1
|
Kozelková T, Dyčka F, Lu S, Urbanová V, Frantová H, Sojka D, Šíma R, Horn M, Perner J, Kopáček P. Insight Into the Dynamics of the Ixodes ricinus Nymphal Midgut Proteome. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100663. [PMID: 37832788 PMCID: PMC10665701 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are ectoparasites that feed on blood and have an impressive ability to consume and process enormous amounts of host blood, allowing extremely long periods of starvation between blood meals. The central role in the parasitic lifestyle of ticks is played by the midgut. This organ efficiently stores and digests ingested blood and serves as the primary interface for the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. In this study, we used a label-free quantitative approach to perform a novel dynamic proteomic analysis of the midgut of Ixodesricinus nymphs, covering their development from unfed to pre-molt stages. We identified 1534 I. ricinus-specific proteins with a relatively low proportion of host proteins. This proteome dataset, which was carefully examined by manual scrutiny, allowed precise annotation of proteins important for blood meal processing and their dynamic changes during nymphal ontogeny. We focused on midgut molecules related to lipid hydrolysis, storage, and transport, opening a yet unexplored avenue for studying lipid metabolism in ticks. Further dynamic profiling of the tick's multi-enzyme digestive network, protease inhibitors, enzymes involved in redox homeostasis and detoxification, antimicrobial peptides, and proteins responsible for midgut colonization by Borrelia spirochetes promises to uncover new targets for targeting tick nymphs, the most critical life stage for transmission the pathogens that cause tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Kozelková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Dyčka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Stephen Lu
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Veronika Urbanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Frantová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Šíma
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Bioptic Laboratory, Ltd, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopáček
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carnero-Morán Á, Oleaga A, Cano-Argüelles AL, Pérez-Sánchez R. Function-guided selection of salivary antigens from Ornithodoros erraticus argasid ticks and assessment of their protective efficacy in rabbits. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102218. [PMID: 37364364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102218] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The identification of new protective antigens for the development of tick vaccines may be approached by selecting antigen candidates that have key biological functions. Bioactive proteins playing key functions for tick feeding and pathogen transmission are secreted into the host via tick saliva. Adult argasid ticks must resynthesise and replace these proteins after each feeding to be able to repeat new trophogonic cycles. Therefore, these proteins are considered interesting antigen targets for tick vaccine development. In this study, the salivary gland transcriptome and saliva proteome of Ornithodoros erraticus females were inspected to select and test new vaccine candidate antigens. For this, we focused on transcripts overexpressed after feeding that encoded secretory proteins predicted to be immunogenic and annotated with functions related to blood ingestion and modulation of the host defensive response. Completeness of the transcript sequence, as well as a high expression level and a high fold-change after feeding were also scored resulting in the selection of four candidates, an acid tail salivary protein (OeATSP), a multiple coagulation factor deficiency protein 2 homolog (OeMCFD2), a Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (OeSOD) and a sulfotransferase (OeSULT), which were later produced as recombinant proteins. Vaccination of rabbits with each individual recombinant antigen induced strong humoral responses that reduced blood feeding and female reproduction, providing, respectively, 46.8%, 45.7%, 54.3% and 31.9% protection against O. erraticus infestations and 0.7%, 3.9%, 3.1% and 8.7% cross-protection against infestations by the African tick, Ornithodoros moubata. The joint protective efficacy of these antigens was tested in a second vaccine trial reaching 58.3% protection against O. erraticus and 18.6% cross-protection against O. moubata. These results (i) provide four new protective salivary antigens from argasid ticks that might be included in multi-antigenic vaccines designed for the control of multiple tick species; (ii) reveal four functional protein families never tested before as a source of protective antigens in ticks; and (iii) show that multi-antigenic vaccines increase vaccine efficacy compared with individual antigens. Finally, our data add value to the salivary glands as a protective antigen source in argasids for the control of tick infestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Carnero-Morán
