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Rong Y, Jensen SI, Lindorff-Larsen K, Nielsen AT. Folding of heterologous proteins in bacterial cell factories: Cellular mechanisms and engineering strategies. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 63:108079. [PMID: 36528238 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The expression of correctly folded and functional heterologous proteins is important in many biotechnological production processes, whether it is enzymes, biopharmaceuticals or biosynthetic pathways for production of sustainable chemicals. For industrial applications, bacterial platform organisms, such as E. coli, are still broadly used due to the availability of tools and proven suitability at industrial scale. However, expression of heterologous proteins in these organisms can result in protein aggregation and low amounts of functional protein. This review provides an overview of the cellular mechanisms that can influence protein folding and expression, such as co-translational folding and assembly, chaperone binding, as well as protein quality control, across different model organisms. The knowledge of these mechanisms is then linked to different experimental methods that have been applied in order to improve functional heterologous protein folding, such as codon optimization, fusion tagging, chaperone co-production, as well as strain and protein engineering strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Rong
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sheila Ingemann Jensen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kresten Lindorff-Larsen
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Alex Toftgaard Nielsen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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Daniyan MO. Heat Shock Proteins as Targets for Novel Antimalarial Drug Discovery. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1340:205-236. [PMID: 34569027 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-78397-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, the parasitic agent that is responsible for a severe and dangerous form of human malaria, has a history of long years of cohabitation with human beings with attendant negative consequences. While there have been some gains in the fight against malaria through the application of various control measures and the use of chemotherapeutic agents, and despite the global decline in malaria cases and associated deaths, the continual search for new and effective therapeutic agents is key to achieving sustainable development goals. An important parasite survival strategy, which is also of serious concern to the scientific community, is the rate at which the parasites continually develop resistance to drugs. Among the key players in the parasite's ability to develop resistance, maintain cellular integrity, and survives within an unusual environment of the red blood cells are the molecular chaperones of the heat shock proteins (HSP) family. HSPs constitute a novel avenue for antimalarial drug discovery and by exploring their ubiquitous nature and multifunctional activities, they may be suitable targets for the discovery of multi-targets antimalarial drugs, needed to fight incessant drug resistance. In this chapter, features of selected families of plasmodial HSPs that can be exploited in drug discovery are presented. Also, known applications of HSPs in small molecule screening, their potential usefulness in high throughput drug screening, as well as possible challenges are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oluwatoyin Daniyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
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The Role of Hsp70s in the Development and Pathogenicity of Plasmodium falciparum. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34569021 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-78397-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The main agent of human malaria, the protozoa, Plasmodium falciparum is known to infect liver cells, subsequently invading the host erythrocyte, leading to the manifestation of clinical outcomes of the disease. As part of its survival in the human host, P. falciparum employs several heat shock protein (Hsp) families whose primary purpose is to ensure cytoprotection through their molecular chaperone role. The parasite expresses six Hsp70s that localise to various subcellular organelles of the parasite, with one, PfHsp70-x, being exported to the infected human erythrocyte. The role of these Hsp70s in the survival and pathogenicity of malaria has received immense research attention. Several studies have reported on their structure-function features, network partnerships, and elucidation of their potential substrates. Apart from their role in cytoprotection and pathogenicity, Hsp70s are implicated in antimalarial drug resistance. As such, they are deemed potential antimalarial drug candidates, especially suited for co-targeting in combination therapies. In addition, Hsp70 is implicated in host immune modulation. The current report highlights the various structure-function features of these proteins, their roles in the development of malaria, current and prospective efforts being employed towards targeting them in malaria intervention efforts.
