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Boubaker G, Bernal A, Vigneswaran A, Imhof D, de Sousa MCF, Hänggeli KPA, Haudenschild N, Furrer J, Păunescu E, Desiatkina O, Hemphill A. In vitro and in vivo activities of a trithiolato-diRuthenium complex conjugated with sulfadoxine against the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 25:100544. [PMID: 38703737 PMCID: PMC11087982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Organometallic compounds, including Ruthenium complexes, have been widely developed as anti-cancer chemotherapeutics, but have also attracted much interest as potential anti-parasitic drugs. Recently hybrid drugs composed of organometallic Ruthenium moieties that were complexed to different antimicrobial agents were synthesized. One of these compounds, a trithiolato-diRuthenium complex (RU) conjugated to sulfadoxine (SDX), inhibited proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites grown in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) monolayers with an IC50 < 150 nM, while SDX and the non-modified RU complex applied either individually or as an equimolar mixture were much less potent. In addition, conjugation of SDX to RU lead to decreased HFF cytotoxicity. RU-SDX did not impair the in vitro proliferation of murine splenocytes at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 μM but had an impact at 2 μM, and induced zebrafish embryotoxicity at 20 μM, but not at 2 or 0.2 μM. RU-SDX acted parasitostatic but not parasiticidal, and induced transient ultrastructural changes in the mitochondrial matrix of tachyzoites early during treatment. While other compounds that target the mitochondrion such as the uncouplers FCCP and CCCP and another trithiolato-Ruthenium complex conjugated to adenine affected the mitochondrial membrane potential, no such effect was detected for RU-SDX. Evaluation of the in vivo efficacy of RU-SDX in a murine T. gondii oocyst infection model comprised of non-pregnant outbred CD1 mice showed no effects on the cerebral parasite burden, but reduced parasite load in the eyes and in heart tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Alice Bernal
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira de Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Noé Haudenschild
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern. Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Shao Y, Yuan X, Du B, Zhang X, Li X, Zhang X, Gong P, Zhang N, Wang X, Li J. Neospora caninum peroxiredoxin 1 is an essential virulence effector with antioxidant function. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110117. [PMID: 38262172 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan discovered by Dubey in 1988, is the pathogen of neosporosis, which causes neurological symptoms in dogs and abortions in cows. Since there is no effective drug or vaccine against N. caninum, a deeper understanding of the molecules critical to parasite survival inside host cells is necessary. This study aimed to determine the role of N. caninum peroxiredoxin 1 (NcPrx1) in maintaining redox homeostasis and virulence of N. caninum. By determining the localization of NcPrx1 protein and establishing NcPrx1 gene knockout strain (ΔNcPrx1), the roles of NcPrx1 in N. caninum for invasion, replication, growth, oxidative stress, as well as pathogenicity were investigated. Our results showed that a predicted Alkyl Hydroperoxide1 (AHP1) domain was found in the amino acid sequence of NcPrx1, which displayed a high degree of similarity to homologs of several protozoa. Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) indicated that NcPrx1 was a cytoplasmic protein in N. caninum tachyzoites. Compared to wild type (WT) strain, ΔNcPrx1 strain showed reduced plaque area, invasion and egress rates. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were accumulated, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was attenuated in ΔNcPrx1 tachyzoites, which indicated that ΔNcPrx1 strain was more sensitive to oxidative stress. Furthermore, ΔNcPrx1 strain-infected C57BL/6 mice showed improved survival rate, reduced parasite burden, alleviated pathological changes in tissues, and decreased secretions of IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in serum compared to the WT strain group. These findings suggested that NcPrx1 was a virulence factor of N. caninum which played an important role in maintaining the redox homeostasis of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xiaodan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Boya Du
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xuancheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.
| | - Jianhua Li
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.
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Caldwell BA, Wu Y, Wang J, Li L. Altered DNA methylation underlies monocyte dysregulation and immune exhaustion memory in sepsis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113894. [PMID: 38442017 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Monocytes can develop an exhausted memory state characterized by reduced differentiation, pathogenic inflammation, and immune suppression that drives immune dysregulation during sepsis. Chromatin alterations, notably via histone modifications, underlie innate immune memory, but the contribution of DNA methylation remains poorly understood. Using an ex vivo sepsis model, we show altered DNA methylation throughout the genome of exhausted monocytes, including genes implicated in immune dysregulation during sepsis and COVID-19 infection (e.g., Plac8). These changes are recapitulated in septic mice induced by cecal slurry injection. Methylation profiles developed in septic mice are maintained during ex vivo culture, supporting the involvement of DNA methylation in stable monocyte exhaustion memory. Methylome reprogramming is driven in part by Wnt signaling inhibition in exhausted monocytes and can be reversed with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, Wnt agonists, or immune training molecules. Our study demonstrates the significance of altered DNA methylation in the maintenance of stable monocyte exhaustion memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Yajun Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA
| | - Liwu Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0910, USA.
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Ma CI, Tirtorahardjo JA, Schweizer SS, Zhang J, Fang Z, Xing L, Xu M, Herman DA, Kleinman MT, McCullough BS, Barrios AM, Andrade RM. Gold(I) ion and the phosphine ligand are necessary for the anti- Toxoplasma gondii activity of auranofin. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0296823. [PMID: 38206030 PMCID: PMC10845965 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02968-23] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Auranofin, an FDA-approved drug for rheumatoid arthritis, has emerged as a promising antiparasitic medication in recent years. The gold(I) ion in auranofin is postulated to be responsible for its antiparasitic activity. Notably, aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose also contain gold(I), and, like auranofin, they were previously used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Whether they have antiparasitic activity remains to be elucidated. Herein, we demonstrated that auranofin and similar derivatives, but not aurothiomalate and aurothioglucose, inhibited the growth of Toxoplasma gondii in vitro. We found that auranofin affected the T. gondii biological cycle (lytic cycle) by inhibiting T. gondii's invasion and triggering its egress from the host cell. However, auranofin could not prevent parasite replication once T. gondii resided within the host. Auranofin treatment induced apoptosis in T. gondii parasites, as demonstrated by its reduced size and elevated phosphatidylserine externalization (PS). Notably, the gold from auranofin enters the cytoplasm of T. gondii, as demonstrated by scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).IMPORTANCEToxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a devastating disease affecting the brain and the eyes, frequently affecting immunocompromised individuals. Approximately 60 million people in the United States are already infected with T. gondii, representing a population at-risk of developing toxoplasmosis. Recent advances in treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplants have contributed to this at-risk population's exponential growth. Paradoxically, treatments for toxoplasmosis have remained the same for more than 60 years, relying on medications well-known for their bone marrow toxicity and allergic reactions. Discovering new therapies is a priority, and repurposing FDA-approved drugs is an alternative approach to speed up drug discovery. Herein, we report the effect of auranofin, an FDA-approved drug, on the biological cycle of T. gondii and how both the phosphine ligand and the gold molecule determine the anti-parasitic activity of auranofin and other gold compounds. Our studies would contribute to the pipeline of candidate anti-T. gondii agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. I. Ma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - J. A. Tirtorahardjo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - S. S. Schweizer
- School of Biological Sciences; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - J. Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Z. Fang
- School of Biological Sciences; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - L. Xing
- Irvine Materials Research Institute; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - M. Xu
- Irvine Materials Research Institute; University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - D. A. Herman
- Department of Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - M. T. Kleinman
- Department of Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - B. S. McCullough
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - A. M. Barrios
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - R. M. Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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Pawłowska M, Mila-Kierzenkowska C, Szczegielniak J, Woźniak A. Oxidative Stress in Parasitic Diseases-Reactive Oxygen Species as Mediators of Interactions between the Host and the Parasites. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 13:38. [PMID: 38247462 PMCID: PMC10812656 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010038] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development and course of parasitic infections, both in the attacked host organism and the parasite organism struggling to survive. The host uses large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly superoxide anion (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), to fight the developing parasitic disease. On the other hand, the parasite develops the most effective defense mechanisms and resistance to the effects of ROS and strives to survive in the host organism it has colonized, using the resources and living environment available for its development and causing the host's weakening. The paper reviews the literature on the role of oxidative stress in parasitic diseases, which are the most critical epidemiological problem worldwide. The most common parasitosis in the world is malaria, with 300-500 million new cases and about 1 million deaths reported annually. In Europe and Poland, the essential problem is intestinal parasites. Due to a parasitic infection, the concentration of antioxidants in the host decreases, and the concentration of products of cellular components oxidation increases. In response to the increased number of reactive oxygen species attacking it, the parasites have developed effective defense mechanisms, including primarily the action of antioxidant enzymes, especially superoxide dismutase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH)-dependent complexes glutathione and thioredoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pawłowska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (C.M.-K.); (A.W.)
| | - Celestyna Mila-Kierzenkowska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (C.M.-K.); (A.W.)
| | - Jan Szczegielniak
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland;
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration’s Specialist Hospital of St. John Paul II, 48-340 Glucholazy, Poland
| | - Alina Woźniak
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (C.M.-K.); (A.W.)
