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Nie L, Sun K, Gong Z, Li H, Quinn JP, Wang M. Src Family Kinases Facilitate the Crosstalk between CGRP and Cytokines in Sensitizing Trigeminal Ganglion via Transmitting CGRP Receptor/PKA Pathway. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213498. [PMID: 36359895 PMCID: PMC9655983 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The communication between calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and cytokines plays a prominent role in maintaining trigeminal ganglion (TG) and trigeminovascular sensitization. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism is elusive. In this study, we explored the hypothesis that Src family kinases (SFKs) activity facilitates the crosstalk between CGRP and cytokines in sensitizing TG. Mouse TG tissue culture was performed to study CGRP release by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cytokine release by multiplex assay, cytokine gene expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and phosphorylated SFKs level by western blot. The results demonstrated that a SFKs activator, pYEEI (YGRKKRRQRRREPQY(PO3H2)EEIPIYL) alone, did not alter CGRP release or the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene expression in the mouse TG. In contrast, a SFKs inhibitor, saracatinib, restored CGRP release, the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, C-X-C motif ligand 1, C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) release, and IL-1β, CCL2 gene expression when the mouse TG was pre-sensitized with hydrogen peroxide and CGRP respectively. Consistently with this, the phosphorylated SFKs level was increased by both hydrogen peroxide and CGRP in the mouse TG, which was reduced by a CGRP receptor inhibitor BIBN4096 and a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor PKI (14–22) Amide. The present study demonstrates that SFKs activity plays a pivotal role in facilitating the crosstalk between CGRP and cytokines by transmitting CGRP receptor/PKA signaling to potentiate TG sensitization and ultimately trigeminovascular sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingdi Nie
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Kai Sun
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ziyang Gong
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Haoyang Li
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou 215123, China
| | - John P. Quinn
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Minyan Wang
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Correspondence:
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Hunter KS, Davies SJ. Host Adaptive Immune Status Regulates Expression of the Schistosome AMP-Activated Protein Kinase. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2699. [PMID: 30519243 PMCID: PMC6260181 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes exhibit profound developmental adaptations in response to the immune status of their mammalian host, including significant attenuation of parasite growth, development and reproduction in response to deficits in host adaptive immunity. These observations led us to hypothesize that schistosomes regulate the utilization of energy resources in response to immunological conditions within the host. To test this hypothesis, we identified and characterized the Schistosoma mansoni AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a heterotrimeric enzyme complex that is central to regulating energy metabolism at the cellular and organismal level in eukaryotes. We show that expression of the catalytic α subunit is developmentally regulated during the parasite life cycle, with peak expression occurring in adult worms. However, the protein is present and phosphorylated in all life cycle stages examined, suggesting a need for active regulation of energy resources throughout the life cycle. In contrast, transcription of the AMPK α gene is down-regulated in cercariae and schistosomula, suggesting that the protein in these life cycle stages is pre-synthesized in the sporocyst and that expression must be re-initiated once inside the mammalian host. We also show that schistosome AMPK α activity in adult worms is sensitive to changes in the parasite's environment, suggesting a mechanism by which schistosome metabolism may be responsive to host immune factors. Finally, we show that AMPK α expression is significantly down-regulated in parasites isolated from immunodeficient mice, suggesting that modulation of parasite energy metabolism may contribute to the attenuation of schistosome growth and reproduction in immunodeficient hosts. These findings provide insights into the molecular interactions between schistosomes and their vertebrate hosts and suggest that parasite energy metabolism may represent a novel target for anti-schistosome interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasandra S Hunter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Stephen J Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Signalling pathways in schistosomes: novel targets for control interventions against schistosomiasis. Emerg Top Life Sci 2017; 1:633-639. [PMID: 33525854 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been accumulating evidence showing that signalling pathways are involved in extensive biological and physiological processes in the human blood fluke schistosomes, playing essential roles in environmental sensing, host penetration, growth, development, maturation, embryogenesis, tissue self-renewal and survival. Owing to the likelihood of resistance developing against praziquantel, the only drug currently available that is effective against all the human schistosome species, there is an urgent requirement for an alternative treatment, arguing for continuing research into novel or repurposed anti-schistosomal drugs. An increasing number of anticancer drugs are being developed which block abnormal signalling pathways, a feature that has stimulated interest in developing novel interventions against human schistosomiasis by targeting key cell signalling components. In this review, we discuss the functional characterization of signal transduction pathways in schistosomes and consider current challenges and future perspectives in this important area of research.
