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Medeiros EG, Valente MR, Honorato L, Ferreira MDS, Mendoza SR, Gonçalves DDS, Martins Alcântara L, Gomes KX, Pinto MR, Nakayasu ES, Clair G, da Rocha IFM, dos Reis FCG, Rodrigues ML, Alves LR, Nimrichter L, Casadevall A, Guimarães AJ. Comprehensive characterization of extracellular vesicles produced by environmental (Neff) and clinical (T4) strains of Acanthamoeba castellanii. mSystems 2024; 9:e0122623. [PMID: 38717186 PMCID: PMC11237502 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01226-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from two Acanthamoeba castellanii strains, Neff (environmental) and T4 (clinical). Morphological analysis via transmission electron microscopy revealed slightly larger Neff EVs (average = 194.5 nm) compared to more polydisperse T4 EVs (average = 168.4 nm). Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and dynamic light scattering validated these differences. Proteomic analysis of the EVs identified 1,352 proteins, with 1,107 common, 161 exclusive in Neff, and 84 exclusively in T4 EVs. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) mapping revealed distinct molecular functions and biological processes and notably, the T4 EVs enrichment in serine proteases, aligned with its pathogenicity. Lipidomic analysis revealed a prevalence of unsaturated lipid species in Neff EVs, particularly triacylglycerols, phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and phosphatidylserine, while T4 EVs were enriched in diacylglycerols and diacylglyceryl trimethylhomoserine, phosphatidylcholine and less unsaturated PEs, suggesting differences in lipid metabolism and membrane permeability. Metabolomic analysis indicated Neff EVs enrichment in glycerolipid metabolism, glycolysis, and nucleotide synthesis, while T4 EVs, methionine metabolism. Furthermore, RNA-seq of EVs revealed differential transcript between the strains, with Neff EVs enriched in transcripts related to gluconeogenesis and translation, suggesting gene regulation and metabolic shift, while in the T4 EVs transcripts were associated with signal transduction and protein kinase activity, indicating rapid responses to environmental changes. In this novel study, data integration highlighted the differences in enzyme profiles, metabolic processes, and potential origins of EVs in the two strains shedding light on the diversity and complexity of A. castellanii EVs and having implications for understanding host-pathogen interactions and developing targeted interventions for Acanthamoeba-related diseases.IMPORTANCEA comprehensive and fully comparative analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from two Acanthamoeba castellanii strains of distinct virulence, a Neff (environmental) and T4 (clinical), revealed striking differences in their morphology and protein, lipid, metabolites, and transcripts levels. Data integration highlighted the differences in enzyme profiles, metabolic processes, and potential distinct origin of EVs from both strains, shedding light on the diversity and complexity of A. castellanii EVs, with direct implications for understanding host-pathogen interactions, disease mechanisms, and developing new therapies for the clinical intervention of Acanthamoeba-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Gonçalves Medeiros
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Imunologia das Micoses, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michele Ramos Valente
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Imunologia das Micoses, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro Honorato
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marina da Silva Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Imunologia das Micoses, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Inflamação, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Susana Ruiz Mendoza
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Imunologia das Micoses, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Inflamação, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego de Souza Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucas Martins Alcântara
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Imunologia das Micoses, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kamilla Xavier Gomes
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Imunologia das Micoses, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia Ribeiro Pinto
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Imunologia das Micoses, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ernesto S. Nakayasu
- Biological Science Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Geremy Clair
- Biological Science Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | | | - Flavia C. G. dos Reis
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lysangela R. Alves
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Inflamação, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ–Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allan Jefferson Guimarães
