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Justo CAC, Jauset-Rubio M, Svobodova M, Skouridou V, Cools P, Mulinganya G, Ibáñez-Escribano A, Rivera WL, O'Sullivan CK. Sandwich enzyme-linked aptamer-based assay for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis. Anal Biochem 2024; 695:115656. [PMID: 39216635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115656] [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: 07/28/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is the most prevalent curable, non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI), with an estimated 156 million new infections in 2020. It can potentially result in adverse birth outcomes as well as infertility in men, whilst it also increases the risk of acquiring HIV and contracting other vaginal infections. It is mostly prevalent among women in low-income countries and especially in Africa and the Americas. This STI is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and a robust, cost-effective, sensitive, specific and rapid diagnostic test is urgently required. We report the screening of 6 full-length and 4 truncated aptamers previously selected in our group for use in a microplate-based sandwich assay. The combination of dual aptamers comprising a short 14-mer truncated capture aptamer (termed A1_14mer) and a full-length non-truncated reporter aptamer (A6) was elucidated to be the optimum pair for a sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked aptamer assay (ELAA) for the detection of TV achieving a detection limit of 3.02 × 104 TV cells/mL. The results obtained with the A1_14mer-A6 ELAA correlate excellently with wet-mount microscopy for the detection of TV in clinical specimens, cervicovaginal lavages and vaginal swabs, highlighting the potential clinical application of this assay for cost-effective population screening and subsequent prevention of the onset of complications associated with undiagnosed and untreated TV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Aubrey C Justo
- Interfibio Consolidated Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain(1); Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Miriam Jauset-Rubio
- Interfibio Consolidated Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain(1)
| | - Marketa Svobodova
- Interfibio Consolidated Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain(1)
| | - Vasso Skouridou
- Interfibio Consolidated Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain(1)
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Mulinganya
- Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Congo; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Congo; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Windell L Rivera
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Ciara K O'Sullivan
- Interfibio Consolidated Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain(1); Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avancats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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Zhang Z, Song X, Deng Y, Li Y, Li F, Sheng W, Tian X, Yang Z, Mei X, Wang S. Trichomonas vaginalis adhesion protein 65 (TvAP65) modulates parasite pathogenicity by interacting with host cell proteins. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106996. [PMID: 37536435 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a widespread and important sexually transmitted pathogen. Adherence to the surface of the host cell is the precondition forthis parasite's parasitism and pathogenicity. Adhesion protein 65 (TvAP65) plays a key role in the process of adhesion. However, how TvAP65 mediates the adhesion and pathogenicity of T. vaginalis to host cellsis unclear. In this study, we knocked down the expression of TvAP65 in trophozoites by small RNA interference. The number of T. vaginalis trophozoites adhering to VK2/E6E7 cells was decreased significantly, and the inhibition of VK2/E6E7 cells proliferation and VK2/E6E7 cells apoptosis and death induced by T. vaginalis were reduced, after the expression of TvAP65 was knocked down. Animal challenge experiments showed that the pathogenicity of trophozoites was decreased by passive immunization with anti-rTvAP65 PcAbs or blocking the TvAP65 protein. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that TvAP65 could bind to VK2/E6E7 cells. In order to screen the molecules interacting with TvAP65 on the host cells, we successfully constructed the cDNA library of VK2/E6E7 cells, and thirteen protein molecules interacting with TvAP65 were screened by yeast two-hybrid system. The interaction between TvAP65 and BNIP3 was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization. When both TvAP65 and BNIP3 were knocked down by small RNA interference, the number of T. vaginalis adhering to VK2/E6E7 cells and the inhibition of VK2/E6E7 cells proliferation were significantly lower than those of the group with knockdown of TvAP65 or BNIP3 alone. Therefore, the interaction of TvAP65 and BNIP3 in the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis infecting host cells is not unique and involves other molecules. Our study elucidated that the interaction between TvAP65 and BNIP3 mediated the adhesion and pathogenicity of T. vaginalis to host cells, provided a basis for searching for the drug targets of anti-T. vaginalis, and afforded new ideas for the prevention and treatment of trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchao Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiaoxiao Song
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Yangyang Deng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital Of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Fakun Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Wanxin Sheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Zhenke Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xuefang Mei
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China.
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Carvalho-de-Araújo AD, Carvalho-Kelly LF, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Anaerobic energy metabolism in human microaerophile parasites. Exp Parasitol 2023; 247:108492. [PMID: 36841468 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated parasites, such as Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis, have significant clinical relevance. The pathologies associated with infection by these parasites are among those with the highest incidence of gastroenteritis (giardiasis and amoebiasis) and sexually transmitted infections (trichomoniasis). The treatment of these diseases is based on drugs that act on the anaerobic metabolism of these parasites, such as nitroimidazole and benzimidazole derivatives. One interesting feature of parasites is their ability to produce ATP under anaerobic conditions. Due to the absence of enzymes capable of producing ATP under anaerobic conditions in the vertebrate host, they have become interesting therapeutic targets. This review discusses anaerobic energy metabolism in mucosal-associated parasites, focusing on the anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate, the importance of these enzymes as therapeutic targets, and the importance of treating their infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayra Diandra Carvalho-de-Araújo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco H, 2 andar, sala 13. Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Carvalho-Kelly
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco H, 2 andar, sala 13. Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bloco H, 2 andar, sala 13. Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência a Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INCTBEB), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Reduced mitochondria provide an essential function for the cytosolic methionine cycle. Curr Biol 2022; 32:5057-5068.e5. [PMID: 36347252 PMCID: PMC9746703 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The loss of mitochondria in oxymonad protists has been associated with the redirection of the essential Fe-S cluster assembly to the cytosol. Yet as our knowledge of diverse free-living protists broadens, the list of functions of their mitochondrial-related organelles (MROs) expands. We revealed another such function in the closest oxymonad relative, Paratrimastix pyriformis, after we solved the proteome of its MRO with high accuracy, using localization of organelle proteins by isotope tagging (LOPIT). The newly assigned enzymes connect to the glycine cleavage system (GCS) and produce folate derivatives with one-carbon units and formate. These are likely to be used by the cytosolic methionine cycle involved in S-adenosyl methionine recycling. The data provide consistency with the presence of the GCS in MROs of free-living species and its absence in most endobionts, which typically lose the methionine cycle and, in the case of oxymonads, the mitochondria.
