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Ghosh S, Kundu R, Chandana M, Das R, Anand A, Beura S, Bobde RC, Jain V, Prabhu SR, Behera PK, Mohanty AK, Chakrapani M, Satyamoorthy K, Suryawanshi AR, Dixit A, Padmanaban G, Nagaraj VA. Distinct evolution of type I glutamine synthetase in Plasmodium and its species-specific requirement. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4216. [PMID: 37452051 PMCID: PMC10349072 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39670-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasite lacks canonical pathways for amino acid biosynthesis and depends primarily on hemoglobin degradation and extracellular resources for amino acids. Interestingly, a putative gene for glutamine synthetase (GS) is retained despite glutamine being an abundant amino acid in human and mosquito hosts. Here we show Plasmodium GS has evolved as a unique type I enzyme with distinct structural and regulatory properties to adapt to the asexual niche. Methionine sulfoximine (MSO) and phosphinothricin (PPT) inhibit parasite GS activity. GS is localized to the parasite cytosol and abundantly expressed in all the life cycle stages. Parasite GS displays species-specific requirement in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) having asparagine-rich proteome. Targeting PfGS affects asparagine levels and inhibits protein synthesis through eIF2α phosphorylation leading to parasite death. Exposure of artemisinin-resistant Pf parasites to MSO and PPT inhibits the emergence of viable parasites upon artemisinin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Ghosh
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Rajib Kundu
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Manjunatha Chandana
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Rahul Das
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Aditya Anand
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Subhashree Beura
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Ruchir Chandrakant Bobde
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India
| | - Vishal Jain
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Sowmya Ramakant Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Akshaya Kumar Mohanty
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
- Ispat General Hospital, Sector 19, Rourkela, 769005, Odisha, India
| | - Mahabala Chakrapani
- Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Anshuman Dixit
- Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Govindarajan Padmanaban
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, Karnataka, India
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Scott AF, Deery E, Lawrence AD, Warren MJ. Plasmodium falciparum hydroxymethylbilane synthase does not house any cosynthase activity within the haem biosynthetic pathway. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2021; 167. [PMID: 34661520 PMCID: PMC8698207 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Uroporphyrinogen III, the universal progenitor of macrocyclic, modified tetrapyrroles, is produced from aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) by a conserved pathway involving three enzymes: porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS), hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HmbS) and uroporphyrinogen III synthase (UroS). The gene encoding uroporphyrinogen III synthase has not yet been identified in Plasmodium falciparum, but it has been suggested that this activity is housed inside a bifunctional hybroxymethylbilane synthase (HmbS). Additionally, an unknown protein encoded by PF3D7_1247600 has also been predicted to possess UroS activity. In this study it is demonstrated that neither of these proteins possess UroS activity and the real UroS remains to be identified. This was demonstrated by the failure of codon-optimized genes to complement a defined Escherichia coli hemD− mutant (SASZ31) deficient in UroS activity. Furthermore, HPLC analysis of the oxidized reaction product from recombinant, purified P. falciparum HmbS showed that only uroporphyrin I could be detected (corresponding to hydroxymethylbilane production). No uroporphyrin III was detected, showing that P. falciparum HmbS does not have UroS activity and can only catalyze the formation of hydroxymethylbilane from porphobilinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan F. Scott
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK
- Present address: School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
- *Correspondence: Alan F. Scott,
| | - Evelyne Deery
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Andrew D. Lawrence
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Martin J. Warren
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, UK
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3
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Kořený L, Oborník M, Horáková E, Waller RF, Lukeš J. The convoluted history of haem biosynthesis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:141-162. [PMID: 34472688 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The capacity of haem to transfer electrons, bind diatomic gases, and catalyse various biochemical reactions makes it one of the essential biomolecules on Earth and one that was likely used by the earliest forms of cellular life. Since the description of haem biosynthesis, our understanding of this multi-step pathway has been almost exclusively derived from a handful of model organisms from narrow taxonomic contexts. Recent advances in genome sequencing and functional studies of diverse and previously neglected groups have led to discoveries of alternative routes of haem biosynthesis that deviate from the 'classical' pathway. In this review, we take an evolutionarily broad approach to illuminate the remarkable diversity and adaptability of haem synthesis, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, showing the range of strategies that organisms employ to obtain and utilise haem. In particular, the complex evolutionary histories of eukaryotes that involve multiple endosymbioses and horizontal gene transfers are reflected in the mosaic origin of numerous metabolic pathways with haem biosynthesis being a striking case. We show how different evolutionary trajectories and distinct life strategies resulted in pronounced tensions and differences in the spatial organisation of the haem biosynthesis pathway, in some cases leading to a complete loss of a haem-synthesis capacity and, rarely, even loss of a requirement for haem altogether.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luděk Kořený
