1
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de Jonge JJ, Graw A, Kargas V, Batters C, Montanarella AF, O'Loughlin T, Johnson C, Arden SD, Warren AJ, Geeves MA, Kendrick-Jones J, Zaccai NR, Kröss M, Veigel C, Buss F. Motor domain phosphorylation increases nucleotide exchange and turns MYO6 into a faster and stronger motor. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6716. [PMID: 39112473 PMCID: PMC11306250 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Myosin motors perform many fundamental functions in eukaryotic cells by providing force generation, transport or tethering capacity. Motor activity control within the cell involves on/off switches, however, few examples are known of how myosins regulate speed or processivity and fine-tune their activity to a specific cellular task. Here, we describe a phosphorylation event for myosins of class VI (MYO6) in the motor domain, which accelerates its ATPase activity leading to a 4-fold increase in motor speed determined by actin-gliding assays, single molecule mechanics and stopped flow kinetics. We demonstrate that the serine/threonine kinase DYRK2 phosphorylates MYO6 at S267 in vitro. Single-molecule optical-tweezers studies at low load reveal that S267-phosphorylation results in faster nucleotide-exchange kinetics without change in the working stroke of the motor. The selective increase in stiffness of the acto-MYO6 complex when proceeding load-dependently into the nucleotide-free rigor state demonstrates that S267-phosphorylation turns MYO6 into a stronger motor. Finally, molecular dynamic simulations of the nucleotide-free motor reveal an alternative interaction network within insert-1 upon phosphorylation, suggesting a molecular mechanism, which regulates insert-1 positioning, turning the S267-phosphorylated MYO6 into a faster motor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeska J de Jonge
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Andreas Graw
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshadernerstrasse 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Centre for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schellingstrasse 4, 80799, München, Germany
| | - Vasileios Kargas
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
- Wellcome MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher Batters
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshadernerstrasse 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Centre for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schellingstrasse 4, 80799, München, Germany
| | - Antonino F Montanarella
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshadernerstrasse 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Centre for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schellingstrasse 4, 80799, München, Germany
| | - Tom O'Loughlin
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Chloe Johnson
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Susan D Arden
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Alan J Warren
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
- Wellcome MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - John Kendrick-Jones
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Nathan R Zaccai
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Markus Kröss
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshadernerstrasse 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Centre for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schellingstrasse 4, 80799, München, Germany
| | - Claudia Veigel
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshadernerstrasse 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
- Centre for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schellingstrasse 4, 80799, München, Germany.
| | - Folma Buss
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, The Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK.
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2
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Auguin D, Robert-Paganin J, Réty S, Kikuti C, David A, Theumer G, Schmidt AW, Knölker HJ, Houdusse A. Omecamtiv mecarbil and Mavacamten target the same myosin pocket despite opposite effects in heart contraction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4885. [PMID: 38849353 PMCID: PMC11161628 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited cardiomyopathies are common cardiac diseases worldwide, leading in the late stage to heart failure and death. The most promising treatments against these diseases are small molecules directly modulating the force produced by β-cardiac myosin, the molecular motor driving heart contraction. Omecamtiv mecarbil and Mavacamten are two such molecules that completed phase 3 clinical trials, and the inhibitor Mavacamten is now approved by the FDA. In contrast to Mavacamten, Omecamtiv mecarbil acts as an activator of cardiac contractility. Here, we reveal by X-ray crystallography that both drugs target the same pocket and stabilize a pre-stroke structural state, with only few local differences. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations reveal how these molecules produce distinct effects in motor allostery thus impacting force production in opposite way. Altogether, our results provide the framework for rational drug development for the purpose of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Auguin
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, Paris, 75248, France
- Laboratoire de Physiologie, Ecologie et Environnement (P2E), UPRES EA 1207/USC INRAE-1328, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Julien Robert-Paganin
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, Paris, 75248, France
| | - Stéphane Réty
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, ENS de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Carlos Kikuti
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, Paris, 75248, France
| | - Amandine David
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, Paris, 75248, France
| | | | | | | | - Anne Houdusse
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, Paris, 75248, France.
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3
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Reber S, Singer M, Frischknecht F. Cytoskeletal dynamics in parasites. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102277. [PMID: 38048658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Cytoskeletal dynamics are essential for cellular homeostasis and development for both metazoans and protozoans. The function of cytoskeletal elements in protozoans can diverge from that of metazoan cells, with microtubules being more stable and actin filaments being more dynamic. This is particularly striking in protozoan parasites that evolved to enter metazoan cells. Here, we review recent progress towards understanding cytoskeletal dynamics in protozoan parasites, with a focus on divergent properties compared to classic model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Reber
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; University of Applied Sciences Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirko Singer
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical Faculty, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical Faculty, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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4
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Auguin D, Robert-Paganin J, Réty S, Kikuti C, David A, Theumer G, Schmidt AW, Knölker HJ, Houdusse A. Omecamtiv mecarbil and Mavacamten target the same myosin pocket despite antagonistic effects in heart contraction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.15.567213. [PMID: 38014327 PMCID: PMC10680719 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.15.567213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Inherited cardiomyopathies are amongst the most common cardiac diseases worldwide, leading in the late-stage to heart failure and death. The most promising treatments against these diseases are small-molecules directly modulating the force produced by β-cardiac myosin, the molecular motor driving heart contraction. Two of these molecules that produce antagonistic effects on cardiac contractility have completed clinical phase 3 trials: the activator Omecamtiv mecarbil and the inhibitor Mavacamten. In this work, we reveal by X-ray crystallography that both drugs target the same pocket and stabilize a pre-stroke structural state, with only few local differences. All atoms molecular dynamics simulations reveal how these molecules can have antagonistic impact on the allostery of the motor by comparing β-cardiac myosin in the apo form or bound to Omecamtiv mecarbil or Mavacamten. Altogether, our results provide the framework for rational drug development for the purpose of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Auguin
- Structural Motility, UMR 144 CNRS/Curie Institute, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75258 Paris cedex 05, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures, Université d'Orléans, UPRES EA 1207, INRAE- USC1328, F-45067 Orléans, France
| | - Julien Robert-Paganin
- Structural Motility, UMR 144 CNRS/Curie Institute, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75258 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Stéphane Réty
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modélisation de la Cellule, ENS de Lyon, University Claude Bernard, CNRS UMR 5239, INSERM U1210, 46 Allée d'Italie Site Jacques Monod, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Carlos Kikuti
- Structural Motility, UMR 144 CNRS/Curie Institute, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75258 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Amandine David
- Structural Motility, UMR 144 CNRS/Curie Institute, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75258 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Gabriele Theumer
- Faculty of Chemistry, TU Dresden, Bergstraße 66, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Arndt W Schmidt
- Faculty of Chemistry, TU Dresden, Bergstraße 66, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Anne Houdusse
- Structural Motility, UMR 144 CNRS/Curie Institute, PSL Research University, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75258 Paris cedex 05, France
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5
