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Su Y, Shea J, DeStephanis D, Su Z. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Axis of Oogenesis and Fertilization in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.03.597235. [PMID: 38895354 PMCID: PMC11185608 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.03.597235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The oocyte germline of the C. elegans hermaphrodite presents a unique model to study the formation of oocytes. However, the size of the model animal and difficulties in retrieval of specific stages of the germline have obviated closer systematic studies of this process throughout the years. Here, we present a transcriptomic level analysis into the oogenesis of C. elegans hermaphrodites. We dissected a hermaphrodite gonad into seven sections corresponding to the mitotic distal region, the pachytene, the diplotene, the early diakinesis region and the 3 most proximal oocytes, and deeply sequenced the transcriptome of each of them along with that of the fertilized egg using a single-cell RNA-seq protocol. We identified specific gene expression events as well as gene splicing events in finer detail along the oocyte germline and provided novel insights into underlying mechanisms of the oogenesis process. Furthermore, through careful review of relevant research literature coupled with patterns observed in our analysis, we attempt to delineate transcripts that may serve functions in the interaction between the germline and cells of the somatic gonad. These results expand our knowledge of the transcriptomic space of the C. elegans germline and lay a foundation on which future studies of the germline can be based upon.
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2
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Kawasaki I, Sugiura K, Sasaki T, Matsuda N, Sato M, Sato K. MARC-3, a membrane-associated ubiquitin ligase, is required for fast polyspermy block in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Commun 2024; 15:792. [PMID: 38278786 PMCID: PMC10817901 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44928-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In many sexually reproducing organisms, oocytes are fundamentally fertilized with one sperm. In Caenorhabditis elegans, chitin layer formation after fertilization by the EGG complex is one of the mechanisms of polyspermy block, but other mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that MARC-3, a membrane-associated RING-CH-type ubiquitin ligase that localizes to the plasma membrane and cortical puncta in oocytes, is involved in fast polyspermy block. During polyspermy, the second sperm entry occurs within approximately 10 s after fertilization in MARC-3-deficient zygotes, whereas it occurs approximately 200 s after fertilization in egg-3 mutant zygotes defective in the chitin layer formation. MARC-3 also functions in the selective degradation of maternal plasma membrane proteins and the transient accumulation of endosomal lysine 63-linked polyubiquitin after fertilization. The RING-finger domain of MARC-3 is required for its in vitro ubiquitination activity and polyspermy block, suggesting that a ubiquitination-mediated mechanism sequentially regulates fast polyspermy block and maternal membrane protein degradation during the oocyte-to-embryo transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Kawasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8512, Japan
| | - Kenta Sugiura
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8512, Japan
| | - Taeko Sasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Membrane Biology, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8512, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Matsuda
- Department of Biomolecular Pathogenesis, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Miyuki Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Membrane Biology, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8512, Japan.
| | - Ken Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8512, Japan.
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3
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Ishita Y, Onodera A, Ekino T, Chihara T, Okumura M. Co-option of an Astacin Metalloprotease Is Associated with an Evolutionarily Novel Feeding Morphology in a Predatory Nematode. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad266. [PMID: 38105444 PMCID: PMC10753534 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals consume a wide variety of food sources to adapt to different environments. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying the acquisition of evolutionarily novel feeding morphology remain largely unknown. While the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans feeds on bacteria, the satellite species Pristionchus pacificus exhibits predatory feeding behavior toward other nematodes, which is an evolutionarily novel feeding habit. Here, we found that the astacin metalloprotease Ppa-NAS-6 is required for the predatory killing by P. pacificus. Ppa-nas-6 mutants were defective in predation-associated characteristics, specifically the tooth morphogenesis and tooth movement during predation. Comparison of expression patterns and rescue experiments of nas-6 in P. pacificus and C. elegans suggested that alteration of the spatial expression patterns of NAS-6 may be vital for acquiring predation-related traits. Reporter analysis of the Ppa-nas-6 promoter in C. elegans revealed that the alteration in expression patterns was caused by evolutionary changes in cis- and trans-regulatory elements. This study suggests that the co-option of a metalloprotease is involved in an evolutionarily novel feeding morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Ishita
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Ageha Onodera
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Taisuke Ekino
- School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Takahiro Chihara
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
- Program of Basic Biology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Misako Okumura
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
- Program of Basic Biology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
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4
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Kamal M, Tokmakjian L, Knox J, Han D, Moshiri H, Magomedova L, Nguyen KCQ, Zheng H, Burns AR, Cooke B, Lacoste J, Yeo M, Hall DH, Cummins CL, Roy PJ. PGP-14 establishes a polar lipid permeability barrier within the C. elegans pharyngeal cuticle. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011008. [PMID: 37930961 PMCID: PMC10653525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cuticles of ecdysozoan animals are barriers to material loss and xenobiotic insult. Key to this barrier is lipid content, the establishment of which is poorly understood. Here, we show that the p-glycoprotein PGP-14 functions coincidently with the sphingomyelin synthase SMS-5 to establish a polar lipid barrier within the pharyngeal cuticle of the nematode C. elegans. We show that PGP-14 and SMS-5 are coincidentally expressed in the epithelium that surrounds the anterior pharyngeal cuticle where PGP-14 localizes to the apical membrane. pgp-14 and sms-5 also peak in expression at the time of new cuticle synthesis. Loss of PGP-14 and SMS-5 dramatically reduces pharyngeal cuticle staining by Nile Red, a key marker of polar lipids, and coincidently alters the nematode's response to a wide-range of xenobiotics. We infer that PGP-14 exports polar lipids into the developing pharyngeal cuticle in an SMS-5-dependent manner to safeguard the nematode from environmental insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muntasir Kamal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Levon Tokmakjian
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Knox
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Duhyun Han
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Houtan Moshiri
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lilia Magomedova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ken CQ Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew R. Burns
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brittany Cooke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Lacoste
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - May Yeo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David H. Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Carolyn L. Cummins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter J. Roy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Qiu Y, Wu X, Wen T, Hu L, Rui L, Zhang Y, Ye J. The Bursaphelenchus xylophilus candidate effector BxLip-3 targets the class I chitinases to suppress immunity in pine. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:1033-1046. [PMID: 37448165 PMCID: PMC10423331 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Lipase is involved in lipid hydrolysis, which is related to nematodes' energy reserves and stress resistance. However, the role of lipases in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a notorious plant-parasitic nematode responsible for severe damage to pine forest ecosystems, remains largely obscure. Here, we characterized a class III lipase as a candidate effector and named it BxLip-3. It was transcriptionally up-regulated in the parasitic stages of B. xylophilus and specifically expressed in the oesophageal gland cells and the intestine. In addition, BxLip-3 suppressed cell death triggered by the pathogen-associated molecular patterns PsXEG1 and BxCDP1 in Nicotiana benthamiana, and its Lipase-3 domain is essential for immunosuppression. Silencing of the BxLip-3 gene resulted in a delay in disease onset and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. Plant chitinases are thought to be PR proteins involved in the defence system against pathogen attack. Using yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation assays, we identified two class I chitinases in Pinus thunbergii, PtChia1-3 and PtChia1-4, as targets of BxLip-3. The expression of these two chitinases was up-regulated during B. xylophilus inoculation and inhibited by BxLip-3. Overall, this study illustrated that BxLip-3 is a crucial virulence factor that plays a critical role in the interaction between B. xylophilus and host pine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi‐Jun Qiu
- Co‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of ForestryNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive SpeciesNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiao‐Qin Wu
- Co‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of ForestryNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive SpeciesNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Tong‐Yue Wen
- Co‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of ForestryNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive SpeciesNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Long‐Jiao Hu
- Co‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of ForestryNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive SpeciesNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
- Institute of BotanyJiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of SciencesNanjingChina
| | - Lin Rui
- Co‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of ForestryNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive SpeciesNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yan Zhang
- Co‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of ForestryNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive SpeciesNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jian‐Ren Ye
- Co‐Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of ForestryNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive SpeciesNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
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Vandepas LE, Tassia MG, Halanych KM, Amemiya CT. Unexpected Distribution of Chitin and Chitin Synthase across Soft-Bodied Cnidarians. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050777. [PMID: 37238647 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cnidarians are commonly recognized as sea jellies, corals, or complex colonies such as the Portuguese man-of-war. While some cnidarians possess rigid internal calcareous skeletons (e.g., corals), many are soft-bodied. Intriguingly, genes coding for the chitin-biosynthetic enzyme, chitin synthase (CHS), were recently identified in the model anemone Nematostella vectensis, a species lacking hard structures. Here we report the prevalence and diversity of CHS across Cnidaria and show that cnidarian chitin synthase genes display diverse protein domain organizations. We found that CHS is expressed in cnidarian species and/or developmental stages with no reported chitinous or rigid morphological structures. Chitin affinity histochemistry indicates that chitin is present in soft tissues of some scyphozoan and hydrozoan medusae. To further elucidate the biology of chitin in cnidarian soft tissues, we focused on CHS expression in N. vectensis. Spatial expression data show that three CHS orthologs are differentially expressed in Nematostella embryos and larvae during development, suggesting that chitin has an integral role in the biology of this species. Understanding how a non-bilaterian lineage such as Cnidaria employs chitin may provide new insight into hitherto unknown functions of polysaccharides in animals, as well as their role in the evolution of biological novelty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Vandepas
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michael G Tassia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Kenneth M Halanych
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Departments of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | - Chris T Amemiya
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
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7
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Woodruff GC. Developmental genetics: The structural basis of malleable teeth. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R106-R108. [PMID: 36750020 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
A chitin synthase is required for tooth development in the nematode Pristionchus pacificus, revealing the structural basis of phenotypically plastic feeding structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin C Woodruff
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
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8
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Chitin contributes to the formation of a feeding structure in a predatory nematode. Curr Biol 2023; 33:15-27.e6. [PMID: 36460010 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Some nematode predators and parasites form teeth-like denticles that are histologically different from vertebrate teeth, but their biochemical composition remains elusive. Here, we show a role of chitin in the formation of teeth-like denticles in Pristionchus pacificus, a model system for studying predation and feeding structure plasticity. Pristionchus forms two alternative mouth morphs with one tooth or two teeth, respectively. The P. pacificus genome encodes two chitin synthases, with the highly conserved chs-2 gene being composed of 60 exons forming at least four isoforms. Generating CRISPR-Cas9-based gene knockouts, we found that Ppa-chs-2 mutations that eliminate the chitin-synthase domain are lethal. However, mutations in the C terminus result in viable but teethless worms, with severe malformation of the mouth. Similarly, treatment with the chitin-synthase inhibitor Nikkomycin Z also results in teethless animals. Teethless worms can feed on various bacterial food sources but are incapable of predation. High-resolution transcriptomics revealed that Ppa-chs-2 expression is controlled by the sulfatase-encoding developmental switch Ppa-eud-1. This study indicates a key role of chitin in the formation of teeth-like denticles and the complex feeding apparatus in nematodes.