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Bioquímica e Imunologia das Micoses, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia e Inflamação, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ–Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Chang CH, See Too WC, Lim BH, Few LL. Identification and Characterization of Entamoeba histolytica Choline Kinase. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:426-438. [PMID: 38172465 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00763-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Entamoeba histolytica is one of the death-causing parasites in the world. Study on its lipid composition revealed that it is predominated by phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Further study revealed that its phosphorylated metabolites might be produced by the Kennedy pathway. Here, we would like to report on the characterizations of enzymes from this pathway that would provide information for the design of novel inhibitors against these enzymes in future. METHODOLOGY E. histolytica HM-1:IMSS genomic DNA was isolated and two putative choline/ethanolamine kinase genes (EhCK1 and EhCK2) were cloned and expressed from Escherichia coli BL21 strain. Enzymatic characterizations were further carried out on the purified enzymes. RESULTS EhCK1 and EhCK2 were identified from E. histolytica genome. The deduced amino acid sequences were more identical to its homologues in human (35-48%) than other organisms. The proteins were clustered as ethanolamine kinase in the constructed phylogeny tree. Sequence analysis showed that they possessed all the conserved motifs in choline kinase family: ATP-binding loop, Brenner's phosphotransferase motif, and choline kinase motif. Here, the open reading frames were cloned, expressed, and purified to apparent homogeneity. EhCK1 showed activity with choline but not ethanolamine. The biochemical characterization showed that it had a Vmax of 1.9 ± 0.1 µmol/min/mg. Its Km for choline and ATP was 203 ± 26 µM and 3.1 ± 0.4 mM, respectively. In contrast, EhCK2 enzymatic activity was only detected when Mn2+ was used as the co-factor instead of Mg2+ like other choline/ethanolamine kinases. Highly sensitive and specific antibody against EhCK1 was developed and used to confirm the endogenous EhCK1 expression using immunoblotting. CONCLUSIONS With the understanding of EhC/EK importance in phospholipid metabolism and their unique characteristic, EhC/EK could be a potential target for future anti-amoebiasis study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiat Han Chang
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Wei Cun See Too
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Boon Huat Lim
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ling Ling Few
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Jeelani G, Balogun EO, Husain A, Nozaki T. Glycerol biosynthetic pathway plays an essential role in proliferation and antioxidative defense in the human enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14596. [PMID: 37669981 PMCID: PMC10480196 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40670-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amebiasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Treatment options other than metronidazole and its derivatives are few, and their low efficacy against asymptomatic cyst carriers, and experimental evidence of resistance in vitro justify the discovery/repurposing campaign for new drugs against amebiasis. Global metabolic responses to oxidative stress and cysteine deprivation by E. histolytica revealed glycerol metabolism may represent a rational target for drug development. In this study using 14C-labelled glucose, only 11% of the total glucose taken up by E. histolytica trophozoites is incorporated to lipids. To better understand the role of glycerol metabolism in this parasite, we focused on characterizing two important enzymes, glycerol kinase (GK) and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH). Recombinant GK was biochemically characterized in detail, while G3PDH was not due to failure of protein expression and purification. GK revealed novel characteristics and unprecedented kinetic properties in reverse reaction. Gene silencing revealed that GK is essential for optimum growth, whereas G3PDH is not. Gene silencing of G3PDH caused upregulated GK expression, while that of GK resulted in upregulation of antioxidant enzymes as shown by RNA-seq analysis. Although the precise molecular link between GK and the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes was not demonstrated, the observed increase in antioxidant enzyme expression upon GK gene silencing suggests a potential connection between GK and the cellular response to oxidative stress. Together, these results provide the first direct evidence of the biological importance and coordinated regulation of the glycerol metabolic pathways for proliferation and antioxidative defense in E. histolytica, justifying the exploitation of these enzymes as future drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Afzal Husain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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Essential Oils and Terpenic Compounds as Potential Hits for Drugs against Amitochondriate Protists. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8010037. [PMID: 36668944 PMCID: PMC9865018 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human anaerobic or microaerophilic protists Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis are classified as amitochondriate parasites, a group of unicellular organisms that lack canonical mitochondria organelles. These microorganisms suffered adaptations to survive in hostile microenvironments and together represent an increasing threat to public health in developing countries. Nevertheless, the current therapeutic drugs to manage the infections are scarce and often cause several side effects. Furthermore, refractory cases associated with the emergence of parasitic resistance are concerns that guide the search for new pharmacological targets and treatment alternatives. Herein, essential oils and terpenic compounds with activity against amitochondriate parasites with clinical relevance are summarized and insights into possible mechanisms of action are made. This review aims to contribute with future perspectives for research with these natural products as potential alternatives for the acquisition of new molecules for the treatment of amitochondriate protists.