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Smutná T, Dohnálková A, Sutak R, Narayanasamy RK, Tachezy J, Hrdý I. A cytosolic ferredoxin-independent hydrogenase possibly mediates hydrogen uptake in Trichomonas vaginalis. Curr Biol 2021; 32:124-135.e5. [PMID: 34762819 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonads, represented by the highly prevalent sexually transmitted human parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, are anaerobic eukaryotes with hydrogenosomes in the place of the standard mitochondria. Hydrogenosomes form indispensable FeS-clusters, synthesize ATP, and release molecular hydrogen as a waste product. Hydrogen formation is catalyzed by [FeFe] hydrogenase, the hallmark enzyme of all hydrogenosomes found in various eukaryotic anaerobes. Eukaryotic hydrogenases were originally thought to be exclusively localized within organelles, but today few eukaryotic anaerobes are known that possess hydrogenase in their cytosol. We identified a thus-far unknown hydrogenase in T. vaginalis cytosol that cannot use ferredoxin as a redox partner but can use cytochrome b5 as an electron acceptor. Trichomonads overexpressing the cytosolic hydrogenase, while maintaining the carbon flux through hydrogenosomes, show decreased excretion of hydrogen and increased excretion of methylated alcohols, suggesting that the cytosolic hydrogenase uses the hydrogen gas as a source of reducing power for the reactions occurring in the cytoplasm and thus accounts for the overall redox balance. This is the first evidence of hydrogen uptake in a eukaryote, although further work is needed to confirm it. Assembly of the catalytic center of [FeFe] hydrogenases (H-cluster) requires the activity of three dedicated maturases, and these proteins in T. vaginalis are exclusively localized in hydrogenosomes, where they participate in the maturation of organellar hydrogenases. Despite the different subcellular localization of cytosolic hydrogenase and maturases, the H-cluster is present in the cytosolic enzyme, suggesting the existence of an alternative mechanism of H-cluster assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Smutná
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Dohnálková
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Róbert Sutak
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Ravi Kumar Narayanasamy
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tachezy
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Hrdý
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, BIOCEV, Vestec 252 50, Czech Republic.
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Koendjbiharie JG, van Kranenburg R, Kengen SWM. The PEP-pyruvate-oxaloacetate node: variation at the heart of metabolism. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa061. [PMID: 33289792 PMCID: PMC8100219 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
At the junction between the glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle-as well as various other metabolic pathways-lies the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)-pyruvate-oxaloacetate node (PPO-node). These three metabolites form the core of a network involving at least eleven different types of enzymes, each with numerous subtypes. Obviously, no single organism maintains each of these eleven enzymes; instead, different organisms possess different subsets in their PPO-node, which results in a remarkable degree of variation, despite connecting such deeply conserved metabolic pathways as the glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The PPO-node enzymes play a crucial role in cellular energetics, with most of them involved in (de)phosphorylation of nucleotide phosphates, while those responsible for malate conversion are important redox enzymes. Variations in PPO-node therefore reflect the different energetic niches that organisms can occupy. In this review, we give an overview of the biochemistry of these eleven PPO-node enzymes. We attempt to highlight the variation that exists, both in PPO-node compositions, as well as in the roles that the enzymes can have within those different settings, through various recent discoveries in both bacteria and archaea that reveal deviations from canonical functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen G Koendjbiharie
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard van Kranenburg
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Corbion, Arkelsedijk 46, 4206 AC Gorinchem, The Netherlands
| | - Servé W M Kengen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Zhang Z, Song X, Zhang Z, Li H, Duan Y, Zhang H, Lu H, Luo C, Wang M. The molecular characterization and immune protection of adhesion protein 65 (AP65) of Trichomonas vaginalis. Microb Pathog 2021; 152:104750. [PMID: 33484808 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to the surface of the host cell is the precondition for T. vaginalis parasitism and pathogenicity, causing urogenital infection. The AP65 of T. vaginalis (TvAP65) involves in the process of adhesion. So, the present study was aimed at investigating the molecular characterization and vaccine candidacy of TvAP65 for protecting the host from the onset of Trichomoniasis. METHODS The open reading frame (ORF) of TvAP65 was amplified and then inserted into pET-32a (+) to clone recombinant TvAP65 (rTvAP65). The immunoblotting determined the immunogenicity and molecular size of TvAP65, while immunofluorescence staining visualized and the precise localization of TvAP65 in T. vaginalis trophozoites. Animal challenge and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test were used to evaluate the immunoprotection and the types of the immune response of TvAP65. RESULTS By the sequence analysis, TvAP65 encoded a 63.13 kDa protein that consisted 567 amino acid residues with a high antigenic index. The western blotting revealed that rTvAP65 and native TvAP65 could interact with the antibodies in the rat serums post hoc rTvAP65 immunization and the serums from the mice that were experimentally infected with T. vaginalis, respectively. Immunofluorescence stained TvAP65 on the surface of T. vaginalis trophozoites. Moreover, following emulsification with Freund's adjuvant, rTvAP65 was subsequently administered to BALB/c mice three times at 0, 2, and 4 weeks and the results from this animal challenge experiments showed significant increases in immunoglobulins of IgG2a, IgG1, and IgG, and cytokine of IFN-γ, and IL-2, and 10. Lastly, rTvAP65 vaccinated animals had a prolonged survival time (26.80 ± 4.05) after challenged by T. vaginalis. CONCLUSIONS TvAP65 mediated the adhesion of T. vaginalis to the host epithelia for the pathogenesis of the parasite and can be considered as a candidate protein for designing a functional vaccine that induces cell-mediated and humoral immunity against the T. vaginalis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China.
