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Grechnikova M, Füssy Z, Sutak R. Copper in parasitic protists - a hitherto neglected virulence factor. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:5-9. [PMID: 37993308 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.10.003] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Copper plays a fundamental role in aerobic metabolism, but its role is double-edged, given its toxicity. Our understanding of copper metabolism in parasites remains rudimentary, despite its significance in virulence. Here we discuss how parasitic protists control copper homeostasis and show the potential key players identified by our bioinformatic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grechnikova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Zoltán Füssy
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert Sutak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
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2
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Sloan MA, Aghabi D, Harding CR. Orchestrating a heist: uptake and storage of metals by apicomplexan parasites. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2021; 167. [PMID: 34898419 PMCID: PMC7612242 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Sloan
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Dana Aghabi
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
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3
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Isah MB, Goldring JPD, Coetzer THT. Expression and copper binding properties of the N-terminal domain of copper P-type ATPases of African trypanosomes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 235:111245. [PMID: 31751595 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.111245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Copper is an essential component of cuproproteins but can be toxic to cells, therefore copper metabolism is very carefully regulated within cells. To gain insight into trypanosome copper metabolism, Trypanosoma spp. genomic databases were screened for the presence of copper-containing and -transporting proteins. Among other genes encoding copper-binding proteins, a copper-transporting P-type ATPase (CuATPase) gene was identified. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses suggest that the gene codes for a Cu+ transporter belonging to the P1B-1 ATPase subfamily that has an N-terminal domain with copper binding motifs. The N-terminal cytosolic domains of the proteins from Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei brucei were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli as maltose binding protein (MBP) fusion proteins. These N-terminal domains bound copper in vitro and within E. coli cells, more than the control MBP fusion partner alone. The copper binding properties of the recombinant proteins were further confirmed when they inhibited copper catalysed ascorbate oxidation. Native CuATPases were detected in a western blot of lysates of T. congolense IL3000 and T. b. brucei ILTat1.1 bloodstream form parasites using affinity purified IgY antibodies against N-terminal domain peptides. The CuATPase was also detected by immunofluorescence in T. b. brucei bloodstream form parasites where it was associated with subcellular vesicles. In conclusion, Trypanosoma species express a copper-transporting P1B-1-type ATPase and together with other copper-binding proteins identified in the genomes of kinetoplastid parasites may constitute potential targets for anti-trypanosomal drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtala Bindawa Isah
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - J P Dean Goldring
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Theresa H T Coetzer
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
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Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary importance that causes gastroenteritis in a variety of vertebrate hosts. Several studies have reported different degrees of pathogenicity and virulence among Cryptosporidium species and isolates of the same species as well as evidence of variation in host susceptibility to infection. The identification and validation of Cryptosporidium virulence factors have been hindered by the renowned difficulties pertaining to the in vitro culture and genetic manipulation of this parasite. Nevertheless, substantial progress has been made in identifying putative virulence factors for Cryptosporidium. This progress has been accelerated since the publication of the Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis genomes, with the characterization of over 25 putative virulence factors identified by using a variety of immunological and molecular techniques and which are proposed to be involved in aspects of host-pathogen interactions from adhesion and locomotion to invasion and proliferation. Progress has also been made in the contribution of host factors that are associated with variations in both the severity and risk of infection. Here we provide a review comprised of the current state of knowledge on Cryptosporidium infectivity, pathogenesis, and transmissibility in light of our contemporary understanding of microbial virulence.