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5
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Nugraha RYB, Jeelani G, Nozaki T. Physiological roles and metabolism of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in parasitic protozoa. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:462-477. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Silveira GO, Coelho HS, Amaral MS, Verjovski-Almeida S. Long non-coding RNAs as possible therapeutic targets in protozoa, and in Schistosoma and other helminths. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:1091-1115. [PMID: 34859292 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07384-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerged in the past 20 years due to massive amounts of scientific data regarding transcriptomic analyses. They have been implicated in a plethora of cellular processes in higher eukaryotes. However, little is known about lncRNA possible involvement in parasitic diseases, with most studies only detecting their presence in parasites of human medical importance. Here, we review the progress on lncRNA studies and their functions in protozoans and helminths. In addition, we show an example of knockdown of one lncRNA in Schistosoma mansoni, SmLINC156349, which led to in vitro parasite adhesion, motility, and pairing impairment, with a 20% decrease in parasite viability and 33% reduction in female oviposition. Other observed phenotypes were a decrease in the proliferation rate of both male and female worms and their gonads, and reduced female lipid and vitelline droplets that are markers for well-developed vitellaria. Impairment of female worms' vitellaria in SmLINC156349-silenced worms led to egg development deficiency. All those results demonstrate the great potential of the tools and methods to characterize lncRNAs as potential new therapeutic targets. Further, we discuss the challenges and limitations of current methods for studying lncRNAs in parasites and possible solutions to overcome them, and we highlight the future directions of this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert O Silveira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Helena S Coelho
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Murilo S Amaral
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil. .,Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
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Shrivastav MT, Malik Z, Somlata. Revisiting Drug Development Against the Neglected Tropical Disease, Amebiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:628257. [PMID: 33718258 PMCID: PMC7943716 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.628257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amebiasis is a neglected tropical disease which is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. This disease is one of the leading causes of diarrhea globally, affecting largely impoverished residents in developing countries. Amebiasis also remains one of the top causes of gastrointestinal diseases in returning international travellers. Despite having many side effects, metronidazole remains the drug of choice as an amebicidal tissue-active agent. However, emergence of metronidazole resistance in pathogens having similar anaerobic metabolism and also in laboratory strains of E. histolytica has necessitated the identification and development of new drug targets and therapeutic strategies against the parasite. Recent research in the field of amebiasis has led to a better understanding of the parasite’s metabolic and cellular pathways and hence has been useful in identifying new drug targets. On the other hand, new molecules effective against amebiasis have been mined by modifying available compounds, thereby increasing their potency and efficacy and also by repurposing existing approved drugs. This review aims at compiling and examining up to date information on promising drug targets and drug molecules for the treatment of amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish T Shrivastav
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Zainab Malik
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Somlata
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Lozano-Amado D, Ávila-López PA, Hernández-Montes G, Briseño-Díaz P, Vargas M, Lopez-Rubio JJ, Carrero JC, Hernández-Rivas R. A class I histone deacetylase is implicated in the encystation of Entamoeba invadens. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:1011-1022. [PMID: 32822677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone acetylation and deacetylation participate in regulation of the genes involved in encystation of Entamoeba invadens. However, the histones and target residues involved, and whether the acetylation and deacetylation of the histones leads to the regulation of gene expression associated with the encystation of this parasite, remain unknown. In this study, we found that E. invadens histone H4 is acetylated in both stages of the parasite and is more highly acetylated during the trophozoite stage than in the cyst. Histone hyperacetylation induced by Trichostatin A negatively affects the encystation of E. invadens, and this inhibition is associated with the downregulation of the expression of genes implicated in the synthesis of chitin, polyamines, gamma-aminobutyric acid pathways and cyst wall proteins, all of which are important in the formation of cysts. Finally, in silico analysis and activity assays suggest that a class I histone deacetylase (EiHDAC3) could be involved in control of the expression of a subset of genes that are important in several pathways during encystation. Therefore, the identification of enzymes that acetylate and/or deacetylate histones that control encystation in E. invadens could be a promising therapeutic target for preventing transmission of other amoebic parasites such as E. histolytica, the causative agent of amoebiasis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lozano-Amado
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pedro Antonio Ávila-López
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Georgina Hernández-Montes
- Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Paola Briseño-Díaz
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Miguel Vargas
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jose-Juan Lopez-Rubio
