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Popovic A, Cao EY, Han J, Nursimulu N, Alves-Ferreira EVC, Burrows K, Kennard A, Alsmadi N, Grigg ME, Mortha A, Parkinson J. The commensal protist Tritrichomonas musculus exhibits a dynamic life cycle that induces extensive remodeling of the gut microbiota. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.06.528774. [PMID: 37090671 PMCID: PMC10120700 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.06.528774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Commensal protists and gut bacterial communities exhibit complex relationships, mediated at least in part through host immunity. To improve our understanding of this tripartite interplay, we investigated community and functional dynamics between the murine protist Tritrichomonas musculus ( T. mu ) and intestinal bacteria in healthy and B cell-deficient mice. We identified dramatic, protist-driven remodeling of resident microbiome growth and activities, in parallel with T. mu functional changes, accelerated in the absence of B cells. Metatranscriptomic data revealed nutrient-based competition between bacteria and the protist. Single cell transcriptomics identified distinct T. mu life stages, providing new evidence for trichomonad sexual replication and the formation of pseudocysts. Unique cell states were validated in situ through microscopy and flow cytometry. Our results reveal complex microbial dynamics during the establishment of a commensal protist in the gut, and provide valuable datasets to drive future mechanistic studies.
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Zhang Z, Song X, Deng Y, Li Y, Li F, Sheng W, Tian X, Yang Z, Mei X, Wang S. Trichomonas vaginalis adhesion protein 65 (TvAP65) modulates parasite pathogenicity by interacting with host cell proteins. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106996. [PMID: 37536435 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a widespread and important sexually transmitted pathogen. Adherence to the surface of the host cell is the precondition forthis parasite's parasitism and pathogenicity. Adhesion protein 65 (TvAP65) plays a key role in the process of adhesion. However, how TvAP65 mediates the adhesion and pathogenicity of T. vaginalis to host cellsis unclear. In this study, we knocked down the expression of TvAP65 in trophozoites by small RNA interference. The number of T. vaginalis trophozoites adhering to VK2/E6E7 cells was decreased significantly, and the inhibition of VK2/E6E7 cells proliferation and VK2/E6E7 cells apoptosis and death induced by T. vaginalis were reduced, after the expression of TvAP65 was knocked down. Animal challenge experiments showed that the pathogenicity of trophozoites was decreased by passive immunization with anti-rTvAP65 PcAbs or blocking the TvAP65 protein. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that TvAP65 could bind to VK2/E6E7 cells. In order to screen the molecules interacting with TvAP65 on the host cells, we successfully constructed the cDNA library of VK2/E6E7 cells, and thirteen protein molecules interacting with TvAP65 were screened by yeast two-hybrid system. The interaction between TvAP65 and BNIP3 was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization. When both TvAP65 and BNIP3 were knocked down by small RNA interference, the number of T. vaginalis adhering to VK2/E6E7 cells and the inhibition of VK2/E6E7 cells proliferation were significantly lower than those of the group with knockdown of TvAP65 or BNIP3 alone. Therefore, the interaction of TvAP65 and BNIP3 in the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis infecting host cells is not unique and involves other molecules. Our study elucidated that the interaction between TvAP65 and BNIP3 mediated the adhesion and pathogenicity of T. vaginalis to host cells, provided a basis for searching for the drug targets of anti-T. vaginalis, and afforded new ideas for the prevention and treatment of trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchao Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiaoxiao Song
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Yangyang Deng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital Of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Fakun Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Wanxin Sheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Zhenke Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xuefang Mei
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China.