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Salomane N, Pooe OJ, Simelane MBC. Iso-mukaadial acetate and ursolic acid acetate inhibit the chaperone activity of Plasmodium falciparum heat shock protein 70-1. Cell Stress Chaperones 2021; 26:685-693. [PMID: 34023985 PMCID: PMC8275760 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-021-01212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the most lethal malaria parasite. The present study investigates the interaction capabilities of select plant derivatives, iso-mukaadial acetate (IMA) and ursolic acid acetate (UAA), against P. falciparum Hsp70-1 (PfHsp70-1) using in vitro approaches. PfHsp70-1 facilitates protein folding in the parasite and is deemed a prospective antimalarial drug target. Recombinant PfHsp70-1 protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 cells and homogeneously purified by affinity chromatography. The interaction between the compounds and PfHsp70-1 was evaluated using malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and luciferase aggregation assay, ATPase activity assay, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). PfHsp70-1 prevented the heat-induced aggregation of MDH and luciferase. However, the PfHsp70-1 chaperone role was inhibited by IMA or UAA, leading to both MDH and luciferase's thermal aggregation. The basal ATPase activity of PfHsp70-1 (0.121 nmol/min/mg) was closer to UAA (0.131 nmol/min/mg) (p = 0.0675) at 5 mM compound concentration, suggesting that UAA has no effect on PfHsp70-1 ATPase activity. However, ATPase activity inhibition was similar between IMA (0.068 nmol/min/mg) (p < 0.0001) and polymyxin B (0.083 nmol/min/mg) (p < 0.0001). The lesser the Pi values, the lesser ATP hydrolysis observed due to compound binding to the ATPase domain. FTIR spectra analysis of IMA and UAA resulted in PfHsp70-1 structural alteration for β-sheets shifting the amide I band from 1637 cm-1 to 1639 cm-1, and for α-helix from 1650 cm-1 to 1652 cm-1, therefore depicting secondary structural changes with an increase in secondary structure percentage suggesting that these compounds interact with PfHsp70-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaas Salomane
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa
| | - Ofentse J Pooe
- Discipline of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Mthokozisi B C Simelane
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa.
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Shonhai A, Blatch GL. Heat Shock Proteins of Malaria: Highlights and Future Prospects. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1340:237-246. [PMID: 34569028 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-78397-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The deadliest malaria parasite of humans, Plasmodium falciparum, is an obligate parasite that has had to develop mechanisms for survival under the unfavourable conditions it confronts within host cells. The chapters in the book "Heat Shock Proteins of Malaria" provide a critique of the evidence that heat shock proteins (Hsps) play a key role in the survival of P. falciparum in host cells. The role of the plasmodial Hsp arsenal is not limited to the protection of the parasite cell (largely through their role as molecular chaperones), as some of these proteins also promote the pathological development of malaria. This is largely due to the export of a large number of these proteins into the infected erythrocyte cytosol. Although P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is the main virulence factor for the malaria parasite, some of the exported plasmodial Hsps appear to augment parasite virulence. While this book largely delves into experimentally validated information on the role of Hsps in the development and pathogenicity of malaria, some of the information is based on hypotheses yet to be fully tested. Therefore, here we highlight what we know to be definite roles of plasmodial Hsps. Furthermore, we distill information that could provide practical insights on the options available for future research directions, including interventions against malaria that may target the role of Hsps in the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Addmore Shonhai
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.
| | - Gregory L Blatch
- The Vice Chancellery, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia. .,Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. .,The Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Lebepe CM, Matambanadzo PR, Makhoba XH, Achilonu I, Zininga T, Shonhai A. Comparative Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70-1 Relative to E. coli DnaK Reveals the Functional Specificity of the Parasite Chaperone. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060856. [PMID: 32512819 PMCID: PMC7356358 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hsp70 is a conserved molecular chaperone. How Hsp70 exhibits specialized functions across species remains to be understood. Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70-1 (PfHsp70-1) and Escherichia coli DnaK are cytosol localized molecular chaperones that are important for the survival of these two organisms. In the current study, we investigated comparative structure-function features of PfHsp70-1 relative to DnaK and a chimeric protein, KPf, constituted by the ATPase domain of DnaK and the substrate binding domain (SBD) of PfHsp70-1. Recombinant forms of the three Hsp70s exhibited similar secondary and tertiary structural folds. However, compared to DnaK, both KPf and PfHsp70-1 were more stable to heat stress and exhibited higher basal ATPase activity. In addition, PfHsp70-1 preferentially bound to asparagine rich peptide substrates, as opposed to DnaK. Recombinant P. falciparum adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (PfAdoMetDC) co-expressed in E. coli with either KPf or PfHsp70-1 was produced as a fully folded product. Co-expression of PfAdoMetDC with heterologous DnaK in E. coli did not promote folding of the former. However, a combination of supplementary GroEL plus DnaK improved folding of PfAdoMetDC. These findings demonstrated that the SBD of PfHsp70-1 regulates several functional features of the protein and that this molecular chaperone is tailored to facilitate folding of plasmodial proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charity Mekgwa Lebepe
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; (C.M.L.); (P.R.M.); (T.Z.)
| | - Pearl Rutendo Matambanadzo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; (C.M.L.); (P.R.M.); (T.Z.)
