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de Oliveira Souza JE, Gomes SMR, Lima AKC, de Souza Brito AC, Da-Silva SAG, de Carvalho Santos Lopes AH, Silva-Neto MAC, Atella GC, Dutra PML. Influence of CK2 protein kinase activity on the interaction between Trypanosoma cruzi and its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:80. [PMID: 38163833 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08085-x] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease, endemic from Latin America, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by triatomine feces. This parasite undergoes complex morphological changes through its life cycle, promoted by significant changes in signal transduction pathways. The activity of protein kinase CK2 has been described in trypanosomatids. Using a specific peptide and radioactive ATP, we identified CK2 activity on the cellular surface and the cytoplasmic content in Trypanosoma cruzi, apart from the secreted form. Dephosphorylated casein promoted an increase of 48% in the secreted CK2 activity. Total extract of peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c and inactivated human serum promoted an increase of 67% and 36%, respectively, in this activity. The protein secreted by parasites was purified by HPLC and had shown compatibility with the catalytic subunit of mammalian CK2. Incubation of the parasites with CK2 inhibitors, added to the culture medium, prevented their growth. The opposite was observed when CK2 activators were used. Results of interaction between Trypanosoma cruzi and the gut of the vector have revealed that, in the presence of CK2 inhibitors, there is a reduction in the association rate. A similar inhibition profile was seen in the Trypanosoma cruzi-macrophages interaction, confirming the importance of this enzyme in the life cycle of this protozoan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Eliza de Oliveira Souza
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (FCM), State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Shayane Martins Rodrigues Gomes
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (FCM), State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Karina Castro Lima
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (FCM), State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andréia Carolinne de Souza Brito
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (FCM), State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvia Amaral Gonçalves Da-Silva
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (FCM), State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Geórgia Correa Atella
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Maria Lourenço Dutra
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (FCM), State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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de Mello DV, Nhapulo EF, Cesaretto LP, Alevi JJ, Cristal DC, Montanari G, Galvão C, Alevi KCC. Dichotomous Keys Based on Cytogenetic Data for Triatomines Reported in Brazilian Regions with Outbreaks of Orally Transmitted Chagas Disease (Pernambuco and Rio Grande Do Norte). Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8040196. [PMID: 37104322 PMCID: PMC10144799 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) affects about eight million people worldwide. Brazil has the highest number of estimated cases and the largest number of deaths due to CD. Considering the recent outbreaks of oral CD involving at least 27 cases of acute CD in Pernambuco (PE) as well as 18 cases and 2 deaths in the Rio Grande do Norte (RN), we developed dichotomous keys for the identification of triatomine species in these Brazilian states based on cytogenetic data. All triatomine species could be distinguished by cytogenetic characteristics, emphasizing the importance of the newly developed taxonomic keys for the correct identification of triatomes from PE and RN, particularly for species that exhibit morphological similarities, such as Triatoma brasilensis and T. petrocchiae (present in both states) and T. maculata and T. pseudomaculata (as T. pseudomaculata has been misidentified as T. maculata in PE and RN). These alternative keys are expected to provide a useful tool for the scientific community and, above all, health agents, aimed at preventing mistakes from occurring in the identification of the vectors present in PE and RN related to CD outbreaks caused by oral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Vinícius de Mello
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Rua Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Emercio Felisberto Nhapulo
- Laboratório de Entomologia em Saúde Pública, Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 715, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Laura Poloto Cesaretto
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Rua Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Julia Junqueira Alevi
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Rua Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Daniel Cesaretto Cristal
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Rua Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Giulia Montanari
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Rua Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Cleber Galvão
- Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Rocha Lima, sala 505, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Rua Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, 250, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
- Laboratório de Entomologia em Saúde Pública, Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 715, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
- Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Rocha Lima, sala 505, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
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3
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Impact of Laboratory-Adapted Intracellular Trypanosoma cruzi Strains on the Activity Profiles of Compounds with Anti- T. cruzi Activity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020476. [PMID: 36838441 PMCID: PMC9967867 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020476] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease causes ~12,000 deaths annually and is one of the world's 20 neglected tropical diseases, as defined by the World Health Organisation. The drug discovery pipeline for Chagas disease currently has few new clinical candidates, with high attrition rates an ongoing issue. To determine if the Trypanosoma cruzi strain utilised to assess in vitro compound activity impacts activity, a comparison of laboratory-adapted T. cruzi strains from differing geographical locations was undertaken for a selection of compounds with anti-T. cruzi activity. To minimise the possible effect of differences in experimental methodology, the same host cell and multiplicity of infection were utilised. To determine whether the compound exposure time influenced results, activity was determined following exposure for 48 and 72 h of incubation. To ascertain whether replication rates affected outcomes, comparative rates of replication of the T. cruzi strains were investigated, using the nucleoside analogue, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine. Minimal differences in the in vitro activity of compounds between strains were observed following 48 h incubation, whereas significant differences were observed following 72 h incubation, in particular for the cytochrome P450 inhibitors tested and the cell cycle inhibitor, camptothecin. Thus, the use of panels of laboratory adapted strains in vitro may be dependent on the speed of action that is prioritised. For the identification of fast-acting compounds, an initial shorter duration assay using a single strain may be used. A longer incubation to identify compound activity may alternatively require profiling of compounds against multiple T. cruzi strains.