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Santos MFA, Pessoa JC. Interaction of Vanadium Complexes with Proteins: Revisiting the Reported Structures in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) since 2015. Molecules 2023; 28:6538. [PMID: 37764313 PMCID: PMC10536487 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural determination and characterization of molecules, namely proteins and enzymes, is crucial to gaining a better understanding of their role in different chemical and biological processes. The continuous technical developments in the experimental and computational resources of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and, more recently, cryogenic Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) led to an enormous growth in the number of structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Bioinorganic chemistry arose as a relevant discipline in biology and therapeutics, with a massive number of studies reporting the effects of metal complexes on biological systems, with vanadium complexes being one of the relevant systems addressed. In this review, we focus on the interactions of vanadium compounds (VCs) with proteins. Several types of binding are established between VCs and proteins/enzymes. Considering that the V-species that bind may differ from those initially added, the mentioned structural techniques are pivotal to clarifying the nature and variety of interactions of VCs with proteins and to proposing the mechanisms involved either in enzymatic inhibition or catalysis. As such, we provide an account of the available structural information of VCs bound to proteins obtained by both XRD and/or cryo-EM, mainly exploring the more recent structures, particularly those containing organic-based vanadium complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marino F. A. Santos
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Chemistry Department, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Costa Pessoa
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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6
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Moussaoui D, Robblee JP, Robert-Paganin J, Auguin D, Fisher F, Fagnant PM, Macfarlane JE, Schaletzky J, Wehri E, Mueller-Dieckmann C, Baum J, Trybus KM, Houdusse A. Mechanism of small molecule inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum myosin A informs antimalarial drug design. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3463. [PMID: 37308472 PMCID: PMC10261046 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38976-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria results in more than 500,000 deaths per year and the causative Plasmodium parasites continue to develop resistance to all known agents, including different antimalarial combinations. The class XIV myosin motor PfMyoA is part of a core macromolecular complex called the glideosome, essential for Plasmodium parasite mobility and therefore an attractive drug target. Here, we characterize the interaction of a small molecule (KNX-002) with PfMyoA. KNX-002 inhibits PfMyoA ATPase activity in vitro and blocks asexual blood stage growth of merozoites, one of three motile Plasmodium life-cycle stages. Combining biochemical assays and X-ray crystallography, we demonstrate that KNX-002 inhibits PfMyoA using a previously undescribed binding mode, sequestering it in a post-rigor state detached from actin. KNX-002 binding prevents efficient ATP hydrolysis and priming of the lever arm, thus inhibiting motor activity. This small-molecule inhibitor of PfMyoA paves the way for the development of alternative antimalarial treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dihia Moussaoui
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, 75248, Paris, France
- Structural Biology group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 71, Avenue des Martyrs, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - James P Robblee
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Julien Robert-Paganin
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Auguin
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, 75248, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures (LBLGC), Université d'Orléans, INRAE, USC1328, Orléans, France
| | - Fabio Fisher
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Patricia M Fagnant
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Jill E Macfarlane
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Julia Schaletzky
- Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Drug Discovery Center, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Eddie Wehri
- Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases, Drug Discovery Center, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Christoph Mueller-Dieckmann
- Structural Biology group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 71, Avenue des Martyrs, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kathleen M Trybus
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Anne Houdusse
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, 75248, Paris, France.
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7
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Kelsen A, Kent RS, Snyder AK, Wehri E, Bishop SJ, Stadler RV, Powell C, Martorelli di Genova B, Rompikuntal PK, Boulanger MJ, Warshaw DM, Westwood NJ, Schaletzky J, Ward GE. MyosinA is a druggable target in the widespread protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002110. [PMID: 37155705 PMCID: PMC10185354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002110] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread apicomplexan parasite that can cause severe disease in its human hosts. The ability of T. gondii and other apicomplexan parasites to invade into, egress from, and move between cells of the hosts they infect is critical to parasite virulence and disease progression. An unusual and highly conserved parasite myosin motor (TgMyoA) plays a central role in T. gondii motility. The goal of this work was to determine whether the parasite's motility and lytic cycle can be disrupted through pharmacological inhibition of TgMyoA, as an approach to altering disease progression in vivo. To this end, we first sought to identify inhibitors of TgMyoA by screening a collection of 50,000 structurally diverse small molecules for inhibitors of the recombinant motor's actin-activated ATPase activity. The top hit to emerge from the screen, KNX-002, inhibited TgMyoA with little to no effect on any of the vertebrate myosins tested. KNX-002 was also active against parasites, inhibiting parasite motility and growth in culture in a dose-dependent manner. We used chemical mutagenesis, selection in KNX-002, and targeted sequencing to identify a mutation in TgMyoA (T130A) that renders the recombinant motor less sensitive to compound. Compared to wild-type parasites, parasites expressing the T130A mutation showed reduced sensitivity to KNX-002 in motility and growth assays, confirming TgMyoA as a biologically relevant target of KNX-002. Finally, we present evidence that KNX-002 can slow disease progression in mice infected with wild-type parasites, but not parasites expressing the resistance-conferring TgMyoA T130A mutation. Taken together, these data demonstrate the specificity of KNX-002 for TgMyoA, both in vitro and in vivo, and validate TgMyoA as a druggable target in infections with T. gondii. Since TgMyoA is essential for virulence, conserved in apicomplexan parasites, and distinctly different from the myosins found in humans, pharmacological inhibition of MyoA offers a promising new approach to treating the devastating diseases caused by T. gondii and other apicomplexan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kelsen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Robyn S. Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Anne K. Snyder
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Eddie Wehri
- Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases, University of California Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. Bishop
- School of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews and EaStCHEM, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel V. Stadler
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Cameron Powell
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Bruno Martorelli di Genova
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Pramod K. Rompikuntal
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Martin J. Boulanger
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David M. Warshaw
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J. Westwood
- School of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews and EaStCHEM, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Schaletzky
- Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases, University of California Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Gary E. Ward
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
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8
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Dans MG, Piirainen H, Nguyen W, Khurana S, Mehra S, Razook Z, Geoghegan ND, Dawson AT, Das S, Parkyn Schneider M, Jonsdottir TK, Gabriela M, Gancheva MR, Tonkin CJ, Mollard V, Goodman CD, McFadden GI, Wilson DW, Rogers KL, Barry AE, Crabb BS, de Koning-Ward TF, Sleebs BE, Kursula I, Gilson PR. Sulfonylpiperazine compounds prevent Plasmodium falciparum invasion of red blood cells through interference with actin-1/profilin dynamics. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002066. [PMID: 37053271 PMCID: PMC10128974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With emerging resistance to frontline treatments, it is vital that new antimalarial drugs are identified to target Plasmodium falciparum. We have recently described a compound, MMV020291, as a specific inhibitor of red blood cell (RBC) invasion, and have generated analogues with improved potency. Here, we generated resistance to MMV020291 and performed whole genome sequencing of 3 MMV020291-resistant populations. This revealed 3 nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in 2 genes; 2 in profilin (N154Y, K124N) and a third one in actin-1 (M356L). Using CRISPR-Cas9, we engineered these mutations into wild-type parasites, which rendered them resistant to MMV020291. We demonstrate that MMV020291 reduces actin polymerisation that is required by the merozoite stage parasites to invade RBCs. Additionally, the series inhibits the actin-1-dependent process of apicoplast segregation, leading to a delayed death phenotype. In vitro cosedimentation experiments using recombinant P. falciparum proteins indicate that potent MMV020291 analogues disrupt the formation of filamentous actin in the presence of profilin. Altogether, this study identifies the first compound series interfering with the actin-1/profilin interaction in P. falciparum and paves the way for future antimalarial development against the highly dynamic process of actin polymerisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline G. Dans