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, U.K
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice (Budweis), 370 05, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská, České Budějovice (Budweis), 31, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Horáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice (Budweis), 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, U.K
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice (Budweis), 370 05, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská, České Budějovice (Budweis), 31, Czech Republic
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4
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Kloehn J, Harding CR, Soldati-Favre D. Supply and demand-heme synthesis, salvage and utilization by Apicomplexa. FEBS J 2020; 288:382-404. [PMID: 32530125 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The Apicomplexa phylum groups important human and animal pathogens that cause severe diseases, encompassing malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. In common with most organisms, apicomplexans rely on heme as cofactor for several enzymes, including cytochromes of the electron transport chain. This heme derives from de novo synthesis and/or the development of uptake mechanisms to scavenge heme from their host. Recent studies have revealed that heme synthesis is essential for Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites, as well as for the mosquito and liver stages of Plasmodium spp. In contrast, the erythrocytic stages of the malaria parasites rely on scavenging heme from the host red blood cell. The unusual heme synthesis pathway in Apicomplexa spans three cellular compartments and comprises enzymes of distinct ancestral origin, providing promising drug targets. Remarkably given the requirement for heme, T. gondii can tolerate the loss of several heme synthesis enzymes at a high fitness cost, while the ferrochelatase is essential for survival. These findings indicate that T. gondii is capable of salvaging heme precursors from its host. Furthermore, heme is implicated in the activation of the key antimalarial drug artemisinin. Recent findings established that a reduction in heme availability corresponds to decreased sensitivity to artemisinin in T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, providing insights into the possible development of combination therapies to tackle apicomplexan parasites. This review describes the microeconomics of heme in Apicomplexa, from supply, either from de novo synthesis or scavenging, to demand by metabolic pathways, including the electron transport chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Clare R Harding
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
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5
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Celis AI, DuBois JL. Making and breaking heme. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 59:19-28. [PMID: 30802830 PMCID: PMC6706330 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms for making and breaking the heme b cofactor (heme) are more diverse than previously expected. Biosynthetic pathways have diverged at least twice along taxonomic lines, reflecting differences in membrane organization and O2 utilization among major groups of organisms. At least three families of heme degradases are now known, again differing in whether and how O2 is used by the organism and possibly the purpose for turning over the tetrapyrrole. Understanding these enzymes and pathways offers a handle for antimicrobial development and for monitoring heme use in organismal and ecological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna I Celis
- Montana State University, 103 Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
| | - Jennifer L DuBois
- Montana State University, 103 Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States.
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6
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There Is Treasure Everywhere: Reductive Plastid Evolution in Apicomplexa in Light of Their Close Relatives. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9080378. [PMID: 31430853 PMCID: PMC6722601 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The phylum Apicomplexa (Alveolates) comprises a group of host-associated protists, predominately intracellular parasites, including devastating parasites like Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria. One of the more fascinating characteristics of Apicomplexa is their highly reduced (and occasionally lost) remnant plastid, termed the apicoplast. Four core metabolic pathways are retained in the apicoplast: heme synthesis, iron–sulfur cluster synthesis, isoprenoid synthesis, and fatty acid synthesis. It has been suggested that one or more of these pathways are essential for plastid and plastid genome retention. The past decade has witnessed the discovery of several apicomplexan relatives, and next-generation sequencing efforts are revealing that they retain variable plastid metabolic capacities. These data are providing clues about the core genes and pathways of reduced plastids, while at the same time further confounding our view on the evolutionary history of the apicoplast. Here, we examine the evolutionary history of the apicoplast, explore plastid metabolism in Apicomplexa and their close relatives, and propose that the differences among reduced plastids result from a game of endosymbiotic roulette. Continued exploration of the Apicomplexa and their relatives is sure to provide new insights into the evolution of the apicoplast and apicomplexans as a whole.
