1
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Maharjan S, Kirk RS, Lawton SP, Walker AJ. Human growth factor-mediated signalling through lipid rafts regulates stem cell proliferation, development and survival of Schistosoma mansoni. Open Biol 2024; 14:230262. [PMID: 38195062 PMCID: PMC10776228 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the mechanisms by which schistosomes grow and develop in humans are poorly defined, their unique outer tegument layer, which interfaces with host blood, is considered vital to homeostasis of the parasite. Here, we investigated the importance of tegument lipid rafts to the biology of Schistosoma mansoni in the context of host-parasite interactions. We demonstrate the temporal clustering of lipid rafts in response to human epidermal growth factor (EGF) during early somule development, concomitant with the localization of anteriorly orientated EGF receptors (EGFRs) and insulin receptors, mapped using fluorescent EGF/insulin ligand. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD)-mediated depletion of cholesterol from lipid rafts abrogated the EGFR/IR binding at the parasite surface and led to modulation of protein kinase C, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt signalling pathways within the parasite. Furthermore, MβCD-mediated lipid raft disruption, and blockade of EGFRs using canertinib, profoundly reduced somule motility and survival, and attenuated stem cell proliferation and somule growth and development particularly to the fast-growing liver stage. These findings provide a novel paradigm for schistosome development and vitality in the host, driven through host-parasite interactions at the tegument, that might be exploitable for developing innovative therapeutic approaches to combat human schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Maharjan
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Ruth S. Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Scott P. Lawton
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, SRUC School of Veterinary Medicine, Scotland's Rural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
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2
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Shakir EMN, Rinaldi G, Kirk RS, Walker AJ. Schistosoma mansoni excretory-secretory products induce protein kinase signalling, hyperkinesia, and stem cell proliferation in the opposite sex. Commun Biol 2023; 6:985. [PMID: 37752334 PMCID: PMC10522684 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05333-9] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male and female schistosomes in copula dwell within human blood vessels and lay eggs that cause the major Neglected Tropical Disease human schistosomiasis. How males and females communicate to each other is poorly understood; however, male-female physical interaction is known to be important. Here, we investigate whether excretory-secretory products (ESPs), released into the external milieu by mature Schistosoma mansoni, might induce responses in the opposite sex. We demonstrate that ESPs adhere to the surface of opposite sex worms inducing the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathways, particularly in the parasite tegument. Furthermore, we show that mature worms stimulated signalling in juvenile worms. Strikingly, we demonstrate that ESPs from the opposite sex promote stem cell proliferation, in an ERK- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner, in the tegument and within the testes of males, and the ovaries and vitellaria of females. Hyperkinesia also occurs following opposite sex ESP exposure. Our findings support the hypothesis that male and female schistosomes may communicate over distance to modulate key processes underlying worm development and disease progression, opening unique avenues for schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M N Shakir
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Ruth S Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK.
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3
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Padalino G, Coghlan A, Pagliuca G, Forde-Thomas JE, Berriman M, Hoffmann KF. Using ChEMBL to Complement Schistosome Drug Discovery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1359. [PMID: 37242601 PMCID: PMC10220823 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. Until an effective vaccine is registered for use, the cornerstone of schistosomiasis control remains chemotherapy with praziquantel. The sustainability of this strategy is at substantial risk due to the possibility of praziquantel insensitive/resistant schistosomes developing. Considerable time and effort could be saved in the schistosome drug discovery pipeline if available functional genomics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics and phenotypic resources are systematically leveraged. Our approach, described here, outlines how schistosome-specific resources/methodologies, coupled to the open-access drug discovery database ChEMBL, can be cooperatively used to accelerate early-stage, schistosome drug discovery efforts. Our process identified seven compounds (fimepinostat, trichostatin A, NVP-BEP800, luminespib, epoxomicin, CGP60474 and staurosporine) with ex vivo anti-schistosomula potencies in the sub-micromolar range. Three of those compounds (epoxomicin, CGP60474 and staurosporine) also demonstrated potent and fast-acting ex vivo effects on adult schistosomes and completely inhibited egg production. ChEMBL toxicity data were also leveraged to provide further support for progressing CGP60474 (as well as luminespib and TAE684) as a novel anti-schistosomal compound. As very few compounds are currently at the advanced stages of the anti-schistosomal pipeline, our approaches highlight a strategy by which new chemical matter can be identified and quickly progressed through preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Padalino
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Avril Coghlan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK;
| | | | | | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK;