| | - Xolani Henry Makhoba
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Ikechukwu Achilonu
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa;
| | - Tawanda Zininga
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; (C.M.L.); (P.R.M.); (T.Z.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Addmore Shonhai
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; (C.M.L.); (P.R.M.); (T.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Zininga T, Shonhai A. Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the Heat Shock Protein System of Human Obligate Protozoan Parasites. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5930. [PMID: 31775392 PMCID: PMC6929125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obligate protozoan parasites of the kinetoplastids and apicomplexa infect human cells to complete their life cycles. Some of the members of these groups of parasites develop in at least two systems, the human host and the insect vector. Survival under the varied physiological conditions associated with the human host and in the arthropod vectors requires the parasites to modulate their metabolic complement in order to meet the prevailing conditions. One of the key features of these parasites essential for their survival and host infectivity is timely expression of various proteins. Even more importantly is the need to keep their proteome functional by maintaining its functional capabilities in the wake of physiological changes and host immune responses. For this reason, molecular chaperones (also called heat shock proteins)-whose role is to facilitate proteostasis-play an important role in the survival of these parasites. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and Hsp70 are prominent molecular chaperones that are generally induced in response to physiological stress. Both Hsp90 and Hsp70 members are functionally regulated by nucleotides. In addition, Hsp70 and Hsp90 cooperate to facilitate folding of some key proteins implicated in cellular development. In addition, Hsp90 and Hsp70 individually interact with other accessory proteins (co-chaperones) that regulate their functions. The dependency of these proteins on nucleotide for their chaperone function presents an Achille's heel, as inhibitors that mimic ATP are amongst potential therapeutic agents targeting their function in obligate intracellular human parasites. Most of the promising small molecule inhibitors of parasitic heat shock proteins are either antibiotics or anticancer agents, whose repurposing against parasitic infections holds prospects. Both cancer cells and obligate human parasites depend upon a robust protein quality control system to ensure their survival, and hence, both employ a competent heat shock machinery to this end. Furthermore, some inhibitors that target chaperone and co-chaperone networks also offer promising prospects as antiparasitic agents. The current review highlights the progress made so far in design and application of small molecule inhibitors against obligate intracellular human parasites of the kinetoplastida and apicomplexan kingdoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Addmore Shonhai
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;
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Daniyan MO, Przyborski JM, Shonhai A. Partners in Mischief: Functional Networks of Heat Shock Proteins of Plasmodium falciparum and Their Influence on Parasite Virulence. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E295. [PMID: 31340488 PMCID: PMC6681276 DOI: 10.3390/biom9070295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum under the physiologically distinct environments associated with their development in the cold-blooded invertebrate mosquito vectors and the warm-blooded vertebrate human host requires a genome that caters to adaptability. To this end, a robust stress response system coupled to an efficient protein quality control system are essential features of the parasite. Heat shock proteins constitute the main molecular chaperone system of the cell, accounting for approximately two percent of the malaria genome. Some heat shock proteins of parasites constitute a large part (5%) of the 'exportome' (parasite proteins that are exported to the infected host erythrocyte) that modify the host cell, promoting its cyto-adherence. In light of their importance in protein folding and refolding, and thus the survival of the parasite, heat shock proteins of P. falciparum have been a major subject of study. Emerging evidence points to their role not only being cyto-protection of the parasite, as they are also implicated in regulating parasite virulence. In undertaking their roles, heat shock proteins operate in networks that involve not only partners of parasite origin, but also potentially functionally associate with human proteins to facilitate parasite survival and pathogenicity. This review seeks to highlight these interplays and their roles in parasite pathogenicity. We further discuss the prospects of targeting the parasite heat shock protein network towards the developments of alternative antimalarial chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Daniyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria.