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Wang KH, Chang JY, Li FA, Wu KY, Hsu SH, Chen YJ, Chu TL, Lin J, Hsu HM. An Atypical F-Actin Capping Protein Modulates Cytoskeleton Behaviors Crucial for Trichomonas vaginalis Colonization. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0059623. [PMID: 37310229 PMCID: PMC10434240 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00596-23] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoadherence and migration are crucial for pathogens to establish colonization in the host. In contrast to a nonadherent isolate of Trichomonas vaginalis, an adherent one expresses more actin-related machinery proteins with more active flagellate-amoeboid morphogenesis, amoeba migration, and cytoadherence, activities that were abrogated by an actin assembly blocker. By immunoprecipitation coupled with label-free quantitative proteomics, an F-actin capping protein (T. vaginalis F-actin capping protein subunit α [TvFACPα]) was identified from the actin-centric interactome. His-TvFACPα was detected at the barbed end of a growing F-actin filament, which inhibited elongation and possessed atypical activity in binding G-actin in in vitro assays. TvFACPα partially colocalized with F-actin at the parasite pseudopod protrusion and formed a protein complex with α-actin through its C-terminal domain. Meanwhile, TvFACPα overexpression suppressed F-actin polymerization, amoeboid morphogenesis, and cytoadherence in this parasite. Ser2 phosphorylation of TvFACPα enriched in the amoeboid stage of adhered trophozoites was reduced by a casein kinase II (CKII) inhibitor. Site-directed mutagenesis and CKII inhibitor treatment revealed that Ser2 phosphorylation acts as a switching signal to alter TvFACPα actin-binding activity and the consequent actin cytoskeleton behaviors. Through CKII signaling, TvFACPα also controls the conversion of adherent trophozoites from amoeboid migration to the flagellate form with axonemal motility. Together, CKII-dependent Ser2 phosphorylation regulates TvFACPα binding to actin to fine-tune cytoskeleton dynamics and drive crucial behaviors underlying host colonization by T. vaginalis. IMPORTANCE Trichomoniasis is one of the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted diseases. T. vaginalis cytoadherence to urogenital epithelium cells is the first step in the colonization of the host. However, studies on the mechanisms of cytoadherence have focused mainly on the role of adhesion molecules, and their effects are limited when analyzed by loss- or gain-of-function assays. This study proposes an extra pathway in which the actin cytoskeleton mediated by a capping protein α-subunit may play roles in parasite morphogenesis, cytoadherence, and motility, which are crucial for colonization. Once the origin of the cytoskeleton dynamics could be manipulated, the consequent activities would be controlled as well. This mechanism may provide new potential therapeutic targets to impair this parasite infection and relieve the increasing impact of drug resistance on clinical and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hsuan Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yang Chang
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fu-An Li
- The Proteomic Core, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yi Wu
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hao Hsu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ju Chen
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Jessica Lin
- Taipei First Girls High School, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Ming Hsu
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Reyes-López M, Aguirre-Armenta B, Piña-Vázquez C, de la Garza M, Serrano-Luna J. Hemoglobin uptake and utilization by human protozoan parasites: a review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1150054. [PMID: 37360530 PMCID: PMC10289869 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1150054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan disease is a major global health concern. Amoebiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and African sleeping sickness affect several million people worldwide, leading to millions of deaths annually and immense social and economic problems. Iron is an essential nutrient for nearly all microbes, including invading pathogens. The majority of iron in mammalian hosts is stored intracellularly in proteins, such as ferritin and hemoglobin (Hb). Hb, present in blood erythrocytes, is a very important source of iron and amino acids for pathogenic microorganisms ranging from bacteria to eukaryotic pathogens, such as worms, protozoa, yeast, and fungi. These organisms have developed adequate mechanisms to obtain Hb or its byproducts (heme and globin) from the host. One of the major virulence factors identified in parasites is parasite-derived proteases, essential for host tissue degradation, immune evasion, and nutrient acquisition. The production of Hb-degrading proteases is a Hb uptake mechanism that degrades globin in amino acids and facilitates heme release. This review aims to provide an overview of the Hb and heme-uptake mechanisms utilized by human pathogenic protozoa to survive inside the host.
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Bhakat D, Mondal I, Mukhopadhyay AK, Chatterjee NS. Iron influences the expression of colonization factor CS6 of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2021; 167. [PMID: 34550064 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major pathogen of acute watery diarrhoea. The pathogenicity of ETEC is linked to adherence to the small intestine by colonization factors (CFs) and secretion of heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) and/or heat-stable enterotoxin (ST). CS6 is one of the most common CFs in our region and worldwide. Iron availability functions as an environmental cue for enteropathogenic bacteria, signalling arrival within the human host. Therefore, iron could modify the expression of CS6 in the intestine. