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Nascimento JF, Souza ROO, Alencar MB, Marsiccobetre S, Murillo AM, Damasceno FS, Girard RBMM, Marchese L, Luévano-Martinez LA, Achjian RW, Haanstra JR, Michels PAM, Silber AM. How much (ATP) does it cost to build a trypanosome? A theoretical study on the quantity of ATP needed to maintain and duplicate a bloodstream-form Trypanosoma brucei cell. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011522. [PMID: 37498954 PMCID: PMC10409291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
ATP hydrolysis is required for the synthesis, transport and polymerization of monomers for macromolecules as well as for the assembly of the latter into cellular structures. Other cellular processes not directly related to synthesis of biomass, such as maintenance of membrane potential and cellular shape, also require ATP. The unicellular flagellated parasite Trypanosoma brucei has a complex digenetic life cycle. The primary energy source for this parasite in its bloodstream form (BSF) is glucose, which is abundant in the host's bloodstream. Here, we made a detailed estimation of the energy budget during the BSF cell cycle. As glycolysis is the source of most produced ATP, we calculated that a single parasite produces 6.0 x 1011 molecules of ATP/cell cycle. Total biomass production (which involves biomass maintenance and duplication) accounts for ~63% of the total energy budget, while the total biomass duplication accounts for the remaining ~37% of the ATP consumption, with in both cases translation being the most expensive process. These values allowed us to estimate a theoretical YATP of 10.1 (g biomass)/mole ATP and a theoretical [Formula: see text] of 28.6 (g biomass)/mole ATP. Flagellar motility, variant surface glycoprotein recycling, transport and maintenance of transmembrane potential account for less than 30% of the consumed ATP. Finally, there is still ~5.5% available in the budget that is being used for other cellular processes of as yet unknown cost. These data put a new perspective on the assumptions about the relative energetic weight of the processes a BSF trypanosome undergoes during its cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina F. Nascimento
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodolpho O. O. Souza
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayke B. Alencar
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Marsiccobetre
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana M. Murillo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia S. Damasceno
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Richard B. M. M. Girard
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Marchese
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis A. Luévano-Martinez
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renan W. Achjian
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jurgen R. Haanstra
- Systems Biology Lab, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul A. M. Michels
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ariel M. Silber
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Tryps–LaBTryps, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo–São Paulo, Brazil
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Melfi F, Carradori S, Campestre C, Haloci E, Ammazzalorso A, Grande R, D'Agostino I. Emerging compounds and therapeutic strategies to treat infections from Trypanosoma brucei: an overhaul of the last 5-years patents. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:247-263. [PMID: 36933190 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2193328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human African Trypanosomiasis is a neglected disease caused by infection from parasites belonging to the Trypanosoma brucei species. Only six drugs are currently available and employed depending on the stage of the infection: pentamidine, suramin, melarsoprol, eflornithine, nifurtimox, and fexinidazole. Joint research projects were launched in an attempt to find new therapeutic options for this severe and often lethal disease. AREAS COVERED After a brief description of the recent literature on the parasite and the disease, we searched for patents dealing with the proposal of new anti-trypanosomiasis agents and, following the PRISMA guidelines, we filtered the results to those published from 2018onwards returning suitable entries, which represent the contemporary landscape of compounds/strategies against Trypanosoma brucei. In addition, some relevant publications from the overall scientific literature were also discussed. EXPERT OPINION This review comprehensively covers and analyzes the most recent advances not only in the discovery of new inhibitors and their structure-activity relationships but also in the assessment of innovative biological targets opening new scenarios in the MedChem field. Lastly, also new vaccines and formulations recently patented were described. However, natural and synthetic compounds were analyzed in terms of inhibitory activity and selective toxicity against human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Melfi
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Campestre
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Entela Haloci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Rossella Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Agostino
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Nare Z, Moses T, Burgess K, Schnaufer A, Walkinshaw MD, Michels PAM. Metabolic insights into phosphofructokinase inhibition in bloodstream-form trypanosomes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1129791. [PMID: 36864883 PMCID: PMC9971811 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1129791] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we reported the development of novel small molecules that are potent inhibitors of the glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK) of Trypanosoma brucei and related protists responsible for serious diseases in humans and domestic animals. Cultured bloodstream-form trypanosomes, which are fully reliant on glycolysis for their ATP production, are rapidly killed at submicromolar concentrations of these compounds, which have no effect on the activity of human PFKs and human cells. Single-day oral dosing cures stage 1 human trypanosomiasis in an animal model. Here we analyze changes in the metabolome of cultured trypanosomes during the first hour after addition of a selected PFK inhibitor, CTCB405. The ATP level of T. brucei drops quickly followed by a partial increase. Already within the first five minutes after dosing, an increase is observed in the amount of fructose 6-phosphate, the metabolite just upstream of the PFK reaction, while intracellular levels of the downstream glycolytic metabolites phosphoenolpyruvate and pyruvate show an increase and decrease, respectively. Intriguingly, a decrease in the level of O-acetylcarnitine and an increase in the amount of L-carnitine were observed. Likely explanations for these metabolomic changes are provided based on existing knowledge of the trypanosome's compartmentalized metabolic network and kinetic properties of its enzymes. Other major changes in the metabolome concerned glycerophospholipids, however, there was no consistent pattern of increase or decrease upon treatment. CTCB405 treatment caused less prominent changes in the metabolome of bloodstream-form Trypanosoma congolense, a ruminant parasite. This agrees with the fact that it has a more elaborate glucose catabolic network with a considerably lower glucose consumption rate than bloodstream-form T. brucei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zandile Nare