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Henni Piirainen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - William Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sachin Khurana
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Somya Mehra
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zahra Razook
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Sujaan Das
- Ludwig Maximilian University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Thorey K. Jonsdottir
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mikha Gabriela
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria R. Gancheva
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Vanessa Mollard
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey I. McFadden
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danny W. Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kelly L. Rogers
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alyssa E. Barry
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan S. Crabb
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tania F. de Koning-Ward
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brad E. Sleebs
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Inari Kursula
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Paul R. Gilson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Meller A, Lotthammer JM, Smith LG, Novak B, Lee LA, Kuhn CC, Greenberg L, Leinwand LA, Greenberg MJ, Bowman GR. Drug specificity and affinity are encoded in the probability of cryptic pocket opening in myosin motor domains. eLife 2023; 12:e83602. [PMID: 36705568 PMCID: PMC9995120 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of compounds that can discriminate between closely related target proteins remains a central challenge in drug discovery. Specific therapeutics targeting the highly conserved myosin motor family are urgently needed as mutations in at least six of its members cause numerous diseases. Allosteric modulators, like the myosin-II inhibitor blebbistatin, are a promising means to achieve specificity. However, it remains unclear why blebbistatin inhibits myosin-II motors with different potencies given that it binds at a highly conserved pocket that is always closed in blebbistatin-free experimental structures. We hypothesized that the probability of pocket opening is an important determinant of the potency of compounds like blebbistatin. To test this hypothesis, we used Markov state models (MSMs) built from over 2 ms of aggregate molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvent. We find that blebbistatin's binding pocket readily opens in simulations of blebbistatin-sensitive myosin isoforms. Comparing these conformational ensembles reveals that the probability of pocket opening correctly identifies which isoforms are most sensitive to blebbistatin inhibition and that docking against MSMs quantitatively predicts blebbistatin binding affinities (R2=0.82). In a blind prediction for an isoform (Myh7b) whose blebbistatin sensitivity was unknown, we find good agreement between predicted and measured IC50s (0.67 μM vs. 0.36 μM). Therefore, we expect this framework to be useful for the development of novel specific drugs across numerous protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Meller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University in St. LouisPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Jeffrey M Lotthammer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
| | - Louis G Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Borna Novak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University in St. LouisPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Lindsey A Lee
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
- BioFrontiers InstituteBoulderUnited States
| | - Catherine C Kuhn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
| | - Lina Greenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
| | - Leslie A Leinwand
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of Colorado BoulderBoulderUnited States
- BioFrontiers InstituteBoulderUnited States
| | - Michael J Greenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
| | - Gregory R Bowman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. LouisSt LouisUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
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10
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Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum myosin B ATPase activity and structure in complex with the calmodulin-like domain of its light chain MLC-B. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102634. [PMID: 36273584 PMCID: PMC9692044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Myosin B (MyoB) is a class 14 myosin expressed in all invasive stages of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. It is not associated with the glideosome complex that drives motility and invasion of host cells. During red blood cell invasion, MyoB remains at the apical tip of the merozoite but is no longer observed once invasion is completed. MyoB is not essential for parasite survival, but when it is knocked out, merozoites are delayed in the initial stages of red blood cell invasion, giving rise to a growth defect that correlates with reduced invasion success. Therefore, further characterization is needed to understand how MyoB contributes to parasite invasion. Here, we have expressed and purified functional MyoB with the help of parasite-specific chaperones Hsp90 and Unc45, characterized its binding to actin and its known light chain MLC-B using biochemical and biophysical methods and determined its low-resolution structure in solution using small angle X-ray scattering. In addition to MLC-B, we found that four other putative regulatory light chains bind to the MyoB IQ2 motif in vitro. The purified recombinant MyoB adopted the overall shape of a myosin, exhibited actin-activated ATPase activity, and moved actin filaments in vitro. Additionally, we determined that the ADP release rate was faster than the ATP turnover number, and thus, does not appear to be rate limiting. This, together with the observed high affinity to actin and the specific localization of MyoB, may point toward a role in tethering and/or force sensing during early stages of invasion.
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11
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Vimonpatranon S, Roytrakul S, Phaonakrop N, Lekmanee K, Atipimonpat A, Srimark N, Sukapirom K, Chotivanich K, Khowawisetsut L, Pattanapanyasat K. Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Early and Late Stage Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Red Blood Cells Contain Invasion-Associated Proteins. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144250. [PMID: 35888014 PMCID: PMC9318397 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In infectious diseases, extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from a pathogen or pathogen-infected cells can transfer pathogen-derived biomolecules, especially proteins, to target cells and consequently regulate these target cells. For example, malaria is an important tropical infectious disease caused by Plasmodium spp. Previous studies have identified the roles of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cell-derived EVs (Pf-EVs) in the pathogenesis, activation, and modulation of host immune responses. This study investigated the proteomic profiles of Pf-EVs isolated from four P. falciparum strains. We also compared the proteomes of EVs from (i) different EV types (microvesicles and exosomes) and (ii) different parasite growth stages (early- and late-stage). The proteomic analyses revealed that the human proteins carried in the Pf-EVs were specific to the type of Pf-EVs. By contrast, most of the P. falciparum proteins carried in Pf-EVs were common across all types of Pf-EVs. As the proteomics results revealed that Pf-EVs contained invasion-associated proteins, the effect of Pf-EVs on parasite invasion was also investigated. Surprisingly, the attenuation of parasite invasion efficiency was found with the addition of Pf-MVs. Moreover, this effect was markedly increased in culture-adapted isolates compared with laboratory reference strains. Our evidence supports the concept that Pf-EVs play a role in quorum sensing, which leads to parasite growth-density regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinmanus Vimonpatranon
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand;
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand; (S.R.); (N.P.)
| | - Narumon Phaonakrop
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand; (S.R.); (N.P.)
| | - Kittima Lekmanee
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Microparticle and Exosome in Diseases, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.L.); (N.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Anyapat Atipimonpat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand;
| | - Narinee Srimark
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Microparticle and Exosome in Diseases, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.L.); (N.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Kasama Sukapirom
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Microparticle and Exosome in Diseases, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.L.); (N.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Kesinee Chotivanich
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Ladawan Khowawisetsut
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Correspondence: (L.K.); (K.P.); Tel.: +66-2419-6477 (L.K. & K.P.)
| | - Kovit Pattanapanyasat
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Microparticle and Exosome in Diseases, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; (K.L.); (N.S.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: (L.K.); (K.P.); Tel.: +66-2419-6477 (L.K. & K.P.)
