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Vomáčková Kykalová B, Sassù F, Dutra-Rêgo F, Soares RP, Volf P, Loza Telleria E. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from Leishmania and bacteria increase gene expression of antimicrobial peptides and gut surface proteins in sand flies. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:485-495. [PMID: 38626865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
The interaction between pathogens and vectors' physiology can impact parasite transmission. Studying this interaction at the molecular level can help in developing control strategies. We study leishmaniases, diseases caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted by sand fly vectors, posing a significant global public health concern. Lipophosphoglycan (LPG), the major surface glycoconjugate of Leishmania, has been described to have several roles throughout the parasite's life cycle, both in the insect and vertebrate hosts. In addition, the sand fly midgut possesses a rich microbiota expressing lipopolysaccharides (LPS). However, the effect of LPG and LPS on the gene expression of sand fly midgut proteins or immunity effectors has not yet been documented. We experimentally fed Lutzomyia longipalpis and Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies with blood containing purified LPG from Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major, or LPS from Escherichia coli. The effect on the expression of genes encoding gut proteins galectin and mucin, digestive enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attacin and defensins was assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The gene expression of a mucin-like protein in L. longipalpis was increased by L. infantum LPG and E. coli LPS. The gene expression of a galectin was increased in L. longipalpis by L. major LPG, and in P. papatasi by E. coli LPS. Nevertheless, the gene expression of trypsins and chymotrypsins did not significantly change. On the other hand, both L. infantum and L. major LPG significantly enhanced expression of the AMP attacin in both sand fly species and defensin in L. longipalpis. In addition, E. coli LPS increased the expression of attacin and defensin in L. longipalpis. Our study showed that Leishmania LPG and E. coli LPS differentially modulate the expression of sand fly genes involved in gut maintenance and defence. This suggests that the glycoconjugates from microbiota or Leishmania may increase the vector's immune response and the gene expression of a gut coating protein in a permissive vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Vomáčková Kykalová
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fabiana Sassù
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Felipe Dutra-Rêgo
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, CEP: 30190-009, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pedro Soares
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, CEP: 30190-009, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Petr Volf
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Erich Loza Telleria
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Labbé F, Abdeladhim M, Abrudan J, Araki AS, Araujo RN, Arensburger P, Benoit JB, Brazil RP, Bruno RV, Bueno da Silva Rivas G, Carvalho de Abreu V, Charamis J, Coutinho-Abreu IV, da Costa-Latgé SG, Darby A, Dillon VM, Emrich SJ, Fernandez-Medina D, Figueiredo Gontijo N, Flanley CM, Gatherer D, Genta FA, Gesing S, Giraldo-Calderón GI, Gomes B, Aguiar ERGR, Hamilton JGC, Hamarsheh O, Hawksworth M, Hendershot JM, Hickner PV, Imler JL, Ioannidis P, Jennings EC, Kamhawi S, Karageorgiou C, Kennedy RC, Krueger A, Latorre-Estivalis JM, Ligoxygakis P, Meireles-Filho ACA, Minx P, Miranda JC, Montague MJ, Nowling RJ, Oliveira F, Ortigão-Farias J, Pavan MG, Horacio Pereira M, Nobrega Pitaluga A, Proveti Olmo R, Ramalho-Ortigao M, Ribeiro JMC, Rosendale AJ, Sant’Anna MRV, Scherer SE, Secundino NFC, Shoue DA, da Silva Moraes C, Gesto JSM, Souza NA, Syed Z, Tadros S, Teles-de-Freitas R, Telleria EL, Tomlinson C, Traub-Csekö YM, Marques JT, Tu Z, Unger MF, Valenzuela J, Ferreira FV, de Oliveira KPV, Vigoder FM, Vontas J, Wang L, Weedall GD, Zhioua E, Richards S, Warren WC, Waterhouse RM, Dillon RJ, McDowell MA. Genomic analysis of two phlebotomine sand fly vectors of Leishmania from the New and Old World. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010862. [PMID: 37043542 PMCID: PMC10138862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010862] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies are of global significance as important vectors of human disease, transmitting bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens, including the kinetoplastid parasites of the genus Leishmania, the causative agents of devastating diseases collectively termed leishmaniasis. More than 40 pathogenic Leishmania species are transmitted to humans by approximately 35 sand fly species in 98 countries with hundreds of millions of people at risk around the world. No approved efficacious vaccine exists for leishmaniasis and available therapeutic drugs are either toxic and/or expensive, or the parasites are becoming resistant to the more recently developed drugs. Therefore, sand fly and/or reservoir control are currently the most effective strategies to break transmission. To better understand the biology of sand flies, including the mechanisms involved in their vectorial capacity, insecticide resistance, and population structures we sequenced the genomes of two geographically widespread and important sand fly vector species: Phlebotomus papatasi, a vector of Leishmania parasites that cause cutaneous leishmaniasis, (distributed in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa) and Lutzomyia longipalpis, a vector of Leishmania parasites that cause visceral leishmaniasis (distributed across Central and South America). We categorized and curated genes involved in processes important to their roles as disease vectors, including chemosensation, blood feeding, circadian rhythm, immunity, and detoxification, as well as mobile genetic elements. We also defined gene orthology and observed micro-synteny among the genomes. Finally, we present the genetic diversity and population structure of these species in their respective geographical areas. These genomes will be a foundation on which to base future efforts to prevent vector-borne transmission of Leishmania parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Labbé
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Maha Abdeladhim
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jenica Abrudan
- Genomic Sciences & Precision Medicine Center (GSPMC), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Alejandra Saori Araki
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, IOC, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ricardo N. Araujo
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Peter Arensburger
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Joshua B. Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Rafaela V. Bruno
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, IOC, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Bueno da Silva Rivas
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, IOC, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Biology and Center for Biological Clocks Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Vinicius Carvalho de Abreu
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jason Charamis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, Heraklion, Greece
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Iliano V. Coutinho-Abreu
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | - Alistair Darby
- Institute of Integrative Biology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Viv M. Dillon
- Institute of Integrative Biology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Scott J. Emrich
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | | | - Nelder Figueiredo Gontijo
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Catherine M. Flanley
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Derek Gatherer
- Division of Biomedical & Life Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Fernando A. Genta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, IOC, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Gesing
- Discovery Partners Institute, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gloria I. Giraldo-Calderón
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- Dept. Ciencias Biológicas & Dept. Ciencias Básicas Médicas, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Bruno Gomes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, IOC, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - James G. C. Hamilton
- Division of Biomedical & Life Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Omar Hamarsheh
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Mallory Hawksworth
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jacob M. Hendershot
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Paul V. Hickner
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jean-Luc Imler
- CNRS-UPR9022 Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire and Faculté des Sciences de la Vie-Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Panagiotis Ioannidis
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emily C. Jennings
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Shaden Kamhawi
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Charikleia Karageorgiou
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
- Genomics Group – Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Biology Lab, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ryan C. Kennedy
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Andreas Krueger
- Medical Entomology Branch, Dept. Microbiology, Bundeswehr Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
- Medical Zoology Branch, Dept. Microbiology, Central Bundeswehr Hospital, Koblenz, Germany
| | - José M. Latorre-Estivalis
- Laboratorio de Insectos Sociales, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Petros Ligoxygakis
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Development and Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrick Minx
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Olivette, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jose Carlos Miranda
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, CPqGM, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Michael J. Montague
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ronald J. Nowling
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Fabiano Oliveira
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Marcio G. Pavan
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, IOC, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Transmissores de Hematozoários, IOC, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Horacio Pereira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Andre Nobrega Pitaluga
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roenick Proveti Olmo
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ramalho-Ortigao
- F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - José M. C. Ribeiro
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrew J. Rosendale
- Department of Biology and Center for Biological Clocks Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mauricio R. V. Sant’Anna
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Steven E. Scherer
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Douglas A. Shoue
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | | | | | - Nataly Araujo Souza
- Laboratory Interdisciplinar em Vigilancia Entomologia em Diptera e Hemiptera, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Zainulabueddin Syed
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Samuel Tadros
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | | | - Erich L. Telleria
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Chad Tomlinson
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - João Trindade Marques
- Department of Biology and Center for Biological Clocks Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Fralin Life Science Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Maria F. Unger
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jesus Valenzuela
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Flávia V. Ferreira
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Karla P. V. de Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Felipe M. Vigoder
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biologia. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John Vontas
- Molecular Entomology Lab, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
- Pesticide Science Lab, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens Greece
| | - Lihui Wang
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Olivette, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Gareth D. Weedall