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Tessa Moses
- EdinOmics, RRID:SCR_021838, Centre for Engineering Biology, School of Biological Sciences, CH Waddington Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Burgess
- EdinOmics, RRID:SCR_021838, Centre for Engineering Biology, School of Biological Sciences, CH Waddington Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, CH Waddington Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Achim Schnaufer
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm D. Walkinshaw
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Michael Swann Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A. M. Michels
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Michael Swann Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Paul A. M. Michels,
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Fall F, Mamede L, Schioppa L, Ledoux A, De Tullio P, Michels P, Frédérich M, Quetin-Leclercq J. Trypanosoma brucei: Metabolomics for analysis of cellular metabolism and drug discovery. Metabolomics 2022; 18:20. [PMID: 35305174 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01880-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of Human African Trypanosomiasis (also known as sleeping sickness), a disease causing serious neurological disorders and fatal if left untreated. Due to its lethal pathogenicity, a variety of treatments have been developed over the years, but which have some important limitations such as acute toxicity and parasite resistance. Metabolomics is an innovative tool used to better understand the parasite's cellular metabolism, and identify new potential targets, modes of action and resistance mechanisms. The metabolomic approach is mainly associated with robust analytical techniques, such as NMR and Mass Spectrometry. Applying these tools to the trypanosome parasite is, thus, useful for providing new insights into the sleeping sickness pathology and guidance towards innovative treatments. AIM OF REVIEW The present review aims to comprehensively describe the T. brucei biology and identify targets for new or commercialized antitrypanosomal drugs. Recent metabolomic applications to provide a deeper knowledge about the mechanisms of action of drugs or potential drugs against T. brucei are highlighted. Additionally, the advantages of metabolomics, alone or combined with other methods, are discussed. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Compared to other parasites, only few studies employing metabolomics have to date been reported on Trypanosoma brucei. Published metabolic studies, treatments and modes of action are discussed. The main interest is to evaluate the metabolomics contribution to the understanding of T. brucei's metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanta Fall
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Avenue E. Mounier B1 72.03, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lucia Mamede
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Center of Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laura Schioppa
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Avenue E. Mounier B1 72.03, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Allison Ledoux
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Center of Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pascal De Tullio
- Metabolomics Group, Center of Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Paul Michels
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution (CIIE) and Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology (CTCB), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Michel Frédérich
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Center of Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Joëlle Quetin-Leclercq
- Pharmacognosy Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Avenue E. Mounier B1 72.03, B-1200, Brussels, Belgium
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Ojo RJ, Enoch GA, Adeh FS, Fompun LC, Bitrus BY, Kugama MA. Comprehensive analysis of oral administration of Vitamin E on the early stage of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:512-523. [PMID: 34295050 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01322-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Reinforcement of the body with exogenous antioxidants have been shown to mitigate the negative effects of African trypanosomiasis on the host and contribute greatly to their survival. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of oral administration of Vitamin E on the early stage of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection. To achieve this, parasite free healthy rats were acclimatized for 2 weeks before they were divided into three groups. Two of the groups were infected by intraperitoneal inoculation of 1 × 104 parasites/rat and monitored for the presence of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Blood samples were collected from the infected rats from the second day post infection to detect the presence of parasites. Vitamin E treatment started day 4 post infection at the onset of parasitaemia. Parasites were monitored till the end of the study. The blood glucose level was determined using a glucometer; the lipid profile, liver and kidney biomarkers, electrolytes and protein were determined by colorimetric method using commercial kits. Haematological parameters were analysed using a sysmex haematology analyser. The results of this study showed that the infection adversely affected the biomarkers examined showing its negative effect on liver, kidney, haematological parameters and host electrolyte balance. Treatments with Vitamin E was however able to mitigate the negative effect of this infection. In conclusion, the treatment was able to ameliorate the anaemia and organ damage caused by Trypanosoma brucei brucei, extend the life span of the treated rats and greatly delay the time taken to get to the second stage of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rotimi Johnson Ojo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State Nigeria
| | - Gideon Agyiye Enoch
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State Nigeria
| | - Faratu Saleh Adeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State Nigeria
| | - Luret Carmen Fompun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State Nigeria
| | - Blessing Yohanna Bitrus
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State Nigeria
| | - Meshack Anthony Kugama
- Human African Trypanosomiasis Research Department, Nigerian Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research, Kaduna, Kaduna State Nigeria