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12
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Ripp J, Smyrnakou X, Neuhoff M, Hentzschel F, Frischknecht F. Phosphorylation of myosin A regulates gliding motility and is essential for
Plasmodium
transmission. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54857. [PMID: 35506479 PMCID: PMC9253774 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202254857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria‐causing parasites rely on an actin–myosin‐based motor for the invasion of different host cells and tissue traversal in mosquitoes and vertebrates. The unusual myosin A of Plasmodium spp. has a unique N‐terminal extension, which is important for red blood cell invasion by P. falciparum merozoites in vitro and harbors a phosphorylation site at serine 19. Here, using the rodent‐infecting P. berghei we show that phosphorylation of serine 19 increases ookinete but not sporozoite motility and is essential for efficient transmission of Plasmodium by mosquitoes as S19A mutants show defects in mosquito salivary gland entry. S19A along with E6R mutations slow ookinetes and salivary gland sporozoites in both 2D and 3D environments. In contrast to data from purified proteins, both E6R and S19D mutations lower force generation by sporozoites. Our data show that the phosphorylation cycle of S19 influences parasite migration and force generation and is critical for optimal migration of parasites during transmission from and to the mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Ripp
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases University of Heidelberg Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Xanthoula Smyrnakou
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases University of Heidelberg Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Marie‐Therese Neuhoff
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases University of Heidelberg Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Franziska Hentzschel
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases University of Heidelberg Medical School Heidelberg Germany
- German Center for Infection Research DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases University of Heidelberg Medical School Heidelberg Germany
- German Center for Infection Research DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
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13
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Vahokoski J, Calder LJ, Lopez AJ, Molloy JE, Kursula I, Rosenthal PB. High-resolution structures of malaria parasite actomyosin and actin filaments. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010408. [PMID: 35377914 PMCID: PMC9037914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is responsible for half a million deaths annually and poses a huge economic burden on the developing world. The mosquito-borne parasites (Plasmodium spp.) that cause the disease depend upon an unconventional actomyosin motor for both gliding motility and host cell invasion. The motor system, often referred to as the glideosome complex, remains to be understood in molecular terms and is an attractive target for new drugs that might block the infection pathway. Here, we present the high-resolution structure of the actomyosin motor complex from Plasmodium falciparum. The complex includes the malaria parasite actin filament (PfAct1) complexed with the class XIV myosin motor (PfMyoA) and its two associated light-chains. The high-resolution core structure reveals the PfAct1:PfMyoA interface in atomic detail, while at lower-resolution, we visualize the PfMyoA light-chain binding region, including the essential light chain (PfELC) and the myosin tail interacting protein (PfMTIP). Finally, we report a bare PfAct1 filament structure at improved resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha Vahokoski
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lesley J. Calder
- Structural Biology of Cells and Viruses Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea J. Lopez
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Justin E. Molloy
- Structural Biology of Cells and Viruses Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Inari Kursula
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Peter B. Rosenthal
- Structural Biology of Cells and Viruses Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Singh D, Patri S, Narahari V, Segireddy RR, Dey S, Saurabh A, Macha V, Prabhu NP, Srivastava A, Kolli SK, Kota AK. A Conserved Plasmodium Structural Integrity Maintenance Protein (SIMP) is associated with sporozoite membrane and is essential for maintaining shape and infectivity. Mol Microbiol 2022; 117:1324-1339. [PMID: 35301756 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium sporozoites are extracellular forms introduced during mosquito bite that selectively invade mammalian hepatocytes. Sporozoites are delimited by a cell membrane that is linked to the underlying acto-myosin molecular motor. While membrane proteins with roles in motility and invasion have been well studied, very little is known about proteins that maintain the sporozoite shape. We demonstrate that in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) a conserved hypothetical gene, PBANKA_1422900 specifies sporozoite structural integrity maintenance protein (SIMP) required for maintaining the sporozoite shape and motility. Sporozoites lacking SIMP exhibited loss of regular shape, extensive membrane blebbing at multiple foci and membrane detachment. The mutant sporozoites failed to infect hepatocytes, though the altered shape did not affect the organisation of cytoskeleton or inner membrane complex (IMC). Interestingly, the components of IMC failed to extend under the membrane blebs likely suggesting that SIMP may assist in anchoring the membrane to IMC. Endogenous C-terminal HA tagging localized SIMP to membrane and revealed the C-terminus of the protein to be extracellular. Since SIMP is highly conserved amongst Plasmodium species, these findings have important implications for utilising it as a novel sporozoite specific vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Singh
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Smita Patri
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Veeda Narahari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Rameswara R Segireddy
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Sandeep Dey
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Archi Saurabh
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Vijay Macha
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500032, India
| | - N Prakash Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Anand Srivastava
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500032, India
| | - Surendra Kumar Kolli
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Arun Kumar Kota
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
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15
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Abstract
Plasmodium malaria parasites use a unique substrate-dependent locomotion, termed gliding motility, to migrate through tissues and invade cells. Previously, it was thought that the small labile invasive stages that invade erythrocytes, merozoites, use this motility solely to penetrate target erythrocytes. Here we reveal that merozoites use gliding motility for translocation across host cells prior to invasion. This forms an important preinvasion step that is powered by a conserved actomyosin motor and is regulated by a complex signaling pathway. This work broadens our understanding of the role of gliding motility and invasion in the blood and will have a significant impact on our understanding of blood stage host–pathogen interactions and parasite biology, with implications for interventions targeting erythrocyte invasion. Plasmodium malaria parasites are obligate intracellular protozoans that use a unique form of locomotion, termed gliding motility, to move through host tissues and invade cells. The process is substrate dependent and powered by an actomyosin motor that drives the posterior translocation of extracellular adhesins which, in turn, propel the parasite forward. Gliding motility is essential for tissue translocation in the sporozoite and ookinete stages; however, the short-lived erythrocyte-invading merozoite stage has never been observed to undergo gliding movement. Here we show Plasmodium merozoites possess the ability to undergo gliding motility in vitro and that this mechanism is likely an important precursor step for successful parasite invasion. We demonstrate that two human infective species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium knowlesi, have distinct merozoite motility profiles which may reflect distinct invasion strategies. Additionally, we develop and validate a higher throughput assay to evaluate the effects of genetic and pharmacological perturbations on both the molecular motor and the complex signaling cascade that regulates motility in merozoites. The discovery of merozoite motility provides a model to study the glideosome and adds a dimension for work aiming to develop treatments targeting the blood stage invasion pathways.