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain
| | - Ana Laura Cano-Argüelles
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pérez-Sánchez
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baglia RA, Mills KR, Mitra K, Tutol JN, Ball D, Page KM, Kallu J, Gottipolu S, D'Arcy S, Nielsen SO, Dodani SC. An activity-based fluorescent sensor for the detection of the phenol sulfotransferase SULT1A1 in living cells. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:830-834. [PMID: 34212150 PMCID: PMC8190907 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00231c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human phenol sulfotransferases mediate the transfer of a sulfuryl moiety from the activated sulfate donor PAPS to hydroxy-containing substrates, altering substrate solubility and charge to affect phase II metabolism and cell signaling. Here, we present the development, computational modeling, in vitro enzymology, and biological application of STS-3, an activity-based fluorescent sensor for the SULT1A1 isoform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina A Baglia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Kira R Mills
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Koushambi Mitra
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Jasmine N Tutol
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Darby Ball
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Kierstin M Page
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Jyothi Kallu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Sriharika Gottipolu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Sheena D'Arcy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Steven O Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| | - Sheel C Dodani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson TX 75080 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Karim S, Kumar D, Adamson S, Ennen JR, Qualls CP, Ribeiro JMC. The sialotranscriptome of the gopher-tortoise tick, Amblyomma tuberculatum. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101560. [PMID: 33007669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The gopher tortoise tick, Amblyomma tuberculatum, is known to parasitize keystone ectotherm reptile species. The biological success of ticks requires precise mechanisms to evade host hemostatic and immune responses. Acquisition of a full blood meal requires attachment, establishment of the blood pool, and engorgement of the tick. Tick saliva contains molecules which counter the host responses to allow uninterrupted feeding on the host. RNASeq of the salivary glands of Amblyomma tuberculatum ticks were sequenced resulting in 138,030 pyrosequencing reads which were assembled into 29,991 contigs. A total of 1875 coding sequences were deduced from the transcriptome assembly, including 602 putative secretory and 982 putative housekeeping proteins. The annotated data sets are available as a hyperlinked spreadsheet. The sialotranscriptome assembled for this tick species made available a valuable resource for mining novel pharmacological activities and comparative analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Karim
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - Deepak Kumar
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - Steve Adamson
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - Joshua R Ennen
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - Carl P Qualls
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12732 Twinbrook Parkway, Room 3E28, Rockville MD 20852, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bairam AF, Kermasha ZW, Liu MC, Kurogi K, Yamamoto K. Functional analysis of novel sulfotransferases in the silkworm Bombyx mori. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21671. [PMID: 32227386 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sulfoconjugation plays a vital role in the detoxification of xenobiotics and in the metabolism of endogenous compounds. In this study, we aimed to identify new members of the sulfotransferase (SULT) superfamily in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Based on amino acid sequence and phylogenetic analyses, two new enzymes, swSULT ST1 and swSULT ST2, were identified that appear to belong to a distinct group of SULTs including several other insect SULTs. We expressed, purified, and characterized recombinant SULTs. While swSULT ST1 sulfated xanthurenic acid and pentachlorophenol, swSULT ST2 exclusively utilized xanthurenic acid as a substrate. Based on these results, and those concerning the tissue distribution and substrate specificity toward pentachlorophenol analyses, we hypothesize that swSULT ST1 plays a role in the detoxification of xenobiotics, including insecticides, in the silkworm midgut and in the induction of gametogenesis in silkworm ovary and testis. Collectively, the data obtained herein contribute to a better understanding of SULT enzymatic functions in insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahsan F Bairam
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Zainab W Kermasha
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Ming-Cheh Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Katsuhisa Kurogi