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of iron availability on CS6 expression in ETEC. This would help in understanding the importance of iron during ETEC pathogenesis. ETEC strain harbouring CS6 was cultured under increasing concentrations of iron salt to assess the effect on CS6 RNA expression by quantitative RT-PCR, protein expression by ELISA, promoter activity by β-galactosidase activity, and epithelial adhesion on HT-29 cells. RNA expression of CS6 was maximum in presence of 0.2 mM iron (II) salt. The expression increased by 50-fold, which also reduced under iron-chelation conditions and an increased iron concentration of 0.4 mM or more. The surface expression of CS6 also increased by 60-fold in presence of 0.2 mM iron. The upregulation of CS6 promoter activity by 25-fold under this experimental condition was in accordance with the induction of CS6 RNA and protein. This increased CS6 expression was independent of ETEC strains. Bacterial adhesion to HT-29 epithelial cells was also enhanced by five-fold in the presence of 0.2 mM iron salt. These findings suggest that CS6 expression is dependent on iron concentration. However, with further increases in iron concentration beyond 0.2 mM CS6 expression is decreased, suggesting that there might be a strong regulatory mechanism for CS6 expression under different iron concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debjyoti Bhakat
- Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - Indranil Mondal
- Division of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
| | - Asish Kumar Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Bacteriology, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
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Mach J, Sutak R. Iron in parasitic protists – from uptake to storage and where we can interfere. Metallomics 2020; 12:1335-1347. [DOI: 10.1039/d0mt00125b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive review of iron metabolism in parasitic protists and its potential use as a drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mach
- Department of Parasitology
- Faculty of Science - BIOCEV
- Charles University
- Vestec u Prahy
- Czech Republic
| | - Robert Sutak
- Department of Parasitology
- Faculty of Science - BIOCEV
- Charles University
- Vestec u Prahy
- Czech Republic
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7
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Rada P, Kellerová P, Verner Z, Tachezy J. Investigation of the Secretory Pathway inTrichomonas vaginalisArgues against a Moonlighting Function of Hydrogenosomal Enzymes. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2019; 66:899-910. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Petr Rada
- Department of Parasitology Faculty of Science Charles University, BIOCEV Průmyslová 595 Vestec 25242 Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Kellerová
- Department of Parasitology Faculty of Science Charles University, BIOCEV Průmyslová 595 Vestec 25242 Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Verner
- Department of Parasitology Faculty of Science Charles University, BIOCEV Průmyslová 595 Vestec 25242 Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tachezy
- Department of Parasitology Faculty of Science Charles University, BIOCEV Průmyslová 595 Vestec 25242 Czech Republic
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Espiritu CAL, Justo CAC, Rubio MJ, Svobodova M, Bashammakh AS, Alyoubi AO, Rivera WL, Rollon AP, O’Sullivan CK. Aptamer Selection against a Trichomonas vaginalis Adhesion Protein for Diagnostic Applications. ACS Infect Dis 2018; 4:1306-1315. [PMID: 29972299 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the leading nonviral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. We report the selection of a DNA aptamer against a T. vaginalis adhesion protein, AP65, using a microtiter plate-based in vitro combinatorial chemistry process termed systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. The enriched library pool was sequenced by next-generation sequencing, and several aptamer candidates with high affinity and specificity were identified. The aptamer with the highest affinity and specificity had a KD in the low nanomolar range, as confirmed by three different techniques: surface plasmon resonance, enzyme-linked aptamer assay, and biolayer interferometry. The selected aptamer was demonstrated to have a high specificity to the AP65 protein and to T. vaginalis cells with no cross-reactivity to other enteric and urogenital microorganisms. Current work is focused on the development of inexpensive and easy-to-use aptamer-based diagnostic assays for the reliable and rapid detection of T. vaginalis in vaginal swabs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miriam Jauset Rubio
- Interfibio Group, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans, 26, Tarragona 43007, Spain
| | - Marketa Svobodova
- Interfibio Group, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans, 26, Tarragona 43007, Spain
| | - Abdulaziz S. Bashammakh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman O. Alyoubi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Ciara K. O’Sullivan
- Interfibio Group, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans, 26, Tarragona 43007, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Passeig Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
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Smith RW, Brittingham A, Wilson WA. Purification and identification of amylases released by the human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis that are active towards glycogen. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 210:22-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Huffman RD, Nawrocki LD, Wilson WA, Brittingham A. Digestion of glycogen by a glucosidase released by Trichomonas vaginalis. Exp Parasitol 2015; 159:151-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Vieira PDB, Silva NLF, Kist LW, Oliveira GMTD, Bogo MR, Carli GAD, Macedo AJ, Tasca T. Iron from haemoglobin and haemin modulates nucleotide hydrolysis in Trichomonas vaginalis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:201-8. [PMID: 25946243 PMCID: PMC4489450 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760140320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular ATP may act as a danger signalling molecule, inducing inflammation and
immune responses in infection sites. The ectonucleotidases NTPDase and
ecto-5’-nucleotidase are enzymes that modulate extracellular nucleotide levels; these
enzymes have been previously characterised in Trichomonas vaginalis.