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Oliveira MM, Bonturi CR, Salu BR, Oliva MLV, Mortara RA, Orikaza CM. Modulation of STAT-1, STAT-3, and STAT-6 activities in THP-1 derived macrophages infected with two Trypanosoma cruzi strains. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1038332. [PMID: 36389843 PMCID: PMC9643828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1038332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative protozoan of Chagas’ Disease, a neglected tropical disease that affects 6−7 million people worldwide. Interaction of the parasite with the host immune system is a key factor in disease progression and chronic symptoms. Although the human immune system is capable of controlling the disease, the parasite has numerous evasion mechanisms that aim to maintain intracellular persistence and survival. Due to the pronounced genetic variability of T. cruzi, co-infections or mixed infections with more than one parasite strain have been reported in the literature. The intermodulation in such cases is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the co-infection of T. cruzi strains G and CL compared to their individual infections in human macrophages derived from THP-1 cells activated by classical or alternative pathways. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that trypomastigotes were more infective than extracellular amastigotes (EAs) and that strain G could infect more macrophages than strain CL. Classically activated macrophages showed lower number of infected cells and IL-4-stimulated cells displayed increased CL-infected macrophages. However, co-infection was a rare event. CL EAs decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas G trypomastigotes displayed increased ROS detection in classically activated cells. Co-infection did not affect ROS production. Monoinfection by strain G or CL mainly induced an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile by decreasing inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β) and/or increasing IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β. Co-infection led to a predominant inflammatory milieu, with reduced IL-10 and TGF-β, and/or promotion of IFN-γ and IL-1β release. Infection by strain G reduced activation of intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors. In EAs, monoinfections impaired STAT-1 activity and promoted phosphorylation of STAT-3, both changes may prolong cell survival. Coinfected macrophages displayed pronounced activation of all STATs examined. These activations likely promoted parasite persistence and survival of infected cells. The collective results demonstrate that although macrophages respond to both strains, T. cruzi can modulate the intracellular environment, inducing different responses depending on the strain, parasite infective form, and co-infection or monoinfection. The modulation influences parasite persistence and survival of infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Martins Oliveira
- ¹Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Ramalho Bonturi
- ²Biochemistry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Ramos Salu
- ²Biochemistry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva
- ²Biochemistry Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato Arruda Mortara
- ¹Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina Mary Orikaza
- ¹Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Cristina Mary Orikaza,
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5
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de Paula JI, Lopes-Torres EJ, Jacobs-Lorena M, Paes MC, Cha SJ. The Screen of a Phage Display Library Identifies a Peptide That Binds to the Surface of Trypanosoma cruzi Trypomastigotes and Impairs Their Infection of Mammalian Cells. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:864788. [PMID: 35359712 PMCID: PMC8960960 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.864788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundChagas is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. On the order of seven million people are infected worldwide and current therapies are limited, highlighting the urgent need for new interventions. T. cruzi trypomastigotes can infect a variety of mammalian cells, recognition and adhesion to the host cell being critical for parasite entry. This study focuses on trypomastigote surface ligands involved in cell invasion.MethodsThree selection rounds of a phage peptide display library for isolation of phages that bind to trypomastigotes, resulted in the identification of the N3 dodecapeptide. N3 peptide binding to T. cruzi developmental forms (trypomastigotes, amastigotes and epimastigotes) was evaluated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays. Parasite invasion of Vero cells was assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays.ResultsPhage display screening identified the N3 peptide that binds preferentially to the surface of the trypomastigote and amastigote infective forms as opposed to non-infective epimastigotes. Importantly, the N3 peptide, but not a control scrambled peptide, inhibits trypomastigote invasion of Vero cells by 50%.ConclusionThe N3 peptide specifically binds to T. cruzi, and by doing so, inhibits Vero cell infection. Follow-up studies will identify the molecule on the parasite surface to which the N3 peptide binds. This putative T. cruzi ligand may advance chemotherapy design and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica I. de Paula
- Laboratório de Interação Tripanossomatídeos e Vetores – Departamento de Bioquímica, IBRAG – UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo J. Lopes-Torres
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Romero Lascasas Porto, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marcia Cristina Paes
- Laboratório de Interação Tripanossomatídeos e Vetores – Departamento de Bioquímica, IBRAG – UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Marcia Cristina Paes,
| | - Sung-Jae Cha
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Sung-Jae Cha,
