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The Effect of Naja naja oxiana Snake Venom Against Leishmania tropica Confirmed by Advanced Assays. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:475-486. [PMID: 33159262 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00301-3] [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: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore the activity of Naja naja oxiana venom on Leishmania tropica and its modes of action. METHODS Different fractions of Naja naja oxiana venom (NNOV) were prepared and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography. The superior component, fraction k (FK) was selected. The activity of the fraction was assessed using advanced assays. RESULTS Interleukin (IL)-12, TNF-α and iNOS gene expression as the indicators of Th1 significantly increased. In contrast, the level of IL-10, as the marker of T helper 2 substantially decreased (p < 0.001). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) after treatment with different concentrations of NNOV-FK, unlike arginase (L-ARG) activity which showed a significant reduction (p < 0.001). The NNOV-FK showed significant lethal activity on the L. tropica stages. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrated that NNOV-FK represented a strong leishmanicidal activity on L. tropica stages. The major modes of NNOV-FK action are multidimensional, which perceives the induction of a synergistic response and upregulation of the immune-modulatory role towards Th1 response against L. tropica stages as well as apoptotic and anti-metabolic action as a model drug to generate ROS, block the polyamine synthesis and lead to parasite death.
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2
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Ndhlovu A, Durand PM, Ramsey G. Programmed cell death as a black queen in microbial communities. Mol Ecol 2020; 30:1110-1119. [PMID: 33253458 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) in unicellular organisms is in some instances an altruistic trait. When the beneficiaries are clones or close kin, kin selection theory may be used to explain the evolution of the trait, and when the trait evolves in groups of distantly related individuals, group or multilevel selection theory is invoked. In mixed microbial communities, the benefits are also available to unrelated taxa. But the evolutionary ecology of PCD in communities is poorly understood. Few hypotheses have been offered concerning the community role of PCD despite its far-reaching effects. The hypothesis we consider here is that PCD is a black queen. The Black Queen Hypothesis (BQH) outlines how public goods arising from a leaky function are exploited by other taxa in the community. Black Queen (BQ) traits are essential for community survival, but only some members bear the cost of possessing them, while others lose the trait In addition, BQ traits have been defined in terms of adaptive gene loss, and it is unknown whether this has occurred for PCD. Our conclusion is that PCD fulfils the two most important criteria of a BQ (leakiness and costliness), but that more empirical data are needed for assessing the remaining two criteria. In addition, we hold that for viewing PCD as a BQ, the original BQH needs to include social traits. Thus, despite some empirical and conceptual shortcomings, the BQH provides a helpful avenue for investigating PCD in microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ndhlovu
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Pierre M Durand
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Grant Ramsey
- Institute of Philosophy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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3
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Teulière J, Bernard G, Bapteste E. The Distribution of Genes Associated With Regulated Cell Death Is Decoupled From the Mitochondrial Phenotypes Within Unicellular Eukaryotic Hosts. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:536389. [PMID: 33072737 PMCID: PMC7539657 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.536389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically regulated cell death (RCD) occurs in all domains of life. In eukaryotes, the evolutionary origin of the mitochondrion and of certain forms of RCD, in particular apoptosis, are thought to coincide, suggesting a central general role for mitochondria in cellular suicide. We tested this mitochondrial centrality hypothesis across a dataset of 67 species of protists, presenting 5 classes of mitochondrial phenotypes, including functional mitochondria, metabolically diversified mitochondria, functionally reduced mitochondria (Mitochondrion Related Organelle or MRO) and even complete absence of mitochondria. We investigated the distribution of genes associated with various forms of RCD. No homologs for described mammalian regulators of regulated necrosis could be identified in our set of 67 unicellular taxa. Protists with MRO and the secondarily a mitochondriate Monocercomonoides exilis display heterogeneous reductions of apoptosis gene sets with respect to typical mitochondriate protists. Remarkably, despite the total lack of mitochondria in M. exilis, apoptosis-associated genes could still be identified. These same species of protists with MRO and M. exilis harbored non-reduced autophagic cell death gene sets. Moreover, transiently multicellular protist taxa appeared enriched in apoptotic and autophagy associated genes compared to free-living protists. This analysis suggests that genes associated with apoptosis in animals and the presence of the mitochondria are significant yet non-essential biological components for RCD in protists. More generally, our results support the hypothesis of a selection for RCD, including both apoptosis and autophagy, as a developmental mechanism linked to multicellularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Teulière
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Bernard
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Eric Bapteste
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
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Glutamine Analogues Impair Cell Proliferation, the Intracellular Cycle and Metacyclogenesis in Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071628. [PMID: 32252252 PMCID: PMC7180609 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the aetiologic agent of Chagas disease, which affects people in the Americas and worldwide. The parasite has a complex life cycle that alternates among mammalian hosts and insect vectors. During its life cycle, T. cruzi passes through different environments and faces nutrient shortages. It has been established that amino acids, such as proline, histidine, alanine, and glutamate, are crucial to T. cruzi survival. Recently, we described that T. cruzi can biosynthesize glutamine from glutamate and/or obtain it from the extracellular environment, and the role of glutamine in energetic metabolism and metacyclogenesis was demonstrated. In this study, we analysed the effect of glutamine analogues on the parasite life cycle. Here, we show that glutamine analogues impair cell proliferation, the developmental cycle during the infection of mammalian host cells and metacyclogenesis. Taken together, these results show that glutamine is an important metabolite for T. cruzi survival and suggest that glutamine analogues can be used as scaffolds for the development of new trypanocidal drugs. These data also reinforce the supposition that glutamine metabolism is an unexplored possible therapeutic target.
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6
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Reiling SJ, Krohne G, Friedrich O, Geary TG, Rohrbach P. Chloroquine exposure triggers distinct cellular responses in sensitive versus resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11137. [PMID: 30042399 PMCID: PMC6057915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29422-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chloroquine (CQ) treatment failure in Plasmodium falciparum parasites has been documented for decades, but the pharmacological explanation of this phenotype is not fully understood. Current concepts attribute CQ resistance to reduced accumulation of the drug at a given external CQ concentration ([CQ]ex) in resistant compared to sensitive parasites. The implication of this explanation is that the mechanisms of CQ-induced toxicity in resistant and sensitive strains are similar once lethal internal concentrations have been reached. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the mechanism of CQ-induced toxicity in CQ-sensitive (CQS) versus CQ-resistant (CQR) parasites by analyzing the time-course of cellular responses in these strains after exposure to varying [CQ]ex as determined in 72 h toxicity assays. Parasite killing was delayed in CQR parasites for up to 10 h compared to CQS parasites when exposed to equipotent [CQ]ex. In striking contrast, brief exposure (1 h) to lethal [CQ]ex in CQS but not CQR parasites caused the appearance of hitherto undescribed hemozoin (Hz)-containing compartments in the parasite cytosol. Hz-containing compartments were very rarely observed in CQR parasites even after CQ exposures sufficient to cause irreversible cell death. These findings challenge current concepts that CQ killing of malaria parasites is solely concentration-dependent, and instead suggest that CQS and CQR strains fundamentally differ in the consequences of CQ exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Reiling
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue (Montréal), Québec, Canada
| | - Georg Krohne
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Timothy G Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue (Montréal), Québec, Canada
| | - Petra Rohrbach
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue (Montréal), Québec, Canada.