Iron plays an important role in the complex trichomonal pathogenesis. Herein, the
effects of iron on growth, nucleotide hydrolysis and NTPDase gene expression in
T. vaginalis isolates from female and male patients were
evaluated. Iron from different sources sustained T. vaginalis
growth. Importantly, iron from haemoglobin (HB) and haemin (HM) enhanced NTPDase
activity in isolates from female patients and conversely reduced the enzyme activity
in isolates from male patients. Iron treatments could not alter the NTPDase
transcript levels in T. vaginalis. Furthermore, our results reveal a
distinct ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis profile between isolates from female and male
patients influenced by iron from HB and HM. Our data indicate the participation of
NTPDase and ecto-5’-nucleotidase in the establishment of trichomonas infection
through ATP degradation and adenosine production influenced by iron.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luiza Wilges Kist
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Maurício Reis Bogo
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Geraldo Atillio de Carli
- Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Alexandre José Macedo
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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Quintas-Granados LI, Villalpando JL, Vázquez-Carrillo LI, Arroyo R, Mendoza-Hernández G, Álvarez-Sánchez ME. TvMP50 is an immunogenic metalloproteinase during male trichomoniasis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2013; 12:1953-64. [PMID: 23579185 PMCID: PMC3708178 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m112.022012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis, a human urogenital tract parasite, is capable of surviving in the male microenvironment, despite of the presence of Zn(2+). Concentrations > 1.6 mM of Zn(2+) have a trichomonacidal effect; however, in the presence of ≤1.6 mM Zn(2+), several trichomonad proteins are up- or down-regulated. Herein, we analyzed the proteome of a T. vaginalis male isolate (HGMN01) grown in the presence of Zn(2+) and found 32 protein spots that were immunorecognized by male trichomoniasis patient serum. Using mass spectrometry (MS), the proteins were identified and compared with 23 spots that were immunorecognized in the proteome of a female isolate using the same serum. Interestingly, we found a 50-kDa metallopeptidase (TvMP50). Unexpectedly, this proteinase was immunodetected by the serum of male trichomoniasis patients but not by the female patient serum or sera from healthy men and women. We analyzed the T. vaginalis genome and localized the mp50 gene in locus TVAG_403460. Using an RT-PCR assay, we amplified a 1320-bp mp50 mRNA transcript that was expressed in the presence of Zn(2+) in the HGMN01 and CNCD147 T. vaginalis isolates. According to a Western blot assay, native TvMP50 was differentially expressed in the presence of Zn(2+). The TvMP50 proteolytic activity increased in the presence of Zn(2+) in both isolates and was inhibited by EDTA but not by ptosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), E64, leupeptin, or phenylmethane sulfonyl fluoride. Furthermore, the recombinant TvMP50 had proteolytic activity that was inhibited by EDTA. These data suggested that TvMP50 is immunogenic during male trichomoniasis, and Zn(2+) induces its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Itzel Quintas-Granados
- From the ‡Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), San Lorenzo # 290, Col. Del Valle, CP 03100. México D.F., México
| | - José Luis Villalpando
- From the ‡Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), San Lorenzo # 290, Col. Del Valle, CP 03100. México D.F., México
| | - Laura Isabel Vázquez-Carrillo
- From the ‡Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), San Lorenzo # 290, Col. Del Valle, CP 03100. México D.F., México
| | - Rossana Arroyo
- §Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), Av IPN 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco CP 07360. México D.F., México
| | - Guillermo Mendoza-Hernández
- ¶Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D.F., México
| | - María Elizbeth Álvarez-Sánchez
- From the ‡Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), San Lorenzo # 290, Col. Del Valle, CP 03100. México D.F., México
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Epitopes of the highly immunogenic Trichomonas vaginalis α-actinin are serodiagnostic targets for both women and men. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:2483-90. [PMID: 23616456 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00582-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need for a point-of-care serodiagnostic test for women and men for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. Sera from women with this STI and sera from men that were analyzed in studies showing a relationship between serostatus and prostate cancer are highly seropositive in response to trichomonad α-actinin and its truncated protein (ACT-P2) (positive control sera). Epitope mapping experiments showed that positive control sera from women had antibodies to 13 distinct epitopes, 5 of which were detected by positive control sera from men. Sera from women and men that were unreactive with α-actinin (negative control sera) failed to detect any of the epitopes or other α-actinin amino acid sequences. The T. vaginalis α-actinin amino acid sequence and the sequences of the epitopes showed little or no identity with those of other proteins of microbial pathogens or the human α-actinin 1 (HuACTN1) homolog. Immunoassays such as dot blot, immunoblot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used. Positive control sera did not detect HuACTN1 in immunoassays, and the range of levels of identity of α-actinin epitopes with HuACTN1 was 0% to 50%. Comparison of the T. vaginalis α-actinin epitopes with proteins in data banks, such as Tritrichomonas suis, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins, gave a range of identity levels of 0% to 22%. Specific 15-mer peptide epitopes of α-actinin with low to no identity with other proteins were synthesized and were reactive with positive control sera only. These findings identify epitopes of α-actinin as candidate serodiagnostic targets and suggest strongly that a highly seropositive reaction to α-actinin suggests exposure to T. vaginalis.