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16
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Dasanna AK, Hillringhaus S, Gompper G, Fedosov DA. Effect of malaria parasite shape on its alignment at erythrocyte membrane. eLife 2021; 10:68818. [PMID: 34286696 PMCID: PMC8331178 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During the blood stage of malaria pathogenesis, parasites invade healthy red blood cells (RBC) to multiply inside the host and evade the immune response. When attached to RBC, the parasite first has to align its apex with the membrane for a successful invasion. Since the parasite’s apex sits at the pointed end of an oval (egg-like) shape with a large local curvature, apical alignment is in general an energetically unfavorable process. Previously, using coarse-grained mesoscopic simulations, we have shown that optimal alignment time is achieved due to RBC membrane deformation and the stochastic nature of bond-based interactions between the parasite and RBC membrane (Hillringhaus et al., 2020). Here, we demonstrate that the parasite’s shape has a prominent effect on the alignment process. The alignment times of spherical parasites for intermediate and large bond off-rates (or weak membrane-parasite interactions) are found to be close to those of an egg-like shape. However, for small bond off-rates (or strong adhesion and large membrane deformations), the alignment time for a spherical shape increases drastically. Parasite shapes with large aspect ratios such as oblate and long prolate ellipsoids are found to exhibit very long alignment times in comparison to the egg-like shape. At a stiffened RBC, a spherical parasite aligns faster than any other investigated shape. This study shows that the original egg-like shape performs not worse for parasite alignment than other considered shapes but is more robust with respect to different adhesion interactions and RBC membrane rigidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Dasanna
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute of Biological Information Processing and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hillringhaus
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute of Biological Information Processing and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Gompper
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute of Biological Information Processing and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dmitry A Fedosov
- Theoretical Physics of Living Matter, Institute of Biological Information Processing and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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17
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Plasmodium falciparum goes bananas for sex. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 244:111385. [PMID: 34062177 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The sexual blood stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum undergo a remarkable transformation from a roughly spherical shape to an elongated crescent or "falciform" morphology from which the species gets its name. In this review, the molecular events that drive this spectacular shape change are discussed and some questions that remain regarding the mechanistic underpinnings are posed. We speculate on the role of the shape changes in promoting sequestration and release of the developing gametocyte, thereby facilitating parasite survival in the host and underpinning transmission to the mosquito vector.
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18
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Abstract
Filopodia, microvilli and stereocilia represent an important group of plasma membrane protrusions. These specialized projections are supported by parallel bundles of actin filaments and have critical roles in sensing the external environment, increasing cell surface area, and acting as mechanosensors. While actin-associated proteins are essential for actin-filament elongation and bundling in these protrusions, myosin motors have a surprising role in the formation and extension of filopodia and stereocilia and in the organization of microvilli. Actin regulators and specific myosins collaborate in controlling the length of these structures. Myosins can transport cargoes along the length of these protrusions, and, in the case of stereocilia and microvilli, interactions with adaptors and cargoes can also serve to anchor adhesion receptors to the actin-rich core via functionally conserved motor-adaptor complexes. This review highlights recent progress in understanding the diverse roles myosins play in filopodia, microvilli and stereocilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Houdusse
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Paris Université Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Margaret A Titus
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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19
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Blocking Palmitoylation of Toxoplasma gondii Myosin Light Chain 1 Disrupts Glideosome Composition but Has Little Impact on Parasite Motility. mSphere 2021; 6:6/3/e00823-20. [PMID: 34011689 PMCID: PMC8265671 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00823-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread apicomplexan parasite that causes severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and the developing fetus. Like other apicomplexans, T. gondii uses an unusual form of substrate-dependent gliding motility to invade cells of its hosts and to disseminate throughout the body during infection. It is well established that a myosin motor consisting of a class XIVa heavy chain (TgMyoA) and two light chains (TgMLC1 and TgELC1/2) plays an important role in parasite motility. The ability of the motor to generate force at the parasite periphery is thought to be reliant upon its anchoring and immobilization within a peripheral membrane-bound compartment, the inner membrane complex (IMC). The motor does not insert into the IMC directly; rather, this interaction is believed to be mediated by the binding of TgMLC1 to the IMC-anchored protein, TgGAP45. Therefore, the binding of TgMLC1 to TgGAP45 is considered a key element in the force transduction machinery of the parasite. TgMLC1 is palmitoylated, and we show here that palmitoylation occurs on two N-terminal cysteine residues, C8 and C11. Mutations that block TgMLC1 palmitoylation completely abrogate the binding of TgMLC1 to TgGAP45. Surprisingly, the loss of TgMLC1 binding to TgGAP45 in these mutant parasites has little effect on their ability to initiate or sustain movement. These results question a key tenet of the current model of apicomplexan motility and suggest that our understanding of gliding motility in this important group of human and animal pathogens is not yet complete. IMPORTANCE Gliding motility plays a central role in the life cycle of T. gondii and other apicomplexan parasites. The myosin motor thought to power motility is essential for virulence but distinctly different from the myosins found in humans. Consequently, an understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying parasite motility and the role played by this unusual myosin may reveal points of vulnerability that can be targeted for disease prevention or treatment. We show here that mutations that uncouple the motor from what is thought to be a key structural component of the motility machinery have little impact on parasite motility. This finding runs counter to predictions of the current, widely held “linear motor” model of motility, highlighting the need for further studies to fully understand how apicomplexan parasites generate the forces necessary to move into, out of, and between cells of the hosts they infect.
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20
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Houdusse A. Biological nanomotors, driving forces of life. C R Biol 2021; 343:53-78. [PMID: 33988324 DOI: 10.5802/crbiol.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Life is driven by awe-inspiring coordinated movements observed in cells and tissues. In each cell, nm-size molecular motor proteins contribute to these movements as they power numerous mechanical processes with precision and complex orchestration. For the multiple functions that an eukaryotic cell accomplish, motility is essential both at molecular and cellular scales. Tissue morphogenesis, cell migration, cell division or cell differentiation are all controlled by the precise action of such nanomotors that work on cytoskeletal tracks using ATP as fuel. The study of motility has a long history and scientists of all disciplines have contributed to its understanding. The first part of this review compares myosin and kinesin motors to describe the principles underlying how motors convert chemical energy into mechanical movement. In a second part, I will describe how sequence differences selected through evolution can lead to distinct force production output despite a common mechanism. Motors within a superfamily can thus carry out distinct functions in cells. Such differences give rise to their individual, specific motility properties, including reversal of directionality or ability to organize cytoskeletal tracks. The power of structural biology to reveal unexpected and surprising structures, with certainty when visualized at atomic resolution, has been a great advantage for this field. The critical insights gained from the structures can be carefully tested with functional experiments, leading to progress in defining the role motors play in cells. Last, I will describe how targeting these motors can be beneficial for human health. Allosteric sites for specific small molecules can act as activators or inhibitors of the force produced by these nanomotors. While frequent sites of mutations in these motors can lead to disease phenotypes, high therapeutic potential of allosteric effectors is now established for heart muscle diseases and should be extended to treat other pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Houdusse
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144, 75248 Paris, France
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21
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Morano AA, Dvorin JD. The Ringleaders: Understanding the Apicomplexan Basal Complex Through Comparison to Established Contractile Ring Systems. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:656976. [PMID: 33954122 PMCID: PMC8089483 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.656976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The actomyosin contractile ring is a key feature of eukaryotic cytokinesis, conserved across many eukaryotic kingdoms. Recent research into the cell biology of the divergent eukaryotic clade Apicomplexa has revealed a contractile ring structure required for asexual division in the medically relevant genera Toxoplasma and Plasmodium; however, the structure of the contractile ring, known as the basal complex in these parasites, remains poorly characterized and in the absence of a myosin II homolog, it is unclear how the force required of a cytokinetic contractile ring is generated. Here, we review the literature on the basal complex in Apicomplexans, summarizing what is known about its formation and function, and attempt to provide possible answers to this question and suggest new avenues of study by comparing the Apicomplexan basal complex to well-studied, established cytokinetic contractile rings and their mechanisms in organisms such as S. cerevisiae and D. melanogaster. We also compare the basal complex to structures formed during mitochondrial and plastid division and cytokinetic mechanisms of organisms beyond the Opisthokonts, considering Apicomplexan diversity and divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Morano
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Dvorin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Robert-Paganin J, Xu XP, Swift MF, Auguin D, Robblee JP, Lu H, Fagnant PM, Krementsova EB, Trybus KM, Houdusse A, Volkmann N, Hanein D. The actomyosin interface contains an evolutionary conserved core and an ancillary interface involved in specificity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1892. [PMID: 33767187 PMCID: PMC7994445 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22093-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, moves by an atypical process called gliding motility. Actomyosin interactions are central to gliding motility. However, the details of these interactions remained elusive until now. Here, we report an atomic structure of the divergent Plasmodium falciparum actomyosin system determined by electron cryomicroscopy at the end of the powerstroke (Rigor state). The structure provides insights into the detailed interactions that are required for the parasite to produce the force and motion required for infectivity. Remarkably, the footprint of the myosin motor on filamentous actin is conserved with respect to higher eukaryotes, despite important variability in the Plasmodium falciparum myosin and actin elements that make up the interface. Comparison with other actomyosin complexes reveals a conserved core interface common to all actomyosin complexes, with an ancillary interface involved in defining the spatial positioning of the motor on actin filaments. Plasmodium falciparum moves by an atypical process called gliding motility which comprises of atypical myosin A (PfMyoA) and filaments of the dynamic and divergent PfActin-1 (PfAct1). Here authors present the cryo-EM structure of PfMyoA bound to filamentous PfAct1 stabilized with jasplakinolide and provide insights into the interactions that are required for the parasite to produce the force and motion required for infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel Auguin
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 144, Paris, France.,Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures (LBLGC), Université d'Orléans, INRAE, USC1328, Orléans, France
| | - James P Robblee
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Hailong Lu
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Patricia M Fagnant
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Elena B Krementsova
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Kathleen M Trybus
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Anne Houdusse
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 144, Paris, France.