- Department of Biochemistry and Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kohji Yamamoto
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Blum K, Modestino EJ, Febo M, Steinberg B, McLaughlin T, Fried L, Baron D, Siwicki D, Badgaiyan RD. Lyme and Dopaminergic Function: Hypothesizing Reduced Reward Deficiency Symptomatology by Regulating Dopamine Transmission. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 3. [PMID: 28736624 PMCID: PMC5521197 DOI: 10.15761/jsin.1000163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The principal vector of Lyme disease in the United States is Ixodes scapularis: black legged or deer ticks. There is increased evidence that those infected may be plagued by anxiety or depression as well. Researchers have identified transcripts coding for two putative cytosolic sulfotransferases in these ticks, which recognized phenolic monoamines as their substrates. It is hypothesized that protracted Lyme disease sequelae may be due to impairment of dopaminergic function of the brain reward circuitry. The subsequent recombinant proteins exhibited sulfotransferase function against two neurotransmitters: dopamine and octopamine. This, in itself, can reduce dopamine function leading to many Reward Deficiency Syndrome behaviors, including depression and possibly, anxiety. In fact, it was shown that activity of Ixosc Sult 1 and Sult 2 in the Ixodid tick salivary glands might contain inactivation of the salivation signal through sulfonation of either dopamine or octopamine. This infraction results in a number of clinically observed mood changes, such as anxiety and depression. In fact, there are common symptoms observed for both Parkinson and Lyme diseases. The importance of understanding the mechanistic and neurobiological effects of Lyme on the central nervous system (CNS) provides the basis for pro-dopamine regulation as a treatment. WC 195
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida School of Medicine, Gainesville, FL., USA.,Division of Neuroscience Research & Addiction Therapy, Shores Treatment & Recovery Center, Port Saint Lucie, FL., USA.,Department of Clinical Psychology and Addiction, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,Division of Addiction Services, Dominion Diagnostics, LLC., North Kingstown, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA., USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University, Dayton, Oh., USA.,Department of Precision Medicine, Geneus Health LLC, San Antonia, TX, USA
| | | | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida School of Medicine, Gainesville, FL., USA
| | | | | | - Lyle Fried
- Division of Neuroscience Research & Addiction Therapy, Shores Treatment & Recovery Center, Port Saint Lucie, FL., USA
| | - David Baron
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA., USA
| | - David Siwicki
- Department of Precision Medicine, Geneus Health LLC, San Antonia, TX, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Homology Modeling Procedures for Cytoskeletal Proteins of Tetrahymena and Other Ciliated Protists. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1365:415-27. [PMID: 26498800 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3124-8_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
In recent years there has been an explosive increase in the number of annotated protein sequences available through genome sequencing, as well as an accumulation of published protein structural data based on crystallographic and NMR methods. When taken together with the development of computational methods for the prediction of protein structural and functional properties through homology modeling, an opportunity exists for prediction of properties of cytoskeletal proteins in a suitable model organism, such as Tetrahymena thermophila and its ciliated protist relatives. In particular, the recently sequenced genome of T. thermophila, long a model for cytoskeletal studies, provides a good starting point for undertaking such homology modeling studies. Homology modeling can produce functional predictions, for example regarding potential molecular interactions, that are of great interest to the drug industry and Tetrahymena is an attractive model system in which to follow up computational predictions with experimental analyses. We provide here procedures that can be followed to gain entry into this promising avenue of analysis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bauer WJ, Luthra A, Zhu G, Radolf JD, Malkowski MG, Caimano MJ. Structural characterization and modeling of the Borrelia burgdorferi hybrid histidine kinase Hk1 periplasmic sensor: A system for sensing small molecules associated with tick feeding. J Struct Biol 2015; 192:48-58. [PMID: 26321039 PMCID: PMC4605270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Two-component signal transduction systems are the primary mechanisms by which bacteria perceive and respond to changes in their environment. The Hk1/Rrp1 two-component system (TCS) in Borrelia burgdorferi consists of a hybrid histidine kinase and a response regulator with diguanylate cyclase activity, respectively. Phosphorylated Rrp1 catalyzes the synthesis