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Frasson AP, Charão MF, Rosemberg DB, de Souza AP, Garcia SC, Bonorino C, Bogo MR, De Carli GA, Tasca T. Analysis of the NTPDase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase profiles in serum-limited Trichomonas vaginalis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 107:170-7. [PMID: 22415254 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000200004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasite of the human urogenital tract that causes trichomonosis, the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted disease. Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase) family members, which hydrolyse extracellular ATP and ADP and ecto-5'-nucleotidase, which hydrolyses AMP, have been characterised in T. vaginalis. For trichomonad culture, the growth medium is supplemented with 10% serum, which is an important source of nutrients, such as adenosine. Here, we investigated the ATP metabolism of T. vaginalis trophozoites from long-term cultures and clinical isolates under limited bovine serum conditions (1% serum). The specific enzymatic activities were expressed as nmol inorganic phosphate (Pi) released/min/mg protein, the gene expression patterns were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, the extracellular adenine nucleotide hydrolysis was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography and the cell cycle analysis was assessed by flow cytometry. Serum limitation led to the profound activation of NTPDase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase activities. Furthermore, the levels of NTPDase A and B transcripts increased and extracellular ATP metabolism was activated, which led to enhanced ATP hydrolysis and the formation of ADP and AMP. Moreover, the cell cycle was arrested at the G0/G1 stage, which suggested adenosine uptake. Our data suggest that under conditions of serum limitation, NTPDase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase play a role in providing the adenosine required for T. vaginalis growth and that this process contributes to the establishment of parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Piccoli Frasson
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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15
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Iron-inducible nuclear translocation of a Myb3 transcription factor in the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2012; 11:1441-50. [PMID: 23042127 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00190-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In Trichomonas vaginalis, a novel nuclear localization signal spanning the folded R2R3 DNA-binding domain of a Myb2 protein was previously identified. To study whether a similar signal is used for nuclear translocation by other Myb proteins, nuclear translocation of Myb3 was examined in this report. When overexpressed, hemagglutinin-tagged Myb3 was localized to nuclei of transfected cells, with a cellular distribution similar to that of endogenous Myb3. Fusion to a bacterial tetracycline repressor, R2R3, of Myb3 that spans amino acids (aa) 48 to 156 was insufficient for nuclear translocation of the fusion protein, unless its C terminus was extended to aa 167. The conserved isoleucine in helix 2 of R2R3, which is important for Myb2's structural integrity in maintaining DNA-binding activity and nuclear translocation, was also vital for the former activity of Myb3, but less crucial for the latter. Sequential nuclear influx and efflux of Myb3, which require further extension of the nuclear localization signal to aa 180, were immediately induced after iron repletion. Sequence elements that regulate nuclear translocation with cytoplasmic retention, nuclear influx, and nuclear efflux were identified within the C-terminal tail. These results suggest that the R2R3 DNA-binding domain also serves as a common module for the nuclear translocation of both Myb2 and Myb3, but there are intrinsic differences between the two nuclear localization signals.
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16
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Smith A, Johnson P. Gene expression in the unicellular eukaryote Trichomonas vaginalis. Res Microbiol 2011; 162:646-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2011.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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17
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Responsiveness of Trichomonas vaginalis to iron concentrations: Evidence for a post-transcriptional iron regulation by an IRE/IRP-like system. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2009; 9:1065-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2009.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2009] [Revised: 05/28/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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18
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Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is a surface-associated, fibronectin-binding protein of Trichomonas vaginalis. Infect Immun 2009; 77:2703-11. [PMID: 19380472 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00157-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis colonizes the urogenital tract of humans and causes trichomonosis, the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted disease. We have shown an association of T. vaginalis with basement membrane extracellular matrix components, a property which we hypothesize is important for colonization and persistence. In this study, we identify a fibronectin (FN)-binding protein of T. vaginalis. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) from a library of hybridomas that inhibited the binding of T. vaginalis organisms to immobilized FN was identified. The MAb (called ws1) recognized a 39-kDa protein and was used to screen a cDNA expression library of T. vaginalis. A 1,086-bp reactive cDNA clone that encoded a protein of 362 amino acids with identity to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was obtained. The gapdh gene was cloned, and recombinant GAPDH (rGAPDH) was expressed in Escherichia coli cells. Natural GAPDH and rGAPDH bound to immobilized FN and to plasminogen and collagen but not to laminin. MAb ws1 inhibited binding to FN. GAPDH was detected on the surface of trichomonads and was upregulated in synthesis and surface expression by iron. Higher levels of binding to FN were seen for organisms grown in iron-replete medium than for organisms grown in iron-depleted medium. In addition, decreased synthesis of GAPDH by antisense transfection of T. vaginalis gave lower levels of organisms bound to FN and had no adverse effect on growth kinetics. Finally, GAPDH did not associate with immortalized vaginal epithelial cells (VECs), and neither GAPDH nor MAb ws1 inhibited the adherence of trichomonads to VECs. These results indicate that GAPDH is a surface-associated protein of T. vaginalis with alternative functions.