| | - Xiaoxiao Song
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Zhengbo Zhang
- School of International Education, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Haoran Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Yujuan Duan
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Haoran Lu
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Chengyang Luo
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Mingyong Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Therapy, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China.
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A systematic review of the literature on mechanisms of 5-nitroimidazole resistance in Trichomonas vaginalis. Parasitology 2020; 147:1383-1391. [PMID: 32729451 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection. 5-Nitroimidazoles [metronidazole (MTZ) and tinidazole (TDZ)] are FDA-approved treatments. To better understand treatment failure, we conducted a systematic review on mechanisms of 5-nitroimidazole resistance. METHODS PubMed, ScienceDirect and EMBASE databases were searched using keywords Trichomonas vaginalis, trichomoniasis, 5-nitroimidazole, metronidazole, tinidazole and drug resistance. Non-English language articles and articles on other treatments were excluded. RESULTS The search yielded 606 articles, of which 550 were excluded, leaving 58 articles. Trichomonas vaginalis resistance varies and is higher with MTZ (2.2-9.6%) than TDZ (0-2%). Resistance can be aerobic or anaerobic and is relative rather than absolute. Differential expression of enzymes involved in trichomonad energy production and antioxidant defenses affects 5-nitroimidazole drug activation; reduced expression of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, ferredoxin, nitroreductase, hydrogenase, thioredoxin reductase and flavin reductase are implicated in drug resistance. Trichomonas vaginalis infection with Mycoplasma hominis or T. vaginalis virus has also been associated with resistance. Trichomonas vaginalis has two genotypes, with greater resistance seen in type 2 (vs type 1) populations. DISCUSSION 5-Nitroimidazole resistance results from differential expression of enzymes involved in energy production or antioxidant defenses, along with genetic mutations in the T. vaginalis genome. Alternative treatments outside of the 5-nitroimidazole class are needed.
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Tronconi MA, Andreo CS, Drincovich MF. Chimeric Structure of Plant Malic Enzyme Family: Different Evolutionary Scenarios for NAD- and NADP-Dependent Isoforms. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:565. [PMID: 29868045 PMCID: PMC5958461 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Malic enzyme (ME) comprises a family of proteins with multiple isoforms located in different compartments of eukaryotic cells. In plants, cytosolic and plastidic enzymes share several characteristics such as NADP specificity (NADP-ME), oxaloacetate decarboxylase (OAD) activity, and homo-oligomeric assembly. However, mitochondrial counterparts are NAD-dependent proteins (mNAD-ME) lacking OAD activity, which can be structured as homo- and hetero-oligomers of two different subunits. In this study, we examined the molecular basis of these differences using multiple sequence analysis, structural modeling, and phylogenetic approaches. Plant mNAD-MEs show the lowest identity values when compared with other eukaryotic MEs with major differences including short amino acid insertions distributed throughout the primary sequence. Some residues in these exclusive segments are co-evolutionarily connected, suggesting that they could be important for enzymatic functionality. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that eukaryotes from different kingdoms used different strategies for acquiring the current set of NAD(P)-ME isoforms. In this sense, while the full gene family of vertebrates derives from the same ancestral gene, plant NADP-ME and NAD-ME isoforms have a distinct evolutionary history. Plant NADP-ME genes may have arisen from the α-protobacterial-like mitochondrial ancestor, a characteristic shared with major eukaryotic taxa. On the other hand, plant mNAD-ME genes were probably gained through an independent process involving the Archaeplastida ancestor. Finally, several residue signatures unique to all plant mNAD-MEs could be identified, some of which might be functionally connected to their exclusive biochemical properties. In light of these results, molecular evolutionary scenarios for these widely distributed enzymes in plants are discussed.