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Silva SV, Lima MA, Hodgson L, Freitas VM, Rodríguez-Manzaneque JC. ADAMTS-1 has nuclear localization in cells with epithelial origin and leads to decreased cell migration. Exp Cell Res 2023; 433:113852. [PMID: 37951335 PMCID: PMC10841765 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113852] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
In the study of tumorigenesis, the involvement of molecules within the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial. ADAMTSs (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs), a group of secreted proteases known for their role in ECM remodeling, were primarily considered to be extracellular proteases. However, our research specifically detected ADAMTS-1, a member of this family, predominantly within the nucleus of mammary cells. Our main objective was to understand the mechanism of ADAMTS-1 translocation to the nucleus and its functional significance in this cellular compartment. Our investigation uncovered that nuclear ADAMTS-1 was present in cells exhibiting an epithelial phenotype, while cells of mesenchymal origin contained the protease in the cytoplasm. Moreover, disruption of ADAMTS-1 secretion, induced by Monensin treatment, resulted in its accumulation in the cytoplasm. Notably, our research indicated that alterations in the secretory pathways could influence the protease's compartmentalization. Additionally, experiments with conditioned medium from cells containing nuclear ADAMTS-1 demonstrated its internalization into the nucleus by HT-1080 cells and fibroblasts. Furthermore, heightened levels of ADAMTS-1 within the ECM reduced the migratory potential of mesenchymal cells. This highlights the potential significance of nuclear ADAMTS-1 as a critical component within the tumor microenvironment due to its functional activity in this specific cellular compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suély V Silva
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maíra A Lima
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Louis Hodgson
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Vanessa M Freitas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Teixeira SC, Paschoalino M, de Souza G, Rosini AM, de Lima Junior JP, Luz LC, Fajardo Martínez AF, Alves RN, Almeida MPO, Damasceno JL, Silva MJB, Ietta F, Barbosa BF, Ferro EAV, Gomes Martins CH. Rottlerin impairs early and late steps of Toxoplasma gondii infection in human trophoblast cells and villous explants. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 384:110716. [PMID: 37722575 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110716] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis, caused by the opportunistic protozoan parasite T. gondii, can cause stillbirths, miscarriages and fetal abnormalities, as well as encephalitis and chorioretinitis in newborns. Available treatment options rely on antiparasitic drugs that have been linked to serious side effects, high toxicity and the development of drug-resistant parasites. The search for alternative therapeutics to treat this disease without acute toxicity for the mother and child is essential for the advancement of current therapeutic procedures. The present study aimed to unravel the mode of the anti-T. gondii action of Rottlerin, a natural polyphenol with multiple pharmacological properties described. Herein, we further assessed the antiparasitic activity of Rottlerin against T. gondii infection on the human trophoblastic cells (BeWo cells) and, for the first time, on human villous explants. We found that non-cytotoxic doses of Rottlerin impaired early and late steps of parasite infection with an irreversible manner in BeWo cells. Rottlerin caused parasite cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and compromised the ability of tachyzoites to infect new cells, thus highlighting the possible direct action on parasites. An additional and non-exclusive mechanism of action of Rottlerin involves the modulation of host cell components, by affecting lipid droplet formation, mitochondrial function and upregulation of the IL-6 and MIF levels in BeWo cells. Supporting our findings, Rottlerin also controlled T. gondii proliferation in villous explants with low toxicity and reduced the IL-10 levels, a cytokine associated with parasite susceptibility. Collectively, our results highlighted the potential use of Rottlerin as a promising tool to prevent and/or treat congenital toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Paschoalino
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Joed Pires de Lima Junior
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Luana Carvalho Luz
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Aryani Felixa Fajardo Martínez
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Nascimento Alves
- Department of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Ituiutaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos Paulo Oliveira Almeida
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Lopes Damasceno
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo José Barbosa Silva
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Francesca Ietta
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Henrique Gomes Martins
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Abugri DA, Wijerathne SVT, Sharma HN, Ayariga JA, Napier A, Robertson BK. Quercetin inhibits Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite proliferation and acts synergically with azithromycin. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:261. [PMID: 37537675 PMCID: PMC10401810 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05849-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Quercetin (QUE) is a natural polyphenol known to have numerous pharmacological properties against infectious and non-infectious diseases. Azithromycin (AZ) is an antibiotic that belongs to the azalide class of antimicrobials and an antiparasitic that is known to be effective in combination with clindamycin against pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine-resistant Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in clinical settings. Both compounds are known to target protein synthesis and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, little is known about QUE and AZ synergistic interaction against T. gondii growth. Here, we report for the first time the effects of the combination of QUE and AZ on T. gondii growth. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for QUE at 72 h of interaction was determined to be 0.50 µM, whereas AZ gave an IC50 value of 0.66 µM at 72 h of interaction with parasites. Combination testing of QUE and AZ in a ratio of 2:1 (QUE:AZ) showed an IC50 value of 0.081 µM. Interestingly, a fractional inhibitory index value of 0.28 was observed, indicating a strong synergy. QUE was also found to upregulate the generation of reactive oxygen species and cause dysfunction of the mitochondria membrane of both intracellular and extracellular T. gondii tachyzoites. Overall, the results indicate that QUE is a novel lead capable of synergizing with AZ for inhibiting T. gondii growth and may merit future investigation in vivo for possible combination drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Abugri
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Microbiology PhD Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
| | - Sandani V T Wijerathne
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology PhD Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Homa Nath Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology PhD Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Joseph A Ayariga
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Audrey Napier
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Boakai K Robertson
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology PhD Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
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9
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Aghabi D, Sloan M, Gill G, Hartmann E, Antipova O, Dou Z, Guerra AJ, Carruthers VB, Harding CR. The vacuolar iron transporter mediates iron detoxification in Toxoplasma gondii. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3659. [PMID: 37339985 PMCID: PMC10281983 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39436-y] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is essential to cells as a cofactor in enzymes of respiration and replication, however without correct storage, iron leads to the formation of dangerous oxygen radicals. In yeast and plants, iron is transported into a membrane-bound vacuole by the vacuolar iron transporter (VIT). This transporter is conserved in the apicomplexan family of obligate intracellular parasites, including in Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we assess the role of VIT and iron storage in T. gondii. By deleting VIT, we find a slight growth defect in vitro, and iron hypersensitivity, confirming its essential role in parasite iron detoxification, which can be rescued by scavenging of oxygen radicals. We show VIT expression is regulated by iron at transcript and protein levels, and by altering VIT localization. In the absence of VIT, T. gondii responds by altering expression of iron metabolism genes and by increasing antioxidant protein catalase activity. We also show that iron detoxification has an important role both in parasite survival within macrophages and in virulence in a mouse model. Together, by demonstrating a critical role for VIT during iron detoxification in T. gondii, we reveal the importance of iron storage in the parasite and provide the first insight into the machinery involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Aghabi
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Megan Sloan
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Grace Gill
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elena Hartmann
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Olga Antipova
- X-Ray Sciences Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, USA
| | - Zhicheng Dou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Alfredo J Guerra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vern B Carruthers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Clare R Harding
- Wellcome Centre of Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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10
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Li TT, Zhao DY, Liang QL, Elsheikha HM, Wang M, Sun LX, Zhang ZW, Chen XQ, Zhu XQ, Wang JL. The antioxidant protein glutaredoxin 1 is essential for oxidative stress response and pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22932. [PMID: 37115746 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201275r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are ubiquitous antioxidant proteins involved in many molecular processes to protect cells against oxidative damage. Here, we study the roles of Grxs in the pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii. We show that Grxs are localized in the mitochondria (Grx1), cytoplasm (Grx2), and apicoplast (Grx3, Grx4), while Grx5 had an undetectable level of expression. We generated Δgrx1-5 mutants of T. gondii type I RH and type II Pru strains using CRISPR-Cas9 system. No significant differences in the infectivity were detected between four Δgrx (grx2-grx5) strains and their respective wild-type (WT) strains in vitro or in vivo. Additionally, no differences were detected in the production of reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and sensitivity to external oxidative stimuli. Interestingly, RHΔgrx1 or PruΔgrx1 exhibited significant differences in all the investigated aspects compared to the other grx2-grx5 mutant and WT strains. Transcriptome analysis suggests that deletion of grx1 altered the expression of genes involved in transport and metabolic pathways, signal transduction, translation, and obsolete oxidation-reduction process. The data support the conclusion that grx1 supports T. gondii resistance to oxidative killing and is essential for the parasite growth in cultured cells and pathogenicity in mice and that the active site CGFS motif was necessary for Grx1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qing Chen
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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11
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Adeyemi OS, Ishii K, Kato K. L-tryptophan-titanium oxide nanoparticles showed selective anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity and improved host biocompatibility. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114597. [PMID: 36989712 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis, currently affects nearly one-third of the human population. Treatment options for toxoplasmosis are limited, which underscores the need for new drugs. In the present study, we screened nanoparticles (NPs) of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and molybdenum (Mo) for their potential to inhibit the growth of T. gondii in vitro. NPs of TiO2 and Mo showed non-dose-dependent anti-T. gondii activity with EC50 values of 157.6 and 253 µg/mL, respectively. Previously, we showed that amino acid modification of NPs enhances their selective anti-parasite toxicity. Therefore, to enhance the selective anti-parasitic action of TiO2, we modified the NP surface using alanine, aspartate, arginine, cysteine, glutamate, tryptophan, tyrosine, and bovine serum albumin. The bio-modified TiO2 showed anti-parasite activity with EC50 values ranging from 45.7 to 286.4 µg/mL. At effective anti-parasite concentrations, modified-TiO2 showed no appreciable host cytotoxicity. Of the eight bio-modified TiO2, tryptophan-TiO2 showed the most promising anti-T. gondii specificity and improved host biocompatibility with a selectivity index (SI) of 49.1 versus 7.5 for TiO2 (note, pyrimethamine, a standard drug for toxoplasmosis, has an SI of 2.3). Furthermore, our data indicate that redox modulation may be part of the anti-parasite action of these NPs. Indeed, augmentation with trolox and l-tryptophan reversed the growth restriction caused by the tryptophan-TiO2 NPs. Collectively, these findings suggest that the parasite toxicity was selective and not a result of general cytotoxic action. Furthermore, surface modification with amino acids such as l-tryptophan not only enhanced the anti-parasitic action of TiO2 but also improved the host biocompatibility. Overall, our findings indicate that the nutritional requirements of T. gondii represent a viable target for the development of new and effective anti-T. gondii agents.