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- The Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK;
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4
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Batista ICA, Gava SG, Tavares NC, Calzavara-Silva CE, Mourão MM. Hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferases SmHGPRTases functional roles in Schistosoma mansoni. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1064218. [PMID: 36578572 PMCID: PMC9791060 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1064218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Extracellular/environmental stimuli trigger cellular responses to allow Schistosoma sp. parasites adaptation and decide development and survival fate. In this context, signal transduction involving eukaryotic protein kinases (ePKs) has an essential role in regulatory mechanisms. Functional studies had shown the importance of MAPK pathway for Schistosoma mansoni development. In addition, early studies demonstrated that Smp38 MAPK regulates the expression of a large set of genes, among them the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 (SmHGPRTase 1, Smp_103560), a key enzyme in the purine salvage pathway that is part of a family comprising five different proteins. Methods First, the regulation of this gene family by the MAPKs pathways was experimentally verified using Smp38-predicted specific inhibitors. In silico analysis showed significant differences in the predicted structure and the domain sequence among the schistosomal HGPRTase family and their orthologs in humans. In order to interrogate the HGPRTases (Smp_103560, Smp_148820, Smp_168500, Smp_312580 and Smp_332640, henceforth SmHGPRTase -1, -2, -3, -4, -5) functional roles, schistosomula, sporocysts, and adult worms were knocked-down using specific dsRNAs. Results Our results suggest that SmHGPRTases activity has an essential role in sporocysts and schistosomula development since significant differences in viability, size, and/ or shape were observed after the in vitro knockdown. Also, the knockdown of SmHGPRTases in schistosomula influenced the ovary development and egg maturation in female adult worms during mammalian infection. We also observed alterations in the movement of female adult worms knocked-down in vitro. Most of these results were shown when all gene family members were knocked-down simultaneously, suggesting a redundant function among them. Discussion Thus, this study helps to elucidate the functional roles of the SmHGPRTase gene family in the S. mansoni life cycle and provides knowledge for future studies required for schistosomiasis treatment and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Cristina Andrade Batista
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,Grupo de Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sandra Grossi Gava
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Naiara Clemente Tavares
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Marina Moraes Mourão
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil,*Correspondence: Marina Moraes Mourão,
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5
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Liu Z, Huang X, Yang Z, Peng C, Yu H, Cui C, Hu Y, Wang X, Xing Q, Hu J, Bao Z. Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis Reveal Diverse Regulated Roles of Three MAPK Genes in Chlamys farreri Under Heat Stress. Front Physiol 2021; 12:688626. [PMID: 34393814 PMCID: PMC8356821 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.688626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are fundamental signal transduction modules in all eukaryotic organisms, participating growth and development, as well as stress response. In the present study, three MAPK genes were successfully identified from the genome of Chlamys farreri, respectively, named CfERK1/2, CfJNK, and Cfp38, and only one copy of ERK, JNK, and p38 were detected. Domain analysis indicated that CfMAPKs possessed the typical domains, including S_TKc, Pkinase, and PKc_like domain. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three CfMAPKs of MAPK subfamilies exists in the common ancestor of vertebrates and invertebrates. All CfMAPKs specifically expressed during larval development and in adult tissues, and the expression level of CfERK1/2 and Cfp38 was apparently higher than that of CfJNK. Under heat stress, the expression of CfERK1/2 and Cfp38 were significantly downregulated and then upregulated in four tissues, while the expression of CfJNK increased in all tissues; these different expression patterns suggested a different molecular mechanism of CfMAPKs for bivalves to adapt to temperature changes. The diversity of CfMAPKs and their specific expression patterns provide valuable information for better understanding of the functions of MAPK cascades in bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zujing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Haitao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Chang Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuqing Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qiang Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingjie Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breeding Engineering, SANYA Oceanographic Institution of the Ocean University of CHINA, Sanya, China
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory of Tropical Marine Germplasm Resources and Breeding Engineering, SANYA Oceanographic Institution of the Ocean University of CHINA, Sanya, China
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6