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Trichomonas vaginalis: The adhesins AP51 and AP65 bind heme and hemoglobin. Exp Parasitol 2009; 121:300-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2008] [Revised: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 11/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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20
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Carvalho S, Cruz T, Santarém N, Castro H, Costa V, Tomás AM. Heme as a source of iron to Leishmania infantum amastigotes. Acta Trop 2009; 109:131-5. [PMID: 19013419 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2008] [Revised: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 10/14/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Amastigotes, the mammalian stage of Leishmania, must acquire iron from molecules accessing the macrophage parasitophorous vacuole (PV) where they inhabit. These molecules likely include non-heme and heme-bound forms of iron. Here we demonstrate that, in addition to the previously documented use of ferrous iron, Leishmania amastigotes are also capable of exploiting iron from hemin and hemoglobin for nutritional purposes. Moreover, evidence is presented that a ligand at the surface of amastigotes binds hemin with high-affinity (Kd=0.044nM). This ligand may function in intracellular transport of heme while hemoglobin internalization occurs through a different molecule. The co-existence in Leishmania amastigotes of different processes to acquire iron could constitute an infective strategy, ensuring parasites a substantial advantage in situations of iron limitation.
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Transcriptional regulation of an iron-inducible gene by differential and alternate promoter entries of multiple Myb proteins in the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2009; 8:362-72. [PMID: 19151329 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00317-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Iron-inducible transcription of a malic enzyme gene (also reputed to be ap65-1) in Trichomonas vaginalis was previously shown to involve a Myb1 repressor and a Myb2 activator, each of which may preferentially select two closely spaced promoter sites, MRE-1/MRE-2r, which comprises overlapping promoter elements, and MRE-2f. In the present study, an iron-inducible approximately 32-kDa Myb3 nuclear protein was demonstrated to bind only the MRE-1 element. Changes in the iron supply, which produced antagonistic effects on the levels of Myb2 and Myb3 expression, also resulted in temporal and alternate entries of Myb2 and Myb3 into the ap65-1 promoter. Repression or activation of basal and iron-inducible ap65-1 transcription was detected in transfected cells when Myb3 was, respectively, substantially knocked down or overexpressed. In the latter case, increased Myb3 promoter entry was detected with concomitant decrease in Myb2 promoter entry under specific conditions, while Myb3 promoter entry was inhibited under all test conditions in cells overexpressing Myb2. In contrast, concomitant promoter entries by Myb2 and Myb3 diminished in cells overexpressing Myb1, except that Myb3 promoter entry was slightly affected under prolonged iron depletion. Together, these results suggest that Myb2 and Myb3 may coactivate basal and iron-inducible ap65-1 transcription against Myb1 through conditional and competitive promoter entries.
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Kummer S, Hayes GR, Gilbert RO, Beach DH, Lucas JJ, Singh BN. Induction of human host cell apoptosis by Trichomonas vaginalis cysteine proteases is modulated by parasite exposure to iron. Microb Pathog 2008; 44:197-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2007.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2007] [Revised: 09/18/2007] [Accepted: 09/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Garcia AF, Alderete J. Characterization of the Trichomonas vaginalis surface-associated AP65 and binding domain interacting with trichomonads and host cells. BMC Microbiol 2007; 7:116. [PMID: 18158858 PMCID: PMC2222631 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-7-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Accepted: 12/25/2007] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background AP65 is a prominent adhesin of Trichomonas vaginalis that mediates binding of parasites to host vaginal epithelial cells (VECs). AP65 with no secretion signal sequence, membrane targeting peptide, and anchoring motif was recently found to be secreted. Results We first wanted to demonstrate surface association of AP65 to the parasite followed by the identification of the binding epitope interacting with both organisms and VECs. AP65 was found to bind to trichomonads, but not to trypsin-treated parasites, in an auto-ligand assay, suggesting the existence of a surface protein associating with AP65. Since rabbit antiserum IgG antibodies reactive with epitopes localized to the N-terminal region of AP65 inhibit the attachment of live parasites to VECs, we hypothesized that the binding domain was localized to this region. We subcloned five overlapping fragments of AP65 called c1 through c5, and expression of recombinant clones was confirmed with antibodies to AP65. Each purified recombinant protein was then tested for binding activity using an established ligand assay, and fragment c1 with the first twenty-five amino acids in the N-terminal domain was required for binding to VECs and, surprisingly, also to parasites. Importantly, c1 competed with the binding of AP65 to both cells types. Conclusion T. vaginalis AP65 is a secreted, surface-associated protein and a model is proposed to explain how this secreted protein functions as an adhesin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
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24