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Kinases: Molecular Stage Directors for Schistosome Development and Differentiation. Trends Parasitol 2017; 34:246-260. [PMID: 29276074 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding schistosome biology is still a challenging mission. The reproductive biology of this parasitic trematode is closely associated with the pathologic consequences of schistosomiasis, the devastating infectious disease caused by members of the family Schistosomatidae worldwide. Recent studies of signaling mechanisms confirmed the prominent roles of protein kinases (PKs) in directing schistosome biology, and first evidence was obtained for an additional contribution of kinases with substrates different from proteins (non-PKs). This review provides an overview of the Schistosoma mansoni kinome in the context of male-female interaction and summarizes recent studies of kinases controlling development and differentiation. Due to their importance for schistosome biology, kinases represent Achilles' heels and are therefore of high value also for translational research.
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Gu K, Li Y, Driguez P, Zeng Q, Yu X, Sun H, Cai L, He Y, Wang W, McManus DP. Clinical diagnostic value of viable Schistosoma japonicum eggs detected in host tissues. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:244. [PMID: 28376858 PMCID: PMC5379624 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2362-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases, is endemic in more than 70 countries. However, the clinical diagnosis of patients with a low degree of infection is an unsolved technical problem. In areas endemic for schistosomiasis japonica, proctoscopy detection of eggs has been one method used for clinical diagnosis. However, it is often a challenge to find typical live eggs and it is difficult to distinguish live eggs from large numbers of partially degraded and/or completely degraded eggs within colon biopsy tissue. To address this problem, we tested six different morphological and biochemical/molecular markers (ALP; morphological characteristics of egg; CalS (calcified substance); AOS (antioxidase); SDHG (succinic dehydrogenase) and SjR2 mRNA (retrotransposons 2 of S.japonicum genome mRNA)), including four new markers (CalS; AOS; SDHG and SjR2 mRNA.), to determine the viability of S. japonicum eggs deposited in human and mouse colon tissues. Our ultimate aim is to obtain a new method that is more sensitive, practical and accurate to clinically diagnose schistosomiasis. Methods Tissue samples were collected from mice at six different time points during S. japonicum infection with or without treatment with praziquantel (PZQ). Four new biochemical or molecular markers were used for the detection of egg viability from mouse liver and intestinal samples: CalS; AOS; SDHG and SjR2 mRNA. Subsequently, all markers were employed for the detection and analysis of eggs deposited in biopsy materials from patients with suspected schistosomiasis japonica for clinical evaluation. Microscopic examination of the egg morphology, worm burden in vivo and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) levels were used as a reference standard to evaluate the sensitivity and reliability of four new markers detecting egg viability. Results The results of the study showed that the morphology of S. japonicum eggs deposited in tissues of hosts with schistosomiasis, especially cases with chronic schistosomiasis, is complex and egg viability is difficult to judge morphologically, particularly eggs with a fuzzy structure or partially modified eggs. We found that the majority of the viable schistosome eggs determined by four new markers (CalS, AOS, SDHG and SjR2 mRNA) were morphologically difficult to identify. Conclusions Among the markers, the most sensitive and specific method was the detection of SjR2 mRNA and the most simple, rapid and practical method was the detection of SDHG. Therefore, the detection of SDHG is the most practical for clinical application and its use could improve the accuracy in diagnosing active schistosome infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2362-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kongzhen Gu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (CSU), 410013, Tongzipo Road 172#, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland Institution of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Xiangyue Hospital, Schistosomiasis Control and Prevention Institution of Hunan Province, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Patrick Driguez
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland Institution of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Qingren Zeng
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (CSU), 410013, Tongzipo Road 172#, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinlin Yu
- Xiangyue Hospital, Schistosomiasis Control and Prevention Institution of Hunan Province, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (CSU), 410013, Tongzipo Road 172#, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liting Cai
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (CSU), 410013, Tongzipo Road 172#, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongkang He