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Liu W, Tang H, Abuzeid AMI, Tan L, Wang A, Wan X, Zhang H, Liu Y, Li G. Protein phosphorylation networks in spargana of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei revealed by phosphoproteomic analysis. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:248. [PMID: 32404185 PMCID: PMC7218563 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04119-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sparganosis caused by Spirometra erinaceieuropaei spargana is a zoonotic parasitic infection that has been reported in many countries, including China, Japan, Thailand and Korea, as well as European countries and the USA. The biological and clinical significance of the parasite have previously been reported. Although the genomic and transcriptomic analysis of S. erinaceieuropaei provided insightful views about the development and pathogenesis of this species, little knowledge has been acquired in terms of post-translational regulation that is essential for parasite growth, development and reproduction. Here, we performed site-specific phosphoproteomic profiling, with an aim to obtain primary information about the global phosphorylation status of spargana. Results A total of 3228 phosphopeptides and 3461 phosphorylation sites were identified in 1758 spargana proteins. The annotated phosphoproteins were involved in a variety of biological pathways, including cellular (28%), metabolic (20%) and single-organism (17%) processes. The functional enrichment of phosphopeptides by Gene Ontology analysis indicated that most spargana phosphoproteins were related to the cytoskeleton cellular compartment, signaling molecular function, and a variety of biological processes, including a molecular function regulator, guanyl-nucleotide exchange factor activity, protein kinase activities, and calcium ion binding. The highly enriched pathways of phosphorylation proteins include the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, phagosome, endocytosis, inositol phosphate metabolism, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, and peroxisome. Domain analysis identified an EF-hand domain and pleckstrin homology domain among the key domains. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study performed the first global phosphoproteomic analysis of S. erinaceieuropaei. The dataset reported herein provides a valuable resource for future studies on the signaling pathways of this important zoonotic parasite.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Zoonosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Asmaa M I Abuzeid
- Guangdong Provincial Zoonosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Tan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Aibing Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueping Wan
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Haoji Zhang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528225, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yisong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Guoqing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Zoonosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Hirst NL, Nebel JC, Lawton SP, Walker AJ. Deep phosphoproteome analysis of Schistosoma mansoni leads development of a kinomic array that highlights sex-biased differences in adult worm protein phosphorylation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008115. [PMID: 32203512 PMCID: PMC7089424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although helminth parasites cause enormous suffering worldwide we know little of how protein phosphorylation, one of the most important post-translational modifications used for molecular signalling, regulates their homeostasis and function. This is particularly the case for schistosomes. Herein, we report a deep phosphoproteome exploration of adult Schistosoma mansoni, providing one of the richest phosphoprotein resources for any parasite so far, and employ the data to build the first parasite-specific kinomic array. Complementary phosphopeptide enrichment strategies were used to detect 15,844 unique phosphopeptides mapping to 3,176 proteins. The phosphoproteins were predicted to be involved in a wide range of biological processes and phosphoprotein interactome analysis revealed 55 highly interconnected clusters including those enriched with ribosome, proteasome, phagosome, spliceosome, glycolysis, and signalling proteins. 93 distinct phosphorylation motifs were identified, with 67 providing a ‘footprint’ of protein kinase activity; CaMKII, PKA and CK1/2 were highly represented supporting their central importance to schistosome function. Within the kinome, 808 phosphorylation sites were matched to 136 protein kinases, and 68 sites within 37 activation loops were discovered. Analysis of putative protein kinase-phosphoprotein interactions revealed canonical networks but also novel interactions between signalling partners. Kinomic array analysis of male and female adult worm extracts revealed high phosphorylation of transformation:transcription domain associated protein by both sexes, and CDK and AMPK peptides by females. Moreover, eight peptides including protein phosphatase 2C gamma, Akt, Rho2 GTPase, SmTK4, and the insulin receptor were more highly phosphorylated by female extracts, highlighting their possible importance to female worm function. We envision that these findings, tools and methodology will help drive new research into the functional biology of schistosomes and other helminth parasites, and support efforts to develop new therapeutics for their control. Schistosomes are formidable parasites that cause the debilitating and life-threatening disease human schistosomiasis. We need to better understand the cellular biology of these parasites to develop novel strategies for their control. Within cells, a process called protein phosphorylation controls many aspects of molecular communication or ‘signalling’ and is central to cellular function and homeostasis. Here, using complementary strategies, we have performed the first in-depth characterisation and functional annotation of protein phosphorylation events in schistosomes, providing one of the richest phosphoprotein resources for any parasite to date. Using this knowledge, we have developed a novel tool to simultaneously evaluate signalling processes in these worms and highlight sex-biased differences in adult worm protein phosphorylation. Several proteins were found to be more greatly phosphorylated by female worm extracts, suggesting their possible importance to female worm function. This work will help drive new research into the fundamental biology of schistosomes, as well as related parasites, and will support efforts to develop new drug or vaccine-based therapeutics for their control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. Hirst