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Shen S, Ding B, Jiang X, Yang M, Yang Q, Dong L. Discovery of novel inhibitors targeting nematode chitinase C eCht1: Virtual screening, biological evaluation, and molecular dynamics simulation. Front Chem 2022; 10:1021295. [PMID: 36405330 PMCID: PMC9669442 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1021295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes are a main limiting factor for worldwide agriculture. To reduce the global burden of nematode infections, chemical nematicides are still the most effective methods to manage nematodes. With the increasing resistance of nematodes, the development of new anti-nematicides drug is urgent. Nematode chitinases are found to play important roles in various physiological functions, such as larva moulting, hatching from eggshell, and host infection. Inhibition of nematode chitinase is considered a promising strategy for the development of eco-friendly nematicides. In this study, to develop novel nematode chitinase CeCht1 inhibitors, virtual screening of the ZINC database was performed using the pesticide-likeness rules, pharmacophore-based and docking-based approach in turn. Compounds HAU-4 and HAU-7 were identified as potent CeCht1 inhibitors with the IC50 values of 4.2 μM and 10.0 μM, respectively. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations combined with binding free energy and free energy decomposition calculations were conducted to investigate the basis for the potency of the two inhibitors toward CeCht1. This work gives an insight into the future rational development of novel and potent nematode chitinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqiang Shen
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Baokang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Xi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meiling Yang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lili Dong
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
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Kamal M, Tokmakjian L, Knox J, Mastrangelo P, Ji J, Cai H, Wojciechowski JW, Hughes MP, Takács K, Chu X, Pei J, Grolmusz V, Kotulska M, Forman-Kay JD, Roy PJ. A spatiotemporal reconstruction of the C. elegans pharyngeal cuticle reveals a structure rich in phase-separating proteins. eLife 2022; 11:e79396. [PMID: 36259463 PMCID: PMC9629831 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
How the cuticles of the roughly 4.5 million species of ecdysozoan animals are constructed is not well understood. Here, we systematically mine gene expression datasets to uncover the spatiotemporal blueprint for how the chitin-based pharyngeal cuticle of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is built. We demonstrate that the blueprint correctly predicts expression patterns and functional relevance to cuticle development. We find that as larvae prepare to molt, catabolic enzymes are upregulated and the genes that encode chitin synthase, chitin cross-linkers, and homologs of amyloid regulators subsequently peak in expression. Forty-eight percent of the gene products secreted during the molt are predicted to be intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), many of which belong to four distinct families whose transcripts are expressed in overlapping waves. These include the IDPAs, IDPBs, and IDPCs, which are introduced for the first time here. All four families have sequence properties that drive phase separation and we demonstrate phase separation for one exemplar in vitro. This systematic analysis represents the first blueprint for cuticle construction and highlights the massive contribution that phase-separating materials make to the structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muntasir Kamal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Levon Tokmakjian
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Jessica Knox
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Peter Mastrangelo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Jingxiu Ji
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Hao Cai
- Molecular Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoCanada
| | - Jakub W Wojciechowski
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Department of Biomedical EngineeringWroclawPoland
| | - Michael P Hughes
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalMemphisUnited States
| | - Kristóf Takács
- PIT Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Mathematics, Eötvös UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Xiaoquan Chu
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jianfeng Pei
- Department of Computer Science and Technology, Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Vince Grolmusz
- PIT Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Mathematics, Eötvös UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Malgorzata Kotulska
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Department of Biomedical EngineeringWroclawPoland
| | - Julie Deborah Forman-Kay
- Molecular Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoCanada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Peter J Roy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
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11
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Gong S, Meng Q, Qiao J, Huang Y, Zhong W, Zhang G, Zhang K, Li N, Shang Y, Li Z, Cai X. Biological Characteristics of Recombinant Arthrobotrys oligospora Chitinase AO-801. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2022; 60:345-352. [PMID: 36320111 PMCID: PMC9633153 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2022.60.5.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Chitinase AO-801 is a hydrolase secreted by Arthrobotrys oligospora during nematode feeding, while its role remained elusive. This study analyzed the molecular characteristics of recombinant chitinase of Arthrobotrys oligospora (reAO-801). AO-801 belongs to the typical glycoside hydrolase 18 family with conserved chitinase sequence and tertiary structure of (α/β)8 triose-phosphate isomerase (TIM) barrel. The molecular weight of reAO-801 was 42 kDa. reAO-801 effectively degraded colloidal and powdered chitin, egg lysate, and stage I larval lysate of Caenorhabditis elegans. The activity of reAO-801 reached its peak at 40˚C and pH values between 4-7. Enzyme activity was inhibited by Zn2+, Ca2+, and Fe3+, whereas Mg2+ and K+ potentiated its activity. In addition, urea, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and 2-mercaptoethanol significantly inhibited enzyme activity. reAO-801 showed complete nematicidal activity against C. elegans stage I larvae. reAO-801 broke down the C. elegans egg shells, causing them to die or die prematurely by hatching the eggs. It also invoked degradation of Haemonchus contortus eggs, resulting in apparent changes in the morphological structure. This study demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of reAO-801, which laid the foundation for further dissecting the mechanism of nematode infestation by A. oligospora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Gong
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Qingling Meng
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Jun Qiao
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Yunfu Huang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Wenqiang Zhong
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Guowu Zhang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Kai Zhang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Ningxing Li
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Yunxia Shang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003,
China
| | - Xuepeng Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046,
China
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12
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Differential regulation of degradation and immune pathways underlies adaptation of the ectosymbiotic nematode Laxus oneistus to oxic-anoxic interfaces. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9725. [PMID: 35697683 PMCID: PMC9192688 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13235-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotes may experience oxygen deprivation under both physiological and pathological conditions. Because oxygen shortage leads to a reduction in cellular energy production, all eukaryotes studied so far conserve energy by suppressing their metabolism. However, the molecular physiology of animals that naturally and repeatedly experience anoxia is underexplored. One such animal is the marine nematode Laxus oneistus. It thrives, invariably coated by its sulfur-oxidizing symbiont Candidatus Thiosymbion oneisti, in anoxic sulfidic or hypoxic sand. Here, transcriptomics and proteomics showed that, whether in anoxia or not, L. oneistus mostly expressed genes involved in ubiquitination, energy generation, oxidative stress response, immune response, development, and translation. Importantly, ubiquitination genes were also highly expressed when the nematode was subjected to anoxic sulfidic conditions, together with genes involved in autophagy, detoxification and ribosome biogenesis. We hypothesize that these degradation pathways were induced to recycle damaged cellular components (mitochondria) and misfolded proteins into nutrients. Remarkably, when L. oneistus was subjected to anoxic sulfidic conditions, lectin and mucin genes were also upregulated, potentially to promote the attachment of its thiotrophic symbiont. Furthermore, the nematode appeared to survive oxygen deprivation by using an alternative electron carrier (rhodoquinone) and acceptor (fumarate), to rewire the electron transfer chain. On the other hand, under hypoxia, genes involved in costly processes (e.g., amino acid biosynthesis, development, feeding, mating) were upregulated, together with the worm's Toll-like innate immunity pathway and several immune effectors (e.g., bactericidal/permeability-increasing proteins, fungicides). In conclusion, we hypothesize that, in anoxic sulfidic sand, L. oneistus upregulates degradation processes, rewires the oxidative phosphorylation and reinforces its coat of bacterial sulfur-oxidizers. In upper sand layers, instead, it appears to produce broad-range antimicrobials and to exploit oxygen for biosynthesis and development.