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12
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Cao X, Huang M, Ma Y, Song X, Hu D. In vitro anti-Toxoplasma gondii effects of a coccidiostat dinitolmide. Vet Parasitol 2023; 316:109903. [PMID: 36871500 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species, results in huge economic losses to the animal industry. Dinitolmide, a veterinary-approved coccidiostat, has a wide anticoccidial spectrum with no effect on host immunity. However, the mechanism of its anticoccidial effects remains unclear. Here, we used an in vitro culture system of T. gondii to explore the anti-Toxoplasma effect of dinitolmide and its underlying mechanism against coccidia. We show that dinitolmide has potent in vitro anti-Toxoplasma activity with the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 3.625 µg/ml. Dinitolmide treatment significantly inhibited the viability, invasion and proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites. The recovery experiment showed that dinitolmide can completely kill T. gondii tachyzoites after 24 h of treatment. Morphologically abnormal parasites were observed after dinitolmide exposure, including asynchronous development of daughter cells and deficiency of parasite inner and outer membrane. Further electron microscopy results showed that the drug could damage the membrane structure of T. gondii. By comparative transcriptomic analysis, we found that genes related to cell apoptosis and nitric-oxide synthase were up-regulated after dinitolmide treatment, which might be responsible for parasite cell death. Meanwhile, many Sag-related sequence (srs) genes were down-regulated after treatment, which could be closely associated with the reduction of parasite invasion and proliferation capacity. Our study indicates that the coccidiostat dinitolmide has a potent inhibitory effect on T. gondii in vitro and provides insight into the mode of action of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Cao
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Mao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yazhen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xingju Song
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Animal Disease, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
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13
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Müller J, Hemphill A. Toxoplasma gondii infection: novel emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:293-304. [PMID: 37212443 PMCID: PMC10330558 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2217353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis constitutes a challenge for public health, animal production, and welfare. So far, only a limited panel of drugs has been marketed for clinical applications. In addition to classical screening, the investigation of unique targets of the parasite may lead to the identification of novel drugs. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors describe the methodology to identify novel drug targets in Toxoplasma gondii and review the literature with a focus on the last two decades. EXPERT OPINION Over the last two decades, the investigation of essential proteins of T. gondii as potential drug targets has fostered the hope of identifying novel compounds for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Despite good efficacies in vitro, only a few classes of these compounds are effective in suitable rodent models, and none has cleared the hurdle to applications in humans. This shows that target-based drug discovery is in no way better than classical screening approaches. In both cases, off-target effects and adverse side effects in the hosts must be considered. Proteomics-driven analyses of parasite- and host-derived proteins that physically bind drug candidates may constitute a suitable tool to characterize drug targets, irrespectively of the drug discovery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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14
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Sun P, Wang C, Zhang Y, Tang X, Hu D, Xie F, Hao Z, Suo J, Yu Y, Suo X, Liu X. Transcriptome profile of halofuginone resistant and sensitive strains of Eimeria tenella. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1141952. [PMID: 37065111 PMCID: PMC10098198 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1141952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The antiparasitic drug halofuginone is important for controlling apicomplexan parasites. However, the occurrence of halofuginone resistance is a major obstacle for it to the treatment of apicomplexan parasites. Current studies have identified the molecular marker and drug resistance mechanisms of halofuginone in Plasmodium falciparum. In this study, we tried to use transcriptomic data to explore resistance mechanisms of halofuginone in apicomplexan parasites of the genus Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). After halofuginone treatment of E. tenella parasites, transcriptome analysis was performed using samples derived from both resistant and sensitive strains. In the sensitive group, DEGs associated with enzymes were significantly downregulated, whereas the DNA damaging process was upregulated after halofuginone treatment, revealing the mechanism of halofuginone-induced parasite death. In addition, 1,325 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between halofuginone resistant and sensitive strains, and the DEGs related to translation were significantly downregulated after halofuginone induction. Overall, our results provide a gene expression profile for further studies on the mechanism of halofuginone resistance in E. tenella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoyue Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinming Tang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Fujie Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenkai Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxia Suo
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglan Yu
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Suo
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xun Suo,
| | - Xianyong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Xianyong Liu,
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15
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Adeyemi OS, Ishii K, Kato K. The In Vitro Anti-Parasitic Activities of Emodin toward Toxoplasma gondii. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030447. [PMID: 36986545 PMCID: PMC10053859 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, toxoplasmosis affects nearly one-third of the world’s population, but the available treatments have several limitations. This factor underscores the search for better therapy for toxoplasmosis. Therefore, in the current investigation, we investigated the potential of emodin as a new anti-Toxoplasma gondii while exploring its anti-parasitic mechanism of action. We explored the mechanisms of action of emodin in the presence and absence of an in vitro model of experimental toxoplasmosis. Emodin showed strong anti-T. gondii action with an EC50 value of 0.03 µg/mL; at this same effective anti-parasite concentration, emodin showed no appreciable host cytotoxicity. Likewise, emodin showed a promising anti-T. gondii specificity with a selectivity index (SI) of 276. Pyrimethamine, a standard drug for toxoplasmosis, had an SI of 2.3. The results collectively imply that parasite damage was selective rather than as a result of a broad cytotoxic effect. Furthermore, our data confirm that emodin-induced parasite growth suppression stems from parasite targets and not host targets, and indicate that the anti-parasite action of emodin precludes oxidative stress and ROS production. Emodin likely mediates parasite growth suppression through means other than oxidative stress, ROS production, or mitochondrial toxicity. Collectively, our findings support the potential of emodin as a promising and novel anti-parasitic agent that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluyomi Stephen Adeyemi
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki 989-6711, Miyagi, Japan
- Medicinal Biochemistry and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Kosei Ishii
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki 989-6711, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kato
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki 989-6711, Miyagi, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-229-84-7391
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16
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Zahid A, Yu Y, Zhou S, Xie X, Yin F. Antiparasitic effect of copper alloy mesh on tomont stage of Cryptocaryon irritans in aquaculture. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2023; 46:181-188. [PMID: 36453691 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Copper alloy sheets have been shown to prevent cryptocaryoniasis. Therefore, we studied the potential efficiency of copper alloy mesh (CAM) in aquaculture tanks to prevent cryptocaryoniasis outbreaks. The effectivenesses of CAM against the tomont stage of Cryptocaryon irritans and in protecting fish from cryptocaryoniasis were tested both in vitro and in vivo. The mortality rate of C. irritans tomonts increased as the contact time with CAM rose and peaked at 70 min (100% of mortality). Morphological changes were observed such as the shrinking of the protoplasm of the treated tomonts, resulting in a larger gap between the cytoplasm and the cyst wall. Mitochondrial dysfunction due to shrinkage in the inner portion, outer and inner mitochondrial membrane damage and cytoplasmic vacuolation was revealed by ultrastructural analysis. The use of CAM effectively preventing reinfection was also provided. In comparison with group B (infected fish without CAM), both groups A (uninfected fish as a control group) and C (infected fish treated with CAM) had a 100% survival rate until the end of the trial. CAM has the same anticryptocaryoniasis effect as copper alloy sheets but is more advantageous due to its lightweight, reduced labor cost and lower purchase cost. It is noticeable that CAM exposure also prevents the excessive accumulation of copper ions in aquaculture sea water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Zahid
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ministry of Education; State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products; School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Youbin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Fishing Vessel and Equipment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Suming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ministry of Education; State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products; School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiao Xie
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ministry of Education; State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products; School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ministry of Education; State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products; School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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17
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Yang D, Liu X, Li J, Xie J, Jiang L. Animal venoms: a novel source of anti- Toxoplasma gondii drug candidates. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1178070. [PMID: 37205912 PMCID: PMC10188992 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1178070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a nucleated intracellular parasitic protozoan with a broad host selectivity. It causes toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised or immunodeficient patients. The currently available treatments for toxoplasmosis have significant side effects as well as certain limitations, and the development of vaccines remains to be explored. Animal venoms are considered to be an important source of novel antimicrobial agents. Some peptides from animal venoms have amphipathic alpha-helix structures. They inhibit the growth of pathogens by targeting membranes to produce lethal pores and cause membrane rupture. Venom molecules generally possess immunomodulatory properties and play key roles in the suppression of pathogenic organisms. Here, we summarized literatures of the last 15 years on the interaction of animal venom peptides with T. gondii and attempt to explore the mechanisms of their interaction with parasites that involve membrane and organelle damage, immune response regulation and ion homeostasis. Finally, we analyzed some limitations of venom peptides for drug therapy and some insights into their development in future studies. It is hoped that more research will be stimulated to turn attention to the medical value of animal venoms in toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqian Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Jiang,
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18
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Oliveira Souza RO, Jacobs KN, Back PS, Bradley PJ, Arrizabalaga G. IMC10 and LMF1 mediate mitochondrial morphology through mitochondrion-pellicle contact sites in Toxoplasma gondii. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:279336. [PMID: 36314270 PMCID: PMC9845740 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The single mitochondrion of Toxoplasma gondii is highly dynamic, being predominantly in a peripherally distributed lasso-shape in intracellular parasites and collapsed in extracellular parasites. The peripheral positioning of the mitochondrion is associated with apparent contacts between the mitochondrion membrane and the parasite pellicle. The outer mitochondrial membrane-associated protein LMF1 is critical for the correct positioning of the mitochondrion. Intracellular parasites lacking LMF1 fail to form the lasso-shaped mitochondrion. To identify other proteins that tether the mitochondrion of the parasite to the pellicle, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen for LMF1 interactors. We identified 70 putative interactors localized in different cellular compartments, such as the apical end of the parasite, mitochondrial membrane and the inner membrane complex (IMC), including with the pellicle protein IMC10. Using protein-protein interaction assays, we confirmed the interaction of LMF1 with IMC10. Conditional knockdown of IMC10 does not affect parasite viability but severely affects mitochondrial morphology in intracellular parasites and mitochondrial distribution to the daughter cells during division. In effect, IMC10 knockdown phenocopies disruption of LMF1, suggesting that these two proteins define a novel membrane tether between the mitochondrion and the IMC in Toxoplasma. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kylie N. Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Peter S. Back
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peter J. Bradley