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Christophe Nebel
- School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Scott P. Lawton
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Haeberlein S, Angrisano A, Quack T, Lu Z, Kellershohn J, Blohm A, Grevelding CG, Hahnel SR. Identification of a new panel of reference genes to study pairing-dependent gene expression in Schistosoma mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:615-624. [PMID: 31136746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Facilitated by the Schistosoma mansoni genome project, multiple transcriptomic studies were performed over the last decade to elucidate gene expression patterns among different developmental stages of the complex schistosome life cycle. While these analyses enable the identification of candidate genes with key functions in schistosome biology, a diverse molecular tool set is needed that allows comprehensive functional characterization at the single gene level. This includes the availability of reliable reference genes to confirm changes in the transcription of genes of interest over different biological samples and experimental conditions. In particular, the investigation of one key aspect of schistosome biology, the pairing-dependent gene expression in females and males, requires knowledge on reference genes that are expressed independently of both pairing and of in vitro culture effects. Therefore, the present study focused on the identification of quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR reference genes suitable for the investigation of pairing-dependent gene expression in the S. mansoni male. The "pipeline" we present here is based on qRT-PCR analyses of high biological replication combined with three different statistical analysis tools, BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder. Our approach resulted in a statistically robust ranking of 15 selected reference genes with respect to their transcription stability between pairing-unexperienced and -experienced males. We further tested the top seven candidate genes for their transcription stability during invitro culture of adult S. mansoni. Of these, the two most suitable reference genes were used to investigate the influence of the pairing contact on the transcription of genes of interest, comprising a tyrosine decarboxylase gene Smtdc1, an ebony ortholog Smebony, and the follistatin ortholog Smfst in S. mansoni males. Performing pairing, separation and re-pairing experiments with adult S. mansoni in vitro, our results indicate for the first time that pairing can act as a molecular on/off-switch of specific genes to strictly control their expression in schistosome males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Haeberlein
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Quack
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Zhigang Lu
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Josina Kellershohn
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ariane Blohm
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Steffen R Hahnel
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
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9
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Avelar LDGA, Gava SG, Neves RH, Silva MCS, Araújo N, Tavares NC, Khal AE, Mattos ACA, Machado-Silva JR, Oliveira G, Mourão MDM. Smp38 MAP Kinase Regulation in Schistosoma mansoni: Roles in Survival, Oviposition, and Protection Against Oxidative Stress. Front Immunol 2019; 10:21. [PMID: 30733716 PMCID: PMC6353789 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic protein kinases (ePKs) are good medical targets for drug development in different biological systems. ePKs participate in many cellular processes, including the p38 MAPK regulation of homeostasis upon oxidative stress. We propose to assess the role of Smp38 MAPK signaling pathway in Schistosoma mansoni development and protection against oxidative stress, parasite survival, and also to elucidate which target genes have their expression regulated by Smp38 MAPK. After a significant reduction of up to 84% in the transcription level by Smp38 MAPK gene knockdown, no visible phenotypic changes were reported in schistosomula in culture. The development of adult worms was tested in vivo in mice infected with the Smp38 knocked-down schistosomula. It was observed that Smp38 MAPK has an essential role in the transformation and survival of the parasites as a low number of adult worms was recovered. Smp38 knockdown also resulted in decreased egg production, damaged adult worm tegument, and underdeveloped ovaries in females. Furthermore, only ~13% of the eggs produced developed into mature eggs. Our results suggest that inhibition of the Smp38 MAPK activity interfere in parasites protection against reactive oxygen species. Smp38 knockdown in adult worms resulted in 80% reduction in transcription levels on the 10th day, with consequent reduction of 94.4% in oviposition in vitro. In order to search for Smp38 MAPK pathway regulated genes, we used an RNASeq approach and identified 1,154 DEGs in Smp38 knockdown schistosomula. A substantial proportion of DEGs encode proteins with unknown function. The results indicate that Smp38 regulates essential signaling pathways for the establishment of parasite homeostasis, including genes related to antioxidant defense, structural composition of ribosomes, spliceosomes, cytoskeleton, as well as, purine and pyrimidine metabolism pathways. Our data show that the Smp38 MAPK signaling pathway is a critical route for parasite development and may present attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia das Graças Amaral Avelar
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sandra Grossi Gava
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Renata Heisler Neves
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Neusa Araújo