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Leishmania Encodes a Bacterium-like 2,4-Dienoyl-Coenzyme A Reductase That Is Required for Fatty Acid β-Oxidation and Intracellular Parasite Survival. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.01057-20. [PMID: 32487758 PMCID: PMC7267886 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01057-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania spp. are protozoan parasites that cause a spectrum of important diseases in humans. These parasites develop as extracellular promastigotes in the digestive tract of their insect vectors and as obligate intracellular amastigotes that infect macrophages and other phagocytic cells in their vertebrate hosts. Promastigote-to-amastigote differentiation is associated with marked changes in metabolism, including the upregulation of enzymes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation, which may reflect adaptation to the intracellular niche. Here, we have investigated the function of one of these enzymes, a putative 2,4-dienoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) reductase (DECR), which is specifically required for the β-oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The Leishmania DECR shows close homology to bacterial DECR proteins, suggesting that it was acquired by lateral gene transfer. It is present in other trypanosomatids that have obligate intracellular stages (i.e., Trypanosoma cruzi and Angomonas) but is absent from dixenous parasites with an exclusively extracellular lifestyle (i.e., Trypanosoma brucei). A DECR-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein was localized to the mitochondrion in both promastigote and amastigote stages, and the levels of expression increased in the latter stages. A Leishmania major Δdecr null mutant was unable to catabolize unsaturated fatty acids and accumulated the intermediate 2,4-decadienoyl-CoA, confirming DECR's role in β-oxidation. Strikingly, the L. major Δdecr mutant was unable to survive in macrophages and was avirulent in BALB/c mice. These findings suggest that β-oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids is essential for intracellular parasite survival and that the bacterial origin of key enzymes in this pathway could be exploited in developing new therapies.IMPORTANCE The Trypanosomatidae are protozoan parasites that infect insects, plants, and animals and have evolved complex monoxenous (single host) and dixenous (two hosts) lifestyles. A number of species of Trypanosomatidae, including Leishmania spp., have evolved the capacity to survive within intracellular niches in vertebrate hosts. The adaptations, metabolic and other, that are associated with development of intracellular lifestyles remain poorly defined. We show that genomes of Leishmania and Trypanosomatidae that can survive intracellularly encode a 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase that is involved in catabolism of a subclass of fatty acids. The trypanosomatid enzyme shows closest similarity to the corresponding bacterial enzymes and is located in the mitochondrion and essential for intracellular growth of Leishmania The findings suggest that acquisition of this gene by lateral gene transfer from bacteria by ancestral monoxenous Trypanosomatidae likely contributed to the development of a dixenous lifestyle of these parasites.
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Biagiotti M, Dominguez S, Yamout N, Zufferey R. Lipidomics and anti-trypanosomatid chemotherapy. Clin Transl Med 2017; 6:27. [PMID: 28766182 PMCID: PMC5539062 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-017-0160-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosomatids such as Leishmania, Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi belong to the order Kinetoplastida and are the source of many significant human and animal diseases. Current treatment is unsatisfactory and is compromised by the rising appearance of drug resistant parasites. Novel and more effective chemotherapeutics are urgently needed to treat and prevent these devastating diseases, which relies on the identification of essential, parasite specific targets that are absent in the host. Lipids constitute essential components of the cell and carry out multiple critical functions from building blocks of biological membranes to regulatory roles in signal transduction, organellar biogenesis, energy storage, and virulence. The recent technological advances of lipidomics has facilitated the broadening of our knowledge in the field of cellular lipid content, structure, functions, and metabolic pathways. MAIN BODY This review highlights the application of lipidomics (i) in the characterization of the lipidome of kinetoplastid parasites or of their subcellular structure(s), (ii) in the identification of unique lipid species or metabolic pathways that can be targeted for novel drug therapies, (iii) as an analytic tool to gain a deeper insight into the roles of specific enzymes in lipid metabolism using genetically modified microorganisms, and (iv) in deciphering the mechanism of action of anti-microbial drugs on lipid metabolism. Lastly, an outlook stating where the field is evolving is presented. CONCLUSION Lipidomics has contributed to the expanding knowledge related to lipid metabolism, mechanism of drug action and resistance, and pathogen-host interaction of trypanosomatids, which provides a solid basis for the development of better anti-parasitic pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nader Yamout
- St John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Rachel Zufferey
- St John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
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8
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Abstract
Cellular metabolic activity is a highly complex, dynamic, regulated process that is influenced by numerous factors, including extracellular environmental signals, nutrient availability and the physiological and developmental status of the cell. The causative agent of sleeping sickness,
Trypanosoma brucei, is an exclusively extracellular protozoan parasite that encounters very different extracellular environments during its life cycle within the mammalian host and tsetse fly insect vector. In order to meet these challenges, there are significant alterations in the major energetic and metabolic pathways of these highly adaptable parasites. This review highlights some of these metabolic changes in this early divergent eukaryotic model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry K Smith
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Frédéric Bringaud
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), UMR 5234 CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Derek P Nolan
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luisa M Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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9
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Abstract
Cellular metabolic activity is a highly complex, dynamic, regulated process that is influenced by numerous factors, including extracellular environmental signals, nutrient availability and the physiological and developmental status of the cell. The causative agent of sleeping sickness, Trypanosoma brucei, is an exclusively extracellular protozoan parasite that encounters very different extracellular environments during its life cycle within the mammalian host and tsetse fly insect vector. In order to meet these challenges, there are significant alterations in the major energetic and metabolic pathways of these highly adaptable parasites. This review highlights some of these metabolic changes in this early divergent eukaryotic model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry K Smith
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Frédéric Bringaud
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), UMR 5234 CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Derek P Nolan
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luisa M Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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10