- Vector Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, United Kingdom
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Elyes Zhioua
- Vector Ecology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Stephen Richards
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wesley C. Warren
- Department of Animal Sciences, Department of Surgery, Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Robert M. Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology & Evolution and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rod J. Dillon
- Division of Biomedical & Life Sciences, Faculty of Health & Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
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Sloan MA, Sadlova J, Lestinova T, Sanders MJ, Cotton JA, Volf P, Ligoxygakis P. The Phlebotomus papatasi systemic transcriptional response to trypanosomatid-contaminated blood does not differ from the non-infected blood meal. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:15. [PMID: 33407867 PMCID: PMC7789365 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04498-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis, caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, is a disease that affects up to 8 million people worldwide. Parasites are transmitted to human and animal hosts through the bite of an infected sand fly. Novel strategies for disease control require a better understanding of the key step for transmission, namely the establishment of infection inside the fly. Methods The aim of this work was to identify sand fly systemic transcriptomic signatures associated with Leishmania infection. We used next generation sequencing to describe the transcriptome of whole Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies when fed with blood alone (control) or with blood containing one of three trypanosomatids: Leishmania major, L. donovani and Herpetomonas muscarum, the latter being a parasite not transmitted to humans. Results Of the trypanosomatids studied, only L. major was able to successfully establish an infection in the host P. papatasi. However, the transcriptional signatures observed after each parasite-contaminated blood meal were not specific to success or failure of a specific infection and they did not differ from each other. The transcriptional signatures were also indistinguishable after a non-contaminated blood meal. Conclusions The results imply that sand flies perceive Leishmania as just one feature of their microbiome landscape and that any strategy to tackle transmission should focus on the response towards the blood meal rather than parasite establishment. Alternatively, Leishmania could suppress host responses. These results will generate new thinking around the concept of stopping transmission by controlling the parasite inside the insect.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Sloan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Jovana Sadlova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Lestinova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mandy J Sanders
- The Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - James A Cotton
- The Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petros Ligoxygakis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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Li X, Yang J, Pu Q, Peng X, Xu L, Liu S. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase controls blood-meal digestion in the midgut of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:460. [PMID: 31551071 PMCID: PMC6757384 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3714-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are vectors of arboviruses that cause diverse diseases of public health significance. Blood protein digestion by midgut proteases provides anautogenous mosquitoes with the nutrients essential for oocyte maturation and egg production. Midgut-specific miR-1174 affects the functions of the midgut through its target gene serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). However, less is known about SHMT-regulated processes in blood digestion by mosquitoes. Methods RNAi of SHMT was realized by injection of the double-stranded RNA at 16 h post-eclosion. The expression of SHMT at mRNA level and protein level was assayed by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad7 using Student’s t-test. Results Here, we confirmed that digestion of blood was inhibited in SHMT RNAi-silenced female A. aegypti mosquitoes. Evidence is also presented that all SHMT-depleted female mosquitoes lost their flight ability and died within 48 h of a blood meal. Furthermore, most examined digestive enzymes responded differently in their transcriptional expression to RNAi depletion of SHMT, with some downregulated, some upregulated and some remaining stable. Phylogenetic analysis showed that transcriptional expression responses to SHMT silence were largely unrelated to the sequence similarity between these enzymes. Conclusions Overall, this research shows that SHMT was expressed at a low level in the midgut of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, but blood-meal digestion was inhibited when SHMT was silenced. Transcriptional expressions of different digestive enzymes were affected in response to SHMT depletion, suggesting that SHMT is required for the blood-meal digestion in the midgut and targeting SHMT could provide an effective strategy for vector mosquito population control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China.,College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China. .,College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China. .,College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, People's Republic of China.
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da Costa SG, Bates P, Dillon R, Genta FA. Characterization of α-Glucosidases From Lutzomyia longipalpis Reveals Independent Hydrolysis Systems for Plant or Blood Sugars. Front Physiol 2019; 10:248. [PMID: 31024327 PMCID: PMC6468571 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00248] [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: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of Leishmania infantum and exploits different food sources during development. Adults have a diet rich in sugars, and females also feed on blood. The sugar diet is essential for maintaining longevity, infection, and Leishmaniasis transmission. Carbohydrases, including α-glucosidases, are the main enzymes involved in the digestion of sugars. In this context, we studied the modulation of α-glucosidase activities in different feeding conditions and compartments of Lutzomyia longipalpis females, in order to characterize in detail their roles in the physiology of this insect. All tissues showed activity against MUαGlu and sucrose, with highest activities in the midgut and crop. Activity was 1,000 times higher on sucrose than on MUαGlu. Basal activities were observed in non-fed insects; blood feeding induced activity in the midgut contents, and sugar feeding modulated activity in midgut tissues. α-glucosidase activity changed after female exposure to different sugar concentrations or moieties. α-glucosidases from different tissues showed different biochemical properties, with an optimum pH around 7.0-8.0 and K M between 0.37 and 4.7 mM, when MUαGlu was used as substrate. Using sucrose as substrate, the optimum pH was around 6.0, and K M ranges between 11 and 800 mM. Enzymes from the crop and midgut tissues showed inhibition in high substrate concentrations (sucrose), with K I ranging from 39 to 400 mM, which explains the high K M values found. Chromatographic profiles confirmed that different α-glucosidases are been produced in L. longipalpis in different physiological contexts, with the distinction of at least four α-glucosidases. The results suggest that some of these enzymes are involved in different metabolic processes, like digestion of plant sugars, digestion of blood glycoproteins or glycolipids, and mobilization of energetic storages during starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara G. da Costa
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paul Bates
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Rod Dillon
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Molecular Entomology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Ariel Genta
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Molecular Entomology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Santiago PB, de Araújo CN, Motta FN, Praça YR, Charneau S, Bastos IMD, Santana JM. Proteases of haematophagous arthropod vectors are involved in blood-feeding, yolk formation and immunity - a review. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:79. [PMID: 28193252 PMCID: PMC5307778 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2005-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks, triatomines, mosquitoes and sand flies comprise a large number of haematophagous arthropods considered vectors of human infectious diseases. While consuming blood to obtain the nutrients necessary to carry on life functions, these insects can transmit pathogenic microorganisms to the vertebrate host. Among the molecules related to the blood-feeding habit, proteases play an essential role. In this review, we provide a panorama of proteases from arthropod vectors involved in haematophagy, in digestion, in egg development and in immunity. As these molecules act in central biological processes, proteases from haematophagous vectors of infectious diseases may influence vector competence to transmit pathogens to their prey, and thus could be valuable targets for vectorial control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Beatriz Santiago
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Carla Nunes de Araújo
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Faculdade de Ceilândia, Universidade de Brasília, Centro Metropolitano, Conjunto A, Lote 01, 72220-275, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Flávia Nader Motta
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Faculdade de Ceilândia, Universidade de Brasília, Centro Metropolitano, Conjunto A, Lote 01, 72220-275, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Yanna Reis Praça
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Programa Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Sébastien Charneau
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Izabela M Dourado Bastos
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jaime M Santana
- Laboratório de Interação Patógeno-Hospedeiro, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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7
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Sigle LT, Ramalho-Ortigão M. Kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitors in the midgut of Phlebotomus papatasi. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 108:671-8. [PMID: 24037187 PMCID: PMC3970688 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276108062013001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are important disease vectors of parasites of
the genus Leishmania, as well as bacteria and viruses.
Following studies of the midgut transcriptome of Phlebotomus
papatasi, the principal vector of Leishmania
major, two non-classical Kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitors were
identified (PpKzl1 and PpKzl2). Analyses of
expression profiles indicated that PpKzl1 and
PpKzl2 transcripts are both regulated by blood-feeding in
the midgut of P. papatasi and are also expressed in males,
larva and pupa. We expressed a recombinant PpKzl2 in a mammalian expression
system (CHO-S free style cells) that was applied to in vitro studies to assess
serine proteinase inhibition. Recombinant PpKzl2 inhibited α-chymotrypsin to
9.4% residual activity and also inhibited α-thrombin and trypsin to 33.5% and
63.9% residual activity, suggesting that native PpKzl2 is an active serine
proteinase inhibitor and likely involved in regulating digestive enzymes in the
midgut. Early stages of Leishmania are susceptible to killing
by digestive proteinases in the sandfly midgut. Thus, characterising serine
proteinase inhibitors may provide new targets and strategies to prevent
transmission of Leishmania.
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8
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Nayduch D, Cohnstaedt LW, Saski C, Lawson D, Kersey P, Fife M, Carpenter S. Studying Culicoides vectors of BTV in the post-genomic era: resources, bottlenecks to progress and future directions. Virus Res 2013; 182:43-9. [PMID: 24355835 PMCID: PMC3979112 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Culicoides sonorensis is the only colonized species of bluetongue virus vector. The development of a fully annotated genome for this species is in progress. Transcriptomic analyses are being employed to investigate functional elements of the genome, particularly genes involved in hematophagy, reproduction, development and vector competence.