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13
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F H Strassert J, Rodríguez-Rojas A, Kuropka B, Krahl J, Kaya C, Pulat HC, Nurel M, Saroukh F, Radek R. Nephridiophagids (Chytridiomycota) reduce the fitness of their host insects. J Invertebr Pathol 2022; 192:107769. [PMID: 35597279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2022.107769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Nephridiophagids are unicellular fungi (Chytridiomycota), which infect the Malpighian tubules of insects. While most life cycle features are known, the effects of these endobionts on their hosts remain poorly understood. Here, we present results on the influence of an infection of the cockroach Blattella germanica with Nephridiophaga blattellae (Ni = Nephridiophaga-infected) on physical, physiological, and reproductive fitness parameters. Since the gut nematode Blatticola blattae is a further common parasite of B. germanica, we included double infected cockroaches (N+Ni = nematode plus Ni) in selected experiments. Ni individuals had lower fat reserves and showed reduced mobility. The lifespan of adult hosts was only slightly affected in these individuals but significantly shortened when both Nephridiophaga and nematodes were present. Ni as well as N+Ni females produced considerably less offspring than parasite-free (P-free) females. Immune parameters such as the number of hemocytes and phenoloxidase activity were barely changed by Nephridiophaga and/or nematode infections, while the ability to detoxify pesticides decreased. Quantitative proteomics from hemolymph of P-free, Ni, and N+Ni populations revealed clear differences in the expression profiles. For Ni animals, for example, the down-regulation of fatty acid synthases corroborates our finding of reduced fat reserves. Our study clearly shows that an infection with Nephridiophaga (and nematodes) leads to an overall reduced host fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen F H Strassert
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Evolutionary and Integrative Ecology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Alexandro Rodríguez-Rojas
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Internal Medicine - Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benno Kuropka
- Protein Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joscha Krahl
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cem Kaya
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hakan-Can Pulat
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mehmed Nurel
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fatma Saroukh
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Renate Radek
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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14
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Molecular analysis of genes involved in chitin degradation from the chitinolytic bacterium Bacillus velezensis. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2022; 115:215-231. [PMID: 35001244 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-021-01697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus velezensis RB.IBE29 is a potent biocontrol agent with high chitinase activity isolated from the rhizosphere of black pepper cultivated in the Central Highlands, Vietnam. Genome sequences revealed that this species possesses some GH18 chitinases and AA10 protein(s); however, these enzymes have not been experimentally characterized. In this work, three genes were identified from the genomic DNA of this bacterium and cloned in Escherichia coli. Sequence analysis exhibited that the ORF of chiA consists of 1,203 bp and encodes deduced 45.46 kDa-chitinase A of 400 aa. The domain structure of chitinase A is composed of a CBM 50 domain at the N-terminus and a catalytic domain at the C-terminus. The ORF of chiB includes 1,263 bp and encodes deduced 47.59 kDa-chitinase B of 420 aa. Chitinase B consists of two CBM50 domains at the N-terminus and a catalytic domain at the C-terminus. The ORF of lpmo10 is 621 bp and encodes a deduced 22.44 kDa-AA10 protein, BvLPMO10 of 206 aa. BvLPMO10 contains a signal peptide and an AA10 catalytic domain. Chitinases A and B were grouped into subfamily A of family 18 chitinases. Amino acid sequences in their catalytic domains lack aromatic residues (Trp, Phe, Tyr) probably involved in processivity and substrate binding compared with well-known bacterial GH18 chitinases. chiB was successfully expressed in E. coli. Purified rBvChiB degraded insoluble chitin and was responsible for inhibition of fungal spore-germination and egg hatching of plant-parasitic nematode. This is the first report describing the analysis of the chitinase system from B. velezensis.
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15
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Chen W, Chen Q, Kumar A, Jiang X, Zhang KYJ, Yang Q. Structure-based virtual screening of highly potent inhibitors of the nematode chitinase CeCht1. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:1198-1204. [PMID: 34074203 PMCID: PMC8174485 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1931862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematode chitinases play vital roles in various physiological processes, including egg hatching, larva moulting, and reproduction. Small-molecule inhibitors of nematode chitinases have potential applications for controlling nematode pests. On the basis of the crystal structure of CeCht1, a representative chitinase indispensable to the eggshell chitin degradation of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we have discovered a series of novel inhibitors bearing a (R)-3,4-diphenyl-4,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazol-6(2H)-one scaffold by hierarchical virtual screening. The crystal structures of CeCht1 complexed with two of these inhibitors clearly elucidated their interactions with the enzyme active site. Based on the inhibitory mechanism, several analogues with improved inhibitory activities were identified, among which the compound PP28 exhibited the most potent activity with a Ki value of 0.18 μM. This work provides the structural basis for the development of novel nematode chitinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Xi Jiang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
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16
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Hu C, Ma Z, Zhu J, Fan Y, Tuo B, Li T, Liu X. Physiological and pathophysiological roles of acidic mammalian chitinase (CHIA) in multiple organs. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 138:111465. [PMID: 34311522 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acidic mammalian chitinase (CHIA) belongs to the 18-glycosidase family and is expressed in epithelial cells and certain immune cells (such as neutrophils and macrophages) in various organs. Under physiological conditions, as a hydrolase, CHIA can degrade chitin-containing pathogens, participate in Type 2 helper T (Th2)-mediated inflammation, and enhance innate and adaptive immunity to pathogen invasion. Under pathological conditions, such as rhinitis, ocular conjunctivitis, asthma, chronic atrophic gastritis, type 2 diabetes, and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, CHIA expression is significantly changed. In addition, studies have shown that CHIA has an anti-apoptotic effect, promotes epithelial cell proliferation and maintains organ integrity, and these effects are not related to chitinase degradation. CHIA can also be used as a biomolecular marker in diseases such as chronic atrophic gastritis, dry eye, and acute kidney damage caused by sepsis. Analysis of the authoritative TCGA database shows that CHIA expression in gastric adenocarcinoma, liver cancer, renal clear cell carcinoma and other tumors is significantly downregulated compared with that in normal tissues, but the specific mechanism is unclear. This review is based on all surveys conducted to date and summarizes the expression patterns and functional diversity of CHIA in various organs. Understanding the physiological and pathophysiological relevance of CHIA in multiple organs opens new possibilities for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China; Digestive Disease Institute of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China; Digestive Disease Institute of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China; Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China; Digestive Disease Institute of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China
| | - Yi Fan
- Endoscopy center, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China
| | - Biguang Tuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China; Digestive Disease Institute of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China; Endoscopy center, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China
| | - Taolang Li
- Digestive Disease Institute of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China; Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China.
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China; Digestive Disease Institute of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China; Endoscopy center, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province 563003, China.
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17
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Chen Q, Chen W, Kumar A, Jiang X, Janezic M, Zhang KYJ, Yang Q. Crystal Structure and Structure-Based Discovery of Inhibitors of the Nematode Chitinase CeCht1. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:3519-3526. [PMID: 33691404 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nematode chitinases play crucial roles in various processes of the nematode lifecycle, including hatching, molting, and reproduction. Small-molecule inhibitors of nematode chitinases have shown promise for controlling nematode pests. However, the lack of structural information makes it a challenge to develop nematicides targeting nematode chitinases. Here, we report the first crystal structure of a representative nematode chitinase, that of CeCht1 from the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, to a 1.7 Å resolution. CeCht1 is a highly conserved chitinase among nematodes, and structural comparison with other chitinases revealed that CeCht1 has a classical TIM-barrel fold with some subtle structural differences in the substrate-binding cleft. Benefiting from the obtained crystal structure, we identified a series of novel inhibitors by hierarchical virtual screening. Analysis of the structure-activity relationships of these compounds provided insight into their interactions with the enzyme active site, which may inform future work in improving the potencies of their inhibitory activities. This work gives an insight into the structural features of nematode chitinases and provides a solid basis for the development of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Xi Jiang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Matej Janezic
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
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18
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The Developmental Transcriptome of Bagworm, Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) and Insights into Chitin Biosynthesis Genes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 12:genes12010007. [PMID: 33374651 PMCID: PMC7822449 DOI: 10.3390/genes12010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bagworm, Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) is a ubiquitous insect pest in the oil palm plantations. M. plana infestation could reduce the oil palm productivity by 40% if it remains untreated over two consecutive years. Despite the urgency to tackle this issue, the genome and transcriptome of M. plana have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we report a comprehensive transcriptome dataset from four different developmental stages of M. plana, comprising of egg, third instar larva, pupa and female adult. The de novo transcriptome assembly of the raw data had produced a total of 193,686 transcripts, which were then annotated against UniProt, NCBI non-redundant (NR) database, Gene Ontology, Cluster of Orthologous Group, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. From this, 46,534 transcripts were annotated and mapped to 146 known metabolic or signalling KEGG pathways. The paper further identified 41 differentially expressed transcripts encoding seven genes in the chitin biosynthesis pathways, and their expressions across each developmental stage were further analysed. The genetic diversity of M. plana was profiled whereby there were 21,516 microsatellite sequences and 379,895 SNPs loci found in the transcriptome of M. plana. These datasets add valuable transcriptomic resources for further study of developmental gene expression, transcriptional regulations and functional gene activities involved in the development of M. plana. Identification of regulatory genes in the chitin biosynthesis pathway may also help in developing an RNAi-mediated pest control management by targeting certain pathways, and functional studies of the genes in M. plana.