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Refojo PN, Sena FV, Calisto F, Sousa FM, Pereira MM. The plethora of membrane respiratory chains in the phyla of life. Adv Microb Physiol 2019; 74:331-414. [PMID: 31126533 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The diversity of microbial cells is reflected in differences in cell size and shape, motility, mechanisms of cell division, pathogenicity or adaptation to different environmental niches. All these variations are achieved by the distinct metabolic strategies adopted by the organisms. The respiratory chains are integral parts of those strategies especially because they perform the most or, at least, most efficient energy conservation in the cell. Respiratory chains are composed of several membrane proteins, which perform a stepwise oxidation of metabolites toward the reduction of terminal electron acceptors. Many of these membrane proteins use the energy released from the oxidoreduction reaction they catalyze to translocate charges across the membrane and thus contribute to the establishment of the membrane potential, i.e. they conserve energy. In this work we illustrate and discuss the composition of the respiratory chains of different taxonomic clades, based on bioinformatic analyses and on biochemical data available in the literature. We explore the diversity of the respiratory chains of Animals, Plants, Fungi and Protists kingdoms as well as of Prokaryotes, including Bacteria and Archaea. The prokaryotic phyla studied in this work are Gammaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Epsilonproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Chlamydiae, Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Deinococcus-Thermus, Aquificae, Thermotogae, Deferribacteres, Nitrospirae, Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia N Refojo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica - António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República EAN, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Filipa V Sena
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica - António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República EAN, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Filipa Calisto
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica - António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República EAN, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Filipe M Sousa
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica - António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República EAN, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Manuela M Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica - António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República EAN, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal; University of Lisboa, Faculty of Sciences, BIOISI- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Lisboa, Portugal
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8
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Exploiting the apicoplast: apicoplast-targeting drugs and malaria vaccine development. Microbes Infect 2017; 20:477-483. [PMID: 29287981 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The apicoplast, a relic plastid found in most Apicomplexan parasites, is a notable drug target. Certain antibiotics elicit a delayed death phenotype by targeting this organelle. Here, we review apicoplast-targeting drugs and their targets, particularly those that cause delayed death, and highlight its potential uses in malaria vaccine development.
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9
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Sharma D, Soni R, Rai P, Sharma B, Bhatt TK. Relict plastidic metabolic process as a potential therapeutic target. Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:134-140. [PMID: 28987288 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The alignment of the evolutionary history of parasites with that of plants provides a different panorama in the drug development process. The housing of different metabolic processes, essential for parasite survival, adds to the indispensability of the apicoplast. The different pathways responsible for fueling the apicoplast and parasite offer a myriad of proteins responsible for the apicoplast function. The studies emphasizing the target-based approaches might help in the discovery of antimalarials. The different putative drug targets and their roles are highlighted. In addition, the origin of the apicoplast and metabolic processes are reviewed and the different drugs acting upon the enzymes of the apicoplast are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drista Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India
| | - Rani Soni
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India
| | - Praveen Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India
| | - Bhaskar Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Rajasthan 305801, India.
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10
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Insights on Heme Synthesis in the Malaria Parasite. Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:583-586. [PMID: 28495484 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The malaria parasite has a functional heme-biosynthetic pathway, although it can access host hemoglobin-heme. The heme pathway is dispensable for blood stages, but essential in the mosquito stages which do not acquire hemoglobin-heme. We propose that the blood stage parasites maintain a dynamic heme pool through multiple back-up mechanisms.
