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Shi Y, Ruan H, Xu Y, Zou C. Cholesterol, Eukaryotic Lipid Domains, and an Evolutionary Perspective of Transmembrane Signaling. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:a041418. [PMID: 37604587 PMCID: PMC10626259 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane signaling is essential for complex life forms. Communication across a bilayer lipid barrier is elaborately organized to convey precision and to fine-tune strength. Looking back, the steps that it has taken to enable this seemingly mundane errand are breathtaking, and with our survivorship bias, Darwinian. While this review is to discuss eukaryotic membranes in biological functions for coherence and theoretical footing, we are obliged to follow the evolution of the biological membrane through time. Such a visit is necessary for our hypothesis that constraints posited on cellular functions are mainly via the biomembrane, and relaxation thereof in favor of a coordinating membrane environment is the molecular basis for the development of highly specialized cellular activities, among them transmembrane signaling. We discuss the obligatory paths that have led to eukaryotic membrane formation, its intrinsic ability to signal, and how it set up the platform for later integration of protein-based receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Hefei Ruan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanni Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chunlin Zou
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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2
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Zuma AA, Dos Santos Barrias E, de Souza W. Basic Biology of Trypanosoma cruzi. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1671-1732. [PMID: 33272165 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826999201203213527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present review addresses basic aspects of the biology of the pathogenic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi and some comparative information of Trypanosoma brucei. Like eukaryotic cells, their cellular organization is similar to that of mammalian hosts. However, these parasites present structural particularities. That is why the following topics are emphasized in this paper: developmental stages of the life cycle in the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts; the cytoskeleton of the protozoa, especially the sub-pellicular microtubules; the flagellum and its attachment to the protozoan body through specialized junctions; the kinetoplast-mitochondrion complex, including its structural organization and DNA replication; glycosome and its role in the metabolism of the cell; acidocalcisome, describing its morphology, biochemistry, and functional role; cytostome and the endocytic pathway; the organization of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex; the nucleus, describing its structural organization during interphase and division; and the process of interaction of the parasite with host cells. The unique characteristics of these structures also make them interesting chemotherapeutic targets. Therefore, further understanding of cell biology aspects contributes to the development of drugs for chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline A Zuma
- Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emile Dos Santos Barrias
- Laboratorio de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciencias da Vida, Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciencias da Vida - Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (Inmetro), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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3
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Valotteau C, Dumitru AC, Lecordier L, Alsteens D, Pays E, Pérez-Morga D, Dufrêne YF. Multiparametric Atomic Force Microscopy Identifies Multiple Structural and Physical Heterogeneities on the Surface of Trypanosoma brucei. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:20953-20959. [PMID: 32875230 PMCID: PMC7450619 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A unique feature of the African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei is the presence of an outer layer made of densely packed variable surface glycoproteins (VSGs), which enables the cells to survive in the bloodstream. Although the VSG coat is critical to pathogenesis, how exactly the glycoproteins are organized at the nanoscale is poorly understood. Here, we show that multiparametric atomic force microscopy is a powerful nanoimaging tool for the structural and mechanical characterization of trypanosomes, in a label-free manner and in buffer solution. Directly correlated images of the structure and elasticity of trypanosomes enable us to identify multiple nanoscale mechanical heterogeneities on the cell surface. On a ∼250 nm scale, regions of softer (Young's modulus ∼50 kPa) and stiffer (∼100 kPa) elasticity alternate, revealing variations of the VSG coat and underlying structures. Our nanoimaging experiments show that the T. brucei cell surface is more heterogeneous than previously anticipated and offer promising prospects for the design of trypanocidal drugs targeting cell surface components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Valotteau
- Louvain
Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, bte L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Andra C. Dumitru
- Louvain
Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, bte L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Laurence Lecordier
- Laboratory
of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université
Libre de Bruxelles, 12
rue des professeurs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - David Alsteens
- Louvain
Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, bte L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Etienne Pays
- Laboratory
of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université
Libre de Bruxelles, 12
rue des professeurs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - David Pérez-Morga
- Laboratory
of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université
Libre de Bruxelles, 12
rue des professeurs Jeener et Brachet, B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Yves F. Dufrêne
- Louvain
Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, bte L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Walloon
Excellence in Life sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO), B-1300 Wavre, Belgium
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Karaś MA, Turska-Szewczuk A, Janczarek M, Szuster-Ciesielska A. Glycoconjugates of Gram-negative bacteria and parasitic protozoa - are they similar in orchestrating the innate immune response? Innate Immun 2019; 25:73-96. [PMID: 30782045 PMCID: PMC6830889 DOI: 10.1177/1753425918821168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is an evolutionarily ancient form of host defense that serves to limit infection. The invading microorganisms are detected by the innate immune system through germline-encoded PRRs. Different classes of PRRs, including TLRs and cytoplasmic receptors, recognize distinct microbial components known collectively as PAMPs. Ligation of PAMPs with receptors triggers intracellular signaling cascades, activating defense mechanisms. Despite the fact that Gram-negative bacteria and parasitic protozoa are phylogenetically distant organisms, they express glycoconjugates, namely bacterial LPS and protozoan GPI-anchored glycolipids, which share many structural and functional similarities. By activating/deactivating MAPK signaling and NF-κB, these ligands trigger general pro-/anti-inflammatory responses depending on the related patterns. They also use conservative strategies to subvert cell-autonomous defense systems of specialized immune cells. Signals triggered by Gram-negative bacteria and parasitic protozoa can interfere with host homeostasis and, depending on the type of microorganism, lead to hypersensitivity or silencing of the immune response. Activation of professional immune cells, through a ligand which triggers the opposite effect (antagonist versus agonist) appears to be a promising solution to restoring the immune balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena A Karaś
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie–Skłodowska
University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Turska-Szewczuk
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie–Skłodowska
University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Janczarek
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie–Skłodowska
University, Lublin, Poland
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Sialic Acid Glycobiology Unveils Trypanosoma cruzi Trypomastigote Membrane Physiology. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005559. [PMID: 27058585 PMCID: PMC4825991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the flagellate protozoan agent of Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis, is unable to synthesize sialic acids de novo. Mucins and trans-sialidase (TS) are substrate and enzyme, respectively, of the glycobiological system that scavenges sialic acid from the host in a crucial interplay for T. cruzi life cycle. The acquisition of the sialyl residue allows the parasite to avoid lysis by serum factors and to interact with the host cell. A major drawback to studying the sialylation kinetics and turnover of the trypomastigote glycoconjugates is the difficulty to identify and follow the recently acquired sialyl residues. To tackle this issue, we followed an unnatural sugar approach as bioorthogonal chemical reporters, where the use of azidosialyl residues allowed identifying the acquired sugar. Advanced microscopy techniques, together with biochemical methods, were used to study the trypomastigote membrane from its glycobiological perspective. Main sialyl acceptors were identified as mucins by biochemical procedures and protein markers. Together with determining their shedding and turnover rates, we also report that several membrane proteins, including TS and its substrates, both glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins, are separately distributed on parasite surface and contained in different and highly stable membrane microdomains. Notably, labeling for α(1,3)Galactosyl residues only partially colocalize with sialylated mucins, indicating that two species of glycosylated mucins do exist, which are segregated at the parasite surface. Moreover, sialylated mucins were included in lipid-raft-domains, whereas TS molecules are not. The location of the surface-anchored TS resulted too far off as to be capable to sialylate mucins, a role played by the shed TS instead. Phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase-C activity is actually not present in trypomastigotes. Therefore, shedding of TS occurs via microvesicles instead of as a fully soluble form.