- Xiangyue Hospital, Schistosomiasis Control and Prevention Institution of Hunan Province, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyang Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (CSU), 410013, Tongzipo Road 172#, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland Institution of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Hirst NL, Lawton SP, Walker AJ. Protein kinase A signalling in Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and schistosomules. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:425-37. [PMID: 26777870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase/protein kinase A regulates multiple processes in eukaryotes by phosphorylating diverse cellular substrates, including metabolic and signalling enzymes, ion channels and transcription factors. Here we provide insight into protein kinase A signalling in cercariae and 24h in vitro cultured somules of the blood parasite, Schistosoma mansoni, which causes human intestinal schistosomiasis. Functional mapping of activated protein kinase A using anti-phospho protein kinase A antibodies and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed activated protein kinase A in the central and peripheral nervous system, oral-tip sensory papillae, oesophagus and excretory system of intact cercariae. Cultured 24h somules, which biologically represent the skin-resident stage of the parasite, exhibited similar activation patterns in oesophageal and nerve tissues but also displayed striking activation at the tegument and activation in a region resembling the germinal 'stem' cell cluster. The adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, stimulated somule protein kinase A activation and produced a hyperkinesia phenotype. The biogenic amines, serotonin and dopamine known to be present in skin also induced protein kinase A activation in somules, whereas neuropeptide Y or [Leu(31),Pro(34)]-neuropeptide Y attenuated protein kinase A activation. However, neuropeptide Y did not block the forskolin-induced somule hyperkinesia. Bioinformatic investigation of potential protein associations revealed 193 medium confidence and 59 high confidence protein kinase A interacting partners in S. mansoni, many of which possess putative protein kinase A phosphorylation sites. These data provide valuable insight into the intricacies of protein kinase A signalling in S. mansoni and a framework for further physiological investigations into the roles of protein kinase A in schistosomes, particularly in the context of interactions between the parasite and the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Hirst
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Scott P Lawton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
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8
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Morel M, Vanderstraete M, Cailliau K, Lescuyer A, Lancelot J, Dissous C. Compound library screening identified Akt/PKB kinase pathway inhibitors as potential key molecules for the development of new chemotherapeutics against schistosomiasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:256-66. [PMID: 25516836 PMCID: PMC4266776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of PK inhibitors affects schistosome viability and reproduction. Structure and activity of the Akt/PKB protein are highly conserved in Schistosoma mansoni. Commercial Akt inhibitors are active on the recombinant SmAkt protein. Akt pathway inhibitors have schistosomicidal activity in vitro. SmAkt can be considered as a potential target for the control of schistosomiasis.
Protein kinases (PKs) are one of the largest protein families in most eukaryotic organisms. These enzymes are involved in the control of cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism and a large number of the anticancer drugs currently used are directed against PKs. The structure and function of PKs are well conserved throughout evolution. In schistosome parasites, PKs were shown to be involved in essential functions at every stage of the parasite life cycle, making these enzymes promising anti-parasite drug targets. In this study, we tested a panel of commercial inhibitors for various PKs and analyzed their effects on pairing and egg production by schistosomes as well as their toxicity towards schistosomula larvae. Results obtained confirmed the deleterious effect of PK targeting on Schistosoma mansoni physiology and the important function of different tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases in the biology and reproduction of this parasite. They also indicated for the first time that the Protein kinase B (also called Akt) which is a major downstream target of many receptor tyrosine kinases and a central player at the crossroads of signal transduction pathways activated in response to growth factors and insulin, can constitute a novel target for anti-schistosome chemotherapy. Structural and functional studies have shown that SmAkt is a conserved kinase and that its activity can be inhibited by commercially available Akt inhibitors. In treated adult worms, Akt/PKB kinase pathway inhibitors induced profound alterations in pairing and egg laying and they also greatly affected the viability of schistosomula larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Morel
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Mathieu Vanderstraete
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Katia Cailliau
- Laboratoire de Régulation des Signaux de Division, Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technology, EA 4479, IFR 147, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Arlette Lescuyer
- Laboratoire de Régulation des Signaux de Division, Université Lille 1 Sciences et Technology, EA 4479, IFR 147, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Julien Lancelot
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
| | - Colette Dissous
- CIIL - Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 59019 Lille Cedex, France
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Beckmann S, Long T, Scheld C, Geyer R, Caffrey CR, Grevelding CG. Serum albumin and α-1 acid glycoprotein impede the killing of Schistosoma mansoni by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Imatinib. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:287-95. [PMID: 25516839 PMCID: PMC4266805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Abl tyrosine-kinase inhibitor Imatinib is toxic to S. mansoni in vitro but not in vivo in rodents. Blood components like serum albumin and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) negated Imatinib’s toxicity in vitro. Erythromycin partially restored the toxicity of Imatinib in vitro. High levels of AGP upon infection make rodents poor models for examining some small molecule inhibitors.