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Alcantara CL, de Souza W, Cunha E Silva NL. The cytostome-cytopharynx complex of intracellular and extracellular amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi exhibit structural and functional differences. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13346. [PMID: 33900003 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Endocytosis in Trypanosoma cruzi is mainly performed through a specialised membrane domain called cytostome-cytopharynx complex. Its ultrastructure and dynamics in endocytosis are well characterized in epimastigotes, being absent in trypomastigotes, that lack endocytic activity. Intracellular amastigotes also possess a cytostome-cytopharynx but participation in endocytosis of these forms is not clear. Extracellular amastigotes can be obtained from the supernatant of infected cells or in vitro amastigogenesis. These amastigotes share biochemical and morphological features with intracellular amastigotes but retain trypomastigote's ability to establish infection. We analysed and compared the ultrastructure of the cytostome-cytopharynx complex of intracellular amastigotes and extracellular amastigotes using high-resolution tridimensional electron microscopy techniques. We compared the endocytic ability of intracellular amastigotes, obtained through host cell lysis, with that of extracellular amastigotes. Intracellular amastigotes showed a cytostome-cytopharynx complex similar to epimastigotes'. However, after isolation, the complex undergoes ultrastructural modifications that progressively took to an impairment of endocytosis. Extracellular amastigotes do not possess a cytostome-cytopharynx complex nor the ability to endocytose. Those observations highlight morpho functional differences between intra and extracellular amastigotes regarding an important structure related to cell metabolism. TAKE AWAYS: T. cruzi intracellular amastigotes endocytose through the cytostome-cytopharynx complex. The cytostome-cytopharynx complex of intracellular amastigotes is ultrastructurally similar to the epimastigote. Intracellular amastigotes, once outside the host cell, disassembles the cytostome-cytopharynx membrane domain. Extracellular amastigotes do not possess a cytostome-cytopharynx either the ability to endocytose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina L Alcantara
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Núcleo de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens (CENABIO)-Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Biomagens (INBEB), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Núcleo de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens (CENABIO)-Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Biomagens (INBEB), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Narcisa L Cunha E Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Núcleo de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens (CENABIO)-Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Biomagens (INBEB), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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7
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Nájera CA, Batista MF, Meneghelli I, Bahia D. Mixed signals - how Trypanosoma cruzi exploits host-cell communication and signaling to establish infection. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:134/5/jcs255687. [PMID: 33692153 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.255687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) is a 'neglected' pathology that affects millions of people worldwide, mainly in Latin America. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent, is an obligate intracellular parasite with a complex and diverse biology that infects several mammalian species, including humans. Because of genetic variability among strains and the presence of four biochemically and morphologically distinct parasite forms, the outcome of T. cruzi infection varies considerably depending on host cell type and parasite strain. During the initial contact, cellular communication is established by host-recognition-mediated responses, followed by parasite adherence and penetration. For this purpose, T. cruzi expresses a variety of proteins that modify the host cell, enabling it to safely reach the cytoplasm. After entry into the host cell, T. cruzi forms a transitory structure termed 'parasitophorous vacuole' (PV), followed by its cytoplasmic replication and differentiation after PV rupture, and subsequent invasion of other cells. The success of infection, maintenance and survival inside host cells is facilitated by the ability of T. cruzi to subvert various host signaling mechanisms. We focus in this Review on the various mechanisms that induce host cytoskeletal rearrangements, activation of autophagy-related proteins and crosstalk among major immune response regulators, as well as recent studies on the JAK-STAT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Acides Nájera
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 486, Brazil
| | - Marina Ferreira Batista
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 486, Brazil
| | - Isabela Meneghelli
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 486, Brazil
| | - Diana Bahia
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 486, Brazil
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Watanabe Costa R, Batista MF, Meneghelli I, Vidal RO, Nájera CA, Mendes AC, Andrade-Lima IA, da Silveira JF, Lopes LR, Ferreira LRP, Antoneli F, Bahia D. Comparative Analysis of the Secretome and Interactome of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli Reveals Species Specific Immune Response Modulating Proteins. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1774. [PMID: 32973747 PMCID: PMC7481403 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, a zoonosis caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a chronic and systemic parasitic infection that affects ~5–7 million people worldwide, mainly in Latin America. Chagas disease is an emerging public health problem due to the lack of vaccines and effective treatments. According to recent studies, several T. cruzi secreted proteins interact with the human host during cell invasion. Moreover, some comparative studies with T. rangeli, which is non-pathogenic in humans, have been performed to identify proteins directly involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this study, we present an integrated analysis of canonical putative secreted proteins (PSPs) from both species. Additionally, we propose an interactome with human host and gene family clusters, and a phylogenetic inference of a selected protein. In total, we identified 322 exclusively PSPs in T. cruzi and 202 in T. rangeli. Among the PSPs identified in T. cruzi, we found several trans-sialidases, mucins, MASPs, proteins with phospholipase 2 domains (PLA2-like), and proteins with Hsp70 domains (Hsp70-like) which have been previously characterized and demonstrated to be related to T. cruzi virulence. PSPs found in T. rangeli were related to protozoan metabolism, specifically carboxylases and phosphatases. Furthermore, we also identified PSPs that may interact with the human immune system, including heat shock and MASP proteins, but in a lower number compared to T. cruzi. Interestingly, we describe a hypothetical hybrid interactome of PSPs which reveals that T. cruzi secreted molecules may be down-regulating IL-17 whilst T. rangeli may enhance the production of IL-15. These results will pave the way for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of Chagas disease and may ultimately lead to the identification of molecular targets, such as key PSPs, that could be used to minimize the health outcomes of Chagas disease by modulating the immune response triggered by T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Watanabe Costa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Ferreira Batista