- LPHI - Laboratory of Pathogen Host Interactions - UMR5235, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Julio César Carrero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rosaura Hernández-Rivas
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Castellanos-Castro S, Bolaños J, Orozco E. Lipids in Entamoeba histolytica: Host-Dependence and Virulence Factors. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:75. [PMID: 32211340 PMCID: PMC7075943 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipids are essential players in parasites pathogenesis. In particular, the highly phagocytic trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amoebiasis, exhibit a dynamic membrane fusion and fission, in which lipids strongly participate; particularly during the overstated motility of the parasite to reach and attack the epithelia and ingest target cells. Synthesis and metabolism of lipids in this protozoan present remarkable difference with those performed by other eukaryotes. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on lipids in E. histolytica. Trophozoites synthesize phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine by the Kennedy pathway; and sphingolipids, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol, by processes similar to those used by other eukaryotes. However, trophozoites lack enzymes for cholesterol and fatty acids synthesis, which are scavenged from the host or culture medium by specific mechanisms. Cholesterol, a fundamental molecule for the expression of virulence, is transported from the medium into the trophozoites by EhNPC1 and EhNPC2 proteins. Inside cells, lipids are distributed by different pathways, including by the participation of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT), involved in vesicle fusion and fission. Cholesterol interacts with the phospholipid lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA) and EhADH, an ALIX family protein, also involved in phagocytosis. In this review, we summarize the known information on phospholipids synthesis and cholesterol transport as well as their metabolic pathways in E. histolytica; highlighting the mechanisms used by trophozoites to dispose lipids involved in the virulence processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Castellanos-Castro
- College of Sciences and Humanities, Autonomous University of Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico.,BioImage Analysis Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
| | - Jeni Bolaños
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, FMVZ, Universidad Michoacana de San Nnicolás Hidalgo, Morelia, Mexico
| | - Esther Orozco
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
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Control and regulation of the pyrophosphate-dependent glucose metabolism in Entamoeba histolytica. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 229:75-87. [PMID: 30772421 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica has neither Krebs cycle nor oxidative phosphorylation activities; therefore, glycolysis is the main pathway for ATP supply and provision of carbon skeleton precursors for the synthesis of macromolecules. Glucose is metabolized through fermentative glycolysis, producing ethanol as its main end-product as well as some acetate. Amoebal glycolysis markedly differs from the typical Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway present in human cells: (i) by the use of inorganic pyrophosphate, instead of ATP, as the high-energy phospho group donor; (ii) with one exception, the pathway enzymes can catalyze reversible reactions under physiological conditions; (iii) there is no allosteric regulation and sigmoidal kinetic behavior of key enzymes; and (iv) the presence of some glycolytic and fermentation enzymes similar to those of anaerobic bacteria. These peculiarities bring about alternative mechanisms of control and regulation of the PPi-dependent fermentative glycolysis in the parasite in comparison to the ATP-dependent and allosterically regulated glycolysis in many other eukaryotic cells. In this review, the current knowledge of the carbohydrate metabolism enzymes in E. histolytica is analyzed. Thermodynamics and stoichiometric analyses indicate 2 to 3.5 ATP yield per glucose metabolized, instead of the often presumed 5 ATP/glucose ratio. PPi derived from anabolism seems insufficient for PPi-glycolysis; hence, alternative ways of PPi supply are also discussed. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of control and regulation of the E. histolytica carbohydrate metabolism, analyzed by applying integral and systemic approaches such as Metabolic Control Analysis and kinetic modeling, contribute to unveiling alternative and promising drug targets.
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Kabra R, Chauhan N, Kumar A, Ingale P, Singh S. Efflux pumps and antimicrobial resistance: Paradoxical components in systems genomics. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 141:15-24. [PMID: 30031023 PMCID: PMC7173168 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Efflux pumps play a major role in the increasing antimicrobial resistance rendering a large number of drugs of no use. Large numbers of pathogens are becoming multidrug resistant due to inadequate dosage and use of the existing antimicrobials. This leads to the need for identifying new efflux pump inhibitors. Design of novel targeted therapies using inherent complexity involved in the biological network modeling has gained increasing importance in recent times. The predictive approaches should be used to determine antimicrobial activities with high pathogen specificity and microbicidal potency. Antimicrobial peptides, which are part of our innate immune system, have the ability to respond to infections and have gained much attention in making resistant strain sensitive to existing drugs. In this review paper, we outline evidences linking host-directed therapy with the efflux pump activity to infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Kabra
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India
| | - Nutan Chauhan
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India
| | - Anurag Kumar
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India
| | - Prajakta Ingale
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India
| | - Shailza Singh
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SP Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India.