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Assmaa El Khal
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Computationally-guided drug repurposing enables the discovery of kinase targets and inhibitors as new schistosomicidal agents. PLoS Comput Biol 2018; 14:e1006515. [PMID: 30346968 PMCID: PMC6211772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of novel therapeutics is urgently required for diseases where existing treatments are failing due to the emergence of resistance. This is particularly pertinent for parasitic infections of the tropics and sub-tropics, referred to collectively as neglected tropical diseases, where the commercial incentives to develop new drugs are weak. One such disease is schistosomiasis, a highly prevalent acute and chronic condition caused by a parasitic helminth infection, with three species of the genus Schistosoma infecting humans. Currently, a single 40-year old drug, praziquantel, is available to treat all infective species, but its use in mass drug administration is leading to signs of drug-resistance emerging. To meet the challenge of developing new therapeutics against this disease, we developed an innovative computational drug repurposing pipeline supported by phenotypic screening. The approach highlighted several protein kinases as interesting new biological targets for schistosomiasis as they play an essential role in many parasite’s biological processes. Focusing on this target class, we also report the first elucidation of the kinome of Schistosoma japonicum, as well as updated kinomes of S. mansoni and S. haematobium. In comparison with the human kinome, we explored these kinomes to identify potential targets of existing inhibitors which are unique to Schistosoma species, allowing us to identify novel targets and suggest approved drugs that might inhibit them. These include previously suggested schistosomicidal agents such as bosutinib, dasatinib, and imatinib as well as new inhibitors such as vandetanib, saracatinib, tideglusib, alvocidib, dinaciclib, and 22 newly identified targets such as CHK1, CDC2, WEE, PAKA, MEK1. Additionally, the primary and secondary targets in Schistosoma of those approved drugs are also suggested, allowing for the development of novel therapeutics against this important yet neglected disease. The rise of resistance through the intensive use of drugs targeted to treat specific infectious diseases means that new therapeutics are continually required. Diseases common in the tropics and sub-tropics, classified as neglected tropical diseases, suffer from a lack of new drug treatments due to the difficulty in developing new drugs and the lack of market incentive. One such disease is schistosomiasis, a major human helminth disease caused by worms from the genus Schistosoma. It is currently treated by a 40-year old drug, praziquantel, but its widespread use has led to signs of drug-resistance emerging, with no alternative effective treatments available. To meet this challenge, we have developed an innovative computational drug repurposing pipeline supported by experimental phenotypic screening. Protein kinases emerged from our pipeline as interesting new biological targets. Given that many human kinase inhibitors have been successfully applied specially in cancer therapy and kinases have conserved structures and functions, we also undertook a detailed analysis of the kinases present in all infective Schistosoma species and human host. This allowed identification of new Schistosoma-specific kinase targets and suggest approved drugs to be used for treating schistosomiasis as well as opening new avenues to treat this neglected disease.
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11
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Signalling pathways in schistosomes: novel targets for control interventions against schistosomiasis. Emerg Top Life Sci 2017; 1:633-639. [PMID: 33525854 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been accumulating evidence showing that signalling pathways are involved in extensive biological and physiological processes in the human blood fluke schistosomes, playing essential roles in environmental sensing, host penetration, growth, development, maturation, embryogenesis, tissue self-renewal and survival. Owing to the likelihood of resistance developing against praziquantel, the only drug currently available that is effective against all the human schistosome species, there is an urgent requirement for an alternative treatment, arguing for continuing research into novel or repurposed anti-schistosomal drugs. An increasing number of anticancer drugs are being developed which block abnormal signalling pathways, a feature that has stimulated interest in developing novel interventions against human schistosomiasis by targeting key cell signalling components. In this review, we discuss the functional characterization of signal transduction pathways in schistosomes and consider current challenges and future perspectives in this important area of research.
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Kinases: Molecular Stage Directors for Schistosome Development and Differentiation. Trends Parasitol 2017; 34:246-260. [PMID: 29276074 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding schistosome biology is still a challenging mission. The reproductive biology of this parasitic trematode is closely associated with the pathologic consequences of schistosomiasis, the devastating infectious disease caused by members of the family Schistosomatidae worldwide. Recent studies of signaling mechanisms confirmed the prominent roles of protein kinases (PKs) in directing schistosome biology, and first evidence was obtained for an additional contribution of kinases with substrates different from proteins (non-PKs). This review provides an overview of the Schistosoma mansoni kinome in the context of male-female interaction and summarizes recent studies of kinases controlling development and differentiation. Due to their importance for schistosome biology, kinases represent Achilles' heels and are therefore of high value also for translational research.