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11
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Hehenberger E, Imanian B, Burki F, Keeling PJ. Evidence for the retention of two evolutionary distinct plastids in dinoflagellates with diatom endosymbionts. Genome Biol Evol 2015; 6:2321-34. [PMID: 25172904 PMCID: PMC4217693 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dinoflagellates harboring diatom endosymbionts (termed “dinotoms”) have undergone a process often referred to as “tertiary endosymbiosis”—the uptake of algae containing secondary plastids and integration of those plastids into the new host. In contrast to other tertiary plastids, and most secondary plastids, the endosymbiont of dinotoms is distinctly less reduced, retaining a number of cellular features, such as their nucleus and mitochondria and others, in addition to their plastid. This has resulted in redundancy between host and endosymbiont, at least between some mitochondrial and cytosolic metabolism, where this has been investigated. The question of plastidial redundancy is particularly interesting as the fate of the host dinoflagellate plastid is unclear. The host cytosol possesses an eyespot that has been postulated to be a remnant of the ancestral peridinin plastid, but this has not been tested, nor has its possible retention of plastid functions. To investigate this possibility, we searched for plastid-associated pathways and functions in transcriptomic data sets from three dinotom species. We show that the dinoflagellate host has indeed retained genes for plastid-associated pathways and that these genes encode targeting peptides similar to those of other dinoflagellate plastid-targeted proteins. Moreover, we also identified one gene encoding an essential component of the dinoflagellate plastid protein import machinery, altogether suggesting the presence of a functioning plastid import system in the host, and by extension a relict plastid. The presence of the same plastid-associated pathways in the endosymbiont also extends the known functional redundancy in dinotoms, further confirming the unusual state of plastid integration in this group of dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hehenberger
- Department of Botany, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Behzad Imanian
- Department of Botany, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fabien Burki
- Department of Botany, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patrick J Keeling
- Department of Botany, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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12
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Kobayashi K, Masuda T, Tajima N, Wada H, Sato N. Molecular phylogeny and intricate evolutionary history of the three isofunctional enzymes involved in the oxidation of protoporphyrinogen IX. Genome Biol Evol 2015; 6:2141-55. [PMID: 25108393 PMCID: PMC4231631 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrapyrroles such as heme and chlorophyll are essential for biological processes, including oxygenation, respiration, and photosynthesis. In the tetrapyrrole biosynthesis pathway, protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (Protox) catalyzes the formation of protoporphyrin IX, the last common intermediate for the biosynthesis of heme and chlorophyll. Three nonhomologous isofunctional enzymes, HemG, HemJ, and HemY, for Protox have been identified. To reveal the distribution and evolution of the three Protox enzymes, we identified homologs of each along with other heme biosynthetic enzymes by whole-genome clustering across three domains of life. Most organisms possess only one of the three Protox types, with some exceptions. Detailed phylogenetic analysis revealed that HemG is mostly limited to γ-Proteobacteria whereas HemJ may have originated within α-Proteobacteria and transferred to other Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria. In contrast, HemY is ubiquitous in prokaryotes and is the only Protox in eukaryotes, so this type may be the ancestral Protox. Land plants have a unique HemY homolog that is also shared by Chloroflexus species, in addition to the main HemY homolog originating from Cyanobacteria. Meanwhile, organisms missing any Protox can be classified into two groups; those lacking most heme synthetic genes, which necessarily depend on external heme supply, and those lacking only genes involved in the conversion of uroporphyrinogen III into heme, which would use a precorrin2-dependent alternative pathway. However, hemN encoding coproporphyrinogen IX oxidase was frequently found in organisms lacking Protox enzyme, which suggests a unique role of this gene other than in heme biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Kobayashi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuru Masuda
- Department of General Systems Studies, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Tajima
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Wada
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan CREST, JST, Saitama, Japan
| | - Naoki Sato
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan CREST, JST, Saitama, Japan