| | - Niels Volkmann
- Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA, USA. .,Structural Image Analysis Unit, Department of Structural Biology & Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
| | - Dorit Hanein
- Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA, USA.,Structural Studies of Macromolecular Machines in Cellulo Unit, Department of Structural Biology & Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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23
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Ferreira JL, Heincke D, Wichers JS, Liffner B, Wilson DW, Gilberger TW. The Dynamic Roles of the Inner Membrane Complex in the Multiple Stages of the Malaria Parasite. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:611801. [PMID: 33489940 PMCID: PMC7820811 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.611801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites, such as human malaria parasites, have complex lifecycles encompassing multiple and diverse environmental niches. Invading, replicating, and escaping from different cell types, along with exploiting each intracellular niche, necessitate large and dynamic changes in parasite morphology and cellular architecture. The inner membrane complex (IMC) is a unique structural element that is intricately involved with these distinct morphological changes. The IMC is a double membrane organelle that forms de novo and is located beneath the plasma membrane of these single-celled organisms. In Plasmodium spp. parasites it has three major purposes: it confers stability and shape to the cell, functions as an important scaffolding compartment during the formation of daughter cells, and plays a major role in motility and invasion. Recent years have revealed greater insights into the architecture, protein composition and function of the IMC. Here, we discuss the multiple roles of the IMC in each parasite lifecycle stage as well as insights into its sub-compartmentalization, biogenesis, disassembly and regulation during stage conversion of P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie Liane Ferreira
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Heinrich Pette Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Experimentelle Virologie, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Heincke
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Stephan Wichers
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Liffner
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Danny W. Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim-Wolf Gilberger
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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24
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Pazicky S, Dhamotharan K, Kaszuba K, Mertens HDT, Gilberger T, Svergun D, Kosinski J, Weininger U, Löw C. Structural role of essential light chains in the apicomplexan glideosome. Commun Biol 2020; 3:568. [PMID: 33051581 PMCID: PMC7555893 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01283-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliding, a type of motility based on an actin-myosin motor, is specific to apicomplexan parasites. Myosin A binds two light chains which further interact with glideosome associated proteins and assemble into the glideosome. The role of individual glideosome proteins is unclear due to the lack of structures of larger glideosome assemblies. Here, we investigate the role of essential light chains (ELCs) in Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum and present their crystal structures as part of trimeric sub-complexes. We show that although ELCs bind a conserved MyoA sequence, P. falciparum ELC adopts a distinct structure in the free and MyoA-bound state. We suggest that ELCs enhance MyoA performance by inducing secondary structure in MyoA and thus stiffen its lever arm. Structural and biophysical analysis reveals that calcium binding has no influence on the structure of ELCs. Our work represents a further step towards understanding the mechanism of gliding in Apicomplexa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Pazicky
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
- Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg Unit c/o Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Dhamotharan
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
- Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg Unit c/o Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karol Kaszuba
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
- Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg Unit c/o Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Haydyn D T Mertens
- Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg Unit c/o Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Gilberger
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, D-20359, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dmitri Svergun
- Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg Unit c/o Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Kosinski
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
- Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg Unit c/o Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Weininger
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Physics, Biophysics, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christian Löw
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany.
- Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg Unit c/o Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestrasse 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany.