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Isabela Meneghelli
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ramon Oliveira Vidal
- The Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology-Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association in Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Laboratorio Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alcides Nájera
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Mendes
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Izabela Augusta Andrade-Lima
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - José Franco da Silveira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Rodrigo Lopes
- Departamento de Informática em Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ludmila Rodrigues Pinto Ferreira
- RNA Systems Biology Lab (RSBL), Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernando Antoneli
- Departamento de Informática em Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diana Bahia
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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9
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Batista MF, Nájera CA, Meneghelli I, Bahia D. The Parasitic Intracellular Lifestyle of Trypanosomatids: Parasitophorous Vacuole Development and Survival. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:396. [PMID: 32587854 PMCID: PMC7297907 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The trypanosomatid (protozoan) parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. are causative agents of Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis, respectively. They display high morphological plasticity, are capable of developing in both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts, and are the only trypanosomatids that can survive and multiply inside mammalian host cells. During internalization by host cells, these parasites are lodged in "parasitophorous vacuoles" (PVs) comprised of host cell endolysosomal system components. PVs effectively shelter parasites within the host cell. PV development and maturation (acidification, acquisition of membrane markers, and/or volumetric expansion) precede parasite escape from the vacuole and ultimately from the host cell, which are key determinants of infective burden and persistence. PV biogenesis varies, depending on trypanosomatid species, in terms of morphology (e.g., size), biochemical composition, and parasite-mediated processes that coopt host cell machinery. PVs play essential roles in the intracellular development (i.e., morphological differentiation and/or multiplication) of T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. They are of great research interest as potential gateways for drug delivery systems and other therapeutic strategies for suppression of parasite multiplication and control of the large spectrum of diseases caused by these trypanosomatids. This mini-review focuses on mechanisms of PV biogenesis, and processes whereby PVs of T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. promote parasite persistence within and dissemination among mammalian host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diana Bahia
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Teixeira TL, Castilhos P, Rodrigues CC, da Silva AA, Brígido RT, Teixeira SC, Borges BC, Dos Santos MA, Martins FA, Santos PCF, Servato JPS, Silva MS, da Silva MJB, Elias MC, da Silva CV. Experimental evidences that P21 protein controls Trypanosoma cruzi replication and modulates the pathogenesis of infection. Microb Pathog 2019; 135:103618. [PMID: 31310832 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
P21 is a protein secreted by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). Previous studies have shown a spectrum of biological activities performed by P21 such as induction of phagocytosis, leukocyte chemotaxis and inhibition of angiogenesis. However, the activity of P21 in T. cruzi infection remains unknown. Here, we reported the role of P21 in mice harboring late T. cruzi infection. Treatment with recombinant P21 protein (rP21) reduced parasite load and angiogenesis, and induced fibrosis in the cardiac tissue of infected mice. In addition, rP21 reduced the growth of epimastigotes, inhibited intracellular replication of amastigotes and modulated the parasite cell cycle. Our data suggest that P21 controls parasite replication in the host, supporting the survival of both parasite and host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaise L Teixeira
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Castilhos
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Cassiano C Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Aline A da Silva
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rebecca Ts Brígido
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Samuel C Teixeira
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruna C Borges
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marlus A Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Flávia A Martins
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Paulo César F Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo - São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - M S Silva
- Centro de Toxinas, Resposta Imune e Sinalização Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M J B da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - M C Elias
- Centro de Toxinas, Resposta Imune e Sinalização Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio V da Silva
- Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rua Piauí, Bloco 2B Sala 200 Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Bonfim-Melo A, Ferreira ÉR, Mortara RA. Rac1/WAVE2 and Cdc42/N-WASP Participation in Actin-Dependent Host Cell Invasion by Extracellular Amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Microbiol 2018. [PMID: 29541069 PMCID: PMC5835522 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the participation of host cell Rho-family GTPases and their effector proteins in the actin-dependent invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi extracellular amastigotes (EAs). We observed that all proteins were recruited and colocalized with actin at EA invasion sites in live or fixed cells. EA internalization was inhibited in cells depleted in Rac1, N-WASP, and WAVE2. Time-lapse experiments with Rac1, N-WASP and WAVE2 depleted cells revealed that EA internalization kinetics is delayed even though no differences were observed in the proportion of EA-induced actin recruitment in these groups. Overexpression of constitutively active constructs of Rac1 and RhoA altered the morphology of actin recruitments to EA invasion sites. Additionally, EA internalization was increased in cells overexpressing CA-Rac1 but inhibited in cells overexpressing CA-RhoA. WT-Cdc42 expression increased EA internalization, but curiously, CA-Cdc42 inhibited it. Altogether, these results corroborate the hypothesis of EA internalization in non-phagocytic cells by a phagocytosis-like mechanism and present Rac1 as the key Rho-family GTPase in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Bonfim-Melo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Éden R Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato A Mortara