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gustavo Arrizabalaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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Zhang H, Zhang L, Si H, Liu X, Suo X, Hu D. Early Transcriptional Response to Monensin in Sensitive and Resistant Strains of Eimeria tenella. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:934153. [PMID: 35859739 PMCID: PMC9289555 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.934153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eimeria parasites are the causative agents of coccidiosis, a common parasitic disease in poultry and livestock that causes significant economic losses to the animal husbandry industry. Ionophore coccidiostats, such as monensin and salinomycin, are widely used for prophylaxis of coccidiosis in poultry. Unfortunately, widespread drug resistance has compromised their efficacy. As a result, there is an increasing need to understand the targets and resistance mechanisms to anticoccidials. However, how Eimeria parasite genes respond to ionophores remains unclear. In this study, resistance to monensin was induced in E. tenella through serial generations of selection. Both sensitive and resistant E. tenella sporozoites were treated with 5 μg/ml monensin for 0, 2, and 4 h, respectively. Gene transcription profiles were then compared by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that protein translation-related genes were significantly downregulated after drug induction. A total of 1,848 DEGs were detected in the sensitive strain after 2 h of exposure, whereas only 31 were detected in the resistant strain. Among these DEGs in the sensitive strain, genes associated with protein degradation were significantly upregulated, supporting the autophagy-like parasite killing theory. Then, 4 h of exposure resulted in additional 626 and 621 DEGs for sensitive and resistant strains, respectively. This result implies that the gene transcription in sensitive strain is more susceptible to monensin treatment. Our results provide gene expression landscapes of E. tenella following monensin treatment. These data will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of drug resistance to polyether ionophores in coccidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Hongbin Si
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Suo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Dandan Hu
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Huffman AM, Ayariga JA, Napier A, Robertson BK, Abugri DA. Inhibition of Toxoplasma gondii Growth by Dihydroquinine and Its Mechanisms of Action. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:852889. [PMID: 35646733 PMCID: PMC9131874 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.852889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that infects the brain of humans and causes cerebral toxoplasmosis. The recommended drugs for the treatment or prophylaxis of toxoplasmosis are pyrimethamine (PY) and sulfadiazine (SZ), which have serious side effects. Other drugs available for toxoplasmosis are poorly tolerated. Dihydroquinine (DHQ) is a compound closely related to quinine-based drugs that have been shown to inhibit Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei in addition to its anti-arrhythmia properties. However, little is known about the effect of DHQ in T. gondii growth and its mechanism of action in vitro. In this study, we report the anti-Toxoplasma and anti-invasion properties of DHQ. DHQ significantly inhibited T. gondii tachyzoite growth with IC50s values of 0.63, 0.67, and 0.00137 µM at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Under similar conditions, SZ and PY, considered as the gold standard drugs for the treatment of toxoplasmosis, had IC50s values of 1.29, 1.55, and 0.95 and 3.19, 3.52, and 2.42 µM, respectively. The rapid dose-dependent inhibition of T. gondii tachyzoites by DHQ compared to the standard drugs (SZ and PY) indicates that DHQ has high selective parasiticidal effects against tachyzoite proliferation. Remarkably, DHQ had an excellent selectivity index (SI) of 149- and 357-fold compared to 24- and 143-fold for PY and SZ, respectively, using fibroblast cells. In addition, DHQ disrupted T. gondii tachyzoite mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and elicited high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Taking all these findings together, DHQ promises to be an effective and safe lead for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarin M. Huffman
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, United States
| | - Joseph A. Ayariga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Audrey Napier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Boakai K. Robertson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
- Microbiology PhD Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Daniel A. Abugri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
- Microbiology PhD Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Montgomery, AL, United States
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology, and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Montgomery, AL, United States
- *Correspondence: Daniel A. Abugri,
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Venancio-Brochi JC, Pereira LM, Baroni L, Abreu-Filho PG, Yatsuda AP. Characterization of the Neospora caninum peroxiredoxin: a novel peroxidase and antioxidant enzyme. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1735-1748. [PMID: 35362740 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07497-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum, an apicomplexan parasite, is the etiological agent of neosporosis, a disease that leads to neurological symptoms in dogs and abortion in cattle. Vaccine or drug treatments for neosporosis remain to be determined. Therefore, it is of undeniable relevance to investigate new molecules involved in the parasite's successful survival within the host cell. The aim of this study was to characterize the N. caninum peroxiredoxin (NcPrx), an enzyme involved in the redox system of the parasite. The NcPrx amino acid sequence showed high identity and similarity compared to homologues representatives of Apicomplexa phylum. The recombinant NcPrx (rNcPrx) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli (BL21) with the predicted molecular weight (22 kDa), and the identity of monomer and dimer forms of rNcPrx was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Native and recombinant NcPrx were detected by ELISA and western blot, using the polyclonal anti-rNcPrx serum. Multiphoton analysis showed that NcPrx is localized in tachyzoite cytosol. H2O2 treatment increased the rNcPrx dimerization in vitro, and associated with the in silico data, we suggest that NcPrx belongs to typical 2-Cys Prx group (AhpC/Prx1 family). rNcPrx also increased the H2O2 clearance and protected plasmidial DNA under oxidative conditions. Finally, H2O2 increased the NcPrx dimerization in intracellular and extracellular tachyzoites suggesting that it is enrolled in H2O2 clearance and sensing in N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Cabestre Venancio-Brochi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Péricles Gama Abreu-Filho
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Do Café, sn/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
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Involvement of Urm1, a Ubiquitin-Like Protein, in the Regulation of Oxidative Stress Response of Toxoplasma gondii. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0239421. [PMID: 35323018 PMCID: PMC9045335 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02394-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (Urm1) is a ubiquitin-like molecule (UBL) with the ability to act as a posttranslational protein modifier. Here, we characterized the Toxoplasma gondii homolog of URM1 located in the tachyzoite cytoplasm. The total loss of the TgURM1 resulted in a significant reduction in parasite invasion, replication, and virulence in mice, revealing that TgURM1 plays a pivotal role in T. gondii survival. For TgURM1, urmylation was significantly induced by oxidative stress, and mutations of the C-terminal glycine-glycine motif of TgURM1 blocked the urmylation process. Furthermore, the TgURM1 knockout strain was intolerant to oxidative stress, suggesting that TgURM1 is involved in the oxidative stress process. TgAHP1, an alkyl hydroperoxide reductase, was screened via proximity-based protein labeling techniques and proteomics and was shown to interact with TgURM1 under oxidative stress conditions. In conclusion, TgURM1 is a UBL protein involved in the response of Toxoplasma to oxidative stress. IMPORTANCE T. gondii has an intricate life cycle which involves multiple morphologically and physiologically distinct stages, and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) may be key regulators of protein expression at relevant life cycle stages. In recent years, ubiquitin-like proteins with modification functions have been discovered and studied, including Sumo, Rub1, ATG8, and ATG12. Ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (Urm1) is a ubiquitin-like molecule (UBL), which is considered to be the oldest ubiquitin-like system. In this study, we identified the Urm1 gene in Toxoplasma and explored that the urmylation of Urm1 was significantly induced by oxidative stress. Fewer studies have been conducted on ubiquitin-like proteins of parasites, and our results provide theoretical support for the research of metabolic regulation and antioxidative stress processes in T. gondii.
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Li Y, Sun Q, Chen S, Yu X, Jing H. Monensin inhibits anaplastic thyroid cancer via disrupting mitochondrial respiration and AMPK/mTOR signaling. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2022; 22:2539-2547. [PMID: 35168524 DOI: 10.2174/1871520622666220215123620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The clinical management of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) remains challenging and novel treatment methods are needed. Monensin is a carboxyl polyether ionophore that potently inhibits the growth of various cancer types. Our current work investigates whether monensin has selective anti-ATC activity and systematically explores its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed using a panel of thyroid cancer cell lines. Mitochondrial biogenesis profiles, ATP levels, oxidative stress, AMPK and mTOR were examined in these cells after monensin treatment. RESULTS Monensin is effective to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in a number of thyroid cancer cell lines. The results are consistent across cell lines of varying cellular origins and genetic mutations. Compared to other thyroid cancer cell types, ATC cell lines are the most sensitive to monensin. Of note, monensin used at our experimental concentration affects less of normal cells. Mechanistic studies reveal that monensin acts on ATC cells through disrupting mitochondrial function, inducing oxidative stress and damage, and AMPK activation-induced mTOR inhibition. We further show mitochondrial respiration is a critical target for monensin in ATC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our pre-clinical findings demonstrate the selective anti-ATC activities of monensin. This is supported by increasing evidence monensin can to be repurposed as a potential anti-cancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qianshu Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Sisi Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiongjie Yu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hongxia Jing
- Department of Ultrasound, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, China
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Leesombun A, Nihei CI, Kondoh D, Nishikawa Y. Polyether ionophore kijimicin inhibits growth of Toxoplasma gondii and controls acute toxoplasmosis in mice. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:413-422. [PMID: 34750652 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07363-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The natural polyether ionophore antibiotics may be important chemotherapeutic agents. Among them, kijimicin represents an important type of ionophore compound because it inhibits Eimeria tenella and human immunodeficiency virus. The ionophore monensin displays potent activities against several coccidian parasites including the opportunistic pathogen of humans, Toxoplasma gondii. At first, we evaluated the anti-Toxoplasma activity of kijimicin, monensin as a reference control, and anti-Toxoplasma drugs such as clindamycin, in vitro. The half inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for the anti-Toxoplasma activities of kijimicin, monensin, and clindamycin were 45.6 ± 2.4 nM, 1.3 ± 1.8 nM, and 238.5 ± 1.8 nM, respectively. Morphological analyses by electron microscopy revealed cellular swelling and multiple intracellular vacuole-like structures in the T. gondii tachyzoites after treatment with kijimicin and monensin. Kijimicin and monensin also inhibited the invasion of extracellular parasites (IC50 = 216.6 ± 1.9 pM and 531.1 ± 1.9 pM, respectively). Importantly, kijimicin treatment resulted in decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and generation of reactive oxygen species in T. gondii as monensin did. Furthermore, mice treated with kijimicin at 10 mg/kg/day and 3 mg/kg/day showed 91.7% and 66.7% survival rates, respectively, 30 days after infection with T. gondii. The control mice all died within 18 days of infection. The present study shows that kijimicin inhibits T. gondii growth and changes the ultrastruct of the parasites. This finding may lead to validation of kijimicin as new drug to control T. gondii growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpron Leesombun
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.,Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya, 73170, Phutthamonthon Nakhonpathom, Thailand
| | - Coh-Ichi Nihei
- The Institute of Microbial Chemistry, Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation (BIKAKEN), Tokyo, 3-14-23 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0021, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kondoh
- Division of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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The anti-parasite action of imidazole derivatives likely involves oxidative stress but not HIF-1α signaling. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 349:109676. [PMID: 34592218 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic options for toxoplasmosis are limited. This fact underscores ongoing research efforts to identify and develop better therapy. Previously, we reported the anti-parasitic potential of a new series of derivatives of imidazole. OBJECTIVE In the current investigation, we attempted the investigation of the possible action mechanism of few promising anti-parasite imidazole derivatives namely C1 (bis-imidazole), C2 (phenyl-substituted 1H-imidazole) and C3 (thiophene-imidazole) METHODS: We evaluated if oxidative stress, hypoxia as well as metabolic reprogramming of host l-tryptophan pathway form part of the parasite growth inhibition by imidazoles. Anti-parasite assay was performed for imidazoles at concentrations ranging from 0 to 10 μM, while pyrimethamine was used as reference drug to validate assay. RESULTS Imidazole compounds restricted parasite growth dose-dependently. However, in the presence of an antioxidant (Trolox), l-tryptophan and/or CoCl2 (chemical inducer of hypoxia), the growth inhibitory efficacy of imidazoles was appreciably abolished. Further, imidazole treatment led to elevated level of reactive oxygen species, while reducing parasite mitochondrial membrane potential compared with control. In contrast, imidazole had no effect on host HIF-1α level suggesting its exclusion in the anti-parasite action. CONCLUSION Taken together, imidazole-based compounds might restrict parasite growth by causing oxidative stress. The findings provide new insight on the likely biochemical mechanisms of imidazoles as prospective anti-parasite therapy. Data gives new perspective that not only underscores the anti-parasite prospects of imidazoles, but implicates the host l-tryptophan pathway as a feasible treatment option for T. gondii infections.