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are a major vector group responsible for the biological transmission of a wide variety of globally significant arboviruses, including bluetongue virus (BTV). In this review we examine current biological resources for the study of this genus, with an emphasis on detailing the history of extant colonies and cell lines derived from C. sonorensis, the major vector of BTV in the USA. We then discuss the rapidly developing area of genomic and transcriptomic analyses of biological processes in vectors and introduce the newly formed Culicoides Genomics and Transcriptomics Alliance. Preliminary results from these fields are detailed and finally likely areas of future research are discussed from an entomological perspective describing limitations in our understanding of Culicoides biology that may impede progress in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Nayduch
- USDA-ARS, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Arthropod Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA.
| | - Lee W Cohnstaedt
- USDA-ARS, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Arthropod Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Christopher Saski
- Clemson University Genomics Institute, Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, BRC #310, 105 Collins Street, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Daniel Lawson
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Paul Kersey
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Mark Fife
- Vector-borne Viral Disease Programme, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Simon Carpenter
- Vector-borne Viral Disease Programme, The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK
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9
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Abrudan J, Ramalho-Ortigão M, O'Neil S, Stayback G, Wadsworth M, Bernard M, Shoue D, Emrich S, Lawyer P, Kamhawi S, Rowton ED, Lehane MJ, Bates PA, Valenzeula JG, Tomlinson C, Appelbaum E, Moeller D, Thiesing B, Dillon R, Clifton S, Lobo NF, Wilson RK, Collins FH, McDowell MA. The characterization of the Phlebotomus papatasi transcriptome. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 22:211-232. [PMID: 23398403 PMCID: PMC3594503 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
As important vectors of human disease, phlebotomine sand flies are of global significance to human health, transmitting several emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The most devastating of the sand fly transmitted infections are the leishmaniases, causing significant mortality and morbidity in both the Old and New World. Here we present the first global transcriptome analysis of the Old World vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) and compare this transcriptome to that of the New World vector of visceral leishmaniasis, Lutzomyia longipalpis. A normalized cDNA library was constructed using pooled mRNA from Phlebotomus papatasi larvae, pupae, adult males and females fed sugar, blood, or blood infected with Leishmania major. A total of 47 615 generated sequences was cleaned and assembled into 17 120 unique transcripts. Of the assembled sequences, 50% (8837 sequences) were classified using Gene Ontology (GO) terms. This collection of transcripts is comprehensive, as demonstrated by the high number of different GO categories. An in-depth analysis revealed 245 sequences with putative homology to proteins involved in blood and sugar digestion, immune response and peritrophic matrix formation. Twelve of the novel genes, including one trypsin, two peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRP) and nine chymotrypsins, have a higher expression level during larval stages. Two novel chymotrypsins and one novel PGRP are abundantly expressed upon blood feeding. This study will greatly improve the available genomic resources for P. papatasi and will provide essential information for annotation of the full genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenica Abrudan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Marcelo Ramalho-Ortigão
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Phillip Lawyer
- Intracellular Parasite Biology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, USA
| | - Shaden Kamhawi
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, USA
| | - Edgar D. Rowton
- Entomology Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 530 Robert Grant Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | | | - Paul A. Bates
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Jesus G. Valenzeula
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, USA
| | - Chad Tomlinson
- The Genome Institute at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, 63108, USA
| | - Elizabeth Appelbaum
- The Genome Institute at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, 63108, USA
| | - Deborah Moeller
- The Genome Institute at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, 63108, USA
| | - Brenda Thiesing
- The Genome Institute at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, 63108, USA
| | - Rod Dillon
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Sandra Clifton
- The Genome Institute at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, 63108, USA
| | - Neil F. Lobo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Richard K. Wilson
- The Genome Institute at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, 63108, USA
| | - Frank H. Collins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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10
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Abstract
Leishmaniases are vector-borne parasitic diseases with 0.9 - 1.4 million new human cases each year worldwide. In the vectorial part of the life-cycle, Leishmania development is confined to the digestive tract. During the first few days after blood feeding, natural barriers to Leishmania development include secreted proteolytic enzymes, the peritrophic matrix surrounding the ingested blood meal and sand fly immune reactions. As the blood digestion proceeds, parasites need to bind to the midgut epithelium to avoid being excreted with the blood remnant. This binding is strictly stage-dependent as it is a property of nectomonad and leptomonad forms only. While the attachment in specific vectors (P. papatasi, P. duboscqi and P. sergenti) involves lipophosphoglycan (LPG), this Leishmania molecule is not required for parasite attachment in other sand fly species experimentally permissive for various Leishmania. During late-stage infections, large numbers of parasites accumulate in the anterior midgut and produce filamentous proteophosphoglycan creating a gel-like plug physically obstructing the gut. The parasites attached to the stomodeal valve cause damage to the chitin lining and epithelial cells of the valve, interfering with its function and facilitating reflux of parasites from the midgut. Transformation to metacyclic stages highly infective for the vertebrate host is the other prerequisite for effective transmission. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of molecular interactions occurring in all these distinct phases of parasite colonization of the sand fly gut, highlighting recent discoveries in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dostálová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 12844 Praha 2, Czech Republic
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11
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Cadavid-Restrepo G, Sahaza J, Orduz S. Treatment of an Aedes aegypti colony with the Cry11Aa toxin for 54 generations results in the development of resistance. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2012; 107:74-9. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000100010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Sahaza
- Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Colombia
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12
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Dostálová A, Votýpka J, Favreau AJ, Barbian KD, Volf P, Valenzuela JG, Jochim RC. The midgut transcriptome of Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perniciosus, a vector of Leishmania infantum: comparison of sugar fed and blood fed sand flies. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:223. [PMID: 21569254 PMCID: PMC3107814 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasite-vector interactions are fundamental in the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as leishmaniasis. Leishmania development in the vector sand fly is confined to the digestive tract, where sand fly midgut molecules interact with the parasites. In this work we sequenced and analyzed two midgut-specific cDNA libraries from sugar fed and blood fed female Phlebotomus perniciosus and compared the transcript expression profiles. Results A total of 4111 high quality sequences were obtained from the two libraries and assembled into 370 contigs and 1085 singletons. Molecules with putative roles in blood meal digestion, peritrophic matrix formation, immunity and response to oxidative stress were identified, including proteins that were not previously reported in sand flies. These molecules were evaluated relative to other published sand fly transcripts. Comparative analysis of the two libraries revealed transcripts differentially expressed in response to blood feeding. Molecules up regulated by blood feeding include a putative peritrophin (PperPer1), two chymotrypsin-like proteins (PperChym1 and PperChym2), a putative trypsin (PperTryp3) and four putative microvillar proteins (PperMVP1, 2, 4 and 5). Additionally, several transcripts were more abundant in the sugar fed midgut, such as two putative trypsins (PperTryp1 and PperTryp2), a chymotrypsin (PperChym3) and a microvillar protein (PperMVP3). We performed a detailed temporal expression profile analysis of the putative trypsin transcripts using qPCR and confirmed the expression of blood-induced and blood-repressed trypsins. Trypsin expression was measured in Leishmania infantum-infected and uninfected sand flies, which identified the L. infantum-induced down regulation of PperTryp3 at 24 hours post-blood meal. Conclusion This midgut tissue-specific transcriptome provides insight into the molecules expressed in the midgut of P. perniciosus, an important vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the Old World. Through the comparative analysis of the libraries we identified molecules differentially expressed during blood meal digestion. Additionally, this study provides a detailed comparison to transcripts of other sand flies. Moreover, our analysis of putative trypsins demonstrated that L. infantum infection can reduce the transcript abundance of trypsin PperTryp3 in the midgut of P. perniciosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dostálová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Praha 2, Czech Republic
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13
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Coutinho-Abreu IV, Sharma NK, Robles-Murguia M, Ramalho-Ortigao M. Targeting the midgut secreted PpChit1 reduces Leishmania major development in its natural vector, the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4:e901. [PMID: 21152058 PMCID: PMC2994919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During its developmental cycle within the sand fly vector, Leishmania must survive an early proteolytic attack, escape the peritrophic matrix, and then adhere to the midgut epithelia in order to prevent excretion with remnants of the blood meal. These three steps are critical for the establishment of an infection within the vector and are linked to interactions controlling species-specific vector competence. PpChit1 is a midgut-specific chitinase from Phlebotomus papatasi presumably involved in maturation and degradation of the peritrophic matrix. Sand fly midgut chitinases, such as PpChit1, whether acting independently or in a synergistic manner with Leishmania-secreted chitinase, possibly play a role in the Leishmania escape from the endoperitrophic space. Thus, we predicted that silencing of sand fly chitinase will lead to reduction or elimination of Leishmania within the gut of the sand fly vector. Methodology/Principal Findings We used injection of dsRNA to induce knock down of PpChit1 transcripts (dsPpChit1) and assessed the effect on protein levels post blood meal (PBM) and on Leishmania major development within P. papatasi. Injection of dsPpChit1 led to a significant reduction of PpChit1 transcripts from 24 hours to 96 hours PBM. More importantly, dsPpChit1 led to a significant reduction in protein levels and in the number of Le. major present in the midgut of infected P. papatasi following a infective blood meal. Conclusion/Significance Our data supports targeting PpChit1 as a potential transmission blocking vaccine candidate against leishmaniasis. For a successful development within the midgut of the sand fly vector, Leishmania must overcome several barriers which are imposed by the vector. The ability to overcome these barriers has been associated with species specificity, and interference with the sand fly vector-parasite balance can change the outcome of the infection in the vector. Recently, our group has carried out a transcriptome assessment of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi midgut, uncovering many transcripts possibly associated with the barrier to Leishmania development. In order to validate the role of such genes, we have developed a dedicated RNA interference (RNAi) platform to assess whether RNAi targeting such genes can reduce Leishmania major development. PpChit1 is a midgut-specific chitinase presumably involved in the maturation/degradation of the peritrophic matrix in the gut of the sand fly after a blood meal. Our results show that knockdown of PpChit1 via RNAi led to a significant reduction of Le. major within the gut, supporting the potential use of PpChit1 as a target for transmission blocking strategies against sand fly-transmitted leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Narinder K. Sharma
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Maricela Robles-Murguia
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Marcelo Ramalho-Ortigao
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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14
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Hill SR, Zaspel J, Weller S, Hansson BS, Ignell R. To be or not to be… a vampire: a matter of sensillum numbers in Calyptra thalictri? ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2010; 39:322-333. [PMID: 20566317 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2010.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which blood feeding in insects has evolved are unclear, primarily because there has been no access to species in which there is a mixture of same-sex blood feeding and non-blood feeding individuals. The discovery of a subset of male Calyptra thalictri (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Calpini) that blood feed under constrained experimental conditions, while the majority of these males do not, provides a unique opportunity to investigate members of the same species for potential root mechanisms leading to the ability to blood feed. Previously, C. thalictri populations revealed no morphological differences in the classical structures used for species identification in individuals that took a blood meal compared with those that did not. We report a description of the antennal sensilla and their distribution in male C. thalictri and describe an antennal sensillum distribution dimorphism between individuals that took a blood meal under constrained experimental conditions and those that did not. The number of olfactory sensilla, primarily sensilla coeloconica but also sensilla auricillica, is reduced in C. thalictri males that took a blood meal compared with those that did not. The selectivity of sensilla coeloconica olfactory sensory neurons was investigated. The sensilla coeloconica demonstrated sensitivity to fifteen vertebrate-related volatiles, including ammonia. We propose that the reduction in olfactory sensilla sensitive to vertebrate-related compounds may be correlated to an increase in the likelihood of a male C. thalictri to take a blood meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon R Hill
- Division of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish Agricultural University, Alnarp, Sweden.