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Huang KY, Ong SC, Wu CC, Hsu CW, Lin HC, Fang YK, Cheng WH, Huang PJ, Chiu CH, Tang P. Metabolic reprogramming of hydrogenosomal amino acids in Trichomonas vaginalis under glucose restriction. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2017; 52:630-637. [PMID: 29198954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucose is the major energy source that is converted to pyruvate for ATP generation in the trichomonad hydrogenosome. Under glucose restriction (GR), the regulation of amino acids metabolism is crucial for trichomonad growth and survival. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis has been used to identify differentially expressed genes in Trichomonas vaginalis under GR, leading to significant advances in understanding adaptive responses of amino acid metabolism to GR. However, the levels of amino acid metabolites modulated by GR are unknown in T. vaginalis. METHODS Herein, we describe a comprehensive metabolomic analysis of amino acid metabolites in the hydrogenosome using liquid chromatography Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC-FT MS). The relative abundance of 17 hydrogenosomal amino acids was analyzed under GR and high-glucose (HG) conditions. RESULTS Levels of most amino acids were higher in GR culture. Arginine was not detectable in either HG or GR cultures; however, its metabolic end-product proline was slightly increased under GR, suggesting that the arginine dihydrolase pathway was more activated by GR. Additionally, methionine catabolism was less stimulated under GR because of greater methionine accumulation. Furthermore, branched chain amino acids (BCAA), including leucine, isoleucine and valine, as well as phenylalanine and alanine, markedly accumulated under GR, indicating that glutamate-related metabolic pathways were remarkably enhanced in this setting. Our metabolomic analysis combined with previous RNA-seq data confirm the existence of several amino acid metabolic pathways in the hydrogenosome and highlight their potentially important roles in T. vaginalis under glucose deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Yang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Seow-Chin Ong
- Molecular Regulation and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Wu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Hsu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Kai Fang
- Molecular Regulation and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Cheng
- Molecular Regulation and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jung Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsun Chiu
- Molecular Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Petrus Tang
- Molecular Regulation and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Molecular Infectious Diseases Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Sutak R, Hrdy I, Dolezal P, Cabala R, Sedinová M, Lewin J, Harant K, Müller M, Tachezy J. Secondary alcohol dehydrogenase catalyzes the reduction of exogenous acetone to 2-propanol in Trichomonas vaginalis. FEBS J 2012; 279:2768-80. [PMID: 22686835 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2012.08661.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Secondary alcohols such as 2-propanol are readily produced by various anaerobic bacteria that possess secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (S-ADH), although production of 2-propanol is rare in eukaryotes. Specific bacterial-type S-ADH has been identified in a few unicellular eukaryotes, but its function is not known and the production of secondary alcohols has not been studied. We purified and characterized S-ADH from the human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis. The kinetic properties and thermostability of T. vaginalis S-ADH were comparable with bacterial orthologues. The substantial activity of S-ADH in the parasite's cytosol was surprising, because only low amounts of ethanol and trace amounts of secondary alcohols were detected as metabolic end products. However, S-ADH provided the parasite with a high capacity to scavenge and reduce external acetone to 2-propanol. To maintain redox balance, the demand for reducing power to metabolize external acetone was compensated for by decreased cytosolic reduction of pyruvate to lactate and by hydrogenosomal metabolism of pyruvate. We speculate that hydrogen might be utilized to maintain cytosolic reducing power. The high activity of Tv-S-ADH together with the ability of T. vaginalis to modulate the metabolic fluxes indicate efficacious metabolic responsiveness that could be advantageous for rapid adaptation of the parasite to changes in the host environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sutak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, Prague, Czech Republic
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12
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Müller M, Mentel M, van Hellemond JJ, Henze K, Woehle C, Gould SB, Yu RY, van der Giezen M, Tielens AGM, Martin WF. Biochemistry and evolution of anaerobic energy metabolism in eukaryotes. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2012; 76:444-95. [PMID: 22688819 PMCID: PMC3372258 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.05024-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Major insights into the phylogenetic distribution, biochemistry, and evolutionary significance of organelles involved in ATP synthesis (energy metabolism) in eukaryotes that thrive in anaerobic environments for all or part of their life cycles have accrued in recent years. All known eukaryotic groups possess an organelle of mitochondrial origin, mapping the origin of mitochondria to the eukaryotic common ancestor, and genome sequence data are rapidly accumulating for eukaryotes that possess anaerobic mitochondria, hydrogenosomes, or mitosomes. Here we review the available biochemical data on the enzymes and pathways that eukaryotes use in anaerobic energy metabolism and summarize the metabolic end products that they generate in their anaerobic habitats, focusing on the biochemical roles that their mitochondria play in anaerobic ATP synthesis. We present metabolic maps of compartmentalized energy metabolism for 16 well-studied species. There are currently no enzymes of core anaerobic energy metabolism that are specific to any of the six eukaryotic supergroup lineages; genes present in one supergroup are also found in at least one other supergroup. The gene distribution across lineages thus reflects the presence of anaerobic energy metabolism in the eukaryote common ancestor and differential loss during the specialization of some lineages to oxic niches, just as oxphos capabilities have been differentially lost in specialization to anoxic niches and the parasitic life-style. Some facultative anaerobes have retained both aerobic and anaerobic pathways. Diversified eukaryotic lineages have retained the same enzymes of anaerobic ATP synthesis, in line with geochemical data indicating low environmental oxygen levels while eukaryotes arose and diversified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marek Mentel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jaap J. van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katrin Henze
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Woehle
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven B. Gould
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Re-Young Yu
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mark van der Giezen
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Aloysius G. M. Tielens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - William F. Martin