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Sanfelice RADS, Bortoleti BTDS, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, Silva TF, Bosqui LR, Nakazato G, Castilho PM, de Barros LD, Garcia JL, Lazarin-Bidóia D, Conchon-Costa I, Pavanelli WR, Costa IN. Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNp-Bio) reduce Toxoplasma gondii infection and proliferation in HeLa cells, and induce autophagy and death of tachyzoites by apoptosis-like mechanism. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106070. [PMID: 34331897 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can cause severe and debilitating diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The available treatment is based on drugs that have low efficacy, high toxicity, several adverse effects, and need long periods of treatment. Thus, the search for therapeutic alternatives is urgently needed. Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNp-Bio) have been associated with several biological effects, as antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal activity. Thus, the objective was evaluating AgNp-Bio effect on HeLa cells infected with T. gondii (RH strain). First, nontoxic AgNp-Bio concentrations for HeLa cells (1.5 - 6 µM) were determined, which were tested on cells infected with T. gondii. A significant reduction in infection, proliferation, and intracellular parasitic load was observed, also an increase in ROS and IL-6. Additionally, the evaluation of the action mechanisms of the parasite showed that AgNp-Bio acts directly on tachyzoites, inducing depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, ROS increase, and lipid bodies accumulation, as well as triggering an autophagic process, causing damage to the parasite membrane, and phosphatidylserine exposure. Based on this, it was inferred that AgNp-Bio affects T. gondii by inducing immunomodulation and microbicidal molecules produced by infected cells, and acts on parasites, by inducing autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Taylon Felipe Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer - LIDNC, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Larissa Rodrigues Bosqui
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer - LIDNC, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Gerson Nakazato
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Pablo Menegon Castilho
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Danielle Lazarin-Bidóia
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer - LIDNC, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer - LIDNC, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer - LIDNC, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Idessania Nazareth Costa
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer - LIDNC, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil.
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Venancio-Brochi JC, Pereira LM, Calil FA, Teixeira O, Baroni L, Abreu-Filho PG, Braga GÚL, Nonato MC, Yatsuda AP. Glutathione reductase: A cytoplasmic antioxidant enzyme and a potential target for phenothiazinium dyes in Neospora caninum. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 187:964-975. [PMID: 34310993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum causes heavy losses related to abortions in bovine cattle. This parasite developed a complex defense redox system, composed of enzymes as glutathione reductase (GR). Methylene blue (MB) impairs the activity of recombinant form of Plasmodium GR and inhibits the parasite proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Likewise, MB and its derivatives inhibits Neospora caninum proliferation, however, whether the MB mechanism of action is correlated to GR function remains unclear. Therefore, here, N. caninum GR (NcGR) was characterized and its potential inhibitors were determined. NcGR was found in the tachyzoite cytosol and has a similar structure and sequence compared to its homologs. We verified the in vitro activity of rNcGR (875 nM) following NADPH absorbance at 340 nM (100 mM KH2PO4, pH 7.5, 1 mM EDTA, ionic strength: 600 mM, 25 °C). rNcGR exhibited a Michaelian behavior (Km(GSSG):0.10 ± 0.02 mM; kcat(GSSG):0.076 ± 0.003 s-1; Km(NADPH):0.006 ± 0.001 mM; kcat(NADPH): 0.080 ± 0.003 s-1). The IC50 of MB,1,9-dimethyl methylene blue, new methylene blue, and toluidine blue O on rNcGR activity were 2.1 ± 0.2 μM, 11 ± 2 μM, 0.7 ± 0.1 μM, and 0.9 ± 0.2 μM, respectively. Our results suggest the importance of NcGR in N. caninum biology and antioxidant mechanisms. Moreover, data presented here strongly suggest that NcGR is an important target of phenothiazinium dyes in N. caninum proliferation inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Cabestre Venancio-Brochi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe Antunes Calil
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, School of Medicine, 92093-0669 La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Olívia Teixeira
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Péricles Gama Abreu-Filho
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Úbida Leite Braga
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Nonato
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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Chen Y, Liu Q, Xue JX, Zhang MY, Geng XL, Wang Q, Jiang W. Genome-Wide CRISPR/Cas9 Screen Identifies New Genes Critical for Defense Against Oxidant Stress in Toxoplasma gondii. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:670705. [PMID: 34163449 PMCID: PMC8216390 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.670705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widespread apicomplexans and can cause serious infections in humans and animals. Its antioxidant system plays an important role in defending against oxidant stress imposed by the host. Some genes encoding the antioxidant enzymes of T. gondii have been identified; however, critical genes that function in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress are still poorly understood. Here, we performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function screening in the T. gondii RH strain to identify potential genes contributing to the ROS stress response. Under hydrogen peroxide treatment, 30 single guide RNAs targeting high-confidence genes were identified, including some known important antioxidant genes such as catalase and peroxiredoxin PRX3. In addition, several previously uncharacterized genes were identified, among which five hypothetical protein-coding genes, namely, HP1–HP5, were selected for further functional characterization. Targeted deletion of HP1 in T. gondii RH led to significant sensitivity to H2O2, suggesting that HP1 is critical for oxidative stress management. Furthermore, loss of HP1 led to decreased antioxidant capacity, invasion efficiency, and proliferation in vitro. In vivo results also revealed that the survival time of mice infected with the HP1-KO strain was significantly prolonged relative to that of mice infected with the wild-type strain. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used to identify potential genes critical for oxidative stress management. Furthermore, HP1 may confer protection against oxidative damage and contributes to T. gondii virulence in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Xin Xue
- Shanghai Customs District P. R. C. China, Shanghai, China
| | - Man-Yu Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Geng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Structural insight into the unique conformation of cystathionine β-synthase from Toxoplasma gondii. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3542-3555. [PMID: 34194677 PMCID: PMC8225704 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysteine plays a major role in the redox homeostasis and antioxidative defense mechanisms of many parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa. Of relevance to human health is Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. A major route of cysteine biosynthesis in this parasite is the reverse transsulfuration pathway involving two key enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CGL). CBS from T. gondii (TgCBS) catalyzes the pyridoxal-5́-phosphate-dependent condensation of homocysteine with either serine or O-acetylserine to produce cystathionine. The enzyme can perform alternative reactions that use homocysteine and cysteine as substrates leading to the endogenous biosynthesis of hydrogen sulfide, another key element in maintaining the intracellular redox equilibrium. In contrast with human CBS, TgCBS lacks the N-terminal heme binding domain and is not responsive to S-adenosylmethionine. Herein, we describe the structure of a TgCBS construct that lacks amino acid residues 466-491 and shows the same activity of the native protein. TgCBS Δ466-491 was determined alone and in complex with reaction intermediates. A complementary molecular dynamics analysis revealed a unique domain organization, similar to the pathogenic mutant D444N of human CBS. Our data provides one missing piece in the structural diversity of CBSs by revealing the so far unknown three-dimensional arrangement of the CBS-type of Apicomplexa. This domain distribution is also detected in yeast and bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results pave the way for understanding the mechanisms by which TgCBS regulates the intracellular redox of the parasite, and have far-reaching consequences for the functional understanding of CBSs with similar domain distribution.
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Szewczyk-Golec K, Pawłowska M, Wesołowski R, Wróblewski M, Mila-Kierzenkowska C. Oxidative Stress as a Possible Target in the Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: Perspectives and Ambiguities. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115705. [PMID: 34071892 PMCID: PMC8198901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite causing toxoplasmosis, a common disease, which is most typically asymptomatic. However, toxoplasmosis can be severe and even fatal in immunocompromised patients and fetuses. Available treatment options are limited, so there is a strong impetus to develop novel therapeutics. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology and treatment of T. gondii infection. Chemical compounds that modify redox status can reduce the parasite viability and thus be potential anti-Toxoplasma drugs. On the other hand, oxidative stress caused by the activation of the inflammatory response may have some deleterious consequences in host cells. In this respect, the potential use of natural antioxidants is worth considering, including melatonin and some vitamins, as possible novel anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics. Results of in vitro and animal studies are promising. However, supplementation with some antioxidants was found to promote the increase in parasitemia, and the disease was then characterized by a milder course. Undoubtedly, research in this area may have a significant impact on the future prospects of toxoplasmosis therapy.
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31
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Karpiyevich M, Artavanis-Tsakonas K. Ubiquitin-Like Modifiers: Emerging Regulators of Protozoan Parasites. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1403. [PMID: 33022940 PMCID: PMC7600729 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational protein regulation allows for fine-tuning of cellular functions and involves a wide range of modifications, including ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifiers (Ubls). The dynamic balance of Ubl conjugation and removal shapes the fates of target substrates, in turn modulating various cellular processes. The mechanistic aspects of Ubl pathways and their biological roles have been largely established in yeast, plants, and mammalian cells. However, these modifiers may be utilised differently in highly specialised and divergent organisms, such as parasitic protozoa. In this review, we explore how these parasites employ Ubls, in particular SUMO, NEDD8, ATG8, ATG12, URM1, and UFM1, to regulate their unconventional cellular physiology. We discuss emerging data that provide evidence of Ubl-mediated regulation of unique parasite-specific processes, as well as the distinctive features of Ubl pathways in parasitic protozoa. We also highlight the potential to leverage these essential regulators and their cognate enzymatic machinery for development of therapeutics to protect against the diseases caused by protozoan parasites.