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19
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Cohen JD, Sundaram MV. C. elegans Apical Extracellular Matrices Shape Epithelia. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:E23. [PMID: 33036165 PMCID: PMC7712855 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8040023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat exposed surfaces of epithelia to shape developing tissues and protect them from environmental insults. Despite their widespread importance for human health, aECMs are poorly understood compared to basal and stromal ECMs. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains a variety of distinct aECMs, some of which share many of the same types of components (lipids, lipoproteins, collagens, zona pellucida domain proteins, chondroitin glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans) with mammalian aECMs. These aECMs include the eggshell, a glycocalyx-like pre-cuticle, both collagenous and chitin-based cuticles, and other understudied aECMs of internal epithelia. C. elegans allows rapid genetic manipulations and live imaging of fluorescently-tagged aECM components, and is therefore providing new insights into aECM structure, trafficking, assembly, and functions in tissue shaping.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meera V. Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine 415 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6145, USA;
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20
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Yilmaz LS, Li X, Nanda S, Fox B, Schroeder F, Walhout AJ. Modeling tissue-relevant Caenorhabditis elegans metabolism at network, pathway, reaction, and metabolite levels. Mol Syst Biol 2020; 16:e9649. [PMID: 33022146 PMCID: PMC7537831 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20209649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolism is a highly compartmentalized process that provides building blocks for biomass generation during development, homeostasis, and wound healing, and energy to support cellular and organismal processes. In metazoans, different cells and tissues specialize in different aspects of metabolism. However, studying the compartmentalization of metabolism in different cell types in a whole animal and for a particular stage of life is difficult. Here, we present MEtabolic models Reconciled with Gene Expression (MERGE), a computational pipeline that we used to predict tissue-relevant metabolic function at the network, pathway, reaction, and metabolite levels based on single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Our analysis recapitulated known tissue functions in C. elegans, captured metabolic properties that are shared with similar tissues in human, and provided predictions for novel metabolic functions. MERGE is versatile and applicable to other systems. We envision this work as a starting point for the development of metabolic network models for individual cells as scRNA-seq continues to provide higher-resolution gene expression data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfu Safak Yilmaz
- Program in Systems Biology, Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Xuhang Li
- Program in Systems Biology, Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shivani Nanda
- Program in Systems Biology, Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bennett Fox
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Frank Schroeder
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Albertha Jm Walhout
- Program in Systems Biology, Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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21
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Mani V, Reddy CS, Lee SK, Park S, Ko HR, Kim DG, Hahn BS. Chitin Biosynthesis Inhibition of Meloidogyne incognita by RNAi-Mediated Gene Silencing Increases Resistance to Transgenic Tobacco Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6626. [PMID: 32927773 PMCID: PMC7555284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Meloidogyne incognita is a devastating plant parasitic nematode that causes root knot disease in a wide range of plants. In the present study, we investigated host-induced RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing of chitin biosynthesis pathway genes (chitin synthase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, and trehalase) in transgenic tobacco plants. To develop an RNAi vector, ubiquitin (UBQ1) promoter was directly cloned, and to generate an RNAi construct, expression of three genes was suppressed using the GATEWAY system. Further, transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana lines expressing dsRNA for chitin synthase (CS), glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), and trehalase 1 (TH1) were generated. Quantitative PCR analysis confirmed endogenous mRNA expression of root knot nematode (RKN) and revealed that all three genes were more highly expressed in the female stage than in eggs and in the parasitic stage. In vivo, transformed roots were challenged with M. incognita. The number of eggs and root knots were significantly decreased by 60-90% in RNAi transgenic lines. As evident, root galls obtained from transgenic RNAi lines exhibited 0.01- to 0.70-fold downregulation of transcript levels of targeted genes compared with galls isolated from control plants. Furthermore, phenotypic characteristics such as female size and width were also marginally altered, while effect of egg mass per egg number in RNAi transgenic lines was reduced. These results indicate the relevance and significance of targeting chitin biosynthesis genes during the nematode lifespan. Overall, our results suggest that further developments in RNAi efficiency in commercially valued crops can be applied to employ RNAi against other plant parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimalraj Mani
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (V.M.); (C.S.R.); (S.-K.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Chinreddy Subramanyam Reddy
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (V.M.); (C.S.R.); (S.-K.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Seon-Kyeong Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (V.M.); (C.S.R.); (S.-K.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Soyoung Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju 54874, Korea; (V.M.); (C.S.R.); (S.-K.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Hyoung-Rai Ko
- Crop Protection Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea;
| | - Dong-Gwan Kim
- Department of Bio-Industry and Bio-Resource Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea;
| | - Bum-Soo Hahn
- National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju 54874, Korea
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22
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Jia X, Rajib MR, Yin H. Recognition Pattern, Functional Mechanism and Application of Chitin and Chitosan Oligosaccharides in Sustainable Agriculture. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:3508-3521. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200617165915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Application of chitin attracts much attention in the past decades as the second abundant
polysaccharides in the world after cellulose. Chitin oligosaccharides (CTOS) and its deacetylated derivative chitosan
oligosaccharides (COS) were shown great potentiality in agriculture by enhancing plant resistance to abiotic
or biotic stresses, promoting plant growth and yield, improving fruits quality and storage, etc. Those applications
have already served huge economic and social benefits for many years. However, the recognition mode and functional
mechanism of CTOS and COS on plants have gradually revealed just in recent years.
Objective:
Recognition pattern and functional mechanism of CTOS and COS in plant together with application
status of COS in agricultural production will be well described in this review. By which we wish to promote
further development and application of CTOS and COS–related products in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Jia
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Mijanur R. Rajib
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Heng Yin
- Dalian Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Agricultural Preparations, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrates, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
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23
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Starich TA, Bai X, Greenstein D. Gap junctions deliver malonyl-CoA from soma to germline to support embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. eLife 2020; 9:58619. [PMID: 32735213 PMCID: PMC7445009 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are ubiquitous in metazoans and play critical roles in important biological processes, including electrical conduction and development. Yet, only a few defined molecules passing through gap junction channels have been linked to specific functions. We isolated gap junction channel mutants that reduce coupling between the soma and germ cells in the Caenorhabditis elegans gonad. We provide evidence that malonyl-CoA, the rate-limiting substrate for fatty acid synthesis (FAS), is produced in the soma and delivered through gap junctions to the germline; there it is used in fatty acid synthesis to critically support embryonic development. Separation of malonyl-CoA production from its site of utilization facilitates somatic control of germline development. Additionally, we demonstrate that loss of malonyl-CoA production in the intestine negatively impacts germline development independently of FAS. Our results suggest that metabolic outsourcing of malonyl-CoA may be a strategy by which the soma communicates nutritional status to the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Starich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Xiaofei Bai
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - David Greenstein
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
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Parker DM, Winkenbach LP, Boyson S, Saxton MN, Daidone C, Al-Mazaydeh ZA, Nishimura MT, Mueller F, Osborne Nishimura E. mRNA localization is linked to translation regulation in the Caenorhabditis elegans germ lineage. Development 2020; 147:dev186817. [PMID: 32541012 PMCID: PMC7358130 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans early embryos generate cell-specific transcriptomes despite lacking active transcription, thereby presenting an opportunity to study mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulatory control. We observed that some cell-specific mRNAs accumulate non-homogenously within cells, localizing to membranes, P granules (associated with progenitor germ cells in the P lineage) and P-bodies (associated with RNA processing). The subcellular distribution of transcripts differed in their dependence on 3'UTRs and RNA binding proteins, suggesting diverse regulatory mechanisms. Notably, we found strong but imperfect correlations between low translational status and P granule localization within the progenitor germ lineage. By uncoupling translation from mRNA localization, we untangled a long-standing question: Are mRNAs directed to P granules to be translationally repressed, or do they accumulate there as a consequence of this repression? We found that translational repression preceded P granule localization and could occur independently of it. Further, disruption of translation was sufficient to send homogenously distributed mRNAs to P granules. These results implicate transcriptional repression as a means to deliver essential maternal transcripts to the progenitor germ lineage for later translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan M Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Lindsay P Winkenbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Sam Boyson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Matthew N Saxton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Camryn Daidone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Zainab A Al-Mazaydeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13115, Jordan
| | - Marc T Nishimura
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Florian Mueller
- Département Biologie Cellulaire et Infections, Unité Imagerie et Modélisation, Institut Pasteur and CNRS UMR 3691, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Erin Osborne Nishimura
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Teething during sleep: Ultrastructural analysis of pharyngeal muscle and cuticular grinder during the molt in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233059. [PMID: 32433687 PMCID: PMC7239488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex extracellular structures exist throughout phylogeny, but the dynamics of their formation and dissolution are often opaque. One example is the pharyngeal grinder of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, an extracellular structure that ruptures bacteria during feeding. During each larval transition stage, called lethargus, the grinder is replaced with one of a larger size. Here, we characterize at the ultrastructural level the deconstruction of the larval grinder and the construction of the adult grinder during the fourth larval stage (L4)-to-adult transition. Early in L4 lethargus, pharyngeal muscle cells trans-differentiate from contractile to secretory cells, as evidenced by the appearance of clear and dense core vesicles and disruptions in sarcomere organization. This is followed, within minutes, by the dissolution of the L4 grinder and the formation and maturation of the adult grinder. Components of the nascent adult grinder are deposited basally, and are separated from the dissolving larval grinder by a visible apical layer. The complete grinder is a lamellated extracellular matrix comprised of five layers. Following grinder formation, pharyngeal muscle cells regain ultrastructural contractile properties, and muscle contractions resume. Our findings add to our understanding of how complex extracellular structures assemble and dissemble.