- Institute of Molecular Evolution, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Biochemical properties and physiological roles of NADP-dependent malic enzyme in Escherichia coli. J Microbiol 2011; 49:797-802. [PMID: 22068497 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-011-0487-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Malic enzymes catalyze the reversible oxidative decarboxylation of L-malate using NAD(P)(+) as a cofactor. NADP-dependent malic enzyme (MaeB) from Escherichia coli MG1655 was expressed and purified as a fusion protein. The molecular weight of MaeB was about 83 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The recombinant MaeB showed a maximum activity at pH 7.8 and 46°C. MaeB activity was dependent on the presence of Mn(2+) but was strongly inhibited by Zn(2+). In order to understand the physiological roles, recombinant E. coli strains (icd (NADP)/ΔmaeB and icd (NAD)/ΔmaeB) containing NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), or engineered NAD-dependent IDH with the deletion of the maeB gene, were constructed using homologous recombination. During growth on acetate, icd (NAD)/ΔmaeB grew poorly, having a growth rate only 60% that of the wild-type strain (icd (NADP)). Furthermore, icd (NADP)/ΔmaeB exhibited a 2-fold greater adaptability to acetate than icd (NAD)/ΔmaeB, which may be explained by more NADPH production for biosynthesis in icd (NADP)/ΔmaeB due to its NADP-dependent IDH. These results indicated that MaeB was important for NADPH production for bacterial growth on acetate. We also observed that MaeB activity was significantly enhanced (7.83-fold) in icd (NAD), which was about 3-fold higher than that in icd (NADP), when switching from glucose to acetate. The marked increase of MaeB activity was probably induced by the shortage of NADPH in icd (NAD). Evidently, MaeB contributed to the NADPH generation needed for bacterial growth on two carbon compounds.
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Evolution of bacterial phosphoglycerate mutases: non-homologous isofunctional enzymes undergoing gene losses, gains and lateral transfers. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13576. [PMID: 21187861 PMCID: PMC2964296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The glycolytic phosphoglycerate mutases exist as non-homologous isofunctional enzymes (NISE) having independent evolutionary origins and no similarity in primary sequence, 3D structure, or catalytic mechanism. Cofactor-dependent PGM (dPGM) requires 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate for activity; cofactor-independent PGM (iPGM) does not. The PGM profile of any given bacterium is unpredictable and some organisms such as Escherichia coli encode both forms. Methods/Principal Findings To examine the distribution of PGM NISE throughout the Bacteria, and gain insight into the evolutionary processes that shape their phyletic profiles, we searched bacterial genome sequences for the presence of dPGM and iPGM. Both forms exhibited patchy distributions throughout the bacterial domain. Species within the same genus, or even strains of the same species, frequently differ in their PGM repertoire. The distribution is further complicated by the common occurrence of dPGM paralogs, while iPGM paralogs are rare. Larger genomes are more likely to accommodate PGM paralogs or both NISE forms. Lateral gene transfers have shaped the PGM profiles with intradomain and interdomain transfers apparent. Archaeal-type iPGM was identified in many bacteria, often as the sole PGM. To address the function of PGM NISE in an organism encoding both forms, we analyzed recombinant enzymes from E. coli. Both NISE were active mutases, but the specific activity of dPGM greatly exceeded that of iPGM, which showed highest activity in the presence of manganese. We created PGM null mutants in E. coli and discovered the ΔdPGM mutant grew slowly due to a delay in exiting stationary phase. Overexpression of dPGM or iPGM overcame this defect. Conclusions/Significance Our biochemical and genetic analyses in E. coli firmly establish dPGM and iPGM as NISE. Metabolic redundancy is indicated since only larger genomes encode both forms. Non-orthologous gene displacement can fully account for the non-uniform PGM distribution we report across the bacterial domain.
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Morada M, Manzur M, Lam B, Tan C, Tachezy J, Rappelli P, Dessì D, Fiori PL, Yarlett N. Arginine metabolism in Trichomonas vaginalis infected with Mycoplasma hominis. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2010; 156:3734-3743. [PMID: 20656780 PMCID: PMC3068705 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.042192-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Both Mycoplasma hominis and Trichomonas vaginalis utilize arginine as an energy source via the arginine dihydrolase (ADH) pathway. It has been previously demonstrated that M. hominis forms a stable intracellular relationship with T. vaginalis; hence, in this study we examined the interaction of two localized ADH pathways by comparing T. vaginalis strain SS22 with the laboratory-generated T. vaginalis strain SS22-MOZ2 infected with M. hominis MOZ2. The presence of M. hominis resulted in an approximately 16-fold increase in intracellular ornithine and a threefold increase in putrescine, compared with control T. vaginalis cultures. No change in the activity of enzymes of the ADH pathway could be demonstrated in SS22-MOZ2 compared with the parent SS22, and the increased production of ornithine could be attributed to the presence of M. hominis. Using metabolic flow analysis it was determined that the elasticity of enzymes of the ADH pathway in SS22-MOZ2 was unchanged compared with the parent SS22; however, the elasticity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in SS22 was small, and it was doubled in SS22-MOZ2 cells. The potential benefit of this relationship to both T. vaginalis and M. hominis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Morada
- Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, NY 10038, USA
| | | | - Brian Lam
- The Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, NY 10038, USA.,Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, NY 10038, USA
| | - Cho Tan
- The Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, NY 10038, USA.,Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, NY 10038, USA
| | - Jan Tachezy
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Experimental and Clinical Microbiology, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Experimental and Clinical Microbiology, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier L Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Experimental and Clinical Microbiology, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Nigel Yarlett
- The Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, NY 10038, USA.,Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, NY 10038, USA
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16
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Identification and molecular characterization of numerous Histomonas meleagridis proteins using a cDNA library. Parasitology 2009; 136:379-91. [PMID: 19154645 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182008005477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYHistomonas meleagridis is a protozoan parasite of various galliform birds causing a type of enterohepatitis termed histomonosis or 'blackhead disease'. Due to the ban of chemotherapeutic substances and an increase in free-range poultry production, histomonosis is currently a re-emerging disease. So far limited molecular knowledge is available. In the present work, mRNAs coding for antigenic proteins of H. meleagridis were identified. For this purpose, a cDNA expression library was constructed from a mono-eukaryotic culture of H. meleagridis. The library was screened with polyclonal rabbit serum raised against purified H. meleagridis trophozoites. Polyclonal rabbit serum specifically recognized the same major H. meleagridis antigens as chicken and turkey sera originating from animal trials, but displayed a significantly lower bacteria-dependent background signal. After 2 rounds of screening, a total of 95 positive clones were sequenced. Bioinformatics analyses were performed on nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences, identifying 37 unique clones. Based on the homology to other protozoan parasites, mostly Trichomonas vaginalis, the clones were grouped according to functional aspects: structural proteins, possible surface proteins, oxygen reducing proteins, ribosomal proteins, protein kinases and various other intracellular proteins.