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15
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Telleria EL, de Araújo APO, Secundino NF, d'Avila-Levy CM, Traub-Csekö YM. Trypsin-like serine proteases in Lutzomyia longipalpis--expression, activity and possible modulation by Leishmania infantum chagasi. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10697. [PMID: 20502532 PMCID: PMC2872664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Midgut enzymatic activity is one of the obstacles that Leishmania must surpass to succeed in establishing infection. Trypsins are abundant digestive enzymes in most insects. We have previously described two trypsin cDNAs of L. longipalpis: one (Lltryp1) with a bloodmeal induced transcription pattern, the other (Lltryp2) with a constitutive transcription pattern. We have now characterized the expression and activity of trypsin-like proteases of Lutzomyia longipalpis, the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. Methodology and Principal Findings In order to study trypsin expression profiles we produced antibodies against peptides specific for Lltryp1 and Lltryp2. The anti-Lltryp1-peptide antibody revealed a band of 28 kDa between 6 and 48 hours. The anti-Lltryp2 peptide antibody did not evidence any band. When proteinaceous substrates (gelatin, hemoglobin, casein or albumin) were co-polymerized in polyacrylamide gels, insect midguts obtained at 12 hours after feeding showed a unique proteolytic pattern for each substrate. All activity bands were strongly inhibited by TLCK, benzamidine and 4-amino-benzamidine, indicating that they are trypsin-like proteases. The trypsin-like activity was also measured in vitro at different time points after ingestion of blood or blood containing Leishmania infantum chagasi, using the chromogenic substrate BAρNA. L. longipalpis females fed on blood infected with L. i. chagasi had lower levels of trypsin activity after 12 and 48 hours than non-infected insects, suggesting that the parasite may have a role in this modulation. Conclusions and Significance Trypsins are important and abundant digestive enzymes in L. longipalpis. Protein production and enzymatic activity followed previously identified gene expression of a blood modulated trypsin gene. A decrease of enzymatic activity upon the parasite infection, previously detected mostly in Old World vectors, was detected for the first time in the natural vector-parasite pair L. longipalpis-L. i. chagasi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich Loza Telleria
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Nágila Francinete Secundino
- Laboratório de Entomologia Médica, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Claudia Masini d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yara Maria Traub-Csekö
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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16
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Dreher-Lesnick SM, Ceraul SM, Lesnick SC, Gillespie JJ, Anderson JM, Jochim RC, Valenzuela JG, Azad AF. Analysis of Rickettsia typhi-infected and uninfected cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) midgut cDNA libraries: deciphering molecular pathways involved in host response to R. typhi infection. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 19:229-241. [PMID: 20017753 PMCID: PMC3179627 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2009.00978.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Murine typhus is a flea-borne febrile illness that is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium, Rickettsia typhi. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, acquires R. typhi by imbibing a bloodmeal from a rickettsemic vertebrate host. To explore which transcripts are expressed in the midgut in response to challenge with R. typhi, cDNA libraries of R. typhi-infected and uninfected midguts of C. felis were constructed. In this study, we examined midgut transcript levels for select C. felis serine proteases, GTPases and defence response genes, all thought to be involved in the fleas response to feeding or infection. An increase in gene expression was observed for the serine protease inhibitors and vesicular trafficking proteins in response to feeding. In addition, R. typhi infection resulted in an increase in gene expression for the chymotrypsin and rab5 that we studied. Interestingly, R. typhi infection had little effect on expression of any of the defence response genes that we studied. We are unsure as to the physiological significance of these gene expression profiles and are currently investigating their potential roles as it pertains to R. typhi infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of differential expression of flea transcripts in response to infection with R. typhi.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Dreher-Lesnick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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17
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Ramalho-Ortigao M, Saraiva EM, Traub-Csekö YM. Sand fly- Leishmania interactions: long relationships are not necessarily easy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 4:195-204. [PMID: 24159365 DOI: 10.2174/1874421401004010195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sand fly and Leishmania are one of the best studied vector-parasite models. Much is known about the development of these parasites within the sand fly, and how transmission to a suitable vertebrate host takes place. Various molecules secreted by the vector assist the establishment of the infection in a vertebrate, and changes to the vector are promoted by the parasites in order to facilitate or enhance transmission. Despite a generally accepted view that sand flies and Leishmania are also one of the oldest vector-pathogen pairs known, such long history has not been translated into a harmonic relationship. Leishmania are faced with many barriers to the establishment of a successful infection within the sand fly vector, and specific associations have been developed which are thought to represent aspects of a co-evolution between the parasite and its vectors. In this review, we highlight the journey taken by Leishmania during its development within the vector, and describe the issues associated with the natural barriers encountered by the parasite. Recent data revealed sexual replication of Leishmania within the sand fly, but it is yet unknown if such reproduction affects disease outcome. New approaches targeting sand fly molecules to prevent parasite transmission are being sought, and various techniques related to genetic manipulation of sand flies are being utilized.