of c-di-GMP, a second messenger associated with bacterial life-style control networks. Spirochetes lacking either Hk1 or Rrp1 are virulent in mice but destroyed within feeding ticks. Activation of Hk1 by exogenous stimuli represents the seminal event for c-di-GMP signaling. We reasoned that structural characterization of Hk1's sensor would provide insights into the mechanism underlying signal transduction and aid in the identification of activating ligands. The Hk1 sensor is composed of three ligand-binding domains (D1-3), each with homology to periplasmic solute-binding proteins (PBPs) typically associated with ABC transporters. Herein, we determined the structure for D1, the most N-terminal PBP domain. As expected, D1 displays a bilobed Venus Fly Trap-fold. Similar to the prototypical sensor PBPs HK29S from Geobacter sulfurreducens and VFT2 from Bordetella pertussis, apo-D1 adopts a closed conformation. Using complementary approaches, including SAXS, we established that D1 forms a dimer in solution. The D1 structure enabled us to model the D2 and D3 domains. Differences in the ligand-binding pockets suggest that each PBP recognizes a different ligand. The ability of Hk1 to recognize multiple stimuli provides spirochetes with a means of distinguishing between the acquisition and transmission blood meals and generate a graded output response that is reflective of the perceived environmental threats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Luthra
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030
| | - Guangyu Zhu
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, NY 14203
| | - Justin D. Radolf
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030
- Department of Immunology University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030
- Department of Structural Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 1420
| | - Michael G. Malkowski
- Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, NY 14203
- Department of Structural Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 1420
| | - Melissa J. Caimano
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, 06030
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT 06106
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pagano GJ, King RS, Martin LM, Hufnagel LA. The unique N-terminal insert in the ribosomal protein, phosphoprotein P0, of Tetrahymena thermophila: Bioinformatic evidence for an interaction with 26S rRNA. Proteins 2015; 83:1078-90. [PMID: 25820769 DOI: 10.1002/prot.24800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoprotein P0 (P0) is part of the stalk complex of the eukaryotic large ribosomal subunit necessary for recruiting elongation factors. While the P0 sequence is highly conserved, our group noted a 15-16 residue insert exclusive to the P0s of ciliated protists, including Tetrahymena thermophila. We hypothesized that this insert may have a function unique in ciliated protists, such as stalk regulation via phosphorylation of the insert. Almost no mention of this insert exists in the literature, and although the T. thermophila ribosome has been crystallized, there is limited structural data for Tetrahymena's P0 (TtP0) and its insert. To investigate the structure and function of the TtP0 insert, we performed in silico analyses. The TtP0 sequence was scanned with phosphorylation site prediction tools to detect the likelihood of phosphorylation in the insert. TtP0's sequence was also used to produce a homology model of the N-terminal domain of TtP0, including the insert. When the insert was modeled in the context of the 26S rRNA, it associated with a region identified as expansion segment 7B (ES7B), suggesting a potential functional interaction between ES7B and the insert in T. thermophila. We were not able to obtain sufficient data to determine whether a similar relationship exists in other ciliated protists. This study lays the groundwork for future experimental studies to verify the presence of TtP0 insert/ES7 interactions in Tetrahymena, and to explore their functional significance during protein synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni J Pagano
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, 02881
| | - Roberta S King
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, 02881
| | - Lenore M Martin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, 02881
| | - Linda A Hufnagel
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, 02881
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Daniel L, Buryska T, Prokop Z, Damborsky J, Brezovsky J. Mechanism-Based Discovery of Novel Substrates of Haloalkane Dehalogenases Using in Silico Screening. J Chem Inf Model 2014; 55:54-62. [DOI: 10.1021/ci500486y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Daniel
- Loschmidt
Laboratories, Department
of Experimental Biology and Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in
the Environment RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Buryska
- Loschmidt
Laboratories, Department
of Experimental Biology and Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in
the Environment RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Prokop
- Loschmidt
Laboratories, Department