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Transcriptional regulation of an iron-inducible gene by differential and alternate promoter entries of multiple Myb proteins in the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2009; 8:362-72. [PMID: 19151329 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00317-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Iron-inducible transcription of a malic enzyme gene (also reputed to be ap65-1) in Trichomonas vaginalis was previously shown to involve a Myb1 repressor and a Myb2 activator, each of which may preferentially select two closely spaced promoter sites, MRE-1/MRE-2r, which comprises overlapping promoter elements, and MRE-2f. In the present study, an iron-inducible approximately 32-kDa Myb3 nuclear protein was demonstrated to bind only the MRE-1 element. Changes in the iron supply, which produced antagonistic effects on the levels of Myb2 and Myb3 expression, also resulted in temporal and alternate entries of Myb2 and Myb3 into the ap65-1 promoter. Repression or activation of basal and iron-inducible ap65-1 transcription was detected in transfected cells when Myb3 was, respectively, substantially knocked down or overexpressed. In the latter case, increased Myb3 promoter entry was detected with concomitant decrease in Myb2 promoter entry under specific conditions, while Myb3 promoter entry was inhibited under all test conditions in cells overexpressing Myb2. In contrast, concomitant promoter entries by Myb2 and Myb3 diminished in cells overexpressing Myb1, except that Myb3 promoter entry was slightly affected under prolonged iron depletion. Together, these results suggest that Myb2 and Myb3 may coactivate basal and iron-inducible ap65-1 transcription against Myb1 through conditional and competitive promoter entries.
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18
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Garcia AF, Alderete J. Characterization of the Trichomonas vaginalis surface-associated AP65 and binding domain interacting with trichomonads and host cells. BMC Microbiol 2007; 7:116. [PMID: 18158858 PMCID: PMC2222631 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-7-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Accepted: 12/25/2007] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background AP65 is a prominent adhesin of Trichomonas vaginalis that mediates binding of parasites to host vaginal epithelial cells (VECs). AP65 with no secretion signal sequence, membrane targeting peptide, and anchoring motif was recently found to be secreted. Results We first wanted to demonstrate surface association of AP65 to the parasite followed by the identification of the binding epitope interacting with both organisms and VECs. AP65 was found to bind to trichomonads, but not to trypsin-treated parasites, in an auto-ligand assay, suggesting the existence of a surface protein associating with AP65. Since rabbit antiserum IgG antibodies reactive with epitopes localized to the N-terminal region of AP65 inhibit the attachment of live parasites to VECs, we hypothesized that the binding domain was localized to this region. We subcloned five overlapping fragments of AP65 called c1 through c5, and expression of recombinant clones was confirmed with antibodies to AP65. Each purified recombinant protein was then tested for binding activity using an established ligand assay, and fragment c1 with the first twenty-five amino acids in the N-terminal domain was required for binding to VECs and, surprisingly, also to parasites. Importantly, c1 competed with the binding of AP65 to both cells types. Conclusion T. vaginalis AP65 is a secreted, surface-associated protein and a model is proposed to explain how this secreted protein functions as an adhesin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
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19
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Lerondel G, Doan T, Zamboni N, Sauer U, Aymerich S. YtsJ has the major physiological role of the four paralogous malic enzyme isoforms in Bacillus subtilis. J Bacteriol 2006; 188:4727-36. [PMID: 16788182 PMCID: PMC1482987 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00167-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bacillus subtilis genome contains several sets of paralogs. An extreme case is the four putative malic enzyme genes maeA, malS, ytsJ, and mleA. maeA was demonstrated to encode malic enzyme activity, to be inducible by malate, but also to be dispensable for growth on malate. We report systematic experiments to test whether these four genes ensure backup or cover different functions. Analysis of single- and multiple-mutant strains demonstrated that ytsJ has a major physiological role in malate utilization for which none of the other three genes could compensate. In contrast, maeA, malS, and mleA had distinct roles in malate utilization for which they could compensate one another. The four proteins exhibited malic enzyme activity; MalS, MleA, and MaeA exhibited 4- to 90-fold higher activities with NAD+ than with