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Krafsur ES, Maudlin I. Tsetse fly evolution, genetics and the trypanosomiases - A review. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 64:185-206. [PMID: 29885477 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This reviews work published since 2007. Relative efforts devoted to the agents of African trypanosomiasis and their tsetse fly vectors are given by the numbers of PubMed accessions. In the last 10 years PubMed citations number 3457 for Trypanosoma brucei and 769 for Glossina. The development of simple sequence repeats and single nucleotide polymorphisms afford much higher resolution of Glossina and Trypanosoma population structures than heretofore. Even greater resolution is offered by partial and whole genome sequencing. Reproduction in T. brucei sensu lato is principally clonal although genetic recombination in tsetse salivary glands has been demonstrated in T. b. brucei and T. b. rhodesiense but not in T. b. gambiense. In the past decade most genetic attention was given to the chief human African trypanosomiasis vectors in subgenus Nemorhina e.g., Glossina f. fuscipes, G. p. palpalis, and G. p. gambiense. The chief interest in Nemorhina population genetics seemed to be finding vector populations sufficiently isolated to enable efficient and long-lasting suppression. To this end estimates were made of gene flow, derived from FST and its analogues, and Ne, the size of a hypothetical population equivalent to that under study. Genetic drift was greater, gene flow and Ne typically lesser in savannah inhabiting tsetse (subgenus Glossina) than in riverine forms (Nemorhina). Population stabilities were examined by sequential sampling and genotypic analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes in both groups and found to be stable. Gene frequencies estimated in sequential samplings differed by drift and allowed estimates of effective population numbers that were greater for Nemorhina spp than Glossina spp. Prospects are examined of genetic methods of vector control. The tsetse long generation time (c. 50 d) is a major contraindication to any suggested genetic method of tsetse population manipulation. Ecological and modelling research convincingly show that conventional methods of targeted insecticide applications and traps/targets can achieve cost-effective reduction in tsetse densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Krafsur
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Ian Maudlin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Reece SE, Prior KF, Mideo N. The Life and Times of Parasites: Rhythms in Strategies for Within-host Survival and Between-host Transmission. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 32:516-533. [PMID: 28845736 PMCID: PMC5734377 DOI: 10.1177/0748730417718904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Biological rhythms are thought to have evolved to enable organisms to organize their activities according to the earth's predictable cycles, but quantifying the fitness advantages of rhythms is challenging and data revealing their costs and benefits are scarce. More difficult still is explaining why parasites that live exclusively within the bodies of other organisms have biological rhythms. Rhythms exist in the development and traits of parasites, in host immune responses, and in disease susceptibility. This raises the possibility that timing matters for how hosts and parasites interact and, consequently, for the severity and transmission of diseases. Here, we take an evolutionary ecological perspective to examine why parasites exhibit biological rhythms and how their rhythms are regulated. Specifically, we examine the adaptive significance (evolutionary costs and benefits) of rhythms for parasites and explore to what extent interactions between hosts and parasites can drive rhythms in infections. That parasites with altered rhythms can evade the effects of control interventions underscores the urgent need to understand how and why parasites exhibit biological rhythms. Thus, we contend that examining the roles of biological rhythms in disease offers innovative approaches to improve health and opens up a new arena for studying host-parasite (and host-parasite-vector) coevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Reece
- Institutes of Evolution, Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kimberley F. Prior
- Institutes of Evolution, Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicole Mideo
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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von Stebut E, Tenzer S. Cutaneous leishmaniasis: Distinct functions of dendritic cells and macrophages in the interaction of the host immune system with Leishmania major. Int J Med Microbiol 2017; 308:206-214. [PMID: 29129568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is transmitted by sand flies leading to parasite inoculation into skin. In the mammalian host, the parasite primarily resides in skin macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DC). MΦ are silently invaded by the parasite eliciting a stress response, whereas DC become activated, release IL-12, and prime antigen-specific T cells. Here we review the basics of the immune response against this human pathogen and elucidate the role and function DC and MΦ for establishment of protective immunity against leishmaniasis. We focus on cell type-specific differences in parasite uptake, phagocyte activation and processing of parasite antigens to facilitate an understanding how their respective function may be modulated e.g. under therapeutic considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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10
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Zinc depletion promotes apoptosis-like death in drug-sensitive and antimony-resistance Leishmania donovani. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10488. [PMID: 28874760 PMCID: PMC5585245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Micronutrients are essential for survival and growth for all the organisms including pathogens. In this manuscript, we report that zinc (Zn) chelator N,N,N’,N’-tetrakis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-1,2-ethylenediamine (TPEN) affects growth and viability of intracellular pathogen Leishmania donovani (LD) by a concentration and time dependent manner. Simultaneous addition of zinc salt reverses the effect of TPEN. Further experiments provide evidence of apoptosis-like death of the parasite due to Zn-depletion. TPEN treatment enhances caspase-like activity suggesting increase in apoptosis-like events in LD. Specific inhibitors of cathepsin B and Endoclease G block TPEN-induced leishmanial death. Evidences show involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) potentially of extra-mitochondrial origin in TPEN-induced LD death. Pentavalent antimonials remained the prime source of treatment against leishmaniasis for several decades; however, antimony-resistant Leishmania is now common source of the disease. We also reveal that Zn-depletion can promote apoptosis-like death in antimony-resistant parasites. In summary, we present a new finding about the role of zinc in the survival of drug sensitive and antimony-resistant LD.