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Trindade S, Rijo-Ferreira F, Carvalho T, Pinto-Neves D, Guegan F, Aresta-Branco F, Bento F, Young SA, Pinto A, Van Den Abbeele J, Ribeiro RM, Dias S, Smith TK, Figueiredo LM. Trypanosoma brucei Parasites Occupy and Functionally Adapt to the Adipose Tissue in Mice. Cell Host Microbe 2016; 19:837-48. [PMID: 27237364 PMCID: PMC4906371 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei is an extracellular parasite that causes sleeping sickness. In mammalian hosts, trypanosomes are thought to exist in two major niches: early in infection, they populate the blood; later, they breach the blood-brain barrier. Working with a well-established mouse model, we discovered that adipose tissue constitutes a third major reservoir for T. brucei. Parasites from adipose tissue, here termed adipose tissue forms (ATFs), can replicate and were capable of infecting a naive animal. ATFs were transcriptionally distinct from bloodstream forms, and the genes upregulated included putative fatty acid β-oxidation enzymes. Consistent with this, ATFs were able to utilize exogenous myristate and form β-oxidation intermediates, suggesting that ATF parasites can use fatty acids as an external carbon source. These findings identify the adipose tissue as a niche for T. brucei during its mammalian life cycle and could potentially explain the weight loss associated with sleeping sickness. T. brucei parasites accumulate in the adipose tissue early after mouse infection Adipose tissue forms (ATFs) can replicate and are capable of infecting naive mice ATFs are transcriptionally distinct and upregulate genes for fatty acid metabolism ATFs can actively uptake exogenous myristate and form β-oxidation intermediates
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Trindade
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Rijo-Ferreira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA; Graduate Program in Areas of Basic and Applied Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Daniel Pinto-Neves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fabien Guegan
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisco Aresta-Branco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fabio Bento
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Simon A Young
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Andreia Pinto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Zoophysiology, University of Ghent, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruy M Ribeiro
- Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA; Guest Professor, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Terry K Smith
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Luisa M Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1990-375 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Helms JB, Kaloyanova DV, Strating JRP, van Hellemond JJ, van der Schaar HM, Tielens AGM, van Kuppeveld FJM, Brouwers JF. Targeting of the hydrophobic metabolome by pathogens. Traffic 2016; 16:439-60. [PMID: 25754025 PMCID: PMC7169838 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hydrophobic molecules of the metabolome – also named the lipidome – constitute a major part of the entire metabolome. Novel technologies show the existence of a staggering number of individual lipid species, the biological functions of which are, with the exception of only a few lipid species, unknown. Much can be learned from pathogens that have evolved to take advantage of the complexity of the lipidome to escape the immune system of the host organism and to allow their survival and replication. Different types of pathogens target different lipids as shown in interaction maps, allowing visualization of differences between different types of pathogens. Bacterial and viral pathogens target predominantly structural and signaling lipids to alter the cellular phenotype of the host cell. Fungal and parasitic pathogens have complex lipidomes themselves and target predominantly the release of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the host cell lipidome, resulting in the generation of eicosanoids by either the host cell or the pathogen. Thus, whereas viruses and bacteria induce predominantly alterations in lipid metabolites at the host cell level, eukaryotic pathogens focus on interference with lipid metabolites affecting systemic inflammatory reactions that are part of the immune system. A better understanding of the interplay between host–pathogen interactions will not only help elucidate the fundamental role of lipid species in cellular physiology, but will also aid in the generation of novel therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bernd Helms
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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de Azevedo-Martins AC, Alves JMP, de Mello FG, Vasconcelos ATR, de Souza W, Einicker-Lamas M, Motta MCM. Biochemical and phylogenetic analyses of phosphatidylinositol production in Angomonas deanei, an endosymbiont-harboring trypanosomatid. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:247. [PMID: 25903782 PMCID: PMC4424895 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0854-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endosymbiosis in trypanosomatids is characterized by co-evolution between one bacterium and its host protozoan in a mutualistic relationship, thus constituting an excellent model to study organelle origin in the eukaryotic cell. In this association, an intense metabolic exchange is observed between both partners: the host provides energetic molecules and a stable environment to a reduced wall symbiont, while the bacterium is able to interfere in host metabolism by enhancing phospholipid production and completing essential biosynthesis pathways, such as amino acids and hemin production. The bacterium envelope presents a reduced cell wall which is mainly composed of cardiolipin and phosphatidylcholine, being the latter only common in intracellular prokaryotes. Phosphatidylinositol (PI) is also present in the symbiont and host cell membranes. This phospholipid is usually related to cellular signaling and to anchor surface molecules, which represents important events for cellular interactions. METHODS In order to investigate the production of PI and its derivatives in symbiont bearing trypanosomatids, aposymbiotic and wild type strains of Angomonas deanei, as well as isolated symbionts, were incubated with [(3)H]myo-inositol and the incorporation of this tracer was analyzed into inositol-containing molecules, mainly phosphoinositides and lipoproteins. Gene searches and their phylogenies were also performed in order to investigate the PI synthesis in symbiontbearing trypanosomatids. RESULTS Our results showed that the bacterium did not incorporate the tracer and that both strains produced similar quantities of PI and its derivatives, indicating that the symbiont does not influence the production of these metabolites. Gene searches related to PI synthesis revealed that the trypanosomatid genome contains an inositol transporter, PI synthase and the myo-inositol synthase. Thus, the host is able to produce PI either from exogenous myo-inositol (inositol transporter) or from myo-inositol synthesized de novo. Phylogenetic analysis using other organisms as references indicated that, in trypanosomatids, the genes involved in PI synthesis have a monophyletic origin. In accordance with experimental data, sequences for myo-inositol transport or for myo-inositol and PI biosynthesis were not found in the symbiont. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our results indicate that the bacterium depends on the host to obtain PI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan C de Azevedo-Martins
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 343, Bloco G, Subsolo, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-590, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica, Av. Getúlio Vargas, 333, Quitandinha, Petrópolis, RJ, CEP: 25651-075, Brazil.