NADP+. YtsJ activity, in contrast, was 70-fold higher with NADP+ than with NAD+, with Km values of 0.055 and 2.8 mM, respectively. lacZ fusions revealed strong transcription of ytsJ, twofold higher in malate than in glucose medium, but weak transcription of malS and mleA. In contrast, mleA was strongly transcribed in complex medium. Metabolic flux analysis confirmed the major role of YtsJ in malate-to-pyruvate interconversion. While overexpression of the NADP-dependent Escherichia coli malic enzyme MaeB did not suppress the growth defect of a ytsJ mutant on malate, overexpression of the transhydrogenase UdhA from E. coli partially suppressed it. These results suggest an additional physiological role of YtsJ beyond that of malate-to-pyruvate conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Lerondel
- Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaire, INRA (UMR1238) CNRS (UMR2585) and INAP-G, F-78850 Thiverval-Grignon, France
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20
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Ong SJ, Hsu HM, Liu HW, Chu CH, Tai JH. Multifarious transcriptional regulation of adhesion protein gene ap65-1 by a novel Myb1 protein in the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2006; 5:391-9. [PMID: 16467479 PMCID: PMC1405892 DOI: 10.1128/ec.5.2.391-399.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The transcription efficiency of an adhesion protein gene, ap65-1, in Trichomonas vaginalis varies with changes in the iron supply and with the growth stage. In the present study, two Myb recognition elements, MRE-1/MRE-2r and MRE-2f, were found to play antagonistic roles in regulating the iron-inducible activity of an ap65-1 reporter gene. Intriguingly, either of these elements was shown to be sufficient to repress basal activity, but together they were also shown to activate growth-related activity of the reporter gene in iron-depleted cells. A myb1 gene which encodes a 24-kDa protein containing a Myb-like R2R3 DNA binding domain was identified from Southwestern screening of MRE-2f-binding proteins. The Myb1 protein was detected as a major 35-kDa protein which exhibited variations in nuclear concentration with changes in the iron supply. A recombinant Myb1 protein was shown to differentially interact with MRE-1/MRE-2r and MRE-2f in vitro. Overexpression of hemagglutinin-tagged Myb1 in T. vaginalis resulted in repression or activation of ap65-1 transcription in iron-depleted cells at an early and a late stage of cell growth, respectively, while iron-inducible ap65-1 transcription was constitutively repressed. The hemagglutinin-tagged Myb1 protein was found to constantly occupy the chromosomal ap65-1 promoter at a proximal site, but it also selected two more distal sites only at the late growth stage. Together, these observations suggest that Myb1 critically regulates multifarious ap65-1 transcription, possibly via differential selection of multiple promoter sites upon environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiou-Jeng Ong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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21
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Willett CS. Deleterious epistatic interactions between electron transport system protein-coding loci in the copepod Tigriopus californicus. Genetics 2006; 173:1465-77. [PMID: 16624922 PMCID: PMC1526685 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.105.051011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The nature of epistatic interactions between genes encoding interacting proteins in hybrid organisms can have important implications for the evolution of postzygotic reproductive isolation and speciation. At this point very little is known about the fitness differences caused by specific closely interacting but evolutionarily divergent proteins in hybrids between populations or species. The intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus provides an excellent model in which to study such interactions because the species range includes numerous genetically divergent populations that are still capable of being crossed in the laboratory. Here, the effect on fitness due to the interactions of three complex III proteins of the electron transport system in F2 hybrid copepods resulting from crosses of a pair of divergent populations is examined. Significant deviations from Mendelian inheritance are observed for each of the three genes in F2 hybrid adults but not in nauplii (larvae). The two-way interactions between these genes also have a significant impact upon the viability of these hybrid copepods. Dominance appears to play an important role in mediating the interactions between these loci as deviations are caused by heterozygote/homozygote deleterious interactions. These results suggest that the fitness consequences of the interactions of these three complex III-associated genes could influence reproductive isolation in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Willett
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3280, USA.