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11
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Aguilar-Diaz H, Canizalez-Roman A, Nepomuceno-Mejia T, Gallardo-Vera F, Hornelas-Orozco Y, Nazmi K, Bolscher JGM, Carrero JC, Leon-Sicairos C, Leon-Sicairos N. Parasiticidal effect of synthetic bovine lactoferrin peptides on the enteric parasite Giardia intestinalis. Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 95:82-90. [PMID: 28165283 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2016-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis is the most common infectious protozoan parasite in children. Despite the effectiveness of some drugs, the disease remains a major worldwide problem. Consequently, the search for new treatments is important for disease eradication. Biological molecules with antimicrobial properties represent a promising alternative to combat pathogens. Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) is a key component of the innate host defense system, and its peptides have exhibited strong antimicrobial activity. Based on these properties, we evaluated the parasiticidal activity of these peptides on G. intestinalis. Trophozoites were incubated with different peptide concentrations for different periods of time, and the growth or viability was determined by carboxyfluorescein-succinimidyl-diacetate-ester (CFDA) and propidium iodide (PI) staining. Endocytosis of peptides was investigated by confocal microscopy, damage was analyzed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and the type of programmed cell death was analyzed by flow cytometry. Our results showed that the LF peptides had giardicidal activity. The LF peptides interacted with G. intestinalis and exposure to LF peptides correlated with an increase in the granularity and vacuolization of the cytoplasm. Additionally, the formation of pores, extensive membrane disruption, and programmed cell death was observed in trophozoites treated with LF peptides. Our results demonstrate that LF peptides exhibit potent in vitro antigiardial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Aguilar-Diaz
- a CIASaP, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa. Cedros y Sauces, Fracc. Fresnos Culiacán 80246, Sinaloa, México
| | - Adrian Canizalez-Roman
- a CIASaP, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa. Cedros y Sauces, Fracc. Fresnos Culiacán 80246, Sinaloa, México.,b Departamento de Investigación, Hospital de la Mujer, Boulevard Miguel Tamayo Espinoza de los Monteros S/N, Col. Desarrollo Urbano Tres Ríos, Culiacán 80020, Sinaloa, México
| | - Tomas Nepomuceno-Mejia
- c Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Calle 4a, Avenida Norte esquina con Calle 19 Pte S/N, Centro, Tapachula 30700, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Francisco Gallardo-Vera
- d Laboratorio Inmunobiología, Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, México
| | - Yolanda Hornelas-Orozco
- e Servicio Académico de Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D. F. 04510, México
| | - Kamran Nazmi
- f Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan G M Bolscher
- f Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Julio Cesar Carrero
- g Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México, DF 04510, México
| | - Claudia Leon-Sicairos
- h Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Avenida de las Américas y Josefa Ortiz (Ciudad Universitaria), Culiacán 80030, Sinaloa, México
| | - Nidia Leon-Sicairos
- a CIASaP, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa. Cedros y Sauces, Fracc. Fresnos Culiacán 80246, Sinaloa, México.,i Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Pediátrico de Sinaloa, Boulevard Constitución S/N, Col. Jorge Almada, Culiacan 80200, Sinaloa, México
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Hope R, Egarmina K, Voloshin K, Waldman Ben-Asher H, Carmi S, Eliaz D, Drori Y, Michaeli S. Transcriptome and proteome analyses and the role of atypical calpain protein and autophagy in the spliced leader silencing pathway in Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Microbiol 2016; 102:1-21. [PMID: 27161313 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Under persistent ER stress, Trypanosoma brucei parasites induce the spliced leader silencing (SLS) pathway. In SLS, transcription of the SL RNA gene, the SL donor to all mRNAs, is extinguished, arresting trans-splicing and leading to programmed cell death (PCD). In this study, we investigated the transcriptome following silencing of SEC63, a factor essential for protein translocation across the ER membrane, and whose silencing induces SLS. The proteome of SEC63-silenced cells was analyzed with an emphasis on SLS-specific alterations in protein expression, and modifications that do not directly result from perturbations in trans-splicing. One such protein identified is an atypical calpain SKCRP7.1/7.2. Co-silencing of SKCRP7.1/7.2 and SEC63 eliminated SLS induction due its role in translocating the PK3 kinase. This kinase initiates SLS by migrating to the nucleus and phosphorylating TRF4 leading to shut-off of SL RNA transcription. Thus, SKCRP7.1 is involved in SLS signaling and the accompanying PCD. The role of autophagy in SLS was also investigated; eliminating autophagy through VPS34 or ATG7 silencing demonstrated that autophagy is not essential for SLS induction, but is associated with PCD. Thus, this study identified factors that are used by the parasite to cope with ER stress and to induce SLS and PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Hope
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences.,Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Katarina Egarmina
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences.,Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Konstantin Voloshin
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences.,Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | | | - Shai Carmi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences.,Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Dror Eliaz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences.,Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Yaron Drori
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences.,Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Shulamit Michaeli
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences. .,Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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13
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de Silva Rodrigues JH, Stein J, Strauss M, Rivarola HW, Ueda-Nakamura T, Nakamura CV, Duszenko M. Clomipramine kills Trypanosoma brucei by apoptosis. Int J Med Microbiol 2016; 306:196-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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14
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Birge RB, Boeltz S, Kumar S, Carlson J, Wanderley J, Calianese D, Barcinski M, Brekken RA, Huang X, Hutchins JT, Freimark B, Empig C, Mercer J, Schroit AJ, Schett G, Herrmann M. Phosphatidylserine is a global immunosuppressive signal in efferocytosis, infectious disease, and cancer. Cell Death Differ 2016; 23:962-78. [PMID: 26915293 PMCID: PMC4987730 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2016.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 451] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved and tightly regulated cell death modality. It serves important roles in physiology by sculpting complex tissues during embryogenesis and by removing effete cells that have reached advanced age or whose genomes have been irreparably damaged. Apoptosis culminates in the rapid and decisive removal of cell corpses by efferocytosis, a term used to distinguish the engulfment of apoptotic cells from other phagocytic processes. Over the past decades, the molecular and cell biological events associated with efferocytosis have been rigorously studied, and many eat-me signals and receptors have been identified. The externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) is arguably the most emblematic eat-me signal that is in turn bound by a large number of serum proteins and opsonins that facilitate efferocytosis. Under physiological conditions, externalized PS functions as a dominant and evolutionarily conserved immunosuppressive signal that promotes tolerance and prevents local and systemic immune activation. Pathologically, the innate immunosuppressive effect of externalized PS has been hijacked by numerous viruses, microorganisms, and parasites to facilitate infection, and in many cases, establish infection latency. PS is also profoundly dysregulated in the tumor microenvironment and antagonizes the development of tumor immunity. In this review, we discuss the biology of PS with respect to its role as a global immunosuppressive signal and how PS is exploited to drive diverse pathological processes such as infection and cancer. Finally, we outline the rationale that agents targeting PS could have significant value in cancer and infectious disease therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Birge
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - S Boeltz
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - J Carlson
- Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, 14282 Franklin Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780, USA
| | - J Wanderley
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - D Calianese
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - M Barcinski
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - R A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
| | - X Huang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
| | - J T Hutchins
- Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, 14282 Franklin Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780, USA
| | - B Freimark
- Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, 14282 Franklin Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780, USA
| | - C Empig
- Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, 14282 Franklin Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780, USA
| | - J Mercer
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - A J Schroit
- Simmons Cancer Center and the Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - G Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Herrmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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15
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Mesquita I, Moreira D, Sampaio-Marques B, Laforge M, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Ludovico P, Estaquier J, Silvestre R. AMPK in Pathogens. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2016; 107:287-323. [PMID: 27812985 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43589-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
During host-pathogen interactions, a complex web of events is crucial for the outcome of infection. Pathogen recognition triggers powerful cellular signaling events that is translated into the induction and maintenance of innate and adaptive host immunity against infection. In opposition, pathogens employ active mechanisms to manipulate host cell regulatory pathways toward their proliferation and survival. Among these, subversion of host cell energy metabolism by pathogens is currently recognized to play an important role in microbial growth and persistence. Extensive studies have documented the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, a central cellular hub involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, in host-pathogen interactions. Here, we highlight the most recent advances detailing how pathogens hijack cellular metabolism by suppressing or increasing the activity of the host energy sensor AMPK. We also address the role of lower eukaryote AMPK orthologues in the adaptive process to the host microenvironment and their contribution for pathogen survival, differentiation, and growth. Finally, we review the effects of pharmacological or genetic AMPK modulation on pathogen growth and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Mesquita
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Diana Moreira
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Belém Sampaio-Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Ludovico
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Jérôme Estaquier
- CNRS FR 3636, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ricardo Silvestre
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal.