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Copaifera spp. oleoresins impair Toxoplasma gondii infection in both human trophoblastic cells and human placental explants. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15158. [PMID: 32938966 PMCID: PMC7495442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is the standard care in cases of congenital toxoplasmosis. However, therapy with these drugs is associated with severe and sometimes life-threatening side effects. The investigation of phytotherapeutic alternatives to treat parasitic diseases without acute toxicity is essential for the advancement of current therapeutic practices. The present study investigates the antiparasitic effects of oleoresins from different species of Copaifera genus against T. gondii. Oleoresins from C. reticulata, C. duckei, C. paupera, and C. pubiflora were used to treat human trophoblastic cells (BeWo cells) and human villous explants infected with T. gondii. Our results demonstrated that oleoresins were able to reduce T. gondii intracellular proliferation, adhesion, and invasion. We observed an irreversible concentration-dependent antiparasitic action in infected BeWo cells, as well as parasite cell cycle arrest in the S/M phase. The oleoresins altered the host cell environment by modulation of ROS, IL-6, and MIF production in BeWo cells. Also, Copaifera oleoresins reduced parasite replication and TNF-α release in villous explants. Anti-T. gondii effects triggered by the oleoresins are associated with immunomodulation of the host cells, as well as, direct action on parasites.
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33
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Hatton O, Stitzlein L, Dudley RW, Charvat RA. Evaluating the Antiparasitic Activity of Novel BPZ Derivatives Against Toxoplasma gondii. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081159. [PMID: 32751616 PMCID: PMC7466062 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence studies revealed that one-third of the human population is chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Presently, such infections are without medical treatment that effectively eradicates the parasite once it is in its latent form. Moreover, the therapeutics used to treat acute infections are poorly tolerated by patients and also cause the parasite to convert into long-lasting tissue cysts. Hence, there is a dire need for compounds with antiparasitic activity against all forms of T. gondii. This study examines the antiparasitic capacity of nine novel bisphenol Z (BPZ) derivatives to determine whether they possessed any activity that prevented T. gondii replication. To begin assessing the efficacy of the novel derivatives, parasites were treated with increasing concentrations of the compounds, then doubling assays and MitoTracker staining were performed. Three of the nine compounds demonstrated strong inhibitory activity, i.e., parasite replication significantly decreased with higher concentrations. Additionally, many of the treated parasites exhibited decreases in fluorescent signaling and disruption of mitochondrial morphology. These findings suggest that bisphenol Z compounds disrupt mitochondrial function to inhibit parasite replication and may provide a foundation for the development of new and effective treatment modalities against T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Hatton
- Department of Biology, University of Findlay, Findlay, OH 45840, USA;
| | - Lea Stitzlein
- College of Pharmacy, University of Findlay, Findlay, OH 45840, USA; (L.S.); (R.W.D.)
| | - Richard W. Dudley
- College of Pharmacy, University of Findlay, Findlay, OH 45840, USA; (L.S.); (R.W.D.)
| | - Robert A. Charvat
- Department of Biology, University of Findlay, Findlay, OH 45840, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-419-434-5746
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34
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Read E, Fu M, Pei Y, Wu L, Wang R, Yang G. Golgi Stress Response, Hydrogen Sulfide Metabolism, and Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 32:583-601. [PMID: 31870162 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aims: The physiological and pathological importance of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a novel gasotransmitter has been widely recognized. Cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) is one of the major H2S-producing enzymes and it regulates diverse functions in connection with intracellular calcium (Ca2+). The aim of this study is to examine the role of H2S in Golgi stress-related cell injury and skeletal muscle disorders. Results: Golgi stressors (brefeldin A [BFA] and monensin) decreased the expression of GM130 and ATP2C1 (two markers of Golgi stress response), induced Golgi apparatus fragmentation, and caused a higher level of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in mouse myoblast cells. In addition, Golgi stressors upregulated CSE expression and endogenous H2S generation, and exogenously applied H2S was able to protect but inhibition of CSE/H2S system deteriorated Golgi stress response. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) acted as an upstream molecule to increase CSE expression on Golgi stress response. Mechanically, Golgi stressors induced intracellular level of Ca2+, and chelating cellular Ca2+ markedly attenuated Golgi stress response, indicating the key role of Ca2+ in initiating Golgi stress and cell apoptosis. Further, administration of either angiotensin II or BFA initiated Golgi stress response and induced skeletal muscle atrophy in mice, which was further deteriorated by CSE deficiency but rescued by exogenously applied sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS). Innovation and Conclusion: The activation of the CSE/H2S pathway and the decrease of intracellular Ca2+ are two cellular protective mechanisms against Golgi stress, and the CSE/H2S system would be a target for preventing skeletal muscle dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Unit, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
| | - Yuehong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Unit, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
| | - Ethan Read
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Unit, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
| | - Ming Fu
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Unit, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada.,School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada.,Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Canada
| | - Yanxi Pei
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lingyun Wu
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Unit, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada.,School of Human Kinetics, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada.,Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, Canada
| | - Rui Wang
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Unit, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
| | - Guangdong Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Unit, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada
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Eberhard N, Balmer V, Müller J, Müller N, Winter R, Pou S, Nilsen A, Riscoe M, Francisco S, Leitao A, Doggett JS, Hemphill A. Activities of Endochin-Like Quinolones Against in vitro Cultured Besnoitia besnoiti Tachyzoites. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:96. [PMID: 32161765 PMCID: PMC7054222 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) potently inhibit the proliferation of Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Neospora, and Babesia by targeting the cytochrome b Qo and Qi sites and interfering with oxidative phosphorylation and pyrimidine biosynthesis. The activities of 14 different ELQs were assessed against B. besnoiti tachyzoites grown in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) by quantitative real time PCR. The values for 50% proliferation inhibition (IC50) of five ELQs were determined in a 3-days growth assay after an initial screen of 12 ELQs at 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM. The IC50s of ELQ-121, -136, and -316 were 0.49, 2.36, and 7.97 nM, respectively. The IC50s of ELQs tested against B. besnoiti were higher than IC50s previously observed for P. falciparum and T. gondii. However, the B. besnoiti cytochrome b sequence and the predicted Qo and Qi ELQ binding sites in the Toxoplasma, Neospora, and Besnoitia cytochrome b are virtually identical, suggesting that the differences in ELQ susceptibility are not due to variations in the substrate binding sites. TEM of ELQ-treated parasites primarily demonstrated alterations within the parasite mitochondrion, profound thickening of the nuclear membrane, as well as increased vacuolization within the tachyzoite cytoplasm. Long-term treatment assays of intracellular B. besnoiti with ELQs for up to 20 days followed by the release of drug pressure caused a substantial delay in parasite growth and proliferation while ELQs were present, but parasite proliferation resumed days after ELQs were removed. Interestingly, structural alterations persisted after ELQ removal and parasite proliferation was slowed. These findings provide a basis for further in vivo studies of ELQs as therapeutic options against B. besnoiti infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naja Eberhard
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vreni Balmer
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Winter
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Soviti Pou
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Mike Riscoe
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Samuel Francisco
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Leitao
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J. Stone Doggett
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Zhai B, He JJ, Elsheikha HM, Li JX, Zhu XQ, Yang X. Transcriptional changes in Toxoplasma gondii in response to treatment with monensin. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:84. [PMID: 32070423 PMCID: PMC7029487 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3970-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with the apicomplexan protozoan parasite T. gondii can cause severe and potentially fatal cerebral and ocular disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The anticoccidial ionophore drug monensin has been shown to have anti-Toxoplasma gondii properties. However, the comprehensive molecular mechanisms that underlie the effect of monensin on T. gondii are still largely unknown. We hypothesized that analysis of T. gondii transcriptional changes induced by monensin treatment can reveal new aspects of the mechanism of action of monensin against T. gondii. Methods Porcine kidney (PK)-15 cells were infected with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain. Three hours post-infection, PK-15 cells were treated with 0.1 μM monensin, while control cells were treated with medium only. PK-15 cells containing intracellular tachyzoites were harvested at 6 and 24 h post-treatment, and the transcriptomic profiles of T. gondii-infected PK-15 cells were examined using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to verify the expression of 15 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified by RNA-seq analysis. Results A total of 4868 downregulated genes and three upregulated genes were identified in monensin-treated T. gondii, indicating that most of T. gondii genes were suppressed by monensin. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of T. gondii DEGs showed that T. gondii metabolic and cellular pathways were significantly downregulated. Spliceosome, ribosome, and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum were the top three most significantly enriched pathways out of the 30 highly enriched pathways detected in T. gondii. This result suggests that monensin, via down-regulation of protein biosynthesis in T. gondii, can limit the parasite growth and proliferation. Conclusions Our findings provide a comprehensive insight into T. gondii genes and pathways with altered expression following monensin treatment. These data can be further explored to achieve better understanding of the specific mechanism of action of monensin against T. gondii.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Bintao Zhai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Jie-Xi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoye Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
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Jacobs K, Charvat R, Arrizabalaga G. Identification of Fis1 Interactors in Toxoplasma gondii Reveals a Novel Protein Required for Peripheral Distribution of the Mitochondrion. mBio 2020; 11:e02732-19. [PMID: 32047127 PMCID: PMC7018656 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02732-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii's single mitochondrion is very dynamic and undergoes morphological changes throughout the parasite's life cycle. During parasite division, the mitochondrion elongates, enters the daughter cells just prior to cytokinesis, and undergoes fission. Extensive morphological changes also occur as the parasite transitions from the intracellular environment to the extracellular environment. We show that treatment with the ionophore monensin causes reversible constriction of the mitochondrial outer membrane and that this effect depends on the function of the fission-related protein Fis1. We also observed that mislocalization of the endogenous Fis1 causes a dominant-negative effect that affects the morphology of the mitochondrion. As this suggests that Fis1 interacts with proteins critical for maintenance of mitochondrial structure, we performed various protein interaction trap screens. In this manner, we identified a novel outer mitochondrial membrane protein, LMF1, which is essential for positioning of the mitochondrion in intracellular parasites. Normally, while inside a host cell, the parasite mitochondrion is maintained in a lasso shape that stretches around the parasite periphery where it has regions of coupling with the parasite pellicle, suggesting the presence of membrane contact sites. In intracellular parasites lacking LMF1, the mitochondrion is retracted away from the pellicle and instead is collapsed, as normally seen only in extracellular parasites. We show that this phenotype is associated with defects in parasite fitness and mitochondrial segregation. Thus, LMF1 is necessary for mitochondrial association with the parasite pellicle during intracellular growth, and proper mitochondrial morphology is a prerequisite for mitochondrial division.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause devastating tissue damage in the immunocompromised and congenitally infected. Current therapies are not effective against all life stages of the parasite, and many cause toxic effects. The single mitochondrion of this parasite is a validated drug target, and it changes its shape throughout its life cycle. When the parasite is inside a cell, the mitochondrion adopts a lasso shape that lies in close proximity to the pellicle. The functional significance of this morphology is not understood and the proteins involved are currently not known. We have identified a protein that is required for proper mitochondrial positioning at the periphery and that likely plays a role in tethering this organelle. Loss of this protein results in dramatic changes to the mitochondrial morphology and significant parasite division and propagation defects. Our results give important insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating mitochondrial morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert Charvat