| | - João M P Alves
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Garcia de Mello
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 343, Bloco C, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-590, Brazil.
| | - Ana Tereza R Vasconcelos
- Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica, Av. Getúlio Vargas, 333, Quitandinha, Petrópolis, RJ, CEP: 25651-075, Brazil.
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 343, Bloco G, Subsolo, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-590, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia - Inmetro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
| | - Marcelo Einicker-Lamas
- Laboratório de Biomembranas, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 343, Bloco G, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-590, Brazil.
| | - Maria Cristina M Motta
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 343, Bloco G, Subsolo, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-590, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Paul MLS, Kaur A, Geete A, Sobhia ME. Essential gene identification and drug target prioritization in Leishmania species. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 10:1184-95. [PMID: 24643243 DOI: 10.1039/c3mb70440h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), mainly affecting impoverished communities and having varied ranges of pathogenicity according to the diverse spectrum of clinical manifestations. It is endemic in many countries and poses major challenges to healthcare systems in developing countries. Despite the fact that most of the current mono and combination therapies are found to be failures, clear perception of gene essentiality for parasite survival are now desideratum to identify potential biochemical targets through selection. Here we used the metabolic network of L. major, to perform a comprehensive set of in silico deletion mutants and have systematically recognized a clearly defined set of essential proteins by combining several essential criteria. In this paper we summarize the efforts to prioritize potential drug targets up to a five-fold enrichment compared with a random selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Stanly Paul
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, India-160062.
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Uttaro AD. Acquisition and biosynthesis of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids by trypanosomatids. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 196:61-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Abimbola AM, Baba IA, Yenusa EZ, Omanibe SJ, Oladimeji IH. Anti-trypanosomal effect of Peristrophe bicalyculata extract on Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected rats. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2013; 3:523-31. [PMID: 23835905 DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(13)60107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the in vitro and in vivo effect of whole plant extracts of Peristrophe bicalyculata on Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected rats. METHODS THE EXPERIMENT WAS DIVIDED INTO TWO PHASES: In the first phase, the anti-trypanosomal activity of the hot water, cold water, methanol and butanol extracts of the whole plant were determined by incubating with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The cold water extract was partially-purified and the anti-trypanosomal activity of the fractions determined. In the second phase, Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected rats were treated with fraction 2c for nine days. Packed cell volume (PCV), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin levels were determined at the end of the experiment. RESULTS Cold water extract immobilized 90% of the parasites after 60 min of incubation, and fraction 2c completely immobilized the parasites after 35 min. It significantly increased PCV in Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected rats. Decreased TC, TAG, HDL and LDL levels of infected rats increased significantly when rats were treated with the fraction, while elevated levels of total bilirubin and ALT also decreased. The difference in urea, direct bilirubin and ALP was not significant when infected rats were compared to rats in other groups. CONCLUSIONS The ability of the plant to ameliorate the infection-induced biochemical changes calls for detailed investigation of the potentials of the plant for antitrypanosomiasis drug delivery.
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Endogenous sterol biosynthesis is important for mitochondrial function and cell morphology in procyclic forms of Trypanosoma brucei. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:975-89. [PMID: 22964455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sterol biosynthesis inhibitors are promising entities for the treatment of trypanosomal diseases. Insect forms of Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of sleeping sickness, synthesize ergosterol and other 24-alkylated sterols, yet also incorporate cholesterol from the medium. While sterol function has been investigated by pharmacological manipulation of sterol biosynthesis, molecular mechanisms by which endogenous sterols influence cellular processes remain largely unknown in trypanosomes. Here we analyse by RNA interference, the effects of a perturbation of three specific steps of endogenous sterol biosynthesis in order to dissect the role of specific intermediates in proliferation, mitochondrial function and cellular morphology in procyclic cells. A decrease in the levels of squalene synthase and squalene epoxidase resulted in a depletion of cellular sterol intermediates and end products, impaired cell growth and led to aberrant morphologies, DNA fragmentation and a profound modification of mitochondrial structure and function. In contrast, cells deficient in sterol methyl transferase, the enzyme involved in 24-alkylation, exhibited a normal growth phenotype in spite of a complete abolition of the synthesis and content of 24-alkyl sterols. Thus, the data provided indicates that while the depletion of squalene and post-squalene endogenous sterol metabolites results in profound cellular defects, bulk 24-alkyl sterols are not strictly required to support growth in insect forms of T. brucei in vitro.