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ferreira ÉR, Horjales E, Bonfim-Melo A, Cortez C, da Silva CV, De Groote M, Sobreira TJP, Cruz MC, Lima FM, Cordero EM, Yoshida N, da Silveira JF, Mortara RA, Bahia D. Unique behavior of Trypanosoma cruzi mevalonate kinase: A conserved glycosomal enzyme involved in host cell invasion and signaling. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24610. [PMID: 27113535 PMCID: PMC4845012 DOI: 10.1038/srep24610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mevalonate kinase (MVK) is an essential enzyme acting in early steps of sterol isoprenoids biosynthesis, such as cholesterol in humans or ergosterol in trypanosomatids. MVK is conserved from bacteria to mammals, and localizes to glycosomes in trypanosomatids. During the course of T. cruzi MVK characterization, we found that, in addition to glycosomes, this enzyme may be secreted and modulate cell invasion. To evaluate the role of TcMVK in parasite-host cell interactions, TcMVK recombinant protein was produced and anti-TcMVK antibodies were raised in mice. TcMVK protein was detected in the supernatant of cultures of metacyclic trypomastigotes (MTs) and extracellular amastigotes (EAs) by Western blot analysis, confirming its secretion into extracellular medium. Recombinant TcMVK bound in a non-saturable dose-dependent manner to HeLa cells and positively modulated internalization of T. cruzi EAs but inhibited invasion by MTs. In HeLa cells, TcMVK induced phosphorylation of MAPK pathway components and proteins related to actin cytoskeleton modifications. We hypothesized that TcMVK is a bifunctional enzyme that in addition to playing a classical role in isoprenoid synthesis in glycosomes, it is secreted and may modulate host cell signaling required for T. cruzi invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éden Ramalho Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Alexis Bonfim-Melo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristian Cortez
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mário Costa Cruz
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio Mitsuo Lima
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Esteban Mauricio Cordero
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nobuko Yoshida
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Franco da Silveira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Arruda Mortara
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Diana Bahia
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brazil
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13
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Buarque DS, Gomes CM, Araújo RN, Pereira MH, Ferreira RC, Guarneri AA, Tanaka AS. A new antimicrobial protein from the anterior midgut of Triatoma infestans mediates Trypanosoma cruzi establishment by controlling the microbiota. Biochimie 2016; 123:138-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Gimenez AM, Gesumaría MC, Schoijet AC, Alonso GD, Flawiá MM, Racagni GE, Machado EE. Phosphatidylinositol kinase activities in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2015; 203:14-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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15
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Tadesse B, Terefe G, Kebede N, Shibeshi W. In Vivo anti-trypanosomal activity of dichloromethane and methanol crude leaf extracts of Dovyalis abyssinica (Salicaceae) against Trypanosoma congolense. Altern Ther Health Med 2015; 15:278. [PMID: 26271481 PMCID: PMC4542118 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND African trypanosomiasis affects both humans and livestock in sub-Saharan countries including Ethiopia. Due to limitations to current chemotherapy, there is an urgent need for the development of new, safe, cheap and effective drugs. In the present study, the leaf of Dovyalis abyssinica was tested for its in vivo antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma congolense field isolate on mice. METHODS The leaf of D. abyssinica was macerated using dichloromethane and methanol. The extracts at doses of 250, 200, 150 and 100 mg/kg body weight were administered intraperitonealy daily for 7 days to mice infected with T. congolense. Following administration, parasitemia, packed cell volume, rectal temperature, body weight and survival time were monitored. RESULTS Administration of dichloromethane and methanol extracts at 250 and 200 mg/kg reduced (p<0.05) parasitemia and rectal temperature, and improved (p<0.05) PCV, mean body weight, and mean survival time compared to dimethylsulfoxide treatment. CONCLUSION Crude dichloromethane and methanol leaf extracts of D. abyssinica displayed anti-trypanosomal activity that may serve as lead for the development of effective alternative antitrypanosomal drugs.
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16
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A Kazal-type inhibitor is modulated by Trypanosoma cruzi to control microbiota inside the anterior midgut of Rhodnius prolixus. Biochimie 2015; 112:41-8. [PMID: 25731714 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The triatomine insect, Rhodnius prolixus, is a vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease. The parasite must overcome immune response and microbiota to develop inside the midgut of triatomines. In this study, we expressed, purified and characterized a Kazal-type inhibitor from the midgut of R. prolixus, named RpTI, which may be involved in microbiota - T. cruzi interactions. The qPCR showed that the RpTI transcript was primarily expressed in tissues from the intestinal tract and that it was upregulated in the anterior midgut after T. cruzi infection. A 315-bp cDNA fragment encoding the mature protein was cloned into the pPIC9 vector and expressed in Pichia pastoris system. Recombinant RpTI (rRpTI) was purified on a trypsin-Sepharose column and had a molecular mass of 11.5 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis. This protein inhibited trypsin (Ki = 0.42 nM), whereas serine proteases from the coagulation cascade were not inhibited. Moreover, trypanocidal assays revealed that rRpTI did not interfere in the viability of T. cruzi trypomastigotes. The RpTI transcript was also knocked down by RNA interference prior to infection of R. prolixus with T. cruzi. The amount of T. cruzi in the anterior midgut was significantly lower in RpTI knockdown insects compared to the non-silenced groups. We also verified that the bacterial load is higher in the anterior midgut of silenced and infected R. prolixus compared to non-silenced and infected insects. Our results suggest that T. cruzi infection increases the expression of RpTI to mediate microbiota modulation and is important for parasite immediately after infection with R. prolixus.
