Britta Herzog
- Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Department of Genetics of Eukaryotic Microorganisms, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Frey
- Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Department of Genetics of Eukaryotic Microorganisms, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Pöggeler
- Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Department of Genetics of Eukaryotic Microorganisms, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
- Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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