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22
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Ricard G, McEwan NR, Dutilh BE, Jouany JP, Macheboeuf D, Mitsumori M, McIntosh FM, Michalowski T, Nagamine T, Nelson N, Newbold CJ, Nsabimana E, Takenaka A, Thomas NA, Ushida K, Hackstein JHP, Huynen MA. Horizontal gene transfer from Bacteria to rumen Ciliates indicates adaptation to their anaerobic, carbohydrates-rich environment. BMC Genomics 2006; 7:22. [PMID: 16472398 PMCID: PMC1413528 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-7-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2005] [Accepted: 02/10/2006] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The horizontal transfer of expressed genes from Bacteria into Ciliates which live in close contact with each other in the rumen (the foregut of ruminants) was studied using ciliate Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs). More than 4000 ESTs were sequenced from representatives of the two major groups of rumen Cilates: the order Entodiniomorphida (Entodinium simplex, Entodinium caudatum, Eudiplodinium maggii, Metadinium medium, Diploplastron affine, Polyplastron multivesiculatum and Epidinium ecaudatum) and the order Vestibuliferida, previously called Holotricha (Isotricha prostoma, Isotricha intestinalis and Dasytricha ruminantium). Results A comparison of the sequences with the completely sequenced genomes of Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes, followed by large-scale construction and analysis of phylogenies, identified 148 ciliate genes that specifically cluster with genes from the Bacteria and Archaea. The phylogenetic clustering with bacterial genes, coupled with the absence of close relatives of these genes in the Ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, indicates that they have been acquired via Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) after the colonization of the gut by the rumen Ciliates. Conclusion Among the HGT candidates, we found an over-representation (>75%) of genes involved in metabolism, specifically in the catabolism of complex carbohydrates, a rich food source in the rumen. We propose that the acquisition of these genes has greatly facilitated the Ciliates' colonization of the rumen providing evidence for the role of HGT in the adaptation to new niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guénola Ricard
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Neil R McEwan
- Institute of Rural Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, SY23 3AL, UK
| | - Bas E Dutilh
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Pierre Jouany
- I.N.R.A., Station de Recherches sur la Nutrition des Herbivores, Centre de Recherches de Clermont-Ferrand/Theix, France
| | - Didier Macheboeuf
- I.N.R.A., Station de Recherches sur la Nutrition des Herbivores, Centre de Recherches de Clermont-Ferrand/Theix, France
| | - Makoto Mitsumori
- National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, 2 Ikenodai, Kukizaki, Ibaraki, 305-0901, Japan
| | | | - Tadeusz Michalowski
- Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jablonna, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Takafumi Nagamine
- Rumen Microbiology Research Team, STAFF-Institute, 446-1 Ippaizuka, Kamiyokoba, Tsukuba 305-0854, Japan
| | - Nancy Nelson
- Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK
| | - Charles J Newbold
- Rumen Microbiology Research Team, STAFF-Institute, 446-1 Ippaizuka, Kamiyokoba, Tsukuba 305-0854, Japan
| | - Eli Nsabimana
- I.N.R.A., Station de Recherches sur la Nutrition des Herbivores, Centre de Recherches de Clermont-Ferrand/Theix, France
| | - Akio Takenaka
- National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, 2 Ikenodai, Kukizaki, Ibaraki, 305-0901, Japan
| | | | - Kazunari Ushida
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Kyoto Prefectural University, Shimogamo, Kyoto 606-8522, Japan
| | - Johannes HP Hackstein
- Department of Evolutionary Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Huynen
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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23
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Saayman M, van Zyl WH, Viljoen-Bloom M. Cloning, characterisation, and heterologous expression of the Candida utilis malic enzyme gene. Curr Genet 2006; 49:248-58. [PMID: 16437252 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-005-0052-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2005] [Revised: 12/05/2005] [Accepted: 12/06/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Candida utilis malic enzyme gene, CME1, was isolated from a cDNA library and characterised on a molecular and biochemical level. Sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1,926 bp, encoding a 641 amino acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 70.2 kDa. The inferred amino acid sequence suggested a cytosolic localisation for the malic enzyme, as well as 37 and 68% homologies with the malic enzymes of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively. Expression of the CME1 gene was subject to carbon catabolite repression and substrate induction, similar to the regulatory mechanisms observed for the C. utilis dicarboxylic acid permease. The CME1 gene was successfully expressed in S. cerevisiae under control of the S. cerevisiae PGK1 promoter and terminator. When coexpressed with the S. pombe malate permease gene (mae1), it resulted in a recombinant S. cerevisiae strain able to completely degrade 90% of the extracellular L-malate within 24 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Saayman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, 7602, Matieland, South Africa
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Dyall SD, Yan W, Delgadillo-Correa MG, Lunceford A, Loo JA, Clarke CF, Johnson PJ. Non-mitochondrial complex I proteins in a hydrogenosomal oxidoreductase complex. Nature 2004; 431:1103-7. [PMID: 15510149 DOI: 10.1038/nature02990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2004] [Accepted: 09/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a unicellular microaerophilic eukaryote that lacks mitochondria yet contains an alternative organelle, the hydrogenosome, involved in pyruvate metabolism. Pathways between the two organelles differ substantially: in hydrogenosomes, pyruvate oxidation is catalysed by pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), with electrons donated to an [Fe]-hydrogenase which produces hydrogen. ATP is generated exclusively by substrate-level phosphorylation in hydrogenosomes, as opposed to oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. PFOR and hydrogenase are found in eubacteria and amitochondriate eukaryotes, but not in typical mitochondria. Analyses of mitochondrial genomes indicate that mitochondria have a single endosymbiotic origin from an alpha-proteobacterial-type progenitor. The absence of a genome in trichomonad hydrogenosomes precludes such comparisons, leaving the endosymbiotic history of this organelle unclear. Although phylogenetic reconstructions of a few proteins indicate that trichomonad hydrogenosomes share a common origin with mitochondria, others do not. Here we describe a novel NADH dehydrogenase module of respiratory complex I that is coupled to the central hydrogenosomal fermentative pathway to form a hydrogenosomal oxidoreductase complex that seems to function independently of quinones. Phylogenetic analyses of hydrogenosomal complex I-like proteins Ndh51 and Ndh24 reveal that neither has a common origin with mitochondrial homologues. These studies argue against a vertical origin of trichomonad hydrogenosomes from the proto-mitochondrial endosymbiont.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina D Dyall
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, 1602 Molecular Sciences Building, 609 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1489, USA
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