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Ong SJ, Hsu HM, Liu HW, Chu CH, Tai JH. Activation of Multifarious Transcription of an Adhesion Protein ap65-1 Gene by a Novel Myb2 Protein in the Protozoan Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:6716-25. [PMID: 17202137 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m610484200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Multifarious transcription of the adhesion protein ap65-1 gene in the human pathogen, Trichomonas vaginalis, is critically regulated by the coordination of two similar but opposite oriented DNA regulatory regions, MRE-1/MRE-2r and MRE-2f, both of which are binding sites for multiple Myb-like proteins. In the present study, MRE-1/MRE-2r was demonstrated to be composed of multiple overlapping promoter elements, among which the entire region is required for growth-related ap65-1 transcription, and the 5'-MRE-1 antagonizes the suppressive activity of the 3'-MRE-2r in iron-inducible transcription. The recombinant Myb2 protein derived from a previously identified myb2 gene was demonstrated to recognize distinct sequence contexts in MRE-2r and MRE-2f, whereas Myb2 in the nuclear lysate preferentially binds to MRE-2f to MRE-2r. Iron repletion resulted in persistent repression of the myb2 gene, and temporal activation/deactivation of Myb2 promoter entry, which was also activated by prolonged iron depletion. The hemagglutinintagged Myb2 when overexpressed during iron-depleted conditions facilitated basal and growth-related ap65-1 transcription to a level that was achieved in iron-replete cells, whereas ironinducible ap65-1 transcription was abolished with knockdown of Myb2. These findings demonstrated that Myb2 is involved in activation of growth-related and iron-inducible transcription of the ap65-1 gene, possibly through differential promoter selection in competition with other Myb proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiou-Jeng Ong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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25
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Bastida-Corcuera FD, Okumura CY, Colocoussi A, Johnson PJ. Trichomonas vaginalis lipophosphoglycan mutants have reduced adherence and cytotoxicity to human ectocervical cells. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2006; 4:1951-8. [PMID: 16278462 PMCID: PMC1287856 DOI: 10.1128/ec.4.11.1951-1958.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis is covered by a dense glycocalyx thought to play a role in host-parasite interactions. The main component of the glycocalyx is lipophosphoglycan (LPG), a polysaccharide anchored in the plasma membrane by inositol phosphoceramide. To study the role of LPG in trichomonads, we produced T. vaginalis LPG mutants by chemical mutagenesis and lectin selection and characterized them using morphological, biochemical, and functional assays. Two independently selected LPG mutants, with growth rates comparable to that of the wild-type (parent) strain, lost the ability to bind the lectins Ricinnus comunis agglutinin I (RCA120) and wheat germ agglutinin, indicating alterations in surface galactose and glucosamine residues. LPG isolated from mutants migrated faster than parent strain LPG on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, suggesting the mutants had shorter LPG molecules. Dionex high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection analyses revealed galactosamine, glucosamine, galactose, glucose, mannose/xylose, and rhamnose as the main monosaccharides of T. vaginalis parent strain LPG. LPG from both mutants showed a reduction of galactose and glucosamine, corresponding with the reduced size of their LPG molecules and inability to bind the lectins RCA120 and wheat germ agglutinin. Mutant parasites were defective in attachment to plastic, a characteristic associated with avirulent strains of T. vaginalis. Moreover, the mutants were less adherent and less cytotoxic to human vaginal ectocervical cells in vitro than the parental strain. Finally, while parent strain LPG could inhibit the attachment of parent strain parasites to vaginal cells, LPG from either mutant could not inhibit attachment. These combined results demonstrate that T. vaginalis adherence to host cells is LPG mediated and that an altered LPG leads to reduced adherence and cytotoxicity of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix D Bastida-Corcuera
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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26
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Carvalho SE, Freitas D, Murad AM, Franco OL, Simões-Barbosa A. Trichomonas vaginalis: Identification of a triacylglycerol acylhydrolase. Exp Parasitol 2005; 111:260-3. [PMID: 16236283 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2005.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2005] [Revised: 08/17/2005] [Accepted: 08/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This work describes the identification of a triacylglycerol lipase named TVLip directly onto blood-LB-agar plates by hemolytic screening of a Trichomonas vaginalis cDNA expression library. Sharing significant similarity in the primary sequence with other lipases, the theoretical 3D structure of the TVLip was resolved. The structure reveals the predictive conserved characteristics of other lipases from EC3.1.1.3 group, although presenting one amino acid change in the catalytic triad Ser-His-Asp. Finally, analysis of Northern blot indicates that the expression of the TVLip gene is up-regulated by iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Elisa Carvalho
- Universidade Católica de Brasília, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, SGAN 916, Brasília DF 70790-160, Brazil
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27
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Kucknoor AS, Mundodi V, Alderete JF. Adherence to human vaginal epithelial cells signals for increased expression of Trichomonas vaginalis genes. Infect Immun 2005; 73:6472-8. [PMID: 16177319 PMCID: PMC1230950 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.10.6472-6478.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Host parasitism by Trichomonas vaginalis is complex, and the adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells (VECs) by trichomonads is preparatory to colonization of the vagina. Since we showed increased synthesis of adhesins after contact with VECs (A. F. Garcia, et al., Mol. Microbiol. 47:1207-1224, 2003) and more recently demonstrated up-regulated gene expression in VECs after parasite attachment (A. S. Kucknoor, et al., Cell. Microbiol. 