- Department of Biology, University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, USA
| | - Gustavo Arrizabalaga
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Portes JA, De Souza W. Development of an in vitro system to study the developmental stages of Toxoplasma gondii using a genetically modified strain expressing markers for tachyzoites and bradyzoites. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3479-3489. [PMID: 31728720 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, the agent of toxoplasmosis, is an intracellular parasite that can infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. Toxoplasmosis causes severe damage to immunocompromised hosts and its treatment is mainly based on the combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which causes relevant side effects primarily observed in AIDS patients, including bone marrow suppression and hematological toxicity (pyrimethamine) and/or hypersensitivity and allergic skin reactions (sulfadiazine). Thus, it is important to investigate new compounds against T. gondii, particularly those that may act on bradyzoites, which are present in cysts during the chronic disease phase. We propose an in vitro model to simultaneously study new candidate compounds against the two main causative stages of Toxoplasma infection in humans, using the EGS-DC strain that was modified from a type I/III strain (EGS), isolated from a case of human congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil and engineered to express markers for both stages of development. One feature of this strain is that it presents tachyzoite and bradyzoite in the same culture system and in the same host cell under normal culture conditions. Additionally, this strain presents stage-specific fluorescent protein expression, allowing for easy identification of both stages, thus making this strain useful in different studies. HFF cells were infected and after 4 and 7 days post infection the cells were treated with 10 μM of pyrimethamine or atovaquone, for 48 or 72 h. We used high-throughput screening to quantify the extent of parasite infection. Despite a reduction in tachyzoite infection caused by both treatments, the atovaquone treatment reduced the bradyzoite infection while the pyrimethamine one increased it. Ultrastructural analysis showed that after treatment with both drugs, parasites displayed altered mitochondria. Fluorescence microscopy of cells labeled with MitoTracker CMXRos showed that the cysts present inside the cells lost their mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results indicate that this experimental model is adequate to simultaneously analyze new active compounds against tachyzoite and bradyzoite forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Portes
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Centro de Ciências da Saúde-UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - W De Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Centro de Ciências da Saúde-UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Lacombe A, Maclean AE, Ovciarikova J, Tottey J, Mühleip A, Fernandes P, Sheiner L. Identification of the
Toxoplasma gondii
mitochondrial ribosome, and characterisation of a protein essential for mitochondrial translation. Mol Microbiol 2019; 112:1235-1252. [PMID: 31339607 PMCID: PMC6851545 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites cause diseases such as malaria and toxoplasmosis. The apicomplexan mitochondrion shows striking differences from common model organisms, including fundamental processes such as mitochondrial translation. Despite evidence that mitochondrial translation is essential for parasite survival, it is largely understudied. Progress has been restricted by the absence of functional assays to detect apicomplexan mitochondrial translation, a lack of knowledge of proteins involved in the process and the inability to identify and detect mitoribosomes. We report the localization of 12 new mitochondrial proteins, including 6 putative mitoribosomal proteins. We demonstrate the integration of three mitoribosomal proteins in macromolecular complexes, and provide evidence suggesting these are apicomplexan mitoribosomal subunits, detected here for the first time. Finally, a new analytical pipeline detected defects in mitochondrial translation upon depletion of the small subunit protein 35 (TgmS35), while other mitochondrial functions remain unaffected. Our work lays a foundation for the study of apicomplexan mitochondrial translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lacombe
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology University of Glasgow 120 University Place GlasgowG12 8TAUK
| | - Andrew E. Maclean
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology University of Glasgow 120 University Place GlasgowG12 8TAUK
| | - Jana Ovciarikova
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology University of Glasgow 120 University Place GlasgowG12 8TAUK
| | - Julie Tottey
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology University of Glasgow 120 University Place GlasgowG12 8TAUK
- UMR 1282 ISP INRA‐Université François Rabelais de Tours Nouzilly France
| | - Alexander Mühleip
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Paula Fernandes
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology University of Glasgow 120 University Place GlasgowG12 8TAUK
| | - Lilach Sheiner
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology University of Glasgow 120 University Place GlasgowG12 8TAUK
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Antioxidant Defence Systems and Oxidative Stress in Poultry Biology: An Update. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8070235. [PMID: 31336672 PMCID: PMC6680731 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8070235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry in commercial settings are exposed to a range of stressors. A growing body of information clearly indicates that excess ROS/RNS production and oxidative stress are major detrimental consequences of the most common commercial stressors in poultry production. During evolution, antioxidant defence systems were developed in poultry to survive in an oxygenated atmosphere. They include a complex network of internally synthesised (e.g., antioxidant enzymes, (glutathione) GSH, (coenzyme Q) CoQ) and externally supplied (vitamin E, carotenoids, etc.) antioxidants. In fact, all antioxidants in the body work cooperatively as a team to maintain optimal redox balance in the cell/body. This balance is a key element in providing the necessary conditions for cell signalling, a vital process for regulation of the expression of various genes, stress adaptation and homeostasis maintenance in the body. Since ROS/RNS are considered to be important signalling molecules, their concentration is strictly regulated by the antioxidant defence network in conjunction with various transcription factors and vitagenes. In fact, activation of vitagenes via such transcription factors as Nrf2 leads to an additional synthesis of an array of protective molecules which can deal with increased ROS/RNS production. Therefore, it is a challenging task to develop a system of optimal antioxidant supplementation to help growing/productive birds maintain effective antioxidant defences and redox balance in the body. On the one hand, antioxidants, such as vitamin E, or minerals (e.g., Se, Mn, Cu and Zn) are a compulsory part of the commercial pre-mixes for poultry, and, in most cases, are adequate to meet the physiological requirements in these elements. On the other hand, due to the aforementioned commercially relevant stressors, there is a need for additional support for the antioxidant system in poultry. This new direction in improving antioxidant defences for poultry in stress conditions is related to an opportunity to activate a range of vitagenes (via Nrf2-related mechanisms: superoxide dismutase, SOD; heme oxygenase-1, HO-1; GSH and thioredoxin, or other mechanisms: Heat shock protein (HSP)/heat shock factor (HSP), sirtuins, etc.) to maximise internal AO protection and redox balance maintenance. Therefore, the development of vitagene-regulating nutritional supplements is on the agenda of many commercial companies worldwide.
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Sánchez-Sánchez R, Vázquez P, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM. Treatment of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Farm Ruminants: State of Knowledge and Future Trends. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 18:1304-1323. [PMID: 30277158 PMCID: PMC6340160 DOI: 10.2174/1568026618666181002113617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are closely related protozoan diseases that lead to important economic impacts in farm ruminants. Toxoplasma gondii infection mainly causes reproductive failure in small ruminants and is a widespread zoonosis, whereas Neospora caninum infection is one of the most important causes of abortion in cattle worldwide. Vaccination has been considered the most economic measure for controlling these diseases. However, despite vaccine development efforts, only a live-attenuated T. gondii vaccine has been licensed for veterinary use, and no promising vaccines against ne-osporosis have been developed; therefore, vaccine development remains a key goal. Additionally, drug therapy could be a valuable strategy for disease control in farm ruminants, as several drugs that limit T. gondii and N. caninum proliferation and dissemination have been evaluated. This approach may also be relevant to performing an initial drug screening for potential human therapy for zoonotic parasites. Treat-ments can be applied against infections in adult ruminants to minimize the outcomes of a primo-infection or the reactivation of a chronic infection during gestation or in newborn ruminants to avoid infection chronification. In this review, the current status of drug development against toxoplasmosis and neosporo-sis in farm ruminants is presented, and in an effort to promote additional treatment options, prospective drugs that have shown efficacy in vitro and in laboratory animal models of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are examined
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Vázquez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Mohanty S, Kumar A, Das P, Sahu SK, Choudhuri T. Multi-targeted therapy of everolimus in Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpes virus infected primary effusion lymphoma. Apoptosis 2018; 22:1098-1115. [PMID: 28653223 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-017-1391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpes virus (KSHV) infected primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of B cells. KSHV latent and lytic antigens modulate several host cellular signalling pathways especially mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), STAT-3 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) for rapid tumor progression and immune evasion. Current chemotherapeutic strategies are becoming ineffective as they kill only dividing cells and inefficient to target molecular pathways crucial for active virus replication and its survival. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor in inducing apoptosis of PEL cells. Dose-dependent treatment of everolimus triggered mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in PEL cells. Everolimus downregulated KSHV latent antigen expression with concurrent blocking of lytic reactivation for active virus replication. Everolimus also inhibited latent antigen mediated constitutively active STAT-3 and NF-κB signalling. We co-cultured everolimus treated PEL cells with immature dendritic cells and found activation of dendritic cells with increase in surface expression of CD86 and HLA-DR. As everolimus targets and disrupts KSHV antigens as well as antigen facilitated multiple signalling pathways necessary for KSHV survival and maintenance of infection with synchronised boosting of immune system against viral infection, it can be a better therapeutic approach towards treatment of PEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchitra Mohanty
- Division of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Division of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Piyanki Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Siksha Bhabana, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, Bolpur, India
| | - Sushil Kumar Sahu
- Division of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Tathagata Choudhuri
- Department of Biotechnology, Siksha Bhabana, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, Bolpur, India.