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Sui YP, Wang JX, Zhao XF. The impacts of classical insect hormones on the expression profiles of a new digestive trypsin-like protease (TLP) from the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 18:443-452. [PMID: 19469806 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2009.00884.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Trypsin proteinases perform important roles in the protein digestion of an insect midgut. A 1042 bp full-length cDNA was cloned from Helicoverpa armigera. The gene encoded a 32 kDa protein, with a predicted isoelectric point of 5.7. The amino acid sequence of the protein had a trypsin-like serine protease domain, and the gene was named Ha-TLP. The expression of the gene was tissue-specific and the transcript of Ha-TLP existed only in the midgut and was not found in the head-thorax, integument, fat body and haemocytes from 5th instar larvae, with similar expression levels between those in feeding larvae and in molting larvae. In the midgut, the gene transcription level declined from 6th instar 72 h after the larvae entered the wandering stage, and disappeared from 6th instar at 96 h until the pupal stage. By immunohistochemistry, Ha-TLP was detected in the cytoplasm of the midgut epithelial cells of the 6th instar feeding stage worms. The expression of Ha-TLP could be up-regulated by a juvenile hormone (JH) analog methoprene and down-regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). These facts indicate that Ha-TLP was involved in food digestion during larval growth and probably up-regulated by JH and suppressed by extra 20E in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-P Sui
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, Shandong, China
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Jecna L, Svarovska A, Besteiro S, Mottram JC, Coombs GH, Volf P. Inhibitor of cysteine peptidase does not influence the development of Leishmania mexicana in Lutzomyia longipalpis. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2009; 46:605-609. [PMID: 19496433 DOI: 10.1603/033.046.0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
It has been proposed that the natural cysteine peptidase inhibitor ICP of Leishmania mexicana protects the protozoan parasite from insect host proteolytic enzymes, thereby promoting survival. To test this hypothesis, L. mexicana mutants deficient in ICP were evaluated for their ability to develop in the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis. No significant differences were found between the wild-type parasites, two independently derived ICP-deficient mutants, or mutants overexpressing ICP; all lines developed similarly in the sand fly midgut and produced heavy late-stage infections. In addition, recombinant L. mexicana ICP did not inhibit peptidase activity of the midgut extracts in vitro. We conclude that ICP has no major role in promoting survival of L. mexicana in the vectorial part of its life cycle in L. longipalpis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Jecna
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Lopes AR, Sato PM, Terra WR. Insect chymotrypsins: chloromethyl ketone inactivation and substrate specificity relative to possible coevolutional adaptation of insects and plants. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 70:188-203. [PMID: 19194984 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Insect digestive chymotrypsins are present in a large variety of insect orders but their substrate specificity still remains unclear. Four insect chymotrypsins from 3 different insect orders (Dictyoptera, Coleoptera, and two Lepidoptera) were isolated using affinity chromatography. Enzymes presented molecular masses in the range of 20 to 31 kDa and pH optima in the range of 7.5 to 10.0. Kinetic characterization using different colorimetric and fluorescent substrates indicated that insect chymotrypsins differ from bovine chymotrypsin in their primary specificity toward small substrates (like N-benzoyl-L-Tyr p-nitroanilide) rather than on their preference for large substrates (exemplified by Succynil-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe p-nitroanilide). Chloromethyl ketones (TPCK, N- alpha-tosyl-L-Phe chloromethyl ketone and Z-GGF-CK, N- carbobenzoxy-Gly-Gly-Phe-CK) inactivated all chymotrypsins tested. Inactivation rates follow apparent first-order kinetics with variable second order rates (TPCK, 42 to 130 M(-1) s(-1); Z-GGF-CK, 150 to 450 M(-1) s(-1)) that may be remarkably low for S. frugiperda chymotrypsin (TPCK, 6 M(-1) s(-1); Z-GGF-CK, 6.1 M(-1) s(-1)). Homology modelling and sequence alignment showed that in lepidopteran chymotrypsins, differences in the amino acid residues in the neighborhood of the catalytic His 57 may affect its pKa value. This is proposed as the cause of the decrease in His 57 reactivity toward chloromethyl ketones. Such amino acid replacement in the active site is proposed to be an adaptation to the presence of dietary ketones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana R Lopes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Eschenlauer SCP, Faria MS, Morrison LS, Bland N, Ribeiro-Gomes FL, DosReis GA, Coombs GH, Lima APCA, Mottram JC. Influence of parasite encoded inhibitors of serine peptidases in early infection of macrophages with Leishmania major. Cell Microbiol 2009; 11:106-20. [PMID: 19016791 PMCID: PMC2659362 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01243.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2008] [Revised: 09/12/2008] [Accepted: 09/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ecotin is a potent inhibitor of family S1A serine peptidases, enzymes lacking in the protozoan parasite Leishmania major. Nevertheless, L. major has three ecotin-like genes, termed inhibitor of serine peptidase (ISP). ISP1 is expressed in vector-borne procyclic and metacyclic promastigotes, whereas ISP2 is also expressed in the mammalian amastigote stage. Recombinant ISP2 inhibited neutrophil elastase, trypsin and chymotrypsin with K(i)s between 7.7 and 83 nM. L. major ISP2-ISP3 double null mutants (Deltaisp2/3) were created. These grew normally as promastigotes, but were internalized by macrophages more efficiently than wild-type parasites due to the upregulation of phagocytosis by a mechanism dependent on serine peptidase activity. Deltaisp2/3 promastigotes transformed to amastigotes, but failed to divide for 48 h. Intracellular multiplication of Deltaisp2/3 was similar to wild-type parasites when serine peptidase inhibitors were present, suggesting that defective intracellular growth results from the lack of serine peptidase inhibition during promastigote uptake. Deltaisp2/3 mutants were more infective than wild-type parasites to BALB/c mice at the early stages of infection, but became equivalent as the infection progressed. These data support the hypothesis that ISPs of L. major target host serine peptidases and influence the early stages of infection of the mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain C P Eschenlauer
- Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Marilia S Faria
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, RJ 21949-900, Brazil
| | - Lesley S Morrison
- Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Nicolas Bland
- Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Flavia L Ribeiro-Gomes
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, RJ 21949-900, Brazil
| | - George A DosReis
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, RJ 21949-900, Brazil
| | - Graham H Coombs
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of StrathclydeGlasgow G4 0NR, UK
| | - Ana Paula C A Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, RJ 21949-900, Brazil
| | - Jeremy C Mottram
- Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgow G12 8TA, UK
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22
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Yang Q, Sun L, Zhang D, Qian J, Sun Y, Ma L, Sun J, Hu X, Tan W, Wang W, Zhu C. Partial characterization of deltamethrin metabolism catalyzed by chymotrypsin. Toxicol In Vitro 2008; 22:1528-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2008.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2007] [Revised: 04/15/2008] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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23
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Sato PM, Lopes AR, Juliano L, Juliano MA, Terra WR. Subsite substrate specificity of midgut insect chymotrypsins. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 38:628-633. [PMID: 18510974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2008.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2007] [Revised: 02/20/2008] [Accepted: 03/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Insect chymotrypsins are distinctively sensitive to plant protein inhibitors, suggesting that they differ in subsite architecture and hence in substrate specificities. Purified digestive chymotrypsins from insects of three different orders were assayed with internally quenched fluorescent oligopeptides with three different amino acids at P1 (Tyr, Phe, and Leu) and 13 amino acid replacements in positions P1', P2, and P3. The binding energy (DeltaG(s), calculated from K(m) values) and the activation energy (DeltaG(T)++, determined from k(cat)/K(m) values) were calculated. The hydrophobicities of each subsite were calculated from the efficiency of hydrolysis of the different amino acid replacements at that subsite. The results showed that except for S1, the other subsites (S2, S3, and S1') vary among chymotrypsins. This result contrasts with insect trypsin data that revealed a trend along evolution, putatively associated with resistance to plant inhibitors. In spite of those differences, the data suggested that in lepidopteran chymotrypsins S2 and S1' bind the substrate ground state, whereas only S1' binds the transition state, supporting aspects of the present accepted mechanism of catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Sato
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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24
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Expression and characterization of two pesticide resistance-associated serine protease genes (NYD-tr and NYD-ch) from Culex pipiens pallens for metabolism of deltamethrin. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:507-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0997-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2008] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Tsuji N, Miyoshi T, Battsetseg B, Matsuo T, Xuan X, Fujisaki K. A cysteine protease is critical for Babesia spp. transmission in Haemaphysalis ticks. PLoS Pathog 2008; 4:e1000062. [PMID: 18483546 PMCID: PMC2358973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector ticks possess a unique system that enables them to digest large amounts of host blood and to transmit various animal and human pathogens, suggesting the existence of evolutionally acquired proteolytic mechanisms. We report here the molecular and reverse genetic characterization of a multifunctional cysteine protease, longipain, from the babesial parasite vector tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. Longipain shares structural similarity with papain-family cysteine proteases obtained from invertebrates and vertebrates. Endogenous longipain was mainly expressed in the midgut epithelium and was specifically localized at lysosomal vacuoles and possibly released into the lumen. Its expression was up-regulated by host blood feeding. Enzymatic functional assays using in vitro and in vivo substrates revealed that longipain hydrolysis occurs over a broad range of pH and temperature. Haemoparasiticidal assays showed that longipain dose-dependently killed tick-borne Babesia parasites, and its babesiacidal effect occurred via specific adherence to the parasite membranes. Disruption of endogenous longipain by RNA interference revealed that longipain is involved in the digestion of the host blood meal. In addition, the knockdown ticks contained an increased number of parasites, suggesting that longipain exerts a killing effect against the midgut-stage Babesia parasites in ticks. Our results suggest that longipain is essential for tick survival, and may have a role in controlling the transmission of tick-transmittable Babesia parasites. Ticks are important ectoparasites among the blood-feeding arthropods and serve as vectors of many deadly diseases of humans and animals. Of tick-transmitted pathogens, Babesia, an intracellular haemoprotozoan parasite causing a malaria-like disease, called babesiosis, gain increasing interest due to its zoonotic significance. When vector ticks acquire the protozoa via blood-meals, they invade midgut and undergo several developmental stages prior to exit through salivary glands. It has long been conceived that midguts of these ticks evolve diverse innate immune mechanisms and perform blood digestion critical for tick survival. A cysteine proteinase, longipain, was identified from the three-host tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, which shows potent parasiticidal activity. Longipain is localized in midgut epithelium and its expression is induced by blood feeding. This protein is passively secreted into midgut lumen where it exerts enzymatic degradation of blood-meals. A series of experiments unveil that longipain-knockdown ticks when fed on Babesia-infected dog, exhibited a significantly increased numbers of parasites compared with controls. Longipain has shown to interact on the surface of Babesia parasites in vitro and in vivo, and is thought to mediate direct killing of the parasites, suggesting that longipain may be a potential chemotherapeutic target against babesiosis and ticks themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naotoshi Tsuji
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takeharu Miyoshi
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Badger Battsetseg
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tomohide Matsuo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, Japan
- * E-mail:
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26