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12
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Hanadate Y, Saito-Nakano Y, Nakada-Tsukui K, Nozaki T. Identification and Characterization of the Entamoeba Histolytica Rab8a Binding Protein: A Cdc50 Homolog. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123831. [PMID: 30513690 PMCID: PMC6321534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane traffic plays a pivotal role in virulence in the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. EhRab8A small GTPase is a key regulator of membrane traffic at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of this protist and is involved in the transport of plasma membrane proteins. Here we identified the binding proteins of EhRab8A. The Cdc50 homolog, a non-catalytic subunit of lipid flippase, was identified as an EhRab8A binding protein candidate by affinity coimmunoprecipitation. Binding of EhRab8A to EhCdc50 was also confirmed by reciprocal immunoprecipitation and blue-native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the latter of which revealed an 87 kDa complex. Indirect immunofluorescence imaging with and without Triton X100 showed that endogenous EhCdc50 localized on the surface in the absence of permeabilizing agent but was observed on the intracellular structures and overlapped with the ER marker Bip when Triton X100 was used. Overexpression of N-terminal HA-tagged EhCdc50 impaired its translocation to the plasma membrane and caused its accumulation in the ER. As reported previously in other organisms, overexpression and accumulation of Cdc50 in the ER likely inhibited surface transport and function of the plasma membrane lipid flippase P4-ATPase. Interestingly, HA-EhCdc50-expressing trophozoites gained resistance to miltefosine, which is consistent with the prediction that HA-EhCdc50 overexpression caused its accumulation in the ER and mislocalization of the unidentified lipid flippase. Similarly, EhRab8A gene silenced trophozoites showed increased resistance to miltefosine, supporting EhRab8A-dependent transport of EhCdc50. This study demonstrated for the first time that EhRab8A mediates the transport of EhCdc50 and lipid flippase P4-ATPase from the ER to the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hanadate
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.
| | - Yumiko Saito-Nakano
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
| | - Kumiko Nakada-Tsukui
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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13
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Manna D, Lentz CS, Ehrenkaufer GM, Suresh S, Bhat A, Singh U. An NAD +-dependent novel transcription factor controls stage conversion in Entamoeba. eLife 2018; 7:e37912. [PMID: 30375973 PMCID: PMC6207428 DOI: 10.7554/elife.37912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental switching between life-cycle stages is a common feature among parasitic pathogens to facilitate disease transmission and pathogenesis. The protozoan parasite Entamoeba switches between invasive trophozoites and dormant cysts, but the encystation process remains poorly understood despite being central to amoebic biology. We identify a transcription factor, Encystation Regulatory Motif-Binding Protein (ERM-BP), that regulates encystation. Down-regulation of ERM-BP decreases encystation efficiency resulting in abnormal cysts with defective cyst walls. We demonstrate that direct binding of NAD+ to ERM-BP affects ERM-BP conformation and facilitates its binding to promoter DNA. Additionally, cellular NAD+ levels increase during encystation and exogenous NAD+ enhances encystation consistent with the role of carbon source depletion in triggering Entamoeba encystation. Furthermore, ERM-BP catalyzes conversion of nicotinamide to nicotinic acid, which might have second messenger effects on stage conversion. Our findings link the metabolic cofactors nicotinamide and NAD+ to transcriptional regulation via ERM-BP and provide the first mechanistic insights into Entamoeba encystation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipak Manna
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal MedicineStanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | | | - Gretchen Marie Ehrenkaufer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal MedicineStanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Susmitha Suresh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal MedicineStanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Amrita Bhat
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal MedicineStanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Upinder Singh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal MedicineStanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyStanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
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14
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Shabardina V, Kischka T, Kmita H, Suzuki Y, Makałowski W. Environmental adaptation of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Entamoeba histolytica at genome level as seen by comparative genomic analysis. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:306-320. [PMID: 29559848 PMCID: PMC5859476 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.23869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebozoans are in many aspects interesting research objects, as they combine features of single-cell organisms with complex signaling and defense systems, comparable to multicellular organisms. Acanthamoeba castellanii is a cosmopolitan species and developed diverged feeding abilities and strong anti-bacterial resistance; Entamoeba histolytica is a parasitic amoeba, who underwent massive gene loss and its genome is almost twice smaller than that of A. castellanii. Nevertheless, both species prosper, demonstrating fitness to their specific environments. Here we compare transcriptomes of A. castellanii and E. histolytica with application of orthologs' search and gene ontology to learn how different life strategies influence genome evolution and restructuring of physiology. A. castellanii demonstrates great metabolic activity and plasticity, while E. histolytica reveals several interesting features in its translational machinery, cytoskeleton, antioxidant protection, and nutritional behavior. In addition, we suggest new features in E. histolytica physiology that may explain its successful colonization of human colon and may facilitate medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Shabardina