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Haanstra JR, van Tuijl A, van Dam J, van Winden W, Tielens AGM, van Hellemond JJ, Bakker BM. Proliferating bloodstream-form Trypanosoma brucei use a negligible part of consumed glucose for anabolic processes. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:667-73. [PMID: 22580731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Our quantitative knowledge of carbon fluxes in the long slender bloodstream form (BSF) Trypanosoma brucei is mainly based on non-proliferating parasites, isolated from laboratory animals and kept in buffers. In this paper we present a carbon balance for exponentially growing bloodstream form trypanosomes. The cells grew with a doubling time of 5.3h, contained 46 μ mol of carbon (10(8) cells)(-1) and had a glucose consumption flux of 160 nmol min(-1) (10(8) cells)(-1). The molar ratio of pyruvate excreted versus glucose consumed was 2.1. Furthermore, analysis of the (13)C label distribution in pyruvate in (13)C-glucose incubations of exponentially growing trypanosomes showed that glucose was the sole substrate for pyruvate production. We conclude that the glucose metabolised in glycolysis was hardly, if at all, used for biosynthetic processes. Carbon flux through glycolysis in exponentially growing trypanosomes was 10 times higher than the incorporation of carbon into biomass. This biosynthetic carbon is derived from other precursors present in the nutrient rich growth medium. Furthermore, we found that the glycolytic flux was unaltered when the culture went into stationary phase, suggesting that most of the ATP produced in glycolysis is used for processes other than growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurgen R Haanstra
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, NL-1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Verma S, Mehta A, Shaha C. CYP5122A1, a novel cytochrome P450 is essential for survival of Leishmania donovani. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25273. [PMID: 21966477 PMCID: PMC3179497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytochrome P450s (CYP450s) are hemoproteins catalysing diverse biochemical reactions important for metabolism of xenobiotics and synthesis of physiologically important compounds such as sterols. Therefore, they are functionally important for survival of invading pathogens. One such opportunistic pathogen Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis worldwide, which is an important public health problem due to significant disease burden. The parasite genome database, Gene DB, annotates 3 CYP450s in Leishmania, however, the functional role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in Leishmania spp. remains elusive. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A CYP450-like gene cloned from Leishmania donovani was identified as a novel CYP450, the CYP5122A1. Upon co-localization with organelle specific markers, CYP5122A1 distribution was shown to be localized in the promastigote ER, mitochondria and the glycosomes. Replacement of one allele of CYP5122A1 with either neomycin or hygromycin gene by homologous recombination in Leishmania promastigotes induced substantial reduction of CYP5122A1 expression. These parasites showed impaired growth, lower mitochondrial Ca(2+) and membrane potential resulting in low ATP generation. Also, these parasites were less infective in vitro and in vivo than their wild-type counterparts as assessed by incubation of Leishmania promastigotes with macrophages in vitro as well as through administration of parasites into hamsters. The HKOs were more susceptible to drugs like miltefosine and antimony, but showed reduced sensitivity to amphotericin B. Removal of two alleles of CYP5122A1 did not allow the parasites to survive. The mutant parasites showed 3.5 times lower ergosterol level as compared to the wild-type parasites when estimated by Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Complementation of CYP5122A1 through episomal expression of protein by using pXG-GFP+2 vector partially rescued CYP5122A1 expression and restored ergosterol levels by 1.8 times. Phenotype reversal included restored growth pattern and lesser drug susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In summary, this study establishes CYP5122A1 as an important molecule linked to processes like cell growth, infection and ergosterol biosynthesis in Leishmania donovani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Verma
- Cell Death and Differentiation Research Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashish Mehta
- Cell Death and Differentiation Research Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Chandrima Shaha
- Cell Death and Differentiation Research Laboratory, Centre for Molecular Medicine National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
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Expresión diferencial entre estadios de Trypanosoma cruzi I en el aislamiento de un paciente con cardiomiopatía chagásica crónica de zona endémica de Santander, Colombia. BIOMEDICA 2011. [DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v31i4.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Jacobs RT, Nare B, Phillips MA. State of the art in African trypanosome drug discovery. Curr Top Med Chem 2011; 11:1255-74. [PMID: 21401507 PMCID: PMC3101707 DOI: 10.2174/156802611795429167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
African sleeping sickness is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa where the WHO estimates that 60 million people are at risk for the disease. Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is 100% fatal if untreated and the current drug therapies have significant limitations due to toxicity and difficult treatment regimes. No new chemical agents have been approved since eflornithine in 1990. The pentamidine analog DB289, which was in late stage clinical trials for the treatment of early stage HAT recently failed due to toxicity issues. A new protocol for the treatment of late-stage T. brucei gambiense that uses combination nifurtomox/eflornithine (NECT) was recently shown to have better safety and efficacy than eflornithine alone, while being easier to administer. This breakthrough represents the only new therapy for HAT since the approval of eflornithine. A number of research programs are on going to exploit the unusual biochemical pathways in the parasite to identify new targets for target based drug discovery programs. HTS efforts are also underway to discover new chemical entities through whole organism screening approaches. A number of inhibitors with anti-trypanosomal activity have been identified by both approaches, but none of the programs are yet at the stage of identifying a preclinical candidate. This dire situation underscores the need for continued effort to identify new chemical agents for the treatment of HAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T. Jacobs
- SCYNEXIS, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2878
| | - Bakela Nare
- SCYNEXIS, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2878