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Jochim RC, Teixeira CR, Laughinghouse A, Mu J, Oliveira F, Gomes RB, Elnaiem DE, Valenzuela JG. The midgut transcriptome of Lutzomyia longipalpis: comparative analysis of cDNA libraries from sugar-fed, blood-fed, post-digested and Leishmania infantum chagasi-infected sand flies. BMC Genomics 2008; 9:15. [PMID: 18194529 PMCID: PMC2249575 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2007] [Accepted: 01/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the life cycle of Leishmania within the alimentary canal of sand flies the parasites have to survive the hostile environment of blood meal digestion, escape the blood bolus and attach to the midgut epithelium before differentiating into the infective metacyclic stages. The molecular interactions between the Leishmania parasites and the gut of the sand fly are poorly understood. In the present work we sequenced five cDNA libraries constructed from midgut tissue from the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis and analyzed the transcripts present following sugar feeding, blood feeding and after the blood meal has been processed and excreted, both in the presence and absence of Leishmania infantum chagasi. Results Comparative analysis of the transcripts from sugar-fed and blood-fed cDNA libraries resulted in the identification of transcripts differentially expressed during blood feeding. This included upregulated transcripts such as four distinct microvillar-like proteins (LuloMVP1, 2, 4 and 5), two peritrophin like proteins, a trypsin like protein (Lltryp1), two chymotrypsin like proteins (LuloChym1A and 2) and an unknown protein. Downregulated transcripts by blood feeding were a microvillar-like protein (LuloMVP3), a trypsin like protein (Lltryp2) and an astacin-like metalloprotease (LuloAstacin). Furthermore, a comparative analysis between blood-fed and Leishmania infected midgut cDNA libraries resulted in the identification of the transcripts that were differentially expressed due to the presence of Leishmania in the gut of the sand fly. This included down regulated transcripts such as four microvillar-like proteins (LuloMVP1,2, 4 and 5), a Chymotrypsin (LuloChym1A) and a carboxypeptidase (LuloCpepA1), among others. Upregulated midgut transcripts in the presence of Leishmania were a peritrophin like protein (LuloPer1), a trypsin-like protein (Lltryp2) and an unknown protein. Conclusion This transcriptome analysis represents the largest set of sequence data reported from a specific sand fly tissue and provides further information of the transcripts present in the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis. This analysis provides the detailed information of molecules present in the midgut of this sand fly and the transcripts potentially modulated by blood feeding and by the presence of the Leishmania parasite. More importantly, this analysis suggests that Leishmania infantum chagasi alters the expression profile of certain midgut transcripts in the sand fly during blood meal digestion and that this modulation may be relevant for the survival and establishment of the parasite in the gut of the fly. Moreover, this analysis suggests that these changes may be occurring during the digestion of the blood meal and not afterwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Jochim
- Vector Molecular Biology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
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27
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Telleria EL, Pitaluga AN, Ortigão-Farias JR, de Araújo APO, Ramalho-Ortigão JM, Traub-Cseko YM. Constitutive and blood meal-induced trypsin genes in Lutzomyia longipalpis. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2007; 66:53-63. [PMID: 17879236 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Trypsins constitute some of the most abundant midgut digestive proteases expressed by hematophagous insects upon blood feeding. In addition to their role in the digestion of the blood meal, these proteases also have been implicated in the ability of certain pathogens to infect their natural vector. In sand flies, digestive proteases including trypsins were associated with early killing of Leishmania and are believed to play a role in the species-specificity dictating sand fly vectorial capacity. Our group is involved in studies of midgut digestive proteases in the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, the principal vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. Here we report on the identification of two cDNAs, Lltryp1 and Lltryp2, which code for putative midgut trypsins in L. longipalpis. Analyses of RNA abundance using semi-quantitative RT-PCR show a different pattern of expression between the two genes. Lltryp1 expression remains undetected until blood feeding and reaches a peak at 12 h post-blood meal (PBM), returning to pre-blood meal levels at 72 h PBM. Additionally, Lltryp1 expression is undetected during larval development. Lltryp2, on the other hand, is constitutively expressed as high levels in the non-blood fed female, but is reduced upon blood feeding. At the end of the digestive cycle, Lltryp2 regains its pre-blood meal levels. This cDNA also is present in all developmental stages and in adult males. This pattern of expression is reminiscent of what is seen in mosquitoes and Old World sand flies, but has characteristics that are unique to L. longipalpis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich Loza Telleria
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Tripanosomatídeos e Flebotomíneos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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28
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Angulo-Valadez CE, Cepeda-Palacios R, Ascencio F, Jacquiet P, Dorchies P, Romero MJ, Khelifa RM. Proteolytic activity in salivary gland products of sheep bot fly (Oestrus ovis) larvae. Vet Parasitol 2007; 149:117-25. [PMID: 17697751 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2007] [Revised: 06/27/2007] [Accepted: 06/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study identified and characterized hydrolytic enzymes in salivary gland products of Oestrus ovis larvae. Third instars were collected from the heads of slaughtered goats. Salivary glands were extracted, their products obtained by centrifugation and the enzymatic profile determined. Optimum pH, temperature of maximum proteolytic activity, thermal stability, and resistance of salivary gland products were determined on collagen and subclasses of proteases were identified using protease inhibitors. Zymograms were used to determine the molecular weight of proteases. Antigenic protein bands were revealed by immunoblotting using sera obtained from experimentally infested goats. Seven positive enzymatic activities were detected in salivary gland products: acid phosphatase, naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase, esterase (C4), esterase lipase (C8), leucine arylamidase, alpha-glucosidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. Optimum pH for proteolytic activity was 8.0; proteolytic activity increased with temperature (10-50 degrees C) then drastically decreased at 60 degrees C. Proteases in O. ovis salivary gland products belong to the serine subclass. In Zymograms, bands of proteolytic activity were detected in the 20-63 kDa range; the immunoblot showed three antigenic bands, one of them related to a protease band (63 kDa). Serine proteases in O. ovis salivary gland products are most likely involved in larval nutrition and host immuno-modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Angulo-Valadez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Mar Bermejo 195, Col. Playa de Santa Rita, La Paz, B.C.S. 23090, Mexico
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29
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Bañuls AL, Hide M, Prugnolle F. Leishmania and the leishmaniases: a parasite genetic update and advances in taxonomy, epidemiology and pathogenicity in humans. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2007; 64:1-109. [PMID: 17499100 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(06)64001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniases remain a major public health problem today despite the vast amount of research conducted on Leishmania pathogens. The biological model is genetically and ecologically complex. This paper explores the advances in Leishmania genetics and reviews population structure, taxonomy, epidemiology and pathogenicity. Current knowledge of Leishmania genetics is placed in the context of natural populations. Various studies have described a clonal structure for Leishmania but recombination, pseudo-recombination and other genetic processes have also been reported. The impact of these different models on epidemiology and the medical aspects of leishmaniases is considered from an evolutionary point of view. The role of these parasites in the expression of pathogenicity in humans is also explored. It is important to ascertain whether genetic variability of the parasites is related to the different clinical expressions of leishmaniasis. The review aims to put current knowledge of Leishmania and the leishmaniases in perspective and to underline priority questions which 'leishmaniacs' must answer in various domains: epidemiology, population genetics, taxonomy and pathogenicity. It concludes by presenting a number of feasible ways of responding to these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Bañuls
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR CNRS/IRD 2724, Génétique et Evolution des Maladies Infectieuses, IRD Montpellier, 911 avenue Agropolis, 34394 Montpellier cedex 5, France
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30
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Ramalho-Ortigão M, Jochim RC, Anderson JM, Lawyer PG, Pham VM, Kamhawi S, Valenzuela JG. Exploring the midgut transcriptome of Phlebotomus papatasi: comparative analysis of expression profiles of sugar-fed, blood-fed and Leishmania-major-infected sandflies. BMC Genomics 2007; 8:300. [PMID: 17760985 PMCID: PMC2034597 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-8-300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2007] [Accepted: 08/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In sandflies, the blood meal is responsible for the induction of several physiologic processes that culminate in egg development and maturation. During blood feeding, infected sandflies are also able to transmit the parasite Leishmania to a suitable host. Many blood-induced molecules play significant roles during Leishmania development in the sandfly midgut, including parasite killing within the endoperitrophic space. In this work, we randomly sequenced transcripts from three distinct high quality full-length female Phlebotomus papatasi midgut-specific cDNA libraries from sugar-fed, blood-fed and Leishmania major-infected sandflies. Furthermore, we compared the transcript expression profiles from the three different cDNA libraries by customized bioinformatics analysis and validated these findings by semi-quantitative PCR and real-time PCR. Results Transcriptome analysis of 4010 cDNA clones resulted in the identification of the most abundant P. papatasi midgut-specific transcripts. The identified molecules included those with putative roles in digestion and peritrophic matrix formation, among others. Moreover, we identified sandfly midgut transcripts that are expressed only after a blood meal, such as microvilli associated-like protein (PpMVP1, PpMVP2 and PpMVP3), a peritrophin (PpPer1), trypsin 4 (PpTryp4), chymotrypsin PpChym2, and two unknown proteins. Of interest, many of these overabundant transcripts such as PpChym2, PpMVP1, PpMVP2, PpPer1 and PpPer2 were of lower abundance when the sandfly was given a blood meal in the presence of L. major. Conclusion This tissue-specific transcriptome analysis provides a comprehensive look at the repertoire of transcripts present in the midgut of the sandfly P. papatasi. Furthermore, the customized bioinformatic analysis allowed us to compare and identify the overall transcript abundance from sugar-fed, blood-fed and Leishmania-infected sandflies. The suggested upregulation of specific transcripts in a blood-fed cDNA library were validated by real-time PCR, suggesting that this customized bioinformatic analysis is a powerful and accurate tool useful in analysing expression profiles from different cDNA libraries. Additionally, the findings presented in this work suggest that the Leishmania parasite is modulating key enzymes or proteins in the gut of the sandfly that may be beneficial for its establishment and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Ramalho-Ortigão
- Vector Molecular Biology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Ryan C Jochim
- Vector Molecular Biology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer M Anderson
- Vector Molecular Biology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Phillip G Lawyer
- Intracellular Parasite Biology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Van-My Pham
- Vector Molecular Biology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shaden Kamhawi
- Vector Molecular Biology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jesus G Valenzuela
- Vector Molecular Biology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Besteiro S, Williams RA, Coombs GH, Mottram JC. Protein turnover and differentiation in Leishmania. Int J Parasitol 2007; 37:1063-75. [PMID: 17493624 PMCID: PMC2244715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2007] [Accepted: 03/16/2007] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania occurs in several developmental forms and thus undergoes complex cell differentiation events during its life-cycle. Those are required to allow the parasite to adapt to the different environmental conditions. The sequencing of the genome of L. major has facilitated the identification of the parasite’s vast arsenal of proteolytic enzymes, a few of which have already been carefully studied and found to be important for the development and virulence of the parasite. This review focuses on these peptidases and their role in the cellular differentiation of Leishmania through their key involvement in a variety of degradative pathways in the lysosomal and autophagy networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Besteiro
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Roderick A.M. Williams
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Graham H. Coombs
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0NR, UK
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 141 330 3745; fax: +44 141 330 8269.