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Ke H, Sigala PA, Miura K, Morrisey JM, Mather MW, Crowley JR, Henderson JP, Goldberg DE, Long CA, Vaidya AB. The heme biosynthesis pathway is essential for Plasmodium falciparum development in mosquito stage but not in blood stages. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:34827-37. [PMID: 25352601 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.615831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme is an essential cofactor for aerobic organisms. Its redox chemistry is central to a variety of biological functions mediated by hemoproteins. In blood stages, malaria parasites consume most of the hemoglobin inside the infected erythrocytes, forming nontoxic hemozoin crystals from large quantities of heme released during digestion. At the same time, the parasites possess a heme de novo biosynthetic pathway. This pathway in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has been considered essential and is proposed as a potential drug target. However, we successfully disrupted the first and last genes of the pathway, individually and in combination. These knock-out parasite lines, lacking 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase and/or ferrochelatase (FC), grew normally in blood-stage culture and exhibited no changes in sensitivity to heme-related antimalarial drugs. We developed a sensitive LC-MS/MS assay to monitor stable isotope incorporation into heme from its precursor 5-[(13)C4]aminolevulinic acid, and this assay confirmed that de novo heme synthesis was ablated in FC knock-out parasites. Disrupting the FC gene also caused no defects in gametocyte generation or maturation but resulted in a greater than 70% reduction in male gamete formation and completely prevented oocyst formation in female Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. Our data demonstrate that the heme biosynthesis pathway is not essential for asexual blood-stage growth of P. falciparum parasites but is required for mosquito transmission. Drug inhibition of pathway activity is therefore unlikely to provide successful antimalarial therapy. These data also suggest the existence of a parasite mechanism for scavenging host heme to meet metabolic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangjun Ke
- From the Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
| | - Paul A Sigala
- the Department of Molecular Microbiology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, and
| | - Joanne M Morrisey
- From the Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
| | - Michael W Mather
- From the Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129
| | - Jan R Crowley
- the Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research and
| | - Jeffrey P Henderson
- the Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research and Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Daniel E Goldberg
- the Department of Molecular Microbiology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Carole A Long
- the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, and
| | - Akhil B Vaidya
- From the Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129,
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Sigala
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110; ,
| | - Daniel E. Goldberg
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110; ,
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15
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Clark MA, Goheen MM, Cerami C. Influence of host iron status on Plasmodium falciparum infection. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:84. [PMID: 24834053 PMCID: PMC4018558 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency affects one quarter of the world's population and causes significant morbidity, including detrimental effects on immune function and cognitive development. Accordingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine iron supplementation in children and adults in areas with a high prevalence of iron deficiency. However, a large body of clinical and epidemiological evidence has accumulated which clearly demonstrates that host iron deficiency is protective against falciparum malaria and that host iron supplementation may increase the risk of malaria. Although many effective antimalarial treatments and preventive measures are available, malaria remains a significant public health problem, in part because the mechanisms of malaria pathogenesis remain obscured by the complexity of the relationships that exist between parasite virulence factors, host susceptibility traits, and the immune responses that modulate disease. Here we review (i) the clinical and epidemiological data that describes the relationship between host iron status and malaria infection and (ii) the current understanding of the biological basis for these clinical and epidemiological observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha A. Clark
- Microbiology and Immunology, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Morgan M. Goheen
- Microbiology and Immunology, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carla Cerami
- Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
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16
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Nagaraj VA, Sundaram B, Varadarajan NM, Subramani PA, Kalappa DM, Ghosh SK, Padmanaban G. Malaria parasite-synthesized heme is essential in the mosquito and liver stages and complements host heme in the blood stages of infection. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003522. [PMID: 23935500 PMCID: PMC3731253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme metabolism is central to malaria parasite biology. The parasite acquires heme from host hemoglobin in the intraerythrocytic stages and stores it as hemozoin to prevent free heme toxicity. The parasite can also synthesize heme de novo, and all the enzymes in the pathway are characterized. To study the role of the dual heme sources in malaria parasite growth and development, we knocked out the first enzyme, δ-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS), and the last enzyme, ferrochelatase (FC), in the heme-biosynthetic pathway of Plasmodium berghei (Pb). The wild-type and knockout (KO) parasites had similar intraerythrocytic growth patterns in mice. We carried out in vitro radiolabeling of heme in Pb-infected mouse reticulocytes and Plasmodium falciparum-infected human RBCs using [4-14C] aminolevulinic acid (ALA). We found that