| | - Margaret A. Phillips
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 6001 Forest Park Rd, Dallas, Texas 75390-9041
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Capriles PVSZ, Guimarães ACR, Otto TD, Miranda AB, Dardenne LE, Degrave WM. Structural modelling and comparative analysis of homologous, analogous and specific proteins from Trypanosoma cruzi versus Homo sapiens: putative drug targets for chagas' disease treatment. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:610. [PMID: 21034488 PMCID: PMC3091751 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas' disease, an endemic infection that causes thousands of deaths every year in Latin America. Therapeutic options remain inefficient, demanding the search for new drugs and/or new molecular targets. Such efforts can focus on proteins that are specific to the parasite, but analogous enzymes and enzymes with a three-dimensional (3D) structure sufficiently different from the corresponding host proteins may represent equally interesting targets. In order to find these targets we used the workflows MHOLline and AnEnΠ obtaining 3D models from homologous, analogous and specific proteins of Trypanosoma cruzi versus Homo sapiens. Results We applied genome wide comparative modelling techniques to obtain 3D models for 3,286 predicted proteins of T. cruzi. In combination with comparative genome analysis to Homo sapiens, we were able to identify a subset of 397 enzyme sequences, of which 356 are homologous, 3 analogous and 38 specific to the parasite. Conclusions In this work, we present a set of 397 enzyme models of T. cruzi that can constitute potential structure-based drug targets to be investigated for the development of new strategies to fight Chagas' disease. The strategies presented here support the concept of structural analysis in conjunction with protein functional analysis as an interesting computational methodology to detect potential targets for structure-based rational drug design. For example, 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase (EC 1.3.1.34) and triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3), classified as analogous proteins in relation to H. sapiens enzymes, were identified as new potential molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila V S Z Capriles
- Grupo de Modelagem Molecular de Sistemas Biológicos, Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica, LNCC/MCT, Petrópolis, CEP 25651-075, Brazil.
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A novel protein kinase localized to lipid droplets is required for droplet biogenesis in trypanosomes. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2010; 9:1702-10. [PMID: 20833891 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00106-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitous among eukaryotes, lipid droplets are organelles that function to coordinate intracellular lipid homeostasis. Their morphology and abundance is affected by numerous genes, many of which are involved in lipid metabolism. In this report we identify a Trypanosoma brucei protein kinase, LDK, and demonstrate its localization to the periphery of lipid droplets. Association with lipid droplets was abrogated when the hydrophobic domain of LDK was deleted, supporting a model in which the hydrophobic domain is associated with or inserted into the membrane monolayer of the organelle. RNA interference knockdown of LDK modestly affected the growth of mammalian bloodstream-stage parasites but did not affect the growth of insect (procyclic)-stage parasites. However, the abundance of lipid droplets dramatically decreased in both cases. This loss was dominant over treatment with myriocin or growth in delipidated serum, both of which induce lipid body biogenesis. Growth in delipidated serum also increased LDK autophosphorylation activity. Thus, LDK is required for the biogenesis or maintenance of lipid droplets and is one of the few protein kinases specifically and predominantly associated with an intracellular organelle.
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RICHMOND GREGORYS, GIBELLINI FEDERICA, YOUNG SIMONA, MAJOR LOUISE, DENTON HELEN, LILLEY ALISON, SMITH TERRYK. Lipidomic analysis of bloodstream and procyclic form Trypanosoma brucei. Parasitology 2010; 137:1357-92. [PMID: 20602846 PMCID: PMC3744936 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182010000715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The biological membranes of Trypanosoma brucei contain a complex array of phospholipids that are synthesized de novo from precursors obtained either directly from the host, or as catabolised endocytosed lipids. This paper describes the use of nanoflow electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and high resolution mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion modes, allowing the identification of approximately 500 individual molecular phospholipids species from total lipid extracts of cultured bloodstream and procyclic form T. brucei. Various molecular species of all of the major subclasses of glycerophospholipids were identified including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol as well as phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol and cardolipin, and the sphingolipids sphingomyelin, inositol phosphoceramide and ethanolamine phosphoceramide. The lipidomic data obtained in this study will aid future biochemical phenotyping of either genetically or chemically manipulated commonly used bloodstream and procyclic strains of Trypanosoma brucei. Hopefully this will allow a greater understanding of the bizarre world of lipids in this important human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - FEDERICA GIBELLINI
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - SIMON A. YOUNG
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - LOUISE MAJOR
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - HELEN DENTON
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - ALISON LILLEY
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - TERRY K. SMITH
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
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Lipid metabolism in Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2010; 172:66-79. [PMID: 20382188 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei membranes consist of all major eukaryotic glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid classes. These are de novo synthesized from precursors obtained either from the host or from catabolised endocytosed lipids. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the molecular and biochemical characterisation of several of these lipid biosynthetic pathways, using gene knockout or RNA interference strategies or by enzymatic characterization of individual reactions. Together with the completed genome, these studies have highlighted several possible differences between mammalian and trypanosome lipid biosynthesis that could be exploited for the development of drugs against the diseases caused by these parasites.