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25
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Moussaoui D, Robblee JP, Auguin D, Krementsova EB, Haase S, Blake TCA, Baum J, Robert-Paganin J, Trybus KM, Houdusse A. Full-length Plasmodium falciparum myosin A and essential light chain PfELC structures provide new anti-malarial targets. eLife 2020; 9:e60581. [PMID: 33046215 PMCID: PMC7553781 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites from the genus Plasmodium are the causative agents of malaria. The mobility, infectivity, and ultimately pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum rely on a macromolecular complex, called the glideosome. At the core of the glideosome is an essential and divergent Myosin A motor (PfMyoA), a first order drug target against malaria. Here, we present the full-length structure of PfMyoA in two states of its motor cycle. We report novel interactions that are essential for motor priming and the mode of recognition of its two light chains (PfELC and MTIP) by two degenerate IQ motifs. Kinetic and motility assays using PfMyoA variants, along with molecular dynamics, demonstrate how specific priming and atypical sequence adaptations tune the motor's mechano-chemical properties. Supported by evidence for an essential role of the PfELC in malaria pathogenesis, these structures provide a blueprint for the design of future anti-malarials targeting both the glideosome motor and its regulatory elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dihia Moussaoui
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Paris Université Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144ParisFrance
| | - James P Robblee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of VermontBurlingtonUnited States
| | - Daniel Auguin
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures (LBLGC), Université d’Orléans, INRAE, USC1328OrléansFrance
| | - Elena B Krementsova
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of VermontBurlingtonUnited States
| | - Silvia Haase
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South KensingtonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Thomas CA Blake
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South KensingtonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South KensingtonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Julien Robert-Paganin
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Paris Université Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144ParisFrance
| | - Kathleen M Trybus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of VermontBurlingtonUnited States
| | - Anne Houdusse
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, Paris Université Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR144ParisFrance
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26
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Blake TCA, Haase S, Baum J. Actomyosin forces and the energetics of red blood cell invasion by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009007. [PMID: 33104759 PMCID: PMC7644091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
All symptoms of malaria disease are associated with the asexual blood stages of development, involving cycles of red blood cell (RBC) invasion and egress by the Plasmodium spp. merozoite. Merozoite invasion is rapid and is actively powered by a parasite actomyosin motor. The current accepted model for actomyosin force generation envisages arrays of parasite myosins, pushing against short actin filaments connected to the external milieu that drive the merozoite forwards into the RBC. In Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent human malaria species, Myosin A (PfMyoA) is critical for parasite replication. However, the precise function of PfMyoA in invasion, its regulation, the role of other myosins and overall energetics of invasion remain unclear. Here, we developed a conditional mutagenesis strategy combined with live video microscopy to probe PfMyoA function and that of the auxiliary motor PfMyoB in invasion. By imaging conditional mutants with increasing defects in force production, based on disruption to a key PfMyoA phospho-regulation site, the absence of the PfMyoA essential light chain, or complete motor absence, we define three distinct stages of incomplete RBC invasion. These three defects reveal three energetic barriers to successful entry: RBC deformation (pre-entry), mid-invasion initiation, and completion of internalisation, each requiring an active parasite motor. In defining distinct energetic barriers to invasion, these data illuminate the mechanical challenges faced in this remarkable process of protozoan parasitism, highlighting distinct myosin functions and identifying potential targets for preventing malaria pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. A. Blake
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Haase
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
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27
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Anam ZE, Joshi N, Gupta S, Yadav P, Chaurasiya A, Kahlon AK, Kaushik S, Munde M, Ranganathan A, Singh S. A De novo Peptide from a High Throughput Peptide Library Blocks Myosin A -MTIP Complex Formation in Plasmodium falciparum. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176158. [PMID: 32859024 PMCID: PMC7503848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites, through their motor machinery, produce the required propulsive force critical for host cell-entry. The conserved components of this so-called glideosome machinery are myosin A and myosin A Tail Interacting Protein (MTIP). MTIP tethers myosin A to the inner membrane complex of the parasite through 20 amino acid-long C-terminal end of myosin A that makes direct contacts with MTIP, allowing the invasion of Plasmodium falciparum in erythrocytes. Here, we discovered through screening a peptide library, a de-novo peptide ZA1 that binds the myosin A tail domain. We demonstrated that ZA1 bound strongly to myosin A tail and was able to disrupt the native myosin A tail MTIP complex both in vitro and in vivo. We then showed that a shortened peptide derived from ZA1, named ZA1S, was able to bind myosin A and block parasite invasion. Overall, our study identified a novel anti-malarial peptide that could be used in combination with other antimalarials for blocking the invasion of Plasmodium falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zill e Anam
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; (Z.e.A.); (P.Y.); (A.C.); (A.K.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Nishant Joshi
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201304, India;
| | - Sakshi Gupta
- School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Preeti Yadav
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; (Z.e.A.); (P.Y.); (A.C.); (A.K.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Ayushi Chaurasiya
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; (Z.e.A.); (P.Y.); (A.C.); (A.K.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Amandeep Kaur Kahlon
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; (Z.e.A.); (P.Y.); (A.C.); (A.K.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Shikha Kaushik
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; (Z.e.A.); (P.Y.); (A.C.); (A.K.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Manoj Munde
- School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; (S.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Anand Ranganathan
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; (Z.e.A.); (P.Y.); (A.C.); (A.K.K.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India; (Z.e.A.); (P.Y.); (A.C.); (A.K.K.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (S.S.)
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28
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Phosphorylation-Dependent Assembly of a 14-3-3 Mediated Signaling Complex during Red Blood Cell Invasion by Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.01287-20. [PMID: 32817103 PMCID: PMC7439480 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01287-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Red blood cell (RBC) invasion by Plasmodium merozoites requires multiple steps that are regulated by signaling pathways. Exposure of P. falciparum merozoites to the physiological signal of low K+, as found in blood plasma, leads to a rise in cytosolic Ca2+, which mediates microneme secretion, motility, and invasion. We have used global phosphoproteomic analysis of merozoites to identify signaling pathways that are activated during invasion. Using quantitative phosphoproteomics, we found 394 protein phosphorylation site changes in merozoites subjected to different ionic environments (high K+/low K+), 143 of which were Ca2+ dependent. These included a number of signaling proteins such as catalytic and regulatory subunits of protein kinase A (PfPKAc and PfPKAr) and calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (PfCDPK1). Proteins of the 14-3-3 family interact with phosphorylated target proteins to assemble signaling complexes. Here, using coimmunoprecipitation and gel filtration chromatography, we demonstrate that Pf14-3-3I binds phosphorylated PfPKAr and PfCDPK1 to mediate the assembly of a multiprotein complex in P. falciparum merozoites. A phospho-peptide, P1, based on the Ca2+-dependent phosphosites of PKAr, binds Pf14-3-3I and disrupts assembly of the Pf14-3-3I-mediated multiprotein complex. Disruption of the multiprotein complex with P1 inhibits microneme secretion and RBC invasion. This study thus identifies a novel signaling complex that plays a key role in merozoite invasion of RBCs. Disruption of this signaling complex could serve as a novel approach to inhibit blood-stage growth of malaria parasites.IMPORTANCE Invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium falciparum merozoites is a complex process that is regulated by intricate signaling pathways. Here, we used phosphoproteomic profiling to identify the key proteins involved in signaling events during invasion. We found changes in the phosphorylation of various merozoite proteins, including multiple kinases previously implicated in the process of invasion. We also found that a phosphorylation-dependent multiprotein complex including signaling kinases assembles during the process of invasion. Disruption of this multiprotein complex impairs merozoite invasion of RBCs, providing a novel approach for the development of inhibitors to block the growth of blood-stage malaria parasites.
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29
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Saunders CN, Cota E, Baum J, Tate EW. Peptide Probes for Plasmodium falciparum MyoA Tail Interacting Protein (MTIP): Exploring the Druggability of the Malaria Parasite Motor Complex. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1313-1320. [PMID: 32383851 PMCID: PMC7309260 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Malaria
remains an endemic tropical disease, and the emergence
of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to current
front-line medicines means that new therapeutic targets are required.
The Plasmodium glideosome is a multiprotein complex
thought to be essential for efficient host red blood cell invasion.
At its core is a myosin motor, Myosin A (MyoA), which provides most
of the force required for parasite invasion. Here, we report the design
and development of improved peptide-based probes for the anchor point
of MyoA, the P. falciparum MyoA tail interacting
protein (PfMTIP). These probes combine low nanomolar
binding affinity with significantly enhanced cell penetration and
demonstrable competitive target engagement with native PfMTIP through a combination of Western blot and chemical proteomics.