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Kamhawi S. Phlebotomine sand flies and Leishmania parasites: friends or foes? Trends Parasitol 2006; 22:439-45. [PMID: 16843727 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2006.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2005] [Revised: 06/12/2006] [Accepted: 06/29/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites need phlebotomine sand flies to complete their life cycle and to propagate. This review looks at Leishmania-sand fly interactions as the parasites develop from amastigotes to infectious metacyclics, highlighting recent findings concerning the evolutionary adaptations that ensure survival of the parasites. Such adaptations include secretion of phosphoglycans, which protect the parasite from digestive enzymes; production of chitinases that degrade the stomodeal valve of the sand fly; secretion of a neuropeptide that arrests midgut and hindgut peristalsis; and attaching to the midgut to avoid expulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaden Kamhawi
- Intracellular Parasite Biology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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33
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Dillon RJ, Ivens AC, Churcher C, Holroyd N, Quail MA, Rogers ME, Soares MB, Bonaldo MF, Casavant TL, Lehane MJ, Bates PA. Analysis of ESTs from Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies and their contribution toward understanding the insect-parasite relationship. Genomics 2006; 88:831-840. [PMID: 16887324 PMCID: PMC2675706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2006.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2006] [Revised: 06/16/2006] [Accepted: 06/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An expressed sequence tag library has been generated from a sand fly vector of visceral leishmaniasis, Lutzomyia longipalpis. A normalized cDNA library was constructed from whole adults and 16,608 clones were sequenced from both ends and assembled into 10,203 contigs and singlets. Of these 58% showed significant similarity to known genes from other organisms, < 4% were identical to described sand fly genes, and 42% had no match to any database sequence. Our analyses revealed putative proteins involved in the barrier function of the gut (peritrophins, microvillar proteins, glutamine synthase), digestive physiology (secreted and membrane-anchored hydrolytic enzymes), and the immune response (gram-negative binding proteins, thioester proteins, scavenger receptors, galectins, signaling pathway factors, caspases, serpins, and peroxidases). Sequence analysis of this transcriptome dataset has provided new insights into genes that might be associated with the response of the vector to the development of Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod J Dillon
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Al C Ivens
- The Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carol Churcher
- The Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- The Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael A Quail
- The Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew E Rogers
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - M Bento Soares
- Children's Memorial Research Center and Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Maria F Bonaldo
- Children's Memorial Research Center and Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Thomas L Casavant
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Mike J Lehane
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Paul A Bates
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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34
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Ramalho-Ortigão JM, Kamhawi S, Joshi MB, Reynoso D, Lawyer PG, Dwyer DM, Sacks DL, Valenzuela JG. Characterization of a blood activated chitinolytic system in the midgut of the sand fly vectors Lutzomyia longipalpis and Phlebotomus papatasi. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2005; 14:703-12. [PMID: 16313571 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2005.00601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We characterized a cDNA from Phlebotomus papatasi, PpChit1, which encodes a midgut specific chitinase and show the presence of a functional, blood-induced chitinolytic system in sand flies. PpChit1 is detected only in the midgut and is regulated by blood feeding. A recombinant protein (rPpChit1) produced in HEK 293-F cells exhibited a similar activity profile to that found in the native protein against several specific substrates, including an oligomeric glycol chitin and synthetic 4-methyl-umbelliferone labelled substrates. Western blotting showed that the native protein is recognized by mouse polyclonal antibodies against rPpChit1. Additionally, the rPpChit1 and the native chitinase displayed similar retention times in a HPLC size fractionation column. When added to rPpChit1 or to midgut lysates, PpChit1 sera reduced chitinolytic activity by 65-70%.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ramalho-Ortigão
- Intracellular Parasite Biology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852-8132, USA.
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35
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Waniek PJ, Hendgen-Cotta UB, Stock P, Mayer C, Kollien AH, Schaub GA. Serine proteinases of the human body louse (Pediculus humanus): sequence characterization and expression patterns. Parasitol Res 2005; 97:486-500. [PMID: 16211415 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-005-1463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2005] [Accepted: 07/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
After the previous characterization of one trypsin gene (Try1) of the human body louse Pediculus humanus, genes encoding a second trypsin (Try2) and a chymotrypsin (Chy1) have been cloned using degenerate serine proteinase primers and 5'- and 3'-RACE, and sequenced. The deduced 259 and 267 amino acid sequences of Try2 and Chy1 show an identity of 33%-40% to trypsinogens and chymotrypsinogens of other insects. Considering previously published partial sequences, P. humanus possesses at least one Try1 gene, five variants/isoforms of Try2 and six variants/isoforms of Chy1. The genomic DNA of Try2 contains three introns and Chy1 contains five introns. Using whole mount in situ hybridization, gene expression of Try1, Try2 and Chy1 has been localized not only in the distensible anterior region of the midgut of lice but sometimes also in the area following the distensible region. The Try2 gene was always expressed at much lower levels than Try1 or Chy1. This lower expression, the constitutive expression of Try1 and Chy1 at 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h after feeding of adults and the regional differences have been verified in quantitative real-time PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Waniek
- Department of Special Zoology, Ruhr-University, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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36
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Kvamme BO, Kongshaug H, Nilsen F. Organisation of trypsin genes in the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis, Crustacea, copepoda) genome. Gene 2005; 352:63-74. [PMID: 15878809 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2005.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2004] [Revised: 02/24/2005] [Accepted: 03/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Trypsins constitute a subclass of the S1A family of serine peptidases found in all groups of animal and some bacteria. At present, no information about the genomic organisation of trypsins is available for copepods. The only data of copepod trypsins indicate several different trypsins in the marine parasitic copepod Lepeophtheirus salmonis. In the present study, 31.7 kbp of genomic DNA surrounding the previously described LsTryp1-5 sequences was sequenced. The sequenced regions contain nine full-length and three partial trypsin genes. A conservative estimate based on PCR analysis and genomic sequence indicated at least 22 different trypsin genes in L. salmonis, of which 18 are most similar to the previously described LsTryp1 and -2 cDNA sequences. Four of these genes are putative pseudogenes. In addition, a putative mariner like transposase gene was identified. The genomic sequences suggest that the L. salmonis trypsin genes reside within one or more gene clusters. Three different LsTryp intron exon structures were identified, and all three are different from the intron exon organisation previously reported for other S1A peptidases. This implies several intron loss and gain events in the evolution of the L. salmonis trypsin genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Olav Kvamme
- Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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37
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Vaidyanathan R. Leishmania parasites (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) reversibly inhibit visceral muscle contractions in hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects. J Invertebr Pathol 2004; 87:123-8. [PMID: 15579321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2004.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2004] [Accepted: 09/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Female sand flies can acquire protozoan parasites in the genus Leishmania when feeding on an infected vertebrate host. The parasites complete a complex growth cycle in the sand fly gut until they are transmitted by bite to another host. Recently, a myoinhibitory peptide was isolated from Leishmania major promastigotes. This peptide caused significant gut distension and reversible, dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous hindgut contractions in the enzootic sand fly vector, Phlebotomus papatasi. The current study further characterizes myoinhibitory activity in L. major and other kinetoplastid parasites, using the P. papatasi hindgut and other insect organ preparations. Myoinhibitory activity was greatest in cultured promastigotes and in culture medium in late log-phase and early stationary-phase, coinciding with development of infective Leishmania morphotypes in the sand fly midgut. L. major promastigote lysates inhibited spontaneous contractions of visceral muscle preparations from hemimetabolous (Blattaria and Hemiptera) and holometabolous (Diptera) insects. Inhibition of visceral muscle contractions in three insect orders indicates a conserved mode of action. Myoinhibitory activity was detected also in Leishmania braziliensis braziliensis, a Sudanese strain of Leishmania donovani, and the kinetoplastid parasite Leptomonas seymouri. Protozoan-induced myoinhibition mimics the effect of insect myotropins. Inhibiting host gut contractions protects Leishmania parasites from being excreted after blood meal and peritrophic matrix digestion, allowing development and transmission of infective forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Vaidyanathan