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13
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Ressurreição M, Elbeyioglu F, Kirk RS, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Page NM, Walker AJ. Molecular characterization of host-parasite cell signalling in Schistosoma mansoni during early development. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35614. [PMID: 27762399 PMCID: PMC5071895 DOI: 10.1038/srep35614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During infection of their human definitive host, schistosomes transform rapidly from free-swimming infective cercariae in freshwater to endoparasitic schistosomules. The 'somules' next migrate within the skin to access the vasculature and are surrounded by host molecules that might activate intracellular pathways that influence somule survival, development and/or behaviour. However, such 'transactivation' by host factors in schistosomes is not well defined. In the present study, we have characterized and functionally localized the dynamics of protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation during early somule development in vitro and demonstrate activation of these protein kinases by human epidermal growth factor, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I, particularly at the parasite surface. Further, we provide evidence that support the existence of specialized signalling domains called lipid rafts in schistosomes and propose that correct signalling to ERK requires proper raft organization. Finally, we show that modulation of PKC and ERK activities in somules affects motility and reduces somule survival. Thus, PKC and ERK are important mediators of host-ligand regulated transactivation events in schistosomes, and represent potential targets for anti-schistosome therapy aimed at reducing parasite survival in the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - Firat Elbeyioglu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth S. Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - David Rollinson
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M. Emery
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M. Page
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
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14
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Hirst NL, Lawton SP, Walker AJ. Protein kinase A signalling in Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and schistosomules. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:425-37. [PMID: 26777870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase/protein kinase A regulates multiple processes in eukaryotes by phosphorylating diverse cellular substrates, including metabolic and signalling enzymes, ion channels and transcription factors. Here we provide insight into protein kinase A signalling in cercariae and 24h in vitro cultured somules of the blood parasite, Schistosoma mansoni, which causes human intestinal schistosomiasis. Functional mapping of activated protein kinase A using anti-phospho protein kinase A antibodies and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed activated protein kinase A in the central and peripheral nervous system, oral-tip sensory papillae, oesophagus and excretory system of intact cercariae. Cultured 24h somules, which biologically represent the skin-resident stage of the parasite, exhibited similar activation patterns in oesophageal and nerve tissues but also displayed striking activation at the tegument and activation in a region resembling the germinal 'stem' cell cluster. The adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, stimulated somule protein kinase A activation and produced a hyperkinesia phenotype. The biogenic amines, serotonin and dopamine known to be present in skin also induced protein kinase A activation in somules, whereas neuropeptide Y or [Leu(31),Pro(34)]-neuropeptide Y attenuated protein kinase A activation. However, neuropeptide Y did not block the forskolin-induced somule hyperkinesia. Bioinformatic investigation of potential protein associations revealed 193 medium confidence and 59 high confidence protein kinase A interacting partners in S. mansoni, many of which possess putative protein kinase A phosphorylation sites. These data provide valuable insight into the intricacies of protein kinase A signalling in S. mansoni and a framework for further physiological investigations into the roles of protein kinase A in schistosomes, particularly in the context of interactions between the parasite and the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Hirst
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Scott P Lawton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
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Ressurreição M, Kirk RS, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Page NM, Walker AJ. Sensory Protein Kinase Signaling in Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae: Host Location and Invasion. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:1787-97. [PMID: 26401028 PMCID: PMC4633769 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni cercariae display specific behavioral responses to abiotic/biotic stimuli enabling them to locate and infect the definitive human host. Here we report the effect of such stimulants on signaling pathways of cercariae in relation to host finding and invasion. Cercariae exposed to various light/temperature regimens displayed modulated protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activities, with distinct responses at 37°C and intense light/dark, when compared to 24°C under normal light. Kinase activities were localized to regions including the oral sensory papillae, acetabular ducts, tegument, acetabular glands, and nervous system. Furthermore, linoleic acid modulated PKC and ERK activities concurrent with the temporal release of acetabular gland components. Attenuation of PKC, ERK, and p38 MAPK activities significantly reduced gland component release, particularly in response to linoleic acid, demonstrating the importance of these signaling pathways to host penetration mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| | - Ruth S Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| | - David Rollinson
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M Emery
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M Page
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames
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16
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Fang Y, Wu C, Chen Q, Wu J, Yang Y, Guo X, Chen G, Wang Z. SjE16.7 activates macrophages and promotes Schistosoma japonicum egg-induced granuloma development. Acta Trop 2015; 149:49-58. [PMID: 25997882 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SjE16.7 is an egg-specific protein from Schistosoma japonicum that recruits neutrophils and initiates an inflammatory granuloma response in host tissue. However, since macrophages are known to be important regulators of egg granuloma formation we investigated the effect of SjE16.7 on this cell type. Here we report that SjE16.7 is a potent macrophage activator, inducing macrophage chemotaxis and stimulating cytokine production. Treatment of murine primary macrophages with SjE16.7 resulted in upregulation of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-12, IL-6 and TNF-α), as well as phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Moreover, SjE16.7 treatment increased MHC Class II expression on the surface of macrophages. Importantly, in vivo blockade of SjE16.7 significantly reduced egg-induced pathology, as a result of decreased leucocyte infiltration and reduced granuloma size. Our results suggest that SjE16.7 is an important pathogenic factor and a potential treatment target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Fang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyun Wu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaokui Guo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangjie Chen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Large-scale label-free phosphoproteomics: from technology to data interpretation. Bioanalysis 2015; 6:2403-20. [PMID: 25384593 DOI: 10.4155/bio.14.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation plays a central role in the dynamic intracellular signaling and the control of biochemical pathways in all living cells. Recent advances in high-performance MS/MS-based technology make the large-scale identification and quantification of phosphorylation sites possible. Here, we review the full data generation pipeline, starting from sample preparation methods and LC-MS detection procedures, through to data processing and analysis software tools that facilitate the systematic comparative profiling of thousands of phosphoproteins in different biological specimens in a single experiment. We emphasize current challenges and promising avenues for the mechanistic interpretation and visualization of global phosphorylation networks and their relevance to human health and disease.