| | - Jude M Przyborski
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, University of Heidelberg Medical School, INF324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Addmore Shonhai
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
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Use of a Chimeric Hsp70 to Enhance the Quality of Recombinant Plasmodium falciparum S-Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase Protein Produced in Escherichia coli. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152626. [PMID: 27031344 PMCID: PMC4816425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (PfAdoMetDC) from Plasmodium falciparum is a prospective antimalarial drug target. The production of recombinant PfAdoMetDC for biochemical validation as a drug target is important. The production of PfAdoMetDC in Escherichia coli has been reported to result in unsatisfactory yields and poor quality product. The co-expression of recombinant proteins with molecular chaperones has been proposed as one way to improve the production of the former in E. coli. E. coli heat shock proteins DnaK, GroEL-GroES and DnaJ have previously been used to enhance production of some recombinant proteins. However, the outcomes were inconsistent. An Hsp70 chimeric protein, KPf, which is made up of the ATPase domain of E. coli DnaK and the substrate binding domain of P. falciparum Hsp70 (PfHsp70) has been previously shown to exhibit chaperone function when it was expressed in E. coli cells whose resident Hsp70 (DnaK) function was impaired. We proposed that because of its domain constitution, KPf would most likely be recognised by E. coli Hsp70 co-chaperones. Furthermore, because it possesses a substrate binding domain of plasmodial origin, KPf would be primed to recognise recombinant PfAdoMetDC expressed in E. coli. First, using site-directed mutagenesis, followed by complementation assays, we established that KPf with a mutation in the hydrophobic residue located in its substrate binding cavity was functionally compromised. We further co-expressed PfAdoMetDC with KPf, PfHsp70 and DnaK in E. coli cells either in the absence or presence of over-expressed GroEL-GroES chaperonin. The folded and functional status of the produced PfAdoMetDC was assessed using limited proteolysis and enzyme assays. PfAdoMetDC co-expressed with KPf and PfHsp70 exhibited improved activity compared to protein co-expressed with over-expressed DnaK. Our findings suggest that chimeric KPf may be an ideal Hsp70 co-expression partner for the production of recombinant plasmodial proteins in E. coli.
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Daniyan MO, Boshoff A, Prinsloo E, Pesce ER, Blatch GL. The Malarial Exported PFA0660w Is an Hsp40 Co-Chaperone of PfHsp70-x. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148517. [PMID: 26845441 PMCID: PMC4742251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, the human pathogen responsible for the most dangerous malaria infection, survives and develops in mature erythrocytes through the export of proteins needed for remodelling of the host cell. Molecular chaperones of the heat shock protein (Hsp) family are prominent members of the exportome, including a number of Hsp40s and a Hsp70. PFA0660w, a type II Hsp40, has been shown to be exported and possibly form a complex with PfHsp70-x in the infected erythrocyte cytosol. However, the chaperone properties of PFA0660w and its interaction with human and parasite Hsp70s are yet to be investigated. Recombinant PFA0660w was found to exist as a monomer in solution, and was able to significantly stimulate the ATPase activity of PfHsp70-x but not that of a second plasmodial Hsp70 (PfHsp70-1) or a human Hsp70 (HSPA1A), indicating a potential specific functional partnership with PfHsp70-x. Protein binding studies in the presence and absence of ATP suggested that the interaction of PFA0660w with PfHsp70-x most likely represented a co-chaperone/chaperone interaction. Also, PFA0660w alone produced a concentration-dependent suppression of rhodanese aggregation, demonstrating its chaperone properties. Overall, we have provided the first biochemical evidence for the possible role of PFA0660w as a chaperone and as co-chaperone of PfHsp70-x. We propose that these chaperones boost the chaperone power of the infected erythrocyte, enabling successful protein trafficking and folding, and thereby making a fundamental contribution to the pathology of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O. Daniyan
- Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Aileen Boshoff
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Earl Prinsloo
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Eva-Rachele Pesce
- Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (GLB); (E-RP)
| | - Gregory L. Blatch
- Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (GLB); (E-RP)
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11
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Biochemical and functional characterization of Plasmodium falciparum GTP cyclohydrolase I. Malar J 2014; 13:150. [PMID: 24745605 PMCID: PMC4005822 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antifolates are currently in clinical use for malaria preventive therapy and treatment. The drugs kill the parasites by targeting the enzymes in the de novo folate pathway. The use of antifolates has now been limited by the spread of drug-resistant mutations. GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) is the first and the rate-limiting enzyme in the folate pathway. The amplification of the gch1 gene found in certain Plasmodium falciparum isolates can cause antifolate resistance and influence the course of antifolate resistance evolution. These findings showed the importance of P. falciparum GCH1 in drug resistance intervention. However, little is known about P. falciparum GCH1 in terms of kinetic parameters and functional assays, precluding the opportunity to obtain the key information on its catalytic reaction and to eventually develop this enzyme as a drug target. Methods Plasmodium falciparum GCH1 was cloned and expressed in bacteria. Enzymatic activity was determined by the measurement of fluorescent converted neopterin with assay validation by using mutant and GTP analogue. The genetic complementation study was performed in ∆folE bacteria to functionally identify the residues and domains of P. falciparum GCH1 required for its enzymatic activity. Plasmodial GCH1 sequences were aligned and structurally modeled to reveal conserved catalytic residues. Results Kinetic parameters and optimal conditions for enzymatic reactions were determined by the fluorescence-based assay. The inhibitor test against P. falciparum GCH1 is now possible as indicated by the inhibitory effect by 8-oxo-GTP. Genetic complementation was proven to be a convenient method to study the function of P. falciparum GCH1. A series of domain truncations revealed that the conserved core domain of GCH1 is responsible for its enzymatic activity. Homology modelling fits P. falciparum GCH1 into the classic Tunnelling-fold structure with well-conserved catalytic residues at the active site. Conclusions Functional assays for P. falciparum GCH1 based on enzymatic activity and genetic complementation were successfully developed. The assays in combination with a homology model characterized the enzymatic activity of P. falciparum GCH1 and the importance of its key amino acid residues. The potential to use the assay for inhibitor screening was validated by 8-oxo-GTP, a known GTP analogue inhibitor.