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Krenger R, Burri JT, Lehnert T, Nelson BJ, Gijs MAM. Force microscopy of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryonic eggshell. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:29. [PMID: 32382445 PMCID: PMC7196560 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-0137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Assays focusing on emerging biological phenomena in an animal's life can be performed during embryogenesis. While the embryo of Caenorhabditis elegans has been extensively studied, its biomechanical properties are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that cellular force microscopy (CFM), a recently developed technique that combines micro-indentation with high resolution force sensing approaching that of atomic force microscopy, can be successfully applied to C. elegans embryos. We performed, for the first time, a quantitative study of the mechanical properties of the eggshell of living C. elegans embryos and demonstrate the capability of the system to detect alterations of its mechanical parameters and shell defects upon chemical treatments. In addition to investigating natural eggshells, we applied different eggshell treatments, i.e., exposure to sodium hypochlorite and chitinase solutions, respectively, that selectively modified the multilayer eggshell structure, in order to evaluate the impact of the different layers on the mechanical integrity of the embryo. Finite element method simulations based on a simple embryo model were used to extract characteristic eggshell parameters from the experimental micro-indentation force-displacement curves. We found a strong correlation between the severity of the chemical treatment and the rigidity of the shell. Furthermore, our results showed, in contrast to previous assumptions, that short bleach treatments not only selectively remove the outermost vitelline layer of the eggshell, but also significantly degenerate the underlying chitin layer, which is primarily responsible for the mechanical stability of the egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Krenger
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jan T. Burri
- Multi-Scale Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zürich, 8092 Switzerland
| | - Thomas Lehnert
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bradley J. Nelson
- Multi-Scale Robotics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zürich, 8092 Switzerland
| | - Martin A. M. Gijs
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Yu CC(J, Barry NC, Wassie AT, Sinha A, Bhattacharya A, Asano S, Zhang C, Chen F, Hobert O, Goodman MB, Haspel G, Boyden ES. Expansion microscopy of C. elegans. eLife 2020; 9:e46249. [PMID: 32356725 PMCID: PMC7195193 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently developed expansion microscopy (ExM), which achieves nanoscale-precise imaging of specimens at ~70 nm resolution (with ~4.5x linear expansion) by isotropic swelling of chemically processed, hydrogel-embedded tissue. ExM of C. elegans is challenged by its cuticle, which is stiff and impermeable to antibodies. Here we present a strategy, expansion of C. elegans (ExCel), to expand fixed, intact C. elegans. ExCel enables simultaneous readout of fluorescent proteins, RNA, DNA location, and anatomical structures at resolutions of ~65-75 nm (3.3-3.8x linear expansion). We also developed epitope-preserving ExCel, which enables imaging of endogenous proteins stained by antibodies, and iterative ExCel, which enables imaging of fluorescent proteins after 20x linear expansion. We demonstrate the utility of the ExCel toolbox for mapping synaptic proteins, for identifying previously unreported proteins at cell junctions, and for gene expression analysis in multiple individual neurons of the same animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chieh (Jay) Yu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Nicholas C Barry
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Asmamaw T Wassie
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Anubhav Sinha
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Abhishek Bhattacharya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Shoh Asano
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Chi Zhang
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Fei Chen
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Miriam B Goodman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Gal Haspel
- Federated Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University-NewarkNewarkUnited States
- The Brain Research Institute, New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewarkUnited States
| | - Edward S Boyden
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
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Bruns AN, Lo SH. Tensin regulates pharyngeal pumping in Caenorhabditis elegans. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 522:599-603. [PMID: 31784086 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tensin is a focal adhesion molecule that is known to regulate cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Although there are four tensin homologs (TNS1, TNS2, TNS3, and CTEN/TNS4) in mammals, only one tensin gene is found in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sequence analysis suggests that Caenorhabditis elegans tensin is slightly closer aligned with human TNS1 than with other human tensins. To establish the role of TNS1 in Caenorhabditis elegans, we have generated TNS1 knockout (KO) worms by CRISPR-Cas9 and homologous recombination directed repair approaches. Lack of TNS1 does not appear to affect the development or gross morphology of the worms. Nonetheless, defecation cycles are significantly longer in TNS1 KO worms. In addition, their pharyngeal pumping rate is markedly faster, which is likely due to a shorter pump duration in the KO worms. These findings indicate that TNS1 is not required for the development and survival of Caenorhabditis elegans but point to a critical role in modulating defecation and pharyngeal pumping rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron N Bruns
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Su Hao Lo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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29
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Shi Y, Fan Z, Li G, Zhang L, Yue Z, Yan X, Xu A, Huang S. The family of amphioxus chitin synthases offers insight into the evolution of chitin formation in chordates. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 143:106691. [PMID: 31759175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chitin is a very important and widely-used biopolymer in fungi and lower metazoans, but mysteriously disappears in mammals. Recent studies reveal that at least lower vertebrates have chitin synthases (CS) and use them to synthesize endogenous chitin. Amphioxus, a basal chordate, therefore becomes critical to understand the evolution of CS, as it occupies the transitional position from invertebrates to vertebrates, and is considered as a good proxy to the chordate ancestor. Here, by exploiting multiple genome assemblies, high-depth RNA-seq data and synteny relations, we identify 11-12 CS genes for each amphioxus species. It represents the largest CS gene pool ever found in eukaryotes so far. As comparison, most metazoans have one or two CSs. Amphioxus is the only chordate that has both the very ancient type-I CS family and the more broadly distributed type-II CS family. Specifically, amphioxus has only one type-II CS but 10-11 type-I CSs, which means that amphioxus is the only metazoan with a greatly expanded type-I CS family. Further analysis suggests that the chordate ancestor have at least one type-II CS and an expanded of type-I CS family. We hypothesize that: these ancient CSs are mostly retained in amphioxus; but the whole type-I CS family was lost in urochordates and vertebrates; the type-II CS was later duplicated into two lineages in vertebrates and followed by stochastic losses, till all type-II CSs were eventually lost in birds and mammals. Finally, our expression profiling and preliminary gene knockout analysis suggest that amphioxus CSs could have highly diverse but mildly overlapping functions in various tissues and organs. Taken together, these findings not only provide insights into the evolution of chordate CSs, lay a foundation for further functional study of the chordate CSs. After all, it is mysterious that our chordate ancestor needed so many isoenzymes for chitin formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhaoyu Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zirui Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anlong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengfeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Silencing of cyp-33C9 Gene Affects the Reproduction and Pathogenicity of the Pine Wood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184520. [PMID: 31547281 PMCID: PMC6770203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 genes are very important for plant-parasitic nematodes to reproduce and to metabolize xenobiotic compounds generated by their host plants. The pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, causes very high annual economic losses by killing large numbers of pine trees across Asia and into Europe. In this study, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to analyze the function of the cyp-33C9 gene of PWN. Our results showed that expression of the cyp-33C9 gene was suppressed successfully after soaking nematodes for 24 h in cyp-33C9 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The silencing of the cyp-33C9 gene significantly decreased the feeding, reproduction, oviposition and egg hatch of B. xylophilus. Meanwhile, the migration speed of B. xylophilus in Pinus thunbergii was reduced in the early stages when the cyp-33C9 gene was silenced in the nematodes. Moreover, knockdown of the cyp-33C9 gene in B. xylophilus caused a decrease in pathogenicity to pine trees. These results suggest that the cyp-33C9 gene plays an important role in the reproduction and pathogenicity of B. xylophilus. This discovery identified several functions of the cyp-33C9 gene in B. xylophilus and provided useful information for understanding the molecular mechanism behind pine wilt disease caused by PWN.