In the search for new drugs and drug targets to treat the flatworm disease schistosomiasis, protein kinases (PKs) have come under particular scrutiny because of their essential roles in developmental and physiological processes in schistosome parasites. In this context the application of the anti-cancer Abl tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor Imatinib (Gleevec/Glivec; STI-571) to adult Schistosoma mansoni in vitro has indicated negative effects on diverse physiological processes including survival. Motivated by these in vitro findings, we performed in vivo experiments in rodent models of S. mansoni infection. Unexpectedly, Imatinib had no effect on worm burden or egg-production. We found that the blood components serum albumin (SA) and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP or orosomucoid) negated Imatinib’s deleterious effects on adult S. mansoni and schistosomula (post-infective larvae) in vitro. This negative effect was partially reversed by erythromycin. AGP synthesis can increase as a consequence of inflammatory processes or infection; in addition upon infection AGP levels are 6–8 times higher in mice compared to humans. Therefore, mice and probably other rodents are poor infection models for measuring the effects of Imatinib in vivo. Accordingly, we suggest the routine evaluation of the ability of AGP and SA to block in vitro anti-schistosomal effects of small molecules like Imatinib prior to laborious and expensive animal experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Beckmann
- BFS, Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thavy Long
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christina Scheld
- BFS, Institute for Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Geyer
- Institute for Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Walker AJ, Ressurreição M, Rothermel R. Exploring the function of protein kinases in schistosomes: perspectives from the laboratory and from comparative genomics. Front Genet 2014; 5:229. [PMID: 25132840 PMCID: PMC4117187 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic protein kinases are well conserved through evolution. The genome of Schistosoma mansoni, which causes intestinal schistosomiasis, encodes over 250 putative protein kinases with all of the main eukaryotic groups represented. However, unraveling functional roles for these kinases is a considerable endeavor, particularly as protein kinases regulate multiple and sometimes overlapping cell and tissue functions in organisms. In this article, elucidating protein kinase signal transduction and function in schistosomes is considered from the perspective of the state-of-the-art methodologies used and comparative organismal biology, with a focus on current advances and future directions. Using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a comparator we predict roles for various schistosome protein kinases in processes vital for host invasion and successful parasitism such as sensory behavior, growth and development. It is anticipated that the characterization of schistosome protein kinases in the context of parasite function will catalyze cutting edge research into host-parasite interactions and will reveal new targets for developing drug interventions against human schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Walker
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | - Margarida Ressurreição
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | - Rolf Rothermel
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University Kingston upon Thames, UK
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Imatinib treatment causes substantial transcriptional changes in adult Schistosoma mansoni in vitro exhibiting pleiotropic effects. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2923. [PMID: 24921634 PMCID: PMC4055459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosome parasites cause schistosomiasis, one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. For decades Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug widely used for controlling schistosomiasis. The absence of a vaccine and fear of PZQ resistance have motivated the search for alternatives. Studies on protein kinases (PKs) demonstrated their importance for diverse physiological processes in schistosomes. Among others two Abl tyrosine kinases, SmAbl1 and SmAbl2, were identified in Schistosoma mansoni and shown to be transcribed in the gonads and the gastrodermis. SmAbl1 activity was blocked by Imatinib, a known Abl-TK inhibitor used in human cancer therapy (Gleevec/Glivec). Imatinib exhibited dramatic effects on the morphology and physiology of adult schistosomes in vitro causing the death of the parasites. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Here we show modeling data supporting the targeting of SmAbl1/2 by Imatinib. A biochemical assay confirmed that SmAbl2 activity is also inhibited by Imatinib. Microarray analyses and qRT-PCR experiments were done to unravel transcriptional processes influenced by Imatinib in adult schistosomes in vitro demonstrating a wide influence on worm physiology. Surface-, muscle-, gut and gonad-associated processes were affected as evidenced by the differential transcription of e.g. the gynecophoral canal protein gene GCP, paramyosin, titin, hemoglobinase, and cathepsins. Furthermore, transcript levels of VAL-7 and egg formation-associated genes such as tyrosinase 1, p14, and fs800-like were affected as well as those of signaling genes including a ribosomal protein S6 kinase and a glutamate receptor. Finally, a comparative in silico analysis of the obtained microarray data sets and previous data analyzing the effect of a TGFβR1 inhibitor on transcription provided first evidence for an association of TGFβ and Abl kinase signaling. Among others GCP and egg formation-associated genes were identified as common targets. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The data affirm broad negative effects of Imatinib on worm physiology substantiating the role of PKs as interesting targets.