the parasites incorporated both host hemoglobin-heme and parasite-synthesized heme into hemozoin and mitochondrial cytochromes. The similar fates of the two heme sources suggest that they may serve as backup mechanisms to provide heme in the intraerythrocytic stages. Nevertheless, the de novo pathway is absolutely essential for parasite development in the mosquito and liver stages. PbKO parasites formed drastically reduced oocysts and did not form sporozoites in the salivary glands. Oocyst production in PbALASKO parasites recovered when mosquitoes received an ALA supplement. PbALASKO sporozoites could infect mice only when the mice received an ALA supplement. Our results indicate the potential for new therapeutic interventions targeting the heme-biosynthetic pathway in the parasite during the mosquito and liver stages. We demonstrated about two decades ago that the malaria parasite could make heme on its own, although it imports heme from red blood cell hemoglobin during the blood stages of infection. We investigated the role of parasite-synthesized heme in all stages of parasite growth by knocking out two genes in the heme-biosynthetic pathway of Plasmodium berghei that infects mice. We found that the parasite-synthesized heme complements the function of hemoglobin-heme during the blood stages. The parasite-synthesized heme appears to be a backup mechanism. The parasite incorporates both sources of heme into hemozoin, a detoxification product, and into mitochondrial cytochromes. The parasite-synthesized heme is, however, absolutely essential for parasite growth during the mosquito and liver stages. We restored the sporozoite formation and liver-stage development of the knockout parasites by providing the missing metabolite. Thus, the heme-biosynthetic pathway could be a target for antimalarial therapies in the mosquito and liver stages of infection. The knockout parasite could also be tested for its potential as a genetically attenuated sporozoite vaccine.
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17
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Cell biology of chromerids: autotrophic relatives to apicomplexan parasites. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 306:333-69. [PMID: 24016529 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407694-5.00008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chromerida are algae possessing a complex plastid surrounded by four membranes. Although isolated originally from stony corals in Australia, they seem to be globally distributed. According to their molecular phylogeny, morphology, ultrastructure, structure of organellar genomes, and noncanonical pathway for tetrapyrrole synthesis, these algae are thought to be the closest known phototrophic relatives to apicomplexan parasites. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of cell biology and evolution of this novel group of algae, which contains only two formally described species, but is apparently highly diverse and virtually ubiquitous in marine environments.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relict plastid, or apicoplast, is a characteristic feature of Plasmodium spp. and reflects the unusual evolutionary origins of these parasites. The essential role this organelle plays in the life of the parasite, and its unusual, non-mammalian metabolism, make the apicoplast an excellent drug target. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the biological role of the apicoplast in the erythrocytic life cycle and what that reveals about existing drug targets. We also discuss the future of the apicoplast in the development of anti-malarials, emphasizing those pathways with greatest potential as a source of novel drug targets and emphasizing the need to understand in vitro drug responses to optimize eventual use of these drugs to treat malaria. EXPERT OPINION More than a decade of research on the apicoplast has confirmed the promise of this organelle as a source of drug targets. It is now possible to rationally assess the value of existing drugs and new drug targets, and to understand the role these drugs can play in the arsenal of anti-malarial treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Goodman
- University of Melbourne, School of Botany, Professor's Walk, Parkville, Vic, 3010, Australia.
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19
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van Dooren GG, Kennedy AT, McFadden GI. The use and abuse of heme in apicomplexan parasites. Antioxid Redox Signal 2012; 17:634-56. [PMID: 22320355 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2012.4539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Heme is an essential prosthetic group for most life on Earth. It functions in numerous cellular redox reactions, including in antioxidant defenses and at several stages of the electron transport chain in prokaryotes and eukaryotic mitochondria. Heme also functions as a sensor and transport molecule for gases such as oxygen. Heme is a complex organic molecule and can only be synthesized through a multienzyme pathway from simpler precursors. Most free-living organisms synthesize their own heme by a broadly conserved metabolic pathway. Parasites are adept at scavenging molecules from their hosts, and heme is no exception. RECENT ADVANCES In this review we examine recent advances in understanding heme usage and acquisition in Apicomplexa, a group of parasites that include the causative agents of malaria, toxoplasmosis, and several major parasites of livestock. CRITICAL ISSUES Heme is critical to the survival of Apicomplexa, although the functions of heme in these organisms remain poorly understood. Some Apicomplexa likely scavenge heme from their host organisms, while others retain the ability to synthesize heme. Surprisingly, some Apicomplexa may be able to both synthesize and scavenge heme. Several Apicomplexa live in intracellular environments that contain high levels of heme. Since heme is toxic at high concentrations, parasites must carefully regulate intracellular heme levels and develop mechanisms to detoxify excess heme. Indeed, drugs interfering with heme detoxification serve as major antimalarials. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Understanding heme requirements and regulation in apicomplexan parasites promises to reveal multiple targets for much-needed therapeutic intervention against these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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20