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Alves-Ferreira M, Guimarães ACR, Capriles PVDSZ, Dardenne LE, Degrave WM. A new approach for potential drug target discovery through in silico metabolic pathway analysis using Trypanosoma cruzi genome information. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2009; 104:1100-10. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000800006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Gibellini F, Hunter WN, Smith TK. The ethanolamine branch of the Kennedy pathway is essential in the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Microbiol 2009; 73:826-43. [PMID: 19555461 PMCID: PMC2784872 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.06764.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylethanolamine (GPEtn), a major phospholipid component of trypanosome membranes, is synthesized de novo from ethanolamine through the Kennedy pathway. Here the composition of the GPEtn molecular species in the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei is determined, along with new insights into phospholipid metabolism, by in vitro and in vivo characterization of a key enzyme of the Kennedy pathway, the cytosolic ethanolamine-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (TbECT). Gene knockout indicates that TbECT is essential for growth and survival, thus highlighting the importance of the Kennedy pathway for the pathogenic stage of the African trypanosome. Phosphatiylserine decarboxylation, a potential salvage pathway, does not appear to be active in cultured bloodstream form T. brucei, and it is not upregulated even when the Kennedy pathway is disrupted. In vivo metabolic labelling and phospholipid composition analysis by ESI-MS/MS of the knockout cells confirmed a significant decrease in GPEtn species, as well as changes in the relative abundance of other phospholipid species. Reduction in GPEtn levels had a profound influence on the morphology of the mutants and it compromised mitochondrial structure and function, as well as glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor biosynthesis. TbECT is therefore genetically validated as a potential drug target against the African trypanosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gibellini
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
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Signorell A, Gluenz E, Rettig J, Schneider A, Shaw MK, Gull K, Bütikofer P. Perturbation of phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis affects mitochondrial morphology and cell-cycle progression in procyclic-formTrypanosoma brucei. Mol Microbiol 2009; 72:1068-79. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.06713.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Signorell A, Rauch M, Jelk J, Ferguson MAJ, Bütikofer P. Phosphatidylethanolamine in Trypanosoma brucei is organized in two separate pools and is synthesized exclusively by the Kennedy pathway. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:23636-44. [PMID: 18587155 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m803600200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylethanolamine is a major phospholipid class of all eukaryotic cells. It can be synthesized via the CDP-ethanolamine branch of the Kennedy pathway, by decarboxylation of phosphatidylserine, or by base exchange with phosphatidylserine. The contributions of these pathways to total phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis have remained unclear. Although Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of human and animal trypanosomiasis, has served as a model organism to elucidate the entire reaction sequence for glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis, the pathways for the synthesis of the major phospholipid classes have received little attention. We now show that disruption of the CDP-ethanolamine branch of the Kennedy pathway using RNA interference results in dramatic changes in phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylcholine. By targeting individual enzymes of the pathway, we demonstrate that de novo phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis in T. brucei procyclic forms is strictly dependent on the CDP-ethanolamine route. Interestingly, the last step in the Kennedy pathway can be mediated by two separate activities leading to two distinct pools of phosphatidylethanolamine, consisting of predominantly alk-1-enyl-acyl- or diacyl-type molecular species. In addition, we show that phosphatidylserine in T. brucei procyclic forms is synthesized exclusively by base exchange with phosphatidylethanolamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aita Signorell
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern, Switzerland
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Signorell A, Jelk J, Rauch M, Bütikofer P. Phosphatidylethanolamine is the precursor of the ethanolamine phosphoglycerol moiety bound to eukaryotic elongation factor 1A. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:20320-9. [PMID: 18499667 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m802430200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its conventional role during protein synthesis, eukaryotic elongation factor 1A is involved in other cellular processes. Several regions of interaction between eukaryotic elongation factor 1A and the translational apparatus or the cytoskeleton have been identified, yet the roles of the different post-translational modifications of eukaryotic elongation factor 1A are completely unknown. One amino acid modification, which so far has only been found in eukaryotic elongation factor 1A, consists of ethanolamine-phosphoglycerol attached to two glutamate residues that are conserved between mammals and plants. We now report that ethanolamine-phosphoglycerol is also present in eukaryotic elongation factor 1A of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, indicating that this unique protein modification is of ancient origin. In addition, using RNA-mediated gene silencing against enzymes of the Kennedy pathway, we demonstrate that phosphatidylethanolamine is a direct precursor of the ethanolamine-phosphoglycerol moiety. Down-regulation of the expression of ethanolamine kinase and ethanolamine-phosphate cytidylyltransferase results in inhibition of phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis in T. brucei procyclic forms and, concomitantly, in a block in glycosylphosphatidylinositol attachment to procyclins and ethanolamine-phosphoglycerol modification of eukaryotic elongation factor 1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aita Signorell
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Lee SH, Stephens JL, Englund PT. A fatty-acid synthesis mechanism specialized for parasitism. Nat Rev Microbiol 2007; 5:287-97. [PMID: 17363967 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro1617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Most cells use either a type I or type II synthase to make fatty acids. Trypanosoma brucei, the sleeping sickness parasite, provides the first example of a third mechanism for this process. Trypanosomes use microsomal elongases to synthesize fatty acids de novo, whereas other cells use elongases to make long-chain fatty acids even longer. The modular nature of the pathway allows synthesis of different fatty-acid end products, which have important roles in trypanosome biology. Indeed, this newly discovered mechanism seems ideally suited for the parasitic lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hee Lee
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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