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17
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Mukherjee S, Mukhopadhyay A, Andriani G, Machado FS, Ashton AW, Huang H, Weiss LM, Tanowitz HB. Trypanosoma cruzi invasion is associated with trogocytosis. Microbes Infect 2015; 17:62-70. [PMID: 25448052 PMCID: PMC4302017 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Trogocytosis was originally thought to be restricted to the interaction of cells of the immune system with cancer cells. Such membrane exchanges are probably a general process in cell biology, and membrane exchange has been demonstrated to occur between non-immune cells within an organism. Herein, we report that membrane and protein exchange, consistent with trogocytosis, between Trypanosoma cruzi (both the Brazil and Tulahuen strains) and the mammalian cells it infects. Transfer of labeled membrane patches was monitored by labeling of either parasites or host cells, i.e. human foreskin fibroblasts and rat myoblasts. Trypomastigotes and amastigotes transferred specific surface glycoproteins to the host cells along with membranes. Exchange of membranes between the parasite and host cells occurred during successful invasion. Extracellular amastigotes did not transfer membrane patches and were did not transfer either membranes or proteins to the host cells. Membrane exchange was also found to occur between interacting epimastigotes in cell-free culture and may be important in parasite-parasite interactions as well. Further studies should provide new insights into pathogenesis and provide targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA.
| | - Aparna Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA; Department of Physiology, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Fabiana Simão Machado
- Program in Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine/Interdisciplinary, Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, and the Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Anthony W Ashton
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, N.S.W., Australia
| | - Huan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Louis M Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Herbert B Tanowitz
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA.
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An historical perspective on how advances in microscopic imaging contributed to understanding the Leishmania Spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi host-parasite relationship. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:565291. [PMID: 24877115 PMCID: PMC4022312 DOI: 10.1155/2014/565291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The literature has identified complex aspects of intracellular host-parasite relationships, which require systematic, nonreductionist approaches and spatial/temporal information. Increasing and integrating temporal and spatial dimensions in host cell imaging have contributed to elucidating several conceptual gaps in the biology of intracellular parasites. To access and investigate complex and emergent dynamic events, it is mandatory to follow them in the context of living cells and organs, constructing scientific images with integrated high quality spatiotemporal data. This review discusses examples of how advances in microscopy have challenged established conceptual models of the intracellular life cycles of Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi protozoan parasites.
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19
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Oliveira P, Lima FM, Cruz MC, Ferreira RC, Sanchez-Flores A, Cordero EM, Cortez DR, Ferreira ÉR, Briones MRDS, Mortara RA, da Silveira JF, Bahia D. Trypanosoma cruzi: Genome characterization of phosphatidylinositol kinase gene family (PIK and PIK-related) and identification of a novel PIK gene. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 25:157-65. [PMID: 24727645 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi which affects 10 million people worldwide. Very few kinases have been characterized in this parasite, including the phosphatidylinositol kinases (PIKs) that are at the heart of one of the major pathways of intracellular signal transduction. Recently, we have classified the PIK family in T. cruzi using five different models based on the presence of PIK conserved domains. In this study, we have mapped PIK genes to the chromosomes of two different T. cruzi lineages (G and CL Brener) and determined the cellular localization of two PIK members. The kinases have crucial roles in metabolism and are assumed to be conserved throughout evolution. For this reason, they should display a conserved localization within the same eukaryotic species. In spite of this, there is an extensive polymorphism regarding PIK localization at both genomic and cellular levels, among different T. cruzi isolates and between T. cruzi and Trypanosomabrucei, respectively. We showed in this study that the cellular localization of two PIK-related proteins (TOR1 and 2) in the T. cruzi lineage is distinct from that previously observed in T. brucei. In addition, we identified a new PIK gene with peculiar feature, that is, it codes for a FYVE domain at N-terminal position. FYVE-PIK genes are phylogenetically distant from the groups containing exclusively the FYVE or PIK domain. The FYVE-PIK architecture is only present in trypanosomatids and in virus such as Acanthamoeba mimivirus, suggesting a horizontal acquisition. Our Bayesian phylogenetic inference supports this hypothesis. The exact functions of this FYVE-PIK gene are unknown, but the presence of FYVE domain suggests a role in membranous compartments, such as endosome. Taken together, the data presented here strengthen the possibility that trypanosomatids are characterized by extensive genomic plasticity that may be considered in designing drugs and vaccines for prevention of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Oliveira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio Mitsuo Lima
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mario Costa Cruz
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Carmona Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Esteban Maurício Cordero
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Danielle Rodrigues Cortez
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Éden Ramalho Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ribeiro da Silva Briones
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Arruda Mortara
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Franco da Silveira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Diana Bahia
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Caixa Postal 486, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais CEP 31270-910, Brazil.