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Toward understanding the role of mitochondrial complex II in the intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum: gene targeting of the Fp subunit. Parasitol Int 2012; 61:726-8. [PMID: 22698672 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Malaria parasites in human hosts depend on glycolysis for most of their energy production, and the mitochondrion of the intraerythrocytic form is acristate. Although the genes for all tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle members are found in the parasite genome, the presence of a functional TCA cycle in the intraerythrocytic stage is still controversial. To elucidate the physiological role of Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrial complex II (succinate-ubiquinone reductase (SQR) or succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)) in the TCA cycle, the gene for the flavoprotein subunit (Fp) of the enzyme, pfsdha (P.falciparum gene for SDH subunit A, PlasmoDB ID: PF3D7_1034400) was disrupted. SDH is a well-known marker enzyme for mitochondria. In the pfsdha disruptants, Fp mRNA and polypeptides were decreased, and neither SQR nor SDH activity of complex II was detected. The suppression of complex II caused growth retardation of the intraerythrocytic forms, suggesting that complex II contributes to intraerythrocytic parasite growth, although it is not essential for survival. The growth retardation in the pfsdha disruptant was rescued by the addition of succinate, but not by fumarate. This indicates that complex II functions as a quinol-fumarate reductase (QFR) to form succinate from fumarate in the intraerythrocytic parasite.
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21
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Hino A, Hirai M, Tanaka TQ, Watanabe YI, Matsuoka H, Kita K. Critical roles of the mitochondrial complex II in oocyst formation of rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. J Biochem 2012; 152:259-68. [PMID: 22628552 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvs058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that the mitochondria play central roles in energy production of most eukaryotes. In contrast, it has been thought that Plasmodium spp., the causative agent of malaria, rely mainly on cytosolic glycolysis but not mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for energy production during blood stages. However, Plasmodium spp. possesses all genes necessary for the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and most of the genes for electron transport chain (ETC) enzymes. Therefore, it remains elusive whether oxidative phosphorylation is essential for the parasite survival. To elucidate the role of TCA metabolism and ETC in malaria parasites, we deleted the gene for flavoprotein (Fp) subunit, Pbsdha, one of four components of complex II, a catalytic subunit for succinate dehydrogenase activity. The Pbsdha(-) parasite grew normally at blood stages in mouse. In contrast, ookinete formation of Pbsdha(-) parasites in the mosquito stage was severely impaired. Finally, Pbsdha(-) ookinetes failed in oocyst formation, leading to complete malaria transmission blockade. These results suggest that malaria parasite may switch the energy metabolism from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation to adapt to the insect vector where glucose is not readily available for ATP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akina Hino
- 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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22
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Narayanasamy K, Chery L, Basu A, Duraisingh MT, Escalante A, Fowble J, Guler JL, Herricks T, Kumar A, Majumder P, Maki J, Mascarenhas A, Rodrigues J, Roy B, Sen S, Shastri J, Smith J, Valecha N, White J, Rathod PK. Malaria evolution in South Asia: knowledge for control and elimination. Acta Trop 2012; 121:256-66. [PMID: 22266213 PMCID: PMC3894252 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study of malaria parasites on the Indian subcontinent should help us understand unexpected disease outbreaks and unpredictable disease presentations from Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. The Malaria Evolution in South Asia (MESA) research program is one of ten International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health. In this second of two reviews, we describe why population structures of Plasmodia in India will be characterized and how we will determine their consequences on disease presentation, outcome and patterns. Specific projects will determine if genetic diversity, possibly driven by parasites with higher genetic plasticity, plays a role in changing epidemiology, pathogenesis, vector competence of parasite populations and whether innate human genetic traits protect Indians from malaria today. Deep local clinical knowledge of malaria in India will be supplemented by basic scientists who bring new research tools. Such tools will include whole genome sequencing and analysis methods; in vitro assays to measure genome plasticity, RBC cytoadhesion, invasion, and deformability; mosquito infectivity assays to evaluate changing parasite-vector compatibilities; and host genetics to understand protective traits in Indian populations. The MESA-ICEMR study sites span diagonally across India and include a mixture of very urban and rural hospitals, each with very different disease patterns and patient populations. Research partnerships include government-associated research institutes, private medical schools, city and state government hospitals, and hospitals with industry ties. Between 2012 and 2017, in addition to developing clinical research and basic science infrastructure at new clinical sites, our training workshops will engage new scientists and clinicians throughout South Asia in the malaria research field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Chery