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Münster, Niels-Stensen Strasse 14, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Tabea Kischka
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Münster, Niels-Stensen Strasse 14, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Hanna Kmita
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Wojciech Makałowski
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Münster, Niels-Stensen Strasse 14, Münster 48149, Germany
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15
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Nagaraja S, Ankri S. Utilization of Different Omic Approaches to Unravel Stress Response Mechanisms in the Parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:19. [PMID: 29473019 PMCID: PMC5809450 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During its life cycle, the unicellular parasite Entamoeba histolytica is challenged by a wide variety of environmental stresses, such as fluctuation in glucose concentration, changes in gut microbiota composition, and the release of oxidative and nitrosative species from neutrophils and macrophages. The best mode of survival for this parasite is to continuously adapt itself to the dynamic environment of the host. Our ability to study the stress-induced responses and adaptive mechanisms of this parasite has been transformed through the development of genomics, proteomics or metabolomics (omics sciences). These studies provide insights into different facets of the parasite's behavior in the host. However, there is a dire need for multi-omics data integration to better understand its pathogenic nature, ultimately paving the way to identify new chemotherapeutic targets against amebiasis. This review provides an integration of the most relevant omics information on the mechanisms that are used by E. histolytica to resist environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Nagaraja
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Serge Ankri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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16
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Shepherd C, Wangchuk P, Loukas A. Of dogs and hookworms: man's best friend and his parasites as a model for translational biomedical research. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:59. [PMID: 29370855 PMCID: PMC5785905 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2621-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We present evidence that the dog hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum) is underutilised in the study of host-parasite interactions, particularly as a proxy for the human-hookworm relationship. The inability to passage hookworms through all life stages in vitro means that adult stage hookworms have to be harvested from the gut of their definitive hosts for ex vivo research. This makes study of the human-hookworm interface difficult for technical and ethical reasons. The historical association of humans, dogs and hookworms presents a unique triad of positive evolutionary pressure to drive the A. caninum-canine interaction to reflect that of the human-hookworm relationship. Here we discuss A. caninum as a proxy for human hookworm infection and situate this hookworm model within the current research agenda, including the various 'omics' applications and the search for next generation biologics to treat a plethora of human diseases. Historically, the dog hookworm has been well described on a physiological and biochemical level, with an increasing understanding of its role as a human zoonosis. With its similarity to human hookworm, the recent publications of hookworm genomes and other omics databases, as well as the ready availability of these parasites for ex vivo culture, the dog hookworm presents itself as a valuable tool for discovery and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Shepherd
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia.
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia.
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17
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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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18
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Jeelani G, Sato D, Soga T, Nozaki T. Genetic, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the de novo L-cysteine biosynthetic pathway in the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15649. [PMID: 29142277 PMCID: PMC5688106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15923-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The de novo L-cysteine biosynthetic pathway is critical for the growth, antioxidative stress defenses, and pathogenesis of bacterial and protozoan pathogens, such as Salmonella typhimurium and Entamoeba histolytica. This pathway involves two key enzymes, serine acetyltransferase (SAT) and cysteine synthase (CS), which are absent in mammals and therefore represent rational drug targets. The human parasite E. histolytica possesses three SAT and CS isozymes; however, the specific roles of individual isoforms and significance of such apparent redundancy remains unclear. In the present study, we generated E. histolytica cell lines in which CS and SAT expression was knocked down by transcriptional gene silencing. The strain in which CS1, 2 and 3 were simultaneously silenced and the SAT3 gene-silenced strain showed impaired growth when cultured in a cysteine lacking BI-S-33 medium, whereas silencing of SAT1 and SAT2 had no effects on growth. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that, CS and SAT3 are involved in S-methylcysteine/cysteine synthesis. Furthermore, silencing of the CS1-3 or SAT3 caused upregulation of various iron-sulfur flavoprotein genes. Taken together, these results provide the first direct evidence of the biological importance of SAT3 and CS isoforms in E. histolytica and justify the exploitation of these enzymes as potential drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan
| | - Dan Sato
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Soga
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan.
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan.