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16
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Chen D, Lin J, Liu Y, Li X, Chen G, Hua Q, Nie Q, Hu X, Tan F. Identification of TgAtg8-TgAtg3 interaction in Toxoplasma gondii. Acta Trop 2016; 153:79-85. [PMID: 26407821 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process in eukaryotic cells involved in the targeted degradation of cellular organelles and the cytoplasm. Recent works in Toxoplasma gondii suggest that the autophagy processes may serve as an important pathway in modulating parasite survival or death. As an important modulator of Atg8 lipidation and autophagy, Atg8-Atg3 interaction has been attracting increasing attention. However, there is no direct evidence that TgAtg8-TgAtg3 interaction occurs in the parasite. In this study, we firstly found TgAtg8 partially colocalized with TgAtg3 in GFP-TgAtg8 transgenic strains using IFA. Then, lysates from GFP-TgAtg8 tachyzoites were directly subject to large-scale tandem affinity purification with anti-GFP antibody. Western blot and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis determined the interaction between TgAtg8 and TgAtg3. Additionally, we performed real-time interaction analysis with a surface plasmon resonance biosensor using BIAcore system. As expected, the result demonstrated a concentration-dependent increases in resonance signals and indicated the TgAtg8 could bind directly TgAtg3 in vitro. Noteworthily, A KD of 34.9nM obtained from TgAtg8-TgAtg3 interaction indicate a high-affinity between Atg8-Atg3 in Toxoplasma. Furthermore, homology modeling and sequence alignment showed that TgAtg8 has greatest sequence and structural conservation. Within TgAtg3, this protein possesses the core E2 enzymatic activity structure and a truncated handle region which may contain AIM sequence. Taken together, our findings would help elucidate the formation mechanism of autophagosome in Toxoplasma and provide a possibility for looking into parasitic drug targets.
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17
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Genes CM, de Lucio H, González VM, Sánchez-Murcia PA, Rico E, Gago F, Fasel N, Jiménez-Ruiz A. A functional BH3 domain in an aquaporin from Leishmania infantum. Cell Death Discov 2016; 2:16043. [PMID: 27551533 PMCID: PMC4979448 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the absence of sequences showing significant similarity to any of the members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins in protozoa, experiments carried out in yeast or trypanosomatids have demonstrated that ectopic expression of some of these members alters their response to different death stimuli. Because the BH3 domain is the smallest common signature in all the proteins of this family of apoptosis regulators and also because they are essential for molecular interactions between antagonistic members, we looked for sequences with significant similarity to the BH3 motif in the Leishmania infantum genome. Among the top scoring ones, we found the MYLALQNLGDEV amino-acid stretch at the C terminus of a previously described aquaporin, now renamed as Li-BH3AQP. This motif is highly conserved in homologous proteins from other species of the Leishmania genus. The association of Li-BH3AQP with human Bcl-XL was demonstrated by both co-immunoprecipitation and yeast two-hybrid experiments. Ectopic expression of Li-BH3AQP reduced viability of HeLa cells and this deleterious effect was abrogated by the simultaneous overexpression of Bcl-XL. Although we were not able to demonstrate a reduction in parasite viability when the protein was overexpressed in Leishmania promastigotes, a prodeath effect could be observed when the parasites overexpressing Li-BH3AQP were treated with staurosporine or antimycin A. Surprisingly, these parasites were more resistant, compared with wild-type parasites, to hypotonic stress or nutrient deprivation. The prodeath activity was abolished upon replacement of two highly conserved amino acids in this BH3 domain. Taken together, these results point to Li-BH3AQP as the first non-enzymatic protein ever described in trypanosomatids that is involved in cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Genes
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares 28805, Spain
| | - H de Lucio
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares 28805, Spain
| | - V M González
- Laboratory of aptamers, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - P A Sánchez-Murcia
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina, Alcalá de Henares 28805, Spain
| | - E Rico
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares 28805, Spain
| | - F Gago
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina, Alcalá de Henares 28805, Spain
| | - N Fasel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 155 Chemin des Boveresses, Epalinges 1066, Switzerland
| | - A Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares 28805, Spain
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18
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Monroy VS, Flores OM, García CG, Maya YC, Fernández TD, Pérez Ishiwara DG. Calpain-like: A Ca(2+) dependent cystein protease in Entamoeba histolytica cell death. Exp Parasitol 2015; 159:245-51. [PMID: 26496790 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica programmed cell death (PCD) induced by G418 is characterized by the release of important amounts of intracellular calcium from reservoirs. Nevertheless, no typical caspases have been detected in the parasite, the PCD phenotype is inhibited by the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64. These results strongly suggest that Ca(2+)-dependent proteases could be involved in PCD. In this study, we evaluate the expression and activity of a specific dependent Ca(2+) protease, the calpain-like protease, by real-time quantitative PCR (RTq-PCR), Western blot assays and a enzymatic method during the induction of PCD by G418. Alternatively, using cell viability and TUNEL assays, we also demonstrated that the Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-al calpain inhibitor reduced the rate of cell death. The results demonstrated 4.9-fold overexpression of calpain-like gene 1.5 h after G418 PCD induction, while calpain-like protein increased almost two-fold with respect to basal calpain-like expression after 3 h of induction, and calpain activity was found to be approximately three-fold higher 6 h after treatment compared with untreated trophozoites. Taken together, these results suggest that this Ca(2+)-dependent protease could be involved in the executory phase of PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Sánchez Monroy
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular I, Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, IPN, Guillermo Massieu Helguera No.239, Fracc. La Escalera, Col. Ticomán, D.F, C.P.07320, Mexico; Laboratorio Multidisciplinario de Investigación, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, UDEFA, Lomas de San Isidro, DF, CP 11620, Mexico
| | - Olivia Medel Flores
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular I, Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, IPN, Guillermo Massieu Helguera No.239, Fracc. La Escalera, Col. Ticomán, D.F, C.P.07320, Mexico
| | - Consuelo Gómez García
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular I, Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, IPN, Guillermo Massieu Helguera No.239, Fracc. La Escalera, Col. Ticomán, D.F, C.P.07320, Mexico
| | - Yesenia Chávez Maya
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán Izcalli, UNAM, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México CP.54740, Mexico
| | - Tania Domínguez Fernández
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular I, Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, IPN, Guillermo Massieu Helguera No.239, Fracc. La Escalera, Col. Ticomán, D.F, C.P.07320, Mexico
| | - D Guillermo Pérez Ishiwara
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular I, Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, IPN, Guillermo Massieu Helguera No.239, Fracc. La Escalera, Col. Ticomán, D.F, C.P.07320, Mexico; Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Tepetitla de Lardizabal, Tlaxcala, Doctorado en Biotecnología, Red de Investigación en Biotecnología IPN, Mexico.
