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Sánchez-López CM, González-Arce A, Ramírez-Toledo V, Bernal D, Marcilla A. Unraveling new players in helminth pathology: extracellular vesicles from Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum exert different effects on hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes. Int J Parasitol 2024:S0020-7519(24)00134-6. [PMID: 38925265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum are parasitic trematodes residing in the bile ducts of mammalian hosts, causing, in some cases, impairment of liver function and hepatic fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that extracellular vesicles released by F. hepatica (FhEVs) and D. dendriticum (DdEVs) induce a distinct phenotype in human macrophages, but there is limited information on the effect of parasitic EVs on liver cells, which interact directly with the worms in natural infections. In this study, we isolated FhEVs and DdEVs by size exclusion chromatography and labeled them with a lipophilic fluorescent dye to analyze their uptake by human hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and hepatocytes, important cell types in liver pathology, using synthetic liposomes as internal labeling and uptake control. We analyzed EV uptake and the proteome profiles after the treatment with EVs for both cell types. Our results reveal that EVs establish unique and specific interactions with stellate cells and hepatocytes, suggesting a different role of EVs derived from each parasite, depending on the migration route to reach their final niche. FhEVs have a cytostatic effect on HSCs, but induce the extracellular matrix secretion and elicit anti-inflammatory responses in hepatocytes. DdEVs have a more potent anti-proliferative effect than FhEVs and trigger a global inflammatory response, increasing the levels of NF-κB and other inflammatory mediators in both cell types. These interactions may have a major influence on the progression of the disease, serving to generate conditions that may favor the establishment of the helminths in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Sánchez-López
- Área de Parasitología, Departament de Farmacia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia. Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research IIS La Fe-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Aránzazu González-Arce
- Área de Parasitología, Departament de Farmacia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia. Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Dolores Bernal
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Antonio Marcilla
- Área de Parasitología, Departament de Farmacia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia. Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research IIS La Fe-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
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2
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Ancarola ME, Maldonado LL, García LCA, Franchini GR, Mourglia-Ettlin G, Kamenetzky L, Cucher MA. A Comparative Analysis of the Protein Cargo of Extracellular Vesicles from Helminth Parasites. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2286. [PMID: 38137887 PMCID: PMC10744797 DOI: 10.3390/life13122286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminth parasites cause debilitating-sometimes fatal-diseases in humans and animals. Despite their impact on global health, mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions are still poorly understood. One such mechanism involves the exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are membrane-enclosed subcellular nanoparticles. To date, EV secretion has been studied in helminth parasites, including EV protein content. However, information is highly heterogeneous, since it was generated in multiple species, using varied protocols for EV isolation and data analysis. Here, we compared the protein cargo of helminth EVs to identify common markers for each taxon. For this, we integrated published proteomic data and performed a comparative analysis through an orthology approach. Overall, only three proteins were common in the EVs of the seven analyzed species. Additionally, varied repertoires of proteins with moonlighting activity, vaccine antigens, canonical and non-canonical proteins related to EV biogenesis, taxon-specific proteins of unknown function and RNA-binding proteins were observed in platyhelminth and nematode EVs. Despite the lack of consensus on EV isolation protocols and protein annotation, several proteins were shown to be consistently detected in EV preparations from organisms at different taxa levels, providing a starting point for a selective biochemical characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Ancarola
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina; (M.E.A.); (L.L.M.)
- Institute of Research on Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina
| | - Lucas L. Maldonado
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina; (M.E.A.); (L.L.M.)
- Institute of Research on Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina
- Instituto de Tecnología (INTEC), Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE), Buenos Aires C1073, Argentina
| | - Lucía C. A. García
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina; (M.E.A.); (L.L.M.)
- Institute of Research on Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina
| | - Gisela R. Franchini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), La Plata B1900, Argentina;
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata B1900, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Mourglia-Ettlin
- Área Inmunología, Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay;
| | - Laura Kamenetzky
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional, Departamento de Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428, Argentina;
| | - Marcela A. Cucher
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina; (M.E.A.); (L.L.M.)