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19
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Lee DK, Ahn S, Cho HY, Yun HY, Park JH, Lim J, Lee J, Kwon SW. Metabolic response induced by parasitic plant-fungus interactions hinder amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism in the host. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37434. [PMID: 27892480 PMCID: PMC5124995 DOI: 10.1038/srep37434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infestation by the biotrophic pathogen Gymnosporangium asiaticum can be devastating for plant of the family Rosaceae. However, the phytopathology of this process has not been thoroughly elucidated. Using a metabolomics approach, we discovered the intrinsic activities that induce disease symptoms after fungal invasion in terms of microbe-induced metabolic responses. Through metabolic pathway enrichment and mapping, we found that the host altered its metabolite levels, resulting in accumulation of tetrose and pentose sugar alcohols, in response to this fungus. We then used a multiple linear regression model to evaluate the effect of the interaction between this abnormal accumulation of sugar alcohol and the group variable (control/parasitism). The results revealed that this accumulation resulted in deficiency in the supply of specific sugars, which led to a lack of amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. Halting this metabolism could hamper pivotal functions in the plant host, including cell wall synthesis and lesion repair. In conclusion, our findings indicate that altered metabolic responses that occur during fungal parasitism can cause deficiency in substrates in pivotal pathways and thereby trigger pathological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Kyu Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Soohyun Ahn
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hae Yoon Cho
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hye Young Yun
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeong Hill Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Lim
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeongmi Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Sung Won Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.,Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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20
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Jeelani G, Nozaki T. Entamoeba thiol-based redox metabolism: A potential target for drug development. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 206:39-45. [PMID: 26775086 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amebiasis is an intestinal infection widespread throughout the world caused by the human pathogen Entamoeba histolytica. Metronidazole has been a drug of choice against amebiasis for decades despite its low efficacy against asymptomatic cyst carriers and emergence of resistance in other protozoa with similar anaerobic metabolism. Therefore, identification and characterization of specific targets is urgently needed to design new therapeutics for improved treatment against amebiasis. Toward this goal, thiol-dependent redox metabolism is of particular interest. The thiol-dependent redox metabolism in E. histolytica consists of proteins including peroxiredoxin, rubrerythrin, Fe-superoxide dismutase, flavodiiron proteins, NADPH: flavin oxidoreductase, and amino acids including l-cysteine, S-methyl-l-cysteine, and thioprolines (thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids). E. histolytica completely lacks glutathione and its metabolism, and l-cysteine is the major intracellular low molecular mass thiol. Moreover, this parasite possesses a functional thioredoxin system consisting of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase, which is a ubiquitous oxidoreductase system with antioxidant and redox regulatory roles. In this review, we summarize and highlight the thiol-based redox metabolism and its control mechanisms in E. histolytica, in particular, the features of the system unique to E. histolytica, and its potential use for drug development against amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Jeelani
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan.
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21
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Chiba Y, Kamikawa R, Nakada-Tsukui K, Saito-Nakano Y, Nozaki T. Discovery of PPi-type Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Genes in Eukaryotes and Bacteria. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:23960-70. [PMID: 26269598 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.672907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is one of the pivotal enzymes that regulates the carbon flow of the central metabolism by fixing CO2 to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to produce oxaloacetate or vice versa. Whereas ATP- and GTP-type PEPCKs have been well studied, and their protein identities are established, inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi)-type PEPCK (PPi-PEPCK) is poorly characterized. Despite extensive enzymological studies, its protein identity and encoding gene remain unknown. In this study, PPi-PEPCK has been identified for the first time from a eukaryotic human parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, by conventional purification and mass spectrometric identification of the native enzyme, followed by demonstration of its enzymatic activity. A homolog of the amebic PPi-PEPCK from an anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii also exhibited PPi-PEPCK activity. The primary structure of PPi-PEPCK has no similarity to the functional homologs ATP/GTP-PEPCKs and PEP carboxylase, strongly suggesting that PPi-PEPCK arose independently from the other functional homologues and very likely has unique catalytic sites. PPi-PEPCK homologs were found in a variety of bacteria and some eukaryotes but not in archaea. The molecular identification of this long forgotten enzyme shows us the diversity and functional redundancy of enzymes involved in the central metabolism and can help us to understand the central metabolism more deeply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Chiba
- From the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan, the Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan, and
| | - Ryoma Kamikawa
- the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida Nihonmatsu cho, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kumiko Nakada-Tsukui
- the Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan, and
| | - Yumiko Saito-Nakano
- the Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan, and