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18
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Guidi A, Mansour NR, Paveley RA, Carruthers IM, Besnard J, Hopkins AL, Gilbert IH, Bickle QD. Application of RNAi to Genomic Drug Target Validation in Schistosomes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003801. [PMID: 25992548 PMCID: PMC4438872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Concerns over the possibility of resistance developing to praziquantel (PZQ), has stimulated efforts to develop new drugs for schistosomiasis. In addition to the development of improved whole organism screens, the success of RNA interference (RNAi) in schistosomes offers great promise for the identification of potential drug targets to initiate drug discovery. In this study we set out to contribute to RNAi based validation of putative drug targets. Initially a list of 24 target candidates was compiled based on the identification of putative essential genes in schistosomes orthologous of C. elegans essential genes. Knockdown of Calmodulin (Smp_026560.2) (Sm-Calm), that topped this list, produced a phenotype characterised by waves of contraction in adult worms but no phenotype in schistosomula. Knockdown of the atypical Protein Kinase C (Smp_096310) (Sm-aPKC) resulted in loss of viability in both schistosomula and adults and led us to focus our attention on other kinase genes that were identified in the above list and through whole organism screening of known kinase inhibitor sets followed by chemogenomic evaluation. RNAi knockdown of these kinase genes failed to affect adult worm viability but, like Sm-aPKC, knockdown of Polo-like kinase 1, Sm-PLK1 (Smp_009600) and p38-MAPK, Sm-MAPK p38 (Smp_133020) resulted in an increased mortality of schistosomula after 2-3 weeks, an effect more marked in the presence of human red blood cells (hRBC). For Sm-PLK-1 the same effects were seen with the specific inhibitor, BI2536, which also affected viable egg production in adult worms. For Sm-PLK-1 and Sm-aPKC the in vitro effects were reflected in lower recoveries in vivo. We conclude that the use of RNAi combined with culture with hRBC is a reliable method for evaluating genes important for larval development. However, in view of the slow manifestation of the effects of Sm-aPKC knockdown in adults and the lack of effects of Sm-PLK-1 and Sm-MAPK p38 on adult viability, these kinases may not represent suitable drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Guidi
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nuha R. Mansour
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ross A. Paveley
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian M. Carruthers
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jérémy Besnard
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew L. Hopkins
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Quentin D. Bickle
- Department of Infection and Immunity, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Walker AJ, Ressurreição M, Rothermel R. Exploring the function of protein kinases in schistosomes: perspectives from the laboratory and from comparative genomics. Front Genet 2014; 5:229. [PMID: 25132840 PMCID: PMC4117187 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic protein kinases are well conserved through evolution. The genome of Schistosoma mansoni, which causes intestinal schistosomiasis, encodes over 250 putative protein kinases with all of the main eukaryotic groups represented. However, unraveling functional roles for these kinases is a considerable endeavor, particularly as protein kinases regulate multiple and sometimes overlapping cell and tissue functions in organisms. In this article, elucidating protein kinase signal transduction and function in schistosomes is considered from the perspective of the state-of-the-art methodologies used and comparative organismal biology, with a focus on current advances and future directions. Using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a comparator we predict roles for various schistosome protein kinases in processes vital for host invasion and successful parasitism such as sensory behavior, growth and development. It is anticipated that the characterization of schistosome protein kinases in the context of parasite function will catalyze cutting edge research into host-parasite interactions and will reveal new targets for developing drug interventions against human schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Walker
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | - Margarida Ressurreição
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | - Rolf Rothermel
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University Kingston upon Thames, UK
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Ressurreição M, De Saram P, Kirk RS, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Page NM, Davies AJ, Walker AJ. Protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase regulate movement, attachment, pairing and egg release in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2924. [PMID: 24921927 PMCID: PMC4055629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases C (PKCs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are evolutionary conserved cell signalling enzymes that coordinate cell function. Here we have employed biochemical approaches using ‘smart’ antibodies and functional screening to unravel the importance of these enzymes to Schistosoma mansoni physiology. Various PKC and ERK isotypes were detected, and were differentially phosphorylated (activated) throughout the various S. mansoni life stages, suggesting isotype-specific roles and differences in signalling complexity during parasite development. Functional kinase mapping in adult worms revealed that activated PKC and ERK were particularly associated with the adult male tegument, musculature and oesophagus and occasionally with the oesophageal gland; other structures possessing detectable activated PKC and/or ERK included the Mehlis' gland, ootype, lumen of the vitellaria, seminal receptacle and excretory ducts. Pharmacological modulation of PKC and ERK activity in adult worms using GF109203X, U0126, or PMA, resulted in significant