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Melesse M, Bembenek JN. Cracking the eggshell: A novel link to intracellular signaling. Dev Biol 2019; 453:107-109. [PMID: 31181194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Melesse
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, UT Knoxville, 414 Mossman Building, 1311 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Joshua N Bembenek
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, UT Knoxville, 414 Mossman Building, 1311 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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Kanaki N, Matsuda A, Dejima K, Murata D, Nomura KH, Ohkura T, Gengyo-Ando K, Yoshina S, Mitani S, Nomura K. UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-dolichyl-phosphate N-acetylglucosaminephosphotransferase is indispensable for oogenesis, oocyte-to-embryo transition, and larval development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Glycobiology 2019; 29:163-178. [PMID: 30445613 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwy104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
N-linked glycosylation of proteins is the most common post-translational modification of proteins. The enzyme UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-dolichyl-phosphate N-acetylglucosaminephosphotransferase (DPAGT1) catalyses the first step of N-glycosylation, and DPAGT1 knockout is embryonic lethal in mice. In this study, we identified the sole orthologue (algn-7) of the human DPAGT1 in the nematode C. elegans. The gene activity was disrupted by RNAi and deletion mutagenesis, which resulted in larval lethality, defects in oogenesis and oocyte-to-embryo transition. Endomitotic oocytes, abnormal fusion of pronuclei, abnormal AB cell rotation, disruption of permeation barriers of eggs, and abnormal expression of chitin and chitin synthase in oocytes and eggs were the typical phenotypes observed. The results indicate that N-glycosylation is indispensable for these processes. We further screened an N-glycosylated protein database of C. elegans, and identified 456 germline-expressed genes coding N-glycosylated proteins. By examining RNAi phenotypes, we identified five germline-expressed genes showing similar phenotypes to the algn-7 (RNAi) animals. They were ribo-1, stt-3, ptc-1, ptc-2, and vha-19. We identified known congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) genes (ribo-1 and stt-3) and a recently found CDG gene (vha-19). The results show that phenotype analyses using the nematode could be a powerful tool to detect new CDG candidate genes and their associated gene networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Kanaki
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ayako Matsuda
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Katsufumi Dejima
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Murata
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuko H Nomura
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohkura
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Gengyo-Ando
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sawako Yoshina
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shohei Mitani
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuya Nomura
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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33
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Choi S, Ambros V. The C. elegans heterochronic gene lin-28 coordinates the timing of hypodermal and somatic gonadal programs for hermaphrodite reproductive system morphogenesis. Development 2019; 146:dev164293. [PMID: 30745431 PMCID: PMC6432661 DOI: 10.1242/dev.164293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
C. elegans heterochronic genes determine the timing of expression of specific cell fates in particular stages of developing larvae. However, their broader roles in coordinating developmental events across diverse tissues have been less well investigated. Here, we show that loss of lin-28, a central heterochronic regulator of hypodermal development, causes reduced fertility associated with abnormal somatic gonadal morphology. In particular, the abnormal spermatheca-uterine valve morphology of lin-28(lf) hermaphrodites traps embryos in the spermatheca, which disrupts ovulation and causes embryonic lethality. The same genes that act downstream of lin-28 in the regulation of hypodermal developmental timing also act downstream of lin-28 in somatic gonadal morphogenesis and fertility. Importantly, we find that hypodermal expression, but not somatic gonadal expression, of lin-28 is sufficient for restoring normal somatic gonadal morphology in lin-28(lf) mutants. We propose that the abnormal somatic gonadal morphogenesis of lin-28(lf) hermaphrodites results from temporal discoordination between the accelerated hypodermal development and normally timed somatic gonadal development. Thus, our findings exemplify how a cell-intrinsic developmental timing program can also control proper development of other interacting tissues, presumably by cell non-autonomous signal(s). This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwook Choi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Victor Ambros
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Page AP, Roberts M, Félix MA, Pickard D, Page A, Weir W. The golden death bacillus Chryseobacterium nematophagum is a novel matrix digesting pathogen of nematodes. BMC Biol 2019; 17:10. [PMID: 30813925 PMCID: PMC6394051 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0632-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nematodes represent important pathogens of humans and farmed animals and cause significant health and economic impacts. The control of nematodes is primarily carried out by applying a limited number of anthelmintic compounds, for which there is now widespread resistance being reported. There is a current unmet need to develop novel control measures including the identification and characterisation of natural pathogens of nematodes. RESULTS Nematode killing bacilli were isolated from a rotten fruit in association with wild free-living nematodes. These bacteria belong to the Chryseobacterium genus (golden bacteria) and represent a new species named Chryseobacterium nematophagum. These bacilli are oxidase-positive, flexirubin-pigmented, gram-negative rods that exhibit gelatinase activity. Caenorhabditis elegans are attracted to and eat these bacteria. Within 3 h of ingestion, however, the bacilli have degraded the anterior pharyngeal chitinous lining and entered the body cavity, ultimately killing the host. Within 24 h, the internal contents of the worms are digested followed by the final digestion of the remaining cuticle over a 2-3-day period. These bacteria will also infect and kill bacterivorous free-living (L1-L3) stages of all tested parasitic nematodes including the important veterinary Trichostrongylids such as Haemonchus contortus and Ostertagia ostertagi. The bacteria exhibit potent collagen-digesting properties, and genome sequencing has identified novel metalloprotease, collagenase and chitinase enzymes representing potential virulence factors. CONCLUSIONS Chryseobacterium nematophagum is a newly discovered pathogen of nematodes that rapidly kills environmental stages of a wide range of key nematode parasites. These bacilli exhibit a unique invasion process, entering the body via the anterior pharynx through the specific degradation of extracellular matrices. This bacterial pathogen represents a prospective biological control agent for important nematode parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony P Page
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Mark Roberts
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Marie-Anne Félix
- Institute of Biology of the Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Paris, France
| | - Derek Pickard
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Page
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - William Weir
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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35
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Sato K, Kadota Y, Shirasu K. Plant Immune Responses to Parasitic Nematodes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1165. [PMID: 31616453 PMCID: PMC6775239 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs), such as root-knot nematodes (RKNs) and cyst nematodes (CNs), are among the most devastating pests in agriculture. RKNs and CNs induce redifferentiation of root cells into feeding cells, which provide water and nutrients to these nematodes. Plants trigger immune responses to PPN infection by recognizing PPN invasion through several different but complementary systems. Plants recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) sderived from PPNs by cell surface-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), leading to pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). Plants can also recognize tissue and cellular damage caused by invasion or migration of PPNs through PRR-based recognition of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Resistant plants have the added ability to recognize PPN effectors via intracellular nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR)-type immune receptors, leading to NLR-triggered immunity. Some PRRs may also recognize apoplastic PPN effectors and induce PTI. Plant immune responses against PPNs include the secretion of anti-nematode enzymes, the production of anti-nematode compounds, cell wall reinforcement, production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, and hypersensitive response-mediated cell death. In this review, we summarize the recognition mechanisms for PPN infection and what is known about PPN-induced immune responses in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Sato
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kadota
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yasuhiro Kadota, ; Ken Shirasu,
| | - Ken Shirasu
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yasuhiro Kadota, ; Ken Shirasu,
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Chitin Prevalence and Function in Bacteria, Fungi and Protists. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1142:19-59. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7318-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Cohen JD, Flatt KM, Schroeder NE, Sundaram MV. Epithelial Shaping by Diverse Apical Extracellular Matrices Requires the Nidogen Domain Protein DEX-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2019; 211:185-200. [PMID: 30409789 PMCID: PMC6325709 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The body's external surfaces and the insides of biological tubes, like the vascular system, are lined by a lipid-, glycoprotein-, and glycosaminoglycan-rich apical extracellular matrix (aECM). aECMs are the body's first line of defense against infectious agents and promote tissue integrity and morphogenesis, but are poorly described relative to basement membranes and stromal ECMs. While some aECM components, such as zona pellucida (ZP) domain proteins, have been identified, little is known regarding the overall composition of the aECM or the mechanisms by which different aECM components work together to shape epithelial tissues. In Caenorhabditis elegans, external epithelia develop in the context of an ill-defined ZP-containing aECM that precedes secretion of the collagenous cuticle. C. elegans has 43 genes that encode at least 65 unique ZP proteins, and we show that some of these comprise distinct precuticle aECMs in the embryo. Previously, the nidogen- and EGF-domain protein DEX-1 was shown to anchor dendrites to the C. elegans nose tip in concert with the ZP protein DYF-7 Here, we identified a new, strong loss-of-function allele of dex-1, cs201dex-1 mutants die as L1 larvae and have a variety of tissue distortion phenotypes, including excretory defects, pharyngeal ingression, alae defects, and a short and fat body shape, that strongly resemble those of genes encoding ZP proteins. DEX-1 localizes to ZP-containing aECMs in the tissues that show defects in dex-1 mutants. Our studies suggest that DEX-1 is a component of multiple distinct embryonic aECMs that shape developing epithelia, and a potential partner of multiple ZP proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Kristen M Flatt
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801-4730
| | - Nathan E Schroeder
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801-4730
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801-4730
| | - Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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Abstract
Chitin is a linear polysaccharide of the amino sugar N-acetyl glucosamine. It is present in the extracellular matrix of a variety of invertebrates including sponges, molluscs, nematodes and arthropods and fungi. Generally, it is an important component of protective or supportive extracellular matrices that cover the tissue that produces it or the whole body of the organism. Chitin fibres associate with each other adopting one of three possible crystalline organisations, i.e. α-, β- or γ-chitin. Usually, chitin fibre bundles interact with chitin-binding proteins forming higher order structures. Chitin laminae, which are two-dimensional sheets of α-chitin crystals with antiparallel running chitin fibres in association with β-folded proteins, are primary constituents of the arthropod cuticle and the fibrous extracellular matrix in sponges. A tri-dimensional composite material of proteins coacervates and β-chitin constitute hard biomaterials such as the squid beak. The molecular composition of γ-chitin-based structures that contribute to the physical barrier found in insect cocoons is less well studied. In principle, chitin is a versatile extracellular polysaccharide that in association with proteins defines the mechanical properties of tissues and organisms.