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- From the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan, the Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan, and
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22
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Alam MA, Maqbool A, Nazir MM, Lateef M, Khan MS, Lindsay DS. Entamoeba infections in different populations of dogs in an endemic area of Lahore, Pakistan. Vet Parasitol 2014; 207:216-9. [PMID: 25557213 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite that affects humans and other primates all over the world. It is a common waterborne pathogen in endemic areas that have fecal oral transmission cycle. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of E. histolytica and other Entamoeba species cysts in three different dog populations. Fecal samples from 600 dogs were collected and processed to detect Entamoeba cysts using the triple fecal test (light microscopy) and fecal antigens of E. histolytica were detected using a fecal antigen ELISA (TechLab E. histolytica II). Because it is impossible to differentiate E. histolytica from Entamoeba dispar and E. moshkovskii, using light microscopy we referred to all cysts morphologically consistent with E. histolytica as E. histolytica/dispar/moskovskii to reflect this uncertainty. Samples from 197 household dogs without clinical signs, 122 samples from household dogs exhibiting clinical signs of diarrhea, dysentery and vomiting and 281 stray dogs with no specific clinical signs were examined. Entamoeba histolytica-like cysts were observed in 94 (15.6%, 95% CI=±3.88) by triple fecal test microscopy and E. histolytica antigens were demonstrated in 66 (11%, 95% CI=±4.41) by fecal antigen ELISA in 600 fecal samples. Significant differences (P≤0.05) in prevalence were found between the three populations. Twenty (10.1%, 95% CI=±7.86) and 11 (5.6%, 95% CI=±7.70) of 197 fecal samples from household dogs without clinical signs were positive by microscopy and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Twenty-nine (23.8%, 95% CI=±6.58) and 23 (18.8%, 95% CI=±7.81) of 122 the fecal samples from household dogs with clinical signs were positive by microscopy and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Forty-five (16.01%, 95% CI=±5.62) and 32 (11.3%, 95% CI=±6.38) of 281 fecal samples from stray dogs were positive by microscopy and by fecal antigen ELISA, respectively. Dogs from the youngest age group (6 months to 1 year) were more likely to be E. histolytica antigen positive than were dogs from the other two older age groups, with a significant difference (P≤0.05) between all age groups. Statistically, no significant (P≥0.05) difference of prevalence was seen in male and female dogs. The local dogs had the highest prevalence rate of E. histolytica antigens (36 of 246, 14.2%, 95% CI=±6.32) followed by imported breeds (11 of 115, 9.5%, 95% CI=±10.4) and crossbred (19 of 239, 8.3%, 95% CI=±7.47), indicating a significant (P≤0.05) trend of positivity between various breeds of dogs. These findings suggest that dogs may play an important role in the epidemiology of this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar Alam
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Azhar Maqbool
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mudasser Nazir
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, B.Z. University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Lateef
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sarwar Khan
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
| | - David S Lindsay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Alam MA, Maqbool A, Nazir MM, Lateef M, Khan MS, Ahmed AN, Ziaullah M, Lindsay DS. Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica -like cysts compared to E. histolytica antigens detected by ELISA in the stools of 600 patients from three socioeconomic communities in the Metropolitan City of Lahore, Pakistan. J Parasitol 2014; 101:236-9. [PMID: 25189631 DOI: 10.1645/14-560.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica , has a worldwide distribution and is of public health significance in many developing countries. It has a fecal-oral transmission cycle and is most prevalent in developing countries in regions where substandard sanitary conditions exist due to poverty. Little is known about the epidemiology of E. histolytica infection and its presence in different socioeconomic communities in developing countries. We undertook the present study in the city of Lahore, Pakistan, and our prediction was that the prevalence of E. histolytica -like cysts and E. histolytica stool antigen would be lower in patients from upper socioeconomic levels than in individuals from middle or lower socioeconomic levels. We investigated the prevalence of E. histolytica in humans from 3 socioeconomic communities in territories of Lahore, Pakistan. Six hundred fecal samples were collected and examined using both microscopy (triple fecal test) to detect cysts of E. histolytica -like amoeba and ELISA (stool antigen ELISA) to demonstrate diagnostic stool antigens of E. histolytica . Samples were from individuals living under conditions deemed to be upper socioeconomic class (n = 287), middle socioeconomic class (n = 172), and lower socioeconomic class (n = 141). The total prevalence of positive samples was 22.5% (135/600) by triple test and 16.8% (101/600) by stool antigen ELISA in the 600 fecal samples. Statistically, significant (P < 0.05) differences in prevalence were seen between the 3 socioeconomic class groups. Forty-four (15.3%) and 32 (11.1%) of 287 in the fecal samples from the upper socioeconomic class were positive by triple test and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Thirty-nine (22.6%) and 29 (16.8%) of 172 in the fecal samples from the middle socioeconomic class were positive by the triple test and by antigen ELISA, respectively. Fifty-two (36.8%) and 40 (28.3%) of 141 in the fecal samples from the lower socioeconomic class were positive by the triple test and by antigen ELISA, respectively. We accept our hypothesis based on these findings. We also demonstrated that fecal samples collected from the youngest age group (1 mo-5 yr) were more likely to be positive for E. histolytica antigens than were samples from the other 3 age groups, and that prevalence was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the summer than in the other 3 seasons. These results highlight the importance of surveillance of this relatively ignored pathogen in this developing metropolitan city in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar Alam
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
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