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“Omics” in the study of the major parasitic diseases malaria and schistosomiasis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 19:258-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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de Saram PSR, Ressurreição M, Davies AJ, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Walker AJ. Functional mapping of protein kinase A reveals its importance in adult Schistosoma mansoni motor activity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e1988. [PMID: 23326613 PMCID: PMC3542114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase/protein kinase A (PKA) is the major transducer of cAMP signalling in eukaryotic cells. Here, using laser scanning confocal microscopy and 'smart' anti-phospho PKA antibodies that exclusively detect activated PKA, we provide a detailed in situ analysis of PKA signalling in intact adult Schistosoma mansoni, a causative agent of debilitating human intestinal schistosomiasis. In both adult male and female worms, activated PKA was consistently found associated with the tegument, oral and ventral suckers, oesophagus and somatic musculature. In addition, the seminal vesicle and gynaecophoric canal muscles of the male displayed activated PKA whereas in female worms activated PKA localized to the ootype wall, the ovary, and the uterus particularly around eggs during expulsion. Exposure of live worms to the PKA activator forskolin (50 µM) resulted in striking PKA activation in the central and peripheral nervous system including at nerve endings at/near the tegument surface. Such neuronal PKA activation was also observed without forskolin treatment, but only in a single batch of worms. In addition, PKA activation within the central and peripheral nervous systems visibly increased within 15 min of worm-pair separation when compared to that observed in closely coupled worm pairs. Finally, exposure of adult worms to forskolin induced hyperkinesias in a time and dose dependent manner with 100 µM forskolin significantly increasing the frequency of gross worm movements to 5.3 times that of control worms (P≤0.001). Collectively these data are consistent with PKA playing a central part in motor activity and neuronal communication, and possibly interplay between these two systems in S. mansoni. This study, the first to localize a protein kinase when exclusively in an activated state in adult S. mansoni, provides valuable insight into the intricacies of functional protein kinase signalling in the context of whole schistosome physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulu S. R. de Saram
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Zoology Department, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Davies
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - David Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Zoology Department, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M. Emery
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Zoology Department, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Isokpehi RD, Mahmud O, Mbah AN, Simmons SS, Avelar L, Rajnarayanan RV, Udensi UK, Ayensu WK, Cohly HH, Brown SD, Dates CR, Hentz SD, Hughes SJ, Smith-McInnis DR, Patterson CO, Sims JN, Turner KT, Williams BS, Johnson MO, Adubi T, Mbuh JV, Anumudu CI, Adeoye GO, Thomas BN, Nashiru O, Oliveira G. Developmental Regulation of Genes Encoding Universal Stress Proteins in Schistosoma mansoni. GENE REGULATION AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2011; 5:61-74. [PMID: 22084571 PMCID: PMC3201111 DOI: 10.4137/grsb.s7491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The draft nuclear genome sequence of the snail-transmitted, dimorphic, parasitic, platyhelminth Schistosoma mansoni revealed eight genes encoding proteins that contain the Universal Stress Protein (USP) domain. Schistosoma mansoni is a causative agent of human schistosomiasis, a severe and debilitating Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) of poverty, which is endemic in at least 76 countries. The availability of the genome sequences of Schistosoma species presents opportunities for bioinformatics and genomics analyses of associated gene families that could be targets for understanding schistosomiasis ecology, intervention, prevention and control. Proteins with the USP domain are known to provide bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists and plants with the ability to respond to diverse environmental stresses. In this research investigation, the functional annotations of the USP genes and predicted nucleotide and protein sequences were initially verified. Subsequently, sequence clusters and distinctive features of the sequences were determined. A total of twelve ligand binding sites were predicted based on alignment to the ATP-binding universal stress protein from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. In addition, six USP sequences showed the presence of ATP-binding motif residues indicating that they may be regulated by ATP. Public domain gene expression data and RT-PCR assays confirmed that all the S. mansoni USP genes were transcribed in at least one of the developmental life cycle stages of the helminth. Six of these genes were up-regulated in the miracidium, a free-swimming stage that is critical for transmission to the snail intermediate host. It is possible that during the intra-snail stages, S. mansoni gene transcripts for universal stress proteins are low abundant and are induced to perform specialized functions triggered by environmental stressors such as oxidative stress due to hydrogen peroxide that is present in the snail hemocytes. This report serves to catalyze the formation of a network of researchers to understand the function and regulation of the universal stress proteins encoded in genomes of schistosomes and their snail intermediate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael D. Isokpehi