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Analabha Basu
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | | | | | - Joseph Fowble
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR), Panaji, Goa, India
| | - Partha Majumder
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Jennifer Maki
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Bikram Roy
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Somdutta Sen
- SphaeraPharma Research and Development, Manesar, Haryana, India
| | - Jayanthi Shastri
- Kasturba Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Topiwala Medical College & BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Joseph Smith
- Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Neena Valecha
- National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India
| | - John White
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Abstract
Parasites like malaria and Toxoplasma possess a vestigial plastid homologous to the chloroplasts of plants. The plastid (known as the apicoplast) is non-photosynthetic but retains many hallmarks of its ancestry including a circular genome that it synthesises proteins from and a suite of biosynthetic pathways of cyanobacterial origin. In this review, the discovery of the apicoplast and its integration, function and purpose are explored. New insights into the apicoplast fatty acid biosynthesis pathway and some novel roles of the apicoplast in vaccine development are reviewed.
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Kořený L, Sobotka R, Janouškovec J, Keeling PJ, Oborník M. Tetrapyrrole synthesis of photosynthetic chromerids is likely homologous to the unusual pathway of apicomplexan parasites. THE PLANT CELL 2011; 23:3454-3462. [PMID: 21963666 PMCID: PMC3203424 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.111.089102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Most photosynthetic eukaryotes synthesize both heme and chlorophyll via a common tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway starting from glutamate. This pathway was derived mainly from cyanobacterial predecessor of the plastid and differs from the heme synthesis of the plastid-lacking eukaryotes. Here, we show that the coral-associated alveolate Chromera velia, the closest known photosynthetic relative to Apicomplexa, possesses a tetrapyrrole pathway that is homologous to the unusual pathway of apicomplexan parasites. We also demonstrate that, unlike other eukaryotic phototrophs, Chromera synthesizes chlorophyll from glycine and succinyl-CoA rather than glutamate. Our data shed light on the evolution of the heme biosynthesis in parasitic Apicomplexa and photosynthesis-related biochemical processes in their ancestors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luděk Kořený
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, and Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Sobotka
- Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 37981 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Janouškovec
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Patrick J. Keeling
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, and Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 37981 Třeboň, Czech Republic
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Kořený L, Oborník M. Sequence evidence for the presence of two tetrapyrrole pathways in Euglena gracilis. Genome Biol Evol 2011; 3:359-64. [PMID: 21444293 PMCID: PMC5654406 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evr029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes encoding enzymes of the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway were searched within Euglena gracilis EST databases and 454 genome reads and their 5' end regions were sequenced when not available. Phylogenetic analyses and protein localization predictions support the hypothesis concerning the presence of two separated tetrapyrrole pathways in E. gracilis. One of these pathways resembles the heme synthesis in primarily heterotrophic eukaryotes and was presumably present in the host cell prior to secondary endosymbiosis with a green alga. The second pathway is similar to the plastid-localized tetrapyrrole syntheses in plants and photosynthetic algae. It appears to be localized to the secondary plastid, presumably derived from an algal endosymbiont and probably serves only for the production of plastidial heme and chlorophyll. Thus, E. gracilis represents an evolutionary intermediate in a metabolic transformation of a primary heterotroph to a photoautotroph through secondary endosymbiosis. We propose here that the tetrapyrrole pathway serves as a highly informative marker for the evolution of plastids and plays a crucial role in the loss of plastids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luděk Kořený
- Department of Molecular Biology of Protists, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Oborník
- Department of Molecular Biology of Protists, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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