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19
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Engelbrecht D, Coetzer TL. Sunlight inhibits growth and induces markers of programmed cell death in Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Malar J 2015; 14:378. [PMID: 26419629 PMCID: PMC4588498 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0867-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of global malaria deaths. During the pathogenic blood stages of infection, a rapid increase in parasitaemia threatens the survival of the host before transmission of slow-maturing sexual parasites to the mosquito vector to continue the life cycle. Programmed cell death (PCD) may provide the parasite with the means to control its burden on the host and thereby ensure its own survival. Various environmental stress factors encountered during malaria may induce PCD in P. falciparum. This study is the first to characterize parasite cell death in response to natural sunlight. Methods The 3D7 strain of P. falciparum was cultured in vitro in donor erythrocytes. Synchronized and mixed-stage parasitized cultures were exposed to sunlight for 1 h and compared to cultures maintained in the dark, 24 h later. Mixed-stage parasites were also subjected to a second one-hour exposure at 24 h and assessed at 48 h. Parasitaemia was measured daily by flow cytometry. Biochemical markers of cell death were assessed, including DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane polarization and phosphatidylserine externalization. Results Sunlight inhibited P. falciparum growth in vitro. Late-stage parasites were more severely affected than early stages. However, some late-stage parasites survived exposure to sunlight to form new rings 24 h later, as would be expected during PCD whereby only a portion of the population dies. DNA fragmentation was observed at 24 and 48 h and preceded mitochondrial hyperpolarization in mixed-stage parasites at 48 h. Mitochondrial hyperpolarization likely resulted from increased oxidative stress. Although data suggested increased phosphatidylserine externalization in mixed-stage parasites, results were not statistically significant. Conclusion The combination of biochemical markers and the survival of some parasites, despite exposure to a lethal stimulus, support the occurrence of PCD in P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewaldt Engelbrecht
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pathology, Wits Medical School, Wits Research Institute for Malaria, University of the Witwatersrand, 7th floor, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
| | - Thérèsa Louise Coetzer
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pathology, Wits Medical School, Wits Research Institute for Malaria, University of the Witwatersrand, 7th floor, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa. .,National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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20
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Bindereif A, Preußer C. ER stress: how trypanosomes deal with it. Trends Parasitol 2014; 30:549-50. [PMID: 25457395 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
An efficient response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is essential for the viability of eukaryotic cells. The causative agent of African sleeping sickness, Trypanosoma brucei, responds to such stress by inducing spliced leader RNA silencing (SLS), resulting in shutdown of mRNA biogenesis. A new study elucidates the activation cascade and its molecular components, which are unique to the ER stress response in trypanosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albrecht Bindereif
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Christian Preußer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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21
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Sousa MC, Varandas R, Santos RC, Santos-Rosa M, Alves V, Salvador JAR. Antileishmanial activity of semisynthetic lupane triterpenoids betulin and betulinic acid derivatives: synergistic effects with miltefosine. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89939. [PMID: 24643019 PMCID: PMC3958361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTDs), endemic in 88 countries, affecting more than 12 million people. The treatment consists in pentavalent antimony compounds, amphotericin B, pentamidine and miltefosine, among others. However, these current drugs are limited due to their toxicity, development of biological resistance, length of treatment and high cost. Thus, it is important to continue the search for new effective and less toxic treatments. The anti-Leishmania activity of sixteen semisynthetic lupane triterpenoids derivatives of betulin (BT01 to BT09) and betulinic acid (AB10 to AB16) were evaluated. Drug interactions between the active compounds and one current antileishmanial drug, miltefosine, were assessed using the fixed ratio isobologram method. In addition, effects on the cell cycle, apoptosis/necrosis events, morphology and DNA integrity were studied. The derivatives BT06 (3β-Hydroxy-(20R)-lupan-29-oxo-28-yl-1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate) and AB13 (28-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)-3,28-dioxo-lup-1,20(29)-dien-2-yl-1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate) were found to be the most active, with IC50 values of 50.8 µM and 25.8 µM, respectively. Interactions between these two compounds and miltefosine were classified as synergistic, with the most effective association being between AB13 and miltefosine, where decreases of IC50 values to 6 µM were observed, similar to the miltefosine activity alone. AB13 induced significant morphological changes, while both derivatives produced anti-proliferative activity through cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Neither of these derivatives induced significant apoptosis/necrosis, as indicated by phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation assays. In addition, neither of the derivatives induced death in macrophage cell lines. Thus, they do not present any potential risk of toxicity for the host cells. This study has identified the betulin derivative BT06 and the betulinic acid derivative AB13 as promising molecules in the development of new alternative therapies for leishmaniasis, including those involving combined-therapy with miltefosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. Sousa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre of Pharmaceutical Studies, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Coimbra (CEF/FFUC), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra, Portugal
- * E-mail: (MCS); (JARS)
| | - Raquel Varandas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita C. Santos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel Santos-Rosa
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo I, Rua Larga, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vera Alves
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo I, Rua Larga, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge A. R. Salvador
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- * E-mail: (MCS); (JARS)
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22
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Piacenza L, Peluffo G, Alvarez MN, Martínez A, Radi R. Trypanosoma cruzi antioxidant enzymes as virulence factors in Chagas disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 19:723-34. [PMID: 22458250 PMCID: PMC3739954 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2012.4618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Chagas disease (CD) affects several million people in Latin America and is spreading beyond its classical boundaries due to the migration of infected host and insect vectors, HIV co-infection, and blood transfusion. The current therapy is not adequate for treatment of the chronic phase of CD, and new drugs are warranted. RECENT ADVANCES Trypanosoma cruzi is equipped with a specialized and complex network of antioxidant enzymes that are located at different subcellular compartments which defend the parasite against host oxidative assaults. Recently, strong evidence has emerged which indicates that enzyme components of the T. cruzi antioxidant network (cytosolic and mitochondrial peroxiredoxins and trypanothione synthetase) in naturally occurring strains act as a virulence factor for CD. This precept is recapitulated with the observed increased resistance of T. cruzi peroxirredoxins overexpressers to in vivo or in vitro nitroxidative stress conditions. In addition, the modulation of mitochondrial superoxide radical levels by iron superoxide dismutase (FeSODA) influences parasite programmed cell death, underscoring the role of this enzyme in parasite survival. CRITICAL ISSUES The unraveling of the biological significance of FeSODs in T. cruzi programmed cell death in the context of chronic infection in CD is still under examination. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The role of the antioxidant enzymes in the pathogenesis of CD, including parasite virulence and persistence, and their feasibility as pharmacological targets justifies further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Piacenza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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23