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Ousman Mahmud
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Andreas N. Mbah
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Shaneka S. Simmons
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Lívia Avelar
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ-MG, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais/Departamento de Genética, Av.Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Rajendram V. Rajnarayanan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Udensi K. Udensi
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Wellington K. Ayensu
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Hari H. Cohly
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Shyretha D. Brown
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Centdrika R. Dates
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Sonya D. Hentz
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Shawntae J. Hughes
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Dominique R. Smith-McInnis
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Jennifer N. Sims
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Kelisha T. Turner
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Baraka S. Williams
- Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Matilda O. Johnson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Taiwo Adubi
- Participant, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/National Biotechnology Development Agency/West African Biotechnology Workshop Series, Ibadan Nigeria
- Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Judith V. Mbuh
- Participant, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/National Biotechnology Development Agency/West African Biotechnology Workshop Series, Ibadan Nigeria
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Chiaka I. Anumudu
- Participant, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/National Biotechnology Development Agency/West African Biotechnology Workshop Series, Ibadan Nigeria
- Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Grace O. Adeoye
- Participant, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/National Biotechnology Development Agency/West African Biotechnology Workshop Series, Ibadan Nigeria
- Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bolaji N. Thomas
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Oyekanmi Nashiru
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) Abuja, Nigeria and West African Biotechnology Workshop Series (WABWS)
| | - Guilherme Oliveira
- Genetics and Computational Biology Group, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ-MG, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
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15
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Identification of Toxoplasma gondii cAMP dependent protein kinase and its role in the tachyzoite growth. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22492. [PMID: 21799871 PMCID: PMC3140512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) has been implicated in the asexual stage of the Toxoplasma gondii life cycle through assaying the effect of a PKA-specific inhibitor on its growth rate. Since inhibition of the host cell PKA cannot be ruled out, a more precise evaluation of the role of PKA, as well as characterization of the kinase itself, is necessary. Methodology/Principal Finding The inhibitory effects of two PKA inhibitors, H89, an ATP-competitive chemical inhibitor, and PKI, a substrate-competitive mammalian natural peptide inhibitor, were estimated. In the in vitro kinase assay, the inhibitory effect of PKI on a recombinant T. gondii PKA catalytic subunit (TgPKA-C) was weaker compared to that on mammalian PKA-C. In a tachyzoite growth assay, PKI had little effect on the growth of tachyzoites, whereas H89 strongly inhibited it. Moreover, T. gondii PKA regulatory subunit (TgPKA-R)-overexpressing tachyzoites showed a significant growth defect. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggest that PKA plays an important role in the growth of tachyzoites, and the inhibitory effect of substrate-competitive inhibitor PKI on T. gondii PKA was low compared to that of the ATP competitive inhibitor H89.
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Functional Diversity of the Schistosoma mansoni Tyrosine Kinases. JOURNAL OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION 2011; 2011:603290. [PMID: 21776387 PMCID: PMC3135232 DOI: 10.1155/2011/603290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni, one of the causative agents of schistosomiasis, has a complex life cycle infecting over 200 million people worldwide. Such a successful and prolific parasite life cycle has been shown to be dependent on the adaptive interaction between the parasite and hosts. Tyrosine kinases (TKs) play a key role in signaling pathways as demonstrated by a large body of experimental work in eukaryotes. Furthermore, comparative genomics have allowed the identification of TK homologs and provided insights into the functional role of TKs in several biological systems. Finally, TK structural biology has provided a rational basis for obtaining selective inhibitors directed to the treatment of human diseases. This paper covers the important aspects of the phospho-tyrosine signaling network in S. mansoni, Caenorhabditis elegans, and humans, the main process of functional diversification of TKs, that is, protein-domain shuffling, and also discusses TKs as targets for the development of new anti-schistosome drugs.
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Dissous C, Grevelding CG. Piggy-backing the concept of cancer drugs for schistosomiasis treatment: a tangible perspective? Trends Parasitol 2011; 27:59-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 08/25/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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