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Chen Q, Peng D. Nematode Chitin and Application. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1142:209-219. [PMID: 31102248 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7318-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematode infection is a global problem for agriculture and forestry. There is clearly a need for novel nematicides, because of the pitifully small repertoire of nematicides available and the effectiveness of losing or environmental prohibition of these nematicides. Chitin is the essential component of nematode eggshell and pharynx. The disturbance of chitin synthesis or hydrolysis led to nematode embryonic lethal, laying defective eggs or moulting failure. Thus, the key components in the chitin metabolic process are promising targets for anti-nematode agent's development. In this chapter, we focus on chitin and chitin synthase of nematodes, chitinases and their roles in nematode survival and application of chitin in nematode control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Deliang Peng
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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González DP, Lamb HV, Partida D, Wilson ZT, Harrison MC, Prieto JA, Moresco JJ, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Olson SK. CBD-1 organizes two independent complexes required for eggshell vitelline layer formation and egg activation in C. elegans. Dev Biol 2018; 442:288-300. [PMID: 30120927 PMCID: PMC6143425 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Metazoan eggs have a specialized coat of extracellular matrix that aids in sperm-egg recognition. The coat is rapidly remodeled after fertilization to prevent polyspermy and establish a more permanent barrier to protect the developing embryo. In nematodes, this coat is called the vitelline layer, which is remodeled into the outermost layer of a rigid and impermeable eggshell. We have identified three key components of the vitelline layer structural scaffold - PERM-2, PERM-4 and CBD-1, the first such proteins to be described in the nematode C. elegans. CBD-1 tethered PERM-2 and PERM-4 to the nascent vitelline layer via two N-terminal chitin-binding domains. After fertilization, all three proteins redistributed from the zygote surface to the outer eggshell. Depletion of PERM-2 and PERM-4 from the scaffold led to a porous vitelline layer that permitted soluble factors to leak through the eggshell and resulted in embryonic death. In addition to its role in vitelline layer assembly, CBD-1 is also known to anchor a protein complex required for fertilization and egg activation (EGG-1-5/CHS-1/MBK-2). We found the PERM complex and EGG complex to be functionally independent, and structurally organized through distinct domains of CBD-1. CBD-1 is thus a multifaceted regulator that promotes distinct aspects of vitelline layer assembly and egg activation. In sum, our findings characterize the first vitelline layer components in nematodes, and provide a foundation through which to explore both conserved and species-specific strategies used by animals to build protective barriers following fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfina P González
- Department of Biology and Program in Molecular Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Helen V Lamb
- Department of Biology and Program in Molecular Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Diana Partida
- Department of Biology and Program in Molecular Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Zachary T Wilson
- Department of Biology and Program in Molecular Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Marie-Claire Harrison
- Department of Biology and Program in Molecular Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Julián A Prieto
- Department of Biology and Program in Molecular Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - James J Moresco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sara K Olson
- Department of Biology and Program in Molecular Biology, Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711, USA.
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Abstract
In all animals, oocytes are surrounded by an extracellular matrix upon fertilization. This matrix serves similar purposes in each animal. It functions to mediate sperm binding, to prevent polyspermy, to control the chemical environment of the embryo, and to provide physical protection to the embryo as it developes. The synthesis of the C. elegans matrix, or eggshell, begins when the oocyte enters the spermatheca and is fertilized by a single sperm. The process of eggshell synthesis is thought to take place during the completion of the maternal meiotic divisions such that the multi-layered eggshell is completed by anaphase II. The synthesis of the eggshell occurs in a hierarchical pattern in which the outermost layers are synthesized first in order to capture and retain the innermost layers as they form. Recent studies have revealed that the lipid-rich permeability barrier is distinct from the outer trilaminar eggshell. These new findings alter our previous understanding of the eggshell. This chapter aims to define each of the eggshell layers and the molecules that are known to play significant roles in their formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn K Stein
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Andy Golden
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Aras BS, Zhou YC, Dawes A, Chou CS. The importance of mechanical constraints for proper polarization and psuedo-cleavage furrow generation in the early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. PLoS Comput Biol 2018; 14:e1006294. [PMID: 29985915 PMCID: PMC6053242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular polarization, where a cell specifies a spatial axis by segregation of specific factors, is a fundamental biological process. In the early embryo of the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), polarization is often accompanied by deformations of the cortex, a highly contractile structure consisting of actin filaments cross-linked by the motor protein myosin (actomyosin). It has been suggested that the eggshell surrounding the early embryo plays a role in polarization although its function is not understood. Here we develop a mathematical model which couples a reaction-diffusion model of actomyosin dynamics with a phase field model of the cell cortex to implicitly track cell shape changes in the early C. elegans embryo. We investigate the potential rigidity effect of the geometric constraint imposed by the presence and size of the eggshell on polarization dynamics. Our model suggests that the geometric constraint of the eggshell is essential for proper polarization and the size of the eggshell also affects the dynamics of polarization. Therefore, we conclude that geometric constraint on a cell might affect the dynamics of a biochemical process. Polarization, whereby molecules and proteins are asymmetrically distributed throughout the cell, is a vital process for many cellular functions. In the early C. elegans embryo the asymmetric distribution of cell cytoskeleton during the initiation of polarization leads to asymmetric contractions which are higher in the anterior and lower in the posterior of a cell. The C. elegans embryo is surrounded by a rigid body, the eggshell, which functions in numerous cell processes. We investigate the structural support of eggshell during the establishment phase by tracking the moving cell surface. We incorporate protein dynamics involved in polarization into the membrane evolution. We conclude that eggshell might have a role in cell polarization by preventing the distortion of cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Senay Aras
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Y C Zhou
- Department of Mathematics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Adriana Dawes
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America.,Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ching-Shan Chou
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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Genes Activated by Vibrio cholerae upon Exposure to Caenorhabditis elegans Reveal the Mannose-Sensitive Hemagglutinin To Be Essential for Colonization. mSphere 2018; 3:3/3/e00238-18. [PMID: 29794057 PMCID: PMC5967197 DOI: 10.1128/mspheredirect.00238-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During its life cycle, the facultative human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, which is the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera, needs to adapt to a variety of different conditions, such as the human host or the aquatic environment. Importantly, cholera infections originate from the aquatic reservoir where V. cholerae persists between the outbreaks. In the aquatic environment, bacteria are constantly threatened by predatory protozoa and nematodes, but our knowledge of the response pathways and adaptation strategies of V. cholerae to such stressors is limited. Using a temporally controlled reporter system of transcription, we identified more than 100 genes of V. cholerae induced upon exposure to the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which emerged recently as a valuable model for environmental predation during the aquatic lifestyle of V. cholerae Besides others, we identified and validated the genes encoding the mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) type IV pilus to be significantly induced upon exposure to the nematode. Subsequent analyses demonstrated that the mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin is crucial for attachment of V. cholerae in the pharynx of the worm and initiation of colonization, which results in growth retardation and developmental delay of C. elegans Thus, the surface adhesion factor MSHA could be linked to a fitness advantage of V. cholerae upon contact with bacterium-grazing nematodes.IMPORTANCE The waterborne diarrheal disease cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae The facultative human pathogen persists as a natural inhabitant in the aquatic ecosystem between outbreaks. In contrast to the human host, V. cholerae requires a different set of genes to survive in this hostile environment. For example, predatory micrograzers are commonly found in the aquatic environment and use bacteria as a nutrient source, but knowledge of the interaction between bacterivorous grazers and V. cholerae is limited. In this study, we successfully adapted a genetic reporter technology and identified more than 100 genes activated by V. cholerae upon exposure to the bacterium-grazing nematode Caenorhabditis elegans This screen provides a first glimpse into responses and adaptational strategies of the bacterial pathogen against such natural predators. Subsequent phenotypic characterization revealed the mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin to be crucial for colonization of the worm, which causes developmental delay and growth retardation.