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Taylor-Brown E, Hurd H. The first suicides: a legacy inherited by parasitic protozoans from prokaryote ancestors. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:108. [PMID: 23597031 PMCID: PMC3640913 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It is more than 25 years since the first report that a protozoan parasite could die by a process resulting in a morphological phenotype akin to apoptosis. Since then these phenotypes have been observed in many unicellular parasites, including trypanosomatids and apicomplexans, and experimental evidence concerning the molecular pathways that are involved is growing. These observations support the view that this form of programmed cell death is an ancient one that predates the evolution of multicellularity. Here we review various hypotheses that attempt to explain the origin of apoptosis, and look for support for these hypotheses amongst the parasitic protists as, with the exception of yeast, most of the work on death mechanisms in unicellular organisms has focussed on them. We examine the role that addiction modules may have played in the original eukaryote cell and the part played by mitochondria in the execution of present day cells, looking for examples from Leishmania spp. Trypanosoma spp. and Plasmodium spp. In addition, the expanding knowledge of proteases, nucleases and other molecules acting in protist execution pathways has enabled comparisons to be made with extant Archaea and bacteria and with biochemical pathways that evolved in metazoans. These comparisons lend support to the original sin hypothesis but also suggest that present-day death pathways may have had multifaceted beginnings.
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24
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Eickel N, Kaiser G, Prado M, Burda PC, Roelli M, Stanway RR, Heussler VT. Features of autophagic cell death in Plasmodium liver-stage parasites. Autophagy 2013; 9:568-80. [PMID: 23388496 DOI: 10.4161/auto.23689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Analyzing molecular determinants of Plasmodium parasite cell death is a promising approach for exploring new avenues in the fight against malaria. Three major forms of cell death (apoptosis, necrosis and autophagic cell death) have been described in multicellular organisms but which cell death processes exist in protozoa is still a matter of debate. Here we suggest that all three types of cell death occur in Plasmodium liver-stage parasites. Whereas typical molecular markers for apoptosis and necrosis have not been found in the genome of Plasmodium parasites, we identified genes coding for putative autophagy-marker proteins and thus concentrated on autophagic cell death. We characterized the Plasmodium berghei homolog of the prominent autophagy marker protein Atg8/LC3 and found that it localized to the apicoplast. A relocalization of PbAtg8 to autophagosome-like vesicles or vacuoles that appear in dying parasites was not, however, observed. This strongly suggests that the function of this protein in liver-stage parasites is restricted to apicoplast biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Eickel
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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25
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26
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Bruges G, Betancourt M, March M, Sanchez E, Mijares A. Apoptotic-like activity of staurosporine in axenic cultures of Trypanosoma evansi. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2012; 54:103-8. [PMID: 22499424 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652012000200008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma evansi is a blood protozoan parasite of the genus Trypanosoma which is responsible for surra (Trypanosomosis) in domestic and wild animals. This study addressed apoptotic-like features in Trypanosoma evansi in vitro. The mechanism of parasite death was investigated using staurosporine as an inducing agent. We evaluated its effects through several cytoplasmic features of apoptosis, including cell shrinkage, phosphatidylserine exposure, maintenance of plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial trans-membrane potential. For access to these features we have used the flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy with cultures in the stationary phase and adjusted to a density of 10(6) cells/mL. The apoptotic effect of staurosporine in T. evansi was evaluated at 20 nM final concentration. There was an increase of phosphatidylserine exposure, whereas mitochondrial potential was decreased. Moreover, no evidence of cell permeability increasing with staurosporine was observed in this study, suggesting the absence of a necrotic process. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the possible pathways associated with this form of cell death in this hemoparasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Bruges
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de Parásitos, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela
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27
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Castanys-Muñoz E, Brown E, Coombs GH, Mottram JC. Leishmania mexicana metacaspase is a negative regulator of amastigote proliferation in mammalian cells. Cell Death Dis 2012; 3:e385. [PMID: 22951982 PMCID: PMC3461358 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metacaspases (MCAs) are caspase family cysteine peptidases that have been implicated in cell death processes in plants, fungi and protozoa. MCAs have also been suggested to be involved in cell cycle control, differentiation and clearance of aggregates; they are virulence factors. Dissecting the function of MCAs has been complicated by the presence in many organisms of multiple MCA genes or limitations on genetic manipulation. We describe here the creation of a MCA gene-deletion mutant (Δmca) in the protozoan parasite Leishmania mexicana, which has allowed us to dissect the role of the parasite's single MCA gene in cell growth and cell death. Δmca parasites are viable as promastigotes, and differentiate normally to the amastigote form both in in vitro macrophages infection and in mice. Δmca promastigotes respond to cell death inducers such as the drug miltefosine and H2O2 similarly to wild-type (WT) promastigotes, suggesting that MCAs do not have a caspase-like role in execution of L. mexicana cell death. Δmca amastigotes replicated significantly faster than WT amastigotes in macrophages and in mice, but not as axenic culture in vitro. We propose that the Leishmania MCA acts as a negative regulator of amastigote proliferation, thereby acting to balance cell growth and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Castanys-Muñoz
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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Matthews H, Ali M, Carter V, Underhill A, Hunt J, Szor H, Hurd H. Variation in apoptosis mechanisms employed by malaria parasites: the roles of inducers, dose dependence and parasite stages. Malar J 2012; 11:297. [PMID: 22929459 PMCID: PMC3489549 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium berghei ookinetes exhibit an apoptotic phenotype when developing within the mosquito midgut lumen or when cultured in vitro. Markers of apoptosis increase when they are exposed to nitric oxide or reactive oxygen species but high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide cause death without observable signs of apoptosis. Chloroquine and other drugs have been used to induce apoptosis in erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and to formulate a putative pathway involving cysteine protease activation and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization; initiated, at least in the case of chloroquine, after its accumulation in the digestive vacuole causes leakage of the vacuole contents. The lack of a digestive vacuole in ookinetes prompted the investigation of the effect of chloroquine and staurosporine on this stage of the life cycle. Finally, the suggestion that apoptosis may have evolved as a strategy employed by ookinetes to increase the fitness of surviving parasites was explored by determining whether increasing the ecological triggers parasite density and nutrient depletion induced apoptosis. Methods Ookinetes were grown in culture then either exposed to hydrogen peroxide, chloroquine or staurosporine, or incubated at different densities and in different media. The proportion of ookinetes displaying positive markers for apoptosis in treated samples was compared with controls and results were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by a Turkey’s test, or a Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate. Results Hydrogen peroxide below 50 μM triggered apoptosis but cell membranes were rapidly compromised by higher concentrations, and the mode of death could not be defined. Both chloroquine and staurosporine cause a significant increase in ookinetes with condensed chromatin, caspase-like activity and, in the case of chloroquine, phosphatidylserine translocation and DNA fragmentation (not investigated for staurosporine). However, mitochondrial membrane potential remained intact. No relationship between ookinete density and apoptosis was detected but nutrient depletion significantly increased the proportion of ookinetes with chromatin condensation in four hours. Conclusions It is proposed that both a mitochondrial and an amitochondrial apoptotic pathway may be involved, dependent upon the trigger that induces apoptosis, and that pathways may differ between erythrocytic stages and ookinetes, or between rodent and human malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Matthews