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12
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Kümpornsin K, Modchang C, Heinberg A, Ekland EH, Jirawatcharadech P, Chobson P, Suwanakitti N, Chaotheing S, Wilairat P, Deitsch KW, Kamchonwongpaisan S, Fidock DA, Kirkman LA, Yuthavong Y, Chookajorn T. Origin of robustness in generating drug-resistant malaria parasites. Mol Biol Evol 2014; 31:1649-60. [PMID: 24739308 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological robustness allows mutations to accumulate while maintaining functional phenotypes. Despite its crucial role in evolutionary processes, the mechanistic details of how robustness originates remain elusive. Using an evolutionary trajectory analysis approach, we demonstrate how robustness evolved in malaria parasites under selective pressure from an antimalarial drug inhibiting the folate synthesis pathway. A series of four nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions at the targeted enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), render the parasites highly resistant to the antifolate drug pyrimethamine. Nevertheless, the stepwise gain of these four dhfr mutations results in tradeoffs between pyrimethamine resistance and parasite fitness. Here, we report the epistatic interaction between dhfr mutations and amplification of the gene encoding the first upstream enzyme in the folate pathway, GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1). gch1 amplification confers low level pyrimethamine resistance and would thus be selected for by pyrimethamine treatment. Interestingly, the gch1 amplification can then be co-opted by the parasites because it reduces the cost of acquiring drug-resistant dhfr mutations downstream in the same metabolic pathway. The compensation of compromised fitness by extra GCH1 is an example of how robustness can evolve in a system and thus expand the accessibility of evolutionary trajectories leading toward highly resistant alleles. The evolution of robustness during the gain of drug-resistant mutations has broad implications for both the development of new drugs and molecular surveillance for resistance to existing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krittikorn Kümpornsin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Charin Modchang
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandBiophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Adina Heinberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Eric H Ekland
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | | | - Pornpimol Chobson
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattida Suwanakitti
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Sastra Chaotheing
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Prapon Wilairat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kirk W Deitsch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Sumalee Kamchonwongpaisan
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NYDivision of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Laura A Kirkman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NYDivision of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Yongyuth Yuthavong
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Thanat Chookajorn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandCenter of Excellence in Malaria, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Liu L, Yang H, Shin HD, Chen RR, Li J, Du G, Chen J. How to achieve high-level expression of microbial enzymes: strategies and perspectives. Bioengineered 2013; 4:212-23. [PMID: 23686280 DOI: 10.4161/bioe.24761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial enzymes have been used in a large number of fields, such as chemical, agricultural and biopharmaceutical industries. The enzyme production rate and yield are the main factors to consider when choosing the appropriate expression system for the production of recombinant proteins. Recombinant enzymes have been expressed in bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria), filamentous fungi (e.g., Aspergillus) and yeasts (e.g., Pichia pastoris). The favorable and very advantageous characteristics of these species have resulted in an increasing number of biotechnological applications. Bacterial hosts (e.g., E. coli) can be used to quickly and easily overexpress recombinant enzymes; however, bacterial systems cannot express very large proteins and proteins that require post-translational modifications. The main bacterial expression hosts, with the exception of lactic acid bacteria and filamentous fungi, can produce several toxins which are not compatible with the expression of recombinant enzymes in food and drugs. However, due to the multiplicity of the physiological impacts arising from high-level expression of genes encoding the enzymes and expression hosts, the goal of overproduction can hardly be achieved, and therefore, the yield of recombinant enzymes is limited. In this review, the recent strategies used for the high-level expression of microbial enzymes in the hosts mentioned above are summarized and the prospects are also discussed. We hope this review will contribute to the development of the enzyme-related research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Folate metabolism in human malaria parasites—75 years on. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2013; 188:63-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2013.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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