- Institute of Research on Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina
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3
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Grecco A, Macchiaroli N, Pérez MG, Casulli A, Cucher MA, Rosenzvit MC. microRNA silencing in a whole worm cestode model provides insight into miR-71 function. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:699-710. [PMID: 37699506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Parasites belonging to the class Cestoda include zoonotic species such as Echinococcus spp. and Taenia spp. that cause morbidity and mortality in endemic areas, mainly affecting pastoral and rural communities in low income countries but also upper middle income countries. Cestodes show remarkable developmental plasticity, implying tight regulation of gene expression throughout their complex life cycles. Despite the recent availability of genomic data for cestodes, little progress was made on postgenomic functional studies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key components of gene regulatory systems that guide diverse developmental processes in multicellular organisms. miR-71 is a highly expressed miRNA in cestodes, which is absent in vertebrates and targets essential parasite genes, representing a potential key player in understanding the role of miRNAs in cestodes biology. Here we used transfection with antisense oligonucleotides to perform whole worm miRNA knockdown in tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides vogae (syn. Mesocestoides corti), a laboratory model of cestodes. We believe this is the first report of miRNA knockdown at the organism level in these parasites. Our results showed that M. vogae miR-71 is involved in the control of strobilation in vitro and in the establishment of murine infection. In addition, we identified miR-71 targets in M. vogae, several of them being de-repressed upon miR-71 knockdown. This study provides new knowledge on gene expression regulation in cestodes and suggests that miRNAs could be evaluated as new selective therapeutic targets for treating Neglected Tropical Diseases prioritised by the World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Grecco
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Macchiaroli
- Laboratorio de Genómica y Bioinformática de Patógenos, Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías Gastón Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriano Casulli
- WHO Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology, Detection and Control of Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis. Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy; European Reference Laboratory for Parasites. Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcela Alejandra Cucher
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mara Cecilia Rosenzvit
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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4
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Fernandez‐Becerra C, Xander P, Alfandari D, Dong G, Aparici‐Herraiz I, Rosenhek‐Goldian I, Shokouhy M, Gualdron‐Lopez M, Lozano N, Cortes‐Serra N, Karam PA, Meneghetti P, Madeira RP, Porat Z, Soares RP, Costa AO, Rafati S, da Silva A, Santarém N, Fernandez‐Prada C, Ramirez MI, Bernal D, Marcilla A, Pereira‐Chioccola VL, Alves LR, Portillo HD, Regev‐Rudzki N, de Almeida IC, Schenkman S, Olivier M, Torrecilhas AC. Guidelines for the purification and characterization of extracellular vesicles of parasites. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 2:e117. [PMID: 38939734 PMCID: PMC11080789 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Parasites are responsible for the most neglected tropical diseases, affecting over a billion people worldwide (WHO, 2015) and accounting for billions of cases a year and responsible for several millions of deaths. Research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) has increased in recent years and demonstrated that EVs shed by pathogenic parasites interact with host cells playing an important role in the parasite's survival, such as facilitation of infection, immunomodulation, parasite adaptation to the host environment and the transfer of drug resistance factors. Thus, EVs released by parasites mediate parasite-parasite and parasite-host intercellular communication. In addition, they are being explored as biomarkers of asymptomatic infections and disease prognosis after drug treatment. However, most current protocols used for the isolation, size determination, quantification and characterization of molecular cargo of EVs lack greater rigor, standardization, and adequate quality controls to certify the enrichment or purity of the ensuing bioproducts. We are now initiating major guidelines based on the evolution of collective knowledge in recent years. The main points covered in this position paper are methods for the isolation and molecular characterization of EVs obtained from parasite-infected cell cultures, experimental animals, and patients. The guideline also includes a discussion of suggested protocols and functional assays in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Fernandez‐Becerra
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- IGTP Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i PujolBadalona (Barcelona)Spain