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Tewabe Y, Bisrat D, Terefe G, Asres K. Antitrypanosomal activity of aloin and its derivatives against Trypanosoma congolense field isolate. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:61. [PMID: 24612613 PMCID: PMC3984735 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is an urgent need for the development of new, cheap, safe and highly effective drugs against African trypanosomiasis that affects both man and livestock in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. In the present study the exudate of Aloe gilbertii, an endemic Aloe species of Ethiopia, aloin, aloe-emodin and rhein were tested for their in vitro and in vivo antitrypanosomal activities against Trypanosoma congolense field isolate. Aloin was prepared from the leaf exudate of A. gilbertii by acid catalyzed hydrolysis. Aloe-emodin was obtained by oxidative hydrolysis of aloin, while rhein was subsequently derived from aloe-emodin by oxidation. In vitro trypanocidal activity tests were conducted on parasites obtained from infected mice, while mice infected with T. congolense were used to evaluate in vivo antitrypanosomal activity of the test substances. Results Results of the study showed that all the test substances arrested parasites motility at effective concentration of 4.0 mg/ml within an incubation period ranging from 15 to 40 min. Moreover, the same concentration of the test substances caused loss of infectivity of the parasites to mice during 30 days observation period. Among the tested substances, rhein showed superior activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.4 mg/ml. No adverse reactions were observed when the test substances were administered at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Rhein at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, and the exudate, aloin and aloe-emodin at a dose of 400 mg/kg reduced the level of parasitaemia significantly (P < 0.05) and improved anaemia. Conclusion The results obtained in this investigation indicate that aloin and its derivatives particularly rhein have the potential to be used as a scaffold for the development of safe and cost effective antitrypanosomal drugs that can be useful in the continuing fight against African trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kaleab Asres
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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21
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In vitro and in vivo studies of the biological activity of novel arylimidamides against Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:4191-5. [PMID: 24590476 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01403-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifteen novel arylimidamides (AIAs) (6 bis-amidino and 9 mono-amidino analogues) were assayed against Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and in vivo. All the bis-AIAs were more effective than the mono-AIAs, and two analogues, DB1967 and DB1989, were further evaluated in vivo. Although both of them reduced parasitemia, protection against mortality was not achieved. Our results show that the number of amidino-terminal units affects the efficacy of arylimidamides against T. cruzi.
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22
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Kizjakina K, Tanner JJ, Sobrado P. Targeting UDP-galactopyranose mutases from eukaryotic human pathogens. Curr Pharm Des 2013; 19:2561-73. [PMID: 23116395 PMCID: PMC3624792 DOI: 10.2174/1381612811319140007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UDP-Galactopyranose mutase (UGM) is a unique flavin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of UDP-galactopyranose(UDP-Galp) to UDP-galactofuranose (UDP-Galf). The product of this reaction is the precursor to Galf, a major component of the cell wall and of cell surface glycoproteins and glycolipids in many eukaryotic and prokaryotic human pathogens. The function of UGM is important in the virulence of fungi, parasites, and bacteria. Its role in virulence and its absence in humans suggest that UGM is an ideal drug target. Significant structural and mechanistic information has been accumulated on the prokaryotic UGMs; however, in the past few years the research interest has shifted to UGMs from eukaryotic human pathogens such as fungi and protozoan parasites. It has become clear that UGMs from prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms have different structural and mechanistic features. The amino acid sequence identity between these two classes of enzymes is low, resulting in differences in oligomeric states, substrate binding, active site flexibility, and interaction with redox partners. However, the unique role of the flavin cofactor in catalysis is conserved among this enzyme family. In this review, recent findings on eukaryotic UGMs are discussed and presented in comparison with prokaryotic UGMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kizjakina
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Lima FM, Souza RT, Santori FR, Santos MF, Cortez DR, Barros RM, Cano MI, Valadares HMS, Macedo AM, Mortara RA, da Silveira JF. Interclonal variations in the molecular karyotype of Trypanosoma cruzi: chromosome rearrangements in a single cell-derived clone of the G strain. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63738. [PMID: 23667668 PMCID: PMC3646811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi comprises a pool of populations which are genetically diverse in terms of DNA content, growth and infectivity. Inter- and intra-strain karyotype heterogeneities have been reported, suggesting that chromosomal rearrangements occurred during the evolution of this parasite. Clone D11 is a single-cell-derived clone of the T. cruzi G strain selected by the minimal dilution method and by infecting Vero cells with metacyclic trypomastigotes. Here we report that the karyotype of clone D11 differs from that of the G strain in both number and size of chromosomal bands. Large chromosomal rearrangement was observed in the chromosomes carrying the tubulin loci. However, most of the chromosome length polymorphisms were of small amplitude, and the absence of one band in clone D11 in relation to its reference position in the G strain could be correlated to the presence of a novel band migrating above or below this position. Despite the presence of chromosomal polymorphism, large syntenic groups were conserved between the isolates. The appearance of new chromosomal bands in clone D11 could be explained by chromosome fusion followed by a chromosome break or interchromosomal exchange of large DNA segments. Our results also suggest that telomeric regions are involved in this process. The variant represented by clone D11 could have been induced by the stress of the cloning procedure or could, as has been suggested for Leishmania infantum, have emerged from a multiclonal, mosaic parasite population submitted to frequent DNA amplification/deletion events, leading to a 'mosaic' structure with different individuals having differently sized versions of the same chromosomes. If this is the case, the variant represented by clone D11 would be better adapted to survive the stress induced by cloning, which includes intracellular development in the mammalian cell. Karyotype polymorphism could be part of the T. cruzi arsenal for responding to environmental pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Mitsuo Lima
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Torres Souza
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio Rinaldo Santori
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michele Fernandes Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle Rodrigues Cortez