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Gupta A, Lutsenko S. Evolution of copper transporting ATPases in eukaryotic organisms. Curr Genomics 2012; 13:124-33. [PMID: 23024604 PMCID: PMC3308323 DOI: 10.2174/138920212799860661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential nutrient for most life forms, however in excess it can be harmful. The ATP-driven copper pumps (Copper-ATPases) play critical role in living organisms by maintaining appropriate copper levels in cells and tissues. These evolutionary conserved polytopic membrane proteins are present in all phyla from simplest life forms (bacteria) to highly evolved eukaryotes (Homo sapiens). The presumed early function in metal detoxification remains the main function of Copper-ATPases in prokaryotic kingdom. In eukaryotes, in addition to removing excess copper from the cell, Copper-ATPases have another equally important function - to supply copper to copper dependent enzymes within the secretory pathway. This review focuses on the origin and diversification of Copper ATPases in eukaryotic organisms. From a single Copper ATPase in protozoans, a divergence into two functionally distinct ATPases is observed with the evolutionary appearance of chordates. Among the key functional domains of Copper-ATPases, the metal-binding N-terminal domain could be responsible for functional diversification of the copper ATPases during the course of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Gupta
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Ashrafi E, Alemzadeh A, Ebrahimi M, Ebrahimie E, Dadkhodaei N, Ebrahimi M. Amino Acid Features of P1B-ATPase Heavy Metal Transporters Enabling Small Numbers of Organisms to Cope with Heavy Metal Pollution. Bioinform Biol Insights 2011; 5:59-82. [PMID: 21573033 PMCID: PMC3091408 DOI: 10.4137/bbi.s6206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytoremediation refers to the use of plants for extraction and detoxification of pollutants, providing a new and powerful weapon against a polluted environment. In some plants, such as Thlaspi spp, heavy metal ATPases are involved in overall metal ion homeostasis and hyperaccumulation. P1B-ATPases pump a wide range of cations, especially heavy metals, across membranes against their electrochemical gradients. Determination of the protein characteristics of P1B-ATPases in hyperaccumulator plants provides a new opportuntity for engineering of phytoremediating plants. In this study, using diverse weighting and modeling approaches, 2644 protein characteristics of primary, secondary, and tertiary structures of P1B-ATPases in hyperaccumulator and nonhyperaccumulator plants were extracted and compared to identify differences between proteins in hyperaccumulator and nonhyperaccumulator pumps. Although the protein characteristics were variable in their weighting, tree and rule induction models; glycine count, frequency of glutamine-valine, and valine-phenylalanine count were the most important attributes highlighted by 10, five, and four models, respectively. In addition, a precise model was built to discriminate P1B-ATPases in different organisms based on their structural protein features. Moreover, reliable models for prediction of the hyperaccumulating activity of unknown P1B-ATPase pumps were developed. Uncovering important structural features of hyperaccumulator pumps in this study has provided the knowledge required for future modification and engineering of these pumps by techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ashrafi
- Department of Crop Production and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Rider SD, Zhu G. Cryptosporidium: genomic and biochemical features. Exp Parasitol 2008; 124:2-9. [PMID: 19187778 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Revised: 12/18/2008] [Accepted: 12/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in understanding the unique biochemistry of the two closely related human enteric pathogens Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis has been stimulated by the elucidation of the complete genome sequences for both pathogens. Much of the work that has occurred since that time has been focused on understanding the metabolic pathways encoded by the genome in hopes of providing increased understanding of the parasite biology, and in the identification of novel targets for pharmacological interventions. However, despite identifying the genes encoding enzymes that participate in many of the major metabolic pathways, only a hand full of proteins have actually been the subjects of detailed scrutiny. Thus, much of the biochemistry of these parasites remains a true mystery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Dean Rider
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Rasoloson D, Shi L, Chong C, Kafsack B, Sullivan D. Copper pathways in Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes indicate an efflux role for the copper P-ATPase. Biochem J 2004; 381:803-11. [PMID: 15125686 PMCID: PMC1133890 DOI: 10.1042/bj20040335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2004] [Revised: 04/19/2004] [Accepted: 05/05/2004] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Copper, like iron, is a transition metal that can generate oxygen radicals by the Fenton reaction. The Plasmodium parasite invades an erythrocyte host cell containing 20 microM copper, of which 70% is contained in the Cu/Zn SOD (cuprozinc superoxide dismutase). In the present study, we follow the copper pathways in the Plasmodium-infected erythrocyte. Metal-determination analysis shows that the total copper content of Percoll-purified trophozoite-stage-infected erythrocytes is 66% that of uninfected erythrocytes. This decrease parallels the decrease seen in Cu/Zn SOD levels in parasite-infected erythrocytes. Neocuproine, an intracellular copper chelator, arrests parasites at the ring-to-trophozoite stage transition and also specifically decreases intraparasitic levels of Cu/Zn SOD and catalase. Up to 150 microM BCS (2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthrolinedisulphonic acid), an extracellular copper chelator, has no effect on parasite growth. We characterized a single copy PfCuP-ATPase (Plasmodium falciparum copper P-ATPase) transporter, which, like the Crypto-sporidium parvum copper P-ATPase, has a single copper-binding domain: 'Met-Xaa-Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Cys'. Recombinant expression of the N-terminal metal-binding domain reveals that the protein specifically binds reduced copper. Transcription of the PfCuP-ATPase gene is the highest at late ring stage/early trophozoite, and is down-regulated in the presence of neocuproine. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy indicate the transporter to be both in the parasite and on the erythrocyte membrane. Both the decrease in total copper and the location of the PfCuP-ATPase gene indicate a copper-efflux pathway from the infected erythrocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Rasoloson