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Gadelha APR, Benchimol M, de Souza W. Helium ion microscopy and ultra-high-resolution scanning electron microscopy analysis of membrane-extracted cells reveals novel characteristics of the cytoskeleton of Giardia intestinalis. J Struct Biol 2015; 190:271-8. [PMID: 25956335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis presents a complex microtubular cytoskeleton formed by specialized structures, such as the adhesive disk, four pairs of flagella, the funis and the median body. The ultrastructural organization of the Giardia cytoskeleton has been analyzed using different microscopic techniques, including high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Recent advances in scanning microscopy technology have opened a new venue for the characterization of cellular structures and include scanning probe microscopy techniques such as ultra-high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (UHRSEM) and helium ion microscopy (HIM). Here, we studied the organization of the cytoskeleton of G. intestinalis trophozoites using UHRSEM and HIM in membrane-extracted cells. The results revealed a number of new cytoskeletal elements associated with the lateral crest and the dorsal surface of the parasite. The fine structure of the banded collar was also observed. The marginal plates were seen linked to a network of filaments, which were continuous with filaments parallel to the main cell axis. Cytoplasmic filaments that supported the internal structures were seen by the first time. Using anti-actin antibody, we observed a labeling in these filamentous structures. Taken together, these data revealed new surface characteristics of the cytoskeleton of G. intestinalis and may contribute to an improved understanding of the structural organization of trophozoites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Rocha Gadelha
- Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciências da Vida, Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marlene Benchimol
- Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciências da Vida, Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciências da Vida, Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens e Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Asada M, Goto Y, Yahata K, Yokoyama N, Kawai S, Inoue N, Kaneko O, Kawazu SI. Gliding motility of Babesia bovis merozoites visualized by time-lapse video microscopy. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35227. [PMID: 22506073 PMCID: PMC3323635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia bovis is an apicomplexan intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite that induces babesiosis in cattle after transmission by ticks. During specific stages of the apicomplexan parasite lifecycle, such as the sporozoites of Plasmodium falciparum and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii, host cells are targeted for invasion using a unique, active process termed “gliding motility”. However, it is not thoroughly understood how the merozoites of B. bovis target and invade host red blood cells (RBCs), and gliding motility has so far not been observed in the parasite. Methodology/Principal Findings Gliding motility of B. bovis merozoites was revealed by time-lapse video microscopy. The recorded images revealed that the process included egress of the merozoites from the infected RBC, gliding motility, and subsequent invasion into new RBCs. The gliding motility of B. bovis merozoites was similar to the helical gliding of Toxoplasma tachyzoites. The trails left by the merozoites were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay using antiserum against B. bovis merozoite surface antigen 1. Inhibition of gliding motility by actin filament polymerization or depolymerization indicated that the gliding motility was driven by actomyosin dependent process. In addition, we revealed the timing of breakdown of the parasitophorous vacuole. Time-lapse image analysis of membrane-stained bovine RBCs showed formation and breakdown of the parasitophorous vacuole within ten minutes of invasion. Conclusions/Significance This is the first report of the gliding motility of B. bovis. Since merozoites of Plasmodium parasites do not glide on a substrate, the gliding motility of B. bovis merozoites is a notable finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Asada
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada, Obihiro, Japan
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De Cicco NNT, Pereira MG, Corrêa JR, Andrade-Neto VV, Saraiva FB, Chagas-Lima AC, Gondim KC, Torres-Santos EC, Folly E, Saraiva EM, Cunha-E-Silva NL, Soares MJ, Atella GC. LDL uptake by Leishmania amazonensis: involvement of membrane lipid microdomains. Exp Parasitol 2012; 130:330-40. [PMID: 22381219 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania amazonensis lacks a de novo mechanism for cholesterol synthesis and therefore must scavenge this lipid from the host environment. In this study we show that the L. amazonensis takes up and metabolizes human LDL(1) particles in both a time and dose-dependent manner. This mechanism implies the presence of a true LDL receptor because the uptake is blocked by both low temperature and by the excess of non-labelled LDL. This receptor is probably associated with specific microdomains in the membrane of the parasite, such as rafts, because this process is blocked by methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCBD). Cholesteryl ester fluorescently-labeled LDL (BODIPY-cholesteryl-LDL) was used to follow the intracellular distribution of this lipid. After uptake it was localized in large compartments along the parasite body. The accumulation of LDL was analyzed by flow cytometry using FITC-labeled LDL particles. Together these data show for the first time that L. amazonensis is able to compensate for its lack of lipid synthesis through the use of a lipid importing machinery largely based on the uptake of LDL particles from the host. Understanding the details of the molecular events involved in this mechanism may lead to the identification of novel targets to block Leishmania infection in human hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuccia N T De Cicco
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21.941-902, Brazil
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9
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanderley de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Normalização e Qualidade Industrial, Brasil
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Souza WD. Electron microscopy of trypanosomes: a historical view. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2008; 103:313-25. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762008000400001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wanderley de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; Normalização e Qualidade Industrial, Brasil
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