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
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Sinai AP, Roepe PD. Autophagy in Apicomplexa: a life sustaining death mechanism? Trends Parasitol 2012; 28:358-64. [PMID: 22819059 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) pathways remain understudied in parasitic protozoa in spite of the fact that they provide potential targets for the development of new therapy. The best understood PCD pathway in higher eukaryotes is apoptosis although emerging evidence also points to autophagy as a mediator of death in certain physiological contexts. Bioinformatic analyses coupled with biochemical and cell biological studies suggest that parasitic protozoa possess the capacity for PCD including a primordial form of apoptosis. Recent work in Toxoplasma and emerging data from Plasmodium suggest that autophagy-related processes may serve as an additional death promoting pathway in Apicomplexa. Detailed mechanistic studies into the molecular basis for PCD in parasitic protozoa represent a fertile area for investigation and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony P Sinai
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40526, USA.
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El-Hani CN, Borges VM, Wanderley JLM, Barcinski MA. Apoptosis and apoptotic mimicry in Leishmania: an evolutionary perspective. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2012; 2:96. [PMID: 22912937 PMCID: PMC3418608 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2012.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptotic death and apoptotic mimicry are defined respectively as a non-accidental death and as the mimicking of an apoptotic-cell phenotype, usually by phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure. In the case of the murine infection by Leishmania spp, apoptotic death has been described in promastigotes and apoptotic mimicry in amastigotes. In both situations they are important events of the experimental murine infection by this parasite. In the present review we discuss what features we need to consider if we want to establish if a behavior shown by Leishmania is altruistic or not: does the behavior increases the fitness of organisms other than the one showing it? Does this behavior have a cost for the actor? If we manage to show that a given behavior is costly for the actor and beneficial for the recipient of the action, we will be able to establish it as altruistic. From this perspective, we can argue that apoptotic-like death and apoptotic mimicry are both altruistic with the latter representing a weaker altruistic behavior than the former.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charbel N. El-Hani
- Laboratório de Ensino, História e Filosofia de Biologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da BahiaSalvador, Brazil
| | - Valéria M. Borges
- Centro de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo CruzSalvador, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da BahiaSalvador, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Investigação em ImunologiaSalvador, Brazil
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Gannavaram S, Debrabant A. Programmed cell death in Leishmania: biochemical evidence and role in parasite infectivity. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2012; 2:95. [PMID: 22919685 PMCID: PMC3417670 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2012.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Demonstration of features of a programmed cell death (PCD) pathway in protozoan parasites initiated a great deal of interest and debate in the field of molecular parasitology. Several of the markers typical of mammalian apoptosis have been shown in Leishmania which suggested the existence of an apoptosis like death in these organisms. However, studies to elucidate the downstream events associated with phosphotidyl serine exposure, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, and caspase-like activities in cells undergoing such cell death remain an ongoing challenge. Recent advances in genome sequencing, chemical biology should help to solve some of these challenges. Leishmania genetic mutants that lack putative regulators/effectors of PCD pathway should not only help to demonstrate the mechanisms of PCD but also provide tools to better understand the putative role for this pathway in population control and in the establishment of a successful infection of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration Bethesda, MD, USA
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32
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Michaeli S. Spliced leader RNA silencing (SLS) - a programmed cell death pathway in Trypanosoma brucei that is induced upon ER stress. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:107. [PMID: 22650251 PMCID: PMC3414811 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of African sleeping sickness. The parasite cycles between its insect (procyclic form) and mammalian hosts (bloodstream form). Trypanosomes lack conventional transcription regulation, and their genes are transcribed in polycistronic units that are processed by trans-splicing and polyadenylation. In trans-splicing, which is essential for processing of each mRNA, an exon, the spliced leader (SL) is added to all mRNAs from a small RNA, the SL RNA. Trypanosomes lack the machinery for the unfolded protein response (UPR), which in other eukaryotes is induced under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Trypanosomes respond to such stress by changing the stability of mRNAs, which are essential for coping with the stress. However, under severe ER stress that is induced by blocking translocation of proteins to the ER, treatment of cells with chemicals that induce misfolding in the ER, or extreme pH, trypanosomes elicit the spliced leader silencing (SLS) pathway. In SLS, the transcription of the SL RNA gene is extinguished, and tSNAP42, a specific SL RNA transcription factor, fails to bind to its cognate promoter. SLS leads to complete shut-off of trans-splicing. In this review, I discuss the UPR in mammals and compare it to the ER stress response in T. brucei leading to SLS. I summarize the evidence supporting the notion that SLS is a programmed cell death (PCD) pathway that is utilized by the parasites to substitute for the apoptosis observed in higher eukaryotes under prolonged ER stress. I present the hypothesis that SLS evolved to expedite the death process, and rapidly remove from the population unfit parasites that, by elimination via SLS, cause minimal damage to the parasite population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulamit Michaeli
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, and Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Institute, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel.
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On Programmed Cell Death in Plasmodium falciparum: Status Quo. J Trop Med 2012; 2012:646534. [PMID: 22287973 PMCID: PMC3263642 DOI: 10.1155/2012/646534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflicting arguments and results exist regarding the occurrence and phenotype of programmed cell death (PCD) in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Inconsistencies relate mainly to the number and type of PCD markers assessed and the different methodologies used in the studies. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and empirical evidence for PCD in the intraerythrocytic stages of P. falciparum. We consider possible reasons for discrepancies in the data and offer suggestions towards more standardised investigation methods in this field. Furthermore, we present genomic evidence for PCD machinery in P. falciparum. We discuss the potential adaptive or nonadaptive role of PCD in the parasite life cycle and its possible exploitation in the development of novel drug targets. Lastly, we pose pertinent unanswered questions concerning the PCD phenomenon in P. falciparum to provide future direction.