- *The Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, U.S.A
| | - Lirong Shi
- *The Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, U.S.A
| | - Curtis R. Chong
- †Medical Scientist Training Program, Department of Pharmacology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, U.S.A
| | - Bjorn F. Kafsack
- *The Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, U.S.A
| | - David J. Sullivan
- *The Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, U.S.A
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (e-mail )
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LaGier MJ, Tachezy J, Stejskal F, Kutisova K, Keithly JS. Mitochondrial-type iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis genes (IscS and IscU) in the apicomplexan Cryptosporidium parvum. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2004; 149:3519-3530. [PMID: 14663084 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.26365-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Several reports have indicated that the iron-sulfur cluster [Fe-S] assembly machinery in most eukaryotes is confined to the mitochondria and chloroplasts. The best-characterized and most highly conserved [Fe-S] assembly proteins are a pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent cysteine desulfurase (IscS), and IscU, a protein functioning as a scaffold for the assembly of [Fe-S] prior to their incorporation into apoproteins. In this work, genes encoding IscS and IscU homologues have been isolated and characterized from the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum, an opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients, for which no effective treatment is available. Primary sequence analysis (CpIscS and CpIscU) and phylogenetic studies (CpIscS) indicate that both genes are most closely related to mitochondrial homologues from other organisms. Moreover, the N-terminal signal sequences of CpIscS and CpIscU predicted in silico specifically target green fluorescent protein to the mitochondrial network of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overall, these findings suggest that the previously identified mitochondrial relict of C. parvum may have been retained by the parasite as an intracellular site for [Fe-S] assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J LaGier
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO Box 22002, Albany, NY 12201-2002, USA
| | - Jan Tachezy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Katerina Kutisova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Janet S Keithly
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO Box 22002, Albany, NY 12201-2002, USA
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Abstract
What makes a heavy metal resistant bacterium heavy metal resistant? The mechanisms of action, physiological functions, and distribution of metal-exporting proteins are outlined, namely: CBA efflux pumps driven by proteins of the resistance-nodulation-cell division superfamily, P-type ATPases, cation diffusion facilitator and chromate proteins, NreB- and CnrT-like resistance factors. The complement of efflux systems of 63 sequenced prokaryotes was compared with that of the heavy metal resistant bacterium Ralstonia metallidurans. This comparison shows that heavy metal resistance is the result of multiple layers of resistance systems with overlapping substrate specificities, but unique functions. Some of these systems are widespread and serve in the basic defense of the cell against superfluous heavy metals, but some are highly specialized and occur only in a few bacteria. Possession of the latter systems makes a bacterium heavy metal resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietrich H Nies
- Institute of Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06099 Halle/Saale, Germany.
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Tong L, Nakashima S, Shibasaka M, Katsuhara M, Kasamo K. A novel histidine-rich CPx-ATPase from the filamentous cyanobacterium Oscillatoria brevis related to multiple-heavy-metal cotolerance. J Bacteriol 2002; 184:5027-35. [PMID: 12193618 PMCID: PMC135323 DOI: 10.1128/jb.184.18.5027-5035.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel gene related to heavy-metal transport was cloned and identified from the filamentous cyanobacterium Oscillatoria brevis. Sequence analysis of the gene (the Bxa1 gene) showed that its product possessed high homology with heavy-metal transport CPx-ATPases. The CPC motif, which is proposed to form putative cation transduction channel, was found in the sixth transmembrane helix. However, instead of the CXXC motif that is present in the N termini of most metal transport CPx-ATPases, Bxa1 contains a unique Cys-Cys (CC) sequence element and histidine-rich motifs as a putative metal binding site. Northern blotting and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR showed that expression of Bxa1 mRNA was induced in vivo by both monovalent (Cu(+) and Ag(+)) and divalent (Zn(2+) and Cd(2+)) heavy-metal ions at similar levels. Experiments on heavy-metal tolerance in Escherichia coli with recombinant Bxa1 demonstrated that Bxa1 conferred resistance to both monovalent and divalent heavy metals. This is the first report of a CPx-ATPase responsive to both monovalent and divalent heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Tong
- Research Institute for Bioresources, Okayama University, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0046, Japan
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Abstract
P-ATPases are transmembrane proteins that hydrolyse ATP to drive cations or other substances across biomembranes. In this study we present the characterisation of a novel P-ATPase from the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum (CpATPase3), an opportunistic pathogen in autoimmune deficiency syndrome patients, for which no treatment is available. The single copy gene encodes 1488 amino acids, predicting a protein of 169.7 kDa. Primary sequence analysis, as well as an extensive phylogenetic reconstruction, indicated CpATPase3 belongs to a novel class of eukaryotic-specific P-ATPases (Type V) with undefined substrate preferences. Transcription and translation of the gene were confirmed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis of sporozoite protein extracts. Immunofluorescent microscopy of C. parvum sporozoites using rabbit antiserum raised against a glutathione-S-transferase-CpATPase3 (GST-ATP3) fusion protein showed that the parasite transporter was located within the apical complex associated with the parasite host-invasion machinery. Overall, these data demonstrate the diversity of C. parvum transporters, and raise the potential of Type V P-ATPases as apicomplexan-specific drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J LaGier
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health and SUNY Albany School of Public Health, Department of Biomedical Sciences, P.O. Box 22002, 12201-2002, USA
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