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto Moraes Barros
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Cano
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helder Magno Silva Valadares
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rey, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andréa Mara Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato Arruda Mortara
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Franco da Silveira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Lountos GT, Tropea JE, Waugh DS. Structure of the Trypanosoma cruzi protein tyrosine phosphatase TcPTP1, a potential therapeutic target for Chagas' disease. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2013; 187:1-8. [PMID: 23137716 PMCID: PMC4197799 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chagas' disease, a neglected tropical affliction transmitted by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is prevalent in Latin America and affects nearly 18 million people worldwide, yet few approved drugs are available to treat the disease. Moreover, the currently available drugs exhibit severe toxicity or are poorly effective in the chronic phase of the disease. This limitation, along with the large population at risk, underscores the urgent need to discover new molecular targets and novel therapeutic agents. Recently, the T. cruzi protein tyrosine phosphatase TcPTP1 has been implicated in the cellular differentiation and infectivity of the parasite and is therefore a promising target for the design of novel anti-parasitic drugs. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structure of TcPTP1 refined to a resolution of 2.18 Å, which provides structural insights into the active site environment that can be used to initiate structure-based drug design efforts to develop specific TcPTP1 inhibitors. Potential strategies to develop such inhibitors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- George T. Lountos
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Joseph E. Tropea
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David S. Waugh
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Cruz MC, Souza-Melo N, da Silva CV, DaRocha WD, Bahia D, Araújo PR, Teixeira SR, Mortara RA. Trypanosoma cruzi: role of δ-amastin on extracellular amastigote cell invasion and differentiation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51804. [PMID: 23272170 PMCID: PMC3525664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that comprises different phylogenetic groups and is the causative agent of Chagas’ disease. Different T. cruzi strains present differences in infectivity in in vitro and in vivo experimental models, which are likely related to the expression of different virulence factors. Amastin is a surface glycoprotein abundantly expressed on the intracellular mammalian amastigote form of the parasite. In this study, we showed that a highly infective strain (G strain) of extracellular amastigote (EA) invasive forms expressed reduced RNA levels of amastin compared to a less infective strain (CL). The treatment of HeLa cells with recombinant δ-amastin reduced infectivity of EA forms. However, the ectopic expression of δ-amastin accelerated amastigote differentiation into trypomastigotes. Corroborating the virulence behavior in association with amastin expression, the EAs overexpressing amastin were precociously and robustly observed in the liver of susceptible mouse strains (A/JUnib), whereas parasitemia was never detected in in vivo assays. This is the first report on the regulatory role of amastin in the course of both in vitro and in vivo T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mário C. Cruz
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina–UNIFESP, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Normanda Souza-Melo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Disciplina de Imunologia - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wanderson Duarte DaRocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Diana Bahia
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina–UNIFESP, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia R. Araújo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Santuza R. Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato A. Mortara
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina–UNIFESP, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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26
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Pérez-Díaz L, Correa A, Moretão MP, Goldenberg S, Dallagiovanna B, Garat B. The overexpression of the trypanosomatid-exclusive TcRBP19 RNA-binding protein affects cellular infection by Trypanosoma cruzi. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2012; 107:1076-9. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000800021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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27
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Ferreira ER, Bonfim-Melo A, Mortara RA, Bahia D. Trypanosoma cruzi extracellular amastigotes and host cell signaling: more pieces to the puzzle. Front Immunol 2012; 3:363. [PMID: 23264776 PMCID: PMC3525110 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the different infective stages that Trypanosoma cruzi employs to invade cells, extracellular amastigotes (EAs) have recently gained attention by our group. This is true primarily because these amastigotes are able to infect cultured cells and animals, establishing a sustainable infective cycle. EAs are thus an excellent means of adaptation and survival for T. cruzi, whose different infective stages each utilize unique mechanisms for attachment and penetration. Here we discuss some features of host cell invasion by EAs and the associated host cell signaling events that occur as part of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden R Ferreira
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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28
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Gallo G, Ramos TCP, Tavares F, Rocha AA, Machi E, Schenkman S, Bahia D, Pesquero JB, Würtele M. Biochemical characterization of a protein tyrosine phosphatase from Trypanosoma cruzi involved in metacyclogenesis and cell invasion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 408:427-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Te Brugge V, Paluzzi JP, Neupert S, Nachman RJ, Orchard I. Identification of kinin-related peptides in the disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus. Peptides 2011; 32:469-74. [PMID: 20934474 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We have used an in silico approach to identify a gene from the blood-gorging vector, Rhodnius prolixus, that is predicted to produce an insect kinin prepropeptide. The prepropeptide is 398 amino acids in length and can potentially produce a large number of kinin-related peptides following post-translational processing. A comparison with other insect kinin precursor sequences demonstrates greatest conservation at the C-terminal region of the kinin peptides. Multiple peptides predicted from the kinin gene are phenotypically expressed in R. prolixus, as revealed by MALDI-TOF MS MS, including 12 kinins and one kinin precursor peptide (KPP). Six of these peptides are characterized by the typical insect kinin C-terminal motif FX(1)X(2)WGamide and five of these are also found as truncated forms. Five peptides were identified with an atypical, though similar, FX(1)X(2)WAamide C-terminus. There is also peptide with a C-terminal DDNGamide motif and a number of non-amidated peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Te Brugge
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
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