7:887-897, 2005), we hypothesized that enhanced expression of adhesin and other genes would result from signaling of trichomonads following adherence. In order to identify the genes that are up-regulated, we constructed a subtraction cDNA library enriched for differentially expressed genes from the parasites that were in contact with the host cells. Thirty randomly selected cDNA clones representing the differentially regulated genes upon initial contact of parasites with host cells were sequenced. Several genes encoded functional proteins with specific functions known to be associated with colonization, such as adherence, change in morphology, and gene transcription and translation. Interestingly, genes unique to trichomonads with unknown functions were also up-regulated. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) confirmed expression of select genes. An increased amount of protein was demonstrated by immunoblotting with monoclonal antibody. Finally, we showed the transcriptional regulation of some genes by iron by using RT-PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first report addressing the differential regulation of T. vaginalis genes immediately upon contact with VECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini S Kucknoor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, 78229, USA
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28
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Tasca T, Bonan CD, De Carli GA, Sarkis JJF, Alderete JF. Heterogeneity in extracellular nucleotide hydrolysis among clinical isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis. Parasitology 2005; 131:71-8. [PMID: 16038398 PMCID: PMC2562646 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182005007377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic protozoan that causes trichomonosis, a sexually-transmitted disease, with serious sequelae to women and men. As the host-parasite relationship is complex, it is important to investigate biochemical aspects of the parasite that contribute to our understanding of trichomonal biology and pathogenesis. Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (NTPDase 1), which hydrolyses extracellular ATP and ADP, and ecto-5'-nucleotidase, which hyrolyses AMP, have been characterized in laboratory isolates of T. vaginalis. Here we show that the extracellular ATP: ADP hydrolysis ratio varies among fresh clinical isolates, which presented higher ATPase and ADPase activities than long-term-grown isolates. Growth of parasites in iron-replete and iron-depleted medium resulted in different, albeit minor, patterns in extracellular ATP and ADP hydrolysis among isolates. Importantly, some isolates had low or absent ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity, regardless of environmental conditions tested. For isolates with ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity, high- and low-iron trichomonads had increased and decreased levels of activity, respectively, compared to organisms grown in normal TYM-serum medium. This suggests a regulation in expression of either the enzyme amounts and/or activity under the control of iron. Finally, we found no correlation between the presence or absence of dsRNA virus infection among trichomonad isolates and NTPDase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Tasca
- Department of Microbiology, MC7758, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
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29
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Garcia AF, Benchimol M, Alderete JF. Trichomonas vaginalis polyamine metabolism is linked to host cell adherence and cytotoxicity. Infect Immun 2005; 73:2602-10. [PMID: 15845462 PMCID: PMC1087355 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.5.2602-2610.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis secretes putrescine that is readily detected in vaginal secretions. We wanted to examine the effect of decreased putrescine synthesis by inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) on T. vaginalis. One reason is because inhibition of Tritrichomonas foetus ODC results in growth arrest, destruction of hydrogenosomes, and decreased amounts of hydrogenosomal enzymes. Treatment of T. vaginalis T016 with >/=20 mM 1,4-diamino-2-butanone (DAB) to inhibit ODC resulted in growth arrest, which was reversed by addition of exogenous putrescine. No similar reversal of growth arrest was achieved with the polyamines spermine or spermidine or with iron. Electron microscopic examination of control versus DAB-treated trichomonads did not reveal any adverse effects on the number and integrity of hydrogenosomes. Further, the adhesins AP65, AP51, and AP33 mediating binding to immortalized vaginal epithelial cells (VECs) share identity to enzymes of the hydrogenosome organelle, and there was no difference in amounts of adhesins between control versus DAB-treated T. vaginalis parasites. Likewise, similar patterns and extent of fluorescence were evident for the prominent AP65 adhesin. Surprisingly, DAB treatment increased by 4- to 20-fold above untreated trichomonads handled identically the level of adherence mediated by adhesins. Interestingly, the enhanced attachment to VECs was reversed by exogenous putrescine added to DAB-treated trichomonads. Equally noteworthy was that DAB-treated T. vaginalis with enhanced adherence did not possess the previously reported ability to kill host cells in a contact-dependent fashion mediated by cysteine proteinases, and total cysteine proteinase activity patterns were identical between control and DAB-treated trichomonads. Overall, these data suggest that polyamine metabolism and secreted putrescine are linked to host cell adherence and cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F. Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular, Universidade Santa Ursula, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M. Benchimol
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular, Universidade Santa Ursula, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J. F. Alderete
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular, Universidade Santa Ursula, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Corresponding author. Mailing address: Department Microbiology, UTHSCSA, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229-3900. Phone: (210) 567-6828. Fax: (210) 567-6612. E-mail:
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