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Huet D, Rajendran E, van Dooren GG, Lourido S. Identification of cryptic subunits from an apicomplexan ATP synthase. eLife 2018; 7:e38097. [PMID: 30204085 PMCID: PMC6133553 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial ATP synthase is a macromolecular motor that uses the proton gradient to generate ATP. Proper ATP synthase function requires a stator linking the catalytic and rotary portions of the complex. However, sequence-based searches fail to identify genes encoding stator subunits in apicomplexan parasites like Toxoplasma gondii or the related organisms that cause malaria. Here, we identify 11 previously unknown subunits from the Toxoplasma ATP synthase, which lack homologs outside the phylum. Modeling suggests that two of them, ICAP2 and ICAP18, are distantly related to mammalian stator subunits. Our analysis shows that both proteins form part of the ATP synthase complex. Depletion of ICAP2 leads to aberrant mitochondrial morphology, decreased oxygen consumption, and disassembly of the complex, consistent with its role as an essential component of the Toxoplasma ATP synthase. Our findings highlight divergent features of the central metabolic machinery in apicomplexans, which may reveal new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Huet
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical ResearchCambridgeUnited States
| | - Esther Rajendran
- Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Sebastian Lourido
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical ResearchCambridgeUnited States
- Department of BiologyMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusetts, United States
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Raza M, Bharti H, Singal A, Nag A, Ghosh PC. Long circulatory liposomal maduramicin inhibits the growth of Plasmodium falciparum blood stages in culture and cures murine models of experimental malaria. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:13773-13791. [PMID: 29995025 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr02442a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria continues to be one of the deadliest infectious diseases and a global health menace. The emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains of malaria parasites have further made the process of disease management grimmer. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify promising antimalarial strategies that can target the blood stages as well as block parasite transmission. Maduramicin is one such ionophore selected out of a recent screen of gametocytocidal compounds that exhibit potent antiplasmodial activity. However, maduramicin's strong hydrophobic nature and associated toxicity restrict its application in chemotherapy. To alleviate this problem, we have developed a liposomal formulation loaded with the ionophore maduramicin for the treatment of chloroquine sensitive and resistant Plasmodium infections. Here, we show that maduramicin in PEGylated liposomal formulations displayed enhanced antiplasmodial activity in vitro compared to free maduramicin. Significantly, four consecutive doses of 1.5 mg kg-1 body weight of PEGylated maduramicin loaded lipid vesicles completely cured cerebral and chloroquine resistant murine models of malaria without any obvious toxic effects and suppressed the key inflammatory markers associated with the progression of the disease. PEGylated liposomal maduramicin also exhibited a prolonged plasma clearance rate, implying a greater chance of interaction and uptake by infected RBCs. Furthermore, we also provide evidence that the detrimental effect of liposomal maduramicin on parasite survival is mediated by increased ROS generation and subsequent perturbation of parasite mitochondrial membrane potential. This study presents the first report to demonstrate the potent antimalarial efficacy of maduramicin liposomes, a strategy that holds promise for the development of successful therapeutic intervention against malaria in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Raza
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110021, India.
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Age-dependent increase of oxidative stress regulates microRNA-29 family preserving cardiac health. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16839. [PMID: 29203887 PMCID: PMC5715159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16829-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The short-lived turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri (Nfu) is a valid model for aging studies. Here, we investigated its age-associated cardiac function. We observed oxidative stress accumulation and an engagement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the aging heart. MiRNA-sequencing of 5 week (young), 12–21 week (adult) and 28–40 week (old) Nfu hearts revealed 23 up-regulated and 18 down-regulated miRNAs with age. MiR-29 family turned out as one of the most up-regulated miRNAs during aging. MiR-29 family increase induces a decrease of known targets like collagens and DNA methyl transferases (DNMTs) paralleled by 5´methyl-cytosine (5mC) level decrease. To further investigate miR-29 family role in the fish heart we generated a transgenic zebrafish model where miR-29 was knocked-down. In this model we found significant morphological and functional cardiac alterations and an impairment of oxygen dependent pathways by transcriptome analysis leading to hypoxic marker up-regulation. To get insights the possible hypoxic regulation of miR-29 family, we exposed human cardiac fibroblasts to 1% O2 levels. In hypoxic condition we found miR-29 down-modulation responsible for the accumulation of collagens and 5mC. Overall, our data suggest that miR-29 family up-regulation might represent an endogenous mechanism aimed at ameliorating the age-dependent cardiac damage leading to hypertrophy and fibrosis.
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Inherent Oxidative Stress in the Lewis Rat Is Associated with Resistance to Toxoplasmosis. Infect Immun 2017; 85:IAI.00289-17. [PMID: 28739829 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00289-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The course of Toxoplasma gondii infection in rats closely resembles that in humans. However, compared to the Brown Norway (BN) rat, the Lewis (LEW) rat is extremely resistant to T. gondii infection. Thus, we performed RNA sequencing analysis of the LEW rat versus the BN rat, with or without T. gondii infection, in order to unravel molecular factors directing robust and rapid early T. gondii-killing mechanisms in the LEW rat. We found that compared to the uninfected BN rat, the uninfected LEW rat has inherently higher transcript levels of cytochrome enzymes (Cyp2d3, Cyp2d5, and Cybrd1, which catalyze generation of reactive oxygen species [ROS]), with concomitant higher levels of ROS. Interestingly, despite having higher levels of ROS, the LEW rat had lower transcript levels for antioxidant enzymes (lactoperoxidase, microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2 and 3, glutathione S-transferase peroxidase kappa 1, and glutathione peroxidase) than the BN rat, suggesting that the LEW rat maintains cellular oxidative stress that it tolerates. Corroboratively, we found that scavenging of superoxide anion by Mn(III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP) decreased the refractoriness of LEW rat peritoneal cells to T. gondii infection, resulting in proliferation of parasites in LEW rat peritoneal cells which, in turn, led to augmented cell death in the infected cells. Together, our results indicate that the LEW rat maintains inherent cellular oxidative stress that contributes to resistance to invading T. gondii, and they thus unveil new avenues for developing therapeutic agents targeting induction of host cell oxidative stress as a mechanism for killing T. gondii.
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Xue J, Jiang W, Chen Y, Gong F, Wang M, Zeng P, Xia C, Wang Q, Huang K. Thioredoxin reductase from Toxoplasma gondii: an essential virulence effector with antioxidant function. FASEB J 2017; 31:4447-4457. [PMID: 28687608 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700008r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin reductase (TR) can help pathogens resist oxidative-burst injury from host immune cells by maintaining a thioredoxin-reduction state during NADPH consumption. TR is a necessary virulence factor that enables the persistent infection of some parasites. We performed bioinformatics analyses and biochemical assays to characterize the activity, subcellular localization, and genetic ablation of Toxoplasma gondii TR (TgTR), to shed light on its biologic function. We expressed the TgTR protein with an Escherichia coli expression system and analyzed its enzyme activity, reporting a Km for the recombinant TgTR of 11.47-15.57 μM, using NADPH as a substrate, and 130.48-151.09 μM with dithio-bis-nitrobenzoic acid as a substrate. The TgTR sequence shared homology with that of TR, but lacked a selenocysteine residue in the C-terminal region and was thought to contain 2 flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) domains and 1 NADPH domain. In addition, immunoelectron microscopy results showed that TgTR was widely dispersed in the cytoplasm, and we observed that parasite antioxidant capacity, invasion efficiency, and proliferation were decreased in TR-knockout (TR-KO) strains in vitro, although this strain still stimulated the release of reactive oxygen species release in mouse macrophages while being more sensitive to H2O2 toxicity in vitro Furthermore, our in vivo results revealed that the survival time of mice infected with the TR-KO strain was significantly prolonged relative to that of mice infected with the wild-type strain. These results suggest that TgTR plays an important role in resistance to oxidative damage and can be considered a virulence factor associated with T. gondii infection.-Xue, J., Jiang, W., Chen, Y., Gong, F., Wang, M., Zeng, P., Xia, C., Wang, Q., Huang, K. Thioredoxin reductase from Toxoplasma gondii: an essential virulence effector with antioxidant function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxin Xue
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengju Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minyan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Can Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China;
| | - Kehe Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China;
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Adeyemi OS, Murata Y, Sugi T, Kato K. Inorganic nanoparticles kill Toxoplasma gondii via changes in redox status and mitochondrial membrane potential. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:1647-1661. [PMID: 28280332 PMCID: PMC5339004 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s122178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the anti-Toxoplasma gondii potential of gold, silver, and platinum nanoparticles (NPs). Inorganic NPs (0.01–1,000 µg/mL) were screened for antiparasitic activity. The NPs caused >90% inhibition of T. gondii growth with EC50 values of ≤7, ≤1, and ≤100 µg/mL for gold, silver, and platinum NPs, respectively. The NPs showed no host cell cytotoxicity at the effective anti-T. gondii concentrations; the estimated selectivity index revealed a ≥20-fold activity toward the parasite versus the host cell. The anti-T. gondii activity of the NPs, which may be linked to redox signaling, affected the parasite mitochondrial membrane potential and parasite invasion, replication, recovery, and infectivity potential. Our results demonstrated the antiparasitic potential of NPs. The findings support the further exploration of NPs as a possible source of alternative and effective anti-T. gondii agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluyomi Stephen Adeyemi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan; Medicinal Biochemistry and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
| | - Yuho Murata
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Sugi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kato
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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Peroxiredoxin 3 promotes IL-12 production from macrophages and partially protects mice against infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:741-748. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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