- CIBERINFECISCIII‐CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Patrícia Xander
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Daniel Alfandari
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of Science (WIS)RehovotIsrael
| | - George Dong
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Iris Aparici‐Herraiz
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Mehrdad Shokouhy
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Melisa Gualdron‐Lopez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Nicholy Lozano
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Nuria Cortes‐Serra
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Paula Abou Karam
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of Science (WIS)RehovotIsrael
| | - Paula Meneghetti
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Rafael Pedro Madeira
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry UnitLife Sciences Core Facilities, WISRehovotIsrael
| | | | - Adriana Oliveira Costa
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e ToxicológicasFaculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)Belo HorizonteMinas GeraisBrasil
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Anabela‐Cordeiro da Silva
- Host‐Parasite Interactions GroupInstitute of Research and Innovation in HealthUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Nuno Santarém
- Host‐Parasite Interactions GroupInstitute of Research and Innovation in HealthUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
- Department of Biological SciencesFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
| | | | - Marcel I. Ramirez
- EVAHPI ‐ Extracellular Vesicles and Host‐Parasite Interactions Research Group Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de TripanossomatideosInstituto Carlos Chagas‐FiocruzCuritibaParanáBrasil
| | - Dolores Bernal
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Ciències BiològiquesUniversitat de ValènciaBurjassotValenciaSpain
| | - Antonio Marcilla
- Àrea de Parasitologia, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i ParasitologiaUniversitat de ValènciaBurjassotValenciaSpain
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira‐Chioccola
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Fungos, Centro de Parasitologia e MicologiaInstituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL)São PauloBrasil
| | - Lysangela Ronalte Alves
- Laboratório de Regulação da Expressão GênicaInstituto Carlos ChagasFiocruz ParanáCuritibaBrazil
- Research Center in Infectious DiseasesDivision of Infectious Disease and Immunity CHU de Quebec Research CenterDepartment of MicrobiologyInfectious Disease and ImmunologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity LavalQuebec CityQuebecCanada
| | - Hernando Del Portillo
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global HealthHospital Clínic‐Universitatde BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- IGTP Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i PujolBadalona (Barcelona)Spain
- ICREA Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avanc¸ats (ICREA)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Neta Regev‐Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesWeizmann Institute of Science (WIS)RehovotIsrael
| | - Igor Correia de Almeida
- Department of Biological SciencesBorder Biomedical Research CenterThe University of Texas at El PasoEl PasoTexasUSA
| | - Sergio Schenkman
- Departamento de MicrobiologiaImunologia e Parasitologia, UNIFESPSão PauloBrazil
| | - Martin Olivier
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Departamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasLaboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e ProtozoáriosDepartamento de Ciências FarmacêuticasInstituto de Ciências AmbientaisQuímicas e FarmacêuticasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)São PauloBrazil
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Habibi B, Gholami S, Bagheri A, Fakhar M, Moradi A, Khazeei Tabari MA. Cystic echinococcosis microRNAs as potential noninvasive biomarkers: current insights and upcoming perspective. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:885-894. [PMID: 37553726 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2246367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Echinococcosis, also known as hydatidosis, is a zoonotic foodborne disease occurred by infection with the larvae of Echinococcus spp. which can lead to the development of hydatid cysts in various organs of the host. The diagnosis of echinococcosis remains challenging due to limited diagnostic tools. AREAS COVERED In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a promising biomarker for various infectious diseases, including those caused by helminths. Recent studies have identified several novel miRNAs in Echinococcus spp. shedding light on their essential roles in hydatid cyst host-parasite interactions. In this regard, several studies have shown that Echinococcus-derived miRNAs are present in biofluids such as serum and plasma of infected hosts. The detection of these miRNAs in the early stages of infection can serve as an early prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for echinococcosis. EXPERT OPINION The miRNAs specific to Echinococcus spp. show great potential as early diagnostic biomarkers for echinococcosis and can also provide insights into the pathogenesis of this disease. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of Echinococcus-specific miRNAs, their use as early diagnostic biomarkers, and their function in host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bentolhoda Habibi
- Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran Registry Center for Hydatid Cyst, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shirzad Gholami
- Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran Registry Center for Hydatid Cyst, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abouzar Bagheri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry-Biophysics and Genetics, Immunogenetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fakhar
- Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran Registry Center for Hydatid Cyst, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Alimohammad Moradi
- Department of General Surgery Division of HPB and Transplantation Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kusakisako K, Nakao R, Katakura K. Detection of parasite-derived tRNA and rRNA fragments in the peripheral blood of mice experimentally infected with Leishmania donovani and Leishmania amazonensis using next-generation sequencing analysis. Parasitol Int 2023; 93:102716. [PMID: 36464229 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
All prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including parasites, release extracellular vesicles or exosomes that contain selected proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, glycoconjugates, and metabolites. Leishmania exosomes are highly enriched in small RNAs derived from the rRNAs and tRNAs of the protozoan parasite species. Here, using plasma exosomes isolated by a kit and next-generation sequencing, we report the detection of fragments of parasite-derived rRNAs and tRNAs in the peripheral plasma samples of mice experimentally infected with Leishmania donovani and Leishmania amazonensis, the causative agents of Old World visceral leishmaniasis and New World disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively. Detected RNA molecules of 28S rRNA, 5.8S rRNA, tRNA-Glu, and tRNA-Thr were common to both plasma samples of mice inoculated with L. donovani and L. amazonensis, whereas tRNA-Ile and tRNA-Trp were only detected in L. amazonensis-infected mice. The detected rRNAs and tRNA isotypes were matched with the exosomal components reported in a previous key study. Our preliminary results suggested that parasite-derived small RNAs were circulating in the blood of mice infected with Leishmania species, providing a better understanding of the roles of exosomal components in leishmaniasis and also new insights into exosome-based biomarkers for Leishmania infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodai Kusakisako
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ken Katakura
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan.
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7
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White R, Sotillo J, Ancarola ME, Borup A, Boysen AT, Brindley PJ, Buzás EI, Cavallero S, Chaiyadet S, Chalmers IW, Cucher MA, Dagenais M, Davis CN, Devaney E, Duque‐Correa MA, Eichenberger RM, Fontenla S, Gasan TA, Hokke CH, Kosanovic M, Kuipers ME, Laha T, Loukas A, Maizels RM, Marcilla A, Mazanec H, Morphew RM, Neophytou K, Nguyen LT, Nolte‐‘t Hoen E, Povelones M, Robinson MW, Rojas A, Schabussova I, Smits HH, Sungpradit S, Tritten L, Whitehead B, Zakeri A, Nejsum P, Buck AH, Hoffmann KF. Special considerations for studies of extracellular vesicles from parasitic helminths: A community-led roadmap to increase rigour and reproducibility. J Extracell Vesicles 2023; 12:e12298. [PMID: 36604533 PMCID: PMC9816087 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, research interest in defining how extracellular vesicles (EVs) shape cross-species communication has grown rapidly. Parasitic helminths, worm species found in the phyla Nematoda and Platyhelminthes, are well-recognised manipulators of host immune function and physiology. Emerging evidence supports a role for helminth-derived EVs in these processes and highlights EVs as an important participant in cross-phylum communication. While the mammalian EV field is guided by a community-agreed framework for studying EVs derived from model organisms or cell systems [e.g., Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV)], the helminth community requires a supplementary set of principles due to the additional challenges that accompany working with such divergent organisms. These challenges include, but are not limited to, generating sufficient quantities of EVs for descriptive or functional studies, defining pan-helminth EV markers, genetically modifying these organisms, and identifying rigorous methodologies for in vitro and in vivo studies. Here, we outline best practices for those investigating the biology of helminth-derived EVs to complement the MISEV guidelines. We summarise community-agreed standards for studying EVs derived from this broad set of non-model organisms, raise awareness of issues associated with helminth EVs and provide future perspectives for how progress in the field will be achieved.