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Watts JL, Ristow M. Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2017; 207:413-446. [PMID: 28978773 PMCID: PMC5629314 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid and carbohydrate metabolism are highly conserved processes that affect nearly all aspects of organismal biology. Caenorhabditis elegans eat bacteria, which consist of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins that are broken down during digestion into fatty acids, simple sugars, and amino acid precursors. With these nutrients, C. elegans synthesizes a wide range of metabolites that are required for development and behavior. In this review, we outline lipid and carbohydrate structures as well as biosynthesis and breakdown pathways that have been characterized in C. elegans We bring attention to functional studies using mutant strains that reveal physiological roles for specific lipids and carbohydrates during development, aging, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Watts
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - Michael Ristow
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, 8603 Schwerzenbach-Zurich, Switzerland
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Johnston WL, Krizus A, Ramani AK, Dunham W, Youn JY, Fraser AG, Gingras AC, Dennis JW. C. elegans SUP-46, an HNRNPM family RNA-binding protein that prevents paternally-mediated epigenetic sterility. BMC Biol 2017; 15:61. [PMID: 28716093 PMCID: PMC5513350 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-017-0398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to DNA, gametes contribute epigenetic information in the form of histones and non-coding RNA. Epigenetic programs often respond to stressful environmental conditions and provide a heritable history of ancestral stress that allows for adaptation and propagation of the species. In the nematode C. elegans, defective epigenetic transmission often manifests as progressive germline mortality. We previously isolated sup-46 in a screen for suppressors of the hexosamine pathway gene mutant, gna-2(qa705). In this study, we examine the role of SUP-46 in stress resistance and progressive germline mortality. RESULTS We identified SUP-46 as an HNRNPM family RNA-binding protein, and uncovered a highly novel role for SUP-46 in preventing paternally-mediated progressive germline mortality following mating. Proximity biotinylation profiling of human homologs (HNRNPM, MYEF2) identified proteins of ribonucleoprotein complexes previously shown to contain non-coding RNA. Like HNRNPM and MYEF2, SUP-46 was associated with multiple RNA granules, including stress granules, and also formed granules on active chromatin. SUP-46 depletion disrupted germ RNA granules and caused ectopic sperm, increased sperm transcripts, and chronic heat stress sensitivity. SUP-46 was also required for resistance to acute heat stress, and a conserved "MYEF2" motif was identified that was needed for stress resistance. CONCLUSIONS In mammals, non-coding RNA from the sperm of stressed males has been shown to recapitulate paternal stress phenotypes in the offspring. Our results suggest that HNRNPM family proteins enable stress resistance and paternally-mediated epigenetic transmission that may be conserved across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy L. Johnston
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Aldis Krizus
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Arun K. Ramani
- Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Wade Dunham
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Ji Young Youn
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Andrew G. Fraser
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - James W. Dennis
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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Hwang DS, Lee MC, Kyung DH, Kim HS, Han J, Kim IC, Puthumana J, Lee JS. WAFs lead molting retardation of naupliar stages with down-regulated expression profiles of chitin metabolic pathway and related genes in the copepod Tigriopus japonicus. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 193:9-17. [PMID: 27939724 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Oil pollution is considered being disastrous to marine organisms and ecosystems. As molting is critical in the developmental process of arthropods in general and copepods, in particular, the impact will be adverse if the target of spilled oil is on molting. Thus, we investigated the harmful effects of water accommodated fractions (WAFs) of crude oil with an emphasis on inhibition of chitin metabolic pathways related genes and developmental retardation in the copepod Tigriopus japonicus. Also, we analysed the ontology and domain of chitin metabolic pathway genes and mRNA expression patterns of developmental stage-specific genes. Further, the developmental retardation followed by transcriptional modulations in nuclear receptor genes (NR) and chitin metabolic pathway-related genes were observed in the WAFs-exposed T. japonicus. As a result, the developmental time was found significantly (P<0.05) delayed in response to 40% WAFs in comparison with that of control. Moreover, the NR gene, HR3 and chitinases (CHT9 and CHT10) were up-regulated in N4-5 stages, while chitin synthase genes (CHS-1, CHS-2-1, and CHS-2-2) down-regulated in response to WAFs. In brief, a high concentration of WAFs repressed nuclear receptor genes but elicited activation of some of the transcription factors at low concentration of WAFs, resulting in suppression of chitin synthesis. Thus, we suggest that WAF can lead molting retardation of naupliar stages in T. japonicus through down-regulations of chitin metabolism. These findings will provide a better understanding of the mode of action of chitin biosynthesis associated with molting mechanism in WAF-exposed T. japonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Sik Hwang
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Min-Chul Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Do-Hyun Kyung
- Department of Molecular and Environmental Bioscience, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Hui-Su Kim
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Han
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Il-Chan Kim
- Division of Polar Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 21990, South Korea
| | - Jayesh Puthumana
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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47
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Wurzbacher C, Grossart HP. Improved detection and identification of aquatic fungi and chitin in aquatic environments. Mycologia 2017; 104:1267-71. [DOI: 10.3852/11-225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Dept. Limnology of Stratified Lakes, Alte Fischerhuette 2, 16775 Stechlin, Germany
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Teixeira MA, Wei L, Kaloshian I. Root-knot nematodes induce pattern-triggered immunity in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2016; 211:276-87. [PMID: 26892116 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) are plant parasites with a broad host range causing great losses worldwide. To parasitize their hosts, RKNs establish feeding sites in roots known as giant cells. The majority of work studying plant-RKN interactions in susceptible hosts addresses establishment of the giant cells and there is limited information on the early defense responses. Here we characterized early defense or pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) against RKNs in Arabidopsis thaliana. To address PTI, we evaluated known canonical PTI signaling mutants with RKNs and investigated the expression of PTI marker genes after RKN infection using both quantitative PCR and β-glucuronidase reporter transgenic lines. We showed that PTI-compromised plants have enhanced susceptibility to RKNs, including the bak1-5 mutant. BAK1 is a common partner of distinct receptors of microbe- and damage-associated molecular patterns. Furthermore, our data indicated that nematode recognition leading to PTI responses involves camalexin and glucosinolate biosynthesis. While the RKN-induced glucosinolate biosynthetic pathway was BAK1-dependent, the camalexin biosynthetic pathway was only partially dependent on BAK1. Combined, our results indicate the presence of BAK1-dependent and -independent PTI against RKNs in A. thaliana, suggesting the existence of diverse nematode recognition mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella A Teixeira
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Lihui Wei
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Isgouhi Kaloshian
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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49
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Chen JX, Cipriani PG, Mecenas D, Polanowska J, Piano F, Gunsalus KC, Selbach M. In Vivo Interaction Proteomics in Caenorhabditis elegans Embryos Provides New Insights into P Granule Dynamics. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:1642-57. [PMID: 26912668 PMCID: PMC4858945 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.053975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying protein interactions in whole organisms is fundamental to understanding development. Here, we combine in vivo expressed GFP-tagged proteins with quantitative proteomics to identify protein-protein interactions of selected key proteins involved in early C. elegans embryogenesis. Co-affinity purification of interaction partners for eight bait proteins resulted in a pilot in vivo interaction map of proteins with a focus on early development. Our network reflects known biology and is highly enriched in functionally relevant interactions. To demonstrate the utility of the map, we looked for new regulators of P granule dynamics and found that GEI-12, a novel binding partner of the DYRK family kinase MBK-2, is a key regulator of P granule formation and germline maintenance. Our data corroborate a recently proposed model in which the phosphorylation state of GEI-12 controls P granule dynamics. In addition, we find that GEI-12 also induces granule formation in mammalian cells, suggesting a common regulatory mechanism in worms and humans. Our results show that in vivo interaction proteomics provides unique insights into animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xuan Chen
- From the ‡Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13092 Berlin, Germany; §Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003
| | - Patricia G Cipriani
- §Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003; ¶New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Desirea Mecenas
- §Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003
| | - Jolanta Polanowska
- §Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003; ‖INSERM, U1104, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Fabio Piano
- §Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003; ¶New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kristin C Gunsalus
- §Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003; ¶New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Matthias Selbach
- From the ‡Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13092 Berlin, Germany; **Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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50
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Automated parasite faecal egg counting using fluorescence labelling, smartphone image capture and computational image analysis. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:485-93. [PMID: 27025771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal parasites are a concern in veterinary medicine worldwide and for human health in the developing world. Infections are identified by microscopic visualisation of parasite eggs in faeces, which is time-consuming, requires technical expertise and is impractical for use on-site. For these reasons, recommendations for parasite surveillance are not widely adopted and parasite control is based on administration of rote prophylactic treatments with anthelmintic drugs. This approach is known to promote anthelmintic resistance, so there is a pronounced need for a convenient egg counting assay to promote good clinical practice. Using a fluorescent chitin-binding protein, we show that this structural carbohydrate is present and accessible in shells of ova of strongyle, ascarid, trichurid and coccidian parasites. Furthermore, we show that a cellular smartphone can be used as an inexpensive device to image fluorescent eggs and, by harnessing the computational power of the phone, to perform image analysis to count the eggs. Strongyle egg counts generated by the smartphone system had a significant linear correlation with manual McMaster counts (R(2)=0.98), but with a significantly lower coefficient of variation (P=0.0177). Furthermore, the system was capable of differentiating equine strongyle and ascarid eggs similar to the McMaster method, but with significantly lower coefficients of variation (P<0.0001). This demonstrates the feasibility of a simple, automated on-site test to detect and/or enumerate parasite eggs in mammalian faeces without the need for a laboratory microscope, and highlights the potential of smartphones as relatively sophisticated, inexpensive and portable medical diagnostic devices.
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