physiological disturbance commensurate with these proteins occupying a central position in signalling pathways associated with schistosome muscular activity, neuromuscular coordination, reproductive function, attachment and pairing. Increased activation of ERK and PKC was also detected in worms following praziquantel treatment, with increased signalling associated with the tegument and excretory system and activated ERK localizing to previously unseen structures, including the cephalic ganglia. These findings support roles for PKC and ERK in S. mansoni homeostasis, and identify these kinase groups as potential targets for chemotherapeutic treatments against human schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease of enormous public health significance. Parasitic blood flukes, also called schistosomes, cause human schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease and major public health problem in developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Sustainable control of schistosomiasis is difficult, mainly because the complex life cycle of the parasite involves a freshwater snail host, and the ability of the parasite to evade the immune response of the human host and to survive for many years. Little is yet known about the cellular mechanisms in schistosomes and how they regulate parasite homeostasis, development and behaviour. In this paper, the nature of intracellular signalling by protein kinases C (PKCs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in schistosomes is studied and these proteins are found to be vital for the coordination of processes fundamental to parasite survival, such as muscular activity and reproductive function. Our results contribute to an understanding of molecular events regulating schistosome function and identify PKCs and ERKs as possible targets for the development of new chemotherapeutic treatments against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paulu De Saram
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth S. Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - David Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M. Emery
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M. Page
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Davies
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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de Saram PSR, Ressurreição M, Davies AJ, Rollinson D, Emery AM, Walker AJ. Functional mapping of protein kinase A reveals its importance in adult Schistosoma mansoni motor activity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e1988. [PMID: 23326613 PMCID: PMC3542114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase/protein kinase A (PKA) is the major transducer of cAMP signalling in eukaryotic cells. Here, using laser scanning confocal microscopy and 'smart' anti-phospho PKA antibodies that exclusively detect activated PKA, we provide a detailed in situ analysis of PKA signalling in intact adult Schistosoma mansoni, a causative agent of debilitating human intestinal schistosomiasis. In both adult male and female worms, activated PKA was consistently found associated with the tegument, oral and ventral suckers, oesophagus and somatic musculature. In addition, the seminal vesicle and gynaecophoric canal muscles of the male displayed activated PKA whereas in female worms activated PKA localized to the ootype wall, the ovary, and the uterus particularly around eggs during expulsion. Exposure of live worms to the PKA activator forskolin (50 µM) resulted in striking PKA activation in the central and peripheral nervous system including at nerve endings at/near the tegument surface. Such neuronal PKA activation was also observed without forskolin treatment, but only in a single batch of worms. In addition, PKA activation within the central and peripheral nervous systems visibly increased within 15 min of worm-pair separation when compared to that observed in closely coupled worm pairs. Finally, exposure of adult worms to forskolin induced hyperkinesias in a time and dose dependent manner with 100 µM forskolin significantly increasing the frequency of gross worm movements to 5.3 times that of control worms (P≤0.001). Collectively these data are consistent with PKA playing a central part in motor activity and neuronal communication, and possibly interplay between these two systems in S. mansoni. This study, the first to localize a protein kinase when exclusively in an activated state in adult S. mansoni, provides valuable insight into the intricacies of functional protein kinase signalling in the context of whole schistosome physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulu S. R. de Saram
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Margarida Ressurreição
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Zoology Department, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Davies
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - David Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Zoology Department, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M. Emery
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Zoology Department, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Walker AJ. Insights into the functional biology of schistosomes. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:203. [PMID: 22013990 PMCID: PMC3206467 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The need to discover new treatments for human schistosomiasis has been an important driver for molecular research on schistosomes, a major breakthrough being the publication of the Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum genomes in 2009. This 'Primer' considers recent advances in the understanding of schistosome biology by providing a snapshot of selected areas of contemporary functional schistosome research, including that on the genome, the tegument, cell signalling and developmental biology, offering biologists a valuable insight into the life of these fascinating parasites at the basic and molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony John Walker
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT12EE, UK.
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