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8
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Abou-El-Naga IF. Emerging roles for extracellular vesicles in Schistosoma infection. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106467. [PMID: 35427535 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The co-evolution of Schistosoma and its host necessitates the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) generated by different lifecycle stages to manipulate the host immune system to achieve a delicate balance between the survival of the parasite and the limited pathology of the host. EVs are phospholipid bilayer membrane-enclosed vesicles capable of transferring a complex mixture of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials to the host. They are nano-scale-sized vesicles involved in cellular communication. In this review, the author summarized the proteins involved in the biogenesis of schistosome-derived EVs and their cargo load. miRNAs are one cargo molecule that can underpin EVs functions and significantly affect parasite/host interactions and immune modulation. They skew macrophage polarization towards the M1 phenotype and downregulate Th2 immunity. Schistosoma can evade the host immune system's harmful effects by utilizing this strategy. In order to compromise the protective effect of Th2, EVs upregulate T regulatory cells and activate eosinophils, which contribute to granuloma formation. Schistosomal EVs also affect fibrosis by acting on non-immune cells such as hepatic stellate cells. These vesicles drew attention to translational applications in diagnosis, immunotherapy, and potential vaccines. A deep understanding of the interaction of schistosome-derived EVs with host cells will significantly increase our knowledge about the dynamics between the host and the worm that may aid in controlling this debilitating disease.
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9
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Fontenla S, Langleib M, de la Torre-Escudero E, Domínguez MF, Robinson MW, Tort J. Role of Fasciola hepatica Small RNAs in the Interaction With the Mammalian Host. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:812141. [PMID: 35155272 PMCID: PMC8824774 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.812141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression being involved in many different biological processes and play a key role in developmental timing. Additionally, recent studies have shown that miRNAs released from parasites are capable of regulating the expression of host genes. In the present work, we studied the expression patterns of ncRNAs of various intra-mammalian life-cycle stages of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, as well as those packaged into extracellular vesicles and shed by the adult fluke. The miRNA expression profile of the intra-mammalian stages shows important variations, despite a set of predominant miRNAs that are highly expressed across all stages. No substantial variations in miRNA expression between dormant and activated metacercariae were detected, suggesting that they might not be central players in regulating fluke gene expression during this crucial step in the invasion of the definitive host. We generated a curated pipeline for the prediction of putative target genes that reports only sites conserved between three different prediction approaches. This pipeline was tested against an iso-seq curated database of the 3’ UTR regions of F. hepatica genes to detect miRNA regulation networks within liver fluke. Several functions related to the host immune response or modulation were enriched among the targets of the most highly expressed parasite miRNAs, stressing that they might be key players during the establishment and maintenance of infection. Additionally, we detected fragments derived from the processing of tRNAs, in all developmental stages analyzed, and documented the presence of novel long tRNA fragments enriched in vesicles. We confirmed the presence of at least 5 putative vault RNAs (vtRNAs), that are expressed across different stages and enriched in vesicles. The presence of tRNA fragments and vtRNAs in vesicles raise the possibility that they could be involved in the host-parasite interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Fontenla
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Santiago Fontenla, ; José Tort,
| | - Mauricio Langleib
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Maria Fernanda Domínguez
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mark W. Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - José Tort
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Santiago Fontenla, ; José Tort,