- Department of Parasitology, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Ein Kerem, P.O. Box 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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38
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Wang P, Li G, Kain W. Characterization and cDNA cloning of midgut carboxypeptidases from Trichoplusia ni. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2004; 34:831-843. [PMID: 15262287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2004.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2004] [Accepted: 05/21/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Carboxypeptidase A and carboxypeptidase B activities from the midgut of Trichoplusia ni larvae were characterized. In the T. ni larval midgut, the primary digestive carboxypeptidase activity was attributed to carboxypeptidase A, which was eight times more active than carboxypeptidase B. Both the midgut carboxypeptidase A and carboxypeptidase B exhibited maximal activities at pH 8.0-8.5 and were similarly susceptible to inhibition by potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor and phenanthroline. The midgut carboxypeptidase activities were analyzed in T. ni larvae fed on various diet sources and the results indicated that midgut carboxypeptidase activities per milligram of gut were similar regardless of the amount of dietary proteins or amino acids. However, midgut carboxypeptidase A activity was significantly higher in larvae exposed to soybean trypsin inhibitor and was significantly lower in larvae fed on broccoli foliage. From the T. ni larval midgut, five putative carboxypeptidase cDNAs were cloned, demonstrating that midgut carboxypeptidase activities are composed of multiple carboxypeptidase types. Sequence analysis indicated that the midgut carboxypeptidases were produced as secreted proenzymes which could be activated after removal of an N-terminal activation fragment by a trypsin. Two cloned cDNAs are predicted to code for carboxypeptidase A and one cDNA is predicted to code for a putative carboxypeptidase B. The other two cDNAs are highly similar to carboxypeptidase A and carboxypeptidase B in sequences, but their activity was not predictable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva 14456, USA.
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Williamson AL, Lecchi P, Turk BE, Choe Y, Hotez PJ, McKerrow JH, Cantley LC, Sajid M, Craik CS, Loukas A. A Multi-enzyme Cascade of Hemoglobin Proteolysis in the Intestine of Blood-feeding Hookworms. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:35950-7. [PMID: 15199048 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m405842200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-feeding pathogens digest hemoglobin (Hb) as a source of nutrition, but little is known about this process in multicellular parasites. The intestinal brush border membrane of the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, contains aspartic proteases (APR-1), cysteine proteases (CP-2), and metalloproteases (MEP-1), the first of which is known to digest Hb. We now show that Hb is degraded by a multi-enzyme, synergistic cascade of proteolysis. Recombinant APR-1 and CP-2, but not MEP-1, digested native Hb and denatured globin. MEP-1, however, did cleave globin fragments that had undergone prior digestion by APR-1 and CP-2. Proteolytic cleavage sites within the Hb alpha and beta chains were determined for the three enzymes, identifying a total of 131 cleavage sites. By scanning synthetic combinatorial peptide libraries with each enzyme, we compared the preferred residues cleaved in the libraries with the known cleavage sites within Hb. The semi-ordered pathway of Hb digestion described here is surprisingly similar to that used by Plasmodium to digest Hb and provides a potential mechanism by which these hemoglobinases are efficacious vaccines in animal models of hookworm infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Williamson
- Department of Microbiology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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Joshi MB, Mallinson DJ, Dwyer DM. The human pathogen Leishmania donovani secretes a histidine acid phosphatase activity that is resistant to proteolytic degradation. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2004; 51:108-12. [PMID: 15068272 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2004.tb00171.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Promastigotes of all pathogenic Leishmania species secrete acid phosphatase (SAcP) activity during their growth in vitro. It has been suggested that this enzyme may play a role in the survival of the parasite within its sandfly-vector host. To carry out such functions, SAcP would have to be relatively resistant to endogenous sandfly gut-proteases. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to ascertain whether L. donovani SAcP activity was affected by treatment with various proteases. Native L. donovani SAcP was treated with a variety of serine-, thiol-, metallo- and mixed-proteases and subsequently assayed for enzymatic activity. Of the eleven proteases tested, only bromelain and subtilisin treatments caused a pronounced reduction in SAcP activity. Treatment of SAcP with seven out of the remaining nine proteases, resulted in an overall enhancement in SAcP enzymatic activity ranging from approximately 10% (e.g. with trypsin) to > or = 90% (e.g. with ficin). The resistance of the Leishmania SAcP to various proteases may prolong its functional life within the sandfly gut and help to facilitate parasite infection in this host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju B Joshi
- Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0425, USA
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Hajmová M, Chang KP, Kolli B, Volf P. Down-regulation of gp63 in Leishmania amazonensis reduces its early development in Lutzomyia longipalpis. Microbes Infect 2004; 6:646-9. [PMID: 15158771 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2004.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2003] [Accepted: 03/09/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The zinc protease (gp63) of promastigotes was found to play a role in the sand fly part of the Leishmania life cycle. Lutzomyia longipalpis females were fed with promastigotes (10(6) per ml) of a Leishmania amazonensis clone whose gp63 was up- and down-regulated by directional cloning into P6.5 for sense- and anti-sense transcription. Early development was found to differ significantly between the sense- and anti-sense transfectants 2 days post-feeding. The sense transfectants overexpressing gp63 were found similar to those with the vector alone: both developed in the gut at high rates of approximately 90-100% and at a high density with moderate to heavy parasite loads in >70% of the infected females. In contrast, the anti-sense transfectants with gp63 down-regulated developed at a lower rate (approximately 70%) and, significantly, at a very low density, with moderate to heavy parasite loads only in approximately 30% of the infected females. On day 9 post-feeding, all three groups of transfectants developed at a similar rate of approximately 50% with comparable parasite loads. Thus, gp63 plays a role at the early stage of L. amazonensis establishment in L. longipalpis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Hajmová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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42
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Ahn MY, Hahn BS, Ryu KS, Kim JW, Kim I, Kim YS. Purification and characterization of a serine protease with fibrinolytic activity from the dung beetles, Catharsius molossus. Thromb Res 2003; 112:339-47. [PMID: 15041280 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2004.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2004] [Accepted: 01/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Catharsius protease-1 (CPM-1) was isolated from the whole body of the dung beetles, Catharsius molossus, using three purification steps (ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-60, and affinity chromatography on DEAE Affi-Gel Blue gel). The purified CPM-1 that has a molecular weight of 27 kDa was assessed homogeneous by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and an isoelectric point of 4.4 was determined by isoelectric focusing. N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protease was composed of Ile-Val-Gly-Gly-Gln-Ala-Val-Glu-Ile-Gly-Asp-Tyr-Pro-Ala-Gln. The enzyme was inactivated by Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) and strongly inhibited by typical serine proteinase inhibitors such as TLCK, soybean trypsin inhibitor, aprotinin, benzamidine and alpha-antitrypsin. However, EDTA, EGTA, cysteine, beta-mercaptoethanol, E64, chymostatin, elastatinal and TPCK did not/less affect activity. Also, antiplasmin and antithrombin III were not sensitive to CPM-1. On the basis of amidolytic activity test, CPM-1 preferably hydrolysed chromogenic protease substrates containing Arg or Lys residues of the P1 position at pH 7.0 and 37 degrees C. CPM-1 preferentially cleaved the oxidized B-chain of insulin between Arg(22) and Gly(23). CPM-1 readily digested Aalpha- and gamma-chains and more slowly Bbeta-chain of fibrinogen. The nonspecific action of the enzyme resulted in extensive hydrolysis, releasing a variety of fibrinopeptides of fibrinogen and fibrin. D-dimer concentration increased on incubation of cross-linked fibrin with CPM-1, indicating that the enzyme has a significant fibrinolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Young Ahn
- Department of Sericulture and Entomology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, 61 Sudun-Dong, Kwonsun-gu, Suwon 441-100, South Korea.
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