These results provide new insights into the potential druggability
of the MTIP/MyoA interaction and a basis for the future design of
inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernesto Cota
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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30
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Porter JR, Meller A, Zimmerman MI, Greenberg MJ, Bowman GR. Conformational distributions of isolated myosin motor domains encode their mechanochemical properties. eLife 2020; 9:e55132. [PMID: 32479265 PMCID: PMC7259954 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Myosin motor domains perform an extraordinary diversity of biological functions despite sharing a common mechanochemical cycle. Motors are adapted to their function, in part, by tuning the thermodynamics and kinetics of steps in this cycle. However, it remains unclear how sequence encodes these differences, since biochemically distinct motors often have nearly indistinguishable crystal structures. We hypothesized that sequences produce distinct biochemical phenotypes by modulating the relative probabilities of an ensemble of conformations primed for different functional roles. To test this hypothesis, we modeled the distribution of conformations for 12 myosin motor domains by building Markov state models (MSMs) from an unprecedented two milliseconds of all-atom, explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations. Comparing motors reveals shifts in the balance between nucleotide-favorable and nucleotide-unfavorable P-loop conformations that predict experimentally measured duty ratios and ADP release rates better than sequence or individual structures. This result demonstrates the power of an ensemble perspective for interrogating sequence-function relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Porter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Artur Meller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Maxwell I Zimmerman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Michael J Greenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Gregory R Bowman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
- Center for the Science and Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
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31
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Trivedi DV, Nag S, Spudich A, Ruppel KM, Spudich JA. The Myosin Family of Mechanoenzymes: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Approaches. Annu Rev Biochem 2020; 89:667-693. [PMID: 32169021 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-011520-105234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Myosins are among the most fascinating enzymes in biology. As extremely allosteric chemomechanical molecular machines, myosins are involved in myriad pivotal cellular functions and are frequently sites of mutations leading to disease phenotypes. Human β-cardiac myosin has proved to be an excellent target for small-molecule therapeutics for heart muscle diseases, and, as we describe here, other myosin family members are likely to be potentially unique targets for treating other diseases as well. The first part of this review focuses on how myosins convert the chemical energy of ATP hydrolysis into mechanical movement, followed by a description of existing therapeutic approaches to target human β-cardiac myosin. The next section focuses on the possibility of targeting nonmuscle members of the human myosin family for several diseases. We end the review by describing the roles of myosin in parasites and the therapeutic potential of targeting them to block parasitic invasion of their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan V Trivedi
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; , , .,Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Suman Nag
- MyoKardia Inc., Brisbane, California 94005, USA;
| | - Annamma Spudich
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560-097, India;
| | - Kathleen M Ruppel
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; , , .,Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA.,Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - James A Spudich
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA; , , .,Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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Caldwell JT, Mermelstein DJ, Walker RC, Bernstein SI, Huxford T. X-ray Crystallographic and Molecular Dynamic Analyses of Drosophila melanogaster Embryonic Muscle Myosin Define Domains Responsible for Isoform-Specific Properties. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:427-447. [PMID: 31786266 PMCID: PMC6995774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful system for characterizing alternative myosin isoforms and modeling muscle diseases, but high-resolution structures of fruit fly contractile proteins have not been determined. Here we report the first x-ray crystal structure of an insect myosin: the D melanogaster skeletal muscle myosin II embryonic isoform (EMB). Using our system for recombinant expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) proteins in whole transgenic flies, we prepared and crystallized stable proteolytic S1-like fragments containing the entire EMB motor domain bound to an essential light chain. We solved the x-ray crystal structure by molecular replacement and refined the resulting model against diffraction data to 2.2 Å resolution. The protein is captured in two slightly different renditions of the rigor-like conformation with a citrate of crystallization at the nucleotide binding site and exhibits structural features common to myosins of diverse classes from all kingdoms of life. All atom molecular dynamics simulations on EMB in its nucleotide-free state and a derivative homology model containing 61 amino acid substitutions unique to the indirect flight muscle isoform (IFI) suggest that differences in the identity of residues within the relay and the converter that are encoded for by MHC alternative exons 9 and 11, respectively, directly contribute to increased mobility of these regions in IFI relative to EMB. This suggests the possibility that alternative folding or conformational stability within these regions contribute to the observed functional differences in Drosophila EMB and IFI myosins.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Caldwell
- Structural Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-1030, USA; Department of Biology and Molecular Biology Institute, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, USA
| | - Daniel J Mermelstein
- San Diego Supercomputer Center and Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0505, USA
| | - Ross C Walker
- San Diego Supercomputer Center and Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0505, USA
| | - Sanford I Bernstein
- Department of Biology and Molecular Biology Institute, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, USA
| | - Tom Huxford
- Structural Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-1030, USA.
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Robert-Paganin J, Pylypenko O, Kikuti C, Sweeney HL, Houdusse A. Force Generation by Myosin Motors: A Structural Perspective. Chem Rev 2019; 120:5-35. [PMID: 31689091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Generating force and movement is essential for the functions of cells and organisms. A variety of molecular motors that can move on tracks within cells have evolved to serve this role. How these motors interact with their tracks and how that, in turn, leads to the generation of force and movement is key to understanding the cellular roles that these motor-track systems serve. This review is focused on the best understood of these systems, which is the molecular motor myosin that moves on tracks of filamentous (F-) actin. The review highlights both the progress and the limits of our current understanding of how force generation can be controlled by F-actin-myosin interactions. What has emerged are insights they may serve as a framework for understanding the design principles of a number of types of molecular motors and their interactions with their tracks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Robert-Paganin
- Structural Motility , UMR 144 CNRS/Curie Institute , 26 rue d'ulm , 75258 Paris cedex 05 , France
| | - Olena Pylypenko
- Structural Motility , UMR 144 CNRS/Curie Institute , 26 rue d'ulm , 75258 Paris cedex 05 , France
| | - Carlos Kikuti
- Structural Motility , UMR 144 CNRS/Curie Institute , 26 rue d'ulm , 75258 Paris cedex 05 , France
| | - H Lee Sweeney
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and the Myology Institute , University of Florida College of Medicine , PO Box 100267, Gainesville , Florida 32610-0267 , United States
| | - Anne Houdusse
- Structural Motility , UMR 144 CNRS/Curie Institute , 26 rue d'ulm , 75258 Paris cedex 05 , France
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Unusual dynamics of the divergent malaria parasite PfAct1 actin filament. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:20418-20427. [PMID: 31548388 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1906600116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliding motility and host cell invasion by the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), the causative agent of malaria, is powered by a macromolecular complex called the glideosome that lies between the parasite plasma membrane and the inner membrane complex. The glideosome core consists of a single-headed class XIV myosin PfMyoA and a divergent actin PfAct1. Here we use total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to visualize growth of individual unstabilized PfAct1 filaments as a function of time, an approach not previously used with this actin isoform. Although PfAct1 was thought to be incapable of forming long filaments, filaments grew as long as 30 µm. Polymerization occurs via a nucleation-elongation mechanism, but with an ∼4 µM critical concentration, an order-of-magnitude higher than for skeletal actin. Protomers disassembled from both the barbed and pointed ends of the actin filament with similar fast kinetics of 10 to 15 subunits/s. Rapid treadmilling, where the barbed end of the filament grows and the pointed end shrinks while maintaining an approximately constant filament length, was visualized near the critical concentration. Once ATP has been hydrolyzed to ADP, the filament becomes very unstable, resulting in total dissolution in <40 min. Dynamics at the filament ends are suppressed in the presence of inorganic phosphate or more efficiently by BeFX A chimeric PfAct1 with a mammalian actin D-loop forms a more stable filament. These unusual dynamic properties distinguish PfAct1 from more canonical actins, and likely contribute to the difficultly in visualizing PfAct1 filaments in the parasite.
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