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Kamenetzky L, Maldonado LL, Cucher MA. Cestodes in the genomic era. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:1077-1089. [PMID: 34665308 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07346-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The first cestode genomes were obtained by an international consortium led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute that included representative institutions from countries where the sequenced parasites have been studied for decades, in part because they are etiological agents of endemic diseases (Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, USA, Japan, and China). After this, several complete genomes were obtained reaching 16 species to date. Cestode genomes have smaller relative size compared to other animals including free-living flatworms. Moreover, the features genome size and repeat content seem to differ in the two analyzed orders. Cyclophyllidean species have smaller genomes and with fewer repetitive content than Diphyllobothriidean species. On average, cestode genomes have 13,753 genes with 6 exons per gene and 41% GC content. More than 5,000 shared cestode proteins were accurately annotated by the integration of gene predictions and transcriptome evidence being more than 40% of these proteins of unknown function. Several gene losses and reduction of gene families were found and could be related to the extreme parasitic lifestyle of these species. The application of cutting-edge sequencing technology allowed the characterization of the terminal sequences of chromosomes that possess unique characteristics. Here, we review the current status of knowledge of complete cestode genomes and place it within a comparative genomics perspective. Multidisciplinary work together with the implementation of new technologies will provide valuable information that can certainly improve our chances to finally eradicate or at least control diseases caused by cestodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kamenetzky
- iB3, Instituto de Biociencias, Departamento de Fisiología Y Biología Molecular Y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Biotecnología y Biología traslacional, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lucas L Maldonado
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute of Research On Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela A Cucher
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute of Research On Microbiology and Medical Parasitology (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Ramirez MI, Marcilla A. Pathogens and extracellular vesicles: New paths and challenges to understanding and treating diseases. Editorial opinion. Mol Immunol 2021; 139:155-156. [PMID: 34543841 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been described in all eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells as released membranous structures loaded with biomolecules including nucleic acids, glycoconjugates, lipids and proteins. Two main groups of vesicles with different biogenesis and size are considered to be the most predominant, Exosomes (30-100 nm) originating from multivesicular bodies, and microvesículas (100-1000 nm) originating from plasma membrane. EVs participate in cellular communication between different organisms and can alter neighbour cells, participating in physiological and pathophysiological processes. In this issue, eleven reviews summarize the current knowledge in the characterization of EVs participating in the pathogenic-host interaction including protozoa, helminths, bacteria, fungi and viruses (Montaño et al., 2021; Palacios et al., 2021; Rossi et al., 2021; Sabatke et al., 2021; Cucher et al., 2021; Gilmore W et al., 2021; Sánchez-López et al., 2021; Dong et al., 2021; Drurey C and Mayzels R.M., 2021; Macedo-Da Silva J et al., 2021; Piffer, A. C et al., 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel I Ramirez
- EVAHPI - Extracellular Vesicles and Host-Parasite Interactions Research Group Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistemática de Tripanossomatideos, Instituto Carlos Chagas-Fiocruz, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Marcilla
- Àrea de Parasitologia, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Av. V.A. Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
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12
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Mu Y, McManus DP, Gordon CA, Cai P. Parasitic Helminth-Derived microRNAs and Extracellular Vesicle Cargos as Biomarkers for Helminthic Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:708952. [PMID: 34249784 PMCID: PMC8267863 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.708952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As an adaption to their complex lifecycles, helminth parasites garner a unique repertoire of genes at different developmental stages with subtle regulatory mechanisms. These parasitic worms release differential components such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as mediators which participate in the host-parasite interaction, immune regulation/evasion, and in governing processes associated with host infection. MiRNAs are small (~ 22-nucleotides) non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, and can exist in stable form in bodily fluids such as serum/plasma, urine, saliva and bile. In addition to reports focusing on the identification of miRNAs or in the probing of differentially expressed miRNA profiles in different development stages/sexes or in specific tissues, a number of studies have focused on the detection of helminth-derived miRNAs in the mammalian host circulatory system as diagnostic biomarkers. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small membrane-surrounded structures secreted by a wide variety of cell types, contain rich cargos that are important in cell-cell communication. EVs have attracted wide attention due to their unique functional relevance in host-parasite interactions and for their potential value in translational applications such as biomarker discovery. In the current review, we discuss the status and potential of helminth parasite-derived circulating miRNAs and EV cargos as novel diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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