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Reece SE, Pollitt LC, Colegrave N, Gardner A. The meaning of death: evolution and ecology of apoptosis in protozoan parasites. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002320. [PMID: 22174671 PMCID: PMC3234211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery that an apoptosis-like, programmed cell death (PCD) occurs in a broad range of protozoan parasites offers novel therapeutic tools to treat some of the most serious infectious diseases of humans, companion animals, wildlife, and livestock. Whilst apoptosis is an essential part of normal development, maintenance, and defence in multicellular organisms, its occurrence in unicellular parasites appears counter-intuitive and has proved highly controversial: according to the Darwinian notion of “survival of the fittest”, parasites are expected to evolve strategies to maximise their proliferation, not death. The prevailing, and untested, opinion in the literature is that parasites employ apoptosis to “altruistically” self-regulate the intensity of infection in the host/vector. However, evolutionary theory tells us that at most, this can only be part of the explanation, and other non-mutually exclusive hypotheses must also be tested. Here, we explain the evolutionary concepts that can explain apoptosis in unicellular parasites, highlight the key questions, and outline the approaches required to resolve the controversy over whether parasites “commit suicide”. We highlight the need for integration of proximate and functional approaches into an evolutionary framework to understand apoptosis in unicellular parasites. Understanding how, when, and why parasites employ apoptosis is central to targeting this process with interventions that are sustainable in the face of parasite evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Reece
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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A proteomics view of programmed cell death mechanisms during host–parasite interactions. J Proteomics 2011; 75:246-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2011.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Duncan R, Gannavaram S, Dey R, Debrabant A, Lakhal-Naouar I, Nakhasi HL. Identification and characterization of genes involved in leishmania pathogenesis: the potential for drug target selection. Mol Biol Int 2011; 2011:428486. [PMID: 22091403 PMCID: PMC3200065 DOI: 10.4061/2011/428486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 03/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying and characterizing Leishmania donovani genes and the proteins they encode for their role in pathogenesis can reveal the value of this approach for finding new drug targets. Effective drug targets are likely to be proteins differentially expressed or required in the amastigote life cycle stage found in the patient. Several examples and their potential for chemotherapeutic disruption are presented. A pathway nearly ubiquitous in living cells targeted by anticancer drugs, the ubiquitin system, is examined. New findings in ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifiers in Leishmania show how disruption of those pathways could point to additional drug targets. The programmed cell death pathway, now recognized among protozoan parasites, is reviewed for some of its components and evidence that suggests they could be targeted for antiparasitic drug therapy. Finally, the endoplasmic reticulum quality control system is involved in secretion of many virulence factors. How disruptions in this pathway reduce virulence as evidence for potential drug targets is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Duncan
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
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Brennand A, Gualdrón-López M, Coppens I, Rigden DJ, Ginger ML, Michels PA. Autophagy in parasitic protists: Unique features and drug targets. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 177:83-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2010] [Revised: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Genes C, Baquero E, Echeverri F, Maya JD, Triana O. Mitochondrial dysfunction in Trypanosoma cruzi: the role of Serratia marcescens prodigiosin in the alternative treatment of Chagas disease. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:66. [PMID: 21548954 PMCID: PMC3118961 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a health threat for many people, mostly those living in Latin America. One of the most important problems in treatment is the limitation of existing drugs. Prodigiosin, produced by Serratia marcescens (Rhodnius prolixus endosymbiont), belongs to the red-pigmented bacterial prodiginine family, which displays numerous biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, immunosuppressive, and anticancer properties. Here we describe its effects on Trypanosoma cruzi mitochondria belonging to Tc I and Tc II. RESULTS Parasites exposed to prodigiosin altered the mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation could not have a normal course, probably by inhibition of complex III. Prodigiosin did not produce cytotoxic effects in lymphocytes and Vero cells and has better effects than benznidazole. Our data suggest that the action of prodigiosin on the parasites is mediated by mitochondrial structural and functional disruptions that could lead the parasites to an apoptotic-like cell death process. CONCLUSIONS Here, we propose a potentially useful trypanocidal agent derived from knowledge of an important aspect of the natural life cycle of the parasite: the vector-parasite interaction. Our results indicate that prodigiosin could be a good candidate for the treatment of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Genes
- Grupo Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas BCEI-SIU, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Lüder CG, Campos-Salinas J, Gonzalez-Rey E, van Zandbergen G. Impact of protozoan cell death on parasite-host interactions and pathogenesis. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:116. [PMID: 21126352 PMCID: PMC3003647 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PCD in protozoan parasites has emerged as a fascinating field of parasite biology. This not only relates to the underlying mechanisms and their evolutionary implications but also to the impact on the parasite-host interactions within mammalian hosts and arthropod vectors. During recent years, common functions of apoptosis and autophagy in protozoa and during parasitic infections have emerged. Here, we review how distinct cell death pathways in Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Plasmodium or Toxoplasma may contribute to regulation of parasite cell densities in vectors and mammalian hosts, to differentiation of parasites, to stress responses, and to modulation of the host immunity. The examples provided indicate crucial roles of PCD in parasite biology. The existence of PCD pathways in these organisms and the identification as being critical for parasite biology and parasite-host interactions could serve as a basis for developing new anti-parasitic drugs that take advantage of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Gk Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Georg-August-University, Kreuzbergring 57, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Jiménez-Ruiz A, Alzate JF, Macleod ET, Lüder CGK, Fasel N, Hurd H. Apoptotic markers in protozoan parasites. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:104. [PMID: 21062457 PMCID: PMC2993696 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The execution of the apoptotic death program in metazoans is characterized by a sequence of morphological and biochemical changes that include cell shrinkage, presentation of phosphatidylserine at the cell surface, mitochondrial alterations, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, membrane blebbing and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Methodologies for measuring apoptosis are based on these markers. Except for membrane blebbing and formation of apoptotic bodies, all other events have been observed in most protozoan parasites undergoing cell death. However, while techniques exist to detect these markers, they are often optimised for metazoan cells and therefore may not pick up subtle differences between the events occurring in unicellular organisms and multi-cellular organisms. In this review we discuss the markers most frequently used to analyze cell death in protozoan parasites, paying special attention to changes in cell morphology, mitochondrial activity, chromatin structure and plasma membrane structure/permeability. Regarding classical regulators/executors of apoptosis, we have reviewed the present knowledge of caspase-like and nuclease activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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Frey B, Gaipl US. The immune functions of phosphatidylserine in membranes of dying cells and microvesicles. Semin Immunopathol 2010; 33:497-516. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-010-0228-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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