of Experimental Biology and Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in
the Environment RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Damborsky
- Loschmidt
Laboratories, Department
of Experimental Biology and Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in
the Environment RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Brezovsky
- Loschmidt
Laboratories, Department
of Experimental Biology and Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in
the Environment RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
A deep insight into the sialotranscriptome of the gulf coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28525. [PMID: 22216098 PMCID: PMC3244413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Saliva of blood sucking arthropods contains compounds that antagonize their hosts' hemostasis, which include platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction and blood clotting; saliva of these organisms also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodullatory properties. Perhaps because hosts mount an active immune response against these compounds, the diversity of these compounds is large even among related blood sucking species. Because of these properties, saliva helps blood feeding as well as help the establishment of pathogens that can be transmitted during blood feeding. Methodology/Principal Findings We have obtained 1,626,969 reads by pyrosequencing a salivary gland cDNA library from adult females Amblyomma maculatum ticks at different times of feeding. Assembly of this data produced 72,441 sequences larger than 149 nucleotides from which 15,914 coding sequences were extracted. Of these, 5,353 had >75% coverage to their best match in the non-redundant database from the National Center for Biotechnology information, allowing for the deposition of 4,850 sequences to GenBank. The annotated data sets are available as hyperlinked spreadsheets. Putative secreted proteins were classified in 133 families, most of which have no known function. Conclusions/Significance This data set of proteins constitutes a mining platform for novel pharmacologically active proteins and for uncovering vaccine targets against A. maculatum and the diseases they carry.
Collapse
|
12
|
Pichu S, Yalcin EB, Ribeiro JM, King RS, Mather TN. Molecular characterization of novel sulfotransferases from the tick, Ixodes scapularis. BMC BIOCHEMISTRY 2011; 12:32. [PMID: 21708020 PMCID: PMC3150262 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2091-12-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the blacklegged or deer tick, is the main vector of Lyme disease in the United States. Recent progress in transcriptome research has uncovered hundreds of different proteins expressed in the salivary glands of hard ticks, the majority of which have no known function, and include many novel protein families. We recently identified transcripts coding for two putative cytosolic sulfotransferases in these ticks which recognized phenolic monoamines as their substrates. In this current study, we characterize the genetic expression of these two cytosolic sulfotransferases throughout the tick life cycle as well as the enzymatic properties of the corresponding recombinant proteins. Interestingly, the resultant recombinant proteins showed sulfotransferase activity against both neurotransmitters dopamine and octopamine. Results The two sulfotransferase genes were coded as Ixosc SULT 1 & 2 and corresponding proteins were referred as Ixosc Sult 1 and 2. Using gene-specific primers, the sulfotransferase transcripts were detected throughout the blacklegged tick life cycle, including eggs, larvae, nymphs, adult salivary glands and adult midgut. Notably, the mRNA and protein levels were altered upon feeding during both the larval and nymphal life stages. Quantitative PCR results confirm that Ixosc SULT1 was statistically increased upon blood feeding while Ixosc SULT 2 was decreased. This altered expression led us to further characterize the function of these proteins in the Ixodid tick. The sulfotransferase genes were cloned and expressed in a bacterial expression system, and purified recombinant proteins Ixosc Sult 1(R) and 2(R) showed sulfotransferase activity against neurotransmitters dopamine and octopamine as well as the common sulfotransferase substrate p-nitrophenol. Thus, dopamine- or octopamine-sulfonation may be involved in altering the biological signal for salivary secretion in I. scapularis. Conclusions Collectively, these results suggest that a function of Ixosc Sult 1 and Sult 2 in Ixodid tick salivary glands may include inactivation of the salivation signal via sulfonation of dopamine or octopamine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sivakamasundari Pichu
- Center for Vector-Borne Disease, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pakhomov AA, Martynov VI. A method for the determination of the three-dimensional structure of fluorescent proteins based on homology modeling and mass